In a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued orders for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have also been removed.
The commission has directed all the State Governments to transfer the officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts.
Maharashtra had not complied with the directions in respect of few Municipal Commissioners and some Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners in Maharashtra.
While conveying displeasure to the Chief Secretary, the Commission directed transfer of BMC and the additional / Deputy commissioners with the direction to report by 6pm today.
The Chief Secretary was further directed to transfer all the similarly placed Municipal commissioners and Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners of other Corporations in Maharashtra.
This step comes as part of the Commission’s resolve and commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasised by CEC Rajiv Kumar time and again and recently during the Press Conference for announcement of Schedule for General Elections 2024.
The Commission meeting chaired by Shri Rajiv Kumar, comprising of Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was held on Monday at noon.
The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc.
Furthermore, the Election Commission has also taken the necessary action to remove the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. This decision was taken due to DGP being removed from any active election management related duty earlier, during 2016 Assembly Election in the state and in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
With this step, the Election Commission of India has shown its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
Through these measures, the Commission ensures that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding the level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, goons associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party in West Bengal have yet again unleashed ‘khela‘ (game) of violence against their political rival BJP.
Recently, there have been several cases of unprovoked assaults on BJP workers by TMC in the State. On Saturday (16th March), a BJP karyakarta named Joydeb Das was mercilessly thrashed and attacked with sharp weapons.
The incident took place in Kushmandi in Gangarampur subdivision in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. As per a report by ETV Bharat, the attack was carried out by local TMC leader Tarun Pal and his accomplices.
সারা রাজ্য জুড়ে @AITCofficial এর অত্যাচারের শিকার বিরোধীরা… তৃণমূলের হার্মাদ বাহিনী দ্বারা আক্রান্ত কুশমন্ডি বিধানসভার বিজেপি কর্মীর সাথে গতকাল রাতে গঙ্গারামপুর সুপার স্পেশালিটি হাসপাতালে দেখা করে তাঁর শারীরিক অবস্থার খোঁজখবর নিতে গিয়েছিলাম…#shameontmc#shameonmamatapic.twitter.com/olBVgs42fx
— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar ( মোদীজির পরিবার ) (@DrSukantaBJP) March 17, 2024
The victim is a driver by occupation. Reportedly, Tarun Pal had been hounding Joydeb Das ever since the latter’s sister-in-law Mithali was fielded as a BJP candidate for the 2023 Panchayat election.
Das is now undergoing treatment at the Gangarampur Super Specialty Hospital. His father was also injured during the attack. According to BJP President (West Bengal) Sukanta Majumdar, the victim’s wife was molested by Tarun Pal and his men.
The attack took place shortly after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Following the incident, Majumdar went to the hospital and visited the injured BJP karyakarta.
In a tweet on Sunday (17th March), he informed, “Opponents persecuted across the state by TMC.Met a BJP worker from Kushmondi Assembly, who was attacked by TMC goons, at Gangarampur Super Specialty Hospital last night to inquire about his condition.”
TMC assaults BJP workers in two separate incidents
According to BJP’s national spokesperson Amit Malviya, TMC goons assaulted a female BJP worker named Suprabha Majumdar in the Basanti gram panchayat area in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Malviya added that a 75-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were also attacked by the same goons.
Pre-poll violence begins in West Bengal! Home Minister Mamata Banerjee, like always, is looking the other way… She is not just the most incompetent CM and HM across India but also sinister.
In Purandar village of Basanti Gram Panchayat, BJP worker Suprabha Majumdar and… pic.twitter.com/diGaEfvWnE
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) March 17, 2024
The BJP spokesperson added that the BJP booth President and party workers were also attacked with spades and iron rods in Balikhal in the Burakhali Gram panchayat area.
“We are standing with them and have provided them all legal and medical help,” Amit Malviya said in a tweet.
Shop of BP worker set ablaze
At around 2 am on Sunday (17th March) night, the shop of a poor BJP worker named Reena Thakur was allegedly set on fire by TMC-sponsored goons. The incident took place in Pandabeswar in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal.
As per a report by Anandabazar Patrika, the victim is the general secretary of BJP’s Mahila Morcha Mandal in Padabeswar. She was earlier a member of the Trinamool Congress but left the party for BJP about 6 months ago.
Since then, she has been harassed, intimidated, threatened and even assaulted by TMC goons. Rina Thakur has also been coerced to join the Trinamool Congress.
With fear of losing gripping TMC, pre-poll violence starts!
Trinamool miscreants set the shop of Pandaveshwar BJP worker Rina Thakur on fire! pic.twitter.com/OdRbmI0Rh0
Hours after the ECI announced the election date, her shop was set ablaze. While speaking to Anandabazar Patrika, the victim narrated, “At around 2 am, my neighbour Tulsi Bauri called me and informed me that my shop is on fire.”
“After seeing my shop burning. I tried to put out the fire. The police were also called. There is nothing left in the shop. It’s all over,” she further lamented.
Despite filing a complaint with the police, Rina Thakur informed that action has not been taken against the culprits. She has accused a local TMC leader
“TMC goons have been torturing me ever since I joined BJP. Santosh threatened to kill me several times. A month ago, I was beaten by his men. I had also complained to the police. But they burnt my shop now,” the BJP worker narrated.
The attacks are reminiscent of the post-poll violence unleashed against BJP workers by the ruling TMC government during the West Bengal Vidhan Sabha elections in 2021 and the pre-poll violence during the 2023 West Bengal Panchayat elections.
