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‘The Kerala Story’ trailer out, shows how girls from God’s own country have fallen victim to Islamic radicalisation and joined ISIS

OpIndia Staff
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‘The Kerala Story’ trailer out, shows how girls from God’s own country have fallen victim to Islamic radicalisation and joined ISIS

The much-awaited trailer of Sudipto Sen’s film ‘The Kerala Story’ got released on 26th April 2023. Vipul Amrutlal Shah is the film’s producer and creative director, starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani in the lead roles. The film is based on the true stories of Hindu and Christian girls in Kerala who were first trapped into love jihad by Islamists in Kerala and later sent to Iraq and Syria to become ISIS terrorists. The film will be released on 5th May 2023 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam language.

‘The Kerala Story’ is dramatic representation of the heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32000 women from Kerala who were radicalized to join the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) terrorist ranks. It is notable that many of these women from Kerala joining ISIS were converted to Islam from Hinduism and Christianity with the motive of sending them to the terrorist organization ISIS.

The trailer opens with a picturesque terrain of Kerala and establishes Shalini Unnikrishnan – the lead character played by Adah Sharma. The trailer subsequently details Shalini’s Hindu family through visuals before revealing that officers interrogated her because she worked as an ISIS. Shalini tells the officers, “Rather than knowing when I joined ISIS, it’s more important to know why and how I joined ISIS, Sir.”

And then the trailer shows how innocent Hindu girls are systematically trapped into love jihad and converted to Islam. The film depicts how the toolkit of systematically trapping and converting non-Muslim girls includes insulting Hindu and Christian deities, glorifying burkha and hijab as the shield saving a woman’s dignity, imposing a notion on their minds that no one except Allah can be worshipped, impregnating non-Muslim girls so that they marry the planted Muslim lover to avoid facing the social stigma. The role of Muslim clerics in radicalisation is also clearly highlighted in it.

As shown in the trailer of this film, the girls converted through this modus operandi are then trafficked to ISIS-hit middle eastern countries under the pretext of getting jobs or by directly brainwashing them for jihad. The converted girls from Kerala were used by terrorists for various terror activities and also as sex slaves. ‘The Kerala Story’ presents these heinous acts as Shalini Unnikrishnan unfolds her story in front of the investigating officers.

‘The Kerala Story’ narrates the pain of 32000 such converted Muslim women from Kerala who were sent to ISIS as terrorists only to get buried in the deserts of Yemen and Syria. A dreaded game of converting a normal girl to an ISIS terrorist is being played in Kerala for the last few years. Increasing radicalization in the southern state because of the activities of Islamist organizations like the Popular Front of India and its other allied outfits is responsible for this trafficking of girls to the gulf.

Makers of the film promise authentic and unbiased portrayal

At the time of the announcement of the film in March 2022, Vipul Shah had said, “In this movie, you will be confronted with a human tragedy that will leave you reeling. During the first meeting with Sudipto (writer-director), I burst into tears as he described it to me and shared his extensive research that spanned three to four years. I decided to produce this film on the same day that occurred. We want to create a film that is very realistic, impartial, and accurate to the events depicted.”

The trailer for ‘The Kerala Story’ which promises to be a very authentic, unbiased, and truthful tale of events that shocked Kerala, is both matter-of-fact and powerful in its stance. While most people would avoid the topic, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah was adamant to present this gruesome story on the big screen, supported by 4 years of exhaustive study. Director Sudipto Sen visited the region, including some Arab nations, talked with residents and the relatives of the victims, and was astounded by what he saw.

‘The Kerala Story’ is facing opposition right from the teaser release

It is notable that Congress demanded a ban on this movie in November 2022 when its teaser was released. Congress leader and leader of the opposition in Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan said the film spreads misinformation and should be banned. He said, “I have seen that teaser. It’s a clear case of misinformation. There is nothing like that happening in Kerala. This is to tarnish the image of Kerala in front of other states. This is spreading hatred, so it should be banned. In normal scenarios, we are against banning films, but these types of misinformation will lead to communal issues.”

