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“Congress responsible for Nuh violence, evidence found against MLA Mamman Khan”: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij

OpIndia Staff
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“Congress responsible for Nuh violence, evidence found against MLA Mamman Khan”: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Monday (28th August) stated in the Assembly that evidence has been found against Congress MLA from Ferozepur Jhirka Mamman Khan pertaining to the anti-Hindu violence in Nuh by Muslim mobs on 31st July. Vij stated that based on the probe conducted so far, evidence points towards Congress’ role.

This comes a day after a notice was issued to Mamman Khan under Section 160 of the CrPC and was told to join the investigation and present himself at the Nagina police station.

“Until now, the number of people arrested is around 500. The investigation has revealed that this is all the doing of Congress,” Vij reportedly stated.

Following the BJP minister’s statement, the Opposition erupted with sloganeering and was countered by the BJP MLAs following which the House was adjourned for an hour.

Four days after the Nuh violence, allegations surfaced against Khan that he had played a role in inciting the Muslim mob against Hindus on 31st July.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been alleging the role of Mamman Khan in the violence as a counter to Congress’ allegations that the BJP has been (allegedly) protecting Monu Manesar.

In the Budget session in February this year, Mamman Khan accused the Haryana government of allegedly arming Gau Rakshaks and flashed the images of Bajrang Dal activist Monu Manesar while attacking the government. Khan accused the BJP government asking whether they have given arms to goons to kill Muslims. Notably, Muslim-majority Mewat is the hub of cattle smuggling, an issue Khan chooses to neglect.

In the course of his address, Khan was countered by BJP MLA Satyaprakash Jaravta from the Pataudi constituency. A verbal brawl ensued between Mamman Khan and Satyaprakash Jaravta.

Here is the part of the brawl during which Khan issued a threat. “Main..(inaudible)..paarunga abke bhejiye tu ine Mewat mein…abke bhejesi Mewat mein…Monu Manesar ne abke bhejesi…main bataun aake tumhare ko. Baithja chup chaap tu…sunle tu sun le..abke bhej tu Monu Manesar ko phir bataunga main House mein aakarke tereko (You try and send him now (to Mewat) I will..inaudible..tear apart..you try to send him to Mewat..try sending Monu Manesar now..I will show you..you sit quietly and listen..you send Monu Manesar I will show you in the House then),” the Congress MLA openly warned the BJP MLA in the assembly.

He further said, “Yeh Monu Manesar kabhi Amit Shah kabhi Arun Jaitley ke saath photo dikhata hai. Kya darana chahta hai Mewatiyon ko ke main itna bada aadmi hoon? Abke mantri yaad rakhna yeh Mewat aa gaya toh isko pyaj si na phodi toh..(inaudible)..isne bahut aatank phaila rakha hai.” (This Monu Manesar clicks pictures with Amit Shah, with Arun Jaitley. Does he want to scare Mewatis that I am a big man? The ministers (of BJP govt) should remember now that if he (Manesar) comes (to Mewat) then will beat him up. He (Manesar) has spread terror.”

Despite widespread violence on 31st July by the Islamist mob and long-confirmed reports of the violence, the Congress MLA took to Twitter a day later on 1st August to say that there is nothing to worry about in Mewat.

He allegedly wrote, “Mewat mein kal se tarah tarah ki afwah chal rahi hai. Aap kisi bhi saathi ko chinta karneki zarurat nahin hai. Maine Vidhaan Sabha mein bhi aapki ladai ladi thi aur Mewat mein bhi aapki Ladai mein ladunga.” (Various kinds of rumours have been going on in Mewat since yesterday. None of your friends have to worry. I fought your battle in the State Assembly and I will fight your battle in Mewat too.)

The last line of his tweet, which he has now deleted, sounds like an eerie support to Islamist violence. When questioned about his controversial remarks about being held responsible for the violence, Khan seemed to uncomfortably shift the blame on his fellow MLAs from the Congress.

Tamil Nadu: School teacher boasts about cutting Kalawas from the wrists of Hindu students on social media, deletes it after outrage

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu: School teacher boasts about cutting Kalawas from the wrists of Hindu students on social media, deletes it after outrage

With each passing day, more cases of Hinduphobia on school premises are coming to the fore. The latest glaring example recently came to light from Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram. Evidently, a school teacher shared a social media post where she eulogised her act of forcefully removing the sacred thread (Kalawas) from the wrists of Hindu students and advised them not to wear them again, as she claimed in her purported post. 

