On Tuesday (16th April), the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) claimed responsibility for the attack on fuel tankers near Manipur’s Kaimai village on National Highway 37 (NH37). Earlier in the day, a driver suffered bullet injuries as armed men ambushed oil and gas tankers in the Tamenglong district.
According to the police, at least two fuel tankers were hit by gunfire near Keimei village on NH-37, which connects Imphal with Silchar. The police added that unknown armed men fired from hilltops to target the fuel tankers on the highway, resulting in the driver being shot in the leg. Bullets hitting the tankers caused oil spillage on the road. Additional forces were rushed to the area to ease tensions. Nevertheless, the ambush led to panic buying of petrol and diesel at petrol pumps in the valley districts of Manipur.
Hours after the attack, the insurgent Kuki outfit issued a press release to warn of more such attacks in the future.
JUST IN | United #Kuki National Army claims responsibility for attack on oil & gas tankers near #Manipur’s Kaimai village on “NH37” on April 16, warns of more such attacks on all #Imphal-bound goods vehicles, @rahconteur reports pic.twitter.com/8nxTNFtydO
In the press release as accessed by The Hindu, the UKNA issued a threat describing the 16th April attack as the “first offensive operation” against the supply of the essential commodities and “weaponry”. According to the Kuki militant group, the commodities in the truck were being sent to aid the Meitei community.
It is pertinent to note that large-scale violence erupted last year between two main ethnic communities in the state – Meitei and Kuki following a controversial court order. In February this year, the Manipur High Court removed its instruction to the Manipur Govt given last year that sparked the riots in the state which started in May 2023.
The High Court had asked the state govt to recommend the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, triggering massive protests and violence by the Tribal Kuki community. The court in February revised its earlier order and deleted the instructions to the state govt.
Alleging that the state government is favouring the Meitei community, the Kuki outfit levelled the state government as “communal” and conveyed that it will keep opposing it to “stop the Genocide of Kukis”. It also alleged that it would target trucks carrying essential communities to stop the “illegal transport of heavy weaponry”.
Threatening of more attacks, the press release added, “The UKNA felt sorry for injuring a driver during the operation and further it is warned that no Imphal bound goods vehicle transportation should ply on the National High Way -37 with immediate effects.”
It further stated, “That this operation is a continuing process and any transporters neglecting the order should be treated as the enemy of the Kuki’s and he or she will face the consequences of a disobedience for which he or she shall be responsible.”
It concluded by stating, “The organization understands the plight of its people at the best of the communal state government and this organisation should oppose the state government as long as it stops sponsoring the ongoing Kuki Genocide.”
On Tuesday (16th April), the Supreme Court heard pleas seeking cross-verification of the votes cast with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). While the Supreme Court bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta was not convinced by advocate Prashant Bhushan’s arguments to go back to election via ballot paper instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), CNBCTV18 published a misleading report claiming that the SC bench said that “we can go back to ballot paper or give VVPAT slip to the voters.
A CNBCreport (archive) claimed that Justice Sanjiv Khanna suggested during the hearing that since the “VVPAT box switched from transparent to fleetingly transparent, ballot paper may be a better option.”
The CNBC report even quoted Justice Sanjiv Khanna as saying, “We can go back to paper ballots. Another option is to give the VVPAT slip to the voters in hand. Otherwise, the slip falls into the machine and the slip can be then given to the voter and it can be put into the ballot box. Then the VVPAT design was changed, it had to be transparent glass, but it was changed to dark opaque mirror glass where it is only visible when the light is on for seven seconds.”
CNBC report
Contrary to the CNBC report’s claim, it was not Justice Khanna but advocate Prashant Bhushan who said this during the hearing. Bhushan said this when Justice Khanna asked him, “What relief are you seeking?”
To this, advocate Prashant Bhushan said, “In 2017 they designed the VVPAT machines different from what they used to be. The machine should have a transparent glass. In 2017 it was changed to dark opaque mirrored glass, where you can’t see unless a light is lit inside the box, you can’t even see the slip cut and go inside the box. suppose you put a program that if two consecutive votes are cast for the same person then the slip won’t be cut.”
In response, Justice Khanna asked: “We have understood. What do you want?”
It is in response to Justice Khanna’s question that Prashant Bhushan proposed three options before the court. He said that one option is to return to the ballot paper voting system, giving VVPAT slips to the voter or placing the transparent glass on VVPAT machines. He suggested a fourth option that if the voter doubts something is not right, he may file a complaint under 177.
“We can make the glass transparent. There are three options. Ballot paper, give VVPAT slip to voter and third is transparent glass. There is a fourth option. If the voter feels something is not right, they can file a complaint under 177,” Bhushan said.
Adv: there is a fourth option. If the voter feels something is not right, they can file a complaint under 177.
Bhushan: according to me these are the three suggestions. Most European countries have gone back to ballot paper
It is, thus, clear that it was not Justice Sanjiv Khanna who opined that paper ballot may be a better system or that VVPAT slips be given to voters but advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) who proposed these as options to ensure fair elections.
While CNBC’s factually incorrect report claims that Justice Khanna saw ballot paper as a better option “maybe”, the Supreme Court bench was not convinced by the petitioner’s argument to return to the ballot paper.
