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Dream of Ghazwa-E-Hind will not be realised till Qayamat: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

OpIndia Staff
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Dream of Ghazwa-E-Hind will not be realised till Qayamat: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath spoke on various issues during ‘Janta Ki Adalat’ TV show. Yogi Adityanath spoke frankly on various issues ranging from Congress to Ram Mandir etc. He expressed his views on many issues like Pakistan, India’s national security, terrorism, and Rahul Gandhi among others. During his interactions on the show, Yogi Adityanath also answered a question related to Ghazwa-e-Hind.

When an audience member asked the Uttar Pradesh CM for his reaction to some people living in India and still dreaming of Ghazwa-e-Hind, the UP CM emphasised that the dream of Ghazwa-e-Hind will remain a dream only.

Yogi Adityanath said, “The dream of Ghazwa-e-Hind will not be realised even till the day of judgment. Note my words, many generations (of such people having the dream) will rot but this dream won’t be successful. India will keep moving forward, and under PM Modi’s leadership, will become the biggest superpower in the world.”

During the India TV show, Yogi Adityanath also addressed Congress scion Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the President was not invited to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha because she is a tribal. CM Yogi said that it is because of the initiative of Prime Minister Modi that a woman from a tribal community is sitting on the highest chair of the country.

The host Rajat Sharma also mentioned the statement of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in which he had told his candidate that ‘You are Shiva. You have to fight with Ram’. On this the Chief Minister said, “In the Sanatan tradition of India, Ram and Shiva complement each other. Before building the bridge in Lanka, Lord Rama had worshiped Lord Shiva. Ram described this Jyotirlinga as Rameshwar i.e. Ram’s God. At the same time, Shiva said – whose God is Ram, he is Rameshwar.”

On the statements given by Mani Shankar Aiyar regarding Pakistan’s atom bomb, Chief Minister Yogi said, “Are our atom bombs meant to be kept in refrigerator? He may be a gem of Congress, but not a gem of India. This is new India. New India does not provoke anyone, but does not spare the one who provokes either. We will answer by entering inside their house and have done the same. Today the situation is such that even when a firecracker bursts loudly, Pakistan says no, I have no hand in it. This is new India.”

Ghazwa-e-Hind: An Islamist doctrine forecasting the dominance of Islam over India

The term Ghazwa-e-Hind or a holy raid of India has been used by the Pakistani terrorists and Islamic zealots against India for decades. The concept of Ghazwa-e-hind roots in several works of Islamic literature named Hadiths. The doctrine predicts an onslaught upon citizens of India by Islamist forces and its take over by them. The doctrine prophesizes a pitched battle between Hindus and Muslims before (qayamat), resulting in a decisive victory of Muslims over Hindu India.

As per the prediction, the battle to the end will start in modern-day Syria, with forces marching toward India. Islamic armies carrying black flags will supposedly come from Khorasan and conquer India to turn it into an Islamic state.

Thus, for the likes of Owaisi, Mattoo and scores of Muslim fundamentalists, Aurangzeb, Bin Qasim, Ghazni and other Muslim rulers were not plunderers and pillagers who wreaked havoc on the lives of non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, but they were steadfast devotees of Prophet Muhammad who took upon themselves the “noble task” of spreading Islam and bringing the land of “kaafirs” under Islamic rule.

However, ironically and unfortunately, sympathisers of the Islamists dismiss the prophecy as a contrived paranoia concocted with the aim to stoke fears against Muslims. Many others downplay the supremacist fantasy as a relic of the past. An article published in leftist rag ThePrint argued that fears surrounding the clarion call of Ghazwa-e-Hind, which is popular among Islamists, are unfounded as it has already happened, during the medieval times when a large part of India was ruled by successive Muslim rulers.

However, this is a grossly mistaken assumption because the prophecy talks about India being conquered in its entirety and subsumed in the global Islamic caliphate, with the overwhelming population of the country being turned into adherents of Islam. Apparently, this prophecy has gained currency among a large section of Pakistanis, including cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, and Pak-based terror organisations, the Pakistan Army, who regard it as their religious duty to wage an armed ‘jihad’ against India to fulfil the prophecy stated in their Hadiths.

Whether it is the indoctrinated Pakistanis or rabid Islamists in India, they consider Ghazwa-e-Hind an unfinished project, an incomplete crusade led by characters like Aurangzeb, the Mahmud of Ghazni, Qutub-ud-din Aibak and others for its completion. It is this conviction that Muslim invaders of India were on a religious duty to fulfil the Islamic prophecy of Ghazwa-e-Hind that fuels the contemporary veneration for the Muslim tyrants and engenders a poignant longing for the medieval times among the present-day Islamists.

