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‘Initiate No Confidence motion’: Maldives opposition demands President Muizzu’s removal after several ruling leaders mocked India and PM Modi

OpIndia Staff
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‘Initiate No Confidence motion’: Maldives opposition demands President Muizzu’s removal after several ruling leaders mocked India and PM Modi

Following Maldives’ Ministers’ disparaging remarks against India and Indians triggering a diplomatic row, minority leader in the Maldivian Parliament, Ali Azim, on Monday, January 8, called for the sacking of the archipelago’s President Mohamed Muizzu. Azim called for steps to remove the Maldivian President from office including initiation of a vote of no confidence against him.  

Notably, Azim is a member of The Democrats. Slamming the President for his minister’s anti-India barb, Azim demanded that the opposition should take “all necessary steps to remove President Muizzu from power”, and asked the largest opposition party – MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party) to “initiate a vote of no-confidence”.

Taking to X, the Parliamentary Minority leader wrote, “We, d Democrats, r dedicated to upholding d stability of the nation’s foreign policy n preventing d isolation of any neighboring country. R u willing to take all necessary steps to remove Prez @MMuizzu from power? Is @MDPSecretariat prepared to initiate a vote of no confidence?”

Additionally, a second MP, Meekail Naseem, also asked the Maldivian Parliament to summon and question Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer. As per reports, Naseem has “requested Parliament to summon the Foreign Minister… following inaction regarding derogatory comments against PM Modi”.

MDP leader and ex-Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi also launched a scathing attack on the ruling party. The MDP leader slammed Muizzu’s party, People’s National Congress, for its “short-sightedness” in potentially alienating an “age-old relationship”. Mariya referred to India as “our 911 call” adding that “We have always had an India first policy.”

In a firefighting bid, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry tried to distance itself from its Minister’s disparaging remarks against India and the Indian PM. It said that the government is aware of “derogatory remarks” on social media platforms against foreign leaders adding that the personal views do not represent its position.

Additionally, President Muizzu’s government had called the comments “unacceptable”.  

Taking to X, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer claimed that the ruling party remains “committed to fostering a constructive dialogue with all our partners, especially our neighbours…”

Further, the Maldivian government had suspended three of its ministers – Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid amid diplomatic tensions with India. 

Sensing the impact of the Ministers’ remark on its tourism industry, Maldives’ largest industry body – the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry – slammed the “derogatory comments” directed at PM Modi.

Following the controversy, Maldives opposition had publicly condemned the commentary made by the members of the ruling party and its Ministers noting that India was “rightfully angry” over the uncalled racial remarks. 

Senior Maldivian politicians including former President Ibrahim Solih and ex-Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid had condemned the use of “hateful language” and “reprehensible” remarks against India. 

Furthermore, former Tourism Minister, Abdulla Mausoom issued an appeal to Indians to disregard the words of “… any minister, junior or senior”. The Former Maldives minister also urged his government to recognise that the Maldives is tourism-reliant and Indian travelers are among its key sources of income.

The bizarre reaction from Maldives

Notably, it all started on 4th January after PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his visit to Lakshadweep. He exhorted people to explore the scenic islands in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism on the archipelago.

Following his visit to Lakshadweep, a large demand erupted among Indians to explore the Indian Islands and boost our tourism sector before visiting beaches or tourism sites in other countries. However, jittery Maldivian politicians interjected and reacted by making racial commentary on Indians. 

It is important to note that neither the Indian PM mentioned any country nor it was targeted toward any nation, yet some Maldivians feared a potential hit to their tourism economy. 

Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands. She later deleted the tweet and was among one of the three Ministers who were suspended by the Maldivian government for making disparaging remarks on India. 

On Friday (5th January), Zahid Rameez, a Council member of the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) also took to the microblogging site X to mock Indians.

In response to Maldivian users’ and politicians’ uncalled-for and racial commentary, trends like #BoycottMaldives, and cancellation of trips to Maldives are picking steam in India.

From prominent Cricketers to Actors, all have in unison slammed Maldives for their hateful remarks against Indians and promoted tourism in Lakshadweep and other Indian Islands snubbing Maldives.

What is ‘Akshat Nimantran’: How VHP is reaching out to crores of people to celebrate Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha as a pan-India festival

Sanghamitra
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What is ‘Akshat Nimantran’: How VHP is reaching out to crores of people to celebrate Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha as a pan-India festival

The Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is finally being inaugurated after centuries of wait, and Hindu spiritual leaders, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and other organisations have been working dedicatedly to make this dream a reality. The Ram Mandir movement has been pan-Indian from the very beginning, by its very nature. Just as Ram encompasses the faith and devotion of all Indians, through culture, folklore, and literature, the movement and sentiments around the Ram Mandir have always been a phenomenon that ‘binds’ India and beyond.

