The Bharatiya Janta Party has removed three of its workers after they were arrested in connection to the gang rape of an IIT-BHU student. The development was confirmed by BJP’s Varanasi district chief Hansraj Vishwakarma on Sunday (31st December).
As per reports, the accused men were identified as Kunal Pandey, Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel. The Crime Branch and Lanka police station arrested the three accused from the Susuwahi area, and the accused are now under interrogation.
On social media, it was claimed that the trio were members of the BJP IT Cell unit of Varanasi. The student wing of the BJP, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), had demanded strong action against the three men.
एबीवीपी की मॉंग: #IITBHU में छात्रा के साथ गैंगरेप मामले में पकड़े गए आरोपियों पर चार्जशीट दाखिल कर शीघ्र कार्रवाई करे @Uppolice। अब तक आरोपियों को जो लोग संरक्षण दे रहे थे,उनको चिन्हित कर कार्रवाई हो। मामले में शुरूआत से कार्रवाई की माँग को लेकर प्रदर्शनरत है परिषद। pic.twitter.com/rfKk6JiCvt
While speaking about the development, BJP Varanasi district chief Hansraj Vishwakarma said, “Definitely their (accused) names have appeared in the police probe, so they will be expelled from the party after an investigation.”
He emphasised,”The three accused have been expelled from the BJP and further action will be taken as per the directions of the party leadership”.
As per various local media reports and social media posts, it is being reported that the arrested accused were connected to the BJP IT cell. It is reported that Kunal Pandey holds the position of metropolitan coordinator in the BJP IT cell in Varanasi, while Saksham Patel is said to serve as the Varanasi metropolitan co-convenor in the IT cell. Numerous social media users have shared screenshots of the Facebook profiles of the arrested individuals, alleging links with the BJP IT cell.
On 31st December (Sunday), the Police arrested all three accused in the alleged gangrape incident of a female IIT-BHU student near her hostel in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi in November this year. The Crime Branch and Lanka police station arrested the three accused from the Susuwahi area, and the accused are now under interrogation.
As per reports, the arrested accused have been identified as Kunal Pandey from Brij Enclave Colony Sunderpur, and Anand alias Abhishek Chauhan and Saksham Patel from Jivadhipur Bajardiha. The police have also recovered the motorcycle used in the crime.
Speaking to The Indian Express on Sunday morning, a senior police officer said, “The three accused have been arrested. We will release more details during the day.”
As per various local media reports and social media posts, it is being reported that the arrested accused were connected to the BJP IT cell. It is reported that Kunal Pandey holds the position of metropolitan coordinator in the BJP IT cell in Varanasi, while Saksham Patel is said to serve as the Varanasi metropolitan co-convenor in the IT cell. Numerous social media users have shared screenshots of the Facebook profiles of the arrested individuals, alleging links with the BJP IT cell.
After the arrest of the accused, ABVP released a statement demanding strict action against the perpetrator. They also demanded that those who were harbouring the accused should be arrested.
The national media convener ABVP wrote on social media platform X, “Take immediate action by filing chargesheet against the accused arrested in the gangrape case of a student @Uppolice. The people who were giving protection to the accused till now should be identified and action should be taken. The council is protesting demanding action from the beginning in the matter.”
एबीवीपी की मॉंग: #IITBHU में छात्रा के साथ गैंगरेप मामले में पकड़े गए आरोपियों पर चार्जशीट दाखिल कर शीघ्र कार्रवाई करे @Uppolice। अब तक आरोपियों को जो लोग संरक्षण दे रहे थे,उनको चिन्हित कर कार्रवाई हो। मामले में शुरूआत से कार्रवाई की माँग को लेकर प्रदर्शनरत है परिषद। pic.twitter.com/rfKk6JiCvt
The arrests have taken place two months after a female student was allegedly disrobed at gunpoint, gang-raped by three unknown men, and recorded the incident. It had triggered a massive protest on the campus with thousands of students staging a protest against the sexual assault incident.
As per reports, late on the 1st of November night, three unidentified men forcibly kissed the victim student, took off her clothes, and then recorded a video of her. She also alleged that the miscreants had brutally beaten up her friend before sexually molesting her. They snatched her mobile phone and threatened to kill her if she spoke about her ordeal with anyone or approached the police.
In her complaint to the police, the student said, “I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2 around 1.30 am, I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend at the Gandhi Smriti hostel intersection. We were walking together and when we were 300-400 metres from Karman Baba temple, a motorcycle approached us from behind with three men.”
In her complaint, the victim wrote, “They parked their motorcycle and separated my friend and me. They shut my mouth tightly and took me to a corner, kissed me forcibly; took off all my clothes, and recorded photos and videos. When I shouted for help, they threatened to kill me. They let me go after 10-15 minutes.”
The complaint further stated, “When I ran towards my hostel, I heard the sound of the motorcycle. I got scared and went inside the professor’s house. I stayed there for 20 minutes. After that, the professor escorted me to the main gate of his house. From there, Rahul Rathore of the Parliament Security Committee dropped me to the IIT BHU patrolling guard booth.”
As per reports, on the second day of the incident, all three accused riding a bullet were captured on CCTV cameras in Chetganj. The purported CCTV footage is now viral on social media. Following the confirmation, the police arrested all the accused in this case.
On 31st December (Sunday), the vacation bench of Karnataka High Court directed Bengaluru Police not to take any precipitative action against the Phoenix Mall of Asia till the matter is resolved amicably or further orders from the court. This came after the police ordered the mall to remain shut for the next 15 days due to the massive traffic congestion caused by a large number of people visiting the mall. The next hearing in this matter is on 2nd January.
Justice M.G.S. Kamal passed the order after the Mall voluntarily gave assurance that it would not operate for a day on 31st December. The urgent petition has been filed by Sparkle One Mall Developers Pvt Ltd, which manages the Phoenix Mall of Asia. It is situated on the service road in Byatarayanapura on Bellary Road, leading to the international airport.
The Court observed, “Needless to note that any order passed by the executive should be capable of its effective implementation in its letter and spirit. If it carries any ambiguity or is incapable of implementation such order per se becomes unsustainable.”
The Sparkle One Mall developers had challenged the legality of the order passed by the Bangalore City Police Commissioner on 30th December in which it directed the petitioner to “restrict public access to the mall between 10 pm on 31st December 2023 and midnight of 15th January 2024 to prevent annoyance and disturbance to public tranquillity and provide a safe environment for traffic and public at large”.
Notably, the Commissioner had passed the Prohibitory Order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The High Court heard the urgent plea at noon on Sunday for about half an hour in which both sides presented their arguments.
On behalf of the petitioner company, Senior Advocate Dhyan Chinnappa contended that the prohibitory order is unconstitutional. He argued that the orders amounted to closing down the mall and the businesses of shops in the mall. He also contended that invoking Section 144 of the CrPC is illegal as the circumstance does not contain any ingredient for invoking a prohibitory order.
During the proceedings, the A-G argued that it was for the petitioner to figure out how to implement the prohibitory order issued for “only restricting the entry of public” into the mall and not entirely prohibiting the entry of public into the mall.
After presenting their arguments, the Court proposed that both parties attempt to find a mutually agreeable solution. The hearing was adjourned for approximately 20 minutes to allow for a consultation between them.
When the court reassembled at around 12.50 pm, the petitioner’s counsel gave assurance that the petitioner company would voluntarily close the mall for a day on 31st December (Sunday) to show its bona fide commitment to addressing the issue of traffic congestion.
He urged the court to allow the petitioner to use the mall from January 1, 2024, until a mutual resolution between the petitioner and the police could be reached. This would be for the benefit of the public, taking into consideration all concerns raised by the police, or until the court thoroughly heard the petition.
However, he requested the court to clarify the effect of the prohibitory order given A-G’s claims. In reply, the Attorney General stated that the proposal presented by the petitioner warrants consideration. This is because the petitioner has voluntarily offered to shut down the mall for a day, and the police are willing to provide all necessary cooperation to achieve a mutually agreeable resolution of the matter.
Meanwhile, the petition alleged that “CCTV footage has disclosed that traffic disruption caused by vehicles was not due to the petitioner but was mainly owing to the fact that the vehicle entry was blocked by the police resulting in a jam outside the mall.”
The petition further pointed out that the police did not respond to the petitioner’s suggestions made in October on traffic management.