The purported post which has been taken down following massive public outrage was shared by a teacher named Udaya Lakshmi from her Facebook profile on the 24th of August. However, the controversial, anti-Hindu post is still there to see on the profile of her Facebook friend seemingly a relative.

Purported Facebook post by Udaya Lakshmi, later deleted after outrage

Praising the act of Udaya Lakshmi, a person named Deepa Lakshmi shared a similar or somewhat exact anti-Hindu content that was shared by the controversial teacher.

(Post Source – Deepa Lakshmi’s Facebook Profile)

As per her Facebook post, in an act of open display of Hinduphobia and deep hatred for Hindu symbols, the teacher lined up Hindu students and forcefully removed their Kalawas. She also boasted of brainwashing the minor students and claimed to have instilled the belief that they should not adorn Hindu symbols like Kalawa. Going further, she asserted that she may put them under constant surveillance to materialise her brainwashing thoughts.  

The post praising Udaya Lakshmi stated, “I finished an important work today in class. I made the students who were tying ropes in their hands stand in a line and cut the ropes with scissors. I explained why them why they should not tie the rope. I am thinking of putting up constant surveillance.” 

The post further added that following the orders of the Chief Minister, for three consecutive days, coming from the police station, we discussed social justice and equality in the morning meeting at the school. 

In the post, she emphasised that cutting the students’ ropes is an initial point of discussion and understanding. 

The post concluded by arguing that when the government did not allow to tie the ropes, then was it not right to cut the ropes?

The post has attracted vile anti-Hindu comments as well where some praised the alleged act of Hinduphobia, some shared their own desires and experiences. 

However, the purported post initially shared by the accused teacher Udaya Lakshmi was removed when it garnered widespread protests and condemnation. 

OpIndia contacted the local police to inquire about the incident but they refused to divulge information about it. 

Earlier this week, another case of Hinduphobia was witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua region. In that horrifying case of brutality, a minor Hindu boy was mercilessly beaten by the principal of a government school named Mohammed Hafiz and lecturer Farooq for merely writing ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on the blackboard. The minor victim was later hospitalised after he sustained injuries. 

Following the incident, police filed a case and arrested the accused teacher Farooq while the principal was still at large. Police have pressed charges under sections 323, 342, 504, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, they have charged the accused under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

Netherlands agrees to return looted Sri Lankan treasures, including the 275-year-old cannon, gold and silver swords

OpIndia Staff
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Netherlands agrees to return looted Sri Lankan treasures, including the 275-year-old cannon, gold and silver swords

Six colonial-era artefacts, including a more than 275-year-old cannon that is adorned with gold, silver, bronze, and rubies, were officially returned to Sri Lanka by the Netherlands on Monday, August 28. During a ceremony at the cultural ministry in Colombo, Gunay Uslu, the deputy minister of culture, education, and science for the Netherlands, signed documents transferring ownership of the antiques to Sri Lanka.

Following that, the National Museum of Sri Lanka gave the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam permission to keep the artefacts there until they are sent to Colombo. The transfer will happen in December of this year.

The transfer will feature Lewke’s Cannon, which is thought to have been given to the king of Kandy by the Sri Lankan aristocracy Lewke Disava sometime between 1745 and 1746. It has been on display ever since Dutch troops captured it in 1765 and took it to the Netherlands.

Other objects from the time the Dutch ruled Sri Lanka from 1658 to 1796 include two gold and silver swords, two firearms, and a knife. The decision to return these items was made following suggestions from a government-appointed panel looking into unauthorised Dutch colonial purchases. It was established in response to Indonesia’s request for the return of some works of art and collections of natural history. Sri Lanka then asked for the return of its stolen treasures.

The Netherlands in July this year had announced that it would return 478 colonial artefacts looted from Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

“This is a historic moment. It’s a moment to look to the future. We’re not only returning objects, we’re also embarking on a period of closer cooperation with Indonesia and Sri Lanka in areas like collection research, presentation, and exchanges between museums,” Gunay Uslu, the Netherlands’ secretary of state for culture and media had said in a statement.

