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‘Eat fish, pig, or elephant but why make it a show?’: Rajnath Singh lambasts opposition, says people on bail are threatening to send PM Modi to jail

OpIndia Staff
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‘Eat fish, pig, or elephant but why make it a show?’: Rajnath Singh lambasts opposition, says people on bail are threatening to send PM Modi to jail

On Sunday (14th April), Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a scathing attack on the opposition bloc while addressing election rallies in Jamui and Banka districts in Bihar. He took a dig at RJD leader Tejaswi Yadav for his ‘fish-eating video’ and questioned their audacity in hurting the sentiments of devotees during Navratri and making it a show for ‘appeasement politics’. 

Addressing the rally in Jamui, the Defence Minister said, “You are eating fish during Navratri. What message do you want to send? You eat whatever you want, fish, pig, pigeon, elephant or horse. What is the need to show? This is only for votes, for appeasement politics. They think people of a particular religion will vote for them because of this. Lalu ji, I request you to handle such people.” He reiterated the same in his election rally in Banka. 

Rajnath Singh also came down heavily on the remarks made by the daughter of Lalu Yadav, Misa Bharti. She had earlier issued a threat of retribution stating that if they formed the government, Narendra Modi would be sent behind bars. 

Referring to Lalu Yadav as his friend, Defence Minister Singh responded to Misa Bharti’s remark stating, “What are his family members saying? They are saying that if they form the government, they will put Modi ji in jail.” 

Using the Hindi idiom, “Na nau man tel hoga na, na radha nachegi“, Singh categorically asserted that the dreams of the opposition to form a government would not be fulfilled. 

He added, “Those who are in jail or out on bail will send Modi ji to jail? The people of Bihar will tolerate everything, but not this.” 

In his Banka rally, Singh asked who has dared to jail PM Modi and firmly said in Hindi, “Kisne maa ka doodh piya hai jo Modi ji ko jail mein dalenge.“

Meanwhile, during his rallies, the Defence Minister also noted that PM Modi has been receiving invitations for functions scheduled abroad next year. He added that this shows that the “entire world believes his return to power is inevitable”. 

He said, “Election season is known to be volatile everywhere. People view these times with a degree of consternation, but not so in the case of India. The entire world believes PM Modi will be back for a third consecutive term in office.” He is already being invited abroad for functions that are to be held next year, Singh added.

Defence Minister highlights India’s growing power at the global level

The Defence Minister asserted that under Modi, India has transformed into a power “capable of repulsing cross-border terrorism as was seen during the surgical strikes”. 

He added, “Another example of India’s rise in global stature was the release of retired navy officials, who were awarded death sentence by a court in Qatar, following a telephone call from Modi to the head of the West Asian state.” 

He also highlighted PM Modi’s intervention in rescuing the retired Indian Navy veterans who were sentenced to death by the Qatari government safely back home. 

Singh said, “Our retired Navy veterans who were working in some companies in Qatar were sentenced to death…PM Modi had a talk with Qatar’s President and within 2-3 days their punishment was reversed and the retired Navy veterans were back in India. This is India’s power.”

In February, Qatar freed eight ex-Navy personnel previously employed by Dahra Global. They were detained by Qatari authorities in October 2022 on suspicion of spying on a submarine program. It is pertinent to note that seven out of the eight Indian Navy veterans returned to India in February itself, MEA had recently stated that it is fulfilling the requirements to bring back the stranded 8th ex-Indian Naval officer who is still in Qatar. 

Following a guilty verdict for espionage from the Qatari court, they were sentenced to death. The death sentence of the retired Navy personnel was commuted to a prolonged prison term after diplomatic negotiations between Qatar and India.

The prison sentence was further reduced after relatives of the Indian Navy veterans reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which promised to utilise all diplomatic avenues to facilitate their return.

According to reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close rapport with the Emir of Qatar, coupled with the behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, played a pivotal role in securing the release of the Navy veterans.

Nonetheless, voting will be underway in Bihar in all phases of the Lok Sabha elections starting from April 19. The vote counting will occur on June 4.

Is being Hindu a crime in Jharkhand: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey receives notice after Mohammad Aftab files complaint over rescuing cows

OpIndia Staff
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Is being Hindu a crime in Jharkhand: BJP MP Nishikant Dubey receives notice after Mohammad Aftab files complaint over rescuing cows

Dr Nishikant Dubey, Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Godda Lok Sabha seat has been issued a notice by Mohanpur police station in Jharkhand’s Deoghar and summoned for questioning on 19th April. The notice has been sent against him in a case filed by an individual named Mohammad Aftab. The authorities claimed that the notice was issued for interrogation and assist with the investigation. Notably, a case has been brought against him despite the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

The Jharkhand High Court has also stayed the case, according to Nishikant Dubey, however, he continues to be tortured in the name of questioning. A furious Nishikant Dubey asked whether the state government would torture him for protecting the cow, following the police notice. He also took to social media and slammed the Jharkhand government for tormenting him because of his religion. “I am a Sanatani, protecting cows is a part of my religion. The opposition loves a particular religion and hates Hindus. If I save cows, will the state government harass me? Have I committed a crime by being born in the Hindu religion?”

“The police station in-charge caught the cow. According to the Jharkhand government, a cow could only be transported to a state where cow slaughter is strictly prohibited, however, the cow was being transported to Bangladesh and although cow slaughter is not entirely banned in Bihar, the First Information Report claimed that the animal was being delivered to Dhoraiya. They were taking the cow to be killed in Bihar. We apprehended two cow smugglers, based on the FIR. You (state authorities) assisted them in getting away and registered an official complaint against a third person,” the BJP leader stated while talking to the media.

