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Arvind Kejriwal promises to waive off ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills sent by Delhi Government if AAP is voted to power again

OpIndia Staff
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Arvind Kejriwal promises to waive off ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills sent by Delhi Government if AAP is voted to power again

Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, Arvind Kejriwal has assured Delhites that if re-elected, he will waive his government’s ‘inflated’ water and electricity bills.

While addressing a public rally in Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo conceded that his government sent the people massive and incorrect water and electricity bills.

“Recently, I heard that when I was in jail, they messed things up behind my back and sent you massive water bills again. Many people received incorrect and inflated bills,” Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged.

He promised to resolve the issues and continue the ‘benefits’ if AAP is re-elected to power in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly elections. Arvind Kejriwal directed the public not to pay water bills issued by the Delhi government.

“Those who received incorrect water bills, you don’t need to pay them. Just let my government be formed again in February, and I will waive everyone’s water bills, and you will start getting zero bills for water, just like before,” he announced.

The AAP supremo went a step ahead and claimed to make electricity and water bills free. “I am not saying you should vote for me; just see for yourself…You can see whether the central government has done anything for Delhi,” Kejriwal brazened out.

Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva slammed the former Delhi CM and pointed out, “Kejriwal tells Delhi residents that if their water bill is high, they should not pay it because he will waive it in March. Delhiites ask: if Kejriwal’s government is in power today, why doesn’t he waive the bills right now?”

India condemns Canada after revelations that Indian diplomats were under audio-video surveillance, lodges protest calling it flagrant violation of conventions

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India condemns Canada after revelations that Indian diplomats were under audio-video surveillance, lodges protest calling it flagrant violation of conventions

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that India has lodged a formal protest with the Canadian government after revelations that its consular officials in Canada were subjected to audio and video surveillance. The MEA condemned these actions as “flagrant violations” of diplomatic and consular conventions.

During a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that some Indian consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian government about the ongoing surveillance. He criticized Canada for attempting to justify its actions by citing technicalities, arguing that such justifications cannot excuse what he described as harassment and intimidation of Indian diplomatic personnel.

Jaiswal emphasised the extremist and violent environment in which the diplomatic and consular personnel were operating, noting that these actions by the Canadian government exacerbate the situation and are incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices.

“Some of our Consular officials were recently informed by the Canadian Government that they have been and continue to be under audio and video surveillance. Their communications have also been intercepted. We have formally protested to the Canadian Government, as we deem these actions to be a flagrant violation of relevant diplomatic and consular conventions,” the MEA Spokesperson said.

“By citing technicalities, the Canadian government cannot justify the fact that it is indulging in harassment and intimidation. Our diplomatic and consular personnel are already functioning in an environment of extremism and violence. This action of the Canadian Government aggravates the situation and is incompatible with established diplomatic norms and practices,” he added.

Jaiswal further pointed to the recent Canadian classification of India as a “cyber adversary,” alongside Russia, China, and North Korea, as another example to “attack” India.

“This appears to be another example of a Canadian strategy to attack India. As I mentioned earlier, their senior officials have openly confessed that they are seeking to manipulate global opinion against India. As on other occasions, imputations are made without any evidence,” he stated.

Tensions between India and Canada escalated after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in Parliament last year that there were “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

India has firmly denied all such allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and “motivated,” while accusing Canada of providing a haven for extremist and anti-India elements.

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

US-supported Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to attack Hindu temples if Diwali is celebrated with firecrackers

OpIndia Staff
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US-supported Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens to attack Hindu temples if Diwali is celebrated with firecrackers

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is backed by the USA and Canada, has come up with another threat against Indians and Hindus. This time, he wants Sikhs to ensure that Hindus don’t celebrate Diwali in their homes and temples in Punjab and elsewhere by bursting firecrackers.

He said that no Hindu temple will be allowed to burst firecrackers on the occasion of Diwali. ‘It is the responsibility of the Sikh youths to make sure that no Hindu temple bursts firecrackers,’ he said in a video that surfaced on 2nd November. Notably, Diwali was celebrated on 31st October in India.

He asked Sikh youths to first request Hindus politely to not burst firecrackers, but added that they should use traditional Khalsa way if that does not work. This means he suggests the use of force against Hindus to prevent them from celebrating Diwali by bursting firecrackers.

