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‘Those who build temples and believe in God are BJP supporters who don’t believe in democracy’: Sam Pitroda makes bizarre statements

OpIndia Staff
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‘Those who build temples and believe in God are BJP supporters who don’t believe in democracy’: Sam Pitroda makes bizarre statements

On the 19th of June, Congress leader Sam Pitroda, one of Rahul Gandhi’s most trusted advisors and aide, gave an interview on a youtube channel, ‘4 PM’. In the interview, Pitroda reiterated his earlier statement that temples will not create jobs. He added that what he meant earlier was that we need to focus on Jobs and the future rather than history. 

Pitroda asserted, “We have to build temples for creating jobs but the temples we are currently building will not create jobs.” 

When the interviewer pointed out that the construction of the temple also creates jobs, the Congress leader argued that there are two types of jobs, permanent and temporary jobs. He asserted that the assets should be invested in such places that they create permanent jobs. It is not understood what is the logic behind Pitroda’s claim that construction jobs are not ‘jobs’.

Pitroda then claimed that the NRIs, people of Indian origin who listen to PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi know that is the truth and what is a lie. He added that the Indian media does not give favorable coverage to Rahul Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi is made the subject of unfair scrutiny.

He even cited his “Jo hua so hua” statement for the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide was “twisted” and wrongly portrayed in Indian media. He added that he only wanted to assert that 1984 is past and we should move on.

PM Modi is being honored by the US government only for the potential business deals

Pitroda then claimed that the honor USA is bestowing on PM Modi is because of the potential business deals that the US will benefit from. “Ye maan deal banane ke liye mil raha hai“, he said.

Pitroda said that the PM should address the global media like Rahul Gandhi did, instead of the ceremonial events. He added that the PM should have a broad conversation, instead of broadcast.

The interviewer claimed that the reason behind Biden govt not appointing an ambassador for India was that PM Modi had supported Trump during his earlier US visit.

Pitroda insisted that instead of signing deals with Biden, PM Modi should visit US universities.

USA is not invested in saving democracy but in countering Russia and China

Slamming the USA for focusing on transactional relationships, Pitroda insinuated that the US government ‘likes’ pm Modi only because they see a potential benefit for American interests with regards to Russia and China. He ‘hoped’ that US will focus on long-term issues like ‘democracy’.

30% of NRIs support Modi, rest 70% support Rahul, insinuates Sam Pitroda

When asked about the preferred choice of People of Indian origin—whether they get excited about meeting Rahul Gandhi or meeting PM Modi—Pitroda stated that there are two types of NRIs.

He said, “One group is of those who built temples, believe in God, believe in BJP and RSS. That group is small, less than 30% but they are very vocal, they are very visible, they put extra time money, and effort to get their point across.”

Pitroda added, “Then there is another group of 70% people who believe in democracy, freedom, human rights, justice, equality, diversity and these are professionals, academicians, scientists, engineers, businessmen who are busy. They are not temple-going mostly.” The underlying insinuation was that the latter 70% support Rahul.

The host interjected asked the Congress leader why he has so much prejudice against temples, especially since Rahul Gandhi also becomes a very ‘visible’ Hindu during his election campaigns. But Pitroda’s response could not be seen because the interviewer suddenly started discussing Rahul’s marriage prospects.

‘America has always backed authoritarian leaders’, says Sam Pitroda

While the host cast aspersions on the possible defense deal between India and US, Pitroda added that he is not making any such allegation of making a deal but when the PM is visiting the US he should meet Press, and go to universities. 

Highlighting the example of Iraq, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and Iran, he said, “America has always backed authoritarian leaders.”  

He added, “So America likes to some extent what is happening in India from the viewpoint of deal making but America also has to understand that Indian democracy is in their interest. And I wish American leadership will speak up about what is going on in India in terms of polarising politics, weaponization of Social media, weaponization of institutions, undermining of civil society and change in the mindset of people.” 

He also argued for Gandhian non-violence instead of massive defense spending. He said, “World has to focus on non-violence in the next couple of decades, we can’t go on spending trillions of dollars for defense, for what? 

Gaurakshak murdered in Nanded, activists suspect the involvement of Sheikh Rafiq Mehboob gang and PFI connect: Details of FIR, what locals said and more

Siddhi Somani
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Gaurakshak murdered in Nanded, activists suspect the involvement of Sheikh Rafiq Mehboob gang and PFI connect: Details of FIR, what locals said and more

On Tuesday, the Maharashtra Police filed an FIR against 12-15 miscreants for launching an attack on the gaurakshaks in the Apparaopeth village of Kinwat taluka in Maharashtra’s Nanded district. The miscreants attacked around 8 gaurakshaks and hit them with sharp weapons and sticks on the night of June 19 killing one and injuring five. The accused have been booked under sections 302, 307, 143, 147, 148, 159, and 427 of the IPC and sections 4 and 7 of the Arms Act.