“We are in our 60s. We all know what happened when there were ballot papers; you may have, but we have not forgotten,” Justice Khanna said.
Moreover, he also said that human intervention in the polling and counting process could lead to further problems and biases. “Normally, human interventions lead to problems and human weakness can be there which includes biases as well. Machines, normally without human intervention, will give you accurate results. Yes, the problem arises when there is human intervention or someone makes unauthorised changes when they are around the software or machine. If you have any suggestions to avert this, then you can give us that,” Justice Khanna said.
A shocking incident of forced religious conversion has come to light from Rajasthan’s Alwar where a man named Sabir is accused of raping a minor Dalit girl after he had kidnapped her. The minor victim was then forcibly converted to Islam and married to the accused, Sabir. Based on the complaint of the victim’s family, the Police have filed a case under IPC sections 363, 366A, 376(2)N and under stringent POCSO and SC/ST Acts.
The incident sparked outrage among the members of the Dalit community who have demanded the arrest of the accused. They have warned to carry out a protest if strict action is not taken in this matter.
Ramgarh Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Omprakash Vishnoi said that the matter is being investigated seriously.
He said that on 15th April, the family members of the Dalit minor girl had registered a case of kidnapping, rape, and forced marriage in the Bagad Tirahe police station.
The DSP assured that strictest action will be taken against the culprits involved in the case. He stated that the victim’s family told the police that their daughter had gone to the market to get her silver anklets repaired on 13th April. During this time, she disappeared somewhere on the way.
According to reports, the victim is a 17-year-old Dalit girl who resides in Bagad Tiraha, Alwar. On April 13th, she went to the market to have her anklets repaired. However, when she did not return by evening, her family members began searching for her.
They then came to know that Sabir a resident from the nearby village had abducted the minor. Subsequently, they reached Sabir’s house where his family misled the Dalit family. They told the victim’s family that they would help them in finding the girl.
However, when the victim’s family couldn’t find success in finding the victim, they reached Sabir’s house but this time they were accompanied by the Police. After reaching there, they came to know that their minor daughter had been forcefully converted to Islam and she was forcibly married to Sabir.
The victim’s family has also accused Sabir of raping their daughter. Consequently, they filed an FIR in Ramgarh police station on 15th April.
Meanwhile, BJP’s Ramgarh division general secretary Dinesh Gautam said that this is a case of Love Jihad. He added that immediate action should be taken in this case and the accused should be arrested otherwise the Dalit community will stage a protest.
Elections in West Bengal nowadays mean the use of crude bombs by political parties, mostly by Trinamool Congress workers. Often, ‘cottage industries’ making such bombs, or houses storing such bombs explode due to various accidents, which sometimes cause deaths. In the latest such incident, the intense heat of the sun caused bombs hidden in a house to burst in a massive explosion, causing panic in Murshidabad.
The incident took place on Tuesday in Nazirpur Paschim Para area of Rezinagar police station in Murshidabad. On 16th April afternoon, the entire area was shaken by an explosion that took place behind a wood mill in the area. While initially people thought that an electric transformer has exploded, subsequent explosions confirmed that there were bombs. The series of explosions causes massive panic in the area.
After the blasts, it was clear that bombs were hidden there, and they spontaneously exploded due to the intense heat of sunrays. There is no report of any injuries or casualties due to the explosion. Police arrived at the scene after getting the information and started an investigation. A bomb squad has also been deployed to see if there are more bombs hidden in the area.
The explosion ahead of the Lok Sabha elections have created a fight between Congress and Trinamool Congress, with both parties blaming each other. Rezinagar Block Congress President Mintu Singh alleged that the aides of local TMC MLA Rabiul Alam Chowdhury had stored bombs behind the wood mill. And that bomb exploded in the heat of the sun. He demanded that legal action should be taken after proper investigation into the case.
However, TMC leaders have denied the charges, and alleged that Congress workers are storing bombs ahead of the elections. Murshidabad district Trinamool chairman Niamat Sheikh alleged, “Congress-backed miscreants are stockpiling bombs to terrorize the area and affect law and order before the polls.”
The police said that different types of bombs are being recovered from different parts of the district ahead of the polls. Police also added that stored bombs are exploding due to overheating. The Rezinagar incident is also believed to be similar.
In a similar development, a bag-full of socket bombs were recovered in Chakraramprasad area of Sagarpara police station in Murshidabad. On the basis of information of presence of bombs, the police searched the area on Monday and recovered a bag full of fresh socket bombs from an empty field.
17 April 2024 has registered itself as a momentous occasion in the country’s history. For, it is the first time in nearly 500 years that Ram Navami is being celebrated with Ram Lalla, the child-like form of Lord Ram, consecrated at the sacred site of Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya.
Ayodhya is all decked up to celebrate the birth of Lord Ram, one of the foremost deities in the Hindu pantheon. Likewise, every city across the length and breadth of the country is drowned in the festivities of Lord Ram’s birth anniversary, with Mahaprasads being distributed in various corners, Ram Bhajans blaring on loudspeakers installed at popular intersections, and Shobha Yatra (procession) being carried out to celebrate a figure that has been at the centre of the Hindu piety.