After the Supreme Court in its landmark verdict in November 2019 upheld the rights of countless Hindus to have a temple on Ram Janmabhoomi, with its verdict stating that the Ram Janmabhoomi belongs to ‘Ram Lalla Viraajmaan’, VHP and associated Hindu organisations had carried out a massive funds collection drive. The VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, and other organisations, with permission and support from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, had visited homes of crores of Hindus all over India, asking for donations to build the Ram Mandir. Hindus were always clear that the grand Ram Mandir will be built not from government funds, but from donations by devotees of Ram alone.

That campaign witnessed stories of unparalleled devotion and dedication, showcasing just how Shri Ram is the Raja of every Hindu. From elderly grandmothers in rural areas to even beggars surviving on alms, from great Hindu temples all over India to street laborers earning meager incomes, everyone opened their purses, and hearts to make the Ram Mandir a reality.

Now, 4 years after the Supreme Court verdict, the Bhavya Ram Mandir is ready, final touches are being given to its structure and the holy city of Ayodhya is all set to celebrate the Pran Pratishtha on January 22.

What is Akshat?

As the festivities have been scheduled to be observed from January 16th onwards, the VHP and other Hindu organisations have embarked on another unique campaign. Since all devotees cannot be accommodated in Ayodhya, the Temple Trust is sending symbolic ‘Nimantran’ or invitations to all Ram Bhakts, with the auspicious traditional ‘Akshat’, a pamphlet, and a photo of the Ram Mandir.

The drive to take auspicious ‘Akshat’ or holy rice grains from Ayodhya to crores of Hindus all over the nation, was started on January 1. The Akshat is sacred rice grains mixed with ghee and turmeric. The word Akshat means ‘undamaged’, and the rice grains used for worship in Hindu rituals are the undamaged, unbroken ones. The Akshat is rice grains that were touched and worshipped at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. The rice grains have been packed into tiny pouches, or red cloth, and are being distributed door to door across cities, villages, and states, by VHP and RSS karyakartas.

What is the tradition behind Akshat Nimantran

Sacred rice grains mixed with turmeric and ghee are used in almost every Hindu ritual, they are used to symbolically represent a person, or they are used to ritualistically welcome a bride or a groom, or a baby, they are used as a traditional means of inviting relatives for a sacred event and much more.

Akshat is sprinkled on devotees seeking blessings, Akshat is used in many ways in Hindu rituals. In many Hindu communities, Akshat, the holy rice grains mixed with turmeric and ghee are used to invite relatives for weddings or puja. Even with the advent of invitation cards, the cards are touched with Akshat in many communities before being handed over to relatives and friends.

On January 1, the Akshat distribution drive was initiated from the Valmiki Colony in Ayodhya. The VHP had announced that they will be reaching out to almost 5 crore Hindus through the drive. Nearly 5 lakh temples across India, small and big combined, and the communities living around them. are to be reached by VHP and RSS in this drive.

The Akshat is packed in tiny paper pouches or red cloth, and the pamphlet contains information about the Ram Mandir, its height, size, structure, the positioning of idols, and more. A colourful rendition of the Ram Mandir in its complete form, accompanied by the logo of the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, is also given along with the pamphlet and the Akshat grains.

A Kannada pamphlet with Akshat distributed in Karnataka
An Odia pamphlet distributed in Odisha

While giving the Akshat, the VHP and RSS karyakartas are telling each recipient about the Pran Pratishtha celebrations in Ayodhya, and asking them to light Diyas on 22nd January, and if possible, gather at their local community temple to celebrate the ‘Ramotsav’ like they would celebrate any festival.

How people are receiving Akshat

The Akshat distribution drive is again bringing to the fore the unwavering, deep-rooted emotional connection Hindus have with their Lord Shri Ram. Videos flooding social media show people breaking into tears, overwhelmed at receiving a symbolic invitation to celebrate Ramotsav, and the fact that Akshat, touched and worshiped with Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, has reached their doorstep.

Akshat distribution has been going on from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Villages across states are welcoming the Akshat with folded hands, and with Diyas, Arti, and flowers.

From the very beginning, the Ram Mandir movement has been a pan-India movement of Hindus, irrespective of their language, culture, and habits. The mobilisation, political struggle, legal battle, campaign, the Karsewa, and the emotions around the Ram Mandir have demolished the imaginary barriers of linguistic and regional divide forced into the nation’s social fabric by a section of people with vested interests that are scared of a united India. The Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha celebrations will once again assert that Shri Ram is the embodiment of the spirit of the Hindu Rashtra, the nerve center of the Hindu faith, and the Lord of over a billion people spread across the world.

No promotion in Mulayam’s govt, daughter tortured by a ‘particular community’: How Judge who opened the lock of Ram Janmbhoomi site was ‘punished’

OpIndia Staff
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No promotion in Mulayam’s govt, daughter tortured by a ‘particular community’: How Judge who opened the lock of Ram Janmbhoomi site was ‘punished’

The Bhavya Ram Mandir constructed in Ayodhya has the sacrifices and struggles of many people. One such person is Justice Krishna Mohan Pandey, who allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed structure. The turmoil that his life took following the decision is unimaginable. After he allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed structure, the Judge started receiving threats from Pakistan. He faced injustice in India as well. The state government at that time, under Mulayam Singh Yadav, halted his promotion. He had to approach the Court to get a promotion. Furthermore, his daughter was harassed by members of a particular community in class, which is rarely mentioned.

