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Punjab: Grandson of former Congress CM Beant Singh, and former Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Ravneet Singh Bittu joins BJP

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: Grandson of former Congress CM Beant Singh, and former Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Ravneet Singh Bittu joins BJP

On Tuesday (26th March), Congress’ Lok Sabha MP from Ludhiana and grandson of ex-Punjab CM Beant Singh, Ravneet Singh Bittu joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Ravneet Bittu, the former Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha during 2021, gave a major jolt to the party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

“I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I can say with confidence that PM Modi and the Union Home Minister share a lot of love for Punjab and they wish to do a lot for the state…Why should Punjab be left behind?” Bittu said after joining the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Vinod Tawde at the BJP headquarters in Delhi.

Notably, Ravneet Singh Bittu represented the Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab from 2009 to 2014. During the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Bittu defeated Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) Dr Daljit Singh Cheema by 67,204 votes.

Ravneet Singh Bittu was the Leader of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha from March to July 2021. Bittu was elected to the Lok Sabha from Ludhiana in the 2014 and 2019 elections.

Bittu won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections by a margin of 19,709 votes over Harvinder Singh Phoolka of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Manpreet Singh Ayali, a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate, finished third in the constituency. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Ravneet Bittu defeated Simarjeet Singh Bains of the Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) by 76,372. Maheshinder Singh Grewal, a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate, finished third in the poll.

Earlier, in an interview with India Today, Ravneet Singh Bittu, infighting caused the Congress to lose the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. “I am 100 per cent sure of this.” He also criticised the party’s affiliation with the AAP, saying that party workers in Punjab requested the leaders not to contest the elections together. “AAP has said many things and has misused agencies and police against Congress,” Ravneet Bittu added.

Ravneet Bittu is the grandson of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, who was the Chief Minister of Punjab from 1992 to 1995. Beant Singh was assassinated outside Punjab Secretariat in 1995 by Khalistani terrorists.

‘Shakti Swaroopa’: PM Modi speaks to Sandeshkhali victim and BJP candidate Rekha Patra, lauds her for becoming the voice of Shahjahan’s victims

OpIndia Staff
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‘Shakti Swaroopa’: PM Modi speaks to Sandeshkhali victim and BJP candidate Rekha Patra, lauds her for becoming the voice of Shahjahan’s victims

On Tuesday, March 26, PM Narendra Modi called up Rekha Patra, whom BJP has fielded from the Basirhat Lok Sabha seat in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Rekha Patra, a native of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, has been the face of the women’s protest movement against TMC’s strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his goons, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar while being a victim to the atrocities in their hands.

Lauding Rekha Patra for braving the atrocities and acknowledging her strength and resilience, PM Modi referred to her as ‘Shakti Swaroopa’. He asked her about her campaign preparations and the support for the BJP among voters and other issues.

In an audio clip, PM Modi asked Patra, “You are going to play a big responsibility. How do you feel?”

Patra replied by first thanking Modi for supporting her. “I feel very good. Your hands are on my head and over all women of Sandeshkhali,” Parta said, therefore she went on to narrate the ordeal of Sandeshkhali victims.

“A big tragedy happened with us. Not just women of Sandeshkhali, the women of entire Basirhat suffered. We demand action against the accused. We haven’t been able to vote since 2011 and we hope to vote this time,” she added.

Voicing his concerns about the suffering that Mamata’s West Bengal government has caused over time and the fact that the people of Bashirhat haven’t been allowed to vote since 2011, PM Modi assured her the Election Commission of India’s cooperation as well as appropriate security measures.

“Raising the voice of the women of Sandeshkhali is not a common thing. Your courage shows that the Nari Shakti in Bengal will bless us. I urge you to inform people about the works done by the Centre. The people are fed up by the TMC government in Bengal, which does not let the implementation of central schemes in the state,” the prime minister told Patra.

BJP fields Rekha Patra, woman who led protests against Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali, as Basirhat candidate in LS polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 24, Sunday announced the names of 111 candidates in its fifth list for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, including a woman who was a survivor of violence in the Sandeshkhali area of West Bengal.

BJP on Sunday released the list of 19 candidates for Bengal. BJP has fielded Rekha Patra from Basirhat, who is a resident of Sandeshkhali. It was she who first raised the voice of the women of Sandeshkhali and all three accused expelled TMC MLA Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar are behind bars.

