Home Blog Page 670

West Bengal: BJP says Hindus were attacked during Maa Kali’s Visarjan procession, Kolkata Police claim ‘parking dispute’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
West Bengal: BJP says Hindus were attacked during Maa Kali’s Visarjan procession, Kolkata Police claim ‘parking dispute’

On Friday (1st November), BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari lashed out at the police for failing to provide security to Hindus during Maa Kali’s Visarjan procession in Kolkata’s Rajabazar locality.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Adhikari shared videos stating that the immersion procession of the Hindu deity was attacked. He also demanded the immediate deployment of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the area.

The BJP leader from Nandigram emphasised, “Appeasement politics at its height. Maa Kali’s immersion procession attacked at Rajabazar; Kolkata. Narkeldanga Police failed to act and protect the devotees.”

“Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, if you are yet not waking up from your deep slumber then request for the deployment of CAPF immediately in the interest of common & innocent Bharatiyas, who time and again are coming under attack from the radicals in WB,” he added.

BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya also slammed the West Bengal government. While calling out Mamata Banerjee for the inaction, he urged her to take immediate action or step down from the post of Chief Minister.

Amit Malviya tweeted, “Hindu Temples and devotees continue to be attacked in West Bengal, during Kali Puja. In Rajabazar, Kolkata, a procession for Maa Kali’s immersion was stone-pelted and assaulted; Narkeldanga Police failed to intervene and protect the devotees. Mamata Banerjee, either take immediate action or step down. Your ‘vote bank’ is creating havoc and targeting Hindus, with impunity. Enough is enough.”



On Saturday (2nd November), Kolkata Police claimed that the visarjan procession was not attacked. They alleged that a scuffle broke out between two individuals over bike parking, which later escalated.

In a post on X, Kolkata Police claimed, “An attempt has been made on social media to create a fake narrative about the incident at Narkeldanga. No Kali Puja immersion procession was attacked.”

“The issue was related to the parking of a bike, which led to a fight between two individuals and further escalated. However, police intervened in a timely manner and brought the situation under control,” it further added.

“The scheduled Kali Puja immersion procession was completed peacefully and without any hindrance,” the Kolkata police concluded.

Elon Musk slams CNN for peddling lies about Donald Trump, tells the channel to change its name to ‘Disinformation News Network’

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Elon Musk slams CNN for peddling lies about Donald Trump, tells the channel to change its name to ‘Disinformation News Network’

On Thursday (31st October), Elon Musk slammed Cable News Network (CNN) for deliberately misquoting Donald Trump about former House Representative, Liz Cheney.

Liz is the daughter of former US Vice President Dick Cheney, who oversaw the US invasion of Iraq during the George Bush administration. Donald Trump had been critical of the regime change wars of the US and proponents of hawkish foreign policies such as Liz and Dick Cheney.

On Thursday, Trump lashed out at ‘war hawk’ Liz Cheney for supporting endless wars and endangering the lives of US armed forces. His comments were later twisted by ‘experts’ at CNN to suggest that the former US President wanted Liz Cheney to be shot.

“She is a radical war hawk. Let us put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay? Let us see how she feels about it, when the guns are trained on her face,” he told journalist Tucker Carlson in Arizona.

“They are all war hawks when they are sitting in Washington in a nice building saying let us send 10,000 troops right into the mouth of the enemy,” Donald Trump exposed the sinister agenda of Liz Cheney.

The former US President emphasised, “She is a stupid person. I used to have meetings with a lot of people and she always wanted to go to war with people.”

CNN quotes Donald Trump out of context

Although Donald Trump asked Liz Cheney to walk the talk and fight with guns if she wished to continue her hawkish foreign policy stance, the Cable News Network (CNN) chose to quote him out of context. ‘Experts’ at the leftist propaganda outlet went on to suggest that the former US President wanted the killing of Liz Cheney.

“I do not think you even need to call it fired upon. He is saying quite explicitly and unambiguously that Liz Cheney should be shot, executed by a firing squad,” claimed one pro-Democrat expert.

While attributing false motives to Donald Trump, he brazened out, “Let us execute a political opponent who happens to be a woman because I do not like her.”

“Four days out from Election Day, and former President Donald Trump is escalating his violent rhetoric, suggesting one of his most prominent critics, the former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, should be fired upon,” CNN’s news presenter Kasie Hunt stated.

