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‘Om Namah Shivay’ inscriptions, figurines of Hindu deities, and more: ASI says ‘parts of pre-existing temples converted into a mosque’ in scientific report on Bhojshala complex

OpIndia Staff
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‘Om Namah Shivay’ inscriptions, figurines of Hindu deities, and more: ASI says ‘parts of pre-existing temples converted into a mosque’ in scientific report on Bhojshala complex

On Monday (15th July), the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted its report on the scientific survey conducted on the Bhojshala complex situated in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, copies of the ASI report have also been sent to the central and state governments. The ASI conducted a scientific survey of the Bhojshala complex on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court as it has been embroiled in a dispute over its religious character. In its report, the ASI stated that the scientific investigation revealed that the existing structure was made from the parts of pre-existing temples and it was modified and converted into a mosque.  

In its report, ASI said, “The art and architecture on pillars suggest that they were part of temples.” The ASI noted that the remains are of a pre-existing temple. It also added that mutilated Vishnu sculptures were found during the survey.

The finding mentioned that the three pillars art and architecture suggest that they were part of temples. According to the ASI report, the existing mosque structure was built on a pre-existing structure adding that the stone superstructure was modified and converted into a mosque.


According to the ASI report, the pre-existing structure dates back to the Paramara period. The report said, “Based on the existing inscriptions in the complex it can be said that the inscriptions contained literary works composed by some of the Paramara kings.”

Sanskrit-Prakrit inscriptions older than Arabic found, most inscriptions start with Om Sarasvityanamah, Om Namah Shivay

Further in the report, the ASI has stated that most inscriptions on the complex structure “started with the invocation of gods such as Om Sarasvityanamah, Om Namah Shivay”.

Additionally, it has been mentioned that a large number of large-sized inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit were also found during the scientific survey. The ASI report noted that the Sanskrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic ones. 

The report said, “All Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are earlier than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users of engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier.” 

Idols, and figurines of Hindu deities found during the survey

Additionally, the report added that the ASI found sculptures of Hindu deities including Lord Ganesha at the complex site. The ASI survey team found mutilated structures of a Vishnu idol and other temple remains. They added that images on the previous structure, including those of Brahma, Ganesh, Narasimha, and Bhairava, were chiselled or defaced and reused in the present structure.

The report stated, “Images carved on these included Ganesha, Brahma with his consorts, Narasimha, Bhairava, other gods and goddesses, human and animal figures. As human and animal figures are not permitted at the mosque, such images have been chiselled out or defaced.” 

As per the report, the ASI found a painting of a Trishul. The report added that they found a grey Trishul painting on the right hand of an idol, measuring around 10cm long and 8cm wide. 

According to media reports, a total of 94 sculptures, sculptural fragments, and architectural members with sculptural depictions were observed during the investigation. They are composed of basalt, marble, schist, soft stone, sandstone, and limestone. Sculptures of four armed deities were carved on the windows, pillars, and used beams. The images carved on them include Ganesha, Brahma with his wives, Nrisimha, Bhairava, other deities, and human and animal figures.

As per media reports, the images carved on the house included that of the lion, elephant, horse, dog, monkey, snake, tortoise, swan, and other birds. It also includes various types of Kirtimukha human faces, lion faces, and mixed faces in mythological and mixed figures. Notably, human and animal figures are not allowed in mosques so these images have been chiselled or defaced. 


This can be seen on the pillars and pilasters in the western and eastern pillars. The entrance to the southeast chamber is on a lintel in the western colonnade. Reportedly, because of this, the Kirtimukhas with human, animal, and mixed faces carved on many pillars in the western pillars were not destroyed. The small figures of deities carved on the frames of the windows on the north and south walls of the western pillar are also in comparatively good condition.

Inscriptions indicate the tradition of the existence of an educational center

Furthermore, the inscriptions on the Bhojshala complex also indicate the tradition of the existence of an educational center.

According to media reports, several fragments found in and around the present structure contain similar text. There are hundreds of verse numbers which indicate that these were long literary works. The two Nagakamika inscriptions in the western pillar, engraved on two different pillars, are of grammatical and educational interest. These two inscriptions point to the tradition of the existence of a center of education. 

It is believed to have been founded by Raja Bhoj. The opening verses of an inscription mention King Naravarman, son of Udayaditya of the Paramara dynasty, who ruled between 1094-1133 AD. 

The ASI recently found a total of 31 coins of silver, copper, aluminum, and steel which are believed to be more than 1,000 years old. Reportedly, these coins belong to the period of Indo-Sasanian (10th-11th century), Delhi Sultanate (13th-14th century), Malwa Sultan (15th-16th century), and Mughal (15th-16th century) period. These coins were found in the present structure in the Dhar state in the 18th century. The oldest coins found at the site are Indo-Sasanian. These coins may belong to the 10th-11th century.