While Ram Navami has always been celebrated with great fervour, this time around, there is an exciting zing in the air about the celebrations never witnessed before. Perhaps there is a realisation among people about the enormity of the occasion and their incredible fortune for being the first generation to witness Ram Navami being celebrated at Lord Ram’s birthplace, the ‘Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’ in Ayodhya.
This excitement is palpable in the manner in which Ram Navami celebrations are underway in different parts of the country. But more importantly, there is a consciousness among the general public about the magnitude of the moment in front of them. Until a few years ago, very few believed that Ram Lalla at Ayodhya at Ram Janmabhoomi would be a likely possibility shortly. That changed dramatically with Gujarat CM Modi ascending to New Delhi and taking over the country’s Prime Ministership in 2014.
And then, 5 years later, in 2019, the Supreme Court ended the long-drawn-out battle over the ownership of the Ram Janmabhoomi site and handed it over to Hindus, paving the way for the construction of a magnificent abode to Ram Lalla.
Then, on January 22, 2024, a momentous chapter was inscribed into Bharatvarsh’s illustrious history as the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla concluded in Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. PM Modi led the consecration ceremony, reinstating Ram Lalla to his rightful place after an agonising 496 years.
A wave of jubilation swept through the nation as millions of devotees thronged the streets and temples, big and small, to commemorate the completion of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha and offer their homage to the deity’s return to Ayodhya.
The resounding chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’ echoed across the country, infusing a rare sense of triumph and energy among the vast multitudes gathered organically in their respective hometowns. The long-awaited prophecy of “Ram Lalla Aayenge, Mandir Wahin Banayenge” had finally come to fruition.
Amidst the nationwide revelry for Lord Ram’s homecoming, it was also a moment for solemn reflection on the centuries of struggle that led to the realisation of the Ram Mandir. In a speech that will echo for generations, PM Modi underscored the sacrifices made to fulfil the dream of constructing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
“After centuries of unparalleled patience, countless sacrifices, renunciations, and penances, our Prabhu Ram has returned…” PM Modi remarked in his address following the Pran Pratishtha ceremony. He spoke of the resilience of Hindus, their steadfast devotion to Lord Ram, and their unwavering spirit in reclaiming what was rightfully theirs.
Lord Ram epitomises India’s enduring civilization, rooted in principles of freedom, pluralism, tolerance, and diversity. His return symbolizes the nation’s journey towards Ram Rajya, a vision of ideal social harmony, economic justice, and political freedom. The consecration ceremony thus stood as a triumph of righteousness over tyranny, a victory of inclusivity over Islamic iconoclasm.
For many, the Pran Pratishtha ceremony marked the culmination of centuries-long efforts to reclaim Lord Ram’s birthplace and restore Him to His rightful abode. Yet, its significance runs much deeper. The reinstatement of Lord Ram in Ram Janmabhoomi pays homage to the thousands of devotees who sacrificed everything to reclaim a site that was forcibly taken by Islamic zealots. They endured the humiliation of a mosque built atop a preexisting temple, and their perseverance was honoured with the Pran Pratistha ceremony, and celebrated again today, nearly 3 months later on Ram Navami.
Truly, this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Ram Navami celebrations with the presence of Ram Lalla Virajman at the sacred site is a testament to the unparalleled determination, unwavering resolve, and exceptional courage of the millions who ensured that the struggle for the Janmabhoomi was not lost to the trials of time. They passed on a sense of duty to Dharma to future generations, urging them to persist in the battle until the goal of liberating their God’s birthplace was achieved.
While India’s tumultuous history vividly illustrates that the Ram Janmabhoomi site is just one example of how Islamic iconoclasm and extremism subdued non-Muslims in India, it is also a tale of courage and steadfast determination that kept the Hindus going, celebrating their festivals and passing on the baton of struggle to their progenies.
Numerous sites, notably the Krishna birthplace in Mathura and the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi stand as stark reminders of this iconoclasm. India’s history, even when viewed through a Marxist-Leftist lens, details how Muslim invaders from the Middle East, originally aiming to spread Islam, pillaged, plundered, raped, and massacred Hindus who worshipped idols.
Following the religious persecution under Muslim rulers, the Indic civilisation faced assault from the wily British, who economically drained the country to the point where it contributed less than 1 per cent to the global GDP upon their departure in 1947, a stark contrast to its peak of 27 per cent during the 17th century. Since the Indian independence, Hindus have been guilt-tripped by Nehruvian historians who instilled a sense of guilt in them with their distorted retelling of history.
In this light, the Ram Navami celebrations after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya are a significant victory for Hindus and followers of all Vedic faiths who grew restless with time but never gave up reclaiming what was rightfully theirs. The Ram Navami celebrations this year not only symbolize the centuries-long wait for Ram Lalla in Ayodhya but also stand as a testament to the victory of good over evil, a central theme of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Hindus across Bharat and the world over are celebrating the first Ram Navami after the establishment of Bhavya Ram Mandir and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Lalla. Ram Navami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Shri Ram, the reincarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu in Treta Yuga.