As per the FIR copy obtained by OpIndia, the victim persons have been identified as Shekhar Rapelli, Sopan Pentewar, Mahesh Kondalwad, Dnyaneshwar Karlewad, Vishal Mendewad, Vitthal Anantwar, Balaji Raulwad and Suryakant Karlewad. Among these, Shekhar Rapelli is said to have died on the spot while the other victims are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

FIR copy obtained by OpIndia

The incident is said to have happened on June 19 at around 11:30 pm. As per the complaint registered by one of the victims named Sopan Pentewar, they were attacked by 12-15 unknown miscreants while on their way home from Telangana. “We had gone to a relative’s place for a function. While on our way home, we came across a white Bolero pickup. We found the car suspicious so we followed it and stopped them at Malakjam area to check what was in the vehicle. On asking the driver, suddenly 10-12 people from the vehicle got down with sticks and sharp weapons. Later when some of us moved towards the vehicle to check what was in there, miscreants attacked from behind injuring 4 of us severely,” the FIR copy read.

Complaint filed by Sopan Pentewar

Pentewar further said that one of the victims, Shekhar Rapelli was attacked with a sharp weapon after which he collapsed on the spot. The accused persons are also said to have attacked the vehicle in which the victims were travelling. As per the complaint, the victims then managed to reach the government hospital in Shivni where the doctors declared Shekhar as already dead. The other victims persons are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

As per the Legal Rights Observatory (LRO) the accused persons are cow and guthka smugglers and are members of Sheikh Rafiq Mehboob gang. However, the same is yet to be confirmed by the authorities. Locals and activists tolld OpIndia that Sheikh Rafiq Mehboob has a huge hold on illegal guthka trade in the city and around the Shivni area. He also is said to be associated with the PFI organization which has been banned by the Indian government. Further, according to the sources, the Police at present are interrogating the relatives of the victim persons.

Superintendent of Police, Nanded, Shri Krishna Kokate confirmed the incident and said that the police has launched a manhunt to nab the accused. “A group of people, residents of Nanded, were coming from Telangana. They had got information about a suspicious vehicle carrying cows illegally. The group (gaurakshaks) followed the vehicle when people from the vehicle carrying the cattle attacked them with sharp weapons. In this incident, one died and 6 others were injured for which they are being treated at a local hospital. Nanded police has lodged an FIR and the search for the accused is underway,” SP was quoted as saying.

Nanded SP says teams formed to nab the accused in Nanded gaurakshak killing case from OpIndia Videos on Vimeo.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Kiran Bechiwar also commented on the issue and said that the victim persons have now been shifted to a hospital in Nanded. He also condemned the attack and could be heard saying that, “The police has formed 2-3 teams to look for the accused who have been charged of murder. No one has yet been arrested. We strongly condemn the incident and will keep the dead body till all the accused members are arrested.”

VHP leader Kiran Bichewar condemns the Nanded gaurakshak killing incident from OpIndia Videos on Vimeo.

One of the local BJP leader, Prakash Gade further talked to OpIndia this morning to further confirm that all the accused have been identified by the Police and that an SIT has been formed to investigate the case. Notably, the local persons of Nanded district yesterday had launched a protest outside the hospital demanding strict action against the accused persons. They also had called for ‘Nanded Bandh’ on June 21 (today) but the protests were revoked after the Police lodged an FIR and assured action in the case.

Cow protection has been painted as a ‘communal’ issue where gaurakshaks are depicted as rogue groups that attack ‘innocent’ Muslims transporting cows to slaughterhouses. Cattle are a source of livelihood for millions in rural India and are loved as their family members. Cows, especially, are also considered holy by Hindus and slaughtering them is considered to be a sin.

The government has imposed a ban on cow slaughter as per the Animal Welfare Act. In spite of this, numerous cows, bullocks, cattle, and other animals are smuggled across Telangana state at night in both large and small vehicles from the state of Maharashtra.

Earlier, in February this year, the Nanded police had arrested the gaurakshaks and allowed 8 smugglers to allegedly escape. A cop from Nanded was suspended after a video showing him brutally beating up many youths who were stopping cow smugglers had gone viral over social media. The cop was identified as Islapur Police’s API (Assistant Police Inspector) Raghunath Shewale.

LRO then had said that Shewale had thrashed the Gaurakshaks, who are Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal (BD) members as they tried to stop two vehicles carrying smuggled cattle. It also pointed out that the cops allowed 8 cow smugglers to escape and instead arrested the youths who were gaurakshaks.

