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Growing attacks against Hindus on Diwali: Tracking 2 decades of violent attacks during the biggest Hindu festival

Shraddha Pandey
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Growing attacks against Hindus on Diwali: Tracking 2 decades of violent attacks during the biggest Hindu festival

Diwali, or Deepavali, is the festival of lights marking the glorious return of Bhagwan Ram from a 14-year-long “Vanvaas” (exile) and also Ganesh-Lakshmi pooja as a central ritual. While Bhagwan Ram, Maa Sita and Lakshman’s return to Ayodhya on Amavasya of Kartik month signifies the triumph of good or evil and the auspicious arrival of Bhagwan Ganesh and Maa Lakshmi signifies the balance between wealth and wisdom, the Hindu festival has been targeted by the evil in a new form—Islamists. As has been the case with Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Durga Visarjan, Ganesh Visarjan and other Hindu festivals, the Islamists display their absolute intolerance towards Hindus and the celebration of their festivals on Diwali also.

In this article, we will discuss 24 incidents from the year 2024 to 2005, wherein Hindus celebrating Diwali were attacked by Islamists using trivial excuses or in a blatant demonstration of their hate for the Kafirs.

Attacks on Diwali celebrations in 2024

On the 1st of November, a day after Diwali, a dispute broke out between two neighbours belonging to the Hindus and Muslims over bursting firecrackers. The dispute sparked off in the Chhatripura area of Indore, where some children were setting off firecrackers in the afternoon. The Muslim youths identified as Salman, Sanu and Javed grew angry and damaged parked vehicles along the road, smashing the car windows. The accused trio also attacked the women. Hindu Jagran Manch leader Sumita Hardia said that even during the Ganeshotsav, communal tensions had peaked in this area adding that over the recent years, several Muslim families have bought houses in Chhatripura and often cause trouble.

On the occasion of Diwali (31st October), in Faridabad, Haryana, a Hindu family was reportedly attacked by Muslims over the use of firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. The incident occurred in the Anandpur locality, where family members, including children and women, were allegedly assaulted by a Muslim mob led by two men, Raj and Ashiq. They also molested the daughter of the family, tore her clothes, and tried to sexually assault her. As a result, the victim’s family has decided to leave the area, offering to sell their house.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, “786” which has significance in Islam, was scribbled on the wall of a temple dedicated to Maa Gama Devi in Gotha Khandua under the Aonla police station area. People started protesting calling it a conspiracy to spread unrest during Deepawali. Demands were made to the police to identify the culprits and take action. In another incident in the same district, a Muslim mob pelted stones at the house of a Hindu youth who was bursting crackers on Diwali. The victim Sachin filed a police complaint about this incident on 31st October. In the complaint, Sachin said that he was bursting crackers on Diwali. Then Nasir, Imran Ansari and Anas, who live in his neighbourhood, stopped him from bursting crackers and thrashed him before threatening to burn him and the houses of Hindus bursting crackers.

In Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, tensions have arisen between two communities over Diwali celebrations. The conflict occurred outside Panchanand Society in Taloja Sector 9, where members of the Muslim community objected to lighting decorations for the Diwali festival in public areas and on the streets surrounding the building. Hindu women were threatened and abused. In the video of the incident, a group of men could be seen menacing women to illuminate society with lights on the occasion of Diwali, a preeminent Hindu festival that commemorates the homecoming of Lord Ram after 14 years of exile. “Lights won’t be put up in the society. I will see to it that no lights are installed here,” a man in the video threatens women. Shortly later, members of his community join him and oppose the lighting decorations for Diwali.

On the 27th of October, communal tensions erupted in the Mira Bhayandar region of Mumbai as a group of persons allegedly belonging to the specific community attacked Hindus for bursting firecrackers while celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali. The accused persons allegedly attacked around 10-12 Hindus with sharp weapons resulting in serious injuries. In a video obtained by OpIndia, one of the victims narrated the entire incident and claimed that the attackers belonged to the Muslim community. The victim said that the Muslims attacked using sharp weapons as they saw Hindus bursting firecrackers and celebrating Diwali.

In Rajasthan’s Bhilwara, a person was stabbed and several others attacked by some people belonging to the Muslim community on 24th October for bursting firecrackers ahead of Diwali. The victims including a BJP leader and his nephew, were attacked and stabbed with knives by a violent mob in the Bhimganj police station area. Devendra Hada, the husband of Councillor Manju Devi, who runs a tea stall near Bhimganj police station, said that he along with some youths were bursting firecrackers outside his shop. At that time, around 30-40  people from the Muslim community arrived at the spot and objected to bursting firecrackers and one youth took out a knife and attacked Devendra Hada, stabbing him in the stomach. When others from the Hindu side tried to intervene, they were attacked, including Hada’s nephew. The Muslim mob also vandalised the shop, pelted stones, and torched three vehicles parked nearby sparking clashes. Eventually, the police arrived, brought the situation under control and arrested four people after filing a case under relevant sections.

On the 22nd of October, an altercation occurred at Jamia Millia Islamia University during Diwali celebrations, after a group of Muslim students kicked diyas and Ragoli prepared by other students at the campus. A video of the incident, which is now going viral on social media, shows a large crowd assembled on campus and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and ‘Palestine Zindabad’ slogans. The incident happened during the pre-Diwali celebrations- Jyotirmaya 2024 inside Gate No. 7 of the university in Delhi. It was reported that some Muslim students on the campus used their feet to erase a Rangoli that the other group of students had prepared for the occasion, which provoked a strong reaction from the other group, resulting in chaos on campus. The group also kicked off diyas with their feet. During the altercation, incendiary sloganeering was done by Muslim students, while pro-Palestine slogans were also raised.

Diwali under attack in 2023

On the 13th of November 2023, a day after Diwali, a dispute broke out between two communities over immersion of the idols of Maa Lakshmi in Mahammada village of Shyamdeurwan police station area in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh. The Lakshmi idol was being taken for immersion and reached the road next to the mosque in the village, the Islamists started hateful religious sloganeering and caused a ruckus.

In Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar, Hindu devotees including several women and the priest at Kanifnath temple were brutally assaulted by Islamists  Raju Sheikh, Rajjak Sattar, Nasir, Ibrahim and 40 others with sticks and rods in Ahmednagar’s Rahuri region for performing Bhajans on the occasion of Diwali. Along with women and children, priest Shankar Kishan Majre was beaten up during this attack. Speaking to OpIndia, the Hindu victims had alleged land jihad by Islamists. Back then, a local journalist Babulal Rathore told OpIndia that the incident took place at an ancient religious place in Guha village. While the Hindus call it the Samadhi of Saint Kanifnath Maharaj, the Muslims of this village and the surrounding areas claim it to be the Dargah of the Pir. They claimed that the land is reserved and belongs to the Waqf Board.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district, a Hindu resident of Mohalla Chudi Bazar of Sikandrarao police station area was brutally assaulted by his neighbour Bablu Khan son of Shabbir Khan for bursting firecrackers on Diwali. Initially, the Muslim side forbade the Hindu youth Vishal from bursting crackers, however, as the Hindu youth opposed this saying he has the right to celebrate Diwali, five to six people including men and women from the other side came and dragged Vishal from in front of the house and started beating him mercilessly. Later, the victim’s mother lodged a complaint against the accused.

In Bangladesh, a Muslim mob led by Sheikh Selim attacked Hindus on Diwali Kali Puja, Injuring Hindu women in a Muslim-majority country. The incident was reported to have occurred in Noakhali’s Karimpur. Around 30 to 35 Islamists attacked a Puja pandal injuring 3 Hindu women. A case was filed but concrete action was taken in the matter.

2022

In the Ernakulam district of Kerala, a group of Islamists attacked a Tamil family for celebrating Diwali. The incident unfolded in Muvattupuzha wherein three Islamists led by one Rafeeq who was a police officer in the Armed Reserve Police barged into the house of the Tamil family and attacked the members of the family including women and children on 24th October for bursting firecrackers on Diwali. The Hindu family earned their livelihood by cooking and selling snacks, however, demolished their stoves while they were cooking Deepavali sweets and snacks. All the family members were brutally beaten as well. The kids, ages five and seven, were slammed to the ground. Bhaskaran was attacked by a small knife, causing him to incur an injury below his eye. A woman’s gold chain was also attempted to be snatched. Initially, the police was reluctant of register a case and attempts were made to lure the victims into ‘settling’ the matter for some compensation money, however, as a senior officer arrived a case was registered.

In Rajasthan’s Kaithwada, several Islamists attacked Hindus for bursting crackers to celebrate Diwali. In the attack, a Hindu youth and some others were severely injured. While the police denied any communal angle in the matter, a Dainik Bhaskar report said that the people of the Hindu victim’s side said that there are about 30 houses of their community in the village. At night, their children burst crackers in the village, there was no dispute at night. In the morning, some Muslims reached their houses and as soon as they arrived, they started beating them. When they were asked the reason for the fight, they said that you people will not celebrate Diwali.

Hindus were attacked for celebrating Diwali in Sindh’s Tando Allahyar district. Islamists opened fire on a Hindu community gathered in the region for festivities. The police did not file a case against the Islamists. The Hindu community raised the matter with local Muslim lawmakers and authorities, but received no help or assurance regarding safety.

On the night of Diwali, a fight broke out between Hindu and Muslim youths in Kannauj district of Uttar Pradesh. Axes and iron rods were used in the spot. During this, heavy stone pelting and firing started. In this incident, two Hindu youths were badly injured. The incident transpired in the Chiraiyaganj Mohalla of Sadar Kotwali area wherein Chitransu and Nikhil Mishra had an argument with a Muslim youth named Faizi who then called 10 to 12 of his iron rods and sticks-yielding friends including Saddam, Rizwan, Azhar, Nafees Khalifa, Sufiyan, Hasnain, Ikram. In their police complaint, the Hindu victims accused the perpetrators of attempting to murder and robbery.

In the Panigate area of Gujarat’s Vadodara, riots erupted a day after Diwali as Muslim goons Muslim goons attacked the Diwali celebrations with petrol bombs. It was reported that the street lights were turned off before the attack took place petrol bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards Hindus celebrating Diwali. A day before, the Muslim residents had objected to Hindus playing DJ music to celebrate Diwali, they even hurled abuses at Hindus.

Islamists attacked Hindus in UP over refusing to blow out candles on Diwali in 2021

In the Sarai Mahajan village under Ruruganj police station precinct in Uttar Pradesh’s Auraiya, Muslim youths named Sameer, Arbaaz, Shaumil, and Shakil attacked Hindu youths Naresh Jatav and Prahlad Singh with bricks, stones and sticks triggering retaliatory violence from the other side on Diwali night. As a Hindu family was lighting candles on the platform outside their house, some Muslims came and started removing candles, upon confronting, they abused the Hindu family. Meanwhile, a Muslim youth attacked Naresh and Prahlad with bricks. A case under SC/ST Act was registered against the 8 Muslim accused and 4 Hindus were booked under sections of assault.

Muslim youth assaulted three Hindu kids and killed a Hindu woman over bursting crackers on Diwali in 2020

In Eta district of Uttar Pradesh, Rashid, resident of village Jhura of Jaithra area brutally thrashed three children and one woman for bursting crackers. The woman sustained severe injuries after which her relatives rushed her to the hospital on 17th November 2020. Back then, the woman was rushed to the hospital after the attack, however, she was declared dead.  It was reported that Karan, younger son of the deceased Meena Devi, was bursting crackers with two boys from the village at around 8.30 PM on Monday. There is a shop run by one Rashid, son of Lal Muhammad, in front of the place where the boys were bursting firecrackers. He was not happy with the fireworks being burst in front of him. While the kids were enjoying, Rashid arrived at the spot and started beating the children for bursting fireworks. When 45-years-old Meena Devi, wife of Malikhan Singh, saw Rashid beating the children, she rushed to rescue them. When she tried to stop Rashid, he started beating her. He choked her and left her unconscious on the floor.

