In a video message on X on Tuesday, Swati Maliwal’s ex-husband, Naveen Jaihind, claimed that the former DCW chief’s life was in danger and urged her to come forward and speak out.
“I am Naveen Jaihind. Since yesterday, I have been receiving numerous calls from journalists about what happened to Swati Maliwal at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence. Firstly, I want to clarify that I am divorced from her and have had no contact with her for the past four years. Secondly, I want to assert that what happened to Swati was premeditated, and now she is being threatened. Anything could happen to her,” Naveen said.
“The person who assaulted Swati wouldn’t dare act without someone else’s orders. I just watched Sanjay Singh’s press conference and I want to tell him to stop pretending because he knows everything. Swati should stand up and speak for herself. What are you afraid of? Speak up, we are all with you. Her life is in danger,” said Jaihind.
Shocking news coming from Swati Maliwal's ex-husband, Naveen Jaihind.
He has claimed that Swati's life is under threat and urged AAP leader Sanjay Singh to stop covering up by creating fake statements, stating that he knows everything.
— Jitendra Gautam ?️??? (Modiji ka Parivar) (@JagrutBharatiya) May 14, 2024
AAP leader Sanjay Singh confirms Swati Maliwal was assaulted at Delhi CM’s residence
Earlier today, senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh confirmed that his fellow Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was assaulted yesterday at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Singh added that Bibhav Kumar who is the Personal assistant of Delhi CM assaulted and misbehaved with her. He asserted that CM Kejriwal has taken cognisance of the matter and will take appropriate action against him.
Describing yesterday’s attack on Swati Maliwal as condemnable, Sanjay Singh said, “Yesterday, a condemnable incident took place. Swati Maliwal had gone to Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to meet him. While she was waiting for him in the drawing room, Vaibhav Kumar allegedly misbehaved with her. The CM has taken cognisance of the matter, and he will take appropriate action.”
On Monday (13th May), the former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal accused the Personal secretary of Arvind Kejriwal of assaulting her.
“One PCR call at 9:34 am was received at PS Civil Lines from a lady saying she (Swati Maliwal) had been assaulted at CM House. After some time, MP Madam came to PS Civil Lines, however, she left stating she would give a complaint later,” the police said.
Around 5.14 crore person-years of employment were generated on an annual basis during the ten years of the Modi government, a report by a leading economic think tank SKOCH Group revealed on Monday (13th May). As per the study, 19.79 crore employment were generated by governance-led interventions while 31.61 crore employment opportunities were contributed by credit-led interventions between 2014 and 2024.
Notably, a person-year is a unit of measurement for the amount of work done by an individual throughout the entire year expressed in hours. The report by the SKOCH Group is titled, Outcomes of Modinomics 2014-24 (A Report Card by SKOCH Group).
It analysed the Employment Generative Impact of ModiNomics: The Paradigm Shifts and it is based on 80 case studies. It covered borrowers who took multiple loans and data on various government schemes.
The group’s press release stated, “Over a period between 2014-24, a total of 51.40 crore employment has been generated. Out of which 19.79 crore employment has been generated by governance-led interventions. The rest, 31.61 crore, has been contributed by credit-led interventions.”
It added that the current study also finds that micro-loans are being used to generate employment that is steady and stable. The release added that the current study takes into account 12 central schemes, including MGNREGS, PMGSY, PMAY-G, PMAY-U, DAY-NULM, RSETI, ABRY, PMEGP, SBM-G, PLI’s, and PM SVANidhi.
SKOCH Group Chairman and author of the report, Sameer Kochhar said, “We have documented 80 case studies from our field visits covering borrowers who have taken multiple loans and the average direct employment per loan amount stands at 6.6 jobs.”
As per the press release, the recent report is a part of SKOCH Group’s ongoing study on employment generation which is titled, ‘A Hundred Voices, A Billion Dreams’.
The studies have shown that the Credit Gap has fallen 12.1% during the past nine years. It has also shown a positive correlation between a reduction in the Credit Gap, a reduction in multidimensional poverty, and an increase in NSDP.
According to the release, the SKOCH reports are based on project-level findings and have a high degree of acceptance. This report is important as it studied the employment-generative impact of structural credit from formal sources and fractional employment and its treatment, the press release added.