He added, “The court has stopped the probe into the matter. Even though the electoral commission has repeatedly reminded that it is improper to solicit votes in the names of cows, Hindus, or religion, you nevertheless brought up this issue during the poll. However, the government and administration acting under the direction of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and former chief minister Hemant Soren, who is currently in jail, are compelling me to do politics and seek votes in the name of religion.

He further charged, “I am not saying or doing it but on the other hand, the entire Jharkhand government has made a joke out of the Election Commission because I have saved cows and Hindus treat cow as their mother. India’s Constitution mentions that the slaughter of cows should be forbidden. I am instructed to present myself at the Mohanpur police station on 19th April at 10:30 am, and I will definitely go. I will reach there at 10 am.”

The case pertains to December 2023 when a man was carrying dozens of cows on the Mohanpur-Hansdiha road and was stopped by the parliamentarian and his security personnel. The cattle were freed later. The accused was apprehended by the cops at the time. Afterwards, Balthar village resident Mohammad Aftab submitted a complaint against the lawmaker who has now received a notice to join the inquiry from the case’s investigating officer.

‘Command’ & ‘Communication’ not same, this is master-slave bus: ECI schools Left-wing propagandist Ravi Nair on the basics of EVM and English language

OpIndia Staff
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‘Command’ & ‘Communication’ not same, this is master-slave bus: ECI schools Left-wing propagandist Ravi Nair on the basics of EVM and English language

Responding to a post by left-wing propagandist Ravi Nair aimed at casting aspersions on EVMs, the Election Commission of India (ECI) schooled him on Sunday (14th April) about the basic functioning of EVM machines. The poll body also highlighted the ‘difference’ between the basic English words ‘command’ and ‘communication’ to point out the mischievous blunder in Nair’s post.  

Notably, Ravi Nair, who writes for leftist propaganda outlets, The Wire and Newsclick (currently no posts are available) wrote a series of tweets to “bet” and “dare” that the “so-called constitutional body” will not answer his logical questions. 

Sharing a screenshot from FAQs on the functioning of EVM, he wrote, “Hello @ECISVEEP, you insist VVPAT doesn’t communicate with the Control Unit (CU) and is a “slave”. You said VSDU, which used to show the battery charge and the paper availability in the VVPAT, got integrated with the CU.” 

He asked, “Doesn’t the VVPAT communicate with the CU?” 

For those unversed, the opposition parties and its ecosystem have been beating the dead horse that EVMs can be hacked by altering inputs, faulty algorithms, and a host of other conspiracy theories that have been outrightly rejected by the top constitutional court in the country. After the introduction of VVPAT machines, they have been alleging that the votes in the EVM control unit can be manipulated through the VVPAT machine.

Ravi Nair alleged that because the VVPAT machine sends some data to the Control Unit, like battery charge and the paper availability, it means that VVPAT communicates with the CU, with the implication that this can be used to manipulate vote data stored in the control unit.

The EVM consists of three units, the control unit which stores the votes and controls the voting process, the ballot unit which is an input device used to cast the vote, and the VVPAT which prints the vote on a paper after it has been cast, cuts it and drops into a sealed box before showing the printed paper to the voter. Therefore, VVPAT is an output device, a printer that prints the vote.

Meanwhile, in subsequent posts, Nair went on to allege that there is “no Election Commission” in India. He also used phrasing like so-called and “constitutional” (in double quotes) body while referring to ECI and lamented that it is not a constitutional body. Pertinent to note that ECI draws its power from the constitution under Articles 324 and 329 and is thus a constitutional body.  

Nair ranted, “Bet me, @ECISVEEP, the so-called constitutional body, won’t dare to answer any logical questions like this. Because those who are sitting in these “constitutional” positions are appointed by the Modi Government.”

In another post, he wrote, “There is no “Election Commission” in India now. India has Modi’s commissioners for elections.” 

Responding to his ulterior motives of casting aspersions on EVM cloaked as “logical questions”, the ECI explained factual inaccuracies in Nair’s post, pointing that these doubts are already cleared in the FAQ published by the ECI. The selected query refers to Q16 in ECI’s FAQ under the section of Technical Features & Safeguards.

The ECI replied, “Only CU {command Unit} can give ‘Commands’ to VVPAT & BU (Ballot Unit) and they will provide ‘Response’ to CU. This is Master-Slave bus architecture​. ​Communication can either be a ’Command’ or ‘Response’. Do not get confused between ‘Command’ &  ‘Communication’  & interchange terms.” 

Urging him to read properly, the poll body added, “Pls reread ​the FAQ you have quoted ​and also see Annexure 1 in the same FAQ for your clarity! Only CU can send ‘command’. CU is the Master !!” 

The ECI also posted a chart from the annexure of the FAQ on EVMs, which shows that VVPAT only receives commands from the Control Unit and sends confirmation of execution of commands, and it can’t send any command to CU because it is connected to the CU via a Master-Slave bus architecture​.

​The functioning of an M3 EVM can be understood with a simple analogy of Input and output devices communicating through the CPU in computer terminology. Like in the CPU in the computer, the Control Unit in M3 EVMs works as a Control Unit (CU) and communication between BU (Ballot Unit) and VVPAT takes place via CU. 

(Image source – ECI)

In simple words, the signal flow diagram is as follows – 

1. Input to CU (Master Unit) – The ballot button on CU is pressed by the Presiding officer to start a single voting. 

2. This signal (from CU) enables the BU machine to allow the voter to cast his/her franchise. 

3. Voter has to press the candidate key of his/her franchise on the ballot unit, which is a slave unit. It is like a keyboard on a computer, used only to input data.