Dalit BJP leader killed
On Monday (18th March), BJYM Bolpur Vice President Krishanu Sinha took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform that a Dalit BJP leader was allegedly killed by TMC goons. The victim, identified as Tanmoy Das, was the President of BJP SC Morcha Mandal in Nanur.
Sinha tweeted, “Before the LS election, another murder by TMC goons. Tanmoy Das, BJP SC Morcha Mandal President of Nanur was killed in a premeditated manner on his way home after meeting. “
“All of us including district president, went to Santiniketan PS to demand a proper autopsy,” he further added.
Before the LS election,another murder by TMC goons. Tanmoy Das, BJP SC Morcha Mandal President of Nanur was killed in a premeditated manner on his way home after meeting. All of us including district president, went to Santiniketan PS to demand a proper autopsy.@abhijitmajumderpic.twitter.com/PWnXLKrsKn
— Krishanu Singha ( Modi Ka Parivar ) (@KrishanuOnline) March 18, 2024
2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal
Using violence as an instrument to subdue their political opponents has become a distinctive feature of the TMC rule in West Bengal. Ever since the Mamata Banerjee-led retained power in the state, the persecution of dissenters and opposition workers has only intensified.
More than a dozen BJP workers lost their lives in the post-poll violence that ensued following the victory of the TMC party in the assembly elections. Some reports said women in West Bengal were raped, assaulted and, in some cases, even killed, just because they adhered to a different political ideology.
In 2021, a victim who was raped by the TMC goons in front of her father shared her harrowing ordeal with OpIndia. She narrated how she was attacked and sexually assaulted by perpetrators associated with the TMC party.
In the aftermath of the assembly election results, TMC goons wreaked havoc, attacking and plundering the houses of their opponents. In one such attack, TMC goons lynched BJP worker Avijit Sarkar to death.
On Monday (18th March), Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi and the I.N.D.I. alliance leaders for the Congress MP’s statement saying that he will fight against ‘Shakti’.
Asserting that he is ready to take the challenge head-on, PM Modi said that this election is a fight between those who want to destroy ‘Shakti’ and those who worship ‘Shakti’ adding that, “Muqabla 4 June ko ho jayega.” (4 June will be a showdown). The counting of votes for all 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place on 4th June.
Addressing a public rally in Jagtial in Telangana, PM Modi said that he is willing to sacrifice his life in the service of Indian mothers and sisters who are the divine form of Shakti, Shakti Swaroopa.
Extending his gratitude to Nari Shakti (women) for their large presence at the rally, PM Modi said, “It’s an honour for me that Nari Shakti has come here to bless and support me.”
“Yesterday, the I.N.D.I. alliance hosted a rally in Mumbai. The I.N.D.I. alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against Shakti. For me, every mother, daughter & sister is a form of Shakti. I worship them in the form of Shakti. I am the worshiper of Bharat Mata,” the PM said.
#WATCH | Telangana: During his public address in Jagtial, PM Modi says, "The INDI alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter & sister is a form of 'Shakti'. I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of… pic.twitter.com/ccVUoEVVNb
He further said, “To those who are fighting against Shakti, I accept your challenge. “Main jaan ki baazi laga dunga (I will sacrifice my life for Shakti).”
Addressing the large gathering, PM Modi asked, “Can someone talk about the destruction of Shakti?”
Contrasting the two approaches, PM Modi asserted, “We dedicated the success of the Chandrayaan mission to Shakti by naming the point where Chandrayaan landed as Shiv Shakti.”
#WATCH | Telangana: During his public address in Jagtial, PM Modi says, "Can someone talk about the destruction of 'Shakti'?…We dedicated the success of the Chandrayaan mission by naming the point where Chandrayaan landed as 'Shiv Shakti'…The fight is between those who want… pic.twitter.com/VJKksQtM2W
This comes after Congress scion Rahul Gandhi while concluding his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ with a rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on 17th March, spoke about Shakti (The Divine Feminine in Hinduism) and asserted that he wants to fight this Shakti.
Notably, Shakti is considered to be The Divine Feminine which is the energy present in and running all beings. In Hinduism, there is no concept of fighting against Shakti, instead, Shakti is what helps fight against evil.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: At the conclusion ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti. The soul of the King is in the EVM. This… pic.twitter.com/lL9h9W0sRf
“There is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the King is in the EVM. This true. The soul of the King in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department. A senior leader from Maharashtra left Congress and cried in front of my mother and said ‘Sonia ji, I am ashamed that I don’t have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail.’ Thousands of people have been threatened like this,” Rahul Gandhi said in a shocking distortion of the meaning and value of the concept of Shakti.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are approaching, the issue of political donations via electoral bonds has surged to the forefront. It has revealed a complex interplay of ethics, legality and political strategy. Days before the General Elections’ dates were announced, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to publish all the details of donors and political parties that received donations via electoral bonds. As the information came in parts, the Bharatiya Janata Party became the apparent target for propagandists, opposition parties and certain sections of the media.
The reports highlighted that the ruling party, BJP, was the top receiver of corporate donations, which ignited a firestorm of targeted attacks on the party. However, those who attacked the BJP conveniently ignored the common sense that the ruling party at centre and over a dozen states should naturally get maximum donations. Furthermore, regional parties like DMK and Trinamool Congress, which are ruing in a single state each, managed to bag over a thousand crore each in donations via electoral bonds. Despite its stronger hold on national and state politics, Congress received less money than TMC for two consecutive years.