The Portuguese ruled over Sri Lanka from the year 1505 to 1658, followed by the Dutch, and finally the British before independence in 1948.

Canadian Hindu temples extend support for petition before House of Commons to recognise Hinduphobia

OpIndia Staff
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Canadian Hindu temples extend support for petition before House of Commons to recognise Hinduphobia

Several temples in Canada have expressed concern over a series of vandalisations in the past year and have supported a petition that urges the House of Commons to recognise Hinduphobia officially. The temples’ endorsement has boosted the petition, with over 6,000 signatures gathered by the time this report was published, making it the most popular open petition in all categories. The petition, initiated by MP Melissa Lanstman, was open for signatures on 19th July and will remain open until 17th October. It is available here.

Among the temples supporting the petition is the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia. It was vandalised on 12th August with anti-India and pro-Khalistan posters plastered on its front gate and rear wall. The temple’s president, Satish Kumar, stated that while they would support pro-Hindu initiatives, they have become “more active” in collecting signatures for the petition since the temple was targeted.

The Brampton Triveni Mandir also supports the petition and has hosted Lanstman and supporters of the petition at events organised at the temple. The temple’s spiritual leader, Yudhisthir Dhanrajh, said their support was prompted by the “series of vandalism attacks” on temples. “We are very involved and are attempting to take action. We don’t know if it (the petition) can solve the problem, but it can only help us,” he added.

During a gathering held at the temple on 15th August, the Deputy Leader of the principal opposition Conservative Party in the House, Melissa Lantsman, addressed the audience. She said, “We want to call on this government to act because nobody in this country should be afraid to practice their faith, run their business or go to a Mandir or go to a school.”

According to Chimanbhai Patel, a lifetime trustee of the Sanatan Mandir Cultural Centre located in Markham within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the recent string of vandalism incidents is causing fear. Although their temple hasn’t been targeted yet, he emphasised the importance of taking proactive security measures and supporting the petition, as they don’t know if they will be the next ones affected.

The effort to combat the recent wave of vandalism against Hindu temples has garnered support from various temples and organisations beyond those with Indian-origin congregations. The Pashupatinath Temple in Brampton, which serves the Nepali-Canadian community, has joined the cause, with spokesperson Chinta Uprety emphasising the importance of protecting their culture and religion. The Sri Jain Mandir in Toronto is also participating, as President Ahimendra Jain feels that their temple feels unprotected by rising hate and crime.

The Canadian Organization for Hindu Heritage Education (COHHE) is behind the petition, which seeks to have Hinduphobia recognised as a term in the glossary of terms in the Human Rights Code. Hinduphobia would be defined as denial, negation, prejudice, or slander against Hindus, Hinduism, or Hinduness. The petition process began just days after the signage vandalism at the Shri Bhagavad Gita Park in Brampton on 14th July. Since July of last year, at least seven incidents of temples being targeted have been reported.

The petition to recognise Hinduphobia

The petition noted that Hindus are a minority group with a population of approximately 8.50.000 or 2.3 per cent in Canada, including the growing numbers born there. Overall, Hindu Canadians are law-abiding and peaceful citizens who contribute greatly to the Canadian economy, culture, and society. They represent the indigenous people of the Indian sub-continent, which has a distinct and diverse culture, languages and philosophy.

Talking about the attacks on Hindu temples, the petition read, “There have been numerous attacks on Hindu temples and Hindus are feeling unsafe in their places of worship. Hindus in Canada face growing negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination at work, in schools and in the communities and Hindus traditions and culture are misrepresented and misunderstood by media and academia.”

The petitioner and the signatories demanded the House of Commons to:

  • Recognize Hinduphobia as a term in the glossary of terms in the Human Rights Code to describe anti-Hindu prejudice and discrimination;
  • Recognize the following definition of Hinduphobia: Anti-Hindu sentiment or Hinduphobia is denial, negation, prejudice or vilification against Hindus, Hinduism, or Hinduness; and fund the development of educational and training materials along with a plan to educate Canadians about Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu sentiment to raise awareness and address systemic and institutional Hinduphobia.