Another pro-Democrat host claimed,”When he says nine barrels shooting at her, that obviously evokes images of a firing squad. It evokes images of an execution.”

Distraught by CNN’s brazen propaganda, Elon Musk told the channel to rename itself as ‘Disinformation News Network (DNN)’.

Canada now officially calls India a ‘state adversary’, accuses India of cyber-attacks against Canadians

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Canada now officially calls India a ‘state adversary’, accuses India of cyber-attacks against Canadians

Canada continues to make baseless allegations against India, and now an official document lists India as an adversary or enemy. A security report released on Wednesday by Canada’s cyber security agency said that there are threats of cyber attacks from India.

The National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026 prepared by Canadian Centre for Cyber Security lists India under the section “Cyber threat from state adversaries”. Other countries included in the list are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

The report states that countries like India are building cyber programs that present varying levels of threat to Canada. The section on India in the report states, “India’s leadership almost certainly aspires to build a modernized cyber program with domestic cyber capabilities.India very likely uses its cyber program to advance its national security imperatives, including espionage, counterterrorism, and the country’s efforts to promote its global status and counter narratives against India and the Indian government. We assess that India’s cyber program likely leverages commercial cyber vendors to enhance its operations.”

It further states, “We assess that Indian state-sponsored cyber threat actors likely conduct cyber threat activity against Government of Canada networks for the purpose of espionage. We judge that official bilateral relations between Canada and India will very likely drive Indian state-sponsored cyber threat activity against Canada.”

The report alleges that after Canada accused India of involvement in the killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-India hacktivist group claimed to have defaced and conducted brief DDoS attacks against websites in Canada, including the public-facing website of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Caroline Xavier, Chief of the Canadian Communications Security Establishment (CSE), reiterated the allegations against India at a press conference. She said, “It is possible that we may see India wants to flex those cyber threat actions against Canadians”. She further added, “It is clear that we are seeing India being an emerging cyber threat actor.”

Caroline Xavier said that after PM Trudeau’s allegations against India last year on Nijjar’s murder, there have been disinformation campaigns from those working for India.

These allegations have emerged amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implicated Indian agents in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Although Trudeau asserted that the Canadian government has intelligence linking India to Nijjar’s murder, he acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence.

Recently, Canada has made many new allegations in the matter, including the claim that the order to attack Khalistani elements in Canada was issued by Home Minister Amit Shah.

India has categorically denied these claims, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated, alleging that Canada’s stance may be influenced by domestic political pressures. This dispute led to mutual expulsions of diplomats and has further fuelled accusations of interference​.

Kerala Story in Uttarakhand: Minor Hindu girl brainwashed into preaching Islam after meeting Muslim girl, then eloped with barber Salman, three arrested

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Kerala Story in Uttarakhand: Minor Hindu girl brainwashed into preaching Islam after meeting Muslim girl, then eloped with barber Salman, three arrested

A major controversy erupted in Uttarakhand after a minor girl was abducted by a barber named Salman in Pauri Garhwal. Local Hindus have taken to the streets in protest of the incident. The state women’s commission asked for strict action against the accused. The police have also arrested Salman and two other perpetrators. Now, shocking details have come to light including the girl’s clever brainwashing.

State Women Commission Chairperson Kushum Kandwal has spoken to Senior Superintendent of Police Ayush Aggarwal over the phone and demanded strict action against the offenders. She has directed a commission team to provide the victim with counselling and proper care. The girl has been kept in the “One Stop Center” while the offenders have been sent to jail. Kushum Kandwal asserted there is no place for incidents like love jihad and religious conversion in Devbhoomi (land of Gods). She added that girls in the state are being lured and misled in the name of friendship by those who change their names (pretend to be Hindu) on social media. She called upon the parents and law enforcement agencies to be vigilant.

Tehri Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ayush Aggarwal mentioned that 23-year-old Salman alias Ishaan and his 24-year-old relative Shan Malik alias Imran have been apprehended from their house in Najibabad, Uttar Pradesh. A local, Rakesh Bhatt (32) was also nabbed for helping the girl who is from Kirtinagar abscond with the accused. Ayush Aggarwal informed that the management of a school under the Kirtinagar police station area filed a complaint in the police station on 26th October. It stated that a juvenile girl created a fake account on social media to propagate Islam. Afterwards, the authorities arranged for her to receive counselling before her family members who came to know about the development.