The outcry of the propagandists, opposition parties and media revolved around the claim that the BJP “must have indulged in corruption” and used electoral bonds as a legal way to force corporate houses to donate. For example, Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR purchased electoral bonds worth Rs. 1,368 crores in 22 phases. Initially, because BJP is the largest receiver of donations, “dots” were “connected” that the company paid to BJP after the Enforcement Directorate and other agencies raided it.
The narrative was built purely on assumptions, as there was no way to connect any political party to the donors then.
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, without taking names of any political party connected Future Gaming And Hotel Services to ED raids. It was an indirect but targeted towards the BJP. However, when more information on electoral bonds came out, Yechury decided not to question DMK, which got most of its donations from the company.
Source: X
Soon, more data was published by the ECI based on the directions issued by the Supreme Court. The data revealed that the Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, owned by Santiago Martin, donated electoral bonds worth Rs 509 crores. Interestingly, the total money received by DMK via electoral bonds stood at 656.5 crores. It needs to be clarified to whom Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR paid the rest of Rs 859 crores in donations as the details were not revealed in EC’s second set of information. Not to forget, OpIndia categorically provided details of Martin’s links to DMK, TMC, Congress and CPI(M) after the Electoral Bonds first dataset was released.
Another example is Allana Group, India’s largest buffalo meat exporter. Alt-News co-founder Mohammed Zubair speculatively “connected dots” from the data available on 16th March and argued that the company donated to BJP after the Mumbai Wing of the Income Tax Department raided it. Two points need consideration. First, without any proof that the money went to the BJP, Zubair led his followers in that direction. Further, he conveniently ignored the fact that the export of cow meat is banned in India. Only cara beef or water buffalo beef gets exported as per the law. However, when we talk about “beef” without mentioning the source, it gives the impression that cow beef is getting exported from India and the BJP-led government is promoting it.
Source: X
Prashant Bhushan, the advocate who is on the front of the Electoral Bond case in the Supreme Court, shared screenshots of the list of Electoral Bonds released by ECI containing BJP’s information. However, when more information was released and DMK came under the scanner for receiving 508 crores from the Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, Bhushan decided to stay quiet.
Source: X
The News Minute selectively spotted several companies they could link to BJP and ED raids. Under the “Project Electoral Bond” section, the news portal published a series of reports that mainly targeted the BJP.
Source: The News Minute
OpIndia also reported how allegations and counter-allegations started soon after the data was released in two sheets. Contrary to the belief of the opposition parties, the names of many companies, that they were accusing of donating heavily to BJP, do not feature in the list of the buyers of electoral bonds. Some of them alleged that the govt didn’t allow other vaccines because of the ₹50 crore donation from Serum. Several social media users also shared images of Adoor Poonawalla to alleged links with the company and the BJP.
CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG !!
Govt. Procured Covid Vaccine #Covishield from Serum Institute of India.
In Return, Serum Institute of India donated 50 crores to BJP via electoral bonds.
The narrative suggests that BJP, as the ruling party, benefitted disproportionately from corporate giants. They raised alarms that there was a chance of arrangements between these companies and the ruling party. However, they forgot to acknowledge that the legally done political contributions cannot be termed inherently corrupt or unethical. Bringing the electoral bonds scheme minimises black money pumped into politics.
Furthermore, political donors have the right to stay anonymous as they may quickly become a political target. However, the Supreme Court’s judgment overturned donors’ right to anonymity, which the Parliament ensured.
The selective outrage with insinuations and conjectures overlooked that such donations were made across the political spectrum. The double standard only fueled the distorted narration, which will have more significant implications on the public understanding of the matter, especially during the General elections.
No one is denying that transparency is essential in the democratic process. However, it is necessary to understand how donations work in the political spectrum and how it becomes difficult for the donors if the power changes hands.
On Sunday (17th March), Congress scion Rahul Gandhi’s Hinduphobic mindset was once again on display. During ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’s concluding rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, the Congress’ blue-eyed boy took a dig at the PM Modi-led NDA regime comparing them to the powerful Hinduism symbol of ‘Shakti,’ often associated with Maa Durga, one of the most important goddesses in the Hindu pantheon. Rahul Gandhi said that he wants to fight this Shakti.
“There is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the King is in the EVM. This true. The soul of the King in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department. A senior leader from Maharashtra left Congress and cried in front of my mother and said ‘Sonia ji, I am ashamed that I don’t have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail.’ Thousands of people have been threatened like this,” Rahul Gandhi said in a shocking distortion of the meaning and value of the concept of Shakti.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: At the conclusion ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti. The soul of the King is in the EVM. This… pic.twitter.com/lL9h9W0sRf
He added, “What do you think? People left Shiv Sena and the NCP just like that? No. The Shakti I am talking about grabbed them by their throats and turned towards the BJP. And all of them have gone there out of fear.”
Rahul Gandhi’s bizarre interpretation of Shakti, took Netizens by shock, who called Gandhi hinduphobic and misogynistic. The BJP too called out the INDI bloc’s repeated insult to Hinduism.
Rahul Gandhi has been trying since 2014 to accentuate his Hindu credentials, from frequenting temples to studying the Upanishads and Gita, all out of his desperation to acquire the PM chair, which he and his Momma think belongs to him as a birthright and has been usurped illegally by rank outsider Modi. However, in his desperate attempts to unseat the BJP, he has inadvertently repeatedly exposed his innate disdain for Sanata Dharma. And by disparaging Shakti, who is revered in Hinduism as the “Great Mother” and is the ultimate essence and manifestation of Divine feminine power, he has only descended farther today.