Attack on Hindu temples in Canada

On 12th August, Khalistani terrorists also placed posters at the entrance of the temple, aiming to sow fear within the Hindu community. The poster advocates for a referendum pertaining to “the assassination of Hardeep Nijjar” and investigating India’s role in the terrorist’s assassination.

On February 17, unknown miscreants defaced a Ram temple in Mississauga with anti-India graffiti.

On January 31, the Gauri Shankar Mandir was desecrated by Khalistani extremists in Brampton city in Ontario province of Canada. The walls of the temple were defaced with anti-India graffiti by Khalistanis associated allegedly with the banned outfit Sikhs For Justice (SFJ). The vicious slogan of ‘Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad’ was found spray-painted on the outer wall of Gauri Shankar Mandir.

In September 2022, some Khalistani terrorists defaced BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Toronto with anti-India slogans. Several videos circulating on social media showed slogans of ‘Khalistan Zindabad, Hindustan Murdabad’ painted on the walls of the temple.

In February 2022, six Hindu temples were attacked in Toronto.

Congress blames VHP for wanting to do Jal Abhishek on the last Monday of Shravan, peddles Muslim victimhood even though it was Islamists who attacked Hindus in Nuh

OpIndia Staff
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Congress blames VHP for wanting to do Jal Abhishek on the last Monday of Shravan, peddles Muslim victimhood even though it was Islamists who attacked Hindus in Nuh

On 28th August, Congress leader Rashid Alvi blamed Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for wanting to do Jal Abhishek on the last Monday of Shravan. Furthermore, he peddled Muslim victimhood even though it was Islamists who attacked Hindus in Nuh on 31st July. Alvi failed to mention that the Yatra would have been completed on 31st July itself had Islamists not attacked the devotees leading to six deaths, several injuries, and damage to public and private properties.

Speaking to Republic, he said, “The whole country saw what happened during the last Yatra. Several people died. Bulldozer ran on several houses. How many people lost their businesses? VHP wants to start the same storm again. They are saying that they have not asked for permission. They think they are above the law. This shows the BJP govt is standing behind them, and they are not bothered about the law. Those who carry out Yatra without permission should be arrested immediately.”

Yatra commenced with fewer people amid security concerns and G20 preparations

On 28th August, the Jalabhishek Shobhayatra commenced in the presence of 1,900 police personnel and 26 companies of paramilitary forces. Though the Haryana Government and administration did not give permission for Yatra, VHP said they did not need any permission for the same.

Speaking to OpIndia, VHP’s national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said the Yatra led by saints would take place with fewer devotees, local Hindu leaders and members of Panchayats. Those who were not from Mewat did Jalabhishek simultaneously in their local temples.

Congress blamed VHP for wanting to do Jalabhishek on the last day of Saavan, but it was Islamists who attacked Hindus in Nuh

Though Congress leader Rashid Alvi blamed VHP for choosing the last Monday for Jalabhishek, there is enough evidence that it was Islamists who carried out the violence, attacked Hindu devotees, and disrupted the Yatra on 31st July. The complaints and FIRs from the day noted a mob of hundreds of Muslim rioters attacking Hindu devotees participating in the Brijmandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh, Mewat of Haryana. At least six people, including 4 Hindu civilians and two policemen, were killed due to the riots.

Furthermore, a cyber crime police station was attacked in Nuh. Police officials were injured. Home guards were killed. The rioters first shot one of the Bajrang Dal activists, Abhishek, then his throat was slit and his head was crushed, leading to his death.

During the investigation into the riots, OpIndia accessed over 25 FIRs and complaints that provided a clearer picture of what happened during the violence. Based on information available via FIRs, complaints, and witnesses, the attack appeared planned. OpIndia came across several videos posted two days before the Jalabhishek Yatra that were instigating Muslims against Hindus.

Muslims have claimed the riots happened because of Bajrang Dal activist and Gau Rakshak Monu Manesar. Old videos of Manesar were circulated to instigate Muslims, saying he was going to Nuh on that day. The video that was most circulated was from October 2022. Detailed reports can be checked here.

OpIndia’s complete Mewat Shobha Yatra Attack coverage can be checked here.