4. Now, after the voter presses a button to cast the vote, the BU conveys the voter’s choice of key pressed to CU. ECI clarified that this is just a communication and not a command.

5. After receiving the voting choice, CU sends the command to VVPAT to print the ballot slip for the key pressed by the voter and confirm proper printing. Now, this is a aommand from CU to the VVPAT, to print the symbol of the candidate selected by the voter.

6. VVPAT prints the slip accordingly and sends the confirmation of printing of the ballot slip to the CU. Again, this is a communication that the print command has been executed, and not a command.

7. After that, CU sends the command to VVPAT to cut the printed ballot slip and confirm, which is a command to VVPAT.

8. VVPAT cuts the slip and sends the confirmation that the ballot slip has been cut and dropped, which is a confirmation communication.

9. At last, CU records the vote and confirms with a Buzzer sound, after which the EVM is locked, which needs to be released for the next by pressing the ballot button on the CU.

This entire process shows that the VVPAT works just like a printer, it executes commands received from the CU, and only sends confirmation that the command has been executed successfully. It can’t send any other information to alter any data to the CU, like the left-liberal lobby is claiming.

Nonetheless, while the ECI didn’t respond to politically motivated slurs hurled at the institution, it’s pertinent to note that the appointment of Election Commissioners by a panel (earlier by the government) is a democratic procedure that has been followed since Independence. This process has remained consistent over the years and is not an autocratic measure introduced at will by any administration. It doesn’t strip the stature of ECI as a constitutional body and it doesn’t compromise the integrity of the Election body to hold free and fair elections, as the same has scrutiny of law.

‘Hindus targeted with impunity’: BJP says homes and religious places attacked in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, party shares video

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hindus targeted with impunity’: BJP says homes and religious places attacked in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, party shares video

On Saturday (13th April), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari informed that miscreants vandalised religious places in Maujampur and Mirzapur in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.

While taking to X (formerly Twitter), he stated, “They are even targeting homes of innocent people and carrying out unabated destruction. The power supply has been disconnected to aid the devastation.”

Suvendu Adhikari also sought the urgent intervention of the Election Commission, the Assistant Director General of Police (Law and Order) and the Chief Secretary. He requested them to stop the vandalism and restore normalcy in the area.

He had also posted a video of the incident. On Sunday (April 14) morning, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said, “Yesterday, massive riots erupted at Maujampur and Mirzapur, under Beldanga Police Station, in Bengal’s Murshidabad district.”

“People’s homes and religious places were vandalised. All this is happening under the watch of Mamata Banerjee, also the Home Minister of West Bengal,” he pointed out.

BJP MP Locket Chatterjee took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform that Hindus were being targeted with impunity and sought help from the Election Commission.

She wrote, “Unacceptable! Rampant destruction of Religious Places & homes in Maujampur & Mirzapur, Murshidabad, reflects the failure of Mamata Banerjee’s TMC regime. Hindus targeted with impunity. Immediate intervention needed to safeguard lives & restore order.”

The official X handle of the Bengal unit of BJP also posted, “Immediate action is critical! Religious Places & homes in Maujampur & Mirzapur, Murshidabad, are under attack. Power supply deliberately cut to escalate the devastation.”

“Hindus targeted in West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee’s regime,” it added.

While seeking intervention from the Election Commission and West Bengal police, the BJP said, “Restoration of normalcy is imperative. The safety of citizens should be the top priority.”

In March this year, OpIndia reported about 5 incidents of attacks on BJP workers, carried out by goons associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress party.

Agents of candidates allowed to accompany election official team: ECI clarifies after Congress alleged presence of BJP worker during home voting in Bengaluru

OpIndia Staff
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Agents of candidates allowed to accompany election official team: ECI clarifies after Congress alleged presence of BJP worker during home voting in Bengaluru

The Election Commission of India has clarified that agents of all candidates in a constituency can accompany the team of election officials visiting houses of voters for home voting. The clarification came after Bengaluru’s Congress candidate Mansoor Ali Khan complained that a BJP worker accompanied ECI officials during home voting.

As per ECI rules introduced from this Lok Sabha election, voters aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities can vote from their homes. Accordingly, voting using postal ballots by such voters have begun. There are over 81 lakh 85+ aged voters and over 90 lakh PwD voters registered across the country. ECI team are visiting the houses of such voters carrying ballot boxes to collect votes on ballot papers.

The Congress candidate filed a complaint with the ECI alleging that a BJP worker named Kiran Naidu accompanied ECI officials to around seven houses during home voting. It was alleged that a revenue inspector who was deputed on election duty brought along a BJP worker while visiting houses of voters for home voting.

Responding to these allegations, the Election Commission of India has clarified that agents of a candidate from recognised political parties can visit the houses of voters along with the ECI officials for home voting.

The spokesperson of the ECI issued the clarification responding to a tweet by Congress supporter Ankit Mayank containing a video showing a ECI team visiting a house for home voting. In the video, some people are seen confronting the ECI team, questioning them over the presence of an alleged BJP agent. The spokesperson of the ECI said that it is already clarified in the Myth vs Reality section of the website of ECI.

The myth says, “Political Party agents cannot accompany polling teams during the process of home voting.”

But the reality is, as per Election Commission website, “Contesting candidates of recognised political parties are provided a list of electors availing home voting facility. As per procedure, all candidates are informed the schedule of the visits of the polling teams, in advance, and if they wish, they can depute representative to accompany polling teams after intimation in Form 10 to Returning Officer.”