The extensive study also revealed that the slew of measures by the Modi government during its ten years of governance not only reduced multidimensional poverty but also led to a surge in domestic production.
It is pertinent to note that SKOCH Group is one of the leading think tanks dealing with socio-economic issues, focusing on inclusive growth since 1997. Its report has consistently received high-level credence. The report has been released by economist Sameer Kochhar, who has authored several books. He is the chairman of this organisation and a historian.
On Tuesday (14th May), Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that after 2002, concerted efforts have been made to tarnish his image. He stressed that his governance model does not discriminate against people on any grounds be it religion or caste. Slamming the opposition’s charge of doing politics of polarisation, PM Modi argued that he believes in the motto of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’ and politics of ‘100% saturation’ – the benefit of Welfare schemes for all.
PM Modi dismisses allegations that he called Muslims ‘ghuspetiyas’ and ‘giving birth to more children’
Notably, PM Modi gave an interview to News18 journalist Rubika Liyaquat at the banks of the River Ganga in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi.
Regarding his statement made in election rallies in Rajasthan after the first phase of polling, he was asked why he called out Muslims as “ghuspetiyas” (infiltrators) and “having more children”.
Dismissing the allegation that he called Muslims ghuspetiyas or giving birth to more children, PM Modi said, “I’m shocked. Why do people assume I’m talking about Muslims when I talk about people having too many children? Even poor Hindu families have this issue. They are not being able to give their kids proper education. I have neither named Hindus nor Muslims. I’ve just made an appeal that has only as many kids as you can take care of.”
Replying to the query whether Muslims will vote for him this election, PM Modi noted, “I believe that the people of the country will vote for me. The day I start doing Hindu-Muslim, I won’t be fit to live in public life. I will not do Hindu-Muslim divide, this is my commitment.”
Concerted efforts to tarnish my Image: PM Modi
Recalling his childhood days, PM Modi added that as a kid he lived among the Muslim communities, and celebrated their festivities like Eid and Taziya. He added that he has a lot of Muslim friends. The Prime Minister further emphasised, “The day I start doing Hindu-Muslim, I won’t be fit to live in public life. I will not do a Hindu-Muslim divide.”
PM Modi said, “I have lived among Muslim families in childhood. I have a lot of Muslim friends. After 2002, efforts were made to tarnish my image,” in an apparent reference to the Gujarat riots that took place in 2002. It is pertinent to note that the opposition and its ecosystem continue to allege that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his government was complicit in the riots despite the Supreme Court absolving him and his government of any wrongdoing.
Speaking with News18 journalist Rubika Liyaquat, PM Modi recalled his childhood days and bonhomie with his friends who hailed from the Muslim community. He said, “Muslim families used to live in our neighbourhood. On Eid, we didn’t use to cook food in my house as the food used to come from the neighbouring Muslim households. On Muharram, we were taught to go under the taziya.”
He added that after 2002, when his image got tainted, he surveyed to know the ground reality.
Sharing the anecdotal story, PM Modi narrated, “In Ahmedabad, there is a place called Manek Chowk where people go to eat in the evening. But during the day, all businessmen are Muslims and all buyers are Hindus. I sent some people to survey that market. When one of them spoke against me, the shopkeeper stopped him and said ‘Do not say a word against Modi. My kids are going to school because of Modi.’ Almost 90% of shop owners had the same thing to say.”
He highlighted how his governments had extended benefits of all welfare schemes with the aim of 100% saturation and didn’t discriminate between beneficiaries based on religion or caste.
Right after India signed a 10-year contract with Iran to manage operations at the Chabahar Port on the 13th of May, the United States has ‘warned’ that any country considering any business deal with Iran is exposing itself to the “potential risks of sanctions”.
During a daily press briefing on Monday, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: “We are aware of these reports that Iran and India have signed a deal concerning the Chabahar port. I will just say, as it relates to the United States, U.S. sanctions on Iran remain in place and we’ll continue to enforce them.”
“Broadly, you’ve heard us say this in several instances, that any entity, anyone considering business deals with Iran, they need to be aware of the potential risk that they are opening themselves up to and the potential risk of sanctions,” Patel added.