Pro-Khalistan graffiti appears on the walls of Delhi Metro stations in Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan

OpIndia Staff
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Pro-Khalistan graffiti appears on the walls of Delhi Metro stations in Karol Bagh and Jhandewalan

On Sunday, May 12, pro-Khalistan slogans were noticed on the walls of Metro stations in Karol Bagh and Jhandewala stations of the Delhi Metro. This is not the first instance of pro-Khalistan slogans being painted on the walls of Delhi metro stations. Police has lodged an FIR in the case and requested CCTV footage from the concerned metro stations. Reportedly, the slogans were painted by supporters of banned terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) who have previously taken responsibility for such incidents.

Previously, in August last year, Delhi Police special cell arrested a member of the banned terrorist outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), who has been identified as Preetpal. He allegedly spray painted pro-Khalistani graffiti and slogans at Metro stations in Delhi on August 27. Preetpal was apprehended from Punjab during the wee hours of August 31, 2023.

Ahead of the G20 summit in the National Capital, Khalistani graffiti appeared on several metro rail stations in Delhi. The Khalistani slogans appeared on more than 8 metro stations in the national capital. The graffiti read, “Delhi Banega Khalistan” (Delhi will become Khalistan), “Khalistan Zindabad” (Long live Khalistan) and “Khalistan Referendum Zindabad” (Long live Khalistan Referendum). A probe into the development was promptly started by Delhi Police.

Additionally, SFJ posted footage of the Shivaji Park and Punjabi Bagh metro stations with graffiti that stated “Punjab Is Not India” and “Khalistan Zindabad” on the walls.

Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ chief said, “Reminding G20 leaders that violence begets violence. Indian government’s use of bullets against pro-Khalistan Sikhs has reached Canada, UK and Australia.”

Previously, a week before Republic Day in 2023, SFJ members spray-painted graffiti in a number of West Delhi neighbourhoods. Vikram Singh and Balram Singh, who were drivers for a hotel in Aerocity, were arrested by the special cell of the Delhi Police in the case.

PM Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi debate as a diversion: How Gandhi’s debate challenge falls short against proven leadership

Anurag
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PM Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi debate as a diversion: How Gandhi’s debate challenge falls short against proven leadership

On 11th May, Rahul Gandhi accepted the invitation for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The call for the PM Modi Vs Rahul Gandhi debate was made by former editor of The Hindu N Ram, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India Madan Lokur and retired chief justice of the Delhi High Court AP Shah. It is essential to contextualise this move by Gandhi as well as the three who proposed to be moderators of the debate in a broader spectrum of Indian politics. While the three who called for debate have known and well-documented anti-Modi stand, here their bias or genuine in demanding the debate is not in question but Gandhi’s stature is.

It is essential to note that debates are a democratic practice. However, they respect the hierarchy and achievements that distinguish leaders in a country as vast and complex as India.

The idea of a political debate between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and MP Rahul Gandhi comes across more as a political stunt rather than a substantive proposition. It reflects a misjudgment on the part of the three invitees of Gandhi’s standing in the political arena when compared to the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

To begin with, PM Modi has over two decades of administrative experience, first as Chief Minister of Gujarat and then as Prime Minister of the country. Notably, PM Modi has never faced a defeat in his political career. On the other hand, Gandhi has always been an MP, that too from a seat that is known as his “family’s seat” for most of his political career. He was defeated by Bharatiya Janata Party’s Smriti Irani on the so-called family seat, and he had to enter Parliament from Wayanad, Kerala.

PM Modi has extensive administrative experience and a proven track record. He stands as a towering figure in Indian politics and has significant national and international achievements including economic reforms, strategic foreign policy maneuvers and an in-depth understanding of the core issues of the country. His contributions to economic growth, technological advancements and foreign direct investment have resulted in notable public support reflected in the BJP’s consecutive electoral victories.

To compare it with Rahul Gandhi’s political journey, it is more about “rediscovering” him as a young leader repeatedly. Rahul Gandhi has “arrived” in Indian politics so many times that if he does not get “discovered” as a young leader “who can lead the country” before the Assembly or General elections, it feels as if there is a void in the politically charged atmosphere. Gandhi’s leadership has been questioned even within his party. Those who questioned were sidelined or thrown out of the party and he continued to show his inability to steer the Congress to a commanding position nationally.

Even in the 2024 elections, Congress has to join hands with over three dozen national and regional political parties including all-time rivals like DMK, TMC, AAP and more. While PM Modi is the Prime Minister face of BJP, I.N.D.I. Alliance does not have any PM face for the ongoing elections. Even the Congress party has chosen not to call Rahul Gandhi PM candidate for I.N.D.I. Alliance openly. Congress under his leadership in the recent assembly elections failed miserably in four out of five states. One may say Gandhi is not the President but Mallikarjun Kharge, but everyone knows Kharge is controlling the party only on paper. While walking behind Gandhi, Congress has struggled to present a sustainable agenda and connect effectively with a broader electorate.