According to the police official, the girl is sixteen years old and enrolled in class 10th. On 28th October, her mother filed a complaint against Salman at the Kirtinagar police station. He was accused of harassing her daughter and attempting to convert her to Islam. A case was then filed by the police. He added that the girl went missing about 11 pm on the day her mother lodged the complaint. The enraged locals demonstrated and damaged the shops of Salman and other Muslims. The situation had become tense. The people had given a 12-hour ultimatum to the police to recover the girl and arrest the accused.

A police team started investigating the call details and CCTV footage of the accused and the girl. She was seen coming and exiting with two persons in the CCTV footage of a gym in Ufalda. They were recognized as Mohsin and Rakesh Bhatt from Ghildiyal village in Kirtinagar. The teen also changed her clothes at the gym after travelling there from her house after which she was taken to Najibabad. Rakesh Bhatt had first called her to his house and then went out with Mohsin from there. After identification, the cops went to Moazzampur Tulsi in the Garhi police station area of ​​Najibabad and recovered the girl. The accused were also caught, presented in a court and later thrown behind bars. A case was registered against them under the Uttarakhand Religious Freedom Act and the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Bill (POCSO) Act.

The victim was reportedly in contact with a Muslim girl in Srinagar across Alaknanda. The latter used to send her videos and links to social media handles, among other things related to Islam. She used to follow them and was indoctrinated. She had changed her name to ‘Muslim Amin Mirza’ on her social media handle and started preaching Islam. The school administration filed a police complaint after learning about it. Her family also became aware of her actions.

Meanwhile, it was found that she was in contact with Salman who was living in the same area. The two have been communicating with each other for the last seven months. Her family had launched a complaint against him under multiple charges including an attempt to change her religion. Salman and Mohsin used to tempt the girl in the name of mobile recharge and money. The latter works as a carpenter in Ufalda. He is currently on the run and the police are searching for him as well as conducting raids at various locations to capture him.

Madhya Pradesh: Tensions grip Indore after clashes between two communities over bursting crackers; stones pelted, cars vandalised

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Madhya Pradesh: Tensions grip Indore after clashes between two communities over bursting crackers; stones pelted, cars vandalised

Tensions gripped the city of Indore after a dispute broke out between two neighbours belonging to different communities over bursting firecrackers on Friday, the day after Diwali. The argument quickly intensified, leading to both sides throwing stones at each other, resulting in minor injuries to a few individuals, a report published in Jagran quoting police sources said.

Reportedly, the dispute sparked off in the Chhatripura area of Indore, where some children were setting off firecrackers in the afternoon. Some individuals from the other community, presumably “Samuday Vishesh”, grew angry and damaged parked vehicles along the road, smashing the car windows.

A large police presence arrived at the scene and promptly resolved the situation. The injured are receiving treatment at the hospital, and the police have launched an investigation, with actions to follow based on its findings.

“The clash occurred in the Ravidas Pura area of the Chhatripura police station jurisdiction. Some children were setting off crackers on Friday afternoon, sparking a conflict between neighbours from different communities. Three people sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment,” the Jagran report quoted DCP Zone 4 Rishikesh Meena as saying.

He added, “Around 80 police officers have been deployed to maintain security in the area, and the situation is currently under control. We urge everyone in Indore to disregard any rumours or misinformation. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible.”

After the incident, Eklavya Gaur, son of MLA Malini Gaur, visited the Chhatripura police station along with members of Hindu groups, calling for strict punishment against those involved from the opposing side. Additional officers from Malharganj, Pandrinath, and Sarafa stations have been sent to the scene.

A Muslim mob in Faridabad attacks a Hindu family for celebrating Diwali and bursting crackers

Earlier yesterday, 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.

As per reports, the minor son of Durga Prasad was bursting firecrackers outside their house in Subhash Colony. Enraged at this, some Muslims led by Raj and Ashiq from the neighbourhood arrived and asked him to stop bursting firecrackers. This led to an argument with the family, after which the mob attacked them.

They pelted stones and bricks on the house, and the family retreated inside and locked the door. But the mob barged into the house by smashing the main door and assaulted the family members. They hit the family members including women with sticks.  Even after this, the mob was not satisfied, and they molested the kid’s elder sister, tore her clothes, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to rape her. They scratched her body with nails, causing injuries.