When asked if there was a special exemption for the India-Iran Chabahar Port deal, the US State Department Deputy Spokesperson responded, “No!”
India-Iran Chabahar Port Deal
On May 13, India and Iran signed a 10-year contract under which India Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) will invest approximately $120 million to equip and develop the Chabahar port terminal, which India has been working on as part of a trade corridor connecting Iran to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia.
Tehran, #Iran | Historic vistas in ??-?? ties, regional connectivity and India's linkages with Afghanistan, Central Asia and Eurasia under the dynamic leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji.
? Signing of the long-term contract for the operation of Shahid Beheshti Port… pic.twitter.com/VOtOTDPMBd
— Sarbananda Sonowal (Modi Ka Parivar) (@sarbanandsonwal) May 13, 2024
In May 2015, India signed a memorandum of intent to develop the Chabahar port. The contract was executed on May 23, 2016, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Iran.
The 10-year long-term lease arrangement strengthens bilateral ties and builds trust among trading groups in the region.
The Chabahar Port is a landmark project between India and Iran, serving as a transit port for trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. India has played an important role in the development and operation of Chabahar port.
US takes a U-turn from the 2018 exemption
USA’s ‘warning’ against indulging in business deals with Iran hours after India inked the Chabahar Port agreement comes even as the country had back in 2018 granted an exemption to India saying that Chabahar Port would be kept out of the sanctions for the development of Afghanistan.
“After extensive consideration, the Secretary has provided for an exception from the imposition of certain sanctions under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 concerning the development of Chabahar Port and the construction of an associated railroad and the shipment of non-sanctionable goods through the Port for Afghanistan’s use, as well as Afghanistan’s continued imports of Iranian petroleum products, a US State Department spokesperson said back then.
The US’s reversal on Chabahar port comes shortly after US Ambassador Eric Garcetti appeared to be making a U-turn on India’s import of Russian energy. Last week, when asked about India acquiring Russian energy, he stated, “We wanted somebody to buy Russian oil at a price cap; that was not a violation.”
⚡️ ???? US says it ALLOWED India to buy Russian Oil
"India brought Russian Oil, because we wanted somebody to buy Russian oil…", says US ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, ".. no Price Cap violation, we did not want oil prices to go up.." #india#Russia#Americapic.twitter.com/Vlk79B5T9V
This comes even as in the year 2022, the White House and other top US officials openly urged India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy.
Chabahar Port’s significance
Chabahar, located near the mouth of the Gulf of Oman, is Iran’s first deep-water port. The port positions the country on the international oceanic trade route map. The port is located to the west of Iran’s border with Pakistan, around the same distance as Gwadar, a competitive port designed by China in Pakistan to the east. For India, Chabahar Port serves as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
US sanctions on Iran
The early sanctions aimed to cut off the region’s financial and economic resources. In the years since, the United States has imposed sanctions on firms and industries, ranging from military spending to scientific research. In September 2019, the then-US President Donald Trump added Iran’s space agencies—the Iran Space Agency, the Iranian Astronautics Research Institute, and the Iranian Space Research Center to the existing sanctions. A year before, the Trump administration had also withdrawn from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2018.
The United States, under the Joe Biden administration, has placed over 600 sanctions on Iran-related individuals and businesses, as well as those who do business with Tehran, the US President stated last month. Biden announced additional sanctions against Iran following its missile and drone attacks on Israel, describing them as the “largest the world has ever seen.”
An incident of crime against minors came to light from Dehradun on Monday (13th May) after the Rajpur Police arrested two accused Ahtasam and Sahil on charges of raping two minor real sisters. The police arrested both the accused from Sahastradhara Road. After interrogation, the police produced them before the court, and they were sent behind bars. The minor victims have been sent to their relatives.
According to the police, the real sisters from the Chamoli district live in the Rajpur area of Dehradun. Their parents died a few years ago. The age of the younger sister is about 14 years, while the elder sister is 16 years of age.