Understandably, the BJP is sceptical of the call for PM Modi Vs Rahul Gandhi debate and Gandhi’s acceptance of the challenge. Several leaders of the BJP including Smriti Irani, who defeated Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, have questioned the premise of such a debate and emphasised the disparity in both the political stature and the administrative accomplishments of the two leaders. Gandhi’s challenge to PM Modi for debate is being seen as an attempt to elevate his political profile without having the credentials that warrant such a comparison with the Prime Minister of the largest democracy in the world.

Furthermore, the idea that any leader of a smaller stature could demand a debate with the PM based on this precedent has the potential to a trivialization of the stature of the prime ministerial office. It could turn serious political discourse into a spectacle and would distract the political discussion from core issues to unnecessary drama. Moreover, Rahul Gandhi had ten years to have a debate with PM Modi in the parliament. He could have asked for it towards the end of Lok Sabha 17. However, he decided to go on walk around the country to get “rediscovered” rather than going to the Parliament and behave as responsible opposition.

To conclude, while debates are a healthy part of democracy, it has to be between leaders of similar stature rather than being just an attempt at political discourse. The disparity of achievements and leadership between PM Modi and Gandhi is notable. The reality has to be reflected while demanding a debate between two leaders.

You are from Congress side: Amethi voter shows the mirror to YouTuber and alleged journalist Ajit Anjum

OpIndia Staff
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You are from Congress side: Amethi voter shows the mirror to YouTuber and alleged journalist Ajit Anjum

Youtuber and ‘journalist’ Ajit Anjum who is popular for his unabashed support to the opposition, particularly the Congress party was left red-faced when an Amethi voter showed him the mirror. The video was uploaded on 11th May on his official YouTube channel. He was in the former Gandhi bastion to ‘find out’ about the pulse of the voters when he encountered an elderly couple on a bike. Ajit Anjum asked the man, “Who is contesting from Congress,” to which he replied, “We don’t even know who is their candidate.”

Ajit Anjum then tried to inform him and stated, “Kishori Lal Sharma is fighting this time instead of Rahul Gandhi.” The man who appeared to have recognised the true intentions of the ‘journalist’ remarked, “I am not aware of all this. I only know that you are from the Congress and that is fine,” leaving the latter embarrassed who, however, tried to save face and claimed, “I am a journalist. I don’t belong to any party. I am only here to know the opinion of the public.”

Ajit Anjum had stopped the man on the road who was riding a motorcycle to talk about the elections. The man named Ramprakash, who is a voter from Amethi, said that it is uncertain, and there is a possibility that Congress may win, but only god knows what will be the result. A woman riding pillion with the man also said that voting results depend on luck, and nobody knows who will win.

When Ajit Anjum asked Ramprakash who is the Congress candidate this time, both the man and the woman said they didn’t know. They added that they are lifelong Congress voters, and they vote for Congress no matter the chance of the party’s win. When Anjum asked why they vote for Congress, he said he is Congress voter and it is his decision.

Ajit Anjum has been visiting various places and meeting people to talk about the elections. He has posted several videos on his YouTube channel. From the videos, it is clear that it is a direct contest between Congress and BJP. People voting for BJP talked about works done by Smriti Irani and BJP, most Congress supporters said that they are traditional Congress voters.

Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Union Minister Smriti Irani from Amethi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chose to fight from Rae Bareilly after his mother Sonia Gandhi vacated the seat and opted to enter the parliament through Rajya Sabha. The Congress and its ecosystem created much anticipation over Amethi but the party announced the candidature of Kishori Lal Sharma, ending the overhype. Amethi will go to vote on 20th May.

Interestingly, the couple stated that their family has been a Congress voter for generations and perhaps this accounted for the man’s ability to identify Ajit Anjum as a fellow loyalist. Notably, this is not the first time he has been called out for his unabashed biased view which he disseminates in the guise of independent media. He was recently forced to flee in a car after being questioned about his dubious journalistic practices. He was seen stepping out of a vehicle and shouting at other journalists, “You are bhakts of Asaram Bapu,” to which they responded with, “Why did you defame a girl? How much did you receive for discrediting her,” in a video that went popular online last month. The only thing then left to him was to drive away from the location after getting humiliated publically.

A post with Ajit Anjum’s name went viral during the last Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in which he declared to sell “pakodas” if Yogi Adityanath came to power. After the latter was elected chief minister for the second time in a row, people began calling the Youtuber “Pakoda King” and told him to make good on his promise. However, noticing the growing trolling, he alleged that the post was fabricated and intended to defame him.

After Yogi Aditynaath announced the “Mega Vaccination Drive” also known as “Vaccine Mahaabhiyan” which commenced on 1st July 2021 and aimed to deliver nine crore doses within three months, Ajit Anjum challenged the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh in a video posted on his YouTube channel on 2nd July 2021 claiming that he would salute him ten times if the state met its goal. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh reached the significant milestone on 25th September, before the third month’s end when it delivered 10.02 crore doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The episode once again proved how political workers like Ajit Anjum, who pose as journalists, can play dirty politics even in the face of pandemics that endanger the lives of millions of Indians.