It is believed that these coins are from the time when Parmar kings were ruling Malwa with their capital at Dhar.

It is important to note that the ASI began a scientific survey on 22nd March this year following the orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Initially, the court had asked the ASI to submit its report on 29th April. However, the ASI submitted an application to seek eight more weeks to submit its report, citing a delay in the process. 

Bhojshala complex has been at the centre of a dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities as the Muslims insist that the Bhojshala complex is Kamal Maula mosque but the Hindus note that it is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). 

Puja Khedkar had submitted non-creamy layer OBC certificate for MBBS admission in 2007: Director of Kashibai Navale Medical College

ANI
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Puja Khedkar had submitted non-creamy layer OBC certificate for MBBS admission in 2007: Director of Kashibai Navale Medical College

Amidst the ongoing controversy over probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar, it has now been revealed that Khekar had submitted a non-creamy layer OBC Certificate to secure admission to MBBS in 2007.

As per information given by Arvind Bhore, Director of Shrimati Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Puja had secured a seat for the MBBS course in the college through the Association of Management of Unaided Private Medical and Dental Colleges of Maharashtra (AMUPDMC) entrance test and had scored 146 marks out of 200. She was enrolled in the college’s first batch in 2007.

Giving further information, Bhore said that she had also taken the CET exams but since she achieved a better score in the AMUPDMC exam the seat was given on that basis. The AMUPMDC exam no longer exists after the introduction of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Khedkar had secured a seat in the college under the reserved Nomadic tribe-3 category, furnishing a non-creamy layer OBC certificate.
Bhore said, “She had provided a non-creamy layer certificate of the NT-3 category of the Vanjari community at the time of the admission. We had checked all the documents at the time of submission and found them to be authentic government records. The issuing authority was from Ahmednagar district.”

He also added, “She had submitted her medical fitness certificate and according to that she was medically fit.”

Earlier, Pune RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar had raised questions about Khedkar’s appointment alleging that she did not fall under the OBC non-creamy layer as her father had assets worth Rs 40 crore.

“As per the rules, only those come under the OBC non-creme layer category whose parents are under 8 lac per annum of income, but their income shows that it is 40 crore. Her parents contested the recent Lok Sabha polls and all the property details are there in the affidavit,” he said.

“Her father, Dilip Khedkar, in his Lok Sabha polls affidavit, showed a conservative estimated wealth of Rs 40 crore and an annual income of Rs 49 lakh. The information is in the public domain. Based on the election affidavit filed by her father in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the total assets of Khedkar’s father amount to Rs 40 crore,” Kumbhar claimed.

“This raises the question of how Puja Khedkar could come under the OBC non-creamy layer category. A detailed investigation must be done on how she was appointed as an IAS officer in that category,” he further said.

Kumbhar says that Puja Khedkar’s IAS application and past need to be investigated so that the truth is revealed.

“I did some research and it has been revealed in the research that either Puja Khedekar gave a non-creamy layer certificate or her father had been lying in the election affidavit, whatever it is, all these things need to be investigated and the truth must come to the fore,” Kumbhar claimed.

Khedkar has been under scrutiny for allegedly abusing her authority and submitting fraudulent disability and caste certificates to qualify for the civil service exam.

She has been accused of various corruption cases, including the unauthorised use of a vehicle equipped with a beacon light and demanding privileges such as a separate office, official vehicle, and staff, which are typically not granted to trainee officers.

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

Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma drops cases against Hindu Bengalis under foreigners tribunal, issues fresh directives on CAA

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma drops cases against Hindu Bengalis under foreigners tribunal, issues fresh directives on CAA

In a significant development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued new directives for the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Notably, cases against Hindu Bengalis under the Foreigners Tribunal have been dropped, as many of them claim to be citizens who entered before 1971 and therefore do not wish to apply under the new law.

During a press conference, Sarma mentioned that most Hindu Bengalis prefer to prove their citizenship status in court rather than applying under the CAA. According to a home department order, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Jains, and Buddhists from Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Bangladesh who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, are eligible to apply for citizenship. Consequently, the border police may not forward their cases to the Foreigners Tribunal.

The central government will determine their citizenship based on the facts and circumstances of each case, and a separate register will be maintained for these cases. However, this provision does not apply to those who entered India from these countries after December 31, 2014, regardless of their faith.

Sarma stated, “So far, only two people have applied. Anyone who arrived in India before 2015 under the CAA has the first right to apply for citizenship. If they do not apply, we will lodge a case for them. This is a statutory instruction. We will deport those who came after 2015. Out of five applications, three individuals were not present at the hearing, and only two have applied under the CAA.”