In the given case, the accused persons are believed to be the members of the Sheikh Rafiq Mehboob gang and have been booked under sections 302, 307, 143, 147, 148, 159, and 427 of the IPC and sections 4 and 7 of the Arms Act.

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, 2 US Congress lawmakers to boycott Modi’s address: Who they are and how they have been spreading Islamic terrorist views

OpIndia Staff
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Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, 2 US Congress lawmakers to boycott Modi’s address: Who they are and how they have been spreading Islamic terrorist views

PM Modi is on an official state visit to the USA on invitation by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. On June 22, PM Modi is scheduled to address a joint session of the US Congress. PM Modi is going to be the first Indian leader to address the joint session of the US Congress twice.

Very few foreign leaders have been accorded the honor of addressing the joint session of the US Congress twice. Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill are among them.

Ahead of PM Modi’s address, two Muslim Congresswomen from the US Democratic Party have announced that they will not attend Modi’s speech.

Minnesota 5th District Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has accused PM Modi’s government of “repressing minorities, emboldening violent Hindu nationalist groups, and targeting journalists/human rights advocates with impunity.”

Instead, she will reportedly be holding a briefing with human rights groups to discuss Modi’s record of repression and violence.

Another Democrat Congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, who represents the 12th district of Michigan, has also announced that she will not be attending Modi’s address to the joint session of the US Congress.

She has even gone a step ahead and called Modi’s visit ‘shameful’.

Who is Ilhan Omar?

Ilhan Omar is a member of the House of Representatives in the US. She is a former refugee from Somalia who now represents Minnesota. She and Rashida Tlaib are the 2 Muslim women lawmakers in US Congress. Omar had left the war-ravaged Somalia at the age of 8 with her family. After spending 4 years in a Kenyan refugee camp, she had arrived in the USA at the age of 12.

Omar: an Islamist, a hater of non-Muslims, and a terror apologist

Omar is a rabid Islamist. She hails Islamic regimes. She beats the drum of false Muslim victimhood and brands any action against Muslim criminals in secular nations as ‘Islamophobia’. She avoids criticizing even the most heinous acts of terrorism but hurriedly cries ‘Islamophobia’ when it suits her Islamist cause.

She is infamous for trivializing the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York as “some people did something”. While addressing the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) in 2019. She has stated that just because “some people did something” (9/11), Muslims have started to lose civil rights in the USA.

In February this year, Omar was kicked out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee due to her frequent rants against Israel.

In April 2022, Ilhan Omar visited Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and met former Pakistan PM Imran Khan. India had criticized the political stunt, while the White House in the USA had hurried to distance itself from Omar’s visit, saying that her visit was not an official one and it was in her personal capacity.

Omar has been ranting frequently against India. Last year, she had even criticized the Biden administration for pursuing a healthy relationship with the Modi government and had claimed that the Modi government is ‘anti-Muslim’.

Reknowed author Ayan Hirsi Ali had once written that Omar’s mind is full of prejudice against non-Muslims.

Omar has been constantly blaming the Modi government for ‘human rights violations’ in Kashmir and she echoes Pakistan’s claims over Kashmir. She, like all Islamists, blatantly ignores the genocides, rapes, and violence carried out by Islamic terrorists and Islamist regimes all over the world, but blames only secular nations for imaginary atrocities against Muslims.

Married her own brother?

There are some claims that Ilhan Omar had married her own biological brother. Former US President Donald Trump had raised this issue during an election rally. He had told that Omar’s second husband is her biological brother. Interestingly, some Somali leaders have also acknowledged the claim.

Who is Rashida Tlaib?

Congresswoman from Michigan’s 12th District, Rashida Tlaib is another vocal terror apologist and antisemitic leader in the USA. In 2021, Tlaib joined a panel with notorious Islamic terror sympathizers and Jihadists to peddle anti-India propaganda on Kashmir.

The panel was linked to an organization called Sound Vision in Chicago, which itself an offshoot of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA).

ICNA is a notorious Islamic organization in North America that has intimate links with terror groups such as Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood, Jamaat-e-Islami, and other Islamic terror organizations.

The ICNA had glorified US-designated global terrorist, Syed Salahuddin in their magazine ‘The Message’. The ICNA has hailed Syed Salahuddin as the ‘undisputed leader of the Mujahideen that is struggling to liberate the territory of Kashmir from brutal Indian occupation.

Tlaib is a known anti-semite who propagates the idea that Israel does not deserve to exist. Recently, she had planned to host an event terming the foundation of Israel as ‘Nakba’ which means the ‘catastrophe’, at the US Capitol. The event was supported by radical anti-Israeli groups that propose a complete social and economic boycott of Israel.

However, after media reports of the radical groups joining the event, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy blocked the event, condemning the open anti-semitism fanned by Tlaib. Tlaib’s whole political career is built around fanning antisemitism and hatred against the Jewish state of Israel.