Justice Krishna Mohan Pandey allowed Hindus to worship at the disputed site on 1st February 1986. The judgment holds an important place in the events that led to the construction of the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. As per the Hindustan report, Madhu Pandey, daughter of Justice Pandey, said that her father was against the pending cases, so he gave a direct verdict in the case. There was no pressure on him to give a verdict favouring Hindus. When he was appointed as the District Judge of Ayodhya (then Faizabad), the 40-year-old Ram Mandir case was among the old pending cases he prioritised.

Madhu said her father spent 3-4 months studying everything from gazetteers to old evidence. After gathering all the evidence, he found no reason why the site locks were kept closed. On 1st February 1986, he gave his historic decision and allowed Hindus to worship at the site. Neither the High Court nor the Supreme Court overturned the decision. However, his decision agitated the then-state government.

The state government halted Justice Pandey’s promotion. His daughter also faced harassment during her time at KGMC, where she was studying medicine. When the class learned that her father gave judgment to open the lock and allow Hindus to worship there, she was harassed by members of a particular community. The situation became so tense that she had to skip several exams.

Justice Pandey’s nephew Sujit Pandey recalled how his uncle spent 8-hours a day researching for that one case. This went on for around six months. However, he did not tell anyone which case he was working on. Sujit Pandey said an astrologer, Professor Kunne, had told his uncle that he would be transferred to a small district and should not refuse it as he would gain fame after the transfer. When Justice Pandey was transferred to Fiazabad and the Ayodhya case came before him, he understood that this was the case. He worked day and night to deliver the verdict.

A monkey sat listening to the decision

In his autobiography “Voice of Conscience” written in 1991, Justice Pandey wrote, “On the date of the order when orders for opening locks was passed a Black Monkey was sitting for the whole day on the roof of the Court Room in which hearing was going on, holding the flag-post. Thousands of people from Faizabad and Ayodhya who were present to hear the Court’s final orders offered him groundnuts and various fruits. Strangely, the said Monkey did not touch any of the offerings and left the place when the final order was passed at 4.40 pm. The District Magistrate and SSP escorted me to my bungalow. The said Monkey was present in the verandah of my bungalow. I was surprised to see him. I just saluted him, treating him to be some Divine Power.“

Mulayam’s government stopped the promotion

Following the decision, when the list of judges was sent by the High Court to the Central Government by Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government, a note was left by the Chief Minister with Krishna Mohan Pandey’s name. The note read, “Pandey Ji is a resolved, honest, and hardworking judge. Yet, by ordering the opening of Ram Janmabhoomi’s lock in 1986, he created a situation of communal tension, so I do not recommend his name.” Because of this note, KM Pandey could not get a promotion even after being nominated.

Later, on 13th January 1990, the then-general secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Advocates Association, Harishankar Jain, filed a petition in Allahabad High Court. Only Justice Pandey was promoted to the High Court. Reports suggest that the petition demanded Justice Pandey’s promotion, saying that the UP Government had sent 15 names to the centre, including the note above written by the chief minister. The Chief Justice of India approved seven names, including Justice Pandey’s. However, the central ministerial council approved the appointment of only six names out of seven that were approved by CJI and held back Justice Pandey’s name. Later, Junior Judge RK Agarwal was promoted to the High Court.

‘The guarantees have become a huge financial burden’: Karnataka CM’s economic advisor admits ‘freebies’ are weighing down the govt treasury

OpIndia Staff
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‘The guarantees have become a huge financial burden’: Karnataka CM’s economic advisor admits ‘freebies’ are weighing down the govt treasury

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy has reportedly stated that guarantees have become a huge financial burden on the state government. Rayareddy was alluding to the freebies that the Congress party had promised in its manifesto ahead of the Karnataka state assembly elections.

“As we have directed Rs 58,000 Cr for guarantees it has become a huge financial burden to us. We are holding discussions on what to do. In the primary stage after implementing guarantees we are looking into what changes must be brought in. As an economic advisor, I’m looking into how to get funds from the state and centre to fund guarantees,” Republic TV quoted him as saying.

Congress rode on the anti-incumbency wave against the BJP government in Karnataka on the promises of providing a slew of freebies, including free electricity, ahead of the state assembly elections earlier last year. The party won the elections in a landslide victory, which many political pundits and election observers saw as a direct mandate to the guarantees promised by the party.

Election guarantees hampering developmental projects in Karnataka

But the party had been struggling to fulfil its promises right from the start, owing to the state’s finances and the economic feasibility of freebies that political parties often ignore in their bid to gain power. In June 2023, Karnataka Minister of Small-Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Sharanabasappa Darshanapur admitted that the guarantee schemes announced by the party will take a direct toll on the infrastructure development within the state. 

The Congress Minister stated that infrastructure development in the state would be affected to some extent during the first year of the Congress government in office. He claimed that this would happen because of the guarantee schemes launched by the Siddaramaiah government.