It is claimed that the prohibitory order was issued as the traffic congestion caused by vehicles gathering on the road waiting to enter the mall, had affected the movement of ambulances, BMTC, and school buses.
The police had reportedly received complaints about these issues from various quarters. The prohibitory order stated, “If the matter is left unattended, there will be uproar and frequent disputes, and significant chances of cognizable offences in the near future,” pointing out that there would be more chances of traffic congestion due to New Year and Makara Sankranti celebrations.
The Bengaluru Police issued the orders to restrict public access to Phoenix Mall of Asia from 31 December to 15 January after massive traffic chaos on Christmas eve on the Bellari Road (Airport Road), with crowds thronging Phoenix Mall of Asia near Yelahanka. Police had to issue an advisory after this. After the police found that the parking facility in the mall is not adequate, the restriction order was issued. The order had said, “An emergency measure is imminently necessary to prevent annoyance, obstruction, offenses, and disturbance of public tranquility that may occur during New Year celebrations tomorrow (December 31) and to maintain public peace and order in the days that follow”.
Giving the reasons for issuing the orders, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said, “There are incidents of disruption of public peace and order every day, making it difficult to maintain peace and order. In the coming days, there is a significant possibility of traffic congestion, disruption, noise pollution, disturbance to the public, and peace disturbance in the surrounding areas. This applies especially to the occasions of New Year celebration on December 31, the second Saturday on January 13, 2024 and Sunday on January 14, 2024 when the Makara Sankranti festival is celebrated. Larger crowds visiting the mall during these times will lead to more inconvenience and disturbance to the public than before.”
The police officer said that as per the report of the Joint commissioner of police (traffic), there is a need to provide parking space for at least 10,000 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers in the ‘Phoenix Mall of Asia’ building. But the mall has only two basements to park 2,324 cars and two-wheelers.
Apart from the order to virtually shut down the mall for 15 days, the traffic police have also asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to withdraw or cancel the partial Occupancy Certificate (OC) issued to the mall. According to the partial OC issued by BBMP, the mall is a 12-storey building including 2 basement floors with a total area of 86,421 square meters from the ground floor to the third floor. However, the mall has only two basements to park 2,324 cars and two-wheelers.
With a couple of weeks left to inaugurate Ram Temple, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Ram Janmabhoomi is not merely a political issue but a cultural issue for them.
“The consecration ceremony will be held on January 22, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present there.” When asked about getting electoral benefits from Ram Temple he said, “This is not a political issue for us to get votes, Ram Janmabhoomi is a cultural issue for us.”
The consecration ceremony in Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir will be held over seven days, starting on January 16. On the final day, January 22, after the morning puja, the deity of Ram Lala will be consecrated in ‘Mrigashira Nakshatra’ in the afternoon.
Talking about the country’s economy Singh said, “By 2027 India will be among the world’s top three economies and by 2047 we will be the world’s largest economy.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was speaking at the 21st convocation of Tezpur University said that students are acceptable to new ideas.
Sharing his past experience as a teacher and the academic world, Singh highlighted the acceptability of new ideas among students. He acknowledged the innovative spirit of the youth, stating, “As far as I have been able to understand the youth, I can say that students are more innovative than teachers. A lot can be learned from students, and they are receptive to new ideas.”
“Assam has given such icons to the country who have excelled in art, valour, religion, politics and almost all fields,” added Rajnath.
Talking about start-up culture and innovation ecosystem prevailing in the country, he said, “To enhance the capabilities of youth like you, we have promoted start-up culture and innovation ecosystem. Due to the efforts of the government and the youth entrepreneurship initiative, today we have more than 1 lakh start-ups and there are more than 100 Unicorns in India. We have promoted innovation through start-ups in the Defence Industrial Corridor,” he added.
Highlighting the pivotal role of youth in shaping the vision of New India, Rajnath Singh said that the key difference between the old Bharat and the new Bharat lies in the evolution of thought and the approach.
Addressing the 21st Convocation Ceremony of Tezpur University in Assam, Rajnath Singh said that today’s youth are receptive to new ideas.
“I think a lot can be learned from students. Our youth are receptive to new ideas. They have creativity, ambition and all this can be called new thinking which creates the background of a new India. The youth of this country are the creators of our new India. The difference that is visible between the earlier India and the new India is the difference in thinking. India is no longer tolerant of the ‘Let it be’ approach but Under the leadership of PM Modi, New India is working on the ‘Let us do’ approach,” he said.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
On 31st December (Sunday), Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan launched the book ‘Ram Mandir Rashtra Mandir Ek Sajhi Virasat’ at Rang Bhawan Auditorium in Delhi. Prominent dignitaries in the likes of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) President Alok Kumar, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Treasurer Govind Giri Maharaj, RSS leader Indresh Kumar and others were also present at the book launch.
#WATCH | Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad launches book "Ram Mandir Rashtra Mandir Ak Sajhi Virast" at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, Delhi.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) president Alok Kumar and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Treasurer Govind Giri Maharaj and other dignitaries also… pic.twitter.com/FwfaBMhZza
Speaking at the event, Arif Mohammed Khan emphasised that Maryada Purushottam Ram is our need so that we can build the character of our future generations. He stressed that Lord Ram is called Maryada Purushottam because of what he did for us.
Khan pointed out that when it was decided that he would have to go to the forest, King Dashrath said to Ram alone, ‘You can imprison me; you did not make the promise—I made the promise. You are not bound by my word; you can become the king.’ To this, Ram replied, ‘If you have given the words, then I will fulfill it.'”
Arif Mohammad Khan further stated that today, every country possesses so many nuclear bombs that it is enough to destroy the world. The world is divided into sections, and it requires a message from a country that can unite everyone, a country that respects every human being as an individual. The purpose of life is not solely to attain happiness; rather, it is to acquire knowledge. Knowledge must be pursued.
The Kerala Governor said, “It is not important in which house I was born. What is important is what I do. According to Indian culture and also according to Islam, karma is important.”
He noted that man cannot live alone and needs society, some principle and basis for society. Indian culture is defined neither by colour, nor by language, nor by the way of worship. Indian culture is defined by the soul, Khan added.
Explaining that Ram achieved greatness through his acts and deeds, Khan stated that Lakshman gets angry when Ram was asked to go to the forest.
He explains, Why is Ram called Maryada Purushottam? Because whatever is going to give them happiness, he was not ready to go beyond limits to accept it. Whether we are in politics, doctors, or engineers. Wherever we work, how should we look at the people who are responsible for us? We get this education from Ram, Khan asserted.
During the event, RSS leader Indresh Kumar issued an appeal to religious places to decorate their prayer spaces on January 22 from 11 am to 2 pm. He encouraged people to watch the Consecration ceremony on television and pray for global progress.
He said, “With this, you will light lamps in all the temples. This morning when I was coming here, Shah Malang society in the Dargahs of UP, they met me and said that no Dargah will remain where the lamp will not lit. We too started making Deepotsav on Hazrat Nizamuddin in the last 3 years.”
The RSS leader stressed that one can change their religion but they can’t change their forefathers adding that 99% of people in neighbouring countries have converted but their DNA was and will remain the same.
Kumar said, “You can change your religion but you can’t change your forefathers. If we go to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Maldives then 99 percent of people are converted. We are of a common ancestor. Everyone’s DNA was and will remain the same.”
Reacting to Farooq Abdullah’s remark where he emphasised that Lord Rama doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world.
While referring to Abdullah’s remarks, he took a dig at the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc. He responded by saying, “Our dream identity is also the same that we think and dream in the Hindustani language, and our face identity will always remain Indian, it can never change. Recently, Farooq Abdullah stated that Ram is not only yours but also ours. So when did we say no? Just explain this to your group also. You should tell this in I.N.D.I.A. bloc too that there is no need for an invitation to go to God’s house.”
He added, “I also want to say to the whole nation that Lord Rama doesn’t only belong to Hindus; he belongs to everyone in the world. He is the Lord for all the people across the world. It’s written in the books.”
On 29th December, Khushoo Gupta, who goes by the handle ‘little__curves’ on Instagram, shared a video of live worms she found in her vegetarian sandwich during an Indigo flight. In a post on Instagram, she pointed out that despite informing the flight staff that the rest of the sandwiches might be infested, they continued to distribute the food.