According to reports, the arrested accused are motor mechanics. A few days ago, Ahtasam (21), a resident of Azad Nagar Colony, started talking with the younger sister and entrapped her in a love affair. Later, he introduced his acquaintance, Sahil (26), to her elder sister. It is alleged that Sahil, a native of Kandhla, Saharanpur, also trapped the 16-year-old girl in his love trap.
On 12th May, both the sisters went out of the house for some work. Both the accused met and took both the minor victims to Sahasradhara on Sunday evening. It is alleged that they took a room in the Heritage Hotel in Sahasradhara and stayed there for the night. During this, both the accused raped both the sisters.
When both the sisters did not reach home after a long time, their family members feared for their safety and complained to the police. Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against both the accused. Acting on the complaint, the Rajpur police safely returned both sisters from the Heritage Hotel in Sahasradhara.
Rajpur police station in-charge PD Bhatt said that a police team was formed for the arrest of the accused and early rescue of the minor sisters. The police team rescued both sisters from Sahastradhara with the help of CCTV, mobile surveillance, and informers.
The minor sisters stated that the accused raped them following which they were booked under Section 376 and the POCSO Act.
On Tuesday (14th May), Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh confirmed that his fellow Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal was assaulted yesterday at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Singh added that Bibhav Kumar who is the Personal assistant of Delhi CM assaulted and misbehaved with her. He asserted that CM Kejriwal has taken cognisance of the matter and will take appropriate action against him.
Describing yesterday’s attack on Swati Maliwal as condemnable, Sanjay Singh said, “Yesterday, a condemnable incident took place. Swati Maliwal had gone to Arvind Kejriwal’s residence to meet him. While she was waiting for him in the drawing room, Vaibhav Kumar allegedly misbehaved with her. The CM has taken cognisance of the matter, and he will take appropriate action.”
VIDEO | "Yesterday, a condemnable incident took place. Swati Maliwal had gone to Arvind Kejriwal's residence to meet him. While she was waiting for him in the drawing room, Vaibhav Kumar allegedly misbehaved with her. The CM has taken cognisance of the matter, and he will take… pic.twitter.com/8VlqkwdKCK
Regarding Swati Maliwal, Sanjay Singh said that she is a senior leader of the party and everyone is with her.
Notably, on Monday (13th May), Swati Maliwal, the AAP Rajya Sabha MP and former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief accused Bibhav Kumar, the personal assistant of Arvind Kejriwal, of assaulting her inside the Chief Minister’s residence.
Sharing details about the initial complaint by Maliwal over a phone call, DCP of North M K Meena stated that they received a PCR (Police Control Room) call at 9.34 am from a woman who said she had been assaulted at the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence. The PCR call report received by the MP read, “I am a lady calling from the Chief Minister’s official residence. His PA has beaten me up badly on his saying.”
#WATCH | Delhi: DCP (North) Manoj Meena says, "We received a PCR call at 9:34 AM wherein the caller said that she has been assaulted inside the CM residence. Accordingly, local police & SHO responded to the call. After some time, MP Swati Maliwal came to the police station civil… pic.twitter.com/6jkJhngASm
The DCP told reporters, “After some time, MP madam (Swati Maliwal) came to the police station. However, she left stating she will give a complaint later.”
Another officer confirmed that the alleged woman victim was Swati Maliwal. The officer said that the call was from Maliwal’s mobile number adding that she was the one on the other side of the line.
According to a Police officer, Maliwal also cried at the police station and as per sources she said that she was not in good condition then and stated that she would file the complaint later.
Nearly 26 hours after the incident when Police official told media houses that neither Swati Maliwal nor the Chief Minister’s Office nor Kejriwal’s Personal Secretary had formally approached the area police, media reported that things were against Swati Maliwal in her party.
The report citing sources added that the rift between Maliwal and the party has been widening further over the issue of Rajya Sabha berth. Reportedly, she is being forced by the party to resign from the Rajya Sabha as the party leadership is mulling over giving her Rajya Sabha seat to a top lawyer helping Kejriwal and others in the case, an apparent reference to Abhishek Manu Singhvi.