Ajit Anjum was gathering information on public sentiment in Kolkata in 2021 ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections but failed miserably to keep his political inclinations from influencing his reporting. He followed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s lead even going so far as to claim that ‘Jai Siya Ram’ was acceptable but ‘Jai Shri Ram’ was not.

He alleged, “Jai Shri Ram is a political slogan and Jai Jai Siya Ram, it is something we have heard since childhood. Mandirs never used to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ not even in Ayodhya,” while taking to an individual who noted that there was no difference between ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Siya Ram’ when the Youtuber took a jab at the Bharatiya Janata Party and opined that he believed that no political party should use ‘Jai Shri Ram’ in their political rallies.

These are only a few examples of the skewed perspective of a prominent pillar of ‘free media.’ Only the BJP and Narendra Modi, according to Ajit Anjum and his ilk, are in power as they enjoy the patronage of other political parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Aam Aadmi Party and All India Trinamool Congress, among others. They go to great lengths to pretend to be impartial while utterly failing to convince the Indian masses of their sincerity.

“If Adani-Ambani send us money, we will go silent against them”: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on party strategy to speak against business owners

OpIndia Staff
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“If Adani-Ambani send us money, we will go silent against them”: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on party strategy to speak against business owners

Congress leader and its Baharampur candidate, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury courted a fresh controversy on Saturday (11th May) as he revealed why Congress launched a smear campaign against leading Industrialists in the country. Congress party’s West Bengal President, Chowdhury stressed that they launched attacks against the Industrialists in Parliament because they didn’t send money to the grand old party. In an Interview with the leftist news outlet, Red Mike, he categorically noted that if the Industrialists send a bag full of money to the Congress leader(s), they will go silent against them. 

Notably, the reporter asked the senior Congress leader about PM Modi’s remarks where he charged Congress with Corruption and cutting a deal with Industrialists Adani and Ambani to remain silent against them. Addressing a rally in Telangana, PM Modi had questioned Rahul Gandhi’s unusual silence on businessmen asking, “How much black money has Congress received from Adani and Ambani?” 

Responding to the query, Adhir Ranjan said, “If it (black money) had come, it would have been great. I need it a lot. I am a BPL MP, I badly need money. I don’t have money to fight this election as I am a BPL MP. Today, fighting elections is getting tougher as it is becoming a capital-intensive, cash-intensive enterprise. Let alone a tempo, if Adani sends a sack-full of money, it will be enough for me.” 

However, he claimed that he is a BPL MP as they are not getting even a penny in donations. 

Asking about Congress’ strategy to launch a smear campaign against Industrialists and demanding money, the reporter said, “You used to say bad things and make allegations against Adani-Ambani in Parliament?” 

To which, the Congress leader replied, “Yes we did because they didn’t send us money, if they did, we would maintain silence against them.”   

When the reporter pressed to confirm what he said, Adhir Ranjan re-iterated the same and stated that they will go silent against the Industrialists if the Industrialists send them money. 

However, he soon tried to undo the damage and later said, “Let them (Adani, Ambani) send money first, Congress will then make a call on this (to remain silent or not).” 

Regarding the query about the ED-CBI investigation for this shoddy deal, the Congress leader said who cares about ED, ED is an idiot. They run on the directions of PM Modi. 

Mamata Banerjee is ‘B’ team of BJP

In the interview, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Baharampur candidate, alleged that Mamata Banerjee is working as a ‘B’ team of BJP to ensure that he doesn’t win this seat. He said, “I challenged him (Abhishek Banerjee) to contest against me from this seat but he didn’t.” 

He added, “I will leave politics if I lose this seat, but they (TMC leaders Abhishek and Mamata Banerjee) should announce that a victory for their candidate (Yusuf Pathan) will mean their success, while his defeat will be their loss.”  

Regarding the query, of what he would do if he left politics, the Congress leader inadvertently praised PM Modi’s ration scheme which ensures that no poor goes hungry. He said, “Will resort to begging as Modi ji has ensured two-time meals for poor, free of cost.”  

Regarding Mamata Banerjee acting as a ‘B’ team of BJP, Adhir Ranjan alleged, “Mamata Banerjee is provoking Muslims saying that Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary is a dada, make dada loss this seat and ensure Yusuf Pathan’s victory. And when she goes among Hindus, she says BJP has the edge because Hindus have consolidated so there is no benefit of Hindus voting for Congress. Pathan is losing so you join the BJP (vote for BJP). Mamata Banerjee is team B of BJP. Why she left the I.N.D.I. alliance? To help which party?”  

The West Bengal Congress President, Chowdhury slammed the TMC supremo for her assessment that Congress wouldn’t be able to win 40 Lok Sabha seats this time. 

He lamented, “What Modi didn’t say, Mamata Banerjee said about Congress. She said Congress’ situation is so bad that the grand old party wouldn’t be able to win more than 40 seats… Rahul Gandhi’s campaign is giving nightmares to Modi ji but Mamata Banerjee is giving him breather.” 