Sky is not the limit: Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says he was delighted to spend time with a head of state who is ‘scientifically thoughtful’. Watch

OpIndia Staff
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Sky is not the limit: Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson says he was delighted to spend time with a head of state who is ‘scientifically thoughtful’. Watch

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and said that he was “delighted to spend time in the company of a head of state who is scientifically thoughtful.” The award-winning astrophysicist also gifted his book “Space Chronicles” to PM Modi. Taking a quote from the book – “For me, the sky is not the limit” – Tyson signed the copy with the words, “Prime Minister Modi, for whom the sky is not the limit.”

A delighted PM Modi responded with a “wah” as the two shared a laugh.

Tyson said after the meeting, “I was delighted to spend time in the company of a head of state who is as scientifically thoughtful as is Prime Minister Modi.”

“So many leaders of the world that I think their priorities might be out of balance with what it needs to be going into the 21st century…with all the challenges we have in civilisation, the solutions are going to come from innovations, and science, and technology, and engineering, and math. And it’s very clear to me that he (PM Modi) cares about all of this,” Tyson added.

“Obviously he (PM Modi) reserved his conversations about space for me and I guess..Elon was here a few minutes before I got here. But it’s clear that space matters quite a bit to the Prime Minister.”

The author concluded with a hopeful message about India. “I was delighted to hear about future programmes that he has in mind. I’m quite sure I’m not alone when I say the potential for what India can accomplish knows no limits. So I see a very bright future for India.”

Before Neil Tyson, Tesla CEO and Twitter owner Elon Musk also met the Prime Minister. Declaring that he is a fan of PM Modi, Musk said, “I can say he really wants to do the right thing for India. He wants to be open, he wants to be supportive of new companies, obviously, but at the same time, make sure it accrues to India’s advantage, which is obviously that’s the job I’m saying.”

Day 1 of PM Modi’s U.S visit was packed with meetings with various thought leaders and interaction with the Indian diaspora. PM Modi is on a four-day State visit to the United States.

Big boost to the space sector under Modi govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a firm believer in evolving with the relevance of the times we live in. He has been a strong proponent of technology-driven solutions to social, environmental, and healthcare challenges.

More than 120 space technology start-ups have sprouted under PM Modi. He brought in public-private participation in the Indian space sector.

PM Modi also launched the Indian Space Association in 2021.

353 out of the total 385 foreign satellites launched so far have been launched during the last 9 years of the Modi govt. 174 million USD have been earned while the launching of the European Satellites has yielded 86 million Euros.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that “under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, last 9 years had witnessed a quantum jump in India’s Space journey and India now stands at par with countries like the USA which had begun their Space journey several years or decades before us.”

ISRO and GoI have signed four cooperative documents specifically to collaborate in space exploration in the last 5 years.

Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun blames Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RA&W for the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, goes on a rant

OpIndia Staff
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Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun blames Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RA&W for the killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, goes on a rant

On June 18 (local time), Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in Surrey, Canada. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the banned Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), has now blamed Indian intelligence agencies, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RA&W), for the Khalistani terrorist’s execution.

He claimed that Nijjar was killed on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instructions. He blamed PM Modi’s “aides” Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval for Nijjar’s murder.

“While SFJ has been using ballots for the liberation of Punjab from Indian occupation, India has set the cycle of violence into motion by resorting to the use of bullets. While Indian bullets cannot stop the Khalistan Referendum which will balkanize India and liberate Punjab, Modi, Shah and Doval should be prepared for facing justice under international law for ordering the killing of pro-Khalistan Sikhs,” Pannun reportedly said in a video statement. 

Pannun also vowed to dismantle the Indian system in a bid to avenge the Khalistani terrorist’s killing. 

Pannun earlier claimed to Postmedia that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service had alerted Nijjar of threats just days before he was killed.

It is notable that Nijjar was a wanted terrorist by the Indian Government. Nijjar was the head of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Sahib. He was shot dead by two unidentified assailants within the Gurdwara premises. 46-year-old Nijjar hailed from the village Bhar Singhpura of Jalandhar. His killing came just days after, Khalistani terrorist Avtar Khanda mysteriously died in a UK Hospital.

His name was added to the list of designated terrorists recently by the Indian Government. In 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared a Rs 10 lakh reward on Nijjar after his name appeared in a conspiracy to kill a Hindu priest in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) was behind the conspiracy to kill the Hindu priest. Nijaar was the chief of the Khalistani terrorist organization KTF. Apart from his activities in KTF, Nijjar was also linked to the Khalistani terrorist organization Sikhs For Justice. He reportedly went to Australia for a ‘Referendum’ voting recently. NIA also booked him in a conspiracy to commit terrorist activities against India.