On 14th May, the All India Congress Committee appointed “neutral journalist” Supriya Bharadwaj as the National Media Coordinator of the Congress party. In a press note issued by Pawan Khera, member of the Congress Working Committee and Chairman of Media and Publicity for the grand old party, the appointment was announced in just one line that read, “Ms Supriya Bharadwaj is hereby appointed as National Media Coordinator with immediate effect”.
Supriya Bharadwaj has been appointed as National Media Coordinator of Congress party, with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/YCvxYJbewY
Who is Supriya Bharadwaj, the former ‘neutral journalist’ turned politician?
Supriya Bharadwaj is a former India Today journalist who worked in the media for over 16 years. In 2010, she joined Mail Today and in November 2016, she joined India Today/Aaj Tak. Her profile on Aaj Tak specifically mentions that she covered “Congress, Parliament and special stories”. Bharadwaj did a BBA followed by a master’s in mass communication.
Source: Aaj Tak
On 31st March 2023, she announced that it was her last day with India Today and Aaj Tak. In a post on X, she wrote, “Today is my last day in India Today Aaj Tak. And so far, last day on the TV news channel. This journey in TV News channels started in 2009-2010 and Thanks to all who were part of it. Since then, she was actively sharing updates on the Congress party, including Rahul Gandhi’s boondoggle project, the two iterations of the Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Today is my last day in @IndiaToday@aajtak … And so far last day in TV news channel …
This journey in TV News channels started in 2009-2010 and Thanks to all who were part of it … ☺️
Bharadwaj is best known for her pro-Congress stance. For years, she has not only been covering reports in a pro-Congress manner but also sharing friendly photographs with Congress leaders including Sonia Gandhi and former-Indian Overseas Congress chairman Sam Pitroda.
Alleged journalist Supriya Bharadwaj has been appointed as National Media Coordinator of Congress.
In 2019, OpIndia reported how she got a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to interview Rahul Gandhi. At that time, a portion of the interview went viral where Rahul Gandhi, with a sheepish smile tells the “journalist” Supriya Bhardwaj that in Parliament House, Bhardwaj had told Rahul Gandhi that “ye Rafale mudda khoon main ghus gaya hai” (The Rafale issue has entered the blood of the people).
Tapasya of @Supriya23bh got rewarded by Gandhi Parivaar.
— Mohit Babu ?? (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Mohit_ksr) May 14, 2024
There have been instances when she shared old videos and spread misinformation. In 2019, when she was with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Supriya claimed that PM Modi had gone to meet former PM Manmohan Singh at his residence. The reports claimed exclusive details about the meeting. However, later that report was deleted as it turned out the clip used in the video was from 2014. PM Modi has met former PM Manmohan Singh on several occasions in the past.
The former PM had visited PM Modi at 7 RCR in May 2015 too. However, the particular video clip where PM Modi met Manmohan Singh at the latter’s residence and was greeted by Manmohan Singh and his wife is from May 2014, a day after PM Modi took oath as the PM of India for the first time. The PM had gone to meet his predecessor and the video was shared by PM Modi’s YouTube channel.
OpIndia recently published a report on government land encroachment near the Ranjit Sagar Dam in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district. We reported how unlawful dargahs and shrines occupy thousands of square feet of land. In our report, we found that the Dargah, which has been ordered by the government to be removed in 2022, is still standing. On Monday (13th May), OpIndia’s team arrived at Ranjit Sagar Dam and assessed the present situation.
OpIndia captured an exhaustive view of the encroachment on Ranjit Sagar Dam. We found that not only have unlawful mazars have been built on thousands of square feet of land but the entire area was also occupied in the name of enclosing them. Meanwhile, we learnt that encroachment had taken place in the form of fencing surrounding mazars, benches for sitting, and other structures. Perfume bottles and religious texts were also found here.
On the main road outside, we spotted a whiteboard with ‘Hazrat Panju Pir Dargah Sharif’ and 786-92 inscribed in green letters. Both upper corners of the board were marked with moon stars. Above this board, there were two square flags, one green and one red, each with Islamic symbols printed on them. This board was firmly fixed in a cement-lined foundation.