Ram Navami 2024 is a particularly special occasion for Hindus as it is being celebrated for the first time in 500 years in Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shri Ram. Shri Ram Lalla was adorned with the divine Surya Tilak at 12.15 PM on 17th April, in a magnificent display of India’s not only spiritual and religious realization but also its architectural, scientific, astrological and astronomical prowess.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, formerly Twitter, to wish the nation on this special occasion. Sharing a snippet of his speech from 22nd January at the Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha event, PM Modi wrote in a post in Hindi, “Ram Bharat ki astha hai, Ram Bharat ka adhar hai (Ram is Bharat’s faith, Ram is Bharat’s foundation).”
In another post in English, he wrote, “The first Ram Navami after the Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya is a generational milestone, weaving together centuries of devotion with a new era of hope and progress. This is a day crores of Indians waited for. Innumerable people devoted their lives to this sacred cause.”
The first Ram Navami after the Pran Pratishtha in Ayodhya is a generational milestone, weaving together centuries of devotion with a new era of hope and progress. This is a day crores of Indians waited for. Innumerable people devoted their lives to this sacred cause.
He wished the nation and sought the blessings of Prabhu Shri Ram to guide all on the paths towards righteousness and peace.
Hindus are experiencing a deep sense of completeness this Ram Navami as Shri Ram Lalla’s birth is being celebrated in His divine presence and at His home. Before this auspicious day, Ram Navami was celebrated in Ayodhya with Shri Ram Lalla residing in a makeshift tent.
On 22nd January this year, when the Pran Pratishtha event was held, it was hailed as the return of Shri Ram from a 500-year-long exile, much like His return from exile of 14 years during which time he rescued Ma Sita, His Wife, and killed the demon king Ravan symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Similarly, the Ram Navami falling on 17th April 2024 is a historic day symbolising the rebirth of Shri Ram Lalla, who now resides in the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya 500 years after the Ram Mandir was destroyed on the orders of Mughal emperor Babur. Ram Navami this year is not only the rebirth of Shri Ram Lalla but the rebirth of Bharat conscience that is Ram.
One reminisces about the electrifying words of PM Modi during his Pran Pratishtha address. “Ram is not fire, Ram is energy. Ram is not a controversy, Ram is the solution. Ram is everyone’s. Ram is infinite. Ram is Bharat’s faith. Ram is Bharat’s foundation. Ram is Bharat’s thought. Ram is Bharat’s tradition. Ram is Bharat’s conscience. Ram is Bharat’s contemplation. Ram is Bharat’s prestige. Ram is Bharat’s glory. Ram is flow. Ram is impact. Ram is Neti. Ram is strategy. Ram is constant. Ram is consistent. Ram is supreme. Ram is illumination. Ram is comprehensive. Ram is the world. Ram is the soul of the universe.”
Every single word in this part of PM Modi’s address took the people back into the memory lane almost making them relive the battle of the last 100 years if not 500 that led to the Pran Pratishtha. Think in this context and you’d be hit by the epiphany as to why Bharat is revered as Mata (mother) by Hindus. While Mata Kaushalya, Shri Ram’s Mother, carried Him in Her womb for 9 months until the day of his birth, Bharat Mata carried the many stories of Ram and His devotees in her womb for centuries to give Him back to us on Ram Navami in Kali Yuga no less.
Uncountable years have passed since Shri Ram walked this Holy land in Treta Yuga. Just how pure, calm, tranquil and just his character was that it surpassed the biggest of evils can be ascertained from the fact that the Ram Naam is still deeply embedded in India’s conscience. From the average Hindu to politicians known for politicking, everyone for some reason or another has chanted the Ram Naam, venturing into the Bhakti Marg knowingly or unknowingly.
This is how lasting the impact of Shri Ram is that even after His leaving the physical world in Treta Yuga, He continues to inspire the path of New India in Kali Yuga proving that He cannot die or end. Every Ram Navami was like a diya of hope lighting inside our hearts awaiting Shri Ram’s return to Ram Mandir.
On this Ram Navami, an Akhand Jyoti (uninterrupted flame) has been lit in the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of Hindus who will forever be driven by the values of Karma and Dharma imparted by Shri Ram through the journey of His life.
On 16th April, Canada said that it plans to explore new measures to expand access to alternative financing products such as halal mortgages. The rapport report on Budget for the financial year said, “Canada is home to a vibrant and growing market of alternative financing products, including halal mortgages, that enable Muslim Canadians, and other diverse communities, to further participate in the housing market.”
It read, “Budget 2024 announces that the government is exploring new measures to expand access to alternative financing products, like halal mortgages. This could include changes in the tax treatment of these products or a new regulatory sandbox for financial service providers while ensuring adequate consumer protections are in place.”
The Canadian government started consulting financial service providers and diverse communities to understand how federal policies could be improved to support the needs of “all Canadians seeking to become homeowners.” An update on Halal Mortgages is expected to be provided in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement.
For those who are unaware, the Shariah law or Islamic faith considers interest to be a form of usury. To make the mortgages “Shariah compliant” or “Halal”, the financial institutions operating in the Islamic world often offer mortgages and lending products that do not have conventional interest payments. Some financial institutions in Canada offer some such mortgages, but the largest five banks in Canada have no such offerings. As Canada is exploring Halal Mortgage options, it may push the large banks in the country to have a separate section of mortgages for Muslims that are “Shariah compliant” or “Halal”.