He said in the video, “To all Hindus and temple authorities in Punjab: On 1st November, no Hindu temple, no Hindu brothers or sisters, and no Hindu household should engage in any firework displays. It is the responsibility of the Sikh youth in Punjab to ensure this. First, request politely, and if needed, enforce it in the traditional Khalsa way—no fireworks should be allowed in any temple.”

Although the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) leader, who is dual citizen of USA and Canada, regularly issues such violent threats, he continued to be protected by the two north American nations. US Justice department has accused Indian intelligence agencies of plotting to kill him, and has opened a case. Similarly, Canadian govt also continues to shield him along with other Khalistani elements in the country.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is a designated Khalistani terrorist declared under UAPA by the Indian Home Ministry. His organization, Sikhs For Justice, was also banned by the Indian government in 2019. Pannun is known for issuing threats and announcing bounties for anti-India activities. 

Last month, he issued a warning that an Air India plane could be attacked ahead of the 40th anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He said that the attack will take place between 1 and 19 November. “Do not fly Air India…We are imploring Sikh ‘panth’ to refrain from travelling via Air India. From November 1, there will be a global blockade. Air India won’t be permitted to operate. Sikh ‘panth’, abstain from travelling by Air India after November 1,” said Pannun.

Last year, he made a similar threat to blow up Air India planes, leading to concerns across the aviation industry as the Khalistanis had indeed carried out one of the worst attacks in aviation history, the Air India Kanishka bombing in 1985.

Waqf Board claims 53 historical ASI monuments in Congress-ruled Karnataka, 43 of which have already been encroached by them

OpIndia Staff
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Waqf Board claims 53 historical ASI monuments in Congress-ruled Karnataka, 43 of which have already been encroached by them

The Waqf Board has claimed at least 53 historical monuments in Karnataka, which is currently governed by the Congress party.

These monuments include the Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman, forts at Bidar and Kalaburagi and others. Out of the 53 monuments, 43 of them are in Karnataka’s Vijaypura (which was once the capital city of Adil Shahis). 6 are in Hampi while 4 are in Bengaluru Circle.

According to a report by the Deccan Chronicle, the Vijaypura Waqf Board declared 43 centrally-protected monuments as its own in 2005 when Mohammad Mohsin was the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department (Medical Education).

Mohsin also held the position of Chairman and Deputy Commissioner of the Waqf Board in Vijaypura. He said that a government gazette notification was issued by the Revenue Department after ‘authentic documentary evidence’ was furnished.

Waqf Board is reportedly taking advantage of the Record of Rights and the Government’s Certificate issued to the owner of properties.

However, once a property belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it cannot be de-notified and handed over to another party.

This is strictly prohibited by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Remains (AMASR) Act and Rules of 1958.

“While ASI is the holder of the land/monument, the encumbrance is the Waqf authority This has been done without consulting ASI,” an RTI reply accessed by Deccan Chronicle read.

According to an ASI official, a joint survey of these monuments was conducted in 2012. Waqf Board did not furnish any evidence to prove its claims at that time. The official indicated that 43 of them are already encroached upon the Vijaypura Waqf Board.

“The 43 monuments in Vijayapura are being defaced and are being repaired with plaster and cement. Fans, air conditioners, fluorescent lights and toilets are being added to the monuments. Shopkeepers have taken over certain properties,” he emphasised.

“This is adversely impacting the flow of tourists to these monuments,” the official told Deccan Chronicle.

Encroachments have remained on the centrally protected monuments since 2007 despite clear directives of the Union Ministry of Culture to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, Vijayapura deputy commissioner and Minorities Welfare Department.

Indian companies sanctioned by the US say there will be no impact on their businesses, union govt says the firms have not violated any Indian law

OpIndia Staff
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Indian companies sanctioned by the US say there will be no impact on their businesses, union govt says the firms have not violated any Indian law

Most of the 19 Indian companies recently sanctioned by the US government, along with over 380 other firms from NATO countries for trading with Russian companies, have stated that the sanctions would not have any impact on their operations. The reason cited is the absence of restrictions on commercial interactions from the Government of India. Notably, on 30 October, approximately 400 entities and individuals were sanctioned by the US government for “supporting Russia’s military-industrial base.” Nineteen Indian companies and two individuals, who are co-directors of one of the sanctioned companies, were also included in the sanctions.

As a result of these US sanctions, any property belonging to these companies and entities within the US, or under US control, will be blocked and reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, Americans and companies operating within the US are prohibited from conducting any transactions with these sanctioned entities. However, these companies don’t have any business in the US, they mostly deal in India and with Russia, therefore they won’t be impacted by the sanctions.