Regarding Congress’ electoral performance in West Bengal, Adhir Ranjan Chaudhary, who is also the state party president, claimed that the grand old party’s performance will shock everyone. 

TMC govt has turned Hindus into second-class citizens in West Bengal, made bomb making a cottage industry: PM Narendra Modi in Barrackpur

ANI
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TMC govt has turned Hindus into second-class citizens in West Bengal, made bomb making a cottage industry: PM Narendra Modi in Barrackpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday slammed the Trinamool Congress and accused the state government of turning Hindus into “second-class citizens” in the state during the TMC regime.

Addressing a rally in Barrackpur, PM Modi said that the people’s enthusiastic faces tell him that the BJP is going to receive an even higher mandate than it did in 2019. Bengal is saying, “Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar!”

“TMC has made bomb making a cottage industry in Bengal. Today, it has become difficult for a common man to follow his faith in Bengal. TMC threatens people when they chant the name of Shri Ram. Jai Shri Ram! TMC does not allow people to celebrate Ram Navami. Congress, too, stands against the Ram Mandir. Should we leave the country in the hands of TMC, Congress, and Leftists? INDI Alliance has completely surrendered to their appeasement policy. They are willing to engage in ‘Vote Jihad’ against BJP. A TMC leader says that they will throw Hindus into the Bhagirathi River… Where do they get the audacity to say and do all of this? Who is supporting them? TMC regime doesn’t allow people to take Lord Ram’s name, and celebrate Ram Navami. Hindus have become second-class citizens in Bengal under the TMC rule.” PM Modi said.

Earlier, TMC MLA Humayun Kabir made controversial comments during an election rally in Murshidabad and said that Hindus would be drowned in the Bhagirathi River within two hours or else he would leave politics.

PM Modi asserted that the development of the states of eastern India was neglected by the Congress party which governed the country for decades.

“After independence, family members of the Congress party governed the country for decades. They neglected the development of the states of eastern India. Whether it was West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, or Odisha, Congress did nothing to harness the capabilities of these states. From natural resources to blue economy, these states have huge potential for economic growth across fields,” he added.

He further said that ‘Modi’ will make East India the growth engine of Viksit Bharat.

“Today, we are creating a network of roadways, railways, and waterways in the eastern states of India… Dedicated freight corridors have amplified industrialization in this area. The upcoming years will be dedicated to furthering the development of West Bengal and the surrounding states,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also conducted a roadshow in Barrackpore, West Bengal before his rally.

Voting will take place for eight Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal in the fourth phase of voting to be held on May 13. The constituencies are Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC won 34 seats in the state, while the BJP had to settle for 2 seats. The CPI (M) won 2 seats, while the Congress bagged 4.

However, the BJP came up with a much-improved showing in the 2019 polls, winning 18 seats against the TMC’s 22. The Congress’s tally dropped to just 2 seats, while the Left scored a blank.

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

Karnataka: 3 men abducted, tortured with electric shock to private parts: Imran Patel, Mohammad Matheen, Mohammad Ziya Ullah Hussain and four others arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: 3 men abducted, tortured with electric shock to private parts: Imran Patel, Mohammad Matheen, Mohammad Ziya Ullah Hussain and four others arrested

Seven people have been taken into custody by the Karnataka police in connection with the kidnapping and severe abuse of three secondhand vehicle salesmen in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district on 11th May. The accused have been identified as Imran Patel and Mohammad Matheen alias Steel Matheen, both residents of Ganesh Nagar, Mohammad Ziya Ullah Hussain from Mujaheer Nagar, Mohammad Afzal Shaikh of Islamabad colony, Hussain Shaikh from Millat Nagar, and Ramesh Doddamani and Sagar Koli from Chitapur taluk, per Police Commissioner R. Chetan. The accused are part of a larger gang and the authorities have been searching for the remaining members.

Police mentioned, “Videos of some males (nudes) being beaten by other men are circulating in Kalaburgi city. In this regard, an FIR was registered on 5th May and 7 accused have already been arrested.” The victims, Abdul Rehman of Hirapur in Kalaburagi, Mohammad Sameeruddin of Islamabad Colony, and Arjunappa Madival of Devanoor village in Sedam taluk were confined to a building in a remote area on the Hagarga road for an entire day (from 4th to 5th May) and subjected to torture. The perpetrators recorded the incident on their cell phones and shared it on social media.

The Kalaburagi police arrested the seven culprits who tortured the three men, administered electric shocks to the victims’ private parts, assaulted them with wooden sticks and issued death threats. Arjunappa had asked Rs 1 lakh in commission from Ramesh for obtaining a used car from his associate Abdul Rehman in Kalaburagi for Rs 6 lakh. Arjunappa left Sedam on 4th May and went to Chittapur to pick up Ramesh in order to buy a secondhand automobile. Once the deal was finalised at Naganahalli Cross, Ramesh brought all three victims to his friend Imran’s house on the Hagarga road under the guise of delivering money. There, they were taken inside the room and put through brutal torture and abusive language after Imran and his co-accused had taken a test drive.