Bannu Cantt in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attacked with explosives, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s faction Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad claims responsibility

OpIndia Staff
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Bannu Cantt in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attacked with explosives, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan’s faction Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad claims responsibility

On July 15, 2024, a coordinated and devastating attack rocked the Bannu cantonment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The attack featured a few suicide bombers and heavy firing, resulting in numerous casualties. The Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad, a faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, has claimed responsibility for this incident.

The attack commenced early in the morning when the assailants attempted to break through the cantonment’s security walls with an explosive-laden vehicle. The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons and wearing suicide vests, began their attack by detonating a car at a checkpoint. The big explosion caused panic, allowing the remaining attackers to move forward.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing several loud explosions, followed by intense firing. The assailants took advantage of the initial confusion and engaged in a heated shootout with security officers stationed at the cantonment. Despite the Pakistani Army’s efforts to stop the attackers, the incident is said to have resulted in significant damage and casualties.

According to initial reports, at least 12 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and several more are injured. However, a report by News 24 Digital states that around 8 Civilians in the cantonment’s proximity are also said to have lost their lives, the precise number of deaths is yet unknown. The Pakistani Army responded swiftly, deploying a gunship aircraft to give aerial support and engage the attackers from above.

As the firefight raged, the military imposed a lockdown in the region, restricting internet and phone services to prevent the assailants from coordinating additional attacks or fleeing. The current operation aimed to secure the region and safeguard the safety of both military troops and civilians.

Jaish Fursan-e-Muhammad, an affiliate of the TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. As per the reports, this faction has been recognized for its militant activity in the region, frequently targeting security forces and government buildings. The statement underscores the group’s continued conflict with the Pakistani military. 

The attack on Bannu Cantonment underlines Pakistan’s ongoing security concerns, notably in the volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area. Political leaders and international observers are said to have condemned the act, urging intensified efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability.

As per several social media updates, 3 attackers have been killed and around 60 people have been reported as injured. The story is developing. Details will be updated once obtained and confirmed.

Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient Uma Bhagwati temple reopens in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district after 34 years

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient Uma Bhagwati temple reopens in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district after 34 years

On Sunday (14th July), the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Uma Bhagwati was reopened after a long gap of 34 years. The temple is located at Brari Aangan in the Shangus area in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai was present during the ceremony to reopen the temple.  

After the outbreak of terrorism in the Kashmir valley in the late 1980s, the temple was vandalised. The inauguration ceremony was held after the completion of restoration work at the Mandir. 

Devotees in large numbers, especially Kashmiri Pandits, were present on the occasion to pay obeisance to Goddess Uma Bhagwati and seek darshan of the deity. The ceremony was attended by a large number of devotees who came from different parts of the Union territory. 

During the ceremony, an idol of Goddess Uma Bhagwati was placed in the sanctum sanctorum amid the chanting of religious hymns. The idol was brought from Rajasthan.

Addressing the gathering of devotees, MoS Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai expressed confidence that a large number of devotees shall visit the temple after its re-opening. 

He said that the government’s commitment towards a developed Jammu & Kashmir and the UT’s own syncretic culture shall go a long way to develop J&K into a prosperous and peaceful region. 

During his address, he reiterated the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. Rai said, “This is PM Modi’s India. Either you (terrorists) will go to hell, or you will be buried 7 feet below the ground. Choose yourself what you accept. You either go to India’s jail or dedicate your life to a good cause. India is now living with a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.” 

At the ceremony, Minister Rai was accompanied by Anantnag Deputy Commissioner Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Senior Superintendent of Police G V Sandeep Chakravarthy, and officers from the district administration. Functionaries of Uma Bhagwati Asthapan Trust were also present at the event. 

The deputy commissioner assured that the administration would provide all support to the devotees to facilitate their visit to the shrine.

It is pertinent to note that the Uma Bhagwati Mandir at Brariangan is an ancient temple. Before terrorism in Kashmir, devotees used to come in large numbers from different parts of the erstwhile state to pay obeisance to the goddess and seek darshan of the deity. 

The Mandir is located amidst five springs. These five springs include Brahma Kund, Vishnu Kund, Rudhra Kund, and Shiv Shakti Kund.

Muslim-dominated Manglaur of Uttarakhand: What it tells us about community voting patterns and hidden lessons – from BJP’s 2012 debacle to 2024 near victory

Nupur J Sharma
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Muslim-dominated Manglaur of Uttarakhand: What it tells us about community voting patterns and hidden lessons – from BJP’s 2012 debacle to 2024 near victory

On the 13th of July 2024, Congress secured two major victories in Uttarakhand Assembly by-polls – one from the Manglaur seat and the other, from Badrinath. The party and the media celebrated almost immediately. It was touted as a defeat for the BJP and a victory for the politics of Rahul Gandhi. The Manglaur seat, however, presents unique insights into the voting pattern of different communities, especially the Muslim community.