She wrote, “I will Lodge an official complaint via email soon. But as a Public Health professional, I want to know that despite knowing the quality of the Sandwich was not good and informing the Flight attendant prior, she still continued to serve sandwiches to other passengers. There were kids, elderly and other passengers. What if anyone catches an infection?
A polite note or informing the Passengers would have saved them from eating the Sandwich. After consuming one bite, I immediately rushed or conveyed to her, but she said, ‘I will replace it with some other thing.’ I will bring it to the department notice and later come with a Goodie, which I refused to take. I didn’t want to create a panic situation. But her first action should have been to make other passengers aware so that they could make an informed decision about consuming the sandwich.”
Further, she pointed out that the idea of sharing the post was not to seek a refund or compensation but assurance from the airline that the passenger’s health and safety are the airline’s top priorities. She said, “You are trained to save our lives if, god forbid, anything happens, but shouldn’t this be included in the same SOP? 1. The quality needs to be questioned two despite having the knowledge of why she served another fellow passenger. I brought this issue under consideration to Create awareness. I don’t need any compensation or refund. Just ensure passenger health and safety are your top priorities.”
Expressing her dismay that the flight attendants did not approach her to provide information on the official channel to file a complaint, she said in a comment, “When Celebs travel in these airlines, we see Flight attendants giving them Thank you Notes or a small welcoming gesture note to make them feel special for travelling with XYZ Airlines. But when such an incident happens. I was expecting the Flight attendant to come to me later or even after the Flight landed to assure me my Complaint would be Heard or to direct me to where particularly (email ID or number) I could share the Complaint. She didn’t even bother to assure me that she would bring it to the notice from her side too or else ask whether I have any video or photo so that she can also update their seniors about this experience.”
Source: Instagram
“I waited till the last expecting she would show up or any other staff member would. But nobody cared. She casually walked off while I waited for all the passengers to leave. Later, I went to another flight attendant who had an idea about the incident while she was about to leave. I asked her what she had done about this incident, and she said, please WhatsApp me the video after I Questioned her many times. Wasn’t it their duty to assure me at the start itself that this would be Heard or brought to their senior notice? Or to guide me on where I can file a complaint or take a written complaint from me so that she can share it with her Seniors. Many questions need to be raised, not just one of serving it to other fellow passengers and all,” she said.
In an official press release, Indigo said, “We are aware of a concern raised by one of our customers regarding their experience on flight 6E 6107 from Delhi to Mumbai. We want to emphasize our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest food and beverage service standards on board. Upon investigation, our crew immediately ceased the service of the specific sandwich in question. The matter is currently under thorough examination, and we are working closely with our caterer to ensure appropriate corrective measures are taken. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to the passenger.”
On 31st December (Sunday), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government and his party are in full support of Ram Mandir. The Congress leader added that they are in favour of the Ram Mandir and not against building the temple.
“We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we are not against building a temple either, we are not against Ram Mandir we are in favour of Ram Mandir,” Siddaramaiah was quoted saying by News agency ANI on Sunday.
Bengaluru | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, "Those who break the law will be arrested, no one will be arrested if they are innocent people will not be harmed in our government, and those who committed crimes will be prosecuted…We are not against the issue of Ayodhya Ram Mandir,… pic.twitter.com/MNEE2s7e2f
A day earlier, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had said that so far he had not received the invitation for the consecration ceremony and he would consider whether to attend it or not only after getting the invite.
Strikingly, as per media reports, Siddaramaiah gave these remarks to cover up his minister’s controversial statement against the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony describing it as a “political stunt” just like ‘Pulwama’.
(Video Courtesy – India Today)
Earlier in the day on 31st December, Congress leader and Karnataka Planning and Statistics Minister, Dasharathaiah Sudhakar claimed that the BJP government was using a similar strategy and exploiting the Ram Mandir as it used Pulwama in previous Lok Sabha elections.
Sudhakar said, “The BJP government used the Pulwama terror attack to secure votes in the last Lok Sabha elections, and this time, they are holding Lord Ram’s photo now.”
While speaking to media personnel in Chitradurga, he added, “The inauguration of Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a stunt. People are not fools. We have been fooled twice. I am confident that we won’t be fooled for the third time.”
The Karnataka Minister stated that it is true that the opening of the Ram Mandir is in the background of the Lok Sabha Elections. He said, “MLA Raghumurthy and I contributed money to the Ram Mandir. We have also given bricks in the past.”
While he noted that Lord Ram is a god for everyone, he called the temple’s inauguration a gimmick during the election period.
He argued, “BJP is using India’s religious beliefs to garner votes. Where was the Ram Mandir in the last elections?”
Pulwama Terror Attack
On February 14, 2019, a convoy of vehicles carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel to Srinagar via National Highway 44 came under a suicide bombing attack in Pulwama. 22-year-old Adil Ahmad Dar, a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist from Kakapora in Jammu and Kashmir, rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying the CRPF personnel. 40 of our jawans were martyred in that cowardly terror attack.
The terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), based in Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack. They also posted a video of the Islamic terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who had joined the outfit a year before. In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pakistan was responsible for assisting terrorist attacks and that JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar had been “given the freedom to target India.”
However, the ghastly terror attack was not spared by certain opposition leaders and political parties who tried to spin conspiracy theories around the attack. They have been trying to pin the blame on Narendra Modi instead alleging it to be a staged attack despite Pakistan-based terrorists staking a claim for it. Incidentally, several of the perpetrators of this ghastly attack have died in mysterious circumstances in Pakistan and elsewhere in the recent past.
A few months prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Lok Sabha MP from Munger Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh resigned as national president of Janata Dal-United and made Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar the new head of the party. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) including the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is pointing towards an internal rift in the party. However, Lalan Singh claimed that he left the position on his own accord, per a report in Hindustan Live and attempted to persuade Nitish Kumar who was applying emotional pressure for him to hold onto the presidency.
Referring to the significant shift that his party underwent before the general elections next year as a critical requirement, he stated that all of this occurred with his consent and refuted rumours of factionalism. He made serious accusations against a section of the media and alleged that the BJP is responsible for these assertions. He also shared his opinion over Nitish Kumar not being assigned any role in the I.N.D.I. Alliance.
He mentioned that he became the president of the party on 30th July 2021 in an interview. Nitish Kumar conveyed to “leave him alone” when he presented Lalan Singh’s name. He voiced the same thing repeatedly, but the latter requested not to compel him. However, Nitish Kumar got angry and didn’t talk to him for five days after which he agreed to the proposition. The election process started in December 2022 following the party’s membership and the National President nomination was due at that time. Anil Hegde was the returning officer. Nitish Kumar asked him to sign the nomination papers, however, he pointed out that he wouldn’t do it because he didn’t want the post.
Nitish Kumar then called him and insisted, “I would not sign the motion if you don’t nominate yourself.” Lalan Singh claimed that once again he was appointed as the national president on the instructions of a senior party leader with whom he has 37-year-long ties. However, the former complained, “I experienced numerous issues because of this including visits to my constituency and party work. I told the chief minister that although I carried out your directives to run the party for this long, I now wanted to be relieved of my duties. He responded, nevertheless, with the comment that he would smash his head if the national president discussed resignation and I remained silent after that.”
According to the parliamentarian, one day he informed the chief minister that the election was approaching but he didn’t have time to go to his area which would impact his candidacy. He urged, “I am unable to dedicate time to the party as well as my constituency and both are facing injustice as a result, therefore, remove me from this post. However, Nitish Kumar replied that I could go away if there’s a poll but he won’t hand over the position to anyone else and take on the responsibility himself.”
Lalan Singh answered that everything transpired with his permission and Nitish Kumar’s wish when inquired about the timing of the resignation. He noted that it was done exclusively for the election as he had to contest for office when asked about the possibility of a reshuffle in light of the impending Lok Sabha elections. He added, “I was unable to spend much time in my home region of Munger since I had to travel to several states while I was president,”
He claimed that the party required a well-known face for the Lok Sabha election and as the party’s popular leader, Nitish Kumar embraced this role as the prominent figurehead. He proclaimed, “The fact that Nitish Kumar succeeded me as president fills me with great pride. I’m also pleased that he would take on the presidency in place of me.”