Therefore, it is clear that if the candidates of recognised parties want, they can depute an agent to accompany the home voting team, to ensure that there is no wrongdoing in the process. Notably, candidates are allowed to depute their agents in polling booths, EVM strong rooms, and counting centres, which an integral part of the election process to ensure transparency, and to remove any possible doubt about the election process. The agents need sign relevant documents, like seals pun on EVM boxes and strong rooms after they are locked, which is verified when they are opened. This ensures that the boxes and EVMs are not opened before they reach the counting centres. Moreover, agent keep a constant vigil on the strong room where the EVMs are kept till the counting, and the Election Commission makes necessary arrangements for this, including CCTV monitors.

Similar to all these exercises, agents of candidates are also allowed in home voting process. It seems the Congress candidate from Bengaluru was not aware of this procedure, and filed a complaint.

However, the chief electoral officer of Karnataka has clarified that no agent was present while visiting the houses for home voting in Ward 108 of Rajaji Nagar Assembly Constituency of Bengaluru South PC. The CEO posted on X that there were no authorized party agents from any party present, and the person in question is a local and there was no undue influence. The election officer also clarified that secrecy of voting was not violated due to the presence of the person.

“The Home Voting Process is duly informed to all the Political Parties and Candidates and is conducted with utmost transparency,” the Karnataka CEO added.

Unknown gunmen strike again in Pakistan: Amir Sarfaraz alias Tamba who was convicted of killing Sarabjit Singh in jail shot dead in Lahore

OpIndia Staff
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Unknown gunmen strike again in Pakistan: Amir Sarfaraz alias Tamba who was convicted of killing Sarabjit Singh in jail shot dead in Lahore

On Sunday (14th April), unknown gunmen killed Amir Sarfaraz alias Tamba in Lahore Pakistan. Amir Sarfaraz alias Tamba was the man responsible for killing Indian national Sarabjit Singh in the Kot Lakhpat jail of Pakistan in 2013. Two unknown assailants shot Amir Sarfaraz dead in Lahore, as per reports. He was convicted in Sarabjit Singh’s murder. Later, a Lahore court set him free in December 2018.

According to a report by Samaa TV of Pakistan quoting police, the shooting took place in the Ganga Street area of Islampura where two suspects on a motorcycle entered underworld don Tamba’s house and opened fire on him. Police said he was hit by four bullets, shot twice in the chest and twice in the legs.

Amir Sarfaraz’s brother Junaid Sarfaraz said that Tamba was present in the upper storey of the house where he was shot. “One attacker was wearing a helmet and the other was wearing a mask,” he mentioned in the FIR filed.

He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance, but he died in the hospital during the treatment. Hospital sources said he died due to excessive bleeding, confirming that he was hit by four bullets. The death of Aamir Sarfaraz alias Tamba was later confirmed by his family sources.

The family also claimed he had been receiving threats for some time, adding that two unidentified motorcyclists entered the house and opened fire on him.

Police reached the house and cordoned off the area in search of the assailants. A case in the assassination has been registered in Islampura police station on the complaint of his brother Junaid Sarfaraz.

Notably, several terrorists waging war against India have been killed in Pakistan in the last few months in Pakistan. Several criminals and terrorists have been killed by unknown gunmen in Pakistan, creating speculations about the involvement of Indian intelligence agencies. A recent report by the Guardian claimed that the killings were executed on the orders of the Indian govt. However, the govt of India has denied the allegations.

Sarabjit Singh was an Indian national jailed in Pakistan. He was arrested as a suspected Indian spy in Pakistan. Charges of terrorism and snooping were levelled against him. Sarabjit Singh was incarcerated in the Kot Lakhpat jail of Pakistan He was killed in a fight inside this jail in 2013.

Sarabjit Singh was arrested by Pakistani authorities in 1990 on fake charges of carrying out bombings in Lahore and Faisalabad. He was accused of being a spy for India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). However, Singh maintained his innocence throughout the trial and asserted that he was wrongly implicated.

His case went through several legal proceedings over the years, with appeals made by his family and supporters for his release or clemency. There were also claims and counter-claims about his identity, with some suggesting that he was mistaken for another person with a similar name who was involved in the bombings.

Despite international appeals for clemency, including from the Indian government and human rights organisations, Sarabjit Singh was sentenced to death by a Pakistani court in 1991. However, his execution was repeatedly postponed, and his case continued to be a point of contention between India and Pakistan.

In 2013, Sarabjit Singh died in a Pakistani hospital after being attacked by fellow inmates in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat prison. His death sparked outrage in India, with many believing that he was targeted because of his Indian nationality and the contentious relationship between India and Pakistan. Now, unknown gunmen have killed his killer.

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose’s husband Rajdeep Sardesai greeted with Modi-Modi chants in Bengaluru, video goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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TMC MP Sagarika Ghose’s husband Rajdeep Sardesai greeted with Modi-Modi chants in Bengaluru, video goes viral

On Sunday (14th April), a clip featuring India Today journalist and husband of TMC MP Sagarika Ghose, Rajdeep Sardesai, circulated on social media. In the viral video, Sardesai is seen surrounded by a crowd of Modi supporters who can be heard greeting him with Modi-Modi chants and slogans of Jai Shri Ram. Sardesai, who has courted controversies in the past for alleged meltdown, ‘heckling’ and ‘clashing’ with Modi supporters, is then seen hastily trying to leave the scene.

Sharing the clip, popular X user, Ankur Singh wrote, “How Bengaluru welcomed @sardesairajdeep.. Rajdeep’s Expression says it all,” with laughing emojis. Incidentally, Sardesai was greeted in the same manner when he visited Karnataka five years ago.