Fencing around encroached land
Yuvraj Solanki helped OpIndia reach Ranjit Sagar Dam. When we arrived on the ground, we noticed a barbed-wire-enclosed area. OpIndia visited Ranjit Sagar Dam to get information regarding the illegal construction. That’s where we first noticed the fencing. A barbed wire fence has been placed around the encroached area to cordon it off. The fence has enclosed thousands of square feet of the Ranjit Sagar Dam region. The government-owned land surrounding Ranjit Sagar Dam is similarly fenced off with barbed wire.
Long mazars and illegal encroachment spread across the area
Moving ahead, we found that even after the orders were issued following the survey done in 2022, the encroachment persisted. The same is true for the construction. At the front is a cemented platform with three mazars that are roughly 30 feet long. Columns are erected on the site, in an effort to convert it into a permanent structure, with horizontal pipes inserted above.
This structure was roofed with tin sheets. Moreover, structures have been constructed with bricks and cement. We also found chocolates wrapped in green paper, indicating that someone recently visited this location.
Mazars built on paved masonry and raised pillars for sheds
Another such structure has been built nearby. Two 31-foot-long tombs on concrete platforms and pillars can be seen here. Only the roof is left to be constructed. Another 6-feet mazar is visible close to this structure. It is worth noting that the mazar erected in Islam is between five and six feet long. Notably, five tombs built here are around 31 feet long. The unique feature is that sheets of the same length have been put on all of these mazars. These sheets are new and clean suggesting that someone recently came and placed those sheets.
Perfume bottles, Islamic literature and trash found on the spot
When OpIndia examined the surrounding area, we found numerous empty and full perfume bottles. Some of the vials were lying on the ground, while others were submerged in the dam’s water. The perfume bottles, both empty and full, were predominantly glass and plastic. We also noticed the wrappers used to package these vials. There was also a distinct odour of moisture and perfume throughout the place.
Perfume bottles were found inside the dam on dry land and water
Not only did we see perfume bottles, but also some Islamic literature. We found papers written in Arabic, Hindi, and Gujarati. “Continue performing Namaz, Namaz is the duty of Momin [Namaz qayam karo, namaz momin ki meeraz hai]” was written in one of these pieces of literature.
On another piece of paper, Hazrat Shalu Peer Dargah Sharif was written. The address of Kalawad Road in Jamnagar was mentioned on the paper under the name Sheikh Osmanshah Zafarshah Multani.
OpIndia found many huge bundles of sheets at this location. It was hard to know what was built inside, however, it is possible that this packaging included all of the bedsheets and old clothes that were donated here. Along with this, we noticed little cement masonry walls here. Plastic garbage was also seen everywhere at this spot.
Materials for making benches and dargahs bearing the name of Congress leader
During our on-ground investigation, we found some debris in one area of the barbed wire-fenced land. We noticed that there were identical pillars that were used to build the dargah’s shed. In the interim, Yuvraj informed us that these items belonged to the abandoned shrine next door. The same has been transported here to be used as the shrine’s roof and for other purposes.
Near the rubble, we noticed a few sitting benches. In general, these benches are built in societies, gardens, and public spaces for citizens to sit, with funds allocated by MPs and corporators. The text written on these benches was dumped under muck after being submerged in water for an extended period of time. After some cleaning, we found “Hon’ble MP Shri Vikrambhai Madam, Jamnagar – With the grant of the year 2011-12, maintain cleanliness” inscribed on these benches.
It is worth noting that Vikram Madam is a prominent Congress leader who served as the MLA for Bhanwad and Khambhaliya. He previously served as a Congress MP in 2004 and 2009. In 2014, Vikram Madam lost to BJP leader Poonam Madam.
Ranjit Sagar Dam significant for not only Jamnagar but also for wildlife
It is worth noting that Jamnagar’s geographical location is extremely essential for wildlife. Every year, many different varieties of foreign birds travel vast distances to this district near the sea coast. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary will be approximately 20/22 kilometres from Ranjit Sagar Dam. It is natural that local as well as foreign birds will visit this reservoir. The dam’s water level is barely 100 metres from this illegal dargah.
During this time, Yuvraj informed us that this place is vital not only for birds but also for fish and crocodiles. According to Yuvraj, crocodiles come here during mating season to reproduce. Hearing all of this, we began to wonder to what extent the wildlife here could be impacted by the presence of perfume bottles, plastic debris, and other hazardous materials in the dam water.