Khushbu Honing

According to a Hindustan Times report, Maharashtra-based Khushbu Honing has an annual turnover of ₹15 crore. Khushbu Honing makes CNC honing machines. In a statement, its owner Ajeet Samani stated that only about 30% of the total turnover depends on Russia, with the rest being domestic business. He noted, “We are not doing any business with the US, so we are not really affected. I am paid in INR, not in dollars or euros.” However, the sanctions may affect any future plans to import and export with the US. He added, “If I have to import or export to or from the US in the future, I may have to use another company, like a sister company. However, there is no demand for my machines in the US because there are many manufacturers there.”

Despite this, he plans to discuss the matter with the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India for a clearer understanding, as everything is still in the initial phase. He said, “The US and Europe cannot supply to Russia, so Russia is naturally looking to India and China.” Khushbu Honing was sanctioned for sending at least five shipments of advanced machine tools and accessories to Unimatik, a Russia-based firm also sanctioned by the US for supplying Russian defence with CNC machines and related parts.

In a statement, the US Treasury Department stated, “As of January 2024, U.S.-designated, Russia-based Limited Liability Company AK Microtech sought to evade sanctions by purchasing microelectronics equipment via Khushbu.”

TSMD Global

Another company sanctioned by the US is the Delhi-based TSMD Global, for shipping CHPL items worth approximately ₹3.6 crore to Russia-based companies, including Elektron Komponent, and sanctioned firms LLC VMK, Alfa LLC, and Joint Stock Company Avtovaz. In a statement, TSMD Global’s director, Rahul Kumar Singh, said he did not understand why his company was sanctioned.

In FY24, the company’s turnover was over ₹10 crore. It buys products from the open Indian market and resells them to Russia, with all of its income derived from Russia. Transactions are processed through Russia’s Sberbank, which has a branch in Delhi. He added that it remains unclear how the US sanctions would affect the company’s bottom line.

He said, “We don’t know who is sanctioned and who is not. We purchase from the open Indian market and then export. Some of these products may have originated in the US, the EU, Japan, China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and even India. We can’t control where electronic components are ultimately used.” The State Department said that TSMD Global shipped US and EU-origin CHPL items, such as electronic integrated circuits, central processing units, and other fixed capacitors, to Russia between July 2023 and March 2024.

Singh stated, “We export electronic parts, garments, and parts for automobiles. We have been doing this for a long time. We actually want to work more closely with Russia. We operate according to Modi ji. He often visits Russia, and we are getting business from there. Sometimes the customs department asks if what we export is used in aviation. We tell them that the same component is used in planes and in mobiles.”

Singh sees no reason to halt business with sanctioned Russian companies unless the Government of India imposes restrictions. He said, “If we are getting business from there and our government’s relations with that country are okay, why shouldn’t we?”

Shreegee Impex Private Limited

Meerut-based Shreegee Impex Private Limited is another company sanctioned by the US. The company’s director, Praveen Tyagi, categorically stated that there is no impact on the company from the sanctions. With an annual turnover of ₹70 crore, the company deals exclusively with Russia. In a statement, the Treasury Department noted that Shreegee had listed Kamaz Publicly Traded Company, a US-sanctioned Russian company, as one of its customers.

The statement claimed that Shreegee had sent “hundreds of high-priority dual-use items, including aviation-related parts, as well as transmission belts and rubber products for automobile assembly, to Russia-based manufacturers.” Tyagi said that Shreegee sent transmission belts and hoses to Russian companies and that the products were not related to aviation. Furthermore, he clarified that Kamaz was not Shreegee’s customer.

Praveen Tyagi said, “I don’t know why these measures have been imposed on us. But it will not have any impact on us, because we neither import from the US nor export to the US”.

Emsystech

The next company on the list is Bengaluru-based Emsystech, with an annual turnover of ₹20 crore. Its owner, Thirumala Raja, is confident that his company will not be affected by the sanctions, as it only imports small electronic components from the US and has minimal dealings with American clients.

He said, “The components we bought from the US are meant solely for use in India due to geopolitical issues. We exported some microprocessor components to Russia, sourced from Hong Kong in 2022, but these were intended for medical electronics, not defence.” According to the Treasury Department, Emsystech had sent over 800 shipments, including electronic integrated circuits and tantalum capacitors, to Russia-based end-users like US-designated Basis Trade Prosoft LLC, which supplies industrial computers, components for automated process control systems, and radio-electronic components.