The minister pointed out that there will be a financial burden of Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore on the exchequer due to these guarantee schemes. 

While the Congress party had pledged to provide free electricity to citizens up to a threshold limit, the increase in power tariffs in the state was seen as a means to fund the poll promise. The energy costs and power tariffs in Karnataka were hiked by Rs 2.89 per unit in June, leaving citizens to shell out an additional Rs 2.89 per unit if their power usage exceeds the 200 units slab while paying the power bill.

In July 2023, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar candidly admitted that the state government was suffering from a paucity of funds to bankroll development projects this year as they had budgeted Rs 40,000 crores for implementing the five election guarantees.

Shivakumar made the comments in response to inquiries regarding the discontent expressed by certain Congress MLAs who have requested funds for the development of their respective constituencies. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has scheduled a meeting this evening to address the concerns of these MLAs who are disappointed that their constituencies have not received adequate development funds.

Bullet in head, saying Ram-Ram even while unconscious: Karsevak Ram Bahadur Verma’s son shares how Mulayam Singh Yadav made him orphan

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Bullet in head, saying Ram-Ram even while unconscious: Karsevak Ram Bahadur Verma’s son shares how Mulayam Singh Yadav made him orphan

After several conflicts and legal fights dating from the Mughal period to the present day, the idol of Lord Ram will be consecrated on January 22, 2024, in the temple built on his birthplace. On this occasion, the atmosphere around the country has turned jubilant.

In such circumstances, Hindus worldwide are remembering the Ram supporters who gave their lives from the times of Babar to the times of Mulayam Singh Yadav. Ram Bahadur Verma, a native of Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur area, was among these unheralded heroes. Ram Bahadur Verma was shot on October 30, 1990, while engaged in Kar Seva, and died 2 months later. OpIndia visited Ram Bahadur Verma’s home and obtained information about their life since Ram Bahadur’s martyrdom.

The residence of martyr Ram Bahadur Verma is located in Jaisinghpur police station area, Sultanpur district. The name of his village is Sartejpur. The distance between Sartejpur and Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi is around 60 kms. As we arrived at Ram Bahadur’s residence, we found his elder son Kali Sahay Verma outside the village. According to Kali Sahay Verma, his father died at the age of 48, leaving behind an ill wife and six children. These six children include two daughters and four sons. Everyone was unmarried back then.

Jairam Verma, son of Ram Bahadur Verma

Ram Bahadur Verma’s family is predominantly agricultural, and farming is their primary occupation. Kali Sahay, his oldest son, is currently the village in charge. Kali Sahay has been crippled in one limb since childhood due to polio. His house is currently in disrepair, with peeling plaster visible everywhere.

Mother played the role of father after the death of Ram Bahadur

Ram Bahadur Verma’s oldest son Kali Sahay was about 20 years old at the time of his father’s martyrdom. According to Kali Sahay, receiving the news of his father’s death sparked a slew of problems at home. However, Ram Bahadur’s wife, Chandravati, controlled herself to protect her children’s future. Kali Sahay additionally acted as an elder brother, educating his younger brothers and sisters and arranging their marriages while doing chores such as crushing sugarcane. Kali Sahay Verma described the time as the most challenging for his family.

Kali Sahay

The wife of the deceased Kar Sevak Ram Bahadur was already ill. Later, she contracted cancer. The family spent a significant amount of money on her therapy. Chandravati, unfortunately, passed away in 2016 after a long illness. She was around 73 years old at the time of her death. Ram Bahadur’s family is still striving to recover from the tragedy.

Ram Bahadur was shot with a bullet in the head

Kali Sahay Verma informed us that his father was a staunch follower of Lord Ram and Bajrang Bali. Every Tuesday, Ram Bahadur went to the adjacent Hanuman temple. Every full moon day, he would ride his bicycle to Ayodhya. When Karseva began in 1990, Ram Bahadur offered food and lodging for Karsevaks from all across the country.

In the end, on October 25, 1990, Ram Bahadur gathered a group with several of his acquaintances and marched to Ayodhya. Ram Bahadur told his wife on his way to Ayodhya that he might not be able to return. “Take care of the children,” Kali Sahay added, with tears in his eyes, “Lord Shri Ram was more dear to my father than his wife and children.”

Kali Sahay further stated that his father was familiar with all of the paths to Ayodhya that the police officers stationed on the main roads were unaware of. After hiding in the fields, Ram Bahadur and his companions arrived in Ayodhya on October 30, 1990. Kali Sahay says that his father was walking in front of the group. It is said that Ram Bahadur Verma began ascending the dome after the Kothari brothers. Meanwhile, shots were fired on orders from Mulayam Singh Yadav. Ram Bahadur was gravely hurt by the bullet and he collapsed to the ground.