Notably, Rekha Patra was the first woman in Sandeshkhali who had raised her voice and spearheaded the protests accusing Shahjahan and his aides of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. Patra was also a part of the group that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his public meeting in Barasat on March 6, where they discussed the challenges faced by women in Sandeshkhali with the Prime Minister.

People will slap Congress through voting: Former CM Bommai slams Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi for ‘youth chanting Modi Modi should be slapped’ remark

OpIndia Staff
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People will slap Congress through voting: Former CM Bommai slams Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi for ‘youth chanting Modi Modi should be slapped’ remark

On Tuesday (26th March), Former state CM Basavaraj Bommai lambasted Congress party and Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi for giving a call for violence against youth who chant pro-Modi slogans. Reacting to Tangadagi’s remark that those who chant ‘Modi Modi ‘must be slapped’, Bommai said, “Wait for some time; people will slap the Congress party through voting.”

Notably, the Congress leader had courted controversy while speaking at a meeting of Congress workers held in Karatagy on Monday (25th March). Tangadagi alleged during his speech that PM Modi came to power by “lying”. 

In a bid to target the BJP, Minister Tangadagi said, “Two crore jobs PM Modi promised. Did he give it? They should be ashamed. Those youth supporters of his who chant ‘Modi Modi’, can slap them. They have run everything based on lies for the past 10 years.”

The Congress leader went further and accused PM Modi of doing ‘stunts’. The Karnataka Minister added, “So they think they can fool for another 5 years. PM Modi promised 100 smart cities in India. Where are they? Name one. He is smart, he dresses well, he gives smart speeches. He keeps changing his outfits. Then a stunt by the PM-he goes into the depths of the ocean and there he does puja. Is this the kind of work a prime minister should do?” 

BJP calls the remarks “Frustration of defeat”

Apart from Former state CM, the Bharatiya Janata Party also launched a scathing attack against Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi for his ‘slap Modi supporters’ remarks. 

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said that such comments were a “sign” that the INDI alliance was “frustrated” while “apprehending defeat” in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

Trivedi said, “He has said that the students who raise ‘Modi, Modi’ slogans should be slapped… I want to ask those (Rahul Gandhi) who keep crying that democracy is finished in the country: Is it fair to slap someone for raising political slogans?” 

Lashing out at the anti-BJP front, the BJP leader said, “INDI Alliance is not just moving towards defeat but also towards self-destruction…”

Former CM slams Congress over the row around NRDF funds, asks to compare funds released during UPA and NDA governments

Meanwhile, Former CM Bommai blasted the Congress party over the allocation of NDRF funds. He said, “The state’s economic condition has become horrible, due to which it moved the Supreme Court. It was nothing but a political stunt. Instead of complaining about the non-receipt of funds from the central government, the Congress leaders must furnish details of the NDRF funds received during the UPA and NDA governments.”

Regarding reports of dissidence in the party, Bommai said, “The situation in Karnataka has been conducive for the BJP due to the Modi wave across the nation. Dissidence is being resolved (within the party).” 

Bommai added that national leaders would come to Karnataka for the election campaign.

“The tour program of the national leaders would be finalised within two or three days. They would campaign in Dharwad and Gadag-Haveri constituencies. Former CM Yediyurappa and State BJP President BYVijendra would campaign in Haveri Lok Sabha constituency”, the former Chief Minister added.

The 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka will go to poll in two phases–on April 26 and May 7. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress and JDS fought together against the BJP but were still decimated. The BJP had won a record 25 seats, while the Congress and the JDS won just a single seat each. This time BJP is in alliance with JDS, and wants to improve its tally in the state to achieve the ambitious target of 370 seats. 

(With Inputs from ANI)

Making reels on moving scooter while applying Gulaal proves expensive, Noida Police files FIR after imposing Rs 33,000 traffic fine

OpIndia Staff
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Making reels on moving scooter while applying Gulaal proves expensive, Noida Police files FIR after imposing Rs 33,000 traffic fine

On the 25th of March, a video in which a man can be seen riding a two-wheeler with two girls on a moving scooter applying Holi colours on each other while doing obscene gestures in Noida went viral online. The police have now registered a case against the accused trio. The police are conducting searches to arrest them. This footage is said to be from Sector 78 of the Sector 113 Police Station precinct.

