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‘Clearing your mess’, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Opposition over reforms and recovery in the banking sector

OpIndia Staff
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‘Clearing your mess’, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Opposition over reforms and recovery in the banking sector

Amidst the debate over the No Confidence Motion against the Narendra Modi government in the parliament, Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday, August 10 said that the Modi government is clearing the mess created in the banking sector by the previous Congress-led governments. Sitharaman emphasized how the Modi government has taken significant measures to boost India’s banking sector.

“We realised that the banking sector needs to be healthy and therefore we took a lot of measures. Banks are able to work without political interference, they are working with professional integrity. ‘Banks mein failaya hua aapka raita hum saaf kar rahe hai’,” Minister Sitharaman said. 

Furthermore, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized a substantial shift in India’s economic standing. 

She cited Morgan Stanley’s classification of India as one of the world’s five most vulnerable economies in 2013. She did, however, underline that Morgan Stanley had just raised India’s rating and positioned it in an enhanced position. She added that, despite the COVID pandemic, the Indian economy has risen and enjoyed significant economic growth in just 9 years, which she credited primarily to government measures. 

According to Sitharaman, India now has the reputation of having the world’s fastest-growing economy. “So, India is in a rare position of being optimistic and positive about its future growth,” Sitharaman said.

The finance minister informed the Lok Sabha that the world economy grew by slightly more than 3% in 2022, but the World Bank now forecasts a 2.1 percent fall in 2023. 

She went on to say that real GDP growth had reached 7.2 percent in the fiscal year 2022-23 and was expected to rise to 6.5 percent in the fiscal year 2023-24. These estimates were said to be in line with expectations from many international bodies, as well as their own RBI projection.

During her speech to the Lok Sabha, she also outlined the government’s efforts to stem the rise in tomato prices.

Finance minister takes a dig at the I.N.D.I.A. alliance

The Union Finance Minister took a swipe at the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, asking if they were fighting among themselves rather than fighting for unity. She used the instance of Karnataka’s health minister, a Congress leader, who was ‘not impressed’ after visiting the AAP-led Delhi government’s mohalla clinics.

“The Health Minister of Karnataka visited Delhi to see the mohalla clinics.” He walked in and stated there was nothing special in them, and we were disappointed. This is one of the examples of their fight.”

Finance Minister highlights the shift from ‘Milega’ to ‘Mil Gaya’

Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the previous UPA government, asserting that while they were simply launching initiatives, the NDA government ensured that such promises were fulfilled.

She said that promises on electricity, gas connections, toilets, and airports have been fulfilled in the nine years since the BJP came to power in center.

“Words like ‘banega, milega’ are not in use anymore. What is everyone using these days? ‘Ban gaye, mil gaye, aa gaye,’ they say. People used to say ‘Bijli aayegi’ during the UPA era; today they say ‘Bijli aa gayi’. They said ‘gas connection milega’, now they said ‘gas connection mil gaya’…They said airport ‘banega,’ now airport ‘ban gaya,’ she stated in Lok Sabha.

Nirmala Sitharaman slams DMK over women’s safety issue, reminds of Jayalalitha’s saree

In response to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi’s Wednesday speech wherein she compared the women paraded naked and raped in Manipur with queen Draupadi of Mahabharat, minister Sitharaman reminded the DMK leader of March 1989 incident in the Tamil Nadu state assembly when Tamil Nadu’s former CM and AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha was disrespected and DMK MPs back then were laughing. 

On Wednesday, Kanimozhi raised the issue of Manipur women equating them with Draupadi and said that like Draupadi those women must also have prayed to some god, however, neither god nor the government came to their rescue. 

Responding to this, Minister Sitharaman today said that politics should not be done over the issue of women’s safety. She also recalled the 1989 incident wherein the AIADMK chief and the then Leader of Opposition (LoP) Jayalalitha’s saree was pulled and she was humiliated. She further reminded the house of Jayalalitha’s vow never to return to the assembly unless she becomes the Chief Minister of the state.