Fought for life for 2 straight months

The son of martyr Ram Bahadur also stated that his father had bullet holes all over his body. Kali Sahay believes his father was fired upon by a chopper. One of these bullets struck Ram Bahadur in the head, knocking him out and causing him to fall into the crowd. Fellow Kar Sevaks helped the unconscious Ram Bahadur, and admitted him to Shri Ram Hospital in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, after four days with no news of Ram Bahadur’s search, his wife and boys began searching for him in Ayodhya. After extensive searches, Ram Bahadur was ultimately found in Shri Ram Hospital in severe condition. He was admitted there for around 12 days. Ram Bahadur was taken to Lucknow Medical College after his condition deteriorated significantly. Ram Bahadur’s family members managed to travel to Lucknow with him. His therapy began here, but he died about two months later, on the 3rd of January 1991.

Used to take Ram’s name even in an unconscious state

Kali Sahay was in Lucknow Medical College in 1990, where he was looking after his father. He explained that fluid had most likely accumulated in the brain as a result of the shrapnel strike to Ram Bahadur’s head. Because of this, Ram Bahadur frequently fainted. Kali Sahay asserts that his father would recite Ram-Ram in the hospital, even while unconscious. Finally, after his death on January 3, 1991, the body was transported to his hometown of Sartejpur.

People had showered flowers on the dead body

Recalling the year 1990, Kali Sahay said that many times more forces had gathered at the time of the funeral than what were deployed in the area before his father’s march to Ayodhya. During this period, many types of administrative restrictions were imposed on the movement of people, but despite this, thousands of people attended the funeral. On January 4, 1991, members of the Hindu organisations had taken out a tableau of Ram Bahadur’s dead body in the entire area on which people showered flowers. The next day, on January 5, his funeral took place in front of an ancient temple in the village.

Father accepted Mulayam Singh’s challenge

Kali Sahay Verma considers Mulayam Singh Yadav to be his most dangerous enemy. He said that Mulayam Singh orphaned him. Ram Bahadur Verma’s family is also overjoyed with the establishment of the Ram temple. He says his father’s sacrifice is something of value now. According to Kali Sahay, in 1990, Mulayam Singh Yadav had given a challenge that even Parinda could not be killed in Ayodhya, but his father not only accepted this challenge but also won by losing his life.

Kali Sahay Verma mentions the removal of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992, as an inspiration for the Kar Sevaks, who were killed in 1990. Ram Bahadur’s family members also want to participate in the Pran Pratishtha program, which will take place on January 22, 2024.

Ram Bahadur’s Samadhi still inspires everyone

On January 5, 1991, Ram Bahadur was cremated at the same location where his memorial now stands. The family members of Ram Bahadur Verma themselves erected this monument. Every year on January 3, Hindu organisations assemble here and recite Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa. Aside from this, on other festivals, Ram Bahadur’s family members gather here to honor him with devotion.

However, due to lack of land around this monument, there is a problem in gathering of people. The family members of Ram Bahadur have appealed to the administration and government to find a permanent solution to this problem. They also want that a memorial to Ram Bahadur and other martyrs should be built in the Ayodhya Ram temple and people should be told about their sacrifice.

Illegally constructed mazar on Delhi’s Azadpur flyover, against which residents have been protesting for over two years, removed

OpIndia Staff
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Illegally constructed mazar on Delhi’s Azadpur flyover, against which residents have been protesting for over two years, removed

On January 9, Tuesday, several social media users took to X to post a video from the Azadpur flyover in Delhi with claims that the Mazar that had been constructed on the flyover had been removed. It may be noted that this is the same Mazar against which residents had been complaining for over two years. Now, according to these social media users, this alleged illegal construction has been demolished by the administration.

Popular X user @ajaychauhan41 shared a small video from the Azadpur flyover. The Mazar which once stood encroaching the road seems to not be there anymore.

Another social media user @sagarmalik1985 also shared the same news on X.

After the video went viral, many social media users rejoiced, calling it the consequence of the residents’ commitment to raising their voices against the illegal structure and pressuring the authorities to take action.

Notably, for the last few days, several users have been tagging Vinai Kumar Saxena, the LG of Delhi and urging him to take action against this illegal construction. It began after the Delhi LG on January 5, took to X to share a video and wrote, “The ancient Jhandewalan Mandir on Rani Jhansi Marg has voluntarily brought down its gate beside the foot over bridge, on my request. This exemplary exercise will ensure safer pedestrian movement & reduce traffic jams on this important arterial connecting North & South Delhi.”

Following this, several netizens encouraged Saxena to take the same action against the Mazar on the Azadpur flyover. They reminded the Delhi LG that this has been an impending issue, and despite residents and commuters protesting the illegal structure, no action has been taken by the administration.

It should be noted that in 2021, OpIndia extensively reported about this particular illegal Mazar constructed on a flyover in Delhi’s Azadpur, causing major traffic jams and inconveniences for commuters.

Delhi cop bullies residents for protesting against mazar built on Azadpur flyover, cleric claims it was built even before the flyover existed

In fact, on August 2, 2021, O News published a video from the Azadpur flyover in Delhi where SHO Adarsh Nagar was seen bullying a Hindu man for raising his voice against this mazar on the flyover. When he was questioned on his authority, the police officer also threatened the man with legal action. The Hindu man was later grabbed by the Police and taken away in a van.