Moreover, Noida Police has informed that a hefty fine of Rs 33,000 was imposed on the three people seen in the viral video. “Taking cognisance of the above complaint, action has been taken against the concerned vehicle for violation of traffic rules by issuing e-challan (fine ₹33000/-) as per rules,” the Noida Police said.

In the viral video, a man is seen riding a scooter without a helmet. Two girls sat behind him, facing each other and not wearing helmets either. The two were seen applying colours to each other and doing obscene gestures on the moving vehicle with the song “Ang lage de” playing in the background. The video quickly went viral on social media, and the blatant violation of road safety rules aroused outrage, with many users demanding action against the culprits.

Speaking about the matter, DCP Vidya Sagar Mishra said that taking cognisance of the viral video, Noida Traffic Police had issued a challan. It has been determined that the conduct of the persons seen in the viral video is punishable under the IPC. Thus, a case has been registered against the accused under relevant sections.

Another video shows one of the two girls standing on the two-wheeler, which is being ridden by a different man. She applies colour to his face and stands up on the seat with both hands stretched out. However, shortly thereafter, she falls off the two-wheeler and is seen sitting on the ground, while the person taking the video runs towards her.

Notably, another video of the two girls recently sparked outrage online wherein the duo were seen performing an obscene dance on the “Ang laga de” song in Delhi Metro. The video, however, was deemed deep fake by Delhi Metro authorities.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s ‘Mrs. Sodhi’ Jennifer Bansiwal wins sexual harassment case against producer Asit Modi

OpIndia Staff
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Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s ‘Mrs. Sodhi’ Jennifer Bansiwal wins sexual harassment case against producer Asit Modi

Actress Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, known for portraying the role of Mrs. Roshan Sodhi in the popular TV show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has won the sexual harassment case against the show’s producer Asit Modi, Times Entertainment reported on Tuesday (26th March). He has been ordered to pay her Rs 25 lakh in total. This includes the sexual harassment charges as well as Jennifer’s dues from the show.

Last year, Jennifer had filed a sexual harassment case against producer Asit Kumar Modi, Sohil Ramani, and Jatin Ramani. As per reports, initially, when she didn’t get a response from the Mumbai Police, Jennifer sought help from the Maharashtra government. Subsequently, a local complaints committee was formed for a swift resolution. As per reports, within four months, the committee found TMKOC’s producer Asit Kumar Modi guilty under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act of 2013. 

As per ETimes TV, the actress has confirmed the news about the case verdict going in her favour. 

After playing the role of Mrs. Sodhi for 15 years, Jennifer quit the show and made serious allegations of mental and sexual harassment against the show’s producer, Asit Kumarr Modi. She also accused project head Sohail Ramani, and executive producer Jatin Bajaj of behaving rudely with her. Later, other actors from the show like Monika Bhadoriya, Priya Ahuja Rajda, and former director Malav Rajda also alleged mistreatment at the sets.

“The verdict is in my favor, confirming the allegations I made with strong evidence”, Jennifer was quoted saying in ETimes report.

According to the report, Asit Modi has been ordered to pay Jennifer her due amount as well as additional compensation for deliberately withholding her payment. In total, he has to pay Rs 25-30 lakh to her as an extra Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on Asit Modi for harassment. 

(Document Source – ETimes)

According to the report, the verdict was out on 15th Feb 2024. She claimed that even after 40 days, she still hasn’t received her due amount. 

While the show’s producer was found guilty of sexual harassment, no punishment has been given to all three accused, the report added. 

The actor expressed disappointment that the verdict didn’t include Sohil and Jatin. 

She said, “The local committee ordered my due amount, which I deserve. This verdict clears that my case was not fabricated, and I wasn’t seeking cheap publicity. While I’m glad my harassment was recognised, I don’t feel I’ve received proper justice yet.” 

Meanwhile, when contacted, Asit Kumar Modi told ETimes TV that he had no idea about this. He said, “I have no idea about this. Mujhe iska kuch bhi pata nahi hai.”

Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Delhi HC to hear Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging arrest, ED remand tomorrow

ANI
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Delhi Excise Policy Scam: Delhi HC to hear Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging arrest, ED remand tomorrow

The Delhi High Court has listed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea on Wednesday challenging his arrest and the order of remand passed by the trial court on March 22.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the excise policy case.