Addressing a query concerning Nitish Kumar’s discontent about his closeness to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, he remarked that the former gave his approval for the coalition because he had endured great humiliation while in power with the BJP. He recounted, “Nitish Kumar used to tell me that the BJP members were quite offensive when we used to sit at his place in the evening. He complained that first, they pressured him to be the chief minister and then didn’t respect the conditions of the alliance. BJP leaders kept declaring that Nitish Kumar became the chief minister due to their graciousness.” Lalan Singh quoted Nitish Kumar and claimed that while JDU had more seats when the NDA government was formed in Bihar in 2005 and 2010, the BJP was always respected.
After RJD proposed to form a grand alliance, Lalan Singh observed that Nitish Kumar authorised him to negotiate the offer. He threatened, “I’m going to serve legal notice on those who are claiming that RJD is running an operation inside the party.” He recalled that the party had been formed in 1995. “How then can I ruin the party that I put together,” he questioned and accused, “All this is the propaganda of Godi media which is being disseminated at the behest of BJP.”
Lalan Singh also remembered the time that he and Nitish Kumar were apart and maintained that despite having disagreements with the latter between 2010 and 2013, he didn’t go anywhere and returned in 2013 because he couldn’t stay in a rental house instead of his place. When asked about the possibility of a covert meeting with 12 JDU MLAs to install deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav as chief minister, he warned that he would take legal action against anyone who perpetuates disinformation and added, “I’m going to sue them for defamation as well.”
Lalan Singh charged that the BJP had violated its promise and claimed that seven of their MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh had been broken from the party and included in the BJP while they were together in the government and did the same with five out of their six legislators in Manipur. “The ex-president of the party, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, hurt us in the 2020 assembly elections. Nitish Kumar did not want to become the chief minister as a result of the small number of MLAs but Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah compelled him.”
He continued, “However, started degrading him by instructing small-time leaders of their party to issue statements. No one in their national leadership addressed our grievances and BJP workers even supported Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in the 2020 state poll.” Lalan Singh explained that Nitish Kumar could work more effectively if he was absolved of all responsibility on a question of the exclusion of the latter from any role in the I.N.D.I.A bloc. He categorically ruled out the possibility of JDU going with NDA again and alleged that Godi media is promoting this lie.
A flier’s post complaining about excessive pricing of basic meal at an airport is going viral on the internet sparking a wider debate over the issue. Taking to X, Dr. Sanjay Arora, a resident of Nagpur expressed displeasure that he was ‘excessively’ charged Rs 500 for a basic meal that included a plate of Rajma Chawal and a coke at an airport. He likened the exorbitant food pricing with “daylight robbery”. He, however, didn’t disclose at which airport it happened.
He wrote, “I’ve never understood why we get fleeced at the airports. I got his (sic) simple dish of Rajma Chawal with a Coke for 500/- bucks. Isn’t that daylight robbery? Just because someone’s traveling by air doesn’t mean they have to be looted!”
I’ve never understood why we get fleeced at the airports. I got his simple dish of Rajma Chawal with a Coke for 500/- bucks. Isn’t that daylight robbery? Just because someone’s traveling by air doesn’t mean they have to be looted! pic.twitter.com/q6dZEnwubV
Notably, Dr. Arora is known for posting videos in which he explains marketing concepts. Following his post, netizens started sharing their own experiences and how they were also charged dearly on their trip to an airport.
Responding to the post, one user wrote, “Last week in Kolkata airport, I had to pay Rs. 300/- for one small cup of tea.”
Last week in Kolkata airport, I had to pay Rs. 300/- for one small cup of tea @The_TeaJunction
While another user wrote, “So true. Writing this from Bhubaneswar Airport where I just paid Rs.180 for a cup of tea and Rs.100 for a samosa!”
Meanwhile, some users tried to explain the reason behind the excessive cost. They said that compared to regular shops, the outlets at airports have to incur much higher costs. The rent and other costs are higher at airports. Some others pointed out that shops at airports get less number of customers compared to markets, which is another reason for higher prices.
An X user stated, “I was part of an Airport retailing company. The developer wants a minimum guarantee or 26% of revenue, whichever is higher. So at Airports you pay margin for Mnf+Distributor+Dealer+Retailer+Airport Developer+Tax.”
I was part of an Airport retailing company. The developer wants minimum guarantee or 26% of revenue, whichever is higher.
So at Airports you pay margin for Mnf+Distributor+Dealer+Retailer+Airport Developer+Tax.
Another Twitter user argued that the Airports have to pay for the CISF security which is not the case with trains or buses. The user said, “Part of the reason is the security provided by CISF at airports which is very expensive. Airports have to pay CISF for their services. This is not the case with trains and buses.”
Similarly, an Instagram post recently went viral that showed how a dosa cost Rs 600 at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Meanwhile, one of the prominent cases of charging excessively from a customer was that of Bollywood actor Rahul Bose.
While staying at a luxury hotel JW Marriott, he had ordered room service for two bananas for which he was charged Rs 442.50. It had ignited a debate back then, after which, the 5-star hotel fined Rs 25,000 for billing actor Rahul Bose Rs 442 for bananas.
Bollywood has a long and infamous history of demeaning, degrading and despising Hinduism. Over the years, films, web series and even songs have been used as a medium of furthering Hindu hatred and foisting a self-loathing tendency in the Hindu masses, sometimes blatantly and often in a subtle manner. Moreover, those defaming Hinduism know that the Hindu majority is largely ‘tolerant’ and does not unleash “Sar Tan Se Juda” style terror even on those denigrating Hinduism in the most vile and pathetic fashion.
Dadasaheb Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, used his craft to spread Hindu Dharma’s traditional and cultural teachings during the early days of Hindi cinema. From Raja Harishchandra, Mohini Bhasmasur, Lanka Dahan, Shri Krishna Janma to Gangavataran etc, Dadasaheb’s works revolved around the teachings of Hindu scriptures. However, with Dadasaheb out of the picture, the industry has largely pushed an apocryphal narrative where the adherents of Hinduism especially the so-called “upper castes” are portrayed as oppressors and the specific sects, and communities as the oppressed.
Leftists and Islamists in Bollywood portrayed Muslims as brave and trustworthy men, but a Brahman or Kayastha was portrayed as either a lecherous man who would molest or financially abuse a helpless woman. Bollywood is also credited with popularising anti-Hindu phrases such as “Hawas ka pujari” and “Gunahon ka Devta.”
Bollywood has advanced from depicting a Janeudhari and Tilak-wearing man as greedy and cruel, while the “Maulvi sahab” and “father” of churches as holy souls, to making films based entirely on propaganda scripts that target Hindu cultural practices and beliefs. Although the “boycott Bollywood” campaign pushed Bollywood on a backfoot momentarily with movies like Laal Singh Chaddha tanking at the box office last year, the left-leaning propaganda filmmakers have not deterred from peddling the anti-Hindu propaganda in the barb of creative liberty, freedom of expression and whatnot. Although the boycott calls made little impact, the Hindu-hating and Islamist apologist Bollywood directors-producers continue to make content reeking of anti-Hindu propaganda without a smidgen of equivocation or apologia.
In addition to spreading propaganda through content, anti-Hindu Bollywood ‘artists’ often give statements and make certain claims defaming Hindus in their desperate attempts to gain instant popularity. Of course, hating on Hindus brings them recognition, money, and even awards, whereas even fair criticism of other religions amounts to ‘bigotry,’ ‘blasphemy,’ ‘hate-mongering,’ and other liberal-favourite terms.
As the year 2023 comes to a close, here is a compilation of 40 incidents documented by OpIndia this year that unambiguously demonstrated Bollywood’s hatred for Hindus and its persistent efforts to denigrate Hinduism. While most of the incidents reported highlight the deep-rooted disdain for Hindus and Hindu Dharma, some incidents may not appear to be an explicit attack on Hinduism but did harm the Indic values and culture.
Sony’s Crime Patrol changed Shraddha Walkar case accused Aftab to ‘Mihir’ victim Shraddha to ‘Anna Fernandes’
Last year’s Shraddha Walkar murder case shook the conscience of the nation as a man named Aftab Amin Poonawala brutally murdered his Hindu live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopped her body into 36 pieces only to be disposed of later at various locations across Delhi. The morbid details of the murder were a hot topic of discussion across the country when Sony Entertainment Television (SET) televised a Crime Patrol episode which had a striking resemblance to the Shraddha Walker murder case. The episode telecasted on December 27, 2022, under the title “Ahmedabad-Pune Murder” with the names of the victim and perpetrator changed to Anna Fernandes and Mihir Kanchwala respectively.