Shahnawaz, Bhura and Salim attacked Hindus in Uttarakhand for bursting crackers on Diwali in 2019, Mumbai man stopped from celebrating Diwali in Muslim-dominated society

In the Libberhedi village in Uttarakhand’s Roorkie district, arguments over Diwali firecrackers deteriorated into a massive stone-pelting, which caused a stampede in the village and injured four people. It was reported that communal tensions were high over bursting firecrackers which magnified into violent clashes after a youth Hindu youth was attacked by a Muslim youth. Anuj, the younger brother of Arvind, a resident of Libberhedi village, was coming back from his uncle’s house in Rudki on Diwali night after delivering milk. When he was coming back to the village on a motorcycle with Ishu, a young man from the village, around 50-60 people including Mehruddin, Sohail, Shahnawaz, Bhura were standing in front of Shamim’s shop in the village. These people stopped the two, thrashed them and attempted to and attempted to kill Ishu. Both were badly injured after attacked by sticks and sharp weapons. Later, the Hindu victim Anuj lodged a complaint agains Bhura, Salim and Shahnawaz and other accused who were then arrested.

In October 2019, OpIndia reported that Vishwa Bhanu, a resident of Malad West, Mumbai, alleged that that his wife was not being allowed to light up their house on Diwali and he was forced to remove the lights by the mob. Muslims in the locality descended at his place and wanted the lights removed. They claimed that the lights were giving electric shocks and as there were kids in the neighbourhood, it was risky. His wife objected to the claims and said that nothing of the sort was happening. The mob then proceeded to damage the lights and tore the wires open, and then used the open wires to claim that the lights could give people electric shocks. Communal slurs were hurled by the Muslim neighbours of the victim and women were also allegedly harassed. Ultimately, the couple was forced to remove the lights to prevent matters from escalating.

Kashmiri Pandit family attacked in Kashmir for lighting lamps during Diwali in 2017

A Kashmiri Pandit family living in Kulgam, Kashmir was attacked simply for lighting the customary lamps during Diwali in 2017. The former district agriculture officer Avtar Krishan and his wife accused three brothers from their area of pelting stones at the house in order to force them to leave the village. Pandit claimed his residence was targeted by Naseem Ahmed Bhat and his two brothers after he lighted some candles to celebrate Diwali.

Firing during Diwali celebrations in east Dehli in 2014

In Mehdwali Toha area of ​​Hatkhuli, 4 people were shot at during a clash between Hindu and Muslim communities over the construction of a temporary ‘Mata Ki Chauki’ near a mosque. Police arrested 33 people in the violence. The Muslim side contended that listening to ‘Jagran’ music during Hindu celebrations is ‘haram’ and that Allah does not approve of such activities.

Laskhar-e-Taiba and Babbar Khalsa’s 2014 Diwali terror plot foiled in Ambala

In 2011, a prospective terror attack on New Delhi ahead of Diwali was averted when a car loaded with 5 kg of plastic explosives was apprehended at Ambala railway station in Haryana. It was previously believed that the bombs were intended to carry out assaults in Delhi around Diwali. The Babbar Khalsa planned to carry out the terror act with the backing of the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Blasts carried out by Mohd Hussain, Faiz Shah and Tariq killed 62 during Diwali in 2005

On the occasion of Diwali and Dhanteras on the 29th of October 2005, 62 people were killed and over 200 were injured in explosives in three locations in Delhi, including Soni Nagar, Mahipal, and Paharganj. According to the police report, the attack was carried out by Tariq Ahmad Dain, Mohammad Hussain Fahil, and Mohammad Faiz Shah. The Delhi Watch House cell released all three accused on the 16th of February 2017, due to a lack of concrete evidence.

Conclusion

There have been numerous more cases in which Islamists have attacked Hindus for celebrating Diwali by getting offended over firecrackers bursting, or simply being enraged by the sight of Hindu festivities. The justifications made by these Islamists, whether about loud music, lighting candles, or bursting firecrackers, reveal their deliberate desire to exert dominance by instilling fear in the hearts of Hindus. While Islamo-liberals preach tolerance and communal peace to Hindus, the same ecosystem slips into hibernation when Muslims, out of hatred for Hindus, attack them on their festivals using trivial arguments. The attacks on Diwali since 2005 reflect a pattern of escalating Islamist hatred towards Hindus. This also suggests a lack of national and international outrage about the situation. Islamist violence against Hindus on Hindu festivals has been normalised be it on Diwali, Navratri or Ram Navami and is forgotten after a weeks, months or years.

‘Ek hain to safe hain’ vs Muslim voters mobilisation: RSS launches ‘Sajag Raho’ campaign to unite Hindu voters after reports of Muslim Seva Sangh mobilising Muslim votes

OpIndia Staff
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‘Ek hain to safe hain’ vs Muslim voters mobilisation: RSS launches ‘Sajag Raho’ campaign to unite Hindu voters after reports of Muslim Seva Sangh mobilising Muslim votes

The Assembly Elections in Maharashtra are around the corner. Ahead of the polling, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies are making strategic moves to consolidate Hindu voters. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has mobilised over 65 affiliated organisations to launch the “Sajag Raho” (‘Be Vigilant, Be Awake’) campaign. The campaign has been announced following reports of over 180 NGOs working in the state to mobilise Muslim voters.

The initiative by the RSS aligns with its ideologies and aims to counter the efforts seen as attempts to divide the Hindu community’s votes based on caste and other parameters.

Campaign slogan builds on recent remarks

The “Sajag Raho” initiative aligns with recent messages from BJP leaders, including remarks made by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, where he raised the slogan “Batenge toh katenge,” which literally translates to “if Hindus are divided, they will perish.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also introduced a similar slogan, stating “Ek Hain To Safe Hain,” during his recent speech in Dhule, Maharashtra.

BJP and RSS officials cite these slogans to promote Hindu unity. They emphasise that division among Hindus will harm the entire community. CM Yogi Adityanath’s slogan in Washim, ‘Ek hai toh nek hain,’ is interpreted as a call for Hindus to maintain unity, resonating with the ethos of the “Sajag Raho” campaign.

Focus on eliminating caste divisions

According to a report in the Times of India, sources in the Sangh suggest that the campaign is not limited to the Maharashtra polls but has broader implications. “This is not against anyone but aims to eliminate caste divisions among Hindus,” said a senior BJP member. RSS swayamsevaks and associated NGOs are arranging hundreds of meetings to spread awareness among the Hindu community. The campaign highlights instances such as the Dhule Lok Sabha outcome, where the BJP narrowly lost, attributed to the consolidation of minority votes in the Malegaon Central assembly segment.