A report from CTV News in October 2022 mentioned that experts believe Muslim Canadians were “left out” of purchasing homes as they did not have an option of Halal mortgages. Mohammad Sawwaf, CEO of Manzil, an Islamic financial institution from Canada, told CTV, “They’re basically keeping themselves outside of this conventional banking system because it doesn’t align with their religious or ethical principles, and so it becomes very difficult to access financing.”
According to Sawwaf, two options under Halal mortgages are: “murabaha” and “musharaka”. Under murabaha, the financial institute is a mediator and buys the property directly from the seller. The company then sells it immediately to the client with an embedded profit rate. Under musharaka, the seller and the buyer go into an agreement where the seller’s name stays in the title of the home. As the buyer pays off the mortgage, the seller’s equity in the property reduces. While murabaha takes around 10-15 years to complete the payment cycle, in the case of musharaka, it takes around 25-30 years to complete the payment cycle. The amount above and beyond the cost of the property is NOT mentioned as interest charged by the financial institute but as “additional fees”.
Raghuram Rajan tried to bring Islamic banking to India
While Canada is waking up to the Islamic banking system, it is noteworthy that Raghuram Rajan, the former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), proposed to have an Islamic banking system in India in 2008 when Congress was in power.
In August 2007, the Planning Commission of India formed a high-level committee on Financial Sector Reforms headed by Raghuram Rajan, who was working as a professor at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago at that time. The committee presented its report in 2008 titled A Hundred Small Steps.
On page 72 of this report, there is a section titled “Improving infrastructure for financial inclusion”, where the idea of interest-free banking is discussed. A para in that section reads, “Another area that falls broadly in the ambit of financial infrastructure for inclusion is the provision of interest-free banking. Certain faiths prohibit the use of financial instruments that pay interest. The nonavailability of interest-free banking products (where the return to the investor is tied to the bearing of risk, in accordance with the principles of that faith) results in some Indians, including those in the economically disadvantaged strata of society, not being able to access banking products and services due to reasons of faith. This non-availability also denies India access to substantial sources of savings from other countries in the region.”
While the report does not mention the words Islamic banking or Shariah compliance banking, the text makes it clear that it is referring to Islamic banking only. It says that certain faiths prohibit the use of financial instruments that pay interest, which directly points towards Islam as earning interest on money is considered haram only in Islam. The report had said that while interest-free banking is provided by some NBFCs in India, it should be made available on a larger scale, including through the banking system.
The text “Improving Infrastructure for Financial Inclusion” is the exact title of the chapter where Islamic banking was proposed in the Raghuram Rajan report, which can be seen in the report. The proposal was rejected by RBI in 2017.
Though RBI disallowed Shariah banking in India, Sharia-compliant Indices for companies are available in the country. In June 2022, OpIndia reported that some X users (then Twitter) criticised Tata Group for offering Sharia-complaint mutual funds. Though most of the investors and people in general are unaware, India has the ‘Shariah Index’ for companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).
What is Shariah Index?
In simple terms, Shariah Index can be defined as an index of companies that are compliant with the Shariah Law. These companies are screened by an authorized board before getting listed in the indices. Basically, these indices include only those companies that deal with Halal products and services, and do not do business in Haram items. For example, alcoholic beverage companies can’t be included Shariah indices because alcohol is Haram in Islam.
Such indices are present around the world, and in India, there are four main indices that index Shariah-compliant companies that are S&P BSE 500 Shariah Index, BSE Tasis Shariah 50 Index, Nifty 500 Shariah Index, and Nifty 50 Shariah Index. The boards that screen the companies for their inclusion in Shariah indices are required to be well-versed in the principles of the Quran governing personal law or Shariah. Shariah-compliant indices have been functioning in India since late 2000s. For example, NSE’s Shariah indices were launched in 2008. OpIndia’s detailed reprot on Shariah Indices can be checked here.
On 17th April, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi maintained the ambiguity around his potential candidacy for the prominent Amethi seat in Uttar Pradesh by stating that the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) would take the final call and he would adhere to the decision. He did, however, accuse the journalist of acting as a Bharatiya Janata Party mouthpiece and referred to the genuine query as a “BJP question” in an attempt to mock the media as an extension of the ruling party.
“People leave Gujarat and come to Varansai to become Prime Minister but you went to Wayanad. Will you contest from Amethi or Rae Bareli,” asked a journalist to Rahul Gandhi. The Congress prince, instead of addressing the genuine question that has been a topic of wide discussion in the media, attacked the journalist saying, “This is a BJP question,” to which the latter replied, “It is a journalist’s question.”
However, Rahul Gandhi claimed, “Opening ball, BJP question. Well done! Listen, the decision will be taken by the Congress Election Committee (CEC) and the party president. I will follow their order and do whatever they tell me. In our party, all these (selections of candidates) decisions are taken by the CEC. However, the first question was that of the BJP. Good question.” He was addressing a joint press conference with Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav in Ghaziabad.