In the now-deleted episode, it was shown that a boy named ‘Mihir’ kills his partner in a fit of rage and then cuts her body into several pieces and wraps it in multiple plastic bags before storing it in the fridge, exactly what happened in Shraddha Walkar’s case.
Amidst the outrage on social media, SonyTV deleted the controversial episode and issued a statement saying that the episode’s storyline was unrelated to Shraddha Walkar’s murder rather it was based on events from 2011. It is, however, not too difficult to understand that if the episode had actually been unrelated to the murder of Shraddha Walkar, the channel would not have deleted it.
Actress Manvi Taneja licks ‘Bhagwa’ ice cream to support SRK’s ‘Pathaan’
“Besharam Rang” a song from Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone starrer film ‘Pathaan’ attracted a needless controversy right after its release as the actress was seen wearing an orange bikini in the song. Deepika Padukone’s character “Rubina Mohsin” gyrates to the music in skimpy attire in an attempt to seduce Shah Rukh Khan’s character “Pathaan” in the song. This song triggered a social media outrage and soon escalated to a point that even politicians including BJP leader Narottam Mishra criticised it. Amidst outrage, several people saw the opportunity to hog the limelight.
In this line, a video of actress and model Manvi Taneja went viral in January this year, in which the actress was seen licking an orange ice cream she called “Bhagwa ice cream” and saying “This is my ice cream, I will lick it. Take this Bhakts, you lick it. Lick-lick. is there any problem?”. The actress’s cheap gimmick to mock the BJP and “Bhakts” was heavily criticised on social media.
Filmmaker Leena Manikelamai’s “Kaali” poster causes stir, Supreme Court grants interim protection from arrest
Last year, a major controversy unfolded over the poster of the documentary film Kali directed by Leena Manimekalai causing outrage among Hindus as the poster depicted the Goddess Kali smoking cigarettes and was seen with the LGBTQ rainbow flag. Much like the usual left-liberal propagandists, Manimekalai took refuge of “artistic freedom” to brazen out her anti-Hindu propaganda.
“These trolls are after my artistic freedom. If I give away my freedom fearing this mindless rightwing mob mafia, I will give away everyone’s freedom. So I will keep it, come what may.” https://t.co/nD2TNxypOk
— Leena Manimekalai (@LeenaManimekali) July 7, 2022
Alongside the social media outrage, multiple FIRs were filed against the NRI filmmaker in various states of the country. Subsequently, Manimekalai approached the Supreme Court seeking protection. The Supreme Court not only ordered the clubbing of the nine FIRs against Leena but also granted interim protection from coercive action. In April this year, the Supreme Court transferred all the FIRs against Leena to Delhi Police with interim protection to continue.
Meghna Gulzar’s “Raazi” a true story of patriotism and valour turned into a Pakistan-sympathising propaganda
Bollywood is notorious for its unwavering love for Pakistan. Other than Islamists, Aman Ki Aasha-infected artists and filmmakers have used their art to foster sympathy towards Pakistan through films such as Salman Khan’s “Ek Tha Tiger”, “Tiger Zinda Hai” and or “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, SRK’s “Pathaan”, and Aamir Khan’s “PK” by sending a subtle message that Pakistani people are predominantly ‘peace-loving’ and want friendly relations with India unlike the politicians. Contrary to Bollywood’s assertions, Pakistanis harbour unrelenting hatred for India, with many yearning to turn this Hindu-majority country from a Dar-ul-Harb to a Dar-ul-Islam through Ghazwa-e-Hind.
One such propaganda movie was the 2018 film “Raazi” directed by Meghna Gulzar. The Alia Bhatt starrer was based on Harinder Sikka’s book “Calling Sehmat”. While speaking at the Bhopal Literature Festival in January this year, Sikka accused Meghna Gulzar of cheating him and even regretted having sold the book’s rights to her.
Unlike the book, the film showed “Sehmat” the Indian agent in Pakistan depressed as if she committed a crime by fighting for her country, Sikka said. He also asserted that Meghna Gulzar removed Indian flags and showed Pakistani flags more, further, he pointed out at the lack of patriotic scenes in the film. The peddling of a Pakistan-sympathising narrative by portraying the Pakistani army as ‘humane,’ as well as the playing of the national anthem instead of the “Jai Bharati” song as stated in the book, infuriated Sikka.
Actor Shreyas Talpade seen putting his foot on ‘Om’ symbol in a film, apologies after video goes viral
On February 13, actor Shreyas Talpade apologised for a scene in his 2012 film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal in which he can be seen resting his foot on the ‘OM’ symbol, considered sacred in the Hindu religion. The actor issued an apology after an X (formerly Twitter) account ‘Gems of Bollywood fan’ shared a clip from his 2012 film Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal.
Shreyas, who plays a Christian youth named Johnny in the Bollywood film, can be seen stopping a vehicle with his foot in the snippet. Shreyas Talpade places his foot on an ‘OM’ sticker that has been affixed to the vehicle while doing so. In his apology, Talpade said that the disrespect was inadvertent and that he was sorry about it.
Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar attends the Faiz Festival in Lahore, Indian netizens said “Stay in Pakistan”
In February this year, controversial lyricist Javed Akhtar attended the Faiz Festival in Lahore, Pakistan where he launched his new book. Many Indians on social media asked Akhtar to stay in Pakistan as they see him as pro-Pakistan. Some Pakistanis also criticized Akhtar’s visit given his past criticism of Pakistan. Faiz Ahmad Faiz was a Pakistani communist poet whose poem “Hum Dekhienge” is often referenced but criticized for having subtle anti-Hindu themes.
Actor Naseeruddin Shah expresses love for Mughal invaders, saying “Mughals came to make India their home”
Bollywood has no shortage of Mughal sympathisers but rather simps. In February this year, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in an interview with Indian Express in February this year batted for Mughal invaders saying that Mughals did not come to pillage India’s wealth but to make this country their ‘home’. In his blatant glorification of settler colonisation, Shah asserted, “These were people who came here to loot, the Mughals didn’t come here to loot. They came here to make this their home and that’s what they did. Who can deny their contribution?”
Naseeruddin Shah who played Mughal ruler Akbar in the ZEE5 web series – Taj – Divided by Blood, further argued that “If everything they did was horrible, then knock down the Taj Mahal, knock down the Red Fort, knock down Qutub Minar. Why do we consider the Red Fort sacred, it was built by a Mughal. We need not glorify them, but there is no need to vilify them either.”
Naseeruddin Shah hails Mughal king Akbar, claims Akbar never used the term ‘Din-e-Elahi’
In one of the interviews during the promotions for ZEE5 original Taj-Divided by Blood in March this year, Naseeruddin Shah claimed that Mughal emperor Akbar never used the term Din-e-Elahi and that he never intended to start his new religion. Shah asserted Akbar instead used the term ‘Wahadat-e-Elahi’ meaning the oneness of God. He further argued that it was AKbar’s court historian Abul Fazal whose noted works ‘Akbarnama’ and ‘Ain-e-Akbari’ remain crucial in understanding the reign of Akbar.
Expressing his love for the Mughal king, Shah showered praises on him calling him a soft-hearted, vulnerable man and he was also a very passionate, sexually driven, ferocious, merciless warrior. “He must have been a great lover. I mean, he had hundreds of concubines and to keep each of them happy must have been some job! I don’t know if all of them were happy though. But I played him, to find the human being within this grandeur,” he was quoted as saying during the interview.
The false narrative of Akbar being “great” and “tolerant” was concocted by leftist historians, who consciously downplayed the massacre of more than 30,000 Hindus on the orders of Akbar. Ironically, killing lesser Hindus than other Mughal rulers is what makes Akbar ‘tolerant’ in the eyes of leftist ‘distorians’.
Actress Shilpa Shetty draws the ire of netizens over Holika Dahan celebrations while wearing shoes
On March 6, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty shared a video of the Holika Dahan celebrations at her home on her Instagram account. The actress along with her family was seen performing the rituals. However, netizens slammed the actress for lack of knowledge regarding the proper way of performing Holika Dahan. Traditionally, people in the Hindu religion use castor-made cake, sycamore wood, and cow dung cake for Holika Dahan as these items are believed to be auspicious. Shilpa Shetty, however, used bamboo wood in the Holika Dahan in addition to wearing shoes while performing the puja rituals.