Shakti is deeply ingrained in Hindu theology, philosophy, and mythology
Shakti is considered to be The Divine Feminine which is the energy present in all beings. In Hinduism, there is no concept of fighting against Shakti, instead, Shakti is what helps fight against evil.
According to Hindu mythology, there are 10 Mahavidyas (also Dus Mahavidya) who are the manifestations of Goddess Shakti. They are Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, Bhuvaneshwari, Chinnamasta, Bhairavi, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala. All these Mahavidyas reside in Manidweepa (the eternal supreme abode of Shakti).
Source: Hinduism Facts
The concept of Shakti is deeply ingrained in Hindu theology, philosophy, and mythology, and it has a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Forms of Shakti in Hinduism (Source: TemplePurohit)
Philosophical Significance: In Hindu philosophy, Shakti is considered the primordial cosmic energy that underlies all existence. She is believed to be the active aspect of the divine, responsible for creation, preservation, and destruction. Without Shakti, the male deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva would be inert and powerless.
Mythological importance: Shakti is personified as various goddesses in Hindu mythology, each representing different aspects of feminine power and energy. Some of the prominent goddesses associated with Shakti include Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. These goddesses are revered for their strength, wisdom, nurturing qualities, and ability to protect devotees from evil forces.
Spiritual importance: The core of many Hindu rites and rituals is the worship of Shakti. Shakti is a spiritual energy that is linked to kundalini energy, which is said to remain latent at the base of the spine and can be awakened by a variety of spiritual practices in Hinduism. In contrast, yagna is a form of devotion that entails offering sacrifices to the goddess in a sacred fire and praying to her.
Role of Shakti as a creative force: According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Shakti is connected to creative force and is in charge of both the creation and destruction of the universe. Shakti is represented in Hindu mythology as a strong, energetic force that propels the universe forward. The mother goddess, a central figure in Hinduism, is one of the most important ways Shakti appears as a creative force. She is seen as a symbol of the protective and life-giving qualities of the divine feminine.
A common portrayal of the mother goddess is that of a strong warrior who uses weapons to defend and shield her devotees. She is connected to the cycles of birth, death, and reincarnation. She is a symbol of compassion, love, and strength, embodying the virtues of motherhood via her protective and nurturing nature.
Shakti peethas: According to Hindu tradition, there are powerful energy centres called Shakti Peethas scattered across the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions. These are believed to be the places where parts of the goddess Sati’s body fell after she immolated herself in the sacrificial fire of her father Daksha’s yajna (ritual sacrifice). Each Shakti Peetha is associated with a specific goddess and holds great religious significance for devotees.
Festivals and worship: Throughout India and in Hindu communities worldwide, various festivals and rituals are dedicated to honouring Shakti. Navaratri, Durga Puja, and Kali Puja are some of the major festivals celebrated with great fervour, where devotees worship the goddess and seek her blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Similarly, the celebration of Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga in her various forms. The festival is celebrated over nine nights and involves fasting, puja (worship), and other rituals to honor the goddess.
Empowerment of women: The worship of Shakti has also been instrumental in empowering women in Hindu society. By venerating goddesses who embody strength, courage, and independence, Hinduism provides a spiritual basis for gender equality and the recognition of the divine feminine.
Worship of Shakti has been persisting for last 8000 years
The concept of Shakti has been a fundamental part of the Hindu tradition for thousands of years. The worship of feminine deities and fertility goddesses can be traced back to prehistoric times in the Indian subcontinent. While the origins are not clear, it has been reported that the worship of Shakti or Mahadevi has been going on in the subcontinent for the last 8000 years.
Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient civilizations revered female fertility figures, which could be considered early manifestations of Shakti worship. For example, the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) had a sophisticated culture with evidence of goddess worship. Archaeological findings include figurines resembling female deities, possibly associated with fertility and the nurturing aspects of the divine.
After the collapse of the Indus Valley Civilization and the advent of the Vedic Age, worship of Devi and Shakti persisted. A new pantheon of gods emerged with the Vedic Age, and the deities associated with the Cult of Shakti found a position in this pantheon.
Since the Vedic Age also brought writing and texts that were created to formulate ceremonies and rituals, this was the time when Shaktism became codified. Among the female deities mentioned in the Vedas, Ushas is the most significant. The Vedas have several hymns that are only dedicated to her.
Goddess Usha (Source: Hinduism Stack Exchange)
Shakti is also mentioned in Rig Veda, one of the oldest Hindu scriptures, describing her as the cosmic energy that permeates the universe. The three Divine Mothers mentioned in the Rig Veda who birthed the Vedic gods are Aditi, Prithvi and Saraswati. Prithvi continued to exist in later Hinduism as Bhudevi (goddess of the earth).
Essentially, Shakti is the central figure in Hinduism and Rahul Gandhi’s derogatory statement about her has transformed him from an awkward, lousy and gaffe-prone communicator to an outspoken adversary of Hinduism and an anti-Hindu tool of the grand old party.
Number of times Rahul Gandhi has insulted Hindus and their faith
Last year, in his desperation to deride the Modi government, Rahul Gandhi ended up making a statement which was deeply Hinduphobic. While trying to make the point that MPs were not contributing to any productive work in the parliament by way of formulation of laws, Rahul Gandhi compared them to Murthis in a Temple. Rahul Gandhi made the argument that the Murthis, that Hindus worship, are powerless and ‘useless’, just as the MPs in the parliament – which is to say – they serve no purpose.