Manglaur city, according to the 2011 census data, is one with almost 90% Muslim population. The Assembly constituency, however, is reported to have at least over 45% Muslim electorate, coupled with an almost 20% SC electorate. According to India Today, the Manglaur Assembly Constituency has a 52,000-strong Muslim voter base, while it has a Dalit voter base of 18,000, Jat (14,000), and Gujjar (8,000).

The Manglaur seat became vacant after BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari died in October last year. With a history dating back to the early 10th century, Manglaur was named after Mangal Singh of the Chauhan clan who built a fort there. Today, it is a predominantly Muslim town.

In the 2024 by-election, the victorious candidate was Congress’ Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin with 37.91% votes. Second, was BJP’s Kartar Singh Bhadana 37.4% votes. Third was BSP candidate Obedur Rehman with 23.4% votes.

Manglaur being a Muslim-dominated constituency, the fact that Qazi Mohammad Nizammudin won is no surprise, however, a slightly deeper look into the numbers reveals interesting insights into community voting patterns.

Manglaur has never voted for a non-Muslim candidate

Since 2022, Muslim candidates – either from the Congress or the BSP have ruled the electoral politics of the constituency.

The winning Congress candidate in the 2024 by-poll was a BSP candidate in 2002. In 2002, Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin won with an almost 40% vote share in Manglaur. In second place was a Congress Muslim candidate – Sarwat Karim Ansari – with a 27.5% vote share.

In the 2007 Assembly Elections, the results were not too different.

Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin won as a BSP candidate with an almost 37% vote share defeating Congress’ Muslim candidate who came third with a 27% vote share. Second was an RLD candidate, Chaudhry Kulveer Singh, with a 32% vote share.

In 2012, Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin switched from BSP to Congress and ended up coming second with a 33.07% vote share. BSP’s Ansari won with a 34.3% vote share. The difference was far more marginal than in the previous years.

In 2017, INC’s Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin won again with a 38.58% vote share, defeating BSP’s Ansari with a 35.29% vote share.

In 2022, the sequence changed against with BSP’s Ansari winning and Congress’ Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin coming second.

In the 2024 elections, while Congress’ Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin won with 37.91%, something shifted massively.

In the 2024 by-elections, BJP fielded Kartar Singh Bhadana – a Hind candidate – who ended up getting a whopping 37.4% vote share – losing only marginally from Congress’ Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin.

Essentially, Manglaur as an Assembly Constituency has always seen a Muslim candidate winning since the formation of the state of Uttarakhand in 2000 switching between Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin and Sarwat Karim Ansari.

Victory for Congress’ Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin, but massive strides for BJP

Historical data proves that the Muslim-dominated constituency has always ensured that a Muslim candidate wins in the Assembly polls, however, in the 2024 by-election, a massive shift was observed.

The BJP fielded a Hindu candidate Kartar Singh Bhadana, who lost to Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin only by 422 votes.

The Muslim candidate fielded by BSP Obedur Rehman got 23.37% votes – which indicates a 13.8% fall in vote share for BSP. BJP’s vote share, on the other hand, went up by 16.04%. It would certainly seem on the face of it that the entirety of the BSP vote share shifted to BJP.

While the BSP electoral in Manglaur was voting for Muslim candidates fielded by the party, this time, it would appear that a large chunk of the Hindu electorate shifted to BJP and consolidated behind it. This electoral would include SCs, Jats, and Gujjars.

This appears to be only the second time that a Hindu candidate was able to get a substantial vote share in the Manglaur Assembly seat. The first time a Hindu candidate got a substantial vote share in the Assembly Constituency was in 2007 when RLD’s Chaudhry Kulveer Singh came second with a 32.01% vote share. The vote share of Singh was also substantially lower than the BJP candidate in 2024 – who got 37.4% vote share. In 2007, the Hindu candidate of RLD lost by 3393 votes, while in 2024, the Hindu candidate of BJP lost merely by a 422 votes margin.

This indicates a massive shift in the Manglaur Assembly Constituency where it is evident that this scale of Hindu consolidation has perhaps happened for the first time in the Assembly Constituency which has only elected Muslim candidates owing to the seat being dominated by Muslims.

BJP fielded a Muslim candidate only once in 2012 – who got only 2061 votes

Since the inception of Uttarakhand, the BJP has fielded a Muslim candidate from the Manglaur constituency only once. In the 2012 Assembly Elections, BJP fielded Kaleem as its candidate.