Raja noted that the exports were limited to 2022 and were for medical electronics. He added that his company has no defence-linked clients outside India, and that it supplies power solutions and small microcontrollers to the Indian Navy via Bharat Electronics Limited.

Other Companies on the List

Another company sanctioned by the US is Denvas Services Private Limited, whose four directors are Russian nationals. According to the Treasury Department, these directors are involved in defence procurement schemes, and the company has been used by Russia to procure US-origin microelectronics for use in its advanced conventional weapons. The department noted that the most recent transactions occurred in 2023.

Mumbai-based Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited has also been sanctioned for exporting US trademarked technology worth tens of millions of dollars to Russia, including advanced servers designed for AI. According to the Treasury Department, Russia “seeks to procure these for its weapons programs.”

On 28 October, Bloomberg reported that 1,111 units of Dell Technologies Inc were exported to Russia by the company, including advanced servers. The transactions occurred from April to August this year, with 998 of these servers containing high-end processors optimised for AI made by Nvidia Corp. or Advanced Micro Devices Inc., according to Dell’s website.

Bloomberg noted that these shipments were valued at USD 300 million. Two sanctioned Russian trading companies, Mein Chain Ltd and I.S LLC, imported these shipments.

Two of the 19 sanctioned companies, Galaxy Bearings Limited, headquartered in Gujarat, and Lokesh Machines, headquartered in Haryana, are publicly listed. Lokesh’s clients include American companies John Deere and Cummins, Sweden’s Volvo, and Japan’s Honda and Suzuki.

Hyderabad-based RRG Engineering was also sanctioned. Its chairperson and managing director, GM Ganga Rao, was an industry expert on the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s 2018 task force on fast-tracking unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, led by Jayant Sinha. The Treasury Department reported that the company had sent over 100 shipments of microelectronics to Russia-based Arteks since 2023. Arteks has also been sanctioned by the US.

Transactions are legal in India: MEA

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the transactions cited by the US do not violate Indian laws, and stressed that India strictly follows non-proliferation policies. He said, “India has a robust legal and regulatory framework on strategic trade and nonproliferation controls. We are a member of key multilateral export control regimes and effectively implement relevant UNSC sanctions, including Resolution 1540 on non-proliferation.”

Talking about the transactions mentioned by the US, he said, . “Our understanding is that the sanctioned transactions are not in violation of Indian laws. We are in touch with the US authorities to clarify issues.”

Uttarakhand CM Dhami lays the foundation stone for the renovation of Maa Purnagiri temple in Khatima

ANI
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Uttarakhand CM Dhami lays the foundation stone for the renovation of Maa Purnagiri temple in Khatima

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami laid the foundation stone for the renovation and beautification works of the Maa Purnagiri temple in Nagla Tarai village in Khatima on Saturday.

According to a government release, the temple will be renovated and beautified at a cost of Rs 2.54 crore.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that this construction work will not only increase the grandeur of the temple but will also play a special role in preserving the area’s religious and cultural heritage.

“Laid the foundation stone for the renovation and beautification work of the ancient Maa Purnagiri temple at village Nagla Tarai in Khatima for Rs 2.54 crore. This construction work will not only enhance the grandeur of the temple but will also play a special role in preserving the religious and cultural heritage of the area,” CM Dhami posted on X.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended wishes to people on the occasion of Govardhan Puja stating that the festival allows us to express gratitude towards nature, livestock and farmers.

In a post on X, the Uttarakhand CM wrote, “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all of you on Govardhan Puja and Annakoot. This holy festival allows us to express gratitude towards nature, livestock and farmers.

“I pray to Lord Krishna that there may always be happiness and prosperity in the life of all of you,” added CM Dhami.

Ahead of its winter closure, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also visited Baba Kedar at Shri Kedarnath Dham on Friday.

During his visit, Dhami said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the state government is committed to the all-round development of Kedarnath Dham.

He wished happiness, prosperity and well-being for all the people of the state. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also met the saints, devotees and residents present in the temple premises. The doors of Shri Kedarnath Dham, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, are set to close for the winter on Saturday.

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

Amid bomb threats to flights, ammunition cartridge found in Air India flight from Dubai to Delhi after landing

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Amid bomb threats to flights, ammunition cartridge found in Air India flight from Dubai to Delhi after landing

Ammunition cartridges were found in the pocket of a seat on an Air India flight AI916 flying from Dubai to New Delhi after it landed at New Delhi airport, an Air India spokesperson said on Saturday.