“I agree that women suffering anywhere – Manipur, Delhi, Rajasthan – will have to be taken seriously. No politics played. But I want to remind this entire House of one incident which happened on 25th March 1989 in Tamil Nadu Assembly. Then she hadn’t become CM Jayalalithaa’s saree was pulled in Tamil Nadu in the Assembly. She was the LoP. The DMK members who were seated there heckled her and laughed at her…Has DMK forgotten Jayalalithaa? You pulled her saree, you demeaned her. That day Jayalalithaa took an oath that she will never come to the House unless she becomes the CM. Two years later, she returned as the CM of Tamil Nadu,” Sitharaman said.

NCLT approves Zee-Sony merger, paves the way for the media giant with an audience of over 700 million people

OpIndia Staff
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NCLT approves Zee-Sony merger, paves the way for the media giant with an audience of over 700 million people

On Thursday, 10th August 2023, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE) and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI). The tribunal also dismissed all objections regarding the merger, which was first announced in September 2021.

The merger is poised to establish a media powerhouse, amassing a collective audience exceeding 700 million viewers in India. The resultant entity will possess an array of well-liked television channels such as Zee TV, Sony TV, Colors, and SAB TV. Additionally, its digital dominance will extend through two streaming platforms, ZEE5 and SonyLIV.

Anticipated to bolster competitive strength against contenders such as Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video, the merger aims to enhance market presence and secure a larger slice of the advertising sector. The green light from the NCLT marks a significant advancement in the merger process, paving the way for its impending closure in the upcoming months.

It’s worth highlighting that the Zee-Sony merger was declared in September 2021, and the approval from NCLT has materialised after more than a year. This extended timeline owes itself to various factors, encompassing shareholder objections and regulatory setbacks faced by Zee. However, the NCLT’s endorsement signifies a pivotal stride toward the merger’s realisation, with the anticipated conclusion set in the months ahead. On 4th October 2022, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the merger of Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sony Pictures Networks, but with conditions. 

The merger has evoked a range of responses from industry experts. While some applaud the prospect of a more competitive market, others voice apprehensions regarding potential job cuts and consolidation. The ultimate implications for the Indian media and entertainment landscape remain uncertain, but the undeniable fact is that this significant development will exert a considerable influence on the industry.

Modi government moves a bill for selection of election commissioners as per Supreme Court directive, opposition spreads misinformation

OpIndia Staff
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Modi government moves a bill for selection of election commissioners as per Supreme Court directive, opposition spreads misinformation

The Modi administration is scheduled to table a bill that would establish how the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners would be appointed. Arjun Ram Meghwal, the union law minister, would present the “Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023” in the Rajya Sabha on 10 August.

According to the proposed legislation, the officials shall be selected by the president of India on the recommendation of a committee which is set to be comprised of the prime minister as chairman, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a union cabinet minister that the prime minister would nominate.

However, the opposition and its allies in the media have once again engaged in disseminating false information in connection to the ordinance. Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan and general secretary of the Congress party K C Venugopal claimed, “Blatant attempt at making the Election Commission a total puppet in the hands of the PM.” He termed the bill as “unconstitutional, arbitrary and unfair” and pledged to “oppose this on every forum.”

Trinamool Congress member and Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhle who is infamous for swindling money in the name of donations also expressed his objection to the legislation and charged, “BJP is rigging the 2024 elections openly. Modi Govt has again brazenly trampled upon an SC judgment & is making the Election Commission its own bunch of stooges.”

Journalist Arvind Gunesakar commented, “Centre moves to dilute another Constitution bench judgment of SC, Bill on the appointment of CEC and ECs states that Selection Committee will comprise of PM, LoP in Lok Sabha and a Cabinet Minister.” He also attached a screenshot of the incomplete order in an effort to peddle his agenda.

Another journalist named Mirza Asif Beg mocked the move saying, “This will make the Election Commission of India, already an epitome of independence, the most independent institution in the world dedicated to protecting democracy. I think this deserves an accolade from the UN.”

Journalist Sheela Bhatt accused the government of creating controversies. She wrote, “Even though Supreme Court had itself suggested that the current arrangement will continue till the relevant law to appoint CEC and EC is formulated but when Parliament is having a debate on the No Confidence Motion Gov opens Pandora’s box.”