Who would bear the expense of rebuilding this place which gets submerged in water for six months every year?
Following extensive investigation, here is one thing to ponder. This location is immersed in water for approximately six months of the year. The dam is filled first with rainwater, then with Narmada water. It is impossible to reach here when the dam is full of water. However, when the water recedes, trash and muck accumulate. While coming here to take care of the place and light incense stick, Kasambhai informed OpIndia that he simply comes here to sunbathe and bow down; he cannot spend money here.
Moreover, with such rampant illegal occupation, will the land be eventually claimed as some sort of Islamic site?
If no one else visits here, who looks after this place every year? Who covers the costs of its construction and maintenance? Who would have spent the money to bring the items found here? The administration should also look into where the money for this illegally built dargah on government land came from.
Ahead of the last phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, an Islamic flag was spotted raised with honour at one of the rallies organized by the members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai’s Chembur region. The Muslim supporters and the other party workers could be seen waving the Islamic flag during a rally ahead of the final phase of voting in Mumbai scheduled on 20th May.
The video of the flag is making rounds on social media. The green-coloured flag with a crescent moon and a five-point star at the centre was raised during the UBT Sena rally. As seen in the video, the Muslim supporters and presumably the Shiv Sena (UBT) party workers burst firecrackers and cheered the masses as the Islamic flag was being raised and waved up high in the air.
UBT च्या मिरवणुकित पाकिस्तान चा झेंडा !
आता काय PFI , SIMI, AL QAEDA चे लोक मातोश्रीत बिर्याणी घेऊन जातील…
— nitesh rane ( Modi ka Parivar ) (@NiteshNRane) May 14, 2024
BJP’s Nitesh Rane slams UBT for cashing Muslim support
Meanwhile, BJP’s Nitesh Rane slammed the Shiv Sena (UBT) party and indicated that former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray had no right to call himself the son of Hindu leader Balasaheb Thackeray.
“The flag of Pakistan raised in the rally of UBT! Now what next? People of PFI, SIMI, and AL QAEDA will eat Biryani at Matoshree (UBT’s residence)? A memorial of Dawood will also be built in Mumbai very soon. And he (UBT) claims that he is the “real child” of Balasaheb,” Rane said on X sharing the video of the incident.
Several other netizens also shared the video on X and claimed that the video was from the Chembur region of Mumbai. “See the desperation. Balasaheb will turn in the grave. What UBT, Sanjay Raut have reduced Shiv Sena to! Marathi manoos I am sure will not fall prey to the trio’s sympathy pitch. I HOPE THEY GIVE A FITTING REPLY,” said one of the users.
@prettypadmaja This is UBT candidate campaign in Chembur. In India a Pakistan flag. See the desperation.Balasaheb'll turn in grave.What UBT,Sanjay Raut have REDUCED SS to! Marathi manoos I am sure'll not fall prey to the trio's sympathy pitch. I HOPE THEY GIVE A FITTING REPLY. pic.twitter.com/LkLtFxt7as
— Umamaheshwari Shreedhar (@MatungaMami) May 14, 2024
“Video of an Islamic flag raised at INDI alliance Udhav’s UBT candidate campaign in Chembur goes viral. See the desperation. Balasaheb would have never thought about this. What a downfall!” another user said.
Video of an Islamic flag raised at INDI alliance Udhav's UBT candidate campaign in Chembur goes viral
The desperation. Balasaheb would have never thought about this. What UBT, Sanjay Raut have REDUCED SS to! What a downfall ! pic.twitter.com/mR4eA5GyxV
Several other netizens demanded action against the party for allegedly trying to create communal chaos during a political rally. “It’s important for authorities to take appropriate action to ensure that communal harmony is maintained and that all citizens feel safe and represented in the democratic process,” said one of the users.
It's important for authorities to take appropriate action to ensure that communal harmony is maintained and that all citizens feel safe and represented in the democratic process.
While the other users indicated that Uddhav Thackeray had caused hurt and insult to Balasaheb Thackeray who always raised his voice for Hindutva. ‘Its good that Balasaheb is not alive to see this today,” said one of the users. “Balasaheb’s soul must be crying today,” another one claimed.