Key organisations and strategies

Chanakya Prathisthan, Matang Sahitya Parishad, Ranragini Sevabhavi Sanstha, and other groups are participating in the campaign, which is being coordinated across all four regional RSS divisions in Maharashtra: Konkan, Devgiri, Paschim Maharashtra, and Vidarbha, which hosts the RSS headquarters.

Highlighting past election outcomes

Speaking to TOI, Girish Prabhune, known for his work with the Pardhi community and a Padma Shri awardee, cited the BJP’s loss in Dhule as evidence of strategic minority voting. He noted, “Congress’s Shobha Bachchav won by 5,117 votes, with her lead stemming from just one assembly segment, Malegaon Central, where the BJP lagged significantly.” The campaign uses this example to stress the importance of unity among Hindu voters.

Tackling concerns of vote bank politics

The RSS meetings being held under the “Sajag Raho” campaign focus on the Hindu community, the impact of vote bank politics, the implications of the influx of Bangladeshis and Rohingya Muslims, and what is perceived as ‘vendetta politics’ that could impact Hindu society if minority consolidation continues. TOI quoted an unnamed RSS member who emphasised that this message is shared as an initiative by RSS workers and should not be seen as an official RSS directive.

BJP’s electoral interests and narrative control

A BJP functionary disclosed that while the campaign was developed by the RSS, its electoral aim is clear, complete with its own logo and steering committee. Political analyst Devendra Pai, formerly associated with the RSS think tank Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini, noted that ‘Sajag Raho’ and ‘Batenge toh katenge’ could resonate across various segments of Maharashtra’s electorate.

Maharashtra holds particular importance for the BJP, not just as an economic and industrial leader but as a state that shapes narratives around ‘progress’ and ‘progressiveness.’ Speaking to the media, an RSS functionary said, “Controlling this narrative is crucial for a party that champions traditional values,” as he highlighted the ideological battle central to the BJP’s strategy for retaining its influence in the state.

Over 180 NGOs work to enrol Muslim voters

Amid the ongoing campaign for the upcoming elections scheduled on 20th November in the state, around 180 NGOs are working on the ground among the Muslim community to raise ‘awareness’ and increase the community’s voter turnout, the strategy that helped MVA during the Lok Sabha elections.

As per the reports, in predominantly Muslim areas like Shivaji Nagar, Mumbadevi, Byculla, and Malegaon Central, voter turnout was notably higher than in neighbouring assembly segments during the Lok Sabha election. Organizations have attributed this increase to a combination of Muslim voter concerns and awareness efforts directed at the community over the past year.

The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh has collaborated with over 180 NGOs and these organizations work within Muslim communities to boost voter enrollment. The group has been organizing meetings and informational sessions with Muslim voters across the state. “This led to a voter turnout exceeding 60% in the Lok Sabha election, about 15% higher than the previous average. We urge Muslims to support secular candidates and vote in alignment with the Constitution. Our partnership with other organizations and religious leaders has brought a stronger response. Over 200 meetings have been held statewide, contributing to the increase in voter turnout,” said Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the organization’s leader.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is boosting the intensity of its campaign, claiming that they are the only ones raising Muslim issues. The AIMIM wielded influence among Muslim youth in the 2014 and 2019 Assembly elections, as well as the Lok Sabha elections.

India could benefit from re-orientation of global supply chain away from China after Trump’s victory: Report

ANI
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India could benefit from re-orientation of global supply chain away from China after Trump’s victory: Report

After the victory of the Donald Trump in the US Presidential elections, India could benefit from any re-orientation of the global supply chain away from China says a report from Care Edge.

As per report, Trump has proposed imposing high tariffs on imports from China, which could lead to changes in global trade dynamics, creating opportunities for India. It said “India could benefit from any re-orientation of the global supply chain away from China”.

The report highlighted the Trump’s plans include imposing a 60 per cent tariff on imports from China, as well as additional tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to 20 per cent on imports from other countries.

These measures are intended to reduce the United States’ reliance on Chinese imports, potentially disrupting existing trade patterns. As companies look to diversify their sourcing away from China to avoid these tariffs, India could emerge as an alternative destination for manufacturing and exports.

The report said “Higher tariffs could result in disruption of global trade flows and overall weaker trade growth. They will also lead to inflationary pressure in the US economy, with upward pressure on prices of imported goods”.

However, the report also points out that these tariffs may trigger inflation in the United States by raising the prices of imported goods, which could affect global trade flows and economic stability.

While India stands to gain from any re-orientation of supply chains, a broad slowdown in global trade would have mixed effects on its economy. Weaker trade growth worldwide could dampen demand for Indian exports, affecting various industries within the country.

As per report, Trump’s proposed tariffs extend beyond China. The president-elect has also targeted Mexico with plans to impose a 100 per cent to 200 per cent tariff on cars manufactured there.

Additionally, he has proposed a 25 per cent tax on all other imports from Mexico unless it intensifies efforts to reduce border crossings into the U.S. This is aimed at preventing Chinese companies from setting up manufacturing facilities in Mexico to bypass U.S. tariffs, and it reflects Trump’s broader strategy to encourage job growth within the American automobile and manufacturing sectors.

“Through these moves, Trump aims to prevent Chinese companies from setting up plants in Mexico to avoid US tariffs” the report said. While these potential policy shifts represent challenges to global trade, they also provide India with a strategic opportunity to attract businesses looking to shift operations away from China.

Overall, India’s ability to capitalize on this shift will depend on its efforts to strengthen its industrial infrastructure, improve ease of doing business, and establish itself as a reliable manufacturing hub in the global supply chain.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Iran hires assassins to kill US President-elect Donald Trump, wanted to avenge death of terrorist Qasem Soleimani: Here is what happened

OpIndia Staff
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Iran hires assassins to kill US President-elect Donald Trump, wanted to avenge death of terrorist Qasem Soleimani: Here is what happened

On Thursday (7th November), the US Justice Department announced that it had foiled a plot by the Iranian Islamic regime to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in the run-up to the election.

It has filed a criminal complaint [pdf] in a federal court in New York City, accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of hiring a 51-year-old assassin named Farhad Shakeri to surveil and kill Donald Trump.

Shakeri had recruited two other criminals, namely, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, to carry out the sinister task. While the former remains at large, his recruited assassins were presented by the Justice Department before the US court in the Southern District of New York.