Media houses like NDTV weren’t far behind from proclaiming, “The fresh Bill sets up another confrontation between the Supreme Court and the Centre,” in its report titled “Centre’s Bill Drops Chief Justice From Poll Officers’ Selection Process” while completely ignoring the fact that there is no contradiction in the supreme court’s order and the ordinance. It also invoked former points of contention between the two to assert the point.

Source: Centre’s Bill Drops Chief Justice From Poll Officers’ Selection Process

What did the Supreme Court actually say

Notably, a constitution bench of the Supreme Court ruled in March of this year that until the parliament passes legislation to outline the selection procedure, the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the chief justice of India shall serve on the panel that chooses the chief election commissioner as well as other election commissioners.

It issued a set of guidelines on page no. 377 of the judgment and clearly mentioned that until the time the parliament makes a law in consonance with Article 324(2) of the Constitution, “We declare that the appointment of the chief election commissioner and the election commissioners shall be made on the recommendations made by a three-member committee comprising of the prime minister, leader of the opposition of the Lok Sabha and in case no leader of opposition is available, the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha in terms of numerical strength and the chief justice of India.”

(Source: Screen-shot of the Supreme Court Judgement)

The directive to ensure the independence of the election commissioners was passed by the bench headed by Justice KM Joseph. It further stated that in accordance with Article 324(2) of the constitution, no parliamentary law existed that prescribed the process to elect election commissioners as it passed the order. Hence, it was clearly mentioned that the order, which included the CJI in the selection committee, was valid only till the parliament brings a law in this regard.

Interestingly, it appeared that neither the opposition nor its supporters read the entire measure, or they very conveniently disregarded the portion where the highest court established “until the parliament passes legislation” in the matter.

Rajnikanth Fever: Japanese couple travels all the way to Chennai from Japan to catch the first-day-first-show of his film Jailer

OpIndia Staff
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Rajnikanth Fever: Japanese couple travels all the way to Chennai from Japan to catch the first-day-first-show of his film Jailer

Veteran actor Rajinikanth, often addressed as ‘Thalaiva’ (leader) by his fans enjoys a massive fan following not only limited to India but across the world. The superstar’s much-awaited Tamil film Jailer, with which the actor has made a comeback after two years, hit the theatres across the country Thursday (August 10) and one such diehard fan of Rajinikanth, Yasuda Hidetoshi along with his wife, has travelled all the way from Japan to Chennai to catch the first-day-first-show of the film.

Yasuda Hidetoshi is said to be the Rajinikanth fan club leader in Japan.

In a video going viral on social media, the Japanese couple was seen wearing matching Rajinikanth-themed T-shirts while holding fans with Rajinikanth and Tamannaah Bhatia’s photo from Kaavaalaa printed on it. Talking to the news agency PTI in Tamil, Yasuda revealed he has been a fan of the superstar for almost 20 years now.

“To see ‘Jailer’, we have come from Japan to Chennai. His first Rajinikanth films were Muthu (1995) and Baashha (1995),” he said, while enthusiastically delivering lines from the movie Jailer and older Rajinikanth films.

Notably, this is not the first time that Yasuda Hidetoshi travelled to Chennai. Previously he has visited the city to see Rajinikanth starrer ‘Darbar’ and ‘Kabali’.

Born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in a Marathi family from Bengalur, Rajnikanth has emerged as the biggest superstar of the film industry. Each time his film is announced, fans wait for its release and ensure that it is a blockbuster hit. It only requires a film to have a Rajinikanth name to be a blockbuster hit. A Rajinikanth name is all that’s needed for a movie to be a smash hit. Considered to be the undisputed king of the box office he is a ruler of the hearts of thousands of his fans who fondly call him ‘Thalaiva’ meaning the leader. 

Rajnikanth’s acting career spans over five decades. With the movie Jailer, which hit the theatres on Thursday, August 10, the actor has made a comeback on the silver screen after his two years of hiatus. He was last seen in Annaatthe. Besides the superstar, the ensemble cast of Jailer also includes Ramya Krishnan, Jackie Shroff, Vasant Ravi, Yogi Babu, and Reding Kingsley. The song Kaavaalaa in the movie, performed by Tamannaah Bhatia has already swept the internet.