The flight landed at New Delhi Airport on October 27 and all the passengers were safely disembarked from the flight.

Following this, a complaint was lodged with the Airport Police by Air India strictly adhering to the laid down security protocols.

“One ammunition cartridge was found in the pocket of a seat of our flight AI916 after it had landed from Dubai at Delhi on 27 October 2024 and all passengers had safely disembarked. A complaint was immediately lodged with the Airport Police by Air India strictly adhering to the laid down security protocols,” an Air India Spokesperson said.

Earlier, an Air India flight AI 216 which was set to return to New Delhi on Monday received a bomb threat. It is the second hoax call that Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport has received within a week, officials confirmed.

The Air India flight which landed at 2:41 PM (Nepal Standard Time) on Monday afternoon at Tribhuvan International Airport had received a bomb threat prompting authorities to activate the emergency protocol.

“We didn’t find any suspicious or explosives on board the plane. It is preparing to take flight following the procedures,” Kiran Bajracharya, AIG at Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, confirmed to ANI over the phone.

Nepal Army bomb squad along with the Nepal Police Canine division acted quickly to trace the possible explosive on board the plane at an isolated area of the airport, as per the officials.

Over four hours of search proved the warning was a hoax call as no suspicious objects were found.

“According to protocol, no dangerous objects were found during the security checks, and the situation at the airport is currently normal. It is a second hoax call within a week,” an Information officer at the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Gyanendra Bhul confirmed to ANI over the phone.

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

Sanjay Raut defends “imported maal” comment by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant against Shaina NC, claims it is not insult

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Sanjay Raut defends “imported maal” comment by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant against Shaina NC, claims it is not insult

Sanjay Raut on Saturday came out in support of fellow Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant over his “imported maal” remark, saying, “there has been no insult” and added, “there is no need to create such a big issue.”

Speaking to reporters Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “There has been no insult. Arvind Sawant is our senior MP. He just said that the BJP candidate from Mumbadevi (Shaina NC) has come from outside and she is an ‘imported maal’. If she is an ‘imported maal’, how is this an insult to women?…’Bahar ka maal hai toh bahar ka maal hai’…What did you say about Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi? You should go through the history once…If a person from outside contests elections, people say that they have come from outside…There is no need to create such a big issue.”

The controversy began when Arvind Sawant, an MP of the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly referred to Shaina as “imported maal,” saying, “Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported ‘maal’ doesn’t work here; only original ‘maal’ does.”

In response, Shaina NC filed a complaint against him at the Nagpada Police Station over his comment.

Notably, police have registered an FIR under Sections 79 and 356(2) for outraging the modesty of women, and the Election Commission and Women Commission have taken cognizance against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant.

Earlier today, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s “imported maal” remark, stating that objectification of women, and outraging the modesty of women is not a small problem.

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Shaina said, “FIR has been registered in Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) outraging the modesty of women. The Election Commission and Women Commission have also taken cognizance. This is a fight for the respect of women…Objectification of women, and outraging the Modesty of women is not a small problem. The truth will be in front of everyone in the video but this mindset and perverted mentality is visible.”

Earlier on Friday, after facing backlash for his “imported maal” remark, Arvind Sawant claimed that he did not mention Shaina’s name.

“I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It’s their habit to create uproar,” he said while speaking to ANI.

Sawant further said he has always respected women and accused his opponents of trying to tarnish his reputation.

“They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I condemn their intent. I have been in politics for 55 years, and have always respected women. Those who are supporting her – ask them to answer whatever questions I have asked… Shaina NC is my friend, she has worked for me, and I respect her… They are ‘satta jihadi’ people, as our leader Uddhav Thackeray says,” Sawant added.

The Maharashtra Assembly election is set to take place on November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23.

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

Friendly fire? Maulana hounds Muslim Samajwadi party candidate over temple visit, issues ‘fatwa’ and tells her to recite Kalma

OpIndia Staff
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Friendly fire? Maulana hounds Muslim Samajwadi party candidate over temple visit, issues ‘fatwa’ and tells her to recite Kalma

A fatwa has been issued against Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate from Kanpur’s Sisamau constituency, Naseem Solanki, after she visited a Hindu temple and performed rituals on the occasion of Diwali.

The fatwa was issued by Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the national president of All India Muslim Jamaat.

He ruled that Solanki’s actions go against Islamic principles, calling her a “criminal under Sharia law” and urging her to seek forgiveness and recite the Kalma anew.