On 5th May, after Imran, the principal offender began threatening to kill Arjunappa and demanded Rs 10 lakh, Arjunappa instructed his wife to deposit Rs 50,000 to his account. Imran seized Arjunappa’s phone and spent about Rs 42,000 via PhonePe by accessing his password. In addition to seeking Rs 7 lakh in extortion to free Arjunappa and his two pals, Imran directed him to cough up Rs 1 lakh every month in commission. The cops arrived at the location on the 5th of May evening after receiving a tip. The perpetrators attempted to escape but were caught.

The victims lodged a complaint with the Vishwavidyalaya police station in Kalaburagi at 9:30 pm on the same day after which a case was filed against the offenders under a number of provisions, including Indian Penal Code section 307 (attempt to murder), 149, 365, 342, 364(a), 504, and 326. An extensive inquiry into the incident has been launched by the police.

Is China planning to interfere in Indian elections? Analysing NewsClick funding and CCP’s track record in other countries

Dibakar Dutta
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Is China planning to interfere in Indian elections? Analysing NewsClick funding and CCP’s track record in other countries

The Delhi Police have cracked down on NewsClick, financed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) member Neville Roy Singham. In its chargesheet, the cops have revealed that the leftist propaganda news portal was working for its “ultimate paymaster” China.

The police have also exposed how the NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha was at the helm of a disinformation campaign under the pretext of protesting against the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

It also came to light that Purkayastha conspired with Neville Roy Singham to defame the Indian government, efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and cast aspersions about the efficacy of the Indian vaccine ‘Covaxin’ developed by Bharat Biotech.

OpIndia had reported as early as 2019 about the disinformation campaign by NewsClick to discredit the then Lok Sabha election result using fake data.

The connection between CCP and NewsClick has brought into question the possibility of Chinese influence in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections and attempts to undermine democracy through its affiliated media outlets in India.

On 15th February this year, the International Republican Institute (IRI) published a 44-page report [pdf] in collaboration with TextOre and exposed how China tried to influence elections in countries such as Kenya, the Philipines and Italy.

The NewClick-CCP saga and the track record of the Chinese government have made election interference in India, a matter of utmost concern.

Election interference in Kenya

According to IRI, China’s interference in the elections of Kenya involved a multifaceted approach. It influenced political actors and media organisations to create a positive public outlook towards the Communist party-run country.

One key aspect was the development of relationships with influential political actors such as Raphael Tuju (ex-foreign Minister of Kenya), James Waweru (Jubilee Party Executive Director), Swalesh (Political Affairs Director), Mutiso (Foreign Relations Director) and Musalia Mudavadi (Cabinet Secretary).

Chinese officials sought to moderate ‘anti-China’ positions taken by candidates. Another interesting point was that when election outcomes did not favour its interests, China amplified concerns about election integrity in Kenya.

A similar strategy was witnessed during the 2022 Republic of Korea presidential election, where the Global Times reported issues such as long waits for voters and insecure ballot transportation.

China’s interference in the Kenyan elections involved cultivating ties with the country’s media. For instance, it sponsored a 20-day seminar for Kenyan journalists in China.

The Chinese Communist Party also work with Kenyan outlets, such as the Nation Media Group to promote pro-China narratives and develop a positive relationship with the Kenyan media.

It also engaged with the local business community as part of its comprehensive strategy to influence elections.

Election interference in Italy

In Italy, the Chinese policy involved maintaining good relations with influential politicians across the spectrum, including ex-Prime Minister Massimo D’Alema and Romano Prodi.

Meetings between the Chinese Embassy and Italian leaders were numerous and often lasted several hours. As per the International Republican Institute, the Chinese Communist Party also engaged with the Five Star Movement in Italy, particularly during the time it was led by Beppe Grillo.

It was involved in managing ‘anti-China’ Italian candidates and making its preferences clear through the Chinese state media and its local affiliates. For instance, the CCP had questioned the choice of Luigi Di Maio as Minister of Foreign Affairs through a commentary published i Xinhua news agency.

However, it was quick to change its stance when Di Maio adopted clear pro-China positions. The CCP developing good ties with Italian media outlets, such as national broadcaster RAI and national news agency ANSA. However, it did not bear the results expected by China.

It thereafter adopted new strategies to ensure that the Meloni administration in Italy engaged with the Chinese government.

Election interference in Philipines

China’s interference in the elections of the Philippines involved building good relations with influential political actors. For example, Chinese diplomats have maintained long-term ties with ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos, current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr, and ex-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

According to the International Republican Institute, this relationship management is coordinated by the International Liaison Department (ILD) of the Chinese Communist Party.

Moreover, China Radio International launched a program titled ‘Wow China’ in collaboration with the Philippine Broadcasting Service, The objective was to foster good relations and friendship between the two countries.