As Rajnikanth’s latest release, Jailer hit the theatres today, several videos emerged on social media wherein his fans are seen celebrating.

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu Thalaiva’s fans were seen showering flower petals on the posters of the Rajnikanth starrer movie.

Another video showed fans gathered outside a theatre in Bengaluru and setting off fireworks as they waited for the doors to open.

Amidst the “Jailer” craze, a company with offices in Chennai and Bengaluru has reportedly declared a holiday on the day the movie opens and has even given away free tickets. The holiday notice is also going viral on social media.

According to reports, certain offices in Chennai and Tamil Nadu have also planned to provide free tickets of ‘Jailer’ to its employees.

Uttar Pradesh: Female officer slaps teen girl after she argues over court order instructing action against illegal encroachment, video viral

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Female officer slaps teen girl after she argues over court order instructing action against illegal encroachment, video viral

In Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, a female government inspector slapped a teenage girl after a verbal dispute. The tragedy occurred in the village of Bishampur in Uttar Pradesh. Prachi Kesarwani, a Deputy Tehsildar, went to the village in connection with the illegal utilization of land in the region. Deputy Tehsildar and the teenage girl got into an altercation, and the officer slapped her. The footage of the incident is making the rounds on social media.

According to reports, some locals illegally occupied land in Bhishampur village, Kapsethi police station area of Varanasi. The land was ordered to be vacated by the High Court. On the orders of the High Court, Deputy Tehsildar Prachi Kesarwani arrived at the site to initiate action against the illegal occupation of the land. The individuals present expressed their anger with the action taken against their encroachment.

While the Deputy Tehsildar was taking action against the encroachment, a young girl from the throng approached Prachi Kesarwani and asked her to show her the High Court order copy. The female officer became irritated, and a heated confrontation ensued. After the disagreement, Deputy Tehsildar Prachi Kesarwani became enraged and slapped the girl in public.

The mob became enraged and gheraoed the female officer after she slapped the young girl in public. When the police officers on the scene noticed the ruckus, they grabbed the woman officer from the crowd and took her with them.

The operation against the incursion was called off as the crowd became enraged and began to oppose the female officer. According to sources, the locals have also complained to higher authorities over Deputy Tehsildar Prachi Kesarwani’s actions. The residents are calling for stern punishment against the female officer.

Kuwait bans ‘Barbie’ film for ‘promoting homosexuality’; film also under fire in Lebanon

OpIndia Staff
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Kuwait bans ‘Barbie’ film for ‘promoting homosexuality’; film also under fire in Lebanon

Kuwait has banned the Hollywood film Barbie over its portrayal of a same-sex couple. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig featuring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, has collected over a Billion dollars worldwide in box office collections. Despite the box office success, many in the Middle East have raised objections to the film’s portrayal of same-sex relationship. The film earlier faced a ban in Vietnam.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information announced the ban on Barbie, citing its infringement upon the nation’s laws and values. While the precise laws and values weren’t specified, it’s apparent that the depiction of homosexuality likely contributed to the ban. Lafi Al-Subaie, the head of the film censorship committee, has said that it propagates ideas promoting inappropriate conduct and distorting societal values.

Barbie is also feeling the heat in Lebanon, where the culture minister, Mohammad Mortada, said that Barbie “promotes homosexuality” and “contradicts values of faith and morality.” Mortada also said that the film “diminishes the importance of the family unit.”

The film ‘Barbie,’ featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the main roles, premiered in theatres on July 21. Despite receiving varied reviews, the movie has positioned itself among the top-grossing films of 2023. Notably, ‘Barbie’ and its director Greta achieved a significant milestone last weekend, crossing the USD 1 billion mark in global box office earnings. This achievement is historic, marking the first instance of a movie directed by a woman to reach this milestone.