The trio was charged with murder-for-hire, conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation, money laundering and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

In a statement, the US Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said: “There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.  The Justice Department has charged an asset of the Iranian regime who was tasked by the regime to direct a network of criminal associates to further Iran’s assassination plots against its targets, including President-elect Donald J. Trump.“

Besides President-elect Donald Trump, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) also conspired to kill a vocal American activist of Iranian descent Masih Alinejad. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is now reportedly taking steps to disrupt the nefarious plans of Iran.

Details of the assassination plot hatched by Iran

In a press release, the US Justice Department informed that the Iranian government has been actively targeting US citizens to take ‘vengeance’ for the elimination of IRGC terrorist Qasem Soleimani in January 2020.

“The IRGC has publicly stated its desire to avenge the death of Soleimani, and, among its activities, the IRGC plots and conducts attack operations outside Iran targeting U.S. citizens residing in the United States and abroad,” it stated.

The US Justice Department informed that Farhad Shakeri, hired to murder Donald Trump, was deported from the US in 2008. He had been in prison for 14 years for robbery. Shakeri had used his criminal network in the US to conduct surveillance and conspire to kill the President-elect.

His recruits, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, surveilled Masih Alinejad, a vocal American activist of Iranian descent, for months in exchange for $1,00,000 (~₹84.38 lakhs). The trio had shared messages and photographs, indicating their progress in locating her house

“In or about February 2024, Rivera and Loadholt messaged about an incoming payment from Shakeri and then travelled to Fairfield University, where Victim-1 (Masih Alinejad) was scheduled to appear, and took photographs on campus. In or about April 2024, Shakeri sent Rivera a series of voice notes discussing their efforts to locate and kill Victim-1,” the US Department of Justice said in its press release.

It further added, “In one voice note, Shakeri told Rivera that Victim-1 spent most of her time in particular locations of her home, and told Rivera that “you just gotta have patience…You gotta wait and have patience to catch her either going in the house or coming out, or following her out somewhere and taking care of it. Don’t think about going in. It is a suicide move”.”

The criminals also conduct surveillance of a location, frequented by activist Masih Alinejad in Brooklyn. The Iranian Islamic regime also directed the 51-year-old Farhad Shakeri to carry out other assassinations against US and Israeli citizens.

The Department of Justice revealed, “In particular, Shakeri has informed law enforcement that he was tasked on October 7, 2024, with providing a plan to kill President-elect Donald J. Trump”

“…Shakeri claimed he did not intend to propose a plan to kill Trump within the timeframe set by the IRGC. He also stated he was tasked with surveilling two Jewish American citizens residing in New York City and offered $500,000 by an IRGC official for the murder of either victim. He was also tasked with targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka,” it added.

Canada: PM Justin Trudeau admits presence of Khalistanis in the country, stresses they don’t represent ‘Sikh Community’

OpIndia Staff
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Canada: PM Justin Trudeau admits presence of Khalistanis in the country, stresses they don’t represent ‘Sikh Community’

On 7th November (local time), the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, for the first time, explicitly acknowledged that pro-Khalistani elements are present in Canada and stressed that these individuals “do not represent the Sikh community as a whole.” His remarks were made during the Diwali celebrations at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill.

The statement came amidst rising tensions between India and Canada. The diplomatic relations between the 2 countries deteriorated following baseless allegations against Indian agents, diplomats, and top officials, including Home Minister Amit Shah, of being involved in “criminal activities on Canadian soil” in the backdrop of the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

In his statement, Trudeau said, “There are many supporters of Khalistan in Canada, but they do not represent the Sikh community as a whole.” This is a significant admission by the Canadian Prime Minister, as it can be viewed as a shift in Trudeau’s stance, possibly motivated by the political landscape, with General Elections not too far off in Canada. Furthermore, the backlash over recent violence and separatist activities may have put Trudeau on the back foot, forcing him to distance himself and his government from Khalistani elements.

Balancing act with Hindu community remarks

Justin Trudeau could not stop himself from balancing the statement as he added that there are also supporters of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government among the Hindu community in Canada, but they do not represent all Hindu Canadians. It was clearly a strategic attempt to underline the diversity of political ideologies in the country and avoid alienating any single community or ideology.

Diplomatic row with India intensifies

Notably, diplomatic relations between India and Canada have been strained since Trudeau accused Indian agents of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar during his speech in the Canadian Parliament in September 2023. India firmly denied the allegations, stating that no credible evidence was shared by Canadian counterparts with the Indian government despite repeated requests. The dispute escalated in the following months, leading to the expulsion of several diplomats from both sides. The then-Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Verma, was named a “person of interest” in the investigation, prompting India to recall its envoy from Ottawa and expel six Canadian diplomats.

Vote bank politics of Justin Trudeau and its criticism

Trudeau government has been lenient towards Khalistani terrorists and pro-Khalistani elements for electoral gain for a long time. India has been cautioning Canada about pro-Khalistani elements but there have been no concrete action and requests for extradition of Khalistani terrorists have been repeatedly rejected. The inaction from Canadian law enforcement agencies has given a free hand to Khalistani elements to threaten and attack Indian diplomats on Canadian soil. Recently, they barged into the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and attacked Hindu devotees, which led to considerable backlash not only from the Hindu community but also from Canadians who found themselves in the middle of a dispute that flourished because the Canadian government provided shelter to Khalistani elements.

The sudden change in Trudeau’s stance on the presence of Khalistani elements and the distinction between them and the Sikh community may have an effect on the upcoming General Elections in Canada.

Donald Trump’s two sons to visit India in early 2025 to launch iconic ‘Trump Tower’ projects in multiple cities

ANI
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Donald Trump’s two sons to visit India in early 2025 to launch iconic ‘Trump Tower’ projects in multiple cities

Founder of Tribeca Developers, Kalpesh Mehta, on Friday said that the Trump juniors – Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump – will visit India in early next year to launch iconic ‘Trump Tower’ projects.

The project launches are expected between March and June, said Kalpesh Mehta, who is Trump Organisation’s real estate partner in India.

Mehta, in a virtual interaction with ANI, said they will develop six more Trump Towers in India, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurugram, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Noida.

There are at present four such high-rise luxury Trump properties, one each in Mumbai, Pune, Gurgaon and Kolkata.