Another popular handle ‘Keh Ke Peheno’ reacted, “Can you feel the pain of Rajdeep Sardesai?”

While the said video has not been uploaded to the official India Today platform or Sardesai’s YouTube channel, the incident captured in the viral video seemingly occurred today morning (14th April) during his slated election coverage, the ‘Election on My Plate’ series in Bengaluru, Karnataka. 

As per the information received, the incident purportedly unfolded near Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore a little after 8 AM. Notably, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya had organised a ‘RUN 4 Namo’ program and the said incident reportedly took place during this event.

Meanwhile, several users said that the recent incident reminded them of the infamous Madison Square episode involving Rajdeep Sardesai.

Regarding the recent incident, an X user wrote, “Bechara Boxer of Madison Square (crying emojis). See the reception he’s got in Bengaluru. Kitna DARD. Just look at his expressions. Ek toh Modi Modi Modi ke naare Upar se Jai Sri Ram. Great job by Rajdeep to control his natural BOXING tendencies.” 

For those unversed, it is alleged that journalist Rajdeep Sardesai suffered a meltdown when he was amongst a crowd of Modi supporters in Madison Square in the United States. It is also alleged that he had a physical altercation with the crowd when he couldn’t bear the pro-Modi and critical remarks against him.  

Sardesai, who claims to champion the cause of ‘Journalism’, has been notorious for launching unhinged tirades against Narendra Modi since the time he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, prompting the latter to congratulate him for “repeatedly abusing Modi” which could secure him a Rajya Sabha seat. 

(Video Source – @rose_k01)

Modi and hosts of poll pundits have pointed out that the easy way to success among the left is to incessantly hurl abuses at PM Modi. 

‘BJP has fielded a prostitute from Mandi to turn parliament into a brothel’: Bihar politician Rudra Pratap Kushwaha attacks Kangana Ranaut with sexist remarks

OpIndia Staff
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‘BJP has fielded a prostitute from Mandi to turn parliament into a brothel’: Bihar politician Rudra Pratap Kushwaha attacks Kangana Ranaut with sexist remarks

Rudra Pratap Kushwaha, known for his frequent controversial remarks, has once again sparked controversy. This time, during the Lok Sabha elections of 2024, he has directed a barrage of criticism towards BJP candidate and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut. His comments not only targeted Ranaut but also took aim at the BJP and the nation’s highest legislative body, the Parliament, likening it to a ‘brothel’. Furthermore, he issued sexist remarks against Kangana Ranaut and called her a prostitute.

Rudra Pratap Kushwaha was speaking to a media person on the nomination of Kangana Ranaut as a BJP candidate from Mandi in a highly objectionable manner. He said, “A prostitute has been given a ticket in Mandi. This BJP is sending such a woman to the Parliament House to fool the backward society and they will open a brothel there in the parliament. They will show such a woman to other MPs and transfer their votes in exchange. These people have a similar history right from the beginning. We will request Modi ji and Shah ji to give Sunny Leone the ministry of women and youth.”

The journalist interviewing him protested how can he use such words for a woman, Rudra Pratap Kushwaha insisted that Kangana Ranaut does not deserve any respect as a woman because of her costumes in movies. When the journalist said that those visuals were from movies, the politician continued to attack Ranaut over her movie dresses. During this, when the journalist said that ‘an FIR will be filed against you’ for such comments, Rudra Pratap said that he was not afraid of the FIR.

Senior journalist Mamta Tripathi took to social media platform X and reacted to this. She wrote, “A ticket has been given to a prostitute from Mandi. These BJP people will open a brothel in the parliament and get the votes by showing such a woman. How is this man still standing on his feet Narendra Modi Sir? Men like Rudrapratap Kushwaha who do not know how to respect women should be taught in their language. You curse them (women) when they are Rajput, you abuse them when they are Brahmins. In the whole country, only nonsense is being talked about women’s safety, sisters and daughters. Every day such ignorant people are inventing new ways to say anything like that.”


Rudra Pratap Kushwaha has previously been in the news earlier also due to his controversial remarks. In one such video, he was talking about killing and chasing away Brahmins. He said, “Now, there will not be any Hindu-Muslim riot in the country. Rather, there will be a backwards versus forwards riot in the country. Rudra Pratap Kushwaha will do it to chase you people away from this land of Bharat. You have made a joke out of it. No Hindu is in danger. No Muslim is in danger. Neither Geeta nor the Quran is in danger. Remove the glasses of religion from your eyes and see. You will find that the entire Hindustan is under threat because of these 2 per cent Brahmins. Chase away these 2 per cent Brahmins and kill them. Muslims are our brothers.”

In another video, he was observed advocating for the expulsion and eradication of Brahmins from the country as a means of running the nation, suggesting it is unnecessary to drive out Muslims.

Rudra Pratap Kushwaha also objected to the triple talaq law for Muslim women. He called PM Modi the son of a Muslim. He also questioned the powers of Lord Shiva. He also showed his hatred for the Ram Mandir. To demean religion, Rudra Pratap Kushwaha says that due to religion, the backward class could not study, and in such a situation, he will work to set this religion on fire.

Kushwaha also questioned the gods and goddesses of Hindus, saying, “These deities including Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, they are all called the masters of the universe; If these people are the masters of the universe, then why were they born in India, not in China and Japan?”

Rudra Pratap Kushwaha is the national president of the Yuva Vichar Manch organisation. He frequently makes statements targeting Brahmins. He has been known to label Dalits supporting Brahmins as illegitimate offspring of Brahmins. Kushwaha suggests that Dalits should regard Muslims as brothers due to the historical significance of the Mughal dynasty. He advocates for the elimination and expulsion of Brahmins. Furthermore, he implies that those who stand by Brahmins lack strength and masculinity.