This is the exact trope which is used by Islamists to negate and insult Murthi-puja – the very core of the Hindu faith. The argument made by the Islamists and extremist Christians is that the Murthis in the temple are merely stones and serve no purpose beyond perpetuating superstition. This line of argument is extended to denying legitimacy to Sanatan Dharma and the Hindu faith in general, insulting those who practise ritualistic Hinduism.
For Rahul Gandhi to claim that Murthis are useless, essentially means that he believes Murthi puja – the very core of Sanatan Dharma – is merely a superstition and serves no purpose – essentially furthering the Hinduphobic narrative of the Islamists and Missionaries against Hindus.
This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has made Hinduphobic comments. In 2014, speaking about women’s safety, Rahul Gandhi had said that people go to the temple and worship to the Goddess, call women mothers and sisters, but the truth is that those very people molest women in a bus.
Rahul Gandhi seems to have an uncanny ability to connect every ill of the society to the Hindu community and shield every ill of any other community. One recalls how a Wikileaks document revealed how the Congress party played politics over the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. It did not escape the notice of even the then U.S. ambassador to India, David Mulford. The observation made was that the Congress party after the attack had chosen to pander to Muslim fears.
Further, there was another Wikileaks cable that revealed that Rahul Gandhi had travelled abroad and claimed that Hindu extremism is worse than Muslim extremism and terrorism. This comment was made in 2009.
Therefore, it is clear that Rahul Gandhi has a lengthy history of disparaging the Hindu population and linking himself to groups that often make disparaging remarks about Hindus. In this instance as well, Rahul Gandhi has insulted the Hindu community and their beliefs in his zeal to attack the Modi government.
In Karnataka’s Bengaluru, a Hindu shop owner named Mukesh was allegedly attacked on Sunday (17th March) by a group of youth for playing Hanuman Chalisa and other Hindu devotional songs in his shop, which is located near a mosque. The incident took place on Jumma Masjid Road in the Siddanna Galli area.
According to an Asianet Kannada report, the victim runs a shop named Vardhaman Telecom in Siddanna Galli. A CCTV footage of the incident shows the 5 to 6 accused coming to the victim’s shop on Sunday evening.
Initially, a verbal argument ensues as seen in the video. The argument soon escalated to assault as the accused youths dragged the Hindu victim out of his shop and thrashed him. The footage shows the victim singlehandedly confronting the attackers. However, he was seen getting knocked to the ground.
? ????? ????? ?????? ??? ???????? ?? ? ?????? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??????????, ?????????, ??? ??????? ??? ??????? ???????. Freedom of Religion only for minorities?… pic.twitter.com/ZxgHPuwiLd
Speaking about the incident, victim Mukesh Kumar told Asianet Kannada, “As usual in the shop, I used to sing bhajans in the evening during the puja. They came to the shop and asked, “Why are you playing bhajans during our Azaan time?” They then proceeded to attack him and initially tried to stop him. First, he took the speaker and hit me on the head. It was as if he had a weapon in his hand. That’s why it hurt so much.”
Mukesh further alleged that since he opened his shop two months ago, the accused had been making “roll calls” and trying to extort money from him.
The Hindu victim submitted a complaint at Halasuru Gate Police Station demanding that an FIR be registered. However, it was claimed that the police were reluctant to register an FIR against the accused.
Following this, a large group of local traders gathered outside the police station and pressured the authorities to register an FIR. Subsequently, the police lodged an FIR and initiated an investigation.
Speaking to OpIndia, Halasuru Gate Police Station incharge said that the three main accused identified as Suleiman, Shahnawaz and Rohit have been arrested so far.
The officer denied the charges against the police, however, confirmed that around a hundred people had gathered outside the police station on Sunday to protest. The officer denied any communal angle in the matter and said that the accused persons and the victim know each other.
“The FIR has been registered, and three people have been arrested. Three main accused were arrested yesterday night and an FIR has been registered. Enquiry is going on. Suleiman, Shahnawaz and Rohit are the main accused. There is no communal angle. It was about playing a song near the masjid. They [the accused] were telling the complainant to lower the volume of the speakers. There was an altercation over this,” the Halasuru Gate Police Station incharge said.
When OpIndia asked about the alleged reluctance in registering FIR in the matter, the officer said, “No, we had immediately done an FIR, took action and conducted searches…but some people diverted the matter saying it was a Hindu-Muslim fight.”
Speaking about the protest, the officer told us that around a hundred people came from the Nagarapet and Kumbarpet areas from the sides of both, the complainant and the accused, creating a nuisance.
When asked about what measures are being undertaken to arrest the rest of the accused the officer said, “Inquiry is going on. After inquiry, all those involved will be arrested.”
On Sunday (17th March), FIITJEE, a coaching institute known for preparing students for engineering entrance exams, faced significant backlash on social media due to a controversial advertisement. The ad featured a former student’s image and suggested that her academic performance declined after leaving FIITJEE to join another institution.
Criticism was particularly directed at the inflammatory language used to describe the competitor, labelling it as “evil” and referencing its location in Kota, a city that has seen several suicides in recent times. The advertisement, prominently displayed on the front page of a national newspaper, implied that the ex-student could have achieved a perfect score in the JEE-Mains 2024 exam had she remained with FIITJEE instead of transferring to the other institution.
Indian Revenue Service officer Katyayani Sanjay Bhatia took to social media platform X to share a photo of the advertisement, bringing it to public attention. She wrote in her post, “A new low in advertisements FIITJEE. You are posting a picture of a child saying that she performed badly because she left your institute! I have blurred the picture because I don’t believe in this disgusting way of claiming your superiority by belittling a girl child.”