With six more launches in the coming months, India will have the highest number of such high-rise Trump towers, surpassing the United States.

“I was studying in the US, at the Wharton School of Finance. Trump Jr was junior to me in the college. A professor, who was my mentor and guide, was also the mentor of Donald Trump’s juniors. The professor introduced me to Donald Trump juniors and our friendship started,” Mehta said.

Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump are sons of US President-elect Donald Trump. He won a historic re-election earlier this week.

Mehta said they signed the deal at a cocktail party in the US, which is when Trump’s real estate business entered India.

“India has the highest number of Trump towers outside America. Going forward with the six more launches, India will have the highest in numbers.”

In the six new projects, Tribeca will be the co-developer and it will partner with a local developer.

“Land will be of the partner, the design and the product specifications, customer handling will be looked after by Tribeca,” Mehta said.

In the already launched project in Gurugram, he said the per unit price is almost double to that of peers, and the market is doing well.

The per unit price of the Gurugram project has already doubled in the past three years, he said. Per square feet price was Rs 15500-16000, which has risen to Rs 33,000. In full unit, they have risen to Rs 6-11 crore to now Rs 11-24 crore.

“The luxury real estate market is booming in India, and the demand has been robust,” he said, adding that luxury real estate in India is at its all-time high.

On plans outside India for a Trump project, Mehta, without naming any country, said his company is in talks with a neighbouring island country’s government for a Trump hotel.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

CEC Rajiv Kumar condemns derogatory, undignified remarks towards women during election campaign, directs officials to sternly deal with violators

ANI
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CEC Rajiv Kumar condemns derogatory, undignified remarks towards women during election campaign, directs officials to sternly deal with violators

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has strongly condemned undignified remarks made against women leaders during the election campaign and urged officials to take timely and stern action against such derogatory remarks by candidates sources in the Chief Electoral Office of Maharashtra told ANI on Friday.

Sources said that during a review meeting with District Election Officers, Police Commissioners, SPs, Municipal Commissioners and Returning officers CEC expressed concern and frowned over the use of derogatory language aimed against the dignity and honour of women.

Political parties and candidates are to refrain from any deeds, actions or utterances that may be construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.

According to sources Kumar noted that no aspect of private life, not connected with the public activities, of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised. Low-level personal attacks to insult the rivals shall not be made, he said.

The Chief Election Commissioner has directed all officials to ensure that any derogatory comments, or remarks by candidates or political leaders repugnant to the honour and dignity of women, and violative of MCC provisions are met with timely and stern action.

He hoped that all candidates and party leaders would elevate their rhetoric and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects respect towards women, both in their speeches and public interactions.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Uttar Pradesh: Illegal mosque and shrines come up at the mountain where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, Hindu groups write latter to CM Yogi demanding action

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Illegal mosque and shrines come up at the mountain where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva, Hindu groups write latter to CM Yogi demanding action

A mosque has been built illegally at the place where Lord Rama had offered water to Lord Shiva in Banda, Uttar Pradesh. Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal have protested against this and also written a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath demanding the demolition of the structure. The Shivling is located on the Bambeshwar mountain and is known as the temple of Bamdev Bholenath.

The Hindu organisations charged that while there was a lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, the members of the Muslim community secretly built the mosque. VHP Mandal President Ashok stated that half a dozen shrines have also been built at the place. Fatiha is read at the mountain every day and even Friday prayers are regularly organised there.

Hindu outfits unveiled that there was no Muslim settlement at the place, but now they have started living there in large numbers which has created a security threat. Hence VHP officials have written a letter to the District Collector, Police Captain and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to demolish the unauthorised buildings. The letter reportedly stated that Muslims are doing Islamisation of the country.

Hindu groups declared that it won’t be tolerated and if the authorities don’t take any action then they will take down the mosque. They also demanded that those behind the unlawful constructions should be immediately thrown behind bars and bulldozers should be run on the illicit constructions as well as the houses of those who built them.

Chandramohan Bedi of VHP said that the mountain is very old. Some people illegally built a mausoleum at the back and then gradually converted it into a mosque. He added that people were made superstitious and the place was grabbed. He asked how could a shrine be built when there were only stones on the surface. Building a shrine requires excavation, but how is it possible to dig on stone? VHP General Secretary Deepu Dixit mentioned that Muslims initially painted a stone of the mountain with a green colour and then slowly built a tomb on it which later turned into a huge mosque after which many people started coming there wearing skullcaps. He referred to it as a form of cancer which should be immediately cut from the root and thrown away, otherwise, it will ruin the whole body.

Puttan Maharaj, the priest of the ancient temple built on Bambeshwar mountain and the president of the temple committee have also opposed the mosque. He warned that the situation could become like that in Ayodhya and Kashi Mathura. It is believed that during his exile, Lord Rama conducted Jalabhishek on the Shivalinga at this temple and Lord Shankar appeared before him.

Supreme Court rejects plea of Christian evangelist Dr KA Paul to declare Tirupati city as a separate state or UT

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court rejects plea of Christian evangelist Dr KA Paul to declare Tirupati city as a separate state or UT

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a public interest litigation seeking to declare Tirupati city as a separate state or Union Territory. The PIL filed by Christian evangelist Dr KA Paul also sought a CBI probe into the Tirupati Laddu controversy and a time limit for the ongoing SIT probe.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan dismissed the plea after hearing Paul, who appeared and argued in person.

After the lab reports stated that ghee adulterated with animal fat was being used to make Tirupati’s prasadam laddus, the Supreme Court on 4 October constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.

After that on 24 October, Dr KA Paul mentioned his petition before the bench of Justices Gavai, PK Mishra and Viswanathan. Paul filed the petition against Andhra Pradesh govt, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), CBI and others. The petition alleged violations of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, and consequently, Articles 14 and 21.

Paul cited the example of Vatican City to create a separate state only for Tirupati City. He argued, “If a country can be created for 764 people, like Vatican City for a bunch of few Catholics, why can’t we create one for 30 lakh people,” which is the population of Tirupati.

Paul added that he filed the petition to protect the image of Andhra Pradesh in the country and to safeguard fundamental human rights. He argued, “hey made so many territories…29 states…why not a territory for 30 lakh people?”