Additionally, the CCP also worked with Philippine-based media outlets such as the Manila Times and ABS-CBN to promote pro-China narratives among the public.

Chinese interference in Canadian elections

OpIndia had previously reported about Chinese government’s efforts to interfere in Canadian elections. On November 7, 2022, Canadian media outlet Global News published an article alleging that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had briefed Justin Trudeau about covert funding to 11 federal candidates in the 2019 elections.

“The Chinese Communist Party…is using all elements of state power to carry out activities that are a direct threat to our national security and sovereignty,” CSIS told Global News.

The news outlet further informed that the candidates who received funding from CCP belonged to both the ruling Liberal party and the Opposition Conservative Party.

Screengrab of the article by Global News

Earlier in 2011, a Conservative MP named Bob Dechert came under the scanner over his relationship with a Xinhua News reporter, Shi Rong. A former Chinese spy Li Fengzhi informed that the “act of striking up a relationship with an elected official fits the modus operandi of Chinese spies”.

It is also believed that the interference of the Chinese deep State in the federal elections of 2021 led to the defeat of the Conservative camp. An analysis by Rapid Response Mechanism Canada found that CCP supporters floated conspiracy theories that Canada will cut all ties to China if Conservatives are elected to power.

In this way, it deterred several Canadians from voting for the party. Moreover, Conservative candidate Kenny Chiu, who had been critical of China’s policies and proposed a Foreign Influence Registry Act (to publicly identify those acting on foreign interests), became the target of a disinformation campaign.

CCP bots created a narrative on Chinese social media platforms, namely, Weibo and WeChat, that Chiu is supposedly against China. This cost him his MP seat as half of the electorates in his constituency comprised of Chinese Canadians.

According to The Diplomat, the ‘China factor’ contributed to the defeat of the Conservative party. “While the three major political parties mentioned standing up against authoritarianism and China in their campaign platforms, the Conservatives had more proposals against China,” it reported.

“Those messages did not work well among suburban voters, particularly among voters of Chinese descent,” the news outlet added while highlighting plans of Conservative leader Erin O’Toole to sanction Chinese President, the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Party Congress among many others.

This led to the loss of Conservatives in the Richmond Centre and Markham Unionville electoral districts, where people of Chinese descent constitute 60% of the population.

Conclusion

China has a clear track record of influencing elections in several countries including the Philipines, Kenya, Italy and Canada.

The strategies include co-opting local media, building relations with the host nation’s politicians, engagement with the business community to promote its interests and pro-China narratives.

With increasing awareness of the nefarious designs of the Chinese Communist Party, efforts are now being made by sovereign nations to thwart attempts of interference in their local elections by external forces.

India must be wary of Chinese funding of Indian media outlets and dissemination of its propaganda amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country.

‘Bharat ka Atom Bomb fridge me rakhne ke liye nahi hai’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath responds to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comment on Pakistan’s Atom Bombs

OpIndia Staff
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‘Bharat ka Atom Bomb fridge me rakhne ke liye nahi hai’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath responds to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s comment on Pakistan’s Atom Bombs

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister And senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath spoke on various issues during ‘Janta Ki Adalat’ TV show. Yogi Adityanath spoke frankly on various issues ranging from Congress to Ram Mandir etc. He expressed his views on many issues like Pakistan, India’s national security, terrorism, and Rahul Gandhi among others.

UP CM Yogi participated in Rajat Sharma’s show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’. During this, Rajat Sharma said that Rahul Gandhi alleged that during the consecration of Ram temple in Ayodhya, he saw Amitabh Bachchan, saw Aishwarya Rai, but did not see any poor labourer. To this CM Yogi Adityanath said, “Who were the workers? The Prime Minister is praising those who built the temple with their own hands. Washed the feet of sanitation workers in Prayagraj. This happened for the first time.”

CM Yogi asked that Rahul Gandhi’s great grandfather, grandmother, and father have been Prime Ministers and his mother has been a Super PM and if these people have done anything for the poor then you can let him know.

Yogi Adityanath said, “The country saw him (Rahul Gandhi) during the Gujarat elections. They don’t even know how to go and sit in the temple. It seemed as if someone had gone to offer Namaz. The priest had explained that this is a temple, not a mosque. Sit cross-legged and worship. There is no posture to offer namaz here. Now such people will talk about Ram Mandir, who have a family history of opposing Ram Mandir.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also responded to Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that the President was not invited to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratistha because she is a tribal. CM Yogi said that it is because of the initiative of Prime Minister Modi that a woman from a tribal community is sitting on the highest chair of the country.

Rajat Sharma also mentioned the statement of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in which he had told his candidate that ‘You are Shiva. You have to fight with Ram’. On this the Chief Minister said, “In the Sanatan tradition of India, Ram and Shiva complement each other. Before building the bridge in Lanka, Lord Rama had worshiped Lord Shiva. Ram described this Jyotirlinga as Rameshwar i.e. Ram’s God. At the same time, Shiva said – whose God is Ram, he is Rameshwar.”