The bench of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma will hear the matter on Wednesday at the at the top of the board and state the cause list of the Delhi High Court.

According to the legal team of Kejriwal, both the arrest and the remand order are illegal and he is entitled to be released from custody.

The plea stated that without there being any material in possession of the Enforcement Directorate on the basis of which the petitioner (Arvind Kejriwal), can be believed to be guilty of an offence, the petitioner is being illegally and arbitrarily arrested by ED in the evening of March 21.

The plea further stated that the provisions of PMLA are being used to persecute and destroy the very basic fabric of the democratic and federal structures of this country.

“The attempt is to decimate a political party and topple an elected government of NCT of Delhi,” the plea stated.

The trial court on March 22, sent Arvind Kejriwal to ED remand till March 28. ED alleged that the Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged liquor scam.

Senior Advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhari, and Ramesh Gupta, along with Advocates Rajat Bharadwaj, Mudit Jain and Mohd Irshad, appeared for the Delhi CM Kejriwal in trial court. ASG SV Raju and Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain appeared for the probe agency.

“Part of the proceeds of crime to the tune of cash of Rs 45 crore approx. has been utilised in the election campaign of AAP in Goa Assembly elections 2022,” the ED alleged. The agency further claimed that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

“Arvind Kejriwal has also been intrinsically involved in the entire conspiracy of the Delhi liquor scam, wherein the policy was drafted and implemented in a manner wherein certain private persons were favoured and benefitted in a quid pro quo of receiving kickbacks,” the central agency said in its remand.

It also claimed that due to the actions of Arvind Kejriwal involving excise policy formulation, hatching the conspiracy of kickbacks with the South Group members, and eventually using part of the proceeds of crime generated out of this scheduled offence in the election campaign of the AAP for the Goa Assembly elections, it is clear that all these activities were not only done with his knowledge but also his active collusion.

Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency late Thursday night on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them “illegal”.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet, wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.

Nair was among the first people to be arrested by the CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. 

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

Pakistan faces China’s fury over killing of 5 of its citizens in suicide bombing; asks Pakistan to conduct immediate probe and punish the perpetrators

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan faces China’s fury over killing of 5 of its citizens in suicide bombing; asks Pakistan to conduct immediate probe and punish the perpetrators

On Tuesday, March 26, hours after 6 Chinese citizens were killed in a suicide bombing attack in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, China demanded a speedy and thorough investigation into the incident and severe punishment for the perpetrators. China also asked the Pakistani government to take effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens in the country.

“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan have immediately launched emergency work, demanding that the Pakistani side conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, severely punish the perpetrators, and take practical and effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens,” the embassy said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, at least 6 people including five Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber in northwest Pakistan.

Mohammad Ali Gandapur, the regional police chief told the media that a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers which was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, the biggest hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, where they worked..

“Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack,” Mohammad Ali Gandapur said.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police had reached the spot and started relief operations. According to Mohammad Ali Gandapur, the remaining members of the convoy are safe.

Today’s incident came less than a week after eight Baluchistan Liberation Army terrorists opened fire on a convoy carrying Chinese citizens outside the Chinese-funded Gwadar port in the volatile southwestern Baluchistan province.

Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported such attacks several times before. In fact, since the TTP broke its truce with the government in November 2022, there has been a spike in terrorism in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Last year on August 31, at least nine soldiers were killed and twenty others were critically injured, as per the latest accounts of a terror attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The incident took place in the Bannu district when a suicide bomber exploded himself. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to the military, was responsible for the terror strike.

On 30 July, a suicide bomber detonated a device during a political party conference leaving at least 54 people dead and over 100 injured. There were more than 400 members and supporters of politician Fazal-ur-Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party present there.

Thane: Minor assaulted for greeting youth with ‘Jai Shri Ram’, forced to chant ‘Allah Hu Akbar’; incident caught on CCTV camera

OpIndia Staff
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Thane: Minor assaulted for greeting youth with ‘Jai Shri Ram’, forced to chant ‘Allah Hu Akbar’; incident caught on CCTV camera

In a shocking incident caught on CCTV camera, a minor 11-year-old boy was assaulted for greeting a youth with ‘Jai Shri Ram’. As per reports, the minor boy had mistakenly assumed an unknown youth to be the security guard of the building where he lives with his family when he greeted him with ‘Jai Shri Ram’. Subsequently, the youth along with his other accomplices chased the minor boy and assaulted him for greeting one of them with ‘Jai Shri Ram’. It is also alleged that they threatened and forced the minor boy to chant ‘Allahu Akbar’. 