‘Hit the police, burn everything’: How an Islamist mob launched attack in Junagadh, Gujarat, amid chants of Allahu Akbar: Read details of the FIR

OpIndia Staff
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‘Hit the police, burn everything’: How an Islamist mob launched attack in Junagadh, Gujarat, amid chants of Allahu Akbar: Read details of the FIR

On Friday, June 16, an Islamist mob attacked the police in the Junagadh district of Gujarat after they saw a notice regarding illegal encroachment on the walls of a dargah in the city. The Muslims attacked with stones and created massive violence injuring four policemen and a Hindu civilian. The stones were reportedly pelted at the police vehicles and an ST bus after which an FIR was filed against 31 persons in this case.

According to a report by Divya Bhaskar, the police filed an FIR based on the complaint filed by a woman police officer at the Junagadh police station. As per the complaint, the Muslim mob launched a protest after they saw a notice regarding illegal encroachment on the wall of a dargah. The Muslim protestors raised slogans of ‘Allahu Akbar’ and damaged government and private vehicles parked on the road.

The female police officer in the complaint said that around 8:30 pm on the night of June 16, there was a message in the social media group of the division police station, and the officers and employees were asked to immediately report to the PI at Majewadi Dargah. The police reached the spot to see that a crowd of 500 to 600 men and women had gathered against the notice about illegal encroachment pasted on the wall of the Dargah in the region.

According to the FIR, the police officers who reached the spot asked the mob to adopt a legal way of putting up their point instead of gathering illegally. The crowd then got agitated and the men and women shouted slogans and attacked the police.

Slogans of ‘Allahu Akbar’ were raised

As per the FIR copy registered in the case, the agitated Muslim mob raised slogans of ‘Nara-e-Takbir, Allahu Akbar’ and also said ‘burn everything’, ‘police ko maro (hit the police)’, ‘Koi Jinda Nahi Bachna Chahiye (no one shall be spared alive)’. Some of the Muslims could also be heard saying, “If we kill the police, no one will come our way.” The mob then began pelting stones at the police vans and also attacked some of the private vehicles.

Some torched motorcycles parked near the dargah and also pelted stones at vehicles and pedestrians passing by. Besides, the mob also pelted stones at an ST bus and broke the glass of the bus with sticks. Four policemen and a Hindu civilian have been reported as injured. The injured were immediately shifted to the hospital where the Hindu individual is said to have died during the treatment.

The 31 persons named in the FIR are-

1) Naseeruddin alias Nasro Dado, Dolatpara
2) Sikandar Suleman Madam, Nandanvan Sosa.
3) Mustakim Ashrafbhai Makwa, Sukhnath Chowk, Chakar Paliya
4) Sajid Kalamuddin Ansari, Bharat Mill Cattle
5) Zakir Yusuf Sidi Badshah, Godhavavni Pati
6) Faizal Khan Nasir Khan, Near Aditya Vegetable Market
7) Akbarmian Janumian Qadri, Dharagarh Darwaza
8) Shakeel Janulhaq Ansari, Khwajanagar
9) Aftab Asghar Ali Ansari, Khwajanagar
10) Feroj Amdbhai Theba, Near Aditya Vegetable Market
11) Mustaq Mohd Kapdwanji Pinjara, Kumbharwada
12) Bashir Mamdbhai Makdia, Harshadnagar
13) Mustafa Yusufbhai Theba, Pishorivada
14) Wasim alias Laden Sulaimanbhai Manghara, Kumbharwada
15) Sabir Yusufbhai Sumra, Behind Jail
16) Sabbirhussain Mohammadhussain Rafai, Kumbharwada
17) Aman Bodubhai Juneja, Peshorewada
18) Faizan Iqbalbhai Shaikh, Jivasa Chakla
19) Fardeen Iqbalbhai Sandh, Khawajanagar
20) Asif Yunus Juneja, Sandhipar, Mahobatpara
21) Arman Aslam Arab, Cambridge Society,
22) Sajid alias Taw Iqbal Seeda, Nandanvan Society
23) Yusuf Iqbalbhai Malek, Shabarin Society
24) Afjal Asrafbhai Memon, Girnar Darwaza
25) Sajid Sarvadi, Bharat Milna Dhore
26) Lal Badshah, Dharagarh Gate, Near Farjana Hall
27) Faizal alias Kothmeer Ferojbhai, Dharagarh Gate
28) Ejaj alias Riaz alias Bholo Munabhai Makrani, Dharagarh Darwaza
29) Ranjit Munabhai Makrani, Dharagarh Darwaza
30) Aman Adreman Panja, Jagmal Chowk
31) Adreman Amd Panja Jagmal Chowk

The notice regarding illegal encroachment was issued by the Municipal Corporation to the Dargah on the road outside the Majewadi Gate of Junagadh. The members of the Dargah were asked to submit evidence of ownership of the land within 5 days. But instead of adopting the legal method, the Muslim community members started gathering near the Dargah on June 16 evening and attacked the police around 10 pm.