Yogi Adityanath said that Congress always does politics of division. They first divided the country on the basis of religion, then tried to divide the country on the basis of language and region. He said that Congress divided the country in 1947 and continues to sing the praises of Pakistan even today.

On the statements given by Mani Shankar Aiyar regarding Pakistan’s atom bomb, Chief Minister Yogi said, “Are our atom bombs meant to be kept in refrigerator? He may be a gem of Congress, but not a gem of India. This is new India. New India does not provoke anyone, but does not spare the one who provokes either. We will answer by entering inside their house and have done the same. Today the situation is such that even when a firecracker bursts loudly, Pakistan says no, I have no hand in it. This is new India.”

Inflation and Unrest: The deepening crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir as locals seek ‘Azaadi’ from tyrannical Pakistan government

Anurag
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Inflation and Unrest: The deepening crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir as locals seek ‘Azaadi’ from tyrannical Pakistan government

On Saturday, 11th May, videos surfaced on social media from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) where protesting civilians were seen pelting stones at the security personnel. Reportedly, the residents of PoJK are protesting over inflation and anti-PoJK policies of the Pakistani government. The rising prices of electricity prices and withdrawal of subsidies over wheat have forced the residents of the region to come out on the streets in protest. Severe taxes and lack of basic amenities have led to widespread protests in the occupied territory where the locals turned violent. The recent events have exposed the harsh realities of the Pakistani administration in the territory occupied from India.

Economic strain and policy failures

Pakistan is under a lot of economic pressure in recent times. Nearly empty treasury, political instability, and ever-rising foreign loans have put the hostile neighbour’s government under scrutiny. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) urged Pakistan to bring “strong cost-side reforms” to restore the viability of the country’s energy sector. IMF urged Pakistan to end power subsidies given to the energy sector in the upcoming financial year 2024-25 budget. However, the pressure on the public is already visible with the rising power prices. For instance, the current price per unit under 100 units is Rs 22 per unit and it rises to Rs 65 per unit if someone uses over 700 units per billing cycle.

The hike in various tariff brackets has fueled discontent among the masses. Furthermore, The central government’s removal of subsidies on wheat and the rampant corruption in the bureaucracy has only added to the hardships faced by the people. Reportedly, electricity generated in the PoJK area is also being diverted to other bigger cities in Pakistan which has further angered the locals.

Suppression of dissent

Responding the to atrocities of the Pakistani government, the locals came out on the streets. However, the Pakistani government decided to curb the protests using force rather than dialogue. Several units of Pakistani rangers and local police were deployed to disperse the protests and stop them at the budding stage. Contrary to what the ruthless rulers anticipated, the protests turned violent and videos showed how security agencies were pushed back. Rangers were seen using AK-47s on the civilians leading to the death of at least two protesters which exposed the human rights violations in the region.

As per reports, Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee announced a march to protest against the govenrment’s policies. However, over 70 activists linked to the committee were arrested by the security agencies. Pakistani rangers did not spare the children as well. Some of the tear gas shells reportedly fell inside a school leading to injuries to the female students studying there.

The fight for identity and rights

Several leaders in the PoJK have become the voice of the distressed public. Shaukat Nawaz Mir has emerged from the turmoil advocating for the rights and identity of the people of PoJK. In a statement, he said, “Put any tag on us, but as long as God is with us, you cannot harm us. Let us live in peace. If you raid people’s houses again and arrest them, there will be no peace. I am saying this openly. I appeal to everyone to save your region, save your identity. If your identity remains intact, everything will be possible; otherwise, nothing could be achieved. I have faith in all of you that you will fight this long battle and achieve success. The battle has to be fought with peace and by saving ourselves. It will be difficult to fight if you don’t stay grounded.”

Comparison with Kashmir on India’s side

Contrasting the situation in PoJK with that of the Jammu and Kashmir on India’s side reveals a stark difference. Since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has grown exponentially. With systematic public and private investment, implementation of national schemes and strategic policies for the region, Jammu and Kashmir has seen progress like never before. Lower inflation rates, consistent subsidies, and better infrastructure show how India is ensuring the stability and growth of the region. The impact of India’s efforts will be seen in regional politics as well in the coming years highlighting the importance of strategic governance models that curb terror activities and promote the development of the region leading to peace and prosperity.

The ongoing crisis in PoJK is a testament to the failures of the Pakistani government to address the aspirations and needs of the people of the region. There is a stark difference between how the Indian government and the Pakistani government deal with the dissent in the region. It shows how strategic policies are important for peace and stability which is not possible for the Pakistani government to provide anytime soon because of its economic and political instability.

The international community must recognise and address the plight of the people of PoJK and ensure that their voices are lost in the shadows of the impotence of the Pakistani government.

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