Reportedly, Solanki recently visited the Vankhandeshwar Temple and offered water to the Shivling. She also lit diyas in the temple as part of the Diwali celebrations.

Videos of her acts were widely circulated on social media by SP party supporters. However, the video sparked controversy among Muslim voters and within the Muslim community.

Maulana Razvi’s response on temple visit

Commenting on her temple visit, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi explained that, according to Islamic teachings, idol worship is strictly forbidden.

In his statement, he said, “In Islam, only Allah is considered worthy of worship, and any form of idol worship, be it by a man or woman, is haram and impermissible.”

He further stated that the practice of worshipping idols in any form is seen as a severe violation of Islamic principles, rendering the person a “criminal” in the eyes of Sharia.

He added that Solanki’s actions were self-chosen and not performed under any apparent pressure, suggesting she willingly participated in the rituals.

The Maluna urged her to repent, stating, “As per Sharia, she must ask for forgiveness and read the Kalma again to reaffirm her faith.”

Conditional repentance for unintentional acts

He further noted that if someone, regardless of gender, engages in such acts under compulsion or without understanding the implications, they can repent without severe penalties under Islamic principles.

In such cases, individuals are advised to seek forgiveness through prayer and refrain from similar acts in future, as these may otherwise endanger their faith and alignment with Islamic teachings.

“If done unknowingly or under duress, they should repent and recite the Kalma, reinforcing their commitment to Islam,” he added.

Vankhandeshwar Temple visit highlights political-religious tension

Naseem Solanki is the wife of jailed former MLA Irfan Solanki. She is contesting the by-election for the Sisamau constituency following her husband’s imprisonment.

Since her nomination, Solanki has participated in several community events, including the Vankhandeshwar Temple visit, after which the controversy erupted.

Solanki has yet to state the matter. In June this year, Irfan Solanki was imprisoned for harassing a woman, setting her house on fire and beating her son in an attempt to grab her land in Kanpur in 2022.

AP Dhillon shooting case: Canadian police nab one suspect after 2 months, claim another suspect ‘fled to India’

OpIndia Staff
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AP Dhillon shooting case: Canadian police nab one suspect after 2 months, claim another suspect ‘fled to India’

On Wednesday (30th October), the police arrested a man, identified as 25-year-old Abjeet Kingra, in connection with the shooting and arson at Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s house in Brantford city in Ontario province of Canada.

The incident took place on 2nd September this year. Police alleged that the second suspect, identified as 23-year-old Vikram Sharma, had fled to India after the incident.

As per a press release from West Shore RCMP, the police responded to reports of two vehicles on fire and a residence hit by gunfire on Ravenwood Road.

The house belonged to Punjabi singer AP Dhillon. The police rushed to the scene and evacuated the resident of the house, and Colwood Fire Department extinguished the burning vehicles. Police reported that multiple shots were fired at Dhillon’s house.

On 30th October, Kingra was taken into custody in Ontario. He has been charged with Discharge of a Firearm with Intent and Arson. He appeared in an Ontario court on Friday, facing serious charges as investigators further probe the reason behind the incident.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Sharma, who is currently on the run. Police allege that he has fled to India. He is wanted on an unendorsed warrant for Discharge of a Firearm with Intent and Arson.

Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP, said in a statement, “We will continue to pursue this investigation as well as the outstanding suspect until they have been located and arrested.” Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Abjeet Kingra was a fan of Dhillon, reports

According to independent freelance journalist V, Abjeet Kingra was a fan of AP Dhillon and would regularly post videos featuring Dhillon’s songs on the social media platform TikTok.

OpIndia could not independently verify the existence of such videos, as Kingra’s account has been removed from TikTok.

In a post, journalist V wrote, “The man arrested for the shooting at AP Dhillon’s house in Canada, Abjeet Kingra, was an AP Dhillon fan and would frequently post his music on social media. He entered ?? on a student visa and was a resident of Winnipeg.”

Shooting at AP Dhillon’s house in Canada

On the intervening night of 1st and 2nd September, a shooting incident took place at the residence of Punjabi singer and rapper AP Dhillon in Canada. A video of the incident surfaced on social media and went viral, showing a man outside the house firing multiple shots at night.

Following the shooting, a post also began circulating on social media.

In the viral post, Rohit Godara (of the Lawrence Bishnoi group) claimed responsibility not only for the shooting incident in Vancouver but also in Woodbridge, Toronto. Apart from taking responsibility, the post also issued a death threat to Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, citing his association with Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

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