The prohibition of Barbie adds to the trend of banning films in the Middle East due to apprehensions surrounding homosexuality. Within the past few years, films like Call Me by Your Name, Moonlight, and The Danish Girl, have encountered bans in the region. This ban on Barbie exemplifies an escalating lack of tolerance towards homosexuality in the Middle East, a sentiment accentuated by the religious underpinnings prevalent in the predominantly Muslim countries of the region.

Shiv Sena MLA’s son booked for kidnapping a music company CEO in Mumbai, video of the incident goes viral

OpIndia Staff
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Shiv Sena MLA’s son booked for kidnapping a music company CEO in Mumbai, video of the incident goes viral

On Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, the son of a Shiv Sena MLA and several others were charged for purportedly orchestrating an armed kidnapping of a businessman in Mumbai. The Mumbai Police received a formal complaint and lodged an FIR at the Vanarai Police station, naming Raj Surve, the son of Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Prakash Surve, among the accused. The incident involved the alleged abduction of Rajkumar Singh, the CEO of a music company, in the Goregaon East area, reportedly for ransom. A video of the incident has also gone viral on social media.

As detailed in the complaint filed by Rajkumar Singh, the CEO of Global Music Junction, a private limited enterprise, a contingent of approximately 15 individuals forcefully entered his Goregaon office. Armed with guns, they coerced him into a vehicle. Subsequently, Singh was purportedly transported to the premises associated with MLA Prakash Surve, who is aligned with the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena. This location is situated near the Universal School in the Dahisar East region of suburban Mumbai.

In the filed complaint, Rajkumar Singh contended that he had been coerced into signing legal documents at a location adjacent to the MLA’s office. The complaint led to the registration of an FIR against Raj Surve, the lawmaker’s son, and over a dozen other individuals logged at the Vanrai Police Station.

According to the filed FIR, Rajkumar Singh’s company specializes in extending loans to music enterprises in exchange for digital and OTT rights. He asserted that he had entered into a one-year agreement with a music company, Adishakti Pvt. Ltd., operated by Manoj Mishra. Allegedly, Mishra failed to honour the contract and neglected to repay the borrowed sum. Singh further claimed that he was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault by Mishra, who coerced him into signing a contract termination document. Adding to the narrative, Singh stated that Raj Surve, son of Prakash Surve, urged him to “settle the matter” with Mishra, who is also named as a party in the FIR.

Rajkumar Singh said in his complaint, “On the instruction of Raj Surve, men who brought me in that office, shifted me in some building 500 metre away. Took me to the first floor of that building and kept me there. Meanwhile, I was getting phone calls from the police asking about my whereabouts, men around me asked me to tell the police that I am at MLA Prakash Surve’s office.”

He added, “Later, I was given Rs 100 stamp paper and forcibly asked to sign the contract cancelling papers, which Mishra kept with him after I signed on it. Later I was also threatened that if I speak about this to anyone, a money laundering case will be filed against me and they will ask a lady to file a false complaint against me. Later, I was again taken to Surve’s office where police along with my relatives and office associates had come.”

The complaint letter further said, “Initially, I was under pressure and threat, hence I refused to file a complaint, but later when I got stable and got support from my family and office associates, I filed a complaint in Vanrai police station.”

As per Rajkumar Singh’s legal representative, the sum in dispute for the loan equates to Rs 8.5 crore. The police registered charges against Raj Surve and several others under IPC Sections 364-A, 452, 143, 147, 149, 323, 504, and 506, in addition to Sections 3 and 25 of the Arms Act.

Karnataka: Yadgir police arrest Mohammad Ayaz and Akbar Syed for social media post threatening to behead those who ‘insult’ Prophet Muhammad

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Yadgir police arrest Mohammad Ayaz and Akbar Syed for social media post threatening to behead those who ‘insult’ Prophet Muhammad

On Tuesday, August 8, Yadgir Town Police in Karnataka arrested two Muslim youths for hate speech over a social media post threatening to behead those who ‘insult’ Prophet Muhammad. The accused have been identified as Akbar Syed Bahadur Ali and Mohammad Ayaz. Both the accused are residents of Hattikuni Cross in Yadgir. 