Screenshot of comments on Shilpa Shetty’s Instagram post
Netflix’s Indian adaptation of ‘Ray Donovan’ shows a Christian evangelist-like character as a Hindu saint
The March release Netflix series “Rana Naidu” starring Venkatesh Duggabati and Rana Duggabati took the oTT by storm. The “Ray Donovan” remake, however, was overloaded with obscenity, abusive language and of course a character defaming the Hindu saints. The web series had a negative character named “Vijaywada Maharaj” is shown as a paedophile who would call his obscene act as “Anant Anandam”.
Moreover, a Hindu ‘baba’ is shown curing the illness of gullible people including women in typical “Changai Sabha” (‘Changai’ means supposedly curing ailing people through prayers recited by a Christian pastor) style. However, instead of a pastor, the makers of the series showed a Hindu saint, since Hindus can easily be ridiculed in the name of artistic freedom.
Actress Taapsee Pannu wears a Goddess Laksmi necklace with a “revealing dress”, netizens ask if she can wear symbols of other religions like this
In March, actress Taapsee Pannu wore a Goddess Lakshmi neckpiece at the Lakme Fashion Week 2023. The actress shared her pictures from the event on her Instagram profile. Her Instagram post, however, sparked outrage as netizens accused Taapsee of hurting the Hindu religious sentiments by wearing a neckpiece featuring Goddess Lakshmi as people opined that religious symbols especially that of Hindu deities should not be represented in an obscene manner.
Later, an FIR was lodged against the actress in Madhya Pradesh by a Hindu Rakshak Sangathan member Eklavya Singh Gaur in Madhya Pradesh for hurting religious sentiments.
Singer Lucky Ali claims ‘Brahmans are a lineage of Ibrahim’, deletes Facebook post and apologises after outrage
On April 9, Bollywood singer Maqsood Mahmood Ali (also known as Lucy Ali) sparked outrage when he claimed that the term “Brahman” is derived from the word “Abraham.” Ali, a Muslim, claimed that Brahman (which translates to the universe) came after Prophet Abraham. “The name ‘Brahman’ comes from ‘Brahma,’ which comes from ‘Abram,’ which comes from Abraham or Ibrahim,” he wrote on Facebook.
Lucky Ali then claimed that ‘Brahmans’ are descended from ‘Ibrahim Aliahisalam – The Father of All Nations.’ The singer, however, did not present any source to back up his wild claim. Unsurprisingly, Ali’s assertion sparked outrage online, with many educating him about the history of Islam being just 1400 years old while Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world.
Screenshot of Lucky Ali’s now-deleted Facebook post
Soon after, Ali deleted his contentious post and apologised over the same saying that he would be careful about how phrases his thoughts.
Rapper Badshah uses Lord Mahakal’s name along with obscene lyrics in his song ‘Sanak’
In April, Bollywood rapper Badshah received backlash over his song titled ‘Sanak’ for using Lord Shiva’s name along with other obscene words in the lyrics. Along with the devotees of Lord Shiva, the priest of Ujjain’s Mahakal Mandir also warned that an FIR would be filed against the rapper for hurting Hindu religious sentiments. The 2 minutes 15-second long music video had lyrics, “Kabhi sex toh kabhi gyan baant-ta phiroon, jo bhi jalta hai uski %&*#$ faadta phiroon, Bholenath se meri banti hai sahi, use nachane ka shauk main nachta phiroon.” Amidst the outrage, Badshah issued an apology and later modified the lyrics of the song.
AR Rahman asks wife not to speak in Hindi at an award function, says ‘Speak in Tamil’
In April, a video surfaced online showing music composer AR Rahman asking his wife Saira Banu to speak in Tamil rather than Hindi while accepting an award on stage at an award function in Chennai. When the host requested Saira say a few words, Rahman intervened, stating that she should speak in Tamil rather than Hindi. While Saira looked uncomfortable as she isn’t fluent in Tamil, she spoke in English instead thanking Rahman for his music. Despite working in the Hindi film industry as well as receiving love from the Hindi audiences, Rahman’s attitude towards Hindi raised eyebrows.
Filmfare nominates ‘The Kashmir Files’ in seven categories, fails to invite the film’s cast
March 2022 release “The Kashmir Files” starring veteran actor Anupam Kher in the lead role became one the biggest hits of that year. This Vivek Agnihotri directorial was a cinematic re-telling of the real-life incidents of tragedy and persecution that Kashmiri Pandits faced in the early 1990s when lakhs of Hindus from the Kashmiri Hindus fled from the Valley amidst targeted killings, terror attacks, religious persecution, and a campaign of threats and intimidation to force the Hindu minority to leave Kashmir. The film, however, was targeted by the leftist ecosystem and Islamists who claimed that the film was spreading ‘hateful propaganda’ against the Kashmiri Muslims.
The Kashmir Files garnered seven nominations in various categories at the Filmfare Awards 2023 in April of this year. The film’s director, Vivek Agnihotri, however, refused to attend the 68th Filmfare Awards, calling it “unethical and anti-cinema.” Furthermore, the film’s producer, Abhishek Agarwal, said that the organisers were unfair in nominating the film in seven categories but not inviting the filmmakers or even the actors. According to Agarwal, Filmfare only nominated The Kashmir Files for awards due to public pressure. Despite seven nominations and a tremendous response from the public for its outstanding performances, the film received no awards, foreseeably so.
Star Sports gets Hinduphobic ‘comedian’ Munawar Faruqui for its IPL coverage, netizens outrage
Munawar Faruqui, a Hinduphobic comedian known for making controversial remarks about Hindu deities and victims of the 2002 Godhra train burning incident, came under fire in April after appearing in the pre-talk segment of Star Sports’ coverage of the Indian Premier League 2023. Netizens chastised Star Sports for giving someone like Munawar Faruqui who made highly derogatory remarks about Lord Ram and Goddess Sita back in 2021 a platform. Reacting to this an X user wrote back in April this year, “No wonder nobody watches Star Sports India. Giving a platform to communal bigots is their ultimate low.”
It happens only in India that a ‘comedian’ coming from the so-called minority community ridicules the gods of the Hindu majority and becomes a celebrity and is currently participating in BiggBoss, while a politician who merely quoted a religious scripture in a TV debate gets Sar Tan Se Juda threats and has to live restricted life due to the fear of Islamists.
Amazon Prime web series ‘Dahaad’ whitewashes Love Jihad, demonises ‘upper caste’ Hindus
On May 12, Amazon Prime Video released Sonakshi Sinha, Gulshan Devaiah, Vijay Verma and Waris Ahmed Zaidi starrer web series ‘Dahaad’. It is a crime, mystery thriller web series produced by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti the director. The show’s story revolves around a serial killer targeting lower caste and minority women in rural Rajasthan. The serial killer Anand targets and murders women after luring them by promising marriage. Constable Anjali Bhaati (Sonakshi Sinha) is investigating the case along with her senior officer SHO Devi Lal.
The anti-Hindu propaganda peddling begins from the very episode of the series with a character Rajni who is in ‘love’ with a Muslim youth Altaf, however, her parents are opposed to their union. The episode has a subtle assertion that Rajputs as well as Hindu organisations who are at the forefront in opposing love jihad, are ‘bad’.
Bajrang Dal protests against film ‘The Creator-Sarjanhar’ for spreading love jihad propaganda
In May, the Hindu rights organisation Bajrang Dal staged a massive protest against a film titled ‘The Creator- Sarjanhar’ outside a theatre in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. The Hindu activists alleged that the film promotes love jihad and demanded a ban on it. While the film’s producer Rakesh Karate ‘Guruji’ claimed that the film gives the message of love, a Bajrang Dal activist Hiren Rabari while speaking to OpIndia back then said that the film gave the message that the youths should stay away from their families and fall in love with the people belonging to other religious communities. He added that such films aim to alienate Hindu youth from their culture and encourage love jihad.
#WATCH | Gujarat | Members of Bajrang Dal staged a protest at a multiplex in Ahmedabad on 24th May against the upcoming film, 'The Creator – Sarjanhar'. The protesters alleged that the film is promoting "love jihad" pic.twitter.com/IYlN5NM7Xx
Kamal Haasan labels The Kerala Story a ‘propaganda film’
In May, actor Kamal Haasan criticised Sudipto Sen’s film The Kerala Story labelling it a ‘propagandist film’ even though the film focused on ISIS and its indoctrination of Hindus did not target Muslims in general. “Propaganda films I am against. It’s not enough if you just write ‘true story’ at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true, and that (the film) is not true,” Kamal Haasan said while addressing the media in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the IIFA Awards ceremony.