Sikandar, who managed the mazar, claimed that this mazar was built before 1950, and his grandfather and father also managed the mazar. He added that there is a mazar under the flyover with the grave of a Pir baba, and the one that is above the flyover was built later around 1982-83. When that reporter told him that the flyover didn’t exist in 1982, he said that it was built when the construction of the flyover had started, which according to him had started in 1982. 

It may be noted that while Sikandar claimed that the mazar was built on the flyover around 1982-83, the fact is that the flyover was opened to traffic only in 2009. And the construction for the flyover didn’t start in 1982 as he had claimed. The flyover was built to ease traffic movement during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

While Congress berates Gautam Adani, his conglomerate to invest ₹42700 crore in Tamil Nadu run by I.N.D.I. Alliance partner DMK

ANI
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While Congress berates Gautam Adani, his conglomerate to invest ₹42700 crore in Tamil Nadu run by I.N.D.I. Alliance partner DMK

Ports-to-power conglomerate Adani Group on Monday signed memorandums of understanding (MoU) for investment of over Rs 42,700 crore at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024.

According to an official press release, “The biggest investment of Rs 24,500 crore will be made by Adani Green Energy Ltd in three pump storage projects (PSP) in the next 5-7 years.”

“Adani Connex will invest Rs 13,200 crore in a hyperscale data centre over the coming seven years, while Ambuja Cements will invest Rs 3,500 crore in three cement grinding units in the next five years. Adani Total Gas Ltd will invest Rs 1,568 crore in eight years,” it said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, State Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa and the Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Karan Adani were present at the signing of the MoUs, along with Cabinet Ministers and Secretaries of various government departments.

On the signing of the MoUs, Karan Adani said, “Today’s Tamil Nadu is a standout example of stability, a well-established industrial ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, total connectivity, safe and secure neighbourhoods, and business-friendly policies with an able and efficient team of officers, and a diverse and highly skilled workforce with more women in the ranks than anywhere else in the country!”

Referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Karan Adani said, “His drive to make Tamil Nadu a socio-economic powerhouse has pulled a growing number of business houses to invest in this state – and the Adani Group is privileged to be one of them.”

The Adani Group’s presence in Tamil Nadu spans a number of rapidly accelerating sectors, including ports and logistics, edible oil, power transmission, city gas distribution, data centres, green energy, and cement manufacturing.

As per the release, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, its integrated ports and logistics company, is currently operating the Kattupalli and Ennore Ports – and, so far, have invested a total of Rs 3,733 crore in Tiruvallur district.

The two ports collectively cater to the hinterland in the Chennai and Sri City regions and are well-positioned to meet the existing requirements of the region.

Adani Green Energy Ltd will diversify its presence in Tamil Nadu by investing in PSP plants, and hydroelectric energy storage systems that use the force of gravity to generate electricity.

It is targeting a total capacity of 4,900 MW through facilities in Thenmalai, Alleri and Aliyar.

For this clean energy project that will create over 4,400 job opportunities, the Adani group will invest around Rs 25,000 crore.

The Group operates Chennai’s most advanced data centre, located near the SIPCOT IT park, to meet the data requirements of the state’s well-established IT industry.

With 33 MW capacity, the Adani-EdgeConnex data centre is a network-neutral facility, powered by renewable energy.

It will now be raised to a 200 MW data centre with an investment of Rs 13,200 crore, which will be one of India’s largest single-location investments in digital infrastructure.

Ambuja Cements and ACC had invested Rs 550 crore to build an annual capacity of 1 million tonnes in the state. This is going to be ramped up to a phenomenal 14 million metric tonnes with an investment of Rs 3,500 crore to set up three plants – one in Madukkarai with a capacity of 2 million tonnes, and two each with a capacity of 6 million tonnes in Kattupalli and Tuticorin.

The plants will create over 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in their neighbourhoods. The Group also meets the city gas distribution requirements of Cuddalore and Tiruppur districts through Adani Total Gas.

It currently serves over 5,000 homes with piped gas, having laid over 100 km of pipelines with an investment of Rs 180 crore. Adani Total Gas will scale up its investment in Tamil Nadu more than nine-fold to expand its offerings in city gas distribution, liquefied natural gas for mining and trucks, and electric vehicles.

About the Adani Portfolio of Companies Headquartered in Ahmedabad, the Adani Portfolio is the largest and fastest-growing portfolio of diversified businesses in India with interests in Logistics (seaports, airports, logistics, shipping and rail), Resources, Power Generation and Distribution, Renewable Energy, Gas and Infrastructure, Agro (commodities, edible oil, food products, cold storage and grain silos), Real Estate, Public Transport Infrastructure, Consumer Finance and Defence, and other sectors. Adani owes its success and leadership position to its core philosophy of ‘Nation Building’ and ‘Growth with Goodness’ – a guiding principle for sustainable growth.