In the 2012 Assembly Elections, where BJP fielded a Muslim candidate, the candidate garnered only 2,061 votes. To put things in perspective, Sarwat Karim Ansari of BSP got 24,706 (and won) while Qazi Mohammad Nizamuddin from Congress came second with 24,008 votes. The Hindu candidate fielded by RLD, Gaurac Chaudhury came third with 19,354 votes.

While a Hindu candidate by RLD was in the fray, the Constituency failed to see the kind of consolidation in 2012 that it has seen in 2024, with the BJP fielding a Hindu candidate.

What does Manglaur tell us about community voting patterns?

First and foremost, from the voting pattern, it becomes imperative that we address the eternal grouse of “liberals” that Muslims don’t find adequate representation in electoral politics. Manglaur makes it more than evident that when the Muslim population of a constituency breaches the 40% mark, the winning candidate from that constituency is almost always a Muslim. This underscores the evident voting pattern of the Muslim community that they consolidate to vote for a Muslim candidate almost without exception. When the Muslim community shows that pattern of voting, as an axiomatic reality, the “liberals” and the Muslims, who often whine about representation and the fact that the Hindu majority does not necessarily vote for Muslim candidates, cannot grudge the Hindu population their choice of candidate either. If the Muslims vote as a bloc for Muslim candidates, Hindus can certainly vote as a bloc for Hindu candidates and parties that are not necessarily pandering to the Muslim veto are free to field Hindu candidates almost exclusively.

Beyond this, however, what is the fate of the Muslim candidate when a party like the BJP fields one – a demand that the “liberals” often make? In 2012, when BJP actually fielded a Muslim candidate, the candidate managed to get only 2061 votes. This only goes to show that the Muslim electorate not only wants a Muslim candidate, but the Muslim candidate should also be from a party which they believe is going to pander to them unequivocally. If a party carries even the perception of not being anti-Hindu and unequivocally pro-Muslim appeasement, their Muslim candidates are also going to lose miserably.

When this is the electoral mentality of the Muslim community, the community itself and their allies – the Left – should stop expecting the BJP to field Muslim candidates.

The pattern also holds lessons for BJP – of course. The difference in their 2012 performance and 2024 performance is clearly indicative of the fact that any kind of ‘social considerations’ from within the Hindu community reaps electoral benefits, while pandering to the Muslim community electorally is almost surely not going to bring them success. The BJP fielded a Muslim candidate in 2012 with the intention of making inroads into the Muslim dominated constituency and hoping to get a piece of the Muslim electorate pie. The result of fielding that Muslim candidate is rather apparent – it got no Muslim votes and the Hindu electoral did not trust the BJP either. It is only when they fielded a Hindu candidate did the constituency see an unprecedented consolidation of the Hindu vote in favour of BJP.

Local journalists tell us that the threat of demographic change weighs heavily on the Hindus of Manglaur and therefore, the consolidation in these by-elections favoured the BJP. Further, BJP also managed to get its caste equations right this time by fielding Kartar Singh Bhadana. Manglaur borders Uttar Pradesh and therefore, a candidate from Haryana appealed to the Hindus of Manglaur. The caste equation, coupled with the awareness among the population about the shifting demographic change, helped BJP clinch the consolidation which resulted in the party losing by only 422 seats.

It is evident from the results of Manglaur that Hindu consolidation coupled with getting community considerations right is the only electoral way ahead for the BJP – one which may be a potent answer to Muslim consolidation – as seen in Lok Sabha elections repeatedly.

‘Muslims will do the dirty work of making bombs but Hindus will take top positions’: TMC leader Mohammed Yunus accuses party of discrimination

OpIndia Staff
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‘Muslims will do the dirty work of making bombs but Hindus will take top positions’: TMC leader Mohammed Yunus accuses party of discrimination

On Thursday (11th July), a Trinamool Congress leader named Mohammed Yunus courted controversy after he accused Hindus of usurping top positions in the party and leaving dirty work for the Muslims.

The incident took place in Sainthia city in Birbhum district of West Bengal. In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Yunus was heard saying, “Where can the minorities (Muslims) do? Where can the minorities go?” “

“The majority (Hindus) have taken all top positions in the party. We need to poke them in the eyes and show them that we exist,” the TMC Minority Morcha leader brazened out.

“You guys are not able to win in your own booths. In such circumstances, what responsibility will you take to lead the party? They (Hindus) are at the helm of all core committees. We need to think about it,” Mohammed Yunus stated.

He lamented, “We (Muslims) will do all the (dirty) work, starting from making bombs…This is not right.” Amid the controversy, the Trinamool Congress is mulling supsending the Minority Morcha leader from the party.