#WATCH | Abu Dhabi | "I told you, it's propagandist films that I am against. It's not enough if you write 'true story' just at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true and that is not true," says actor and politician Kamal Haasan on #TheKeralaStorypic.twitter.com/VSydksg1Z3
His remarks were met with a strong reaction from the film’s director Sudipto Sen who said that those labelling the film ‘propaganda’ haven’t seen it themselves and are thus engaging in their own kind of propaganda and disinformation.
Naseeruddin Shah rants against The Kerala Story with a bizarre comment about Nazi Germany
Albeit its huge box office success and audience appreciation, the film ‘The Kerala Story’ faced criticism from Muslims, liberals, and secular political parties. Following in the footsteps of Kamal Haasan, actor Naseeruddin Shah called the film ‘propaganda’ and stated that “worthwhile films like Bheed, Afwaah, Faraaz, all three collapsed. Nobody went to see them, but they are flocking to see The Kerala Story which I have not seen, and I don’t intend to see because I have read enough about it.”
The film is based on ISIS and its nefarious designs to push non-Muslim women into sex slavery, prostitution, terrorism and more, however, Shah opined that the success of such films shows a ‘dangerous trend’ and equated it to Nazi Germany. “On one hand, it is a dangerous trend, no doubt. We seem to be heading the way of Nazi Germany where in Hitler’s time, the filmmakers were co-opted, attempted to be co-opted, by the supreme leader to make films praising him and what he has done for the countrymen, and running down the Jewish community,” Shah said. His bizarre analogy makes one wonder how a film about ISIS and its propaganda makes one a ‘Nazi’.
‘Adipurush’ director Om Raut kisses actress Kriti Sanon after visiting Tirupati temple
On June 7, ahead of the release of the controversial film ‘Adipurush’ starring Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the roles of Raghav and Janaki, film’s director Om Raut along with Kriti Sanon attended a pre-release ceremony at Tirupati’s Sri Venkateswara University Stadium. Raut was seen kissing Kriti Sanon goodbye outside the temple premises.
The Chilkur Balaji Temple’s head priest in Telangana called the action condemnable and voiced his opposition to it. “This is a condemnable act. Even a husband and wife do not go there (temple) together. You can go to a hotel room and do it. Your behaviour is like insulting Ramayan, and Goddess Sita,” the priest said.
Adipurush dialogue writer Manoj Muntashir claims “Lord Hanuman was no God”
The film ‘Adipurush’, which had sparked anger since the launch of its trailer, ended up being a flop after its release and was highly criticised for its roadside dialogues, poor VFX, subpar acting, and distortions. The moviegoers even accused the makers of demeaning Hindu sentiments and mocking Hindu gods. In June this year, Manoj Muntashir who penned the “tapori” dialogues for the film Adipurush made a bizarre claim to defend himself amidst backlash. “Hanuman ji is not God, he is a devotee. We have made him God later because his devotion had such power,” Muntashir asserted in a blatant display of lack of knowledge about Hindu scriptures and spirituality.
Manoj Muntashir claims Lord Rama never knew he was an avatar of Lord Vishnu
In one of his desperate attempts at defending the crass dialogues in the film Adipurush, Manoj Muntashir in an interview in June said that Lord Rama never showed any miracle, in fact, unlike Lord Krishna, Rama was not aware that he is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Muntashir’s baseless claim came in response to a question regarding the ‘Sita Haran’ scene in the film where she is abducted right in front of Lord Rama while he looks helplessly.
सीता हरण के सीन के जवाब में @manojmuntashir ने कहा कि श्री राम को पता नहीं था कि वो भगवान हैं, उन्होंने कोई चमत्कार नहीं दिखाया उन्हें बाद में पता चला।
शुक्ला जी पत्थर की मूर्ति का चरण रज पाकर अहिल्या हो जाना चमत्कार नहीं मानते?
No OTT buyers for The Kerala Story, director Sudipto Sen says “industry has ganged up to punish us”
Despite the huge box office success of the film ‘The Kerala Story’, Sudipto Sen in June this year said that no major OTT platform is willing to buy the streaming rights of the movie. He said that the film industry seems to have ganged up against them for the movie’s success at the box office. “But so far, we have not got any offer worth considering. It seems the film industry has ganged up to punish us,” Sen said.
According to an insider at an OTT platform, the movie may be seen as propaganda and the topics covered could invoke anger, so platforms are wary of acquiring it. The movie had faced bans and attempts to corner it for highlighting topics like religious conversions, love jihad and terrorism.
Allahabad High Court slams ‘Adipurush’ makers, questions why the tolerance level of Hindus is being tested
On June 26, the Allahabad High Court slammed the makers of film ‘Adipurush’ for portraying the characters of Hindu God and Goddess including Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman and Mata Sita in an objectionable manner, the Allahabad Court observed, why the tolerance level of Hindus was being put to the test by them.
“Agar hum log ispar bhi aankh band kar len kyonki yeh kaha jaata hai ki yeh dharm ke log bade sahishnu (tolerant) hain to kya uska test liya jayega? (If we close our eyes on this issue too, because it is said that the people of this religion are very tolerant, will it be put to test as well?),” the bench remarked while hearing PILs filed by Social Activists Kuldeep Tiwari and Bandana Kumar through advocates Ranjana Agnihotri and Sudha Sharma.
Censor Board directs makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ to remove Quran references
On June 27, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) directed the makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ to remove certain parts from the film’s trailer before it can be issued an ‘A’ certificate for public exhibition. The board specifically asked to mute ‘Quran Ka’ from the trailer and remove visuals that could potentially ‘hurt’ religious sentiments or affect public order. Mockery of Hindu gods as seen in Adipurush, is tolerated in the name of ‘artistic freedom,’ and CBFC had no problem with it, but when a film on controversial matters linked to other religions is made, it faces censorship.
In June, Bhojpuri actress Sabiha Shaikh, popularly known as Rani Chatterjee, criticized the makers of the film ’72 Hoorain’ for portraying the dark face of Islamist terrorism from 9/11 to 26/11. She claimed that such films are produced to ‘divide’ society along religious lines and foment hatred. Shaikh claimed that filmmakers are exploiting people’s emotions to make money and that the movie’s depiction of the Quran is wrong. She compared the film to ‘Adipurush,’ accusing its makers of fabrication. Shaikh further asserted that this “anti-Muslim” movie will do well, but who will compensate for the hate it will spread?”
’72 Hoorain’ director opens up on 11 years of struggle behind the film, says “actors backed out last minute fearing threats’
After the release of the film ’72 Hoorain’ on July 7, its director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan spoke to OpInidia about challenges he faced while making the film based on Islamist fundamentalism and terrorism. Chauhan said that in addition to financial issues, no big production house was willing to back a film like this one with a hard-hitting subject. He added that many actors backed out from the film at the last minute saying that the film’s subject is controversial and might cause a threat to them and their families.
Chauhan also talked about people repeatedly asserting that terrorism has nothing to do with religion but when a film raises the issue of terrorism they claim that the film is targeting a particular religion. He added that youths are brainwashed and concepts like Jannat, Shahadah and 72 Hoors (mythical women who live in paradise as per Islam). are planted in their minds before they are armed to kill innocent people.
Sex scene while reading Bhagvadgita in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ sparks row
On July 27, noted Hollywood director Christopher Nolan’s film ‘Oppenheimer’ starring actor Cillian Murphy in the titular role was released in theatres. The film soon triggered outrage over a scene in the movie that shows a woman making a man read Bhagwad Geeta aloud while getting over him and having sexual intercourse. The outraged Hindus expressed shock over how even the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approved the scene without any cuts or alterations.
There is no historical evidence that J Robert #Oppenheimer used to receive Bhagvad Geeta Paath lessons from his sex-partners during sex.
Woke Hollywood has no reason to give any more value to Geeta than a petty prop.