Reportedly, the ST bus which was targeted during violence was being driven by a driver named Asif. The mob initially targeted the bus and closed its door from outside to set it on fire. The driver told the media that despite repeated requests, the mob did not listen to him. But the bus was allowed to disembark after the driver told the mob that his name was Asif.

Commissioner Rajesh U. Tanna commented on the matter and said that the Dargah authorities have provided no documents claiming ownership. “It will be decided whether the land possession is correct or not only after the documents are obtained,” he added.

‘Cannot apply America to Earth’: Twitter Chairman Elon Musk says Twitter has to obey local govt laws, responding to rant by Jack Dorsey against India

OpIndia Staff
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‘Cannot apply America to Earth’: Twitter Chairman Elon Musk says Twitter has to obey local govt laws, responding to rant by Jack Dorsey against India

On June 20 (local time), Twitter Chairman and CTO Elon Musk said that Twitter has to obey the local government laws; otherwise, the company’s employees have to face the consequences. He was answering a question regarding what Twitter founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey said about India in a recent interview that Twitter locked a lot of handles at the government’s request.

Replying to India Today’s Foreign Affairs Editor Geeta Mohan’s question Musk said, “Twitter does not have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don’t obey local government laws, we will get shut down. So the best we can do is to work close to the law in any given country. It is impossible for us to do more than that, or we will be blocked, and our people will be arrested. We cannot just apply America to Earth. There are different rules and regulations of different governments. We will do our best to provide the freest speech that is possible under the law.”

Musk’s statement came after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his official state visit to the US. Following the meeting, Musk said he was a fan of him and was honoured to meet him. Furthermore, Musk added that PM Modi really wants to do the right thing for India. “He wants to be open, he wants to be supportive of new companies, obviously, but at the same time, make sure it accrues to India’s advantage, which is obviously that’s the job I’m saying. I am a fan of Modi,” said Musk.

Jack Dorsey claimed India threatened Twitter

On June 12 (local time), former CEO of Twitter Jack Dorsey accused the Indian government of threatening Twitter with legal consequences during farmer protests. In an exclusive interview on Breaking Point, that the Indian government threatened to shut down Twitter if it did not take action against “particular journalists” and accounts “critical of the government” during the farmer’s protest.

He said, “India is a country that had many requests of us around the farmer’s protest around particular journalists that were critical of the government. It manifested in ways such as ‘we will shut Twitter down in India’, which is a very large market for us. ‘We will raid the homes of your employees’, which they did. ‘We will shut down your offices if you don’t follow suit’, and this is India, a democratic country.”

While Jack Dorsey claimed that they were threatened with raids and a shutdown, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar issued a clarification citing how Twitter under Jack Dorsey was blatantly violating Indian laws and disregarding India’s sovereignty. He further said that Jack Dorsey was blatantly partisan, de-platforming and de-amplifying voices it did not agree with politically. 

Confident that Tesla will be in India as soon as humanly possible: Elon Musk to visit India soon, thanks PM Modi for his support. Here is what he said

ANI
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Confident that Tesla will be in India as soon as humanly possible: Elon Musk to visit India soon, thanks PM Modi for his support. Here is what he said

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk on Tuesday said that he is planning to visit India next year adding that he is confident that the electric carmaker will be in India and will do so “as soon as humanly possible.”

His comments to reporters were made outside the Lotte New York Palace, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived on a historic four-day State visit to the US on Tuesday. Meanwhile, PM Modi tweeted after his meeting with Musk, “Great meeting you today @elonmusk! We had multifaceted conversations on issues ranging from energy to spirituality.” 

Musk said that PM Modi has invited him to India and that he is planning to come to India next year. 

He said, “I am planning to visit India next year. I am confident that Tesla will be in India and we will do so as soon as humanly possible.” 

“I would like to thank PM Modi for his support and hopefully, we will be able to announce something in the future,” Musk said. 

Calling himself a fan of PM Modi, Musk also noted that the prime minister visited a Tesla factory in California many years ago. The Prime Minister had previously met with Musk in 2015 during a visit to Tesla Motors factory in Freemont, California. “….he really cares about India. He is pushing us to make significant investments in India which is something we intend to do,” Musk said about his meeting with PM Modi. 

The Tesla CEO said that he had an “excellent conversation” with PM Modi and that quite likely there will be a significant investment in India. 