Niger cuts off electricity and water supply to the French embassy after asking the French ambassador to leave the country

OpIndia Staff
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Niger cuts off electricity and water supply to the French embassy after asking the French ambassador to leave the country

The Niger’s junta has reportedly cut off water and electricity supply to the French Embassy in the capital Niamey. As per local reports, the military junta has not even allowed food deliveries to the French embassy. A similar action has been taken against the French consulate in Zinder, reports claimed.

Apparently, Elh Issa Hassoumi Boureima is the president of the National Support Committee for the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Country (CNSP). The local reports added that Boureima has asked all partners of French bases in Niger to suspend all water and electricity supplies and food products.

Apart from this, he has reportedly issued a threat that anyone who helps the French by giving them essential food or water supply will be considered enemies of the country. 

As per the orders, any partners who continue to help the French in the process of supplying the goods and services will be considered “enemies of the sovereign people”. 

An order to this effect has been passed to the Nigelec, the power distributor and water distributor Société d’Exploitation des Eaux du Niger (SEEN). This comes days after the military junta in Niger issued an exit order for the French ambassador.

Evidently, the Niger authorities gave 48 hours to the French ambassador Sylvain Itte to “leave Nigerien territory” which expired on Sunday (27 August). Although France had confirmed that it received such an exit order, the French government said it would not obey the junta’s order and asked its envoy to remain in Niamey. It maintained that Niger Junta had “no authority” to ask its ambassador to leave the country.

Earlier, on the 26th of August, the military junta held a rally at the national stadium in Niamey. It was held to mark a month after it ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The tensions have spiralled in Niger since 26 July when the military in Niger successfully staged a coup and removed President Mohammad Bazoum from power. The military was led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who was the former chief of the Presidential Guard and he seized power in the Sahel nation. 

Following the ouster, the military junta had also threatened to kill the deposed President Bazoum if foreign countries tried to intervene to restore the earlier govt. 

In the wake of this ouster, France carried out an evacuation operation earlier this month to safely take its citizens as well as other nationals from Niamey.

It is pertinent to note that Niger was a former colony of Imperial France. Although it gained independence from France on 11 July 1960, France continued to have control of the resources of Niger through the earlier governments, as claimed by Nigeriens who have seemingly come out in support of coup leaders. 

‘Hindutva card won’t work, didn’t work for Digvijaya in 2019′: Mani Shankar Aiyar rejects Congress’ tactics to pitch soft Hindutva before every poll

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hindutva card won’t work, didn’t work for Digvijaya in 2019′: Mani Shankar Aiyar rejects Congress’ tactics to pitch soft Hindutva before every poll

Every political party strives to step up their game as election time draws near by coming up with novel strategies to win over voters. From promising irrational freebies to roping in actors and celebrities for campaigning, they do every thing possible to build a broad base of support and win elections. Congress is significantly more creative in this regard. The grand old party, as soon as any important polls are approaching, deftly reverses course from its Muslim appeasement stance and begins promoting its “soft-Hindutva” image.

Now with the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections round the corner, CNN News18 interviewed Congress’ veteran leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who openly expressed his displeasure with his party’s propensity to resurrect its “soft-Hindutva” image whenever an election nears.

When questioned whether the soft Hindutva of the Congress will work for it, Aiyar asserted before the news channel that the ‘Hindutva’ card has never nor will it ever in the future work for the grand old party.

“There are many in the Congress who think this is right to do to win elections. I don’t think this is right or practical. How can we present an alternative to the BJP if we are their pale imitation?”

He then went on to give the example of Digvijaya Singh, who had contested elections against Sadhvi Pragya in 2019 but lost. Aiyar said Singh’s attempt to project himself as a Hindutva leader to take on Sadhvi Pragya. In fact he roped in 100s of Sadhus to challenge Sadhvi Pragya but that did not work, he said.

Congress ‘soft-hindutva’ image nothing but a political gimmick

The reality is that since 2014, when BJP first rose to power, most Hindu voters have supported Modi and the so-called secular parties like Congress have had to constantly fight to keep their space. However, it was at the end of 2017, after the BJP’s sweep in Uttar Pradesh, that the ecosystem finally took notice. This was the launch of “Janeu dhaari Shiv Bhakt Rahul Gandhi.”