Recently, a video of the two accused Akbar Syed Bahadur Ali and Mohammad Ayaz went viral over social media wherein the two were heard saying that they have been taught since childhood not to tolerate ‘insult’ of Prophet Mohammad and to behead those who do so. The two further challenge Hindus for a 15-minute face-off. As seen in the video, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s picture is in the background as Akbar Syed and Mohammad Ayaz reiterated AIMIM leader Akabaruddin Owaisi’s “remove the police for 15 minutes and we will see who is more powerful” remark made in 2012. 

The two Muslim youths went on to claim that “those who inflict atrocities on Muslims and target them can fly as high as they want in this world, but in Quran, it is mentioned that an infidel’s (Kafir) final destination is Jahannum (hell).”

Superintendent of Police C.B. Vedamurthy stated in a press release issued on Tuesday that the accused persons uploaded provocative content on social media inciting their community members.

A case has been registered under Sections 153 and 505/2 of the Indian Penal Code. Meanwhile, Karnataka police informed over X that the accused have been arrested and that further investigation is underway.

One of the accused, Akbar Syed, reportedly has an Instagram account with over 9,000 followers where he posts inflammatory videos. Meanwhile, SP Vedamurthy stated that Syed Akbar worked for the Kohinoor Solar company, whereas Mohammad Ayaz owned a chicken shop.

As the said offensive and hateful videos went viral on social media, Hindu organisations including Hindu Jan Jagruthi Samithi urged police to file an FIR and arrest the two hatemongers.

‘We don’t want your money, use it to sponsor a weight loss program for Victoria Nuland’: Niger’s military rulers tell USA

Sanghamitra
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‘We don’t want your money, use it to sponsor a weight loss program for Victoria Nuland’: Niger’s military rulers tell USA

The military government in Niger has rejected the USA’s attempts to find a ‘diplomatic solution’ to ‘restore democracy’ in their country after the July 26 coup. Another proposed visit led by UN representatives and diplomats from the Western African bloc was rejected by niger on Tuesday.

On July 26, the military of Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, who was the former chief of the Presidential Guard, seized power in the Sahel nation by removing President Mohammad Bazoum. Bazoum has been in detention since.

As per reports, a diplomatic mission, led by US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland had traveled to Niger’s capital Nimaye. However, they could only meet the new military chief of staff  Brigadier General Moussa Salaou Barmou, not the new leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani or the deposed President Bazoum.

As per reports, the Niger military leaders, who now rule the country, dismissed the threats of economic sanctions and withdrawal of military and financial help from the USA.

Nuland stated that the military leaders of Niger were ‘unresponsive’ to her proposals and suggestions on how they want to proceed to ‘restore democracy’ in the country. The discussion with the military leaders was “extremely frank and at times quite difficult”, Nuland told the media at Nimaye.

Nuland threatens suspension of all help, military leaders reject her threat and throw insults

Nuland had a 2-hour meeting with some of the senior military leaders where she threatened to cut all kinds of support to Niger if the military leaders do not stand down, and let former President Bazoum rule the country again.

Nuland reportedly told the military leaders that she made “absolutely clear the kinds of support that will be legally cut off if democracy is not restored”.

To which, the military leaders of Niger reportedly replied. “We don’t want your money. Use your money to fund a weight loss program for Victoria Nuland.”

It is notable here that the USA has not officially declared military rule as a ‘coup’. If it does, it will be legally able to stop millions of dollars in military and other kinds of assistance. There are over 1000 US military personnel still stationed in Niger. Niger under Bazoum has been a ‘partner’ with the USA and European nations, ‘helping’ them fight Islamic terrorism in the Sahel region. The USA also has a modern drone base in Niger, one that cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build.

However, the military leaders have asserted that Niger’s resources have been exploited by foreign powers.

ECOWAS gives a deadline, Niger closes airspace

Nigers’ military leadership has defied all threats and deadlines to reinstate the President. On Monday, 7 August, the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), stated that they would meet on Thursday, August 10, to discuss the next steps regarding Niger, hinting at a possible military intervention.