Speaking on PM Modi’s leadership role in making technology inclusive so that digital infrastructure can be created, he said, “I can say he (Modi) really wants to do the right things for India. He wants to be open, supportive of new companies and at the same time ensures that it accrues to India’s advantage which is..which is obviously that’s the job I’m saying. I am a fan of Modi,” Musk told ANI. 

“India has potential for all three pillars of a sustainable energy future, the three pillars being sustainable energy generation through solar and wind primarily, the amount of area you actually need to generate electricity…it is very doable…,” Musk said. 

“We are also looking to bring Starlink to India which could be incredibly helpful for rural areas,” he said. 

“The Starlink Internet, which I think can be incredibly helpful for sort of remote or rural villages where they perhaps either may have no access to the Internet or the Internet is very expensive and slow,” Musk said. 

The Tesla CEO, who also owns Twitter said that the social media giant does not have a choice but to obey local governments or else it will get shut down. 

He made the above remarks in response to the company’s former owner and CEO Jack Dorsey’s recent allegation against the Government of India. 

“Twitter does not have a choice but to obey local governments. If we don’t obey local government laws, we will get shut down so the best we can do is to work close to the law in any given country, it is impossible for us to do more than that. We will do our best to provide free speech that is possible under the law,” Musk told the reporters. 

In response to PM Modi’s tweet regarding his meeting with business leaders in the US, Musk tweeted, “It was an honour to meet again.” 

“In the USA, I will also get the opportunity to meet business leaders, interact with the Indian community and meet thought leaders from different walks of life. We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology and other such areas,” tweeted PM Modi. 

“Well, I’m actually incredibly excited about the future of India. I think India has more promise than any large country in the world,” Musk told ANI. 

Earlier, during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Musk was asked if the automaker was interested in the Indian market. “Absolutely,” he replied. 

He added that Tesla will likely finalise a location to set up its India factory by the end of this year. 

Notably, his meeting comes days after former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey alleged that the BJP-led central government threatened to shut down Twitter in India and have its employees raided at the height of the farmers’ protest in 2020.

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

‘I am a fan of Modi’, ‘India has more promise than any large country’ and more: Watch what Twitter and Tesla boss Elon Musk said after meeting PM Modi

ANI
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‘I am a fan of Modi’, ‘India has more promise than any large country’ and more: Watch what Twitter and Tesla boss Elon Musk said after meeting PM Modi

Tesla CEO and Twitter owner Elon Musk on Tuesday (local time) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day State visit to the US and said that he is a fan of him and was honoured to meet him. 

Speaking on PM Modi’s leadership role in making technology inclusive so that digital infrastructure can be created, he said, “I can say he really wants to do the right thing for India. He wants to be open, he wants to be supportive of new companies, obviously, but at the same time, make sure it accrues to India’s advantage, which is obviously that’s the job I’m saying. I am a fan of Modi,” to ANI. In response to PM Modi’s tweet regarding his meeting with business leaders in the US, Musk tweeted, “It was an honour to meet again.” 

“In the USA, I will also get the opportunity to meet business leaders, interact with the Indian community and meet thought leaders from different walks of life. We seek to deepen India-USA ties in key sectors like trade, commerce, innovation, technology and other such areas,” tweeted PM Modi. 

He also divulged plans to visit India anytime soon. On being questioned over did PM Modi extended an invitation to him, he said, “He did. And yes, I’m tentatively planning to visit India again next year. I’m looking forward.” 

Notably, this is the first meeting between PM Modi and Musk after he became the owner of Twitter. PM Modi earlier met Musk in 2015 during a visit to Tesla Motors factory in California. 

“Well, I’m actually incredibly excited about the future of India. I think India has more promise than any large country in the world,” told Musk to ANI. 

Speaking about the takeaways from the meeting, Musk said that PM Modi really cares about India because he is pushing them to make significant investments in India, which is something that they intend to do and are just trying to figure out the right timing. 

Earlier, during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Musk was asked if the automaker was interested in the Indian market. “Absolutely,” he replied. He added that Tesla will likely finalise a location to set up its India factory by the end of this year. 

“It was a fantastic meeting with the Prime Minister and I like him quite a lot. He visited our Tesla Fremont Factory several years ago, and so we’ve now known each other for a while, said Musk after meeting PM Modi today. 

Speaking about future plans and investment in India, he said, “Yeah, well, I think there’s a tremendous amount of potential for all three pillars of the sustainable energy future. The three pillars are sustainable energy generation through solar and wind, primarily. And obviously, India is great for solar. And the amount of land area you actually need to generate enough electricity to power India is very small. I believe it’d be probably one or 2 per cent of the land area of India. So it’s very doable. And then you need to pair that with stationary battery packs because the sun doesn’t shine at night. And then you need electric vehicles, and then you have a sustainable energy future. And I think the interesting thing people will find is that this is a lower cost way to go as well.” 