The Group is committed to protecting the environment and improving communities through its CSR programmes based on the principles of sustainability, diversity and shared values.

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

Sitaram Yechury refuses to acknowledge atrocities on Uyghur Muslims, defends lack of free speech in China, had earlier praised dictators Xi Jinping and Nicolae Ceausescu

OpIndia Staff
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Sitaram Yechury refuses to acknowledge atrocities on Uyghur Muslims, defends lack of free speech in China, had earlier praised dictators Xi Jinping and Nicolae Ceausescu

Sitaram Yechury, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), courted controversy after he refused to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Chinese government on its citizens.

During an interview with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia on Sunday (7th January), the ‘anti-capitalism’ CPIM leader was asked about his cell phone (iPhone) manufactured by an American company using cheap labour in China.

“Well-paid labour,” Sitaram Yechury claimed at about 35 minutes into the interview. Samidsh Bhatia interjected, “China has well-paid labour? Come on. How long will you lie to yourself?” The Indian Communist Party leader alleged that such claims are part of anti-China propaganda.

“Oh you are saying that China is not totalitarian?” the YouTuber inquired. While ignoring the grim reality, Sitaram Yechury claimed, “Both sides are there. I will accuse you for what you accuse me.”

When asked about ‘freedom of the press’ in China, the CPIM leader remarked, “Well they print some newspapers. All the foreign agencies work from there. What do you mean by control? How can you control BBC?”

“Come on, yaar. They are all State-sponsored media. they are heavily controlled,” Samdish Bhatia gave a reality check to Sitaram Yechury, who was quick to claim that there is no freedom of the press in India.

Sitaram Yechury dismisses Chinese persecution of Uyghur Muslims

On being pointed out that no protest or acts of dissent by citizens are allowed in China, the Communist party leader dismissed the lack of freedom of speech in the country as ‘propaganda’. He instead requested Bhatia to visit China, adding that it would change his impression of the Communist-run nation.

“Go check it out, once. Come back and let us know. Actually, why don’t you just take a visa and go?” Sitaram Yechury insisted. He also refused to acknowledge or condemn the persecution of Uyghur Muslims by the Chinese Communist Party in Xinjiang province.

“These are problems that need to be properly resolved…Problems are everywhere,” the CPIM leader said instead.

Sitaram Yechury, CPIM and love for Xi Jinping

Sitaram Yechury has never shied away from praising the Chinese government and its authoritarian Premier Xi Jinping.

“As far as the world is concerned, we think the (Chinese Communist Party) Congress’ decisions will be important for strengthening multilateralism in international relations as opposed to unilateralism and imperialism,” he said in 2017.

The Indian Communist leader further added, “I think in the future, challenges such as economic development, social harmony and the fight against negative features will be met more effectively in China.”

Yechury had also defended Xi Jinping’s disastrous handling of the Coronavirus pandemic. “The exemplary manner in which the PRC (People’s Republic of China) tackled and contained the Covid pandemic, reopened its society and economy with the requisite precautions and put back the economy on a growth trajectory, is a lesson for the world establishing the superiority of socialism as a system over capitalism,” he had claimed.

“The efforts to eliminate inequalities and corruption, raising the quality of life have put PRC on the path for achieving the centennial goal of building a ‘modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious’ by 2049,” Yechury praised Xi’s authoritarianism.

As such, it comes as no wonder that the Chinese Communist Party values its ties with the Indian leftist parties.

When Yechury hailed Romanian dictator

According to veteran journalist Kanchan Gupta, Sitaram Yechury wrote a ‘glowing piece’ hailing Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu before the latter’s execution in 1989.

A report in Open Magazine read, “In 1989, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury made a visit to Romania and upon his return wrote in the party paper, People’s Democracy, paeans on the Communist government of Nicolae Ceausescu. Within weeks, however, Ceausescu was removed in a violent uprising.

It must be mentioned that Nicolae Ceaușescu was the former General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party and the President of Romania. He was executed on December 25, 1989. The execution followed a series of events that led to the overthrow of his regime.

Ceausescu’s rule was marked by authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and economic mismanagement. By the late 1980s, Romania faced severe economic hardships, food shortages, and a rapid decline in the standard of living.

Ceausescu’s oppressive policies, including forced resettlements and restrictions on freedom of speech, had led to widespread discontent among the population. In December 1989, protests erupted in the city of Timișoara against the government’s decision to evict an ethnic Hungarian pastor. The demonstrations quickly spread to other cities, including the capital, Bucharest.

The security forces initially cracked down on the protesters, but as the scale of the unrest grew, the military turned against Ceausescu. On 22nd December 1989, Ceaușescu delivered a speech in Bucharest to quell the uprising but the crowd turned against him.

Ceausescu and his wife Elena were eventually captured by the military. Following a hasty trial by a special military tribunal, the duo was found guilty of crimes against the state, genocide, and undermining the national economy.

They were sentenced to death and executed by firing squad on 25th December 1989. Nicolae Ceausescu’s execution marked the end of more than four decades of communist rule in Romania.