While speaking about the matter, BJP leader Dhruba Saha remarked, “They are (finally) admitting that they make bombs, capture booths and murder democratic right of the people to ensure TMC’s victory.”

Firhad Hakim gives open call to convert people to Islam

Earlier, this month, the Mayor of Kolkata Firhad Hakim stirred the hornet’s nest for deriding non-Muslims as ‘unfortunate’ and openly calling for their religious conversion to Islam.

During his address at the All India Quran competition, Hakim claimed, “Those who were not born into Islam were born with misfortune. If we can give them Dawat (call for proselytism) and bring Iman (Faith) in them, then, we will make Allah happy.”

“We need to spread Islam among non-Muslims. If we can bring someone on the path of Islam, then, we will prove to be a true Muslims by ensuring the spread of Faith,” he brazened out.

Firhad Hakim further emphasised, “We showcase strength when thousands of people sit like this wearing skull caps. It shows unity and gives an assurance that none can subdue us.”

“Since we are born into Islam, Prophet and Allah made a clear path for us to Jannat. If we don’t commit any sins, we will directly go to Jaant,” the Kolkata Mayor was heard saying.

TMC MLA justifies Taliban-style public flogging of woman in ‘Muslim Rashtra’

On 30th June, TMC MLA Hamidul Rehman justified the Taliban-style flogging of a woman in full public glare in Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

Rehman alleged, “The woman was doing unsocial work in the absence of her husband. A meeting was held by the villagers over her activities and a collective decision was made.”

Hamidul Rehman went on to claim that Chopra, where the incident took place, constituted ‘Muslim Rashtra’. He was heard saying, “In our Muslim rashtra, there are certain rules of conduct and punishment.”

“But it had become little extreme this time. That is why we are now reprimanding the villagers.” the TMC MLA concluded.

‘Khatakhat’ economics taking a toll on Karnataka: Bus fare hike proposed after Rs 295 crore loss from free travel scheme

Shraddha Pandey
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‘Khatakhat’ economics taking a toll on Karnataka: Bus fare hike proposed after Rs 295 crore loss from free travel scheme

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to propose a hike in the bus fare by up to 20%. This comes after Congress’s populist Shakti scheme under the “five guarantee” schemes, which offers free bus travel for women in Karnataka, resulted in an enormous loss of Rs 295 crore for the KSRTC over the last three months.

The KSRTC Chairman SR Srinivas underlined the necessity of raising ticket rates to keep the department running. “A board meeting on Friday decided to increase bus ticket prices and bring this to the chief minister’s attention. Bus services are essential. If a bus driver doesn’t show up, a village may lose its bus service for the day. We’ve incurred a loss of Rs 295 crore in the last three months due to the Shakti scheme, Srinivas said adding that if ticket prices are not hiked, the KSRTC will not survive,” Srinivas said. It must be noted here that KSRTC is otherwise a profit-making body, however, the burden of the Shakti scheme has pushed it towards enduring Rs 295 crore losses.

Similarly, Raju Kage, Chairman of North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), ascribed the Corporation’s losses to the Shakti scheme. “We haven’t increased bus fares in the last 10 years. The department is at a loss, but we’re still managing,” Kage said.

Increasing bus fares is a measure to recuperate some of the lost revenue, but it disproportionately affects those who do not benefit from the free travel scheme and would be unfair to them.

Congress’s five-guarantee scheme drying out Karnataka’s treasury

Freebies function like a communist dream of Utopia, initially, everything appears perfectly fine, but soon, soon reality hits. Initially, the Congress-friendly media and the extended ecosystem showered praises on the state government for its populist “five guarantees”. The ecosystem claimed that the implementation of these freebie-squandering schemes would somehow strike a balance with the state’s economic health and public welfare, however, the reality is far from the tall claims made.

Last week,  Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s financial advisor, Basavraj Rayareddy lamented that the state lacks funds for development projects due to guarantee schemes.

“Many MLAs are demanding funds for development works in their constituencies, however, there is no money with the government. We are spending approximately Rs 65,000 crore on guarantee schemes. Since I am the financial advisor, I somehow managed to get the grant for a lake development project. People want development. But believe me, there is no money. Since I am the financial advisor, I managed to get funds for the lake development project here,” Rayareddy said adding that it has become practically impossible for state MLAs to acquire funding for projects in their constituencies.

State government increasing prices and taxes to sustain freebies

The Congress government has introduced five key guarantee schemes aimed at providing various benefits to the residents. While announcing such schemes political parties claim to alleviate the financial burden on the people, however, these are largely vote-attracting measures.