A new low in advertisements @fiitjee . You are posting the picture of a child saying that she performed badly because she left your institute! I have blurred the picture because I don't believe in this disgusting way of claiming your superiority by belittling a girl child. pic.twitter.com/W18Rd9rh1s
She further said, “We talk about parents putting pressure on kids for IIT JEE, but what about this manner of advertising where you shame a student for not performing? And claiming superiority by claiming that she would have performed had she been in your institute? Shameful.”
We talk about parents putting pressure on kids for IIT JEE, but what about this manner of advertising where you shame a student for not performing? And claiming superiority by claiming that she would have performed had she been in your institute? Shameful @fiitjee
She added, “And it doesn’t stop here. They are claiming their superiority by talking about the institute with a ‘history of suicides’. Shameful. Suicides in Kota are an issue that concerns us all above petty competition but claiming in this manner is cheap.”
And it doesn't stop here.They are claiming about their superiority by talking about the institute with a 'history of suicides'. Shameful. Suicides in Kota are an issue that concerns us all above petty competition but claiming in this manner is cheap@fiitjee @EduMinOfIndiapic.twitter.com/QS90pkPs9s
The IRS officer also tagged the Ministry of Education, the Advertising Standards Council of India, and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, urging them to take notice of such advertising malpractices.
This also propagates the very wrong belief that right strategy=right result. Life is not so linear @fiitjee. Let's teach the younger generation nishkam karma and despite all hardwork results are not in our hands @EduMinOfIndia@MinistryWCD JEE aspirants should not be mislead
She said in her post that publishing a student’s picture in a national daily saying that they couldn’t perform is disgusting and puts such undue pressure on students.
And goes without saying (even though I have completed for competitive examinations) that getting into IIT really isn't everything. Life indeed is how you respond to situations, not how you just win. The examination of life is really beyond such petty messaging by @fiitjee
This criticism by the IRS officer sparked outrage against FIITJEE amongst social media users. Akshay Akash wrote, “I have respect for Fiitjee due to their teachers but This is horrible advertising! Don’t know how this was approved in the first place that too, on the first page of a national newspaper.”
I have respect for Fiitjee due to their teachers but This is horrible advertising!
Don't know how this was approved in the first place that too, on the first page of a national newspaper ??
Reacting to Bhatia’s post, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu posted, “India has to get out of this ultra-competitive exam pressure on children and young adults. This is one area where I would *not* learn from East Asia but instead learn from Finland which has a superb state-funded educational system that serves every child without such competitive insanity.”
India has to get out of this ultra-competitive exam pressure on children and young adults. This is one area where I would *not* learn from East Asia but instead learn from Finland which has a superb state-funded educational system that serves every child without such competitive… https://t.co/AjdkIl0Nmt
He added, “Intense pressure at a young age all too often destroys talent and creates zombified adults. It is the rat race to extinction. Intense competition is for companies serving a market and for sports, not for children in education. As an employer, we have pledged to not even consider academic credentials. We are also investing in educational alternatives that are inspired by Finland.”
Dr Darpan Jakkal posted, “Absolutely disgusting and I feel that the NCPCR should take a cognisance on priority.”
Absolutely disgusting and I feel that @NCPCR_ should take a cognisance on priority
Lokesh posted, “I am confused now. I saw news sometime ago stating that coaching below 16 is not allowed according to new guidelines, but this advertisement seems to contradict that….”
"I am confused now. I saw news sometime ago stating that coaching below 16 is not allowed according to new guidelines, but this advertisement seems to contradict that….
This advertisement by FIITJEE has come at a time when suicides of students preparing for competitive examinations are rapidly rising. Multiple reports of students crumbling and committing suicides under performance pressure and societal pressure have surfaced in the past few months. As FIITJEE gets called out for this advertisement, it remains to be seen if any action is taken against the coaching institute.
In India’s tech capital Bengaluru, employees of the IT/ITeS firms gathered under the flag of the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) to stage a protest march in front of the Karmika Bhavana, the office of the state labour commission on Saturday, March 16.
The employees of the IT/ITeS firms demanded that the exemption given to IT/ITeS companies under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act by the Karnataka state government should be ended. They complained that the IT/ITeS firms are engaging in unfair practices harming the rights of employees because of the state exemption granted to them from the labour laws.
Meeting the labour commissioner, KITU president VJK Nair and general secretary Sooraj Nidiyanga submitted a memorandum stating their demands.
Hundreds of IT employees under the banner of Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU) protested in front of Labour commissioner’s office, Bangalore, today (16 March 2024). Protesters demanded the government to end the exemption given for the IT/ITeS sector from IE(SO) Act. pic.twitter.com/zqBF047f5R
— Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (@kitu_hq) March 16, 2024
“The IT/ITeS Sector, which employs more than 20 lakh workers in Karnataka, has obtained exemption from the applicability of the IE(SO) Act on more than four occasions. The last exemption was granted on May 25, 2019, and is set to expire by May 25, 2024,” VJK Nair was quoted by Moneycontrol.
KITU, which is a registered union in Karnataka state, stated that taking undue advantage of the exemption under the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, IT and ITeS firms in Karnataka have not complied with the conditions imposed on them while obtaining the exemption.
KITU highlighted the non-compliance of the IT/ITeS firms on the major conditions required as per law.
VJK Nair stated that many IT/ITeS firms in the state:
Have not constituted Internal Committees as per the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013.