Empowering India’s youth, schemes for the poor, putting an end to appeasement politics: Here is why the BJP Lok Sabha manifesto is a game changer

Dibakar Dutta
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Empowering India’s youth, schemes for the poor, putting an end to appeasement politics: Here is why the BJP Lok Sabha manifesto is a game changer

On Sunday (14th April), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its 69-page manifesto [pdf] for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled to commence on 19th April this year.

Unlike the manifestos of the Congress party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the BJP laid out a clear vision to take the nation forward on the path of progress and development.

While steering away from appeasement politics, the saffron party emphasised its plans to build large-scale infrastructure and revolutionise manufacturing, agriculture and healthcare.

Support for India’s poor

At the very onset, the BJP promised to continue to provide food security for over 80 crore Indian citizens. On page 11 of its manifesto, it stated, “We have provided free ration to 80+ crore citizens since 2020. We will continue to provide free ration for the next five years under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.”

The party assured to continue its scheme (Ayushman Bharat) of providing free health treatment up to ₹5 lakh to poor families. Additionally, BJP has promised to expand the scheme to cover senior citizens (page 20 of the manifesto) and transgenders (page 34 of the manifesto).

It has also vowed to extend the PM Awas Yojana (affordable housing for all) from the existing 4 crore beneficiaries to all the poor families (garib parivar) who still do not have access to quality housing. (Page 12 of the manifesto).

A special emphasis has also been laid on the ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ Yojana (piped drinking water for all), which aims to provide water to all houses in cities, towns and villages and prevent water wastage.

“We have empowered one crore rural women to become Lakhpati Didis. We will now empower three crore rural women to become Lakhpati Didis,” the BJP said on page 15 of its manifesto.

The party has also promised to create a digital university and provide industry-focused free courses that will help upskill low-income families (Page 59 of the manifesto)

Alleviating the distress of the middle class

“The last 10 years have seen a large number of families join the ranks of the neo-middle class due to a steady increase in the incomes of all citizens. It is our responsibility to help them grow further while giving them enough support to stabilise their standard of living,” Page 13 of the manifesto reads.

BJP has promised to strengthen the RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act of 2016 and make the real estate sector further transparent and citizen-friendly. It has assured to help middle-class families realise the dream of owning a house through regulatory reforms and ease of registration and construction.

The saffron party has also vowed to help expand the startup ecosystem to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, promote quality education through the creation of new IITs, AIIMs and IIMS, and use technology to ensure ease of living for middle-class families. (Page 14 of the manifesto)

“We have provided subsidised medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and also established 315 new medical colleges across the country. We will continue to expand these services for our middle-class families to ensure accessible high-quality healthcare services,” the BJP noted.

Empowering the youth of India

In its manifesto, the party has talked in detail about its vision to empower the youth of this country. “We have successfully established Bharat among the top 3 Startup Ecosystems through various interventions ranging from Atal Tinkering Labs, Hackathon, Startup India and Start-Up India Seed Fund,” Page 18 of the manifesto says.

The BJP has promised to ensure funding of startups through the expansion of the ‘Startup India Seed Fund Scheme’ and ‘Startup Credit Guarantee Scheme.’

To support the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth, the party has assured to expand financial credit schemes such as the Mudra loan limit (Tarun category) from ₹10 lakhs to ₹20 lakhs (applies to entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid previous loans).

Impetus on Education

The BJP has laid strong emphasis on the National Educational Policy, which was enacted in 2020 to provide quality education to children.

Page 60 of the manifesto reads, “For this, we will strengthen the network of PM SHRI Schools, Ekalavya Schools and other such schools as per NEP to make them world-class. We will work towards a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio from pre-school to secondary level.”

“We will achieve 100% implementation of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ through the AutomatedPermanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) to store academic qualifications, credit scores and certificates, among others for students from pre-primary to higher education,” it further added.

On Page 57 of the manifesto, it assured to increase the number of AIIMS and medical colleges, besides enhancing the seats for Undergraduate and Postgraduate medical education.

Support for the farmers

The BJP has dedicated four pages of its manifesto (Pages 22-25) to discussing ways to uplift the condition of farmers and revolutionising India’s agricultural sector.

This includes the promise of annual financial assistance of ₹6,000 (PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana), an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for major crops, quicker redressal of grievances about crop insurance, strengthening natural farming and incentivising crop diversification.

The BJP is keen on positioning India as the ‘Nutri-hub of the world’, promoting the cultivation of millets (Shree Anna), expanding irrigation facilities for farmers (PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana), launching Krishi Infrastructure Mission, developing a network of grain storage facilities in rural areas, expanding access to nano urea and ensuring high-yielding seeds.

Strengthening MSMEs and small businesses

On Page 31 of its manifesto, the BJP announced, “We will encourage small traders and MSMEs to adopt ONDC and expand their businesses using the power of technology.”

“We will rejuvenate and reposition Khadi as a national and global brand for sustainable lifestyle and undertake structural reforms to achieve these objectives…We will transform Bharat into the global hub for toy manufacturing, leveraging our skilled workforce and rich cultural heritage to produce innovative and high-quality toys,” it further added.

The party has also promised to simplify access to the GST portal, launch insurance products for small and MSME traders, access to capital and reduction of compliances for such businesses.

“We will launch an initiative to foster balanced regional development across all districts of the country. Brand, promotion and exports of One District One Product (ODOP) products will be encouraged under the initiative,” it said on Page 43 of the manifesto.