Notably, Congress’s five guarantee schemes in Karnataka include Gruha Jyothi, as per this, all households receive 200 units of free power; under Gruha Lakshmi, the woman head of every family receives Rs 2,000 monthly assistance; under Anna Bhagya, cash is given to each member of a BPL household instead of an additional 5 kg of rice; under YuvaNidhi, unemployed graduate youth receive Rs 3,000 per month; under Shakti scheme, women are given free travel on public buses. To fund these schemes, CM Siddaramaiah allocated approximately Rs 52,000 crore in February this year, however, the amount apparently, did not prove sufficient to sustain the distribution of freebies.

While the state government allocated 20% of the budget towards providing freebies, in February this year, the CM Siddaramaiah-led government set aside 40% of the  Rs.1,20,373 crore meant for welfare programmes. While CM Siddaramaiah claimed that the five guarantees will have a positive economic impact, the impact is more negative than positive.

The state government has had to resort to significant tax hikes, placing an additional financial burden on the people of Karnataka and potentially affecting economic growth.

Since its launch in June last year, the Karnataka Congress government has significantly increased various taxes to sustain its five guarantee schemes and last year, increased the excise duty on Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by 20% and on beer from 175% to 185%​. The government had also revised guidance values for all immovable properties by 15-20%, increasing the property tax burden on residents.

In February of this year, the Karnataka government increased Stamp Duty costs by 200% to 500% on any documents that do not require registration. Some concerns that increased stamp duty could negatively impact residential and commercial real estate activity in Bengaluru.

There have been proposals to tax fees for the collection of solid waste from houses in Bengaluru, as well as revisions to mining licence fees.

In June this year, the Congress government in Karnataka announced a Rs 3 surge in petrol prices bringing the cost per litre in Bengaluru to Rs 102.84, up from the previous rate of Rs 99.84. Similarly, the price of diesel was increased by Rs 3.02, raising the cost per litre from Rs 85.93 to Rs 88.95.

Besides, petrol and diesel, the state government also announced that it will hike water tariffs saying that “it has become imperative to increase the water tariff as the water board is not able to pay the electricity bill.”

Other than this, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) increased milk prices by Rs 2 last month. After this, a 550 ml packet of Nandini’s toned milk (blue) would cost Rs 24, while a 1,050 ml packet would cost Rs 44. Reports say that this hike was the second in less than a year as in July 2023, the KMF increased rates by Rs 3 per litre.

The desperation of the Congress government is also seen in its alleged diversion of the funds meant for SC/ST communities to implement the five guarantee schemes. It has been alleged that the Congress government diverted around 37% of the funds allocated under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal-Sub-Plan (SCSP-TSP) for the implementation of its guarantee schemes.  

Governments often promote welfare schemes and freebies as a means to garner public support, but these initiatives frequently come at a hidden cost. As discussed above, the Congress government’s implementation of five guarantee schemes in Karnataka has led to significant tax hikes to fund these programs. While the people of Karnataka might receive free services or financial aid on the surface, the reality is that the cost is often passed back to them through increased taxes and levies elsewhere. This approach appears to be a form of financial sleight of hand, where the government claims to offer “freebies” while simultaneously placing a heavier tax burden on the populace. Such measures strain household finances and potentially stifle economic growth, as increased taxes can reduce disposable income and consumer spending.

While these schemes claim to provide immediate relief and support to many families, the long-term economic implications and sustainability of such measures remain a concern. These freebies deplete the public treasury, forcing state governments to raise taxes to replenish it. Ultimately, the larger burden is always on the people.

Bihar: Hindu family attacked, car damaged during Muharram procession, victims say some of the attackers looked familiar

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar: Hindu family attacked, car damaged during Muharram procession, victims say some of the attackers looked familiar

On 14th July, a Hindu family was attacked during a Muharram procession near Sardarganj Chowk in Dalsinghsarai, Bihar. While the media claimed the incident took place after a clash between the two groups, the family asserted that the attack was deliberate.

According to the police, two groups of Islamists created a ruckus while playing Tajia. The mob broke the glass panes of several vehicles. The situation escalated further when Amitesh Kumar, a resident of Basoli, Madhubani, was driving through Nawada Sardarganj Chowk with his wife Sadhna Kumari and their son. Amitesh stated that some Islamists from the Muharram procession attacked his car with a sword. The glass of the car got shattered injuring the minor son.

In a statement, the family described the attack as unprovoked. Amitesh insisted on the fact that they were not in the path of the procession, yet the mob attacked them. He said, “I was driving slowly, on the side, not obstructing the procession. Suddenly, they pulled out swords and attacked our car from all sides. My son, who was in the back seat, got injured.” Amitesh pointed out that he identified some of the attendees of the procession. He and his wife said, “They attacked us without any reason. I was driving slowly on the side, the procession was there, and some of their members, whom I recognised, attacked us. We recognised them very well. When they are caught, it will be understood why they attacked.”