Since then, the party has done everything it takes to maintain its soft Hindutva image. In 2018, Rahul Gandhi’s close aid Randeep Singh Surjewala declared that Congress has “Brahmin Samaj’s DNA” in its blood, and State Congress president Kamal Nath promised that a Gaushala will be built at every Panchayat in the state. Then the party went on to capitalize on the pilgrimage by Rahul Gandhi to Kailash Mansarovar.

Before the Madhya Pradesh elections in 2018, the party has put up posters with photographs showing Rahul Gandhi worshipping a Shiv Ling, with a snow-capped Himalayan mountain peak in the background.

This was, however, not the first time the ‘secular’ Congress tried to project a ‘Hindu Rahul Gandhi’ before an election. The highlight of Rahul Gandhi’s campaign during the Gujarat assembly election was ‘temple run’ of several temples in the state.

The same pattern was continued into Karnataka election campaign and it continuing until today. Recently, Congress veteran leader and MP ex-CM Kamal Nath was again embracing the strategy of using soft Hindutva to counter the BJP’s advantage and avoid being labeled as an ‘anti-Hindu party’ as the state heads for polls. 

Contrary to what the Congress tries to present itself as to woo voters, the party has not once but at every given opportunity openly gone on to display its anti-Hindu proclivities. From creating the bogey of ‘Hindu terror’ as a political strategy to berating Hindus on international platforms to hobnobbing with anti-Hindu and anti-India lobbying group, history is a testimony to the fact how Congress’ new found respect for Hinduism is just for political gimmicks.

‘Hinduism is not a religion but a hoax’: Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya rants again

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hinduism is not a religion but a hoax’: Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya rants again

Samajwadi Party’s motormouth leader and General secretary Swami Prasad Maurya has courted yet another controversy. After launching a preposterous tirade against Ramcharitmanas, the SP leader has now branded Hinduism as a hoax, one that is ‘trapping’ tribals, Dalits, and backward communities, as per him. Adding to his vitriol against Brahmins, he claimed that Hinduism is not a religion at all and advised people not to fall for this ‘trap’. 

Taking to X, he wrote a post slandering Brahminism, and Hinduism and claimed that Brahminism has been named as Hindu religion to exploit backward castes in the country.

In the post, he said, “The roots of Brahminism are very deep and the reason for all the disparity is also Brahminism itself. There is no religion called Hindu, Hinduism is just a hoax. This is a conspiracy to trap the Dalits, tribals, and backward people of this country by calling the same Brahmin religion as the Hindu religion. If there was Hindu religion then tribals would have been respected, Dalits would have been respected, backward people would have been respected but what an irony.” 

He also shared a video regarding the case where he continued making anti-Hinduism remarks. 

Interestingly, his deplorable remarks against Hinduism have come at a time when SP MP Dimple Yadav recently described herself as a Hindu. She said that Hinduism is Sanatan Dharma and there is no enemy in Sanatam Dharma. 

Earlier, in January 2023, the SP leader claimed that certain portions of the Ramcharitmanas “insult” a large section of society on the basis of caste. Claiming that the religious text was “all nonsense”, he demanded that these should be “banned”. On January 22, while speaking to a news channel, he said that Ramcharitamanas, written by Goswami Tulsidas in the 17th century, promoted social discrimination and spread hatred.

During a conversation with Aaj Tak, he said, “Crores of people do not read Ramcharitmanas. All this is rubbish. This was written by Tulsidas for his own pleasure.”

He added, “Religion is meant for the welfare of humanity and for strengthening it. If there is any insult to a section of society due to certain lines in the Ramcharitamanas on the basis of ‘jaati’, ‘varn’ and ‘varg’, then it is certainly not ‘dharma’, it is ‘adharma’. There are certain lines in which names of castes such as ‘teli’ and ‘kumhaar’ are mentioned.” 

Following his controversial remarks against Ramchatritramanas, many FIRs were filed against him. 

Recently, he stirred another controversy when a question was posed to him regarding the statement of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri in which the Peethadhishwar of Bageshwar Dham asserted that India should now become a Hindu nation. He said India has never been a Hindu Rashtra and it can’t be a Hindu Rashtra now. 