However, the bench rejected the plea, saying that it can’t direct a separate State to be created for a particular temple. Responding to the demand of Tirupati state, Justice Gavai said, “Then we will have to have a separate state for Jagannath Puri, for Kedarnath, for Badrinath, for Madurai temple, for Rameshwaram temple…in Maharashtra, there will have to be 4-5…then Amritsar gurudwara…”.

After the court rejected the plea for a separate Tirupati state, petitioner Dr KA Paul urged that the court should fixing a time limit of 90 days or 6 months for the SIT to complete the probe. But the court refused to issue any such directive, and dismissed the petition.

Meet Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS), the NGO practicing ‘vote jihad’, instigating hatred & fear among Maharashtrian Muslims to vote against BJP

Siddhi Somani
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Meet Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS), the NGO practicing ‘vote jihad’, instigating hatred & fear among Maharashtrian Muslims to vote against BJP

On Friday, 8th November, BJP’s Kirit Somaiya filed a police complaint at Mulund Police station in Maharashtra’s Mumbai against the Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS) alleging them of practising vote jihad ahead of the state assembly elections, voting for which is scheduled to happen on 20th November. “I filed a complaint at Mulund East Police Station against Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh and such other NGOs for Provoking Muslims & executing Religious Campaigns,” Somaiya said as he added that he has also sent a complaint to the Election Commission.

Apparently, this is after reports emerged exposing the MMSS of mobilizing Muslim votes against BJP under the guise of spreading ‘voting awareness’ in several Muslim-dominated regions in different parts of the state, especially Mumbai. It has come to the fore that around 180 NGOs are working on the ground among the Muslim community to raise ‘awareness’ and increase the community’s voter turnout against the BJP, the strategy that helped the MVA led by Congress during the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

As per the reports, in predominantly Muslim areas such as Shivaji Nagar, Mumbadevi, Byculla, and Malegaon Central, voter turnout during the Lok Sabha election was significantly higher than in nearby assembly segments. This increase has been attributed to heightened ‘awareness’ and concerns within the Muslim community, with targeted efforts over the past year.

Agreeing to have ‘influenced’ the Muslim voters during the Lok Sabha elections too, Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the organization’s leader said that it would continue to highlight concerns among Muslim voters regarding central government policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), that contributed to the high voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. “These issues remain relevant in the ongoing state elections,” he said.

What is Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh? How is it operating in influencing Muslim voters?

The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh (MMSS) is collaborating with over 180 NGOs in the state and has been actively working within Muslim communities to boost voter enrollment, urging them to vote for the MVA alliance led by the Congress under the guise of spreading ‘vote awareness’. The group has organized meetings and informational sessions for Muslim voters across the state, urging them to vote only for the candidates belonging to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance led by Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar).

Fakir Mehmood Thakur, the organization’s leader commenting on the issue stated that they also influenced Muslim votes against BJP during Lok Sabha elections resulting in a voter turnout exceeding 60%, about 15% higher than previous averages. “We encourage Muslims to support secular candidates and vote in line with constitutional values. Our collaboration with other organizations and religious leaders has produced a stronger response. Over 200 meetings have been conducted statewide, contributing to the increase in turnout,” he said.

A leaflet that the MMSS has been distributing to Muslims under the guise of spreading ‘voter awareness’ ahead of the state assembly elections has been obtained by OpIndia. In the leaflet, the MMSS registered as an NGO (GBBSD/181/2022) has clearly provoked the Muslims against the BJP while garnering support for the MahaVikas Aghadi candidates. It has apparently posed several questions to the Muslim community that provoke them against the BJP. Some of these questions directed to the Muslim community voters are as follows:

  1. Do you want to vote for someone who disrespects, or interferes with Shariah law?
  2. Do you want to vote for someone who lynch innocent Muslims’?
  3. Do you want to vote for someone who snatched Aligarh from Muslims?
  4. Do you want to vote for someone who imposed NRC against Muslims?
  5. Do you want to vote for someone who plans to eliminate Madarsas from across the country?
  6. Do you want to vote for someone who is against the Waqf Board?
  7. Do you want to vote for someone who is against hijab?
  8. Do you want to vote for someone who is against the teachings of Mohammed Prophet?
  9. Do you want to vote for someone who supports the lynching of Muslims?
  10. Do you want to vote for someone who spreads hatred against Muslims?
  11. Do you want to vote for someone who spared, ‘supported’ rapists of Bilkis Bano?
  12. Do you want to vote for someone who jails innocent Muslims?
  13. Do you want to vote for someone who stopped the scholarship of 17 lakh Muslim students?
  14. Do you want to vote for someone who deliberately bulldozed Muslim properties?
  15. Just think, what will be the difference between you and hypocrites if you don’t stand for your religion?

“Would you not utilize your power to vote for protecting the Constitution and unity in Maharashtra? These elections, please give your valuable votes only to Maha Vikas Aghadi,” the leaflet concluded.

MMSS agreed to have influenced Muslim votes during the Lok Sabha 2024 elections

In another similar leaflet, the organization tried to instigate the Muslims saying that the current political scenario in the state had become worse and that no law and order was being followed within. “Provocative speeches are being given against Muslims. Elderly Muslims are assaulted on train travels. Riots against Muslims are executed at places like Vishalgadh. Muslims there have been forced to roam homeless. A wall of hatred is being built between Hindus and Muslims,” the leaflet read.

Further, indirectly referring to the BJP, it added that some of the parties were intending to create political instability in the state. It said that two of the crucial political parties (Shiv Sena and NCP) were destroyed just for power. “Crucial projects from the state which would benefit it economically are being taken away. Farmers are continuing to commit suicide. Youngsters are roaming jobless and getting addicted to drugs. The state overall is seeing its economic low,” it added.

The MMSS further acknowledged that the MVA has hardly given opportunities to candidates belonging to the minority community. Despite this, it asked the Muslims to vote for the alliance just to keep the BJP away from power. The organization also meanwhile agreed that the Muslims mobilized the votes during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 as it said that Muslims have to be active in the same way as they were during the Lok Sabha polls making MVA secure seats.

The results of the Lok Sabha Elections were wild here with the Muslims extending support to parties other than BJP. The Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde secured 7 seats, and BJP won 9 seats, whereas parties like NCP (Sharad Pawar), Indian National Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT) who garnered Muslim and Communist support secured 8, 13, and 9 seats respectively. It was clearly evident by this that the Muslims in the state of Maharashtra chose to vote for any party standing against the BJP and its allies.