As the mob got unruly around Sardarganj Chowk, the passersby and other drivers fled the scene. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vivek Kumar Sharma said in a statement that the altercation between the two local groups started over carrying soil. The car of Amitesh Kumar got caught in the crossfire. DSP Sharma said that an FIR has been registered in the matter and CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the culprits. He assured that strict action would be taken against the accused.

Though an investigation into the matter has been initiated by the police on the complaint of Amitesh Kumar, he said in a statement that despite repeated calls for assistance, no immediate help arrived from the authorities. He expressed his frustration and said, “We called the administration several times, but no one came. It feels like a major mishap could have happened, and there’s no accountability.”

Provocative slogans raised during Muharram procession in Amethi outside police station

On 14th July, a mob of Islamists reportedly raised slogans of “Hindustan mein rehna hai, Ya Hussain kehna hai” (If you want to live in India, you have to say ‘Ya Hussain’) outside Musafirkhana Police Station in Amethi. The incident happened during the Muharram procession. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Police have filed an FIR in the matter and some of the suspects have been detained.

Pro-American, politically incorrect critic of Democratic Party: Meet Corey Comperatore, the man who died saving his family during assassination attempt on Donald Trump

OpIndia Staff
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Pro-American, politically incorrect critic of Democratic Party: Meet Corey Comperatore, the man who died saving his family during assassination attempt on Donald Trump

On Saturday (13th July, local time), a 20-year-old man named Thomas James Crooks carried out an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump during an election rally in Pennsylvania. The attack left one spectator killed and two others injured.

The deceased has now been identified as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore. A former fire chief in Buffalo Township and a vocal supporter of Trump, Corey jumped in front of his daughter and wife to shield them from the assassin’s bullets.

While speaking about the incident on Sunday (14th July, local time), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro remarked, “We lost a fellow Pennsylvanian last night: Corey Comperatore…Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday.”

“Corey loved his community. And most especially, Corey loved his family. Corey died a hero. He dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally…Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro emphasised.

Allyson, the daughter of Corey Comperatore, detailed the heroics of her father when faced with imminent threats to their lives.

“The media will not tell you that he died a real-life super hero. They are not going to tell you how quickly he threw my mom and I to the ground. They are not going to tell you that he shielded my body from the bullet that came at us. He loved his family. He truly loved us enough to take a real bullet for us. And I want nothing more than to cry on him and tell him thank you,” she said in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Screengrab of the Facebook post of Allyson Comperatore

Allyson thanked her deceased father for his selflessness and for being the “best dad a girl could ask for”. She concluded, “Dad, I love you so much that there aren’t enough words to express how deep that love goes. I know you’ll give heaven some hell. I know that God is proud
of the man that came to His gates yesterday.”

Hours before his death, Corey Comperatore had posted about going to the Trump rally held in Pennsylvania.

The deceased was a vocal critic of Joe Biden and his fearmongering tactics against Donald Trump.

In December last year, the incumbent US President had tweeted, “Trump poses many threats to our country: The right to choose, civil rights, voting rights, and America’s standing in the world. But the greatest threat he poses is to our democracy. If we lose that, we lose everything.

Corey Comperatore did not mince words before lambasting Joe Biden and said, “We are not stupid people. Stop talking to us as if we are.”

Screengrab of the tweet by Corey Comperatore

The former fire chief had also made it clear, in one of his tweets, that he would rather save Russian PM Vladimir Putin instead of Democrats.

Screengrab of the tweet by Corey Comperatore

The pro-Trump supporter was politically incorrect. He often took potshots at the Democratic Party’s delusional gender politics and appeasement of pro-Hamas cheerleaders in the United States.

As evident from his tweets, Corey Comperatore was against the United States providing military aid to Ukraine to fight Russia.

In 2023, former United States Secretary of state Mike Pompeo claimed that America would lose if Ukraine lost the war to Russia. “The least costly way to move forward is to provide Ukraine with the weapons needed to win and end the war,” he had claimed.

A true American at heart, Corey Comperatore had questioned the stance of the Republican and inquired, “And what exactly will our great loss?”

Screengrab of the tweet by Corey Comperatore

“Send the illegal immigrants to Ukraine and let them fight for freedom. Let’s see how bad they really want it,” he had tweeted in May last year.

In his memory, the Volunteer Fire Department in Buffalo Township put the fire fighting gear of Corey Comperatore on full public display.

At the time of writing, people had donated a whopping $813,146 (~₹6.79 crores) to the family of Corey Comperatore through a GoFundMe campaign.

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