#WATCH | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: When asked whether he will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi or Raebareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "This is BJP's question, very good. Whatever order I will get, I will follow it. In our party, all these (selections of… pic.twitter.com/eI0Si8Q6QB
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party has already declared Union Minister Smriti Irani as its candidate from the Amethi constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha poll. Rahul Gandhi emerged victorious from there three consecutive times since 2004, however, she won the seat and defeated him by 55,000 votes in the 2019 general election.
Anticipating a defeat from Smriti Irani in 2019, Rahul Gandhi contested from Wayanad seat, to ensure he stays on as a Lok Sabha MP. This year, the Congress is yet to even announce a candidate on the Amethi seat against Irani.
How Congress and Rahul Gandhi have been hostile to journalists asking genuine questions
Notably, Rahul Gandhi and his party have an unsavoury history of venting their frustration on the press and even blaming them for being BJP sympathizers. During “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” he singled out a journalist and questioned, “Are you from the media? What is your name? What is the name of the owner of your organisation.”
The Lok Sabha MP also lost his temper on 25th March last year while speaking at a press conference for the first time after he was disqualified from the Lok Sabha on 24th March and attacked two members of the media. When journalist Ravi Sisodia of CNN-News18 questioned him about his conviction in the “Modi surname” case, the Wayanad MP first called him a BJP stooge and added that the BJP has claimed that the remark was a direct insult to the OBC and the nation’s socially oppressed classes.
On Wednesday (17th September), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended ‘wishes’ to the Hindu community on the occasion of Ram Navami. However, she asked the community to maintain peace and avoid violence in the state as the Hindu Jagaran Manch is scheduled to take out 5,000 religious processions at the ward/panchayat level in all districts of the state.
“Greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. I appeal to maintain peace, prosperity, and development for all,” Banerjee said blatantly holding Hindus responsible for the violence in the state like every time.
Screenshot of the post on X
She also asked her supporters, TMC workers, and the ‘minority’ community members to “stay calm even if the religious ceremony was used to provoke and trigger riots.” She alleged that the BJP might “try to trigger riots during the Ram Navami celebrations”, also ahead of the elections. She blamed the Hindus for the violence and urged all citizens not to get provoked and fall into the trap.
“I want to caution my minority brothers and sisters that if you hear any provocative slogan on April 17, (just remember) it is the day when they try to trigger riots. I want it to be a day of respect for people, a day of unity. Even if they abuse you, stay calm and pray to Allah,” Banerjee was quoted as saying in a rally in Jalpaiguri.
The celebration of Ramnavami in the state of West Bengal has always been in the discussions, given the state CM Mamata Banerjee’s hatred towards Hindus and her favouritism towards the ‘minority community’. While wishing on the occasion of Eid on 10th April, Banerjee called it a joyous occasion and displayed her love towards the community.
However, while extending ‘wishes’ on the occasion of Ramnavami on 17th April, Banerjee showcased her hatred towards the community and indicated that the Hindus were the ones who have always been responsible for the violence in the state.
It is important to note that the permission for Ram Navami procession in the state of West Bengal was almost denied by the state authorities. PM Modi also yesterday in a rally at Raiganj stated that Ram Navami processions in the state never get permission from the state. He said that the state not only opposes the Hindu procession but also allows the miscreants to pelt stones at the participants of the procession.
Notably, on Monday (15th April), the Calcutta High Court permitted the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Anjani Putra Sena to hold Ram Navami processions in West Bengal’s Howrah district. While the VHP plans a religious parade on Wednesday, the Anjani Putra Sena will host one on the 21st of April. Meanwhile, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of attempting to “use religion” for “political benefits”.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) will be holding nearly 5000 Ram Navami celebrations in villages and cities across West Bengal on Wednesday, just two days before three of the state’s 42 parliamentary constituencies vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
The TMC, concerned about the BJP’s potential use of Ram Navami to ‘incite’ Hindutva, urged the Election Commission to prevent any attempt to ‘utilize religious rituals’ to polarise voters ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The TMC and the state CM of West Bengal have always been criticizing the BJP and the Hindu community people, blatantly blaming them to be the reasons for violence in the state. Notably, it is a recorded fact that the people from the Islamist community have been the troublemakers when it comes to the Hindu processions in the state.
In several incidents in the past from the state, the Hindu processions have been deliberately attacked, the Hindu religion has been insulted by the Islamists who have always gotten a free pass by the state. In the violence that happened last year in the Howrah region, several Hindu devotees were attacked, shops, and vehicles were forced and several of them were reported injured.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Ruckus during 'Rama Navami' procession in Howrah; vehicles torched. Police personnel on the spot. pic.twitter.com/RFQDkPxW89
However, later it came to the fore that the violence was ‘pre-planned, orchestrated and instigated’ and that the West Bengal Police allowed the violence to take a huge face. Meanwhile, the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee very smartly gave a free pass to the Islamists and blamed the ‘outsiders’ for the violence. “You bring goons-on-hire from outside of Bengal, carry out arson, and orchestrate riots here…We have never stopped you from conducting rallies. Who permitted you to hold rallies with swords and bulldozers?,” she was quoted as saying.
Further, fake cases against the Hindu participants were also administered.