Though netizens claimed that the Islamic flag hoisted at the UBT rally was that of Pakistan, the truth stands far beyond that. The flag was an Islamic flag, although it bears stark resemblance, with a few minor differences, to the flag of Pakistan, a country carved out of India in the name of religion at the time of partition in 1947.
Thackeray said he would never join hands with BJP
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray announced that he would never again merge with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying they were “treacherous” and would lose the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Thackeray’s assertion reportedly came days after the PM asked Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Shiv Sena (UBT) to join hands with Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde.
“PM Modi and the (Union home minister Amit Shah) Shah harbour a grudge against Maharashtra, which is why they have shifted institutions and investment projects to other states. However, Modi’s dictatorial regime will end after these Lok Sabha elections, and that’s my guarantee. The INDIA alliance will form the government at the centre, and after that, I will ensure that Maharashtra regains its past glory,” Thackeray said while talking to the party mouthpiece Saamna.
Final phase of voting in Mumbai
Maharashtra, with 48 Lok Sabha seats, is second only to Uttar Pradesh in terms of political importance. In Maharashtra, landslide victories are uncommon, therefore every election here is highly competitive. This state’s huge seat count can tip the balance in Lok Sabha elections, especially in critical situations.
The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are being held in five phases from April 19 to May 20, covering a wide range of districts, including Mumbai. Mumbai’s election contest, along with Palghar, Kalyan, and Thane, will take place on May 20.
The 2024 polls will witness a clash between two formidable alliances: the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti alliance comprises parties like Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, while the MVA, led by Shiv Sena UBT, NCP Sharad Pawar faction, and Congress, stands as the opposition force.
The Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is contesting 15 Lok Sabha seats in the current general elections, with his challenger Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena vying for 13 of them. Mumbai will go voting on May 20. The final result of the general elections will be announced on 4th June.
Hours after Narendra Modi filed his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday (14th May), the former Associate Editor of Newslaundry Meghnad claimed that the Election Commission was favouring the BJP’s star candidate.
One of the baseless theories peddled by him was the requirement of ’10 proposers’ for PM Modi. In a tweet, Meghnad claimed, “I don’t see ten people proposing the nomination for Modi, like they are asking @ShyamRangeela even to procure a form.”
He suggested that the Election Commission had deliberately made it difficult for rival candidates to contest against Narendra Modi from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency.
To bolster his claims, Meghnad gave the example of ‘comedian’ Shyam Rangeela who wanted to fight elections against PM Modi and required a total of 10 proposers.
The Election Commission had previously clarified [pdf] that 10 proposers are a must for independent candidates and registered unrecognised party candidates.
“Yes, minimum 10 proposers are required for independent candidate under the law. Excess is not a problem,” the nodal election body has said.
Filed my nomination papers as a candidate for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. It is an honour to serve the people of this historic seat. With the blessings of the people, there have been remarkable achievements over the last decade. This pace of work will get even faster in the… pic.twitter.com/QOgELYnnJg
Given that Shyam Rangeela is an independent candidate while PM Modi is a candidate from a recognised national party, the minimum number of proposers required for filing nomination is 10 and 1 respectively.
This is done in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, of 1951. For those unaware of the matter, a proposer is an individual who is registered in the electoral roll of the constituency (Vidhan Sabha or Lok Sabha) for which he endorses the nomination of a candidate.
Despite the necessity of just 1 proposer, PM Modi was proposed by four individuals – Pandit Ganeshwar Shastri (priest who determined the exact time for Ram Mandir Pran Prathistha), RSS member Baijnath Patel, Lalchand Kushwaha and Sanjay Sonkar.
Meghnad continues his propaganda
The Election Commission had earlier clarified that proposers over the minimum requirement are not a hindrance to filing nominations.
Despite being well aware that the necessity of 10 proposers applies only to independent candidates, the former Newslaundry propagandist Meghnad continued to peddle baseless theories about favouritism.
“Also, multiple camera angles while filing nomination. Special treatment being given by ECISVEEP clearly. What a bloody sham” he continued his unsolicited rant.