Making India a global leader

Contrary to its rival Congress and CPIM, the BJP has laid out its vision to make India a global leader. “We are committed to seeking permanent membership in the UN Security Council to elevate Bharat’s position in global decision making,” reads Page 35 of the manifesto.

It has also assured to lead India in global fight against terrorism and terror financing. “We will continue our efforts to create a consensus among all members of the United Nations on the Comprehensive Convention against International Terrorism and other such efforts to combat terrorism,” the BJP announced.

“We will build upon the success of the ‘No Money for Terror’ conference to develop better coordination on countering terrorism financing,” it further added. The BJP has also vowed to lead India in global humanitarian assistance, build strategic partnerships and expand diplomatic relations with countries.

To reinforce India’s soft power in the world, the saffron party has reiterated its commitment to promote yoga and Ayurveda to the world. “The role of Bharat’s Digital Public Infrastructure in revolutionising public service delivery is appreciated all over the world. We will work towards sharing this technology with partner countries,” it added (Page 37 of the manifesto).

On Page 40 of its manifesto, the BJP stated that it would strive to make India the 3rd largest economy in the world through the implementation of the right policies, focused execution and meticulous planning.

Preserving India’s rich culture and heritage

In its manifesto, the BJP has also assured to preserve and promote India’s rich culture and heritage. We will relentlessly work towards bringing back Bharatiya idols and artefacts that were taken away illegally from Bharat,” the party stated.

Most importantly, it has vowed to promote the legacy of Lord Ram. “Ramayan is celebrated across the world, particularly in South and South-East Asia. We will launch a global outreach program for documenting and promoting the tangible and intangible legacy of Lord Ram
in all countries. We will celebrate Ramayan Utsav with great fervour across the globe to commemorate the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla,” the BJP announced.

On Page 52 of its manifesto, the party reiterated its commitment towards holistic development of Ayodhya, digitisation of Bharatiya manuscripts and establishment of Bharatiya Sanskriti Kosh.

“We will promote select destinations across Bharat as preferred venues to showcase the richness of Bharatiya weddings, highlighting the vibrant traditions, and supporting cultural exchanges,” the BJP added.

Upholding India’s sovereignty

The saffron party has declared that it will defend the interests of the nation from all threats of terror. “The Surgical Strikes of 2016 and the Air Strikes of 2019 are examples of our dedicated efforts towards countering terrorism. We are committed to defend Bharat’s citizens and interests at home and abroad from all threats of terrorism,” the BJP emphasised (Page 38 of the manifesto).

It has announced to further strengthen the country’s paramilitary forces to counter left-wing extremism. The BJP also said that it will ensure the implementation of the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) to ensure justice for citizens.

Page 63 of the manifesto reads, “We will continue our efforts to address the issues in the disturbed areas and remove AFSPA in a phased
manner. We will further work towards resolution of inter-state border disputes amongst Northeastern states through sustained efforts.”

Ensuring social justice

The BJP has reiterated its commitment to confer citizenship to persecuted religious minorities who have fled from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh and illegally staying in India on or before 31st December 2014.

“We have taken the historic step of enacting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and will implement it to confer citizenship to all eligible persons,” reads Page 39 of the manifesto. The party has vowed to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country and ensure social justice.

Page 54 of the manifesto clearly says, “BJP believes that there cannot be gender equality till such time Bharat adopts a Uniform Civil Code, which protects the rights of all women, and the BJP reiterates its stand to draw a Uniform Civil Code, drawing upon the best traditions and harmonising them with the modern times.”

Focus on development

On Page 45 of its manifesto, the BJP said that once it is elected to power, the design, manufacturing and installation of the indigenously developed Kavach Train Protection System will be expanded in a mission mode.

“We will strengthen the modern road connectivity ecosystem to 15,000 km of access-controlled highways. We will construct ring roads around major cities to improve mobility and decongest cities,” the party pointed out.

It has also unveiled plans to expand 5G networks, develop 6G technology, connect 2 lakh gram panchayats to BharatNet, make high-speed internet access for all (Page 48 of the manifesto) and position India as South Asia’s leading aviation ecosystem.

On Page 49 of the manifesto, the party stated, “We will achieve energy independence for Bharat by 2047 and reduce petroleum imports through a mix of electric mobility, network of charging stations, renewable energy production and improving energy efficiency.”

Creating a Vikshit Bharat

In its manifesto, the BJP also laid out ambitious plans to realise the dream of ‘Vikshit Bharat’ by 2047. The plans include setting up a committee to turn ‘One Nation, One Election’ into reality (Page 55 of the manifesto).

The party has also highlighted its intention to host the 2036 Olympic Games in India and develop necessary infrastructure to host major sporting events. (Page 61 of the manifesto)

Other promises include the launch of Gaganyaan (human spaceflight mission), the establishment of Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), creation of an Anusandhan Fund with ₹1 lakh crore to promote scientific research.

On page 67 of the manifesto, the party has made it clear that it will increase the share of electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources and reach net zero emissions by 2070.

BJP is also planning to revitalise the country’s rivers and initiate a National Clean Air Program to reduce air pollution across 131 cities.

Through its manifesto, the party has successfully reached out to all sections of society with a vision to take the country on a path of economic progress and development.

Online ‘Special 26’: Scammers dupe high profile victims while posing as law enforcement officers to extort money

OpIndia Staff
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Online ‘Special 26’: Scammers dupe high profile victims while posing as law enforcement officers to extort money

Two sensational cases of Cybercrime have made headlines in less than a week, causing an alarming concern. Strikingly, a 52-year-old software engineer hailing from Bengaluru recently lost Rs 2.24 crores after he fell prey to cybercrime. As per reports, the scammers had posed as Delhi Customs and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) official.