Have not constituted Grievance Redressal Committee as mandated by the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act.
Have not made it a practice to inform the labor department regarding cases of disciplinary action, termination, dismissal, or demotion
KITU stated that thousands of employees in the IT/ITeS industry are discharged without notice or inquiry, and sometimes laid off en masse in blatant violation of labour laws.
“KITU asserts that the regulations of conditions of service governing the IT/ITeS/knowledge-based industries shall be defined precisely with the participation of employers and employees in the process. This can only be achieved by ending the exemption and invoking the provisions of the IE(SO) Act, and suitably adapting it to the requirements of the IT/ITeS/Knowledge Industry”, general secretary Sooraj Nidiyanga was quoted by Moneycontrol.
KITU has also filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court challenging the exemption granted to the IT/ITeS industry from the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act.
As per government estimates, over 18 lakh people are employed by IT firms across the state. Under existing state government orders IT/ITeS, BPO, and KPO companies are exempt from many labour laws.
On Sunday (17th March), Congress scion Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ concluded with a rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, which came a day after the Lok Sabha elections were announced.
Referring to Hinduism, he spoke about Shakti (losely translates to energy) and attributed the word to the Central Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi said that he wants to fight this Shakti.
Notably, Shakti is considered to be The Divine Feminine which is the energy present in all beings. In Hinduism, there is no concept of fighting against Shakti, instead, Shakti is what helps fight against evil.
“There is a word ‘Shakti’ in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the King is in the EVM. This true. The soul of the King in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department. A senior leader from Maharashtra left Congress and cried in front of my mother and said ‘Sonia ji, I am ashamed that I don’t have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail.’ Thousands of people have been threatened like this,” Rahul Gandhi said in a shocking distortion of the meaning and value of the concept of Shakti.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: At the conclusion ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti. The soul of the King is in the EVM. This… pic.twitter.com/lL9h9W0sRf
He added, “What do you think? People left Shiv Sena and the NCP just like that? No. The Shakti I am talking about grabbed them by their throats and turned towards the BJP. And all of them have gone there out of fear.”
Netizens have been calling out Rahul Gandhi for this bizarre interpretation. The BJP too has called out the INDI bloc’s repeated insult to Hinduism.
Taking to X, BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote, “After DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the annihilation of Sanatan Dharma, it is now Rahul Gandhi’s turn to denigrate Shakti. Maa Durga embodies the diverse aspects of Shakti, or power, known by various names like Sati, Parvati, Uma, Durga, Kali, Gauri, Tripura Sundari, Shivangi, Mahadevi, and more. She is considered the primal power (adi shakti) of the Lord, responsible for creation, sustenance, and destruction. As the creative power (shrishti shakti) of Brahma, the sustaining power (paalan shakti) of Vishnu, and the destruction force (samhaar shakti) of Lord Shiva, she is revered as the mother figure in Hindu belief. Shakti also signifies women empowerment.”
“But Rahul Gandhi speaks of fighting Shakti. He is not just Hinduphobic but also a misogynist. This is the true character of Congress led I.N.D.I Alliance,” Malviya wrote.
After DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin called for the annihilation of Sanatan Dharma, it is now Rahul Gandhi’s turn to denigrate Shakti.
Maa Durga embodies the diverse aspects of Shakti, or power, known by various names like Sati, Parvati, Uma, Durga, Kali, Gauri, Tripura Sundari,… pic.twitter.com/tOQzRMMsqs
— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) March 17, 2024
Sanjeev Sanyal wrote, “List of those who have fought Shakti before – Shumbha, Nishumbha, Raktabeeja, Chanda, Munda, Mahishasura and……,” as he linked Rahul Gandhi’s address in his tweet.
List of those who have fought Shakti before: Shumbha Nishumbha Raktabeeja Chanda Munda Mahishasura
X user SubbuS wrote, “You don’t fight against Shakti in Hinduism, you fight against evil with Shakti on your side. Don’t learn Hinduism from missionaries!”
You don't fight against Shakti in Hinduism, you fight against evil with Shakti on your side.
Another X handle The Bulls Head posted, “Shakti means Durga. Does he realise what he is talking about? Is he fighting against Shakti? Fir bolega kyu jeet nahi rahe. (He will ask later why he is not winning.)”
Shakti means Durga. Does he realize what he is talking about? Is he fighting against Shakti? Fir bolega kyu jeet nahi rahe.
Satyanarayan Rao Adiraju posted, “For the benefit of those who missed the Gems of Rahul, the Yuvraj of the Congress said in Mumbai that there is something called Shakti in Hinduism and his fight is not against Narendra Modi or the BJP but against that Shakti. Poor chap seems to be unaware that Narendra Modi is the Upasak of that Shakti and no power in the universe can defeat Shakti because Shakti is that form of Kali, Durga and Uma to which even the Hindu Trinity pray. That’s the power given to Nari Shakti in the Sanatana Dharma and Congress says it’s fight is against that Shakti of Hinduism.”
For the benefit of those who missed the Gems of Rahul, the Yuvraj of the Congress said in Mumbai that there is something called Shakti in Hinduism and his fight is not against Narendra Modi or the BJP but against that Shakti.
— Satyanarayana Rao Adiraju, VU2SAX (@satyajgd) March 18, 2024
He added, “Now even a small kid in following Sanatana Dharma knows who stands against Shakti and what was the fate of the Rakshasas who stood against Shakti with an illusion to defeat and in the process they got annihilated. This looks to be a statement to please his dear friend Stalin who was not only present in the dias but also gave him a warm hug and probably the Yuvraj of Congress wanted to please the as the Yuvraj of DMK who said Santana Dharma is like Aids and Leprosy which needs to be eradicated. So it’s for the wise voters to decide if they wish to give a vote in favour of those with whom the blessings and power of Shakti stand or in favour of those who are standing against Shakti.”