It was also revealed that the Hindus had sought additional security because of apprehensions of communal violence since even in the previous years, Hindus had come under attack in Howrah in the 100-metre stretch. The state police, however, had failed to provide such security in advance and also had failed to secure the life and property of procession takers knowing fully well the sensitive nature of the area.
Also, in the year 2022, it was the Muslim mob who pelted stones at the Hindu participants in Howrah on the occasion of the Ram Navami procession. And at that time also the police had hardly done anything to stop the attack.
The procession was organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Durga Bahini, and it was started at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur. However, the procession was attacked in the midway near Fazir Bazar at PM Basti on GT Road in Shibpur, Howrah.
The attack and the subsequent action by police completely disrupted the religious procession. But the mob was not satisfied with it, and the procession was abandoned and the Hindus had left the place, the Islamists started attacking houses and shops belonging to the Hindus.
Mamata’s favoritism to Islam, hatred towards Hindus
In the year 2022, Mamata Banerjee had called Hindus cowards for chanting the slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ while she also favored Islam saying that Hindus were ‘kafirs’ and hence cowards. “Let them do what they want. We are not scared. We are not cowards. We are not ‘Kafir’ [possibly]. We fight. We know how to fight. We will fight against them. We will finish them,” Banerjee was quoted as saying on the occasion of Eid that year.
#WATCH | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses people at Red Road in Kolkata on the occasion of #EidUlFitr
"Good days will come…we are not scared, we know how to fight," says Mamata Banerjee pic.twitter.com/t09QLyOGZG
Mamata Banerjee’s intolerance towards Hindus and the chant of Jai Shri Ram is a longstanding issue. In May 2019, soon after the BJP had secured a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections with 18 seats in West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal police arrested 10 people from Barrackpore for chanting slogans of ‘Jai Shree Ram’ in North 24 Parganas at Mamata Banerjee’s convoy.
Accusing the BJP of pitting non-Bengalis against Bengalis, Mamata had asked the police to immediately take down the names of those chanting the slogans so that stern action could be initiated against them. This was not only an aggressive use of power, but it also highlights cowardice because in this case someone as powerful as a chief minister of a state is seen getting disturbed by a simple nonviolent protest by innocent Hindus just chanting Jai Shri Ram.
TIMES NOW EXCLUSIVE: West Bengal: 10 people have been arrested for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans at WB CM @MamataOfficial's convoy yesterday.
Even before that, while in the middle of the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata Banerjee had stepped down from her vehicle to yell at those who were registering their protest by chanting Jai Shri Ram.
In January 2021, she was seen walking out of the stage refusing to address the public gathered at Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial for Netaji birth anniversary celebrations, because the crowd was chanting Jai Shri Ram.
भारत माता की जय, जय श्रीराम,जय हिंद, जय बांग्ला के नारे के बाद उखड़ी ममता बैनर्जी, कहा सरकार के कार्यक्रम की अपनी गरिमा होती है, ये राजनीतिक कार्यक्रम नहीं है, मै आभारी हूँ कि कोलकाता में प्रोग्राम बनाया लेकिन किसी को बेज़्ज़त करना ठीक नहीं #NetajiSubhasChandraBosepic.twitter.com/05e8pYtwfV
It must be noted that the genocide of Hindus has been a phenomenon West Bengal under the rule of Mamata Banerjee has become infamous in recent years. After the state assembly elections of 2021, the Hindu genocide and rapes of Hindu girls in Bengal were not only paced up but also being normalized by the state machinery. Any attempt to oppose this violence or assert the rights of the oppressed Hindus was casually termed as bigotry.
Efforts were made by the state police to silence the media voices reporting the pains and sufferings of these Hindus and exposing the involvement of the state machinery and TMC goons in those heinous crimes. These malicious efforts by the West Bengal government were later slammed by the Supreme Court.
Recently, the Sandeshkhali incident also was reported in which several Hindu women were reported raped, harassed, and tortured at the hands of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his two aides Shiba Prasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar. The women had accused the trio of making their lives miserable for quite some time.
Mamata blamed Hindus also in 2019 amid post-poll violence
In the year 2019, massive violence erupted in the state post-elections between the BJP and the TMC resulting in the deaths of several Hindu persons. Mamata Banerjee at that time also played the blame game and alleged that the Centre and the BJP were organizing violence in a bid to topple her government. “we will not let Bengal turn into another Gujarat,” she had said.
Amid all this, Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray who was a Hindu leader then and who happened to be a close associate of Mamata Banerjee only for power, had slammed Banerjee for making the Gujarat remarks. Shiv Sena in an editorial in its mouthpiece Saamna had said that the “sleeping Hindus of Bengal” had been “awakened by her excesses” and that Banerjee was responsible “for her own downfall.”
Responding to Mamata Banerjee’s declaration that she would not allow BJP to turn “Bengal into Gujarat”, Shiv Sena had attacked the Trinamool Congress chief saying that the state would turn into Gujarat and could even turn into ‘Ayodhya or Varanasi’.
“What does she mean by won’t let Bengal become Gujarat? Bengal has become Gujarat; tomorrow it may become Ayodhya or Varanasi,” the party had said in its mouthpiece, saying that the state of Bengal could undergo the transformation to Varanasi or Ayodhya if “Lord Ram was angry.”