Nitin Gadkari to unveil the world’s first 100% ethanol-fueled car on August 29

OpIndia Staff
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Nitin Gadkari to unveil the world’s first 100% ethanol-fueled car on August 29

On 29th of August 2023, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari will unveil the world’s first 100 per cent ethanol-fueled Toyota Innova car. The minister provided the information while addressing a program on Monday, 28th August 2023.

Nitin Gadkari said, “On August 29, I am going to launch the popular (Toyota) Innova car on 100 per cent ethanol.” Significantly, this vehicle will mark the world’s first introduction of an electric flex-fuel automobile adhering to BS-VI (Stage-II) standards.

During the program, Nitin Gadkari shared that his engagement with biofuels began in 2004 following a surge in petrol prices in India. He subsequently visited Brazil to explore this avenue. Gadkari said he believes that biofuels possess transformative potential, offering substantial savings in foreign exchange spent on petroleum imports.

Nitin Gadkari said, “If we want to become Atamnirbhar (self-reliant) we have to bring this oil import to zero. At present it is ₹16 lakh crore. This is a big loss to the economy. India needs to take more sustainable measures as pollution is a big problem in the country.”

Gadkari further said, “We have taken a lot of (sustainability) initiatives but we need to take more because pollution is a problem. Ecology and the environment are very important.”

He added, “We need to reduce air and water pollution. We have to improve the quality of water in our rivers. This is a big challenge. We need to protect our ecology and environment.”

Furthermore, Nitin Gadkari revealed that a range of road projects, valued at ₹65,000 crore, are anticipated to reach completion by the year’s end. This encompasses the construction of the Dwarka Expressway as well.

The union minister also highlighted the detrimental consequences of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, attributing them to cancer-like ailments. He holds the view that organic farming holds the potential to generate substantial prosperity while steering us towards sustainability.

He concluded by saying, “We need to educate people to change waste into wealth. The logistic cost would come down to nine per cent from 14 to 16 per cent at present with the construction of more highways.”

Arfa Khanum Sherwani of ‘The Wire’ meets two other anti-Hindu, Islamists from USA: Who they are, their rants against Hindus and more

Dibakar Dutta
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Arfa Khanum Sherwani of ‘The Wire’ meets two other anti-Hindu, Islamists from USA: Who they are, their rants against Hindus and more

On Sunday (August 27), ‘The Wire’ senior editor Arfa Khanum Sherwani, infamous for her anti-Hindu rants, met with two other Hinduphobic ‘journalists’, namely Mehdi Hasan and Wajahat Ali, in the United States.

In a tweet, she hailed the duo as ‘brilliant’, ‘intellectual’ and the ‘most important voices in American media.’ Arfa Khanum Sherwani claimed, “Met two important voices of the American media in Washington DC.”

She further added, “The very charismatic Mehdi Hasan and brilliant journalist and writer with razor-sharp intellect Wajahat Ali. Interesting conversations on the discourse around democracy, media freedom and rights in India and US.”

Arfa Khanum is well-known for making anti-Hindu troupes and shielding radical Islamists. She has attacked Hinduism in events, that were organised by the anti-India lobbying group Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC).

The senior editor of ‘The Wire’ has attempted to malign Hindus, by disseminating fake news (Lulu Mall incident), invoking guilt among Hindus over atrocities committed by Islamists, engaging in whaboutism (as observed during the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan), drawing false equivalences and defaming chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

In May this year, she was seen providing cover fire to her co-religionists, who are involved in the grooming of Hindu women. Arfa Khanum Sherwani also defended notorious gangster Atiq Ahmed, Coronavirus ‘superspreader’ Tablighi Jammat. Her anti-India rants found several takers in Pakistan, including ex-PM Imran Khan.

Wajahat Ali and Arfa Khanum Sherwani are no different

As such, it did not come as a surprise when Arfa Khanum Sherwani chose to meet Wajahat Ali, an American Islamist of Pakistani descent. He has written two books, namely, ‘The Domestic Crusaders’ and ‘Go Back to where you came from.’

He is also an active political commentator and a columnist at The Daily Beast. Just like Arfa Khanum Sherwani of The Wire, Ali also despises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leader Narendra Modi.

He frequently casts aspersions on India’s vibrant democracy, creates hysteria about the condition of Muslims in a Hindu majority State and peddles counter-narratives to present Pakistan in a good light.