39-year-old Suchana Seth from Bengaluru, among top ‘100 brilliant women in AI’, arrested by Goa Police for killing her 4-year-old son in hotel room

OpIndia Staff
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39-year-old Suchana Seth from Bengaluru, among top ‘100 brilliant women in AI’, arrested by Goa Police for killing her 4-year-old son in hotel room

On 8th January, 39-year-old Suchana Seth, CEO of a reputed company, Mindful AI Lab and resident of Bengaluru was arrested by Goa Police for allegedly killing her four-year-old son. Seth was staying with her son in a service apartment in Candolim, Goa, where the alleged incident happened. She reportedly traveled back to Karnataka in a taxi with her son’s dead body stuffed in a suitcase.

As per reports, Seth checked into the Hotel Sol Banyan Grande’s service apartment number 404 with her son on 6th January. She vacated the room on the morning of the 8th of January. Seth requested the hotel staff to arrange a taxi. When the hotel staff suggested she should take a flight as it would be easier, Seth insisted on taking a cab back to Bengaluru. A local taxi was hired for Seth by the hotel staff.

During the routine cleaning after Seth’s departure, the hotel staff noticed blood stains in the room. The hotel management was informed, which promptly informed the Calangute Police at 11 AM. The police reviewed the hotel’s CCTV footage and noted that Seth left without her son.

Sensing something was wrong, Police Inspector Naik took the taxi driver’s number from the hotel staff and called him. When he questioned Suchana about her son, she told the inspector that she left him with a friend at Fatorda. Police checked the address given by Suchana in Fatorda and found it fake.

Police called back the driver and spoke to him in Konkani, asking him to take the cab to the nearest police station without the knowledge of Suchana. The taxi driver followed the instructions and took the taxi to Aimangala Police Station, without informing Suchana about it. By the time the taxi reached the police station, PI Naik already informed the Aimangala police inspector about the matter and requested him to check the bag. When the bag was opened, the police found the dead body of the four-year-old child.

Reportedly, Calangute Police sent a team to Karnataka to take custody of Suchana. Once arrested, she will be returned to Goa on transit remand for further investigation.

Suchana Seth is one of the leading names in the AI ethics industry. She founded Mindful AI Lab in 2020. Seth was named among the top 100 women in AI Ethics in 2021. Seth is a data scientist and was a Fellow at the Berkman Klein Centre at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts.

This is a developing story.

Maldives’s tourism industry condemns derogatory comments towards PM Modi and Indians, calls India a close ally who has always helped

OpIndia Staff
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Maldives’s tourism industry condemns derogatory comments towards PM Modi and Indians, calls India a close ally who has always helped

On 8th January, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) issued a press release condemning the derogatory remarks made by Maldivian Ministers on social media platforms directed towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India.

MATI deemed India as Maldives’ closest neighbour and ally in its statement. The association pointed out that India has always been the first responder to various crises the country faces. Pointing out that India is a significant contributor to the tourism industry in Maldives, the association reminded how India helped Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic right after the borders were opened.

The statement read, “The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) strongly condemns the derogatory comments made by some Deputy Ministers on social media platforms, directed towards the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi as well as the people of India.

India is one of our closest neighbours and allies. India has always been a first responder to various crises throughout our history and we are immensely grateful to the close relationship that the Government as well as people of India have maintained with us.

India has also been a consistent and significant contributor to the Tourism Industry of the Maldives. A contributor that has greatly assisted our recovery efforts during COVID-19, right after we re-opened our borders. Since then, India has continued to remain as one of the top markets for the Maldives.

It is our sincere wish that the close relationship between our two nations endures for generations to come and as such, we refrain from actions or speech that may have any negative impact on our good relationship.“

India-Maldives controversy

On 4th January, PM Narendra Modi shared some pictures of his recent visit to Lakshadweep as he encouraged people to explore the scenic island in what could be seen as a push to his ‘vocal for local’ slogan, and an effort to give a boost to tourism in the island.

Following PM Modi’s tweet posting stunning vistas from the Lakshadweep Islands, several social media users in India called for Indians to visit the place over foreign destinations, including the Maldives, which shares similar geographical characteristics as the Lakshadweep Islands.

That touched off bitter reactions from Maldivian counterparts, including governmental functionaries and prominent citizens, many of whom resorted to making churlish remarks against India, Indians, and the Indian PM. Mariyam Shiuna, Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, recently made insulting remarks against PM Modi, referring to him as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’ after he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep Islands.

“What a clown. The puppet of Israel Mr Narendra diver with a life jacket #VisitMaldives,” Shiuna tweeted. The post was deleted after backlash on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Indian social media users slammed the Maldives government officials, including Shiuna, for their crass remarks against the Indian Prime Minister. It is worth noting that PM Modi did not mention the Maldives anywhere in his tweets.

The government of Maldives suspended deputy ministers who used derogatory language on social media. Indians launched the “Boycott Maldives” campaign alongside celebrities and India-origin companies vouching for tourist destinations within India.

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