Ram Navami 2024
In the current scenario, the Hindu Jagaran Manch plans to conduct 5,000 religious processions at the ward/panchayat level in all districts of the state. The group stated that it intends to stage large processions in Barasat, Siliguri, and Kolkata’s Burrabazar.
The state police has been put on high alert and they have also been told to monitor social media to avert any communal tension ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. “No public display of weapons during processions will be allowed. Some traditional groups and akharas have been given permission (to take out processions). Every procession will be videographed. If anyone is found breaking rules or trying to create law and order problems, they will not be spared,” a senior police official confirmed.
According to sources, the district administrations in Hooghly, Howrah, Uttar Dakshin Dinajpur, Asansol, and Barrackpore, districts that have previously seen communal disturbances during Ram Navami had also been notified. According to sources, numerous political leaders will participate in the processions and are also expected to hold rallies on Ram Navami.
As the dates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 approach, electoral fervour is mounting. While some parties focus on nation and development, some people’s politics revolve only around caste. Thakur Puran Singh’s name has recently emerged in caste politics amidst demands for a caste census. Puran Singh is organising Rajput (Kshatriya) conferences around Western Uttar Pradesh with an agenda of opposing the Bhartiya Janata Party.
When OpIndia looked into Puran Singh’s past, it turned out that a case was filed against him for shooting a Rajput (Kshatriya) six years ago. In that case, a Muslim man had supported Puran Singh’s attack on a Kshatriya. Many conferences were held under the name ‘Swabhiman Mahapanchayat’ in districts including Saharanpur, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar, led by Thakur Puran Singh. In addition to Uttar Pradesh, he said that Kshatriyas from Rajasthan and Haryana attended these meetings.
The latest panchayat was conducted on the 16th of April at Meerut’s Kheda village. Seeking to establish himself as a Kshatriya community sympathiser in front of a large audience, Thakur Puran Singh appealed to Rajputs in these Panchayats to abstain from voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Puran Singh, along with others on stage at the Kheda Panchayat, swore an oath by pouring salt into a pot. People like Mohammad Zubair, who are running a religious agenda under the garb of fact-checking, are the most likely to post videos and news from these anti-BJP panchayats.
Thakur Puran Singh accused of firing on a Kshatriya
Even though Thakur Puran Singh is now active in the Kshatriya Swabhiman Panchayat, an FIR was filed against him in the past for firing on a Rajput man and his associates. The incident occurred on January 13, 2018. Satish Kumar Pundir had filed a complaint at the Shamli district police station in Uttar Pradesh alleging that on the 13th of January 2018, at 5 p.m., Thakur Puran Singh and Raju Singh, who claimed to be the president of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangathan, came him in four to five vehicles.
Puran expressed displeasure with Satish Singh Pundir and asked why he filed a complaint against Raju Singh at the police station. Satish Singh proposed that Thakur Puran Singh sit and discuss There was some conversation in the presence of sugarcane department officials, but Puran Singh’s associate, Raju Singh, initiated a dispute. It is claimed that when Raju Singh began abusing, Satish Singh Pundir stood up and left.
Raju Singh and his friends ran towards Satish Singh as he was leaving. During this time, the attackers aimed their guns at Satish and fired a bullet with the intent to kill him.
Haji Afsar among Satish Pundir’s attackers
Satish Singh stated in his complaint that Puran Singh’s friend and associate, Haji Afsar Ali, was also among those who fired at him. Haji Afsar Ali is originally from the Bhainsani village of Shamil. The attack also targeted Puran Singh, Raju, and Haji Afsar, as well as Ankur Rana and Rohit from Muzaffarnagar district. In addition, the FIR mentions 20-25 other unknown attackers. The majority of this unknown mob are thought to be henchmen of Puran Singh’s ally Haji Afsar Ali. OpIndia has a copy of the FIR.
FIR Copy obtained by OpIndia
The Shamli police then filed a FIR against 20-25 unknown attackers, including Puran Singh, Raju Singh, Ankur Rana, Rohit, and Haji Afsar, for the murder of Thakur Satish Singh Pundir. All of them were charged with violating sections 147, 148, 149, 307, 323, 504, and 452 of the IPC. On May 16, 2018, the police concluded their investigation into this case and issued a charge sheet. The police investigated and found that Satish Singh Pundir’s allegations against Thakur Puran Singh, his colleague officer Ali, and other nominees were true.
No arrests due to fear of riots
On May 16, the police filed a charge sheet in Shamli court and explained why the five identified accused had not been arrested. According to police, the attacker, Puran Singh, and the other accused are members of a farmers’ organisation, thus their arrest would disrupt law and order in the society. On top of this, the police argued at the time that the Lok Sabha by-election would be held. The police have also requested the court to punish Puran Singh, Haji Afsar Ali, Ankur Rana, Rohit, and Raju Singh.
In his complaint, the victim, Thakur Satish Singh Pundir, expressed dread of being attacked again by Puran Singh, Haji Afsar Ali, and the other accused. He stated that, in addition to the sugar mill guards, Uttar Pradesh Police arrived at the scene and saved his life. Satish Singh had also demanded stringent action against the accused.