— Gems of Bollywood बॉलीवुड के रत्न (@GemsOfBollywood) July 21, 2023
Akshay Kumar starrer OMG 2 gets an ‘A’ certificate from CBFC after 27 modifications
In August, the film ‘OMG 2’ received an “Adults only” (A) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as the film ahead of its theatrical release on August 11. The film was cleared for release with around 27 modifications. The CBFC altered Akshay Kumar’s character from Lord Shiva to a messenger and a devotee of the Hindu God. Moreover, scenes depicting frontal nudity in scenes involving Naga Sadhus have also been modified and have been replaced with side shots. A condom advertisement has also been removed. In addition, certain objectionable dialogues were also changed.
Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple priests send legal notice to makers of OMG-2 over scenes trivialising Lord Shiva
On August 7, the Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple priests sent a legal notice to the filmmakers of the controversial movie ‘OMG-2’ starring Akshay Kumar. They said that Lord Shiva was wrongfully depicted and trivialised in the movie. According to them, in one scene Lord Shiva is shown purchasing Kachori from a shop and this hurts the sentiments of devotees of Lord Shiva. High Court lawyer Abhilash Vyas sent these legal notices on behalf of the All India Pujari Mahasangh to film’s director Amit Rai, producers Vipul Shah and Chandraprakash Dwivedi, and actor Akshay Kumar. Additionally, they also sent a legal notice to Censor Board Chairman Prasoon Kumar Joshi.
Actor Prakash Raj says “eradication of Sanatan Dharma necessary”, backs Udhayanidhi Stalin
On September 10, actor Prakash Raj while speaking at a public event in Kalaburgi reiterated DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s outrageous remark calling for “eradication of Sanatan Dharma” and said, “Sanatan Dharma is like Dengue, its eradication is paramount”.
“Those who speak aggressively about upholding Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva are not Hindus,” Prakash Raj remarked. They present themselves as ‘thekedaars’ of Hindutva. We must tell them they are speaking to further their political agenda. People need to understand this, and I hope they do,” Prakash Raj said. This, however, was not the first time that the actor made derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma. Prakash Raj earlier distorted the term ‘Sanatani’ as ‘TanaThani’ to mock the presence of Hindu saints at the new Parliament.
Naseeruddin Shah laments box office success of ‘The Kashmir Files’, and ‘The Kerala Story’
On September 11, in an interview actor Naseeruddin Shah cried foul over the overwhelming response of the audience to Hindu-centric movies such as ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story.’ While speaking to Free Press Journal, he claimed, “Now the more jingoist you are the more popular you become, because this is what has been ruling this country. It’s not enough to love your country but beat drums about it and you have to create imaginary enemies.”
“What these people don’t realise is that what they are doing is very harmful. In fact, films like Kerala Story and Gadar 2, I haven’t seen them but I know what they are about, it’s disturbing that films like Kashmir Files are so massively popular…” Naseeruddin Shah lamented. He further asserted that audiences are not supporting films of directors such as Sudhir Mishra, Anubhav Sinha, and Hansal Mehta who he claimed are known for portraying the ‘truth of our times.’
Aamir Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao goes on a rant against films with ‘regressive messaging’ raking in 100s of crores
After actor Naseeruddin Shah lamented the massive response to Hindu-centric films such as ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Kerala Story,’ Bollywood actor Aamir Khan’s ex-wife Kiran Rao went on a similar rant on September 13. The filmmaker told Film Companion that she feels hurt when films with ‘regressive messaging’ do well at the box office. Without naming any film or filmmaker in particular she said, “…so I suppose, when it is a really regressive sort of messaging, and it makes hundreds of crores, it hurts. Because you had the opportunity and you could have pushed the needle in some direction and you didn’t. So those are the things that sometimes bother me.”
It must be recalled that in 2015, speaking on alleged increasing intolerance in the country, Aamir Khan claimed his ex-wife Kiran Rao had suggested leaving India as she felt unsafe in the country.
Farah Khan seen wearing slippers during Ganpati Pooja
On September 19, Bollywood director and dance choreographer Farah Khan drew flak from netizens over her Instagram post on Ganesh Chaturthi. Khan was seen wearing footwear during Ganpati Pooja at actress Actress Shlipa Shetty’s house. While netizens asked her why she was wearing footwear during Ganpati Pooja, Khan gave ‘clarification’ that she was outside the house as she replied to one such comment: “We were outside the house thank you very much.” Meanwhile, several netizens feared that a fatwa would be issued against Farah Khan for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi since idol worship is Shirk (sin) in Islam.
Singer Shubh who shared a distorted map of India plays victim after his India tour gets canceled
On September 21st, pro-Khalistani Punjabi Canadian singer Shubhneet Singh aka Shubh published a social media post in which he expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of his scheduled India tour, titled the ‘Still Rollin India tour’. Shubh’s said post came after he received a massive backlash over his controversial social media post amid the diplomatic sabre-rattling between India and Canada.
Shubhneet Singh alias Shubh shared a story on his Instagram account on March 23, 2023, captioned “Pray for Punjab” and an artwork depicting a distorted map of India. He posted a photo of the map without the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and North-eastern states. Instead of apologising, Shubh shifted goalposts to ‘Sikhs’ and ‘patriotism’ to justify his contentious post. From invoking the revered Sikh Gurus to calling India his country, Shubh talked about everything other than explaining why the contentious illustration created by artist Amandeep Singh “Inkquisitive” showed Punjab merged with Haryana, and why the seven states in the northeast were missing from the ‘artwork’ if it was meant to highlight the blackout situation in Punjab. Later, Shubh deleted his post addressing the controversy.
Katrina Kaif dances in short dress in Salman Khan’s ‘Tiger 3’ song “Prabhu ka Naam”
In October, a song titled “Prabhu Ka Naam” from Salman Khan starrer ‘Tiger 3’ received criticism over actress Katrina Kaif and background artists dancing to the song in ‘revealing’ dresses. Many questioned why the term “Prabhu” was used and not “Allah” or “Khuda”.
Actress Dia Mirza asks fans not to send her Diwali gifts says it creates waste, netizens call out silence on Eid-Christmas
In recent years, it has become a trend that every Hindu festival is mired in a negative outlook. From Holi to Diwali, attempts are made to raise environmental concerns, particularly by Bollywood celebrities, while disregarding them the rest of the year. In this line, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza a Diwali special video on November 12 asking everyone, especially her fans, to not send her any gifts.
“This Diwali don’t give me anything. Please don’t give me, gifts. I feel like during Diwali, we tend to give each other so many things that we don’t need. There is so much excessive packaging and so much waste we create. So this Diwali, don’t give me anything. Give me your time. Give me your support by segregating waste at home. The best gift you could give me this Diwali is supporting an organisation that works for the health of the environment,” the actress said.
Netizens, however, were quick to slam the actress for discouraging people from sending Diwali gifts, citing environmental concerns, but not on Christmas or Eid. Interestingly, the actress has been labelled a hypocrite for discouraging Diwali gifts on one hand while endorsing the same on the other, as evidenced by one of her Instagram posts.
Singer Lucky Ali wishes to go to Palestine, gets offended when netizens suggest ways to reach there
On 30th November, singer Lucky Ali expressed his desire to travel to war-hit Palestine to support his co-religionists. “InshaAllah I want to go to Palestine,” Ali wrote on X.
The singer, however, did not condemn Hamas’s brutal onslaught against Israel on October 7. Lucky Ali got called out for not condemning Hamas’ terror attack earlier but tweeted that he wishes to go to Palestine, several netizens also gave him suggestions on how he could reach Palestine. This, however, offended the singer. Some even opined that Lucky Ali’s love for Palestine stems from his love for his Ummah.
Complaint filed against actor Ranbir Kapoor over a video showing him pouring liquor over cake while saying ‘Jai Mata Di’
On December 28, 2023, it was reported that a complaint had been filed against actor Ranbir Kapoor for allegedly hurting religious sentiments in a viral video of him celebrating Christmas. In the video, Ranbir and his family are seen pouring liquor over a cake and setting it on fire while chanting “Jai Mata Di”.
This is how Bollywood actors like Ranbir Kapoor defame our deities. Why Jai Mata Di during alcohol dip on cake during Christmas?
The complaint alleges that the video deliberately insults Hindu religious sentiments by chanting a Hindu religious phrase while consuming alcohol during a Christian celebration. The complainants have demanded that a case be registered under sections 295A, 298, 500 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. However, the police are yet to register an FIR in the matter.