The father of the victim, Sanjay Singh, filed an FIR in this matter, in which five unidentified youths have been booked. The shocking incident took place in Mumbai’s Mira Road area on Monday (25th March) at around 9:30 PM. Incidentally, it was captured on CCTV cameras in the building. 

In one of the CCTV videos accessed by News9live.com, the minor boy is seen entering the building while reportedly greeting a person, “Jai Shree Ram”. Afterwards, some youths tried to stop the minor victim, but he kept walking into his building. In another video, five young men were seen entering the building.

As per his father’s complaint, Sanjay Singh’s son was returning to the building around 9:30 PM after buying milk from a nearby store. On his way back, he spotted someone who he mistook as the building’s security guard and greeted him with “Jai Shree Ram” before heading towards his home. However, he later realised that the person he greeted was not the security guard. Meanwhile, the unknown youth tried to stop the minor boy. 

Immediately after the incident, five unidentified youths chased him inside the building and physically assaulted him. According to the complaint, the minor was also forced to chant “Allah Hu Akbar”.

When a resident saw the minor being attacked, he tried to stop the assailants, but they fled. He immediately informed the minor’s father, and together they took him to the Mira Road police station. A case was filed against the unidentified youths under Sections 448, 295A, 153A, 37, 1C of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act. The police are investigating the case but no youth have been arrested so far in this matter. 

Is AAP fabricating official letters from Kejriwal in custody to play victim? ED takes cognisance of ‘orders’ as Saurabh Bhardwaj, Atishi continue their drama

OpIndia Staff
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Is AAP fabricating official letters from Kejriwal in custody to play victim? ED takes cognisance of ‘orders’ as Saurabh Bhardwaj, Atishi continue their drama

On Tuesday (26th March), Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa filed a complaint with Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the Enforcement Directorate over Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘order’ from jail. Sirsa demanded an inquiry into the alleged “fabricated official order” as to who is misusing the chief minister’s office. The BJP leader also called the order “illegal” since CM Kejriwal is in ED’s remand and cannot issue orders without the court’s permission.

“I’ve filed complaints with @LtGovDelhi and @dir_ed about a fabricated official order on Delhi Govt letterhead, supposedly from CM Arvind Kejriwal, who’s in ED remand until March 28. The order is without number, date & signature. It clearly shows the unauthorised use of power. Moreover, Kejriwal Ji, currently in remand, lacks the legal capacity to issue such directives without court permission, which hasn’t been granted. This order is illegal & unconstitutional; we demand an enquiry as to who is misusing CMO and for what personal gains!” Sirsa wrote on X.

In a video statement, Sirsa said, “Today I have filed complaints with the Lieutenant Governor and the Enforcement Directorate against AtishiJi [Delhi’s Education and Public Works Department Minister] and others who displayed an illegal order in the name of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. They claimed the order was issued by the Chief Minister while in the custody of the ED.”

“This is totally illegal and unconstitutional… and a criminal conspiracy against the people of Delhi and the office of the Chief Minister. Kejriwal Ji is in ED custody and lacks the legal capacity to issue such directives without court permission, which has not been granted. We demand an inquiry into everyone involved including Atishi Ji in hijacking CMO and those involved in this criminal conspiracy be exposed. A case be registered against them and action be taken,” the BJP leader continued.

Notably, the first order issued by Kejriwal did not mention even the date raising the question if the order was actually issued by Kejriwal or if the Aam Aadmi Party is fabricating orders from him in custody to play victim and garner sympathy.

Saurabh Bharadwaj claims another order has come from Kejriwal

On Tuesday, while ED’s custody Arvind Kejriwal issued a second order, as claimed by AAP leaders, directing the health minister to ensure the availability of free medicines in Mohalla clinics.

“Even from the ED custody, Delhi CM is worried about the health care of the state… He is worried that because he is jailed, the people of Delhi should not suffer because of it… The CM has received information that people are facing difficulties in the tests carried out at the Mohalla clinics. He has directed me to take steps to resolve this… I want to ensure the people of Delhi that even of your CM is in jail, he is only thinking about you…” said AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj in a press conference on Tuesday.