MMSS is not only instigating Muslims, but is also spreading fear, hatred against BJP by making false statements

It is important to note that the organization is not only instigating the Muslims against the BJP but is also attempting to spread fear in the minds of the voters by saying fake things like if BJP returns to power, it would eliminate Madarsas, lynch innocent Muslims, deliberately bulldoze Muslim properties and what not. The MMSS has been strategically working for a year to demonize the ruling political alliance under the guise of creating voter awareness among the Muslim community.

Shakir Shaikh, coordinator of the Maharashtra Democratic Forum, shared that the forum held at least 70 meetings statewide in the past two months, including 18 in Muslim-majority areas of Mumbai, Maharashtra. “Awareness and voter turnout among Muslims were traditionally quite low, but issues like the CAA, the Uniform Civil Code, and the Waqf Bill have motivated more people to vote. Our awareness initiatives and voter registration drives have played a role in boosting turnout during the Lok Sabha elections. In Mumbai alone, we’ve registered at least nine lakh new voters, and the response has been very positive,” he said.

It is crucial to note that while a report by Hindustan Times states that around 180 NGOs are working to mobilize Muslim votes on the ground, a report by Zee News states that the number of such NGOs who promote ‘vote jihad’ is around 400. 

Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh also has a history of glorifying Tipu Sultan who was one of the most ruthless Islamic invaders in India. There have been several recorded instances of Tipu’s army forcefully converting, raping, and kidnapping Hindus on his orders. Many temples are recorded to have been demolished under his reign. Several historians and researchers like Khan Hussain Ali Kirmani have recorded that Tipu Sultan had animosity toward the local Hindus and tribals in the area. 

screengrab of Instagram page of Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh

MMSS working to support Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai

It is important to note that the MMSS has been working to extend its support to MVA, especially Shiv Sena (UBT). During the Lok Sabha polls also, MMSS had assured Muslim backing to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray. Uddhav Thackeray had left his then party’s association the BJP and recast his understanding of Hindutva in a less dedicated light. Notably, the community’s support for the UBT party was confirmed during the Lok Sabha elections, when all MVA candidates received a landslide of votes, given minority backing. 

After this, Sajid K Supariwala, a Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary had clearly mentioned that now Muslims would support the UBT-led party during the assembly elections as well. He said that there was no hesitation among the Muslim community and that they had plans to extend full support to the UBT-led party and the MVA during the assembly elections. “In the coming elections of assembly and civic bodies, the community will only increase its affinity with the party,” he was quoted as saying. He also had added that soon enrolment of more Muslims as party members and office bearers would begin.

The Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh, an organization representing Maharashtrian Muslims, actively supported candidates from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction of the Shiv Sena in recent campaigns. According to its president, Thakur, UBT Sena now offers a viable option for Muslims in Maharashtra, similar to how Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party does in Uttar Pradesh, Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD in Bihar, and Mamata Banerjee’s TMC in West Bengal.

Thakur, who had met with Uddhav Thackeray ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, had campaigned extensively in the Konkan region in support of UBT candidates. Minority votes notably bolstered the success of UBT candidate Arvind Sawant in the Mumbai South constituency, while candidates Sanjay Dina Patil and Anil Desai, who contested in Mumbai North East and Mumbai South Central, similarly benefited from strong support in Muslim areas.

During a pre-election meeting then for Sawant’s campaign, Urdu journalist Sarfraz Arzoo remarked that while Shiv Sena was once perceived as anti-Muslim, it was on the verge of considering offering tickets to Muslim candidates in assembly and BMC elections. However, that seems to not have happened as the MMSS in its targeted appeal to Muslims mentioned that though MVA had hardly given opportunities to candidates belonging to the minority community, Muslims shall choose to vote for the alliance just to keep the BJP away from power.

BJP takes cognizance, files complaint against MMSS

BJP’s Kirit Somaiya is believed to have taken cognizance of the event and filed a police complaint at Mulund Police Station in Mumbai today. He has alleged the MMSS of practicing vote jihad against the BJP and spreading hatred against the party amid the ongoing state assembly elections.

“This plan has been going on for the last 12 months. It’s a well-planned conspiracy. I visited several localities during the Lok Sabha polls and saw Muslim women being polarised. I even published a book ‘Vote Jihad’ to highlight these issues. They are hatching a poisonous conspiracy. They want to spread riots,” said Somaiya further raising questions over funding of such organizations.

He said that he has also sent a complaint to the Election Commissioner in this regard. “This is an attempt to provoke the religious sentiment of the people,” he added.

It is important to note that a study by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) on 5th November has also revealed that the Muslims and illegal immigrants in Mumbai are changing the demography of the region and influencing politics by voting for specific political parties. The study, conducted by TISS pro-vice-chancellor Shankar Das and assistant professor Souvik Mondal, also claimed that illegal immigrants are influencing the city’s socio-economy by taking low-skilled employment, resulting in pay suppression and annoyance among locals.

“Some political entities are alleged to use illegal immigrants for vote-bank politics, which can disrupt the democratic process. Claims of voter registration manipulation, where undocumented immigrants allegedly obtain fake voter IDs, raise concerns about electoral fairness and the integrity of India’s democratic system,” the study alleged. 

The authors of the study further happened to blame several NGOs and religious groups who ended up helping these immigrants which caused to change in the demography of the region and influenced the economy and politics. “Due to strict regulations, registered NGOs often avoid assisting illegal immigrants, leaving undocumented NGOs to fill the support gap without legal authority to challenge exploitation or advocate for migrant rights,” the study read.

OpIndia had after the Lok Sabha elections concluded in May-June 2024 reported that the Muslims had mobilized in the state of Maharashtra to specifically defeat the BJP. Islamists had issued fatwas, raised Islamic flags in MVA rallies, and urged voters to vote for Shiv Sena (UBT), INC and NCP (Sharad Pawar). This time also several NGOs under the roof of Marathi Muslim Seva Sangh are urging Muslim voters to vote against BJP, practicing ‘vote jihad’, the conspiracy downplayed by leftist Islamists and its supporters.

The 288 legislative assembly seats will go to the polls in a single phase on November 20 while the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

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