In response, Niger has closed its airspace and warned that any military intervention, clearly aided by foreign powers, will be severely dealt with.

In the neighboring country of Nigeria, where President Bola Tinubu had threatened Niger with military invasion, the public has been outraged. Tinubu is facing a huge political and public backlash in his home country for trying to push the country into a war with Niger.

The coup in Niger, how it happened, and why it is significant

on July 26, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the former chief of the Presidential Guard in Niger, orchestrated a coup and removed President Bazoum from power. Bazoum remains in military detention, though he is reported to have spoken with US officials.

General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared that the coup was necessary to prevent Niger’s “gradual and inevitable demise”.

The military leaders are enjoying public support in Niger, with thousands of people flocking to stadiums to declare support for them.

The Sahel region in Africa, Niger is a landlocked country between Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin Nigeria, and Algeria, image via BBC

General Abdourahamane Tchiani has been riding on a wave of public support for the military and a general sentiment of rejecting colonial rulers, France, in Niger’s case. The public voices and the military leaders have claimed that Bazoum’s government failed to protect the country from Jihadi terrorism and allowed it to be exploited by foreign powers.

Russian flags being waved in Niger by public that supports the military rule, along with flags of Mali and Burkina Faso, image via @felixtiih on Twitter

Niger is one of the largest countries in Africa, but also one of the poorest. It sits on huge deposits of Uranium. 25% of the Uranium produced in Niger goes to France, its former colonial master.

Interestingly, after the military takeover, Russian flags suddenly appeared on the streets of Niger, with many people declaring they hate the West and love Russia. The public has been seen rising slogans in support of Vladimir Putin. The military leaders have already asked the mercenary group Wagner to come and help them, and as per reports, Wagner fighters have already reached there.

Russia has been indirectly supporting the removal of Bazoum, at least in words, and has labeled USA’s attempts to ‘restore democracy’ and new methods to exploit the country as they exploited Ukraine.

After taking power, the military leadership in Niger asked the French troops to leave the country. They have also pushed the UN peacekeepers out.

It is notable here that Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali all 3 are currently under military rule that overthrew USA-and Europe supported regimes. Ibrahim Traore, the military leader of Burkina Faso has stated that the military regime has Russia’s support and Russia has been granting them unrestricted access to weapons and equipment at a reasonable price.

NDA partner Mizo National Front to vote in support of no confidence motion, its lone Lok Sabha MP says party unhappy over Manipur issue

OpIndia Staff
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NDA partner Mizo National Front to vote in support of no confidence motion, its lone Lok Sabha MP says party unhappy over Manipur issue

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram, a partner of the NDA, has decided to support the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition against the Narendra Modi government at the centre. This was announced party’s Lok Sabha MP C Lalrosanga on 10th August.

Lalrosanga said that his party will vote against the union government over the Manipur violence issue, protesting against the alleged failure of the govt to handle the situation. “I will back the opposition’s no-confidence motion. It is not because I support the Congress or (want to) go against the BJP, but to show our outright distress and opposition to the complete failure of the governments, especially the Manipur government, in handling the situation,” he said talking to the media in Delhi.

The MP said that the decision was taken after a meeting with CM and party president Zoramthanga and other leaders of the party, and all of them agreed to support the motion. C Lalrosanga said that Mizo National Front is deeply hurt over the condition of the Zo ethnic people in Manipur.

MNF’s Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena also said that he will continue to raise his voice in Parliament against the government’s handling of the situation. Vanlalvena has filed several adjournment motions in the parliament to discuss the Manipur issue.

C Lalrosanga amd K Vanlalvena are the lone MPs of the party in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Unhappy with the centre’s handling of the situation in Manipur, they had skipped an NDA MP meeting last month.

Mizoram minister and MNF leader Lalruatkima confirmed that the party’s Lok Sabha member will support the Opposition’s no-trust vote in the Parliament.

He said, “As the people of Mizoram and the MNF stood by our kindred brothers and sisters in the neighbouring state in time of crisis, and extremely dissatisfied with the butter fingered handling of the ethnic violence, the party decided that our MP will support the no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.”

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