ED to see if Kejriwal is really issuing ‘orders’ from custody

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the Enforcement Directorate has taken cognisance of CM Kejriwal’s orders from custody. The probe agency is also looking into whether orders from the arrested chief minister were in line with the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court’s order.

It is pertinent to note that on the 24th of March, AAP leader and Water Minister Atishi had claimed that CM Arvind Kejriwal had sent directives to her from ED’s custody to ensure that water and severe-related problems faced by the people of Delhi are resolved immediately.

“Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while in ED custody, has sent instructions to me as the Water Minister – that the water and sewer problems faced by the people of Delhi should be resolved immediately, and adequate water tankers should be arranged in the summer. When I read these instructions I had tears in my eyes. I thought, what is this person made of, who is not thinking about himself in such an adverse situation, but is thinking about the people of Delhi,” Minister Atishi said.

“Arvind Kejriwal does not consider himself just the Chief Minister of Delhiites, he considers every Delhiite as a member of his family. So being a son, an elder brother, even in custody he is worried 24 hours a day about his family of 2 crore people of Delhi. He is thinking only about the people of Delhi,” she continued.

It is pertinent to note that the ED arrested Kejriwal on 21st March night in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case linked to a money laundering case.

Arvind Kejriwal was on 22nd March, remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate for seven days, i.e., till 28th March, a day after he was arrested by the probe agency in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case linked to a money laundering case. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy case 2022, which was later scrapped.

Notably, two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are also in judicial custody in the excise policy case. Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on 26th February 2023, following several rounds of questioning. On 5th October, last year the ED arrested Sanjay Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member.

Here is why Congress leader Supriya Shrinate’s ‘someone else had access’ excuse for her distasteful comment on Kangana Ranaut doesn’t hold ground

OpIndia Staff
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Here is why Congress leader Supriya Shrinate’s ‘someone else had access’ excuse for her distasteful comment on Kangana Ranaut doesn’t hold ground

Yesterday (on 25th March), Congress leaders and party trolls targeted Kangana Ranaut with sexual innuendos and sexist slurs following the announcement of her candidature from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. In a post on Instagram, which was later deleted, Congress National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate asked, “Kya bhav chal raha hai Mandi me koi batayega? (Will someone tell me what the rate system in Mandi is?)” with a picture of Kangana Ranaut in a corset. 

After facing massive backlash for the reprehensible post from her verified social media handles, Congress National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate later issued a clarification to defend herself. In her clarification video, she claimed that ‘someone who had access to her account’ posted it, adding that the person responsible for making the post will be held accountable. Subsequently, Congress leaders like Pawan Khera and Srinivas BV came forward in her defense. 

However, several netizens, journalists, and PR experts have raised questions about her claims, asserting that the final accountability and authority for her social media handles lie with her. 

As per a News18 report, it has come to light that around 6 persons have access to Shrinate’s Instagram account. This, however, isn’t uncommon. For those unversed, the pattern can be noticed when leaders deliver addresses, and their social media handles keep updating about their activities in real-time, making it abundantly clear that a team operates social media handles for them. 

However, there are checks and balances, including multiple levels of scrutiny or vetting processes before content is aired. Accountability is distributed across each level, with the ultimate responsibility and authority resting with the leader whose social media handle is being operated. 

As per the News18 report, each post is vetted at three levels. The final responsibility for social media posts from their account lies with those at the helm, and in this case, it’s Congress National Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate. So the buck stops with her. In a bid to do damage control, one person purportedly responsible for sharing the post has been served a notice and laid off, the report added citing sources. 

Incidentally, several netizens have also slammed her for not taking responsibility for her own accounts, especially considering her leadership role in the social media team of the Indian National Congress party. According to the Congress leader, instead of holding the top leadership or the post holder accountable, culpability should be placed on lower-rung individuals, making them scapegoats for actions that the account holder(s) is(are) inclined to endorse or may have seemingly endorsed but later retracted due to facing massive backlash. 

Supriya Shrinate, Chairperson of Social Media & Digital Platforms, is now under scrutiny for her claims, which imply that an individual has assumed responsibility with little/diffused to no accountability for the public relations of the grand old party, a central pillar of national politics. This situation highlights an abuse of power with autocratic tendencies.

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