Days earlier, a Bengaluru-based woman lawyer was duped Rs 15 lakh in a similar incident. Reportedly, the scammers posed as CBI officers who made her strip on camera on the pretext of conducting ‘narcotic tests’. They later extorted money from her by threatening to release her private videos.  

Scammers posing as Delhi Customs and NCB officials defrauded Bengaluru Software engineer

According to reports, 52-year-old software engineer Kumaraswamy Sivakumar, who hails from Jakkur, received a call on 18th March. The caller posed himself as an officer from Delhi customs. They alleged that an air parcel addressed to him had been detained at Delhi Airport. It had 16 passports, 58 ATM cards, and 140 grams of Ecstacy tablets and it was sent to Delhi from Malaysia. 

The call was then transferred to another man who introduced himself as an NCB officer and forced Sivakumar to download Skype for further interaction. Later, they demanded money to resolve the fabricated case. Between 18th and 24th March, the victim Sivakumar transferred Rs 2.24 crore in eight installments via Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).

He, however, realised that he was cheated on 5th April and consequently went on to file a case in Bengaluru Northeast Cyber Police Station. 

Bengaluru Lawyer defrauded in a ‘FedEx scam’, made to strip for ‘narcotics test’ in over 35-hour call

Previously, a 29-year-old lawyer hailing from Bengaluru, Karnataka became a victim of ‘FedEx’ fraud. FedEx is an international courier giant. In this case, the scammers had posed as CBI officers and made her transfer around Rs 15 lakh. As per reports, the woman was forced to remain on a Skype call for over 35-hour during which she was made to strip on camera in the pretext of conducting a “narcotic test”. 

According to the police, the victim received a call from scammers who claimed that a package in her name containing illegal drugs had been delivered to Thailand. The call escalated into a nearly one-and-a-half-day-long call, during which the scammers recorded her nude and blackmailed her for ransom, threatening to sell the clipping on the dark web. The victim, a lawyer at a private firm, lost Rs 14.57 lakh over the 35-hour call, which lasted from 2:15 PM on April 3 to 1:15 AM on April 5.

Later, the victim female lawyer filed a complaint in this regard at the Bengaluru East division cybercrime police station. 

The victim received a call from the scammer who claimed to be from the customer care of FedEx, an international courier giant. He told her that a parcel in her name had been returned and she had to speak to the customer care executive. 

The person posing as a FedEx executive alleged that the parcel contained five passports, three credit cards, and 140 synthetic narcotics (MDMA) and it was sent from Mumbai to Thailand in her name. 

She was informed that because the package contained narcotics, it had been detained. If she hadn’t ordered it, she was advised to contact the cybercrime team in Mumbai to report identity theft.

In her complaint, she said, “After I confirmed that yes, I wanted to make an identity theft complaint, they transferred my call to the cybercrime team in Mumbai. The cybercrime team asked me to download Skype and enter an email ID to chat with them.” 

Later when she gave them her credentials, “I was then informed that my Aadhaar card was on high alert for human trafficking and drugs. After this, the Skype call was transferred to an alleged senior CBI officer named Abhishek Chauhan where I was asked to switch on the camera and start a conversation,” the complainant added.

The scammer posing as a CBI officer informed her that there was a case of human trafficking, money laundering, and identity theft, she said. 

She told the police, “They kept grilling me about my bank account details such as my existing balance, my annual CTC, my monthly income and my investments. I gave them all the needed information.” 

The scammers forced her to take an oath that she would not disclose any details with anyone until the investigation was completed as this was a ‘highly sensitive case’ and the fabricated case also involved police and politicians. 

They asked her to remain online with the camera on so that they could ensure that she didn’t call or text anyone. In her complaint, the victim said for an entire day, I was watched even during the night. I was asked to keep the camera on and sleep.  

As per the complaint, the scammers forced her to strip and pose on camera on the pretext of conducting ‘narcotic tests’. She added that she was threatened to continue doing it or else she and her family would be arrested in a drug case.

The complaint further states, “The alleged officer later blackmailed me that if I don’t give him Rs 10 lakh by 3 pm on April 5, he will sell her video to multiple people including the dark web.” 

Meanwhile, as per reports, a total of 25 people have been cheated to the tune of roughly Rs 4 crore in Bengaluru Northeast jurisdiction alone since the beginning of April.

These recurrent cases of Cybercrime have brought to the spotlight a growing trend in which scammers have adopted this modus operandi that resembles the online version of the plot shown in the old Bollywood film, ‘Special 26’. A general pattern has been observed in these cyber fraud cases, where scammers pose as law enforcement officers. They extort money from their victims by falsely alleging that the victims or their relatives are in legal trouble and can be saved if the victims release large sums of money to the scammers’ accounts. 

To prevent becoming a victim of cybercrime, it’s crucial for users to refrain from making major decisions ‘one random’ call or interaction with ‘strangers’. Even if the claims seem legitimate, it’s essential to seek assistance from law enforcement and legal professionals. It’s advisable to independently verify any legal documents claimed by individuals over time, rather than relying solely on online interactions.

For example – In instances where a random caller purports to be a law enforcement official, alleging the detention of a family member and demanding ransom for their release, it’s imperative to exercise caution. Rather than hastily succumbing to fabricated claims, it’s prudent to verify the situation by ensuring the physical presence of the purportedly detained relative and seeking confirmation from the appropriate authorities before considering any agreements.

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