‘Congress party is realising the folly of making unreal promises’: PM Modi tears into Congress after Kharge’s comments on poll guarantees

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘Congress party is realising the folly of making unreal promises’: PM Modi tears into Congress after Kharge’s comments on poll guarantees

On Friday, November 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress party after its leader, Mallikarjun Kharge, urged the party’s state branches to make only “fiscally achievable” promises.

“The Congress Party is realising the hard way that making unreal promises is easy but implementing them properly is tough or impossible. Campaign after campaign they promise things to the people, which they also know they will never be able to deliver. Now, they stand badly exposed in front of the people!” PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi stated, “Look at any state where Congress is currently in power—Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana—their development path and financial health are worsening.”

He added, “Their so-called guarantees remain unfulfilled, which is a serious betrayal of the people in these states. The poor, youth, farmers, and women suffer most from this, as they not only miss out on these promised benefits but also see existing programs weakened.”

He further noted that people across the country must remain alert to Congress’s culture of false promises. “Recently, we saw how the people of Haryana rejected their empty promises in favour of a stable, progress-driven, and action-oriented government,” the prime minister concluded.

He added, “There is an increasing awareness across India that voting for Congress means supporting non-governance, poor economic policies, and unmatched corruption. The people of India desire development and progress, not the repeated #FakePromisesOfCongress!”

Kharge advises Congress state units to make only fiscally doable promises

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday criticised the Karnataka government after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hinted at reconsidering one of the administration’s key guarantees.

“You made certain guarantees. After seeing them, I even mentioned in Maharashtra that Karnataka has five guarantees. Now, you’ve mentioned you might cancel one of them. It seems you don’t all read the newspapers, but I do, so I’m bringing this to your attention,” Kharge remarked during a press conference.

Kharge’s comments referred to Shivakumar’s statement that the government would review the ‘Shakti’ guarantee, a program introduced by the Congress government in Karnataka, which provides free bus rides for women on non-luxury government buses.

Union government designates Darranga near Bhutan border in Assam as authorised Immigration Check Post

ANI
-
0
Union government designates Darranga near Bhutan border in Assam as authorised Immigration Check Post

In a significant development for cross-border travel, the Central government has designated the Darranga land check post in Assam’s Tamulpur district as an official Immigration Check Post.

This designation allows for the entry into and exit from India for all classes of passengers with valid travel documents, following sub-rule (b) of rule 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950. The decision is expected to facilitate smoother immigration processes in the region.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced a notification issued on Friday.

Additionally, effective November 1, 2024, the Chief Immigration Officer of the Bureau of Immigration will serve as the ‘Civil Authority’ for the Darranga Land Immigration Check Post, under the powers conferred by sub-clause (2) of Clause 2 of the Foreigners Order, 1948. This appointment aims to streamline immigration processes and enhance border management in the region.

“In pursuance of sub-rule (b) of rule 3 of the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, the Central Government hereby designates Darranga Land Check Post of Tamulpur District of Assam State as an authorized Immigration Check Post for entry into/exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers,” reads the notification.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (2) of Clause 2 of the Foreigners Order, 1948, the Central Government hereby appoints the Chief Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration as the ‘Civil Authority’ for said Order for the Darranga Land Immigration Check Post located at Tamulpur District of Assam State with effect from November 1, 2024,” it further added.

The Darranga land check post plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border travel between India and neighbouring countries. Historically significant due to its proximity to the international border, the checkpost has been an important transit point for both trade and movement of people.

Assam shares borders with several countries, including Bhutan and Bangladesh, making the Darranga Check Post vital for regional connectivity and economic interactions. The area has seen increased traffic due to trade agreements and cultural exchanges, necessitating the establishment of a formal immigration checkpoint.

The designation of Darranga as an authorized Immigration Check Post is part of the Indian government’s broader strategy to enhance border security, regulate immigration, and improve infrastructure at key transit points. This move is expected to streamline the processing of travellers and promote economic activities in the region, ultimately contributing to the local economy and strengthening ties with neighbouring countries.

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

Case registered against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant over his “imported maal” remark on Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

ANI
-
0
Case registered against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant over his “imported maal” remark on Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC

Mumbai’s Nagpada Police Station on Friday registered a case against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant on a complaint by Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC over his “imported maal” remark.

Shiv Sena Party on Friday filed a complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Arvind Sawant in the Nagapada police station for calling party leader Shaina NC “imported maal”, and requested them to register an First Information Report (FIR) in the matter.