Screengrab of the tweets by Wajahat Ali

Just like Afra Khanum Sherwani, Ali was also at the forefront of defending the Coronavirus superspreaders. He had shared an article by the leftist propaganda newspaper, The Washington Post, claiming that Muslims are being made scapegoats in India.

He was also visibly upset when former US President Donald Trump came to visit India in February 2020.

He also attempted to play the ‘perpetual victim card’ after Islamists ran riots in the National Capital.

Ali claimed in a tweet, “Muslims are being targeted in India. This was happening right when Trump was visiting. Instead of saying anything of comfort or benefit, he praised Hindu nationalist leader Modi as “tough” and respected his efforts on “religious freedom.”

As a writer of Pakistani descent, he was evidently miffed at the abrogation of Article 370 and the complete integration of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India.

Wajahat Ali was also distraught after the landmark Ayodhya verdict. “Sigh. The poisoned results of religous nationalism,” he claimed.

While following the footsteps of the Indian leftist-Islamist cabal, the ‘writer’ was seen repeatedly peddling lies about Narendra Modi with respect to the 2002 Gujarat riots. He shrewdly avoided mention of the fact that PM Modi was given a clean chit by the Indian Supreme Court 11 years ago.

He was also seen trying to give a good impression of Pakistan by painting it as a ‘paradise’ for religious minorities.

Wajahat Ali was also miffed at the grand reception of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. While showing his disdain for an elected democratic leader, the American Islamist labelled him as a ‘Hindu fascist.’

In February this year, Wajahat Ali was also slammed for his colourist remarks, when he claimed that Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley uses her brown skin to ‘launder white supremacy’.

Mehdi Hasan and his radical mindset

The American Islamist seemed to be in tandem with his UK counterpart, Mehdi Hasan, who now works in the United States for MSNBC.

Hasan is infamous for his 2009 video where he was heard equating non-Muslims with ‘cattle’ and homosexuals with ‘paedophiles.’

He had claimed, “Once we lose the moral high ground we are no different from the rest, of the non-Muslims, from the rest of those human beings who live their lives as animals, bending any rule to fulfill any desire.”

It must be mentioned that Mehdi Hasan is of Indian descent but was raised in England since childhood. Although he apologised for his remarks in 2019, it becomes clear that his upbringing in a diverse, multicultural society could not rid him of his disdain for non-Muslims.

In April 2022, the MSNBC anchor went on a tirade against PM Modi and cast aspersions on India’s secularism.

“Putin. Orban. Le Pen. We talk a lot in the West about the rise of far-right authoritarians and yet we never mention India’s Narendra Modi and his BJP. I did a deep-dive into India under Modi & new warnings of an anti-Muslim genocide,” Hasan claimed.

In the video, he equated Hindu Nationalism in India (a nation that was divided on religious lines) with white Supremacy in the West, which is an ideology based on race. His sinister agenda was to equate Hindutva with Anti-Semitism.

Mehdi Hasan had also been involved in gaslighting Hindus by suggesting that he differentiates between the good and bad ones – a classical troupe used by Hinduphobes who claim ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Hindutva’ are different. In reality, they do not make any such distinction.

Screengrab of the tweet by Mehdi Hasan

His specific targeting of Hindu world leaders such as Narendra Modi and Tulsi Gabbard was criticised by HAF founder Shuag A Shukla, who called out his Hinduphobic antecedents in 2019.

“Whenever @narendramodi comes to town, Hindus like @tulsigabbard and Hindu orgs come under attack by activists trying to connect them to Hindu nationalism. @mehdihasan takes it further by connecting them to a mass murderer. This is wrong. This is tiring. This is Hinduphobia,” she said in a tweet.

Mehdi Hasan was seen resorting to money balancing after Islamists unleashed mayhem in Leicester in England’s East Midlands region. Instead of calling out the extremists who attacked the Hindu community, the MSNBC anchor put out a ‘shallow’ tweet appealing for peace.

In 2021, he also provided a platform to George-Soros-funded, anti-India activist Sunita Vishwanath to unleash her propaganda.

It was thus obvious that Arfa Khanum Sherwani would like-minded individuals such as Wajahat Ali and Mehdi Hasan. After all, they are bound by a common agenda and a religious ideology.

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