Musk also said that he is looking forward to bringing Starlink to India as well. 

“The Starlink Internet, which I think can be incredibly helpful for sort of remote or rural villages where they perhaps either may have no access to the Internet or the Internet is very expensive and slow,” he said. 

Notably, his meeting comes days after former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey alleged that the BJP-led central government threatened to shut down Twitter in India and have its employees raided at the height of the farmers’ protest in 2020. 

PM Modi will be meeting over two dozen thought leaders from various fields after he lands in New York today. 

These leaders comprise Nobel laureates, economists, artists, scientists, scholars, entrepreneurs, academics and experts from the health sector.

Doxxing, street harassment, and assault: Islamists continue attacks on Hindu-Muslim couples in the name of ‘Bhagwa love trap’

Dibakar Dutta
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Doxxing, street harassment, and assault: Islamists continue attacks on Hindu-Muslim couples in the name of ‘Bhagwa love trap’

For several months now, Islamists have been attacking random Hindu-Muslim couples on the streets across different cities in India. All of this is being done under the pretext of combating ‘Bhagwa love trap.’

A conspiracy theory peddled by radical Islamic scholars such as Sajjad Nomani, ‘Bhagwa Love Trap’ suggests that a sinister plot is somehow underway to convert Muslim women to Hinduism.

As a result, Islamist lynch mobs are roughing up Hindu men and molesting their female Muslim friends and partners in the name of ‘saving Islam’ and ‘protecting Muslim women.’

In one case, one such fanatic was seen stopping a burqa-clad woman and coercing her into calling her family members. “You people are tarnishing the name of Islam. You should be ashamed…Let me talk to your parents,” he remarked while acknowledging that he has unlawfully video-tapped her several times.

In another video, a few rabid Islamists were seen verbally abusing two burqa-clad women for travelling on a bike with a Hindu man. “How can their mother allow them to travel with a Hindu guy…” they remarked while labelling the women ‘prostitutes.’

In one case from Gujarat, Islamists gheraoed a Muslim woman for accompanying a Hindu man and forcibly removed her headscarf. She was interrogated, humiliated and shamed publicly for supposedly bringing a ‘bad name’ to Islam. A similar case was also reported from Maharashtra.

Screengrab of the Instagram post

A video allegedly from Chikkaballapur in Karnataka has come to light wherein a man in a skullcap is seen randomly harassing a Hindu-Muslim couple. Despite being told that the victim is with a friend, the extremist refuses to let her go. He is joined by other radical co-religionists who then continue to heckle them.

In a case allegedly from Gujarat, Islamists are seen harassing a Muslim woman for accompanying a Hindu man on a bike. They verbally abuse her with the choicest of expletives for not finding a Muslim partner and engaging in inter-faith relationships.

A similar case of assault and harassment against a Hindu-Muslim couple was also reported from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh.

Extremists assault Hindu-Muslim couples in Moradabad, Meerut

In the Bilari town of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, Islamists targeted a burqa-wearing Muslim woman for roaming with her Hindu husband. The incident reportedly took place on May 22, 2023.

The Muslim mob first misbehaved with the woman and then attacked her husband. Following the incident, the victim lodged a complaint with the police and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered.

She was in a tailor’s shop when she was surrounded by her co-religionists and asked, “What are you doing being a Muslim with a man of another religion?”

Earlier, a video of a group of Islamists, led by an alleged AIMIM leader, harassing a Muslim girl for roaming with a Hindu boy went viral on social media. 

Islamists attack Hindu man for dining with Muslim woman in MP

The Madhya Pradesh police have arrested 6 Islamists, who assaulted a Hindu man named Bhavesh Sunhare. The victim was attacked while returning from a dinner with a Muslim woman identified as Nasreen Sultana.

The incident took place on May 25, 2023. As per reports, the duo was stopped by a group of 20-30 Islamist men while returning from a restaurant.

In a statement, Additional DCP Rajesh Singh Raghuwanshi said, “The woman argued that she had her parents’ permission. The accused beat up her friend. Some bystanders tried to intervene to protect the man, but they were attacked with knives.”

Conclusion

Doxxing and dog-whistling against Hindu-Muslim couples on social media by Islamists are now translating into real-life threats. Recently, a Muslim girl from Pakistan was abused online for dating a Hindu Nepali boy.

In May alone, Opindia compiled 40 cases of such attacks on Hindu men and Muslim women orchestrated by the latter’s radical co-religionists. The targeted attacks have not ceased and many more cases have come to light since Opindia’s last report.

Disclaimer: Opindia could not independently verify the authenticity of all the videos due to technical limitations.

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