This comes after Sawant stoked a controversy calling Shaina “imported maal”. He said, “Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party. Imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here.”

The Shiv Sena party emphasised that under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (Indian Penal Code), this behaviour amounts to an act of outraging a woman’s modesty, in violation of Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC.

“I am writing to file a formal complaint against Arvind Sawant, a sitting Member of Parliament, for his derogatory and highly objectionable remarks directed at Shaina NC, referring to her as a “real maal” (translated as “sexy bomb”). This language, objectifying a woman in a public and influential setting, not only demeans the individual but also sends a deeply disturbing message to society, trivializing the respect and dignity of women,” the letter said.

“Under the provisions of the Bhartiya Nyay Sahita (Indian Penal Code), this behavior amounts to an act of outraging a woman’s modesty, in violation of Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC. By using such terms, Sawant has exhibited a gross disregard for the principles of respect, equality, and decency that are fundamental to our society and legal framework,” it added.

The letter further said that such remarks by a public figure have a broader societal impact, contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination and disrespect towards women.

“The incident has not only caused immense mental harassment to Mrs. Shaina NC but has also left a significant impact on the collective conscience of women across India. Such objectifying remarks by a public figure have a broader societal impact, contributing to the perpetuation of gender-based discrimination and disrespect towards women,” it said.

“In light of the above, I humbly request your good office to register a First Information Report (FIR) against Arvind Sawant for his offensive statements under Sections 354 and 509 of the IPC for outraging the modesty of a woman,” it added.

Shaina in her letter also requested the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader.

“Investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate legal action against Sawant. Send a strong message to deter public figures from making such statements and to promote a culture of respect and dignity towards women in public discourse. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I trust that your office will act promptly to uphold justice and ensure the protection of women’s dignity in our society,” the letter said.

Earlier, reacting to Sawant’s remark, Shaina NC took a jibe at Arvind Sawant after he called her ‘imported’ maal.

“You cannot respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called the woman ‘maal’. Whether I take action or not, the public will make him ‘behaal'”, she said.

Shaina NC further stated that I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing.

“On one side there is Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, on the other side there is Prime Minister’s Ujjwala, Mudra Banking, Housing Scheme, where women are empowered. Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, becomes the President and on the other side Mahavinash Aghadi’s Arvind Sawant calls me imported maal”, she added.

The Shiv Sena leader further said, “I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing.”

“I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing. You will have to apologize at the Nagpada Police Station. Mahavinash Aghadi which is going to be ‘behaal’ on 20th November,” she said.

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

No buyers for crisis-stricken Pakistan International Airlines yet, one bidder offers a low 10 billion PKR

ANI
-
0
No buyers for crisis-stricken Pakistan International Airlines yet, one bidder offers a low 10 billion PKR

The government’s initial attempt to privatise Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced a significant setback on Thursday, as the only bidder, Blue World City, proposed a mere PKR 10 billion for a 60% stake in the loss-making airline–far below the government’s minimum sale price of PKR 85.03 billion, the Express Tribune reported.

During a publicly televised bidding event, Blue World City, a real estate developer, presented its offer, which accounted for only 12 per cent of the government’s stipulated price.

In dollar terms, the bid equated to approximately USD 36 million, starkly contrasting with the minimum sale price of USD 305 million set by the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation.

Prior to the bid opening, the Privatisation Commission board and the Cabinet Committee convened separately, yet no government ministers attended the ceremony, which was only attended by two federal secretaries.

The Cabinet Committee had approved the minimum sale price following recommendations from the Privatisation Commission board, and despite being invited to match the government’s offer, Blue World City declined to raise its bid.

“We have considered the government price and decided to stand with our best price of PKR 10 billion,” stated Saad Nazir, the owner of Blue World City. The firm was the only one to submit a bid after five other pre-qualified parties withdrew, citing the government’s strict conditions regarding tax liabilities, guaranteed investments, and employee retention, reported the Express Tribune.

The government’s efforts to privatise PIA, which ranks as the fourth-largest loss-making entity in the country, reached a disappointing conclusion as Blue World City was the only firm to participate. The government had anticipated stronger interest, especially after it carved out approximately PKR 625 billion in PIA debt into a separate holding company, leaving PIA with PKR 202 billion in liabilities and about PKR 163 billion in assessed assets.

Seham Raza, Chief Operating Officer of Blue World City, expressed disappointment over the lack of competition. “I wished there would have been healthy competition and feel sad that all other bidders have pulled out,” she remarked.