Another X user ChronicallyCritical wrote, “Why does this man talk about Hinduism when he knows nothing. From ridiculously using “pandavs” to criticise GST & demonetisation to now “fighting against Shakti.” “Shakti” is the feminine generative power, the consort of bhagwan Shiva, in sanatana. This man is a disgrace.”
Why does this man talk about Hinduism when he knows nothing. From ridiculously using "pandavs" to criticise GST & demonetisation to now "fighting against Shakti."
"Shakti" is the feminine generative power, the consort of bhagwan Shiva, in sanatana.
Punita Toraskar posted, “Rahul Gandhi, in Hinduism, it is said that without Shakti even Shiva becomes Shava. In 2014 you were harping about women’s empowerment and today you say this. Your HATE for HINDUS is going to consume you SOONER not LATER.”
Abbey @RahulGandhi Hindu Dharma mein kaha jaata hai SHAKTI KE BINA SHIV SHAV HAI .
In 2014 you were harping about women empowerment and today you say this .
Your HATE for HINDUS is going to consume you SOONER not LATER
— Punita Toraskar ( Modi Ka Parivaar) (@impuni) March 17, 2024
When a Christian priest already told Rahul Gandhi that Shakti is not a real deity
Rahul Gandhi held the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in 2023. During this Yatra, he met a controversial Catholic priest George Ponnaiah in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. A video clip of his conversation with the pastor had gone viral at the time. In this clip, the pastor was seen preaching Christianity to Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi asked George Ponnaiah, “Jesus Christ is a form of God? Is that right?” To this, the priest answered, “He is the real God. God reveals him(self) as a man, a real person…not like Shakti…so we see a human person.” Now Rahul Gandhi has used the Hindu concept of Shakti to put forth as a negative attribute to the central government and PM Narendra Modi, and said that he is fighting against the Shakti.
This is just one example of the several times that Rahul Gandhi has made bizarre, distorted and insulting statements against Hinduism.
Russian President Vladimir Putin won the presidential elections, receiving 87.17% of the votes based on the result of processing 70% of the electoral protocols, Russia-based TASS reported, citing data from the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation candidate Nikolai Kharitonov secured the second spot with 4.1% of the votes while New People Party candidate Vladislav Davankov stood third with 4.8% votes.
The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) candidate, Leonid Slutsky, received a mere 3.15% of the votes counted.
According to preliminary data as of 6 pm (Moscow time) on Sunday, the voter turnout in the presidential elections, which for the first time took place over three days from March 15-17, stood at 74.22%. Voter turnout for the elections held in 2018 was 67.54 per cent.
Putin received more votes in comparison to the 2018 elections where he bagged 76.69% of the total votes counted. The performance of the other candidates was lower than that of the previous competitors of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, according to reports.
In 2018, Pavel Grudinin, who was the candidate for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, received 11.77% of the votes while LDPR candidate Vladimir Zhirinovsky (LDPR) bagged 5.65% votes.
All three parties that nominated candidates for the 2024 elections can count on receiving funds from the federal budget, TASS reported, adding that as per law, all parties have the right to funding even if their candidate vying for the post of head of state overcomes the 3% barrier. For each vote, the party will receive 152 Roubles, the report noted.
This was the first time, remote electronic voting was used for the presidential elections in Russia. Residents used the federal platform in 28 regions while people in Moscow cast votes on their own platform.
The final turnout for online voting on the federal platform stood at 94%, meaning that 4.4 million people cast their votes online. In Moscow, almost 3.7 million electronic ballots were issued, including voters who used special terminals at polling stations.
According to the results of remote electronic voting on the federal platform, Putin secured the first spot with 87.41% of the votes while Davankov stood in second place with 6.28 votes. Slutsky followed at 3.75% while Kharitonov received just 2.56% of the votes counted.
Putin won with 89.1% of the votes in Moscow followed by Davankov in second place with 4.4%. Kharitonov and Slutsky were in the third and fourth spots with 3.3% and 3.2% votes respectively.
Putin also secured handsome wins in Donbas and Novorossiya by huge margins. He also posted wins in areas of Ukraine such as Kherson, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk, TASS reported.
Based on the results of processing 100% of the protocols, Putin received 88.12% of the votes in the Kherson region, 88.12% votes in Zaporizhzhia, 94.12% votes in the Luhansk People’s Republic, and 95.23% votes in the Donetsk People’s Republic, according to TASS.
Putin arrived at his election headquarters and expressed gratitude to his staff while stressing that Russia must become “even stronger and more effective”. He also thanked the people of Russia who voted while acknowledging the involvement of those in the ongoing military operations against Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters, Putin said the tasks in his new term include the solution of problems within the framework of the Northern Military District and strengthening the country’s defence capability. He stressed that the actions of the Russian military were more than active defence, according to TASS.
Kharitonov said observers from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation did not record any serious violations during the elections, the state agency reported, adding that Slutsky, too, said there were no significant violations and called the incidents reported by the LDPR “very minor rough edges”.
Davankov said he was pleased to take second place according to the results of remote electronic voting, the agency reported.
Putin has served four terms as Russian President. He was first elected President in 2000 and again in 2004, 2012, and 2018.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