The government had offered between 51 per cent to 100 per cent stakes in the airline but ultimately decided to sell a 60 per cent share. Additionally, it declined bidders’ requests for reduced duties and tax waivers and required the buyer to inject USD 500 million to USD 700 million into PIA to ensure operational sustainability, the Express Tribune reported.

Privatisation Commission secretary Usman Bajwa highlighted that PIA would not achieve operational sustainability without new investments and resolution of its outstanding liabilities.

The failed attempt to privatise PIA may have broader implications for the government’s overall privatisation strategy as it seeks to address its financial challenges.

Reflection of his mentality, voters will teach him lesson: Shaina NC hits out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant over his ‘imported maal’ remark

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Reflection of his mentality, voters will teach him lesson: Shaina NC hits out at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant over his ‘imported maal’ remark

Arvind Sawant, the Mumbai South Lok Sabha MP and leader of the Shiv Sena-UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has caused controversy with his derogatory remark concerning the newly inducted Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC by referring to her as “imported maal” (item). He used the derogatory term because BJP leader Shaina NC has been fielded as a Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbadevi, as part of alliance seat sharing formula.

Notably, several BJP leaders have been given tickets by alliance partners Shic Sena and NCP based on the seat-sharing formula for the Maharashtra assembly elections. As a result of Shaina moving from BJP to Shiv Sena, Arvind Sawant called her ‘imported maal’.

“Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she has gone to another party. Imported ‘maal’ does not work here, only original ‘maal’ works here,” Arvind Sawant replied when the media asked him about Shaina’s candidature from Shiv Sena as Congress leader and Mumbadevi MLA Amin Patel stood beside him which led to a major controversy in the election-bound state.

Following this, Shaina slammed him for his sexist utterances and declared that the voters of Maharashtra will give him a befitting reply.

Shaina said, “This reflects the mindset of Arvind Sawant and his party. Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is a maal? On one side there is Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, on the other side there is the Prime Minister’s Ujjwala, Mudra Banking and Housing Scheme, where women are empowered. Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, becomes the President and on the other side, Mahavinash Aghadi’s Arvind Sawant calls me imported maal.”

Shaina added, “I think this objectification of women is not only their mentality but Congress MLA Amin Patel was present there laughing. He shows no respect for women, using such terms to describe a capable woman in politics. Now, he will face the consequences for calling a woman ‘maal.’ Whether I take further action or not, the public will ensure he faces repercussions. You will have to apologise at the Nagpada Police Station. Mahavinash Aghadi which is going to be ‘behaal’ on 20th November.” She also mentioned, “This is the same Arvind Sawant for whom we had campaigned in 2014 and 2019. Look at his thinking when he calls a woman maal.

Shaina also took to social media to express her disgust over the misogynistic comment and wrote “I am a woman, not a commodity.” Talking to ANI, she said, “You cannot respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called the woman ‘maal’. Whether I take action or not, the public will make him ‘behaal'”.

Shiv Sena’s faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently announced Shaina as the party’s candidate for the Mumbadevi constituency in Mumbai ahead of the state assembly elections. She will be contesting against incumbent Congress MLA Amin Patel. The votes will be cast on 20th November in the state and the results will be out on 23rd November.

Notably, a similar row broke out in Jharkahnd when Congress leader and Minister Irfan Ansari made derogatory remarks against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sita Soren, referring to her as a “rejected maal (goods)” and a “borrowed player” which led to a First Information Report against him in the Jamtara district. The saffron party also complained to the Election Commission through party official Sudhir Srivastava. Sita Soren also voiced her disappointment and demanded an apology from Ansari.

“Congress candidate Irfan Ansari must apologise for the inappropriate language he used for me immediately after his nomination in front of the media. He has previously made personal remarks about me, but this time, he has crossed all boundaries. Mr Irfan, apologise or be prepared for the intense protest. Using such indecent language while holding an esteemed position has instilled fear among women across society,” she stated on X (previously Twitter).

“If you can use such words for me, what must poor and helpless women go through? As long as leaders like you remain in power, women will remain unsafe. The time has come to uproot such people from power. The way you view women is now clear to the public, and the public will respond to this,” she declared. Jharkhand is also scheduled to go to polls on the 13th and 20th of November and the counting will be done on the 23rd of November along with Maharashtra.

1...669670671...7,609Page 670 of 7,609