Tamil Nadu-based journalist Aravindakshan BR also requested the Central Board of Film Certification to place a ban on the film unless director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Amrutal Shah submit documents confirming the veracity of the information presented in the teaser. 

The hate for ‘The Kerala Story’ continues

Even before the trailer launch, Aravindakshan posted a thread of tweets to reiterate his demand to ban the film. He wrote, “Is there a conspiracy to create communal riots in South India through the movie The Kerala Story? For all those who care about the country and social harmony, it is very important to oppose the movie The Kerala Story. It is also everyone’s duty to prevent the release of the film which is coming to the screens with misinformation to sow religious hatred among the people.”

Hours before the release of the trailer, the hate towards this film showing uncomfortable facts was visible on social media. Islamoapologists called it a plan of riots. Quoting journalist Aravindakshan’s tweet, one Habi Bullah wrote, “The next slander of the rioting kabodhis…”

K Mohammad Ali posted, “Everyone read throughout & share… This is the BJP’s next riot plan…”

Kerala has been the target of Islamists since 2009

According to a recent investigation, approximately 32,000 females from the Hindu and Christian faiths in Kerala and Mangalore have converted to Islam since 2009. The majority of these girls eventually wind up in Syria, Afghanistan, and other regions with a high concentration of ISIS and Haqqani influence. The movie will reveal the truth about this conspiracy and the suffering of these ladies.

Though the conversions started in 2009, ISIS involvement in Kerala was initially traced in 2013. As early as 2014, ISIS established roots in Kerala, with modules encouraging religious conversions and aiming to attract professionals to join its troops in Afghanistan and Syria. Plenty of Kerala men and women are said to have joined the ISKP (Islamic State of Khorasan Province) in recent years. The United Nations warned in its 2020 terrorism report that there are a substantial number of ISIS terrorists in the Indian state of Kerala.

Furthermore, a National Investigation Agency’s charge sheet filed in July 2020 in connection with the murder of Special Sub Inspector Wilson revealed a strong association between ISIS terrorists active and growing in the state. The NIA is currently investigating cases related to IS operating recruitment centres in Kerala. Several non-Muslim women have also been radicalized and converted in the last few years and have been sent to Afghanistan and Syria to fight for the Islamic State.

Converting and radicalizing women in Kerala

When Mini Vijayan, a military official, alleged that her daughter Aparna had been forcibly converted to Islam, the issue of Kerala women being converted and recruited by ISIS received additional widespread attention in 2016. Aparna was linked to Sathyasarani, also known as the Malappuram-based Markazul Hidaya Educational and Charitable Trust. She arrived at the courthouse with a woman named Sumayya. Aparna informed the authorities that she had converted to Islam and did not want to rejoin her mother. When Aparna disappeared from her Kochi dormitory as a B. Tech. student, she married Aashiq, an auto driver from Malappuram.

The Malappuram connection

These ladies were all discovered to be associated with the Markazul Hidaya or the Sathyasarani Trust in Malappuram. Hadiya’s conversion and marriage to Shafeen Jahan were not unrelated events, according to the NIA, that testified in court, but rather the result of a planned operation by Sathyasarani and PFI. According to a sting operation against Sathyasarani and PFI, the founding member of PFI acknowledged on video that their ultimate objective is to turn India into an Islamic state. Additionally, it was announced that the NIA had received the investigative report.

The Sathyasarani Trust in Malappuram, also known as the Markazul Hidaya, a PFI-run organization, appears to be the unifying theme connecting these conversions and “education.” Individuals associated with this center included Aparna, Hadiya (Akhila), and the ladies who traveled to join ISIS. The records of 70 Hindu and Christian girls’ conversions were found during an investigation by law enforcement officials. The girls were there, according to the trust, to study religion.

This is just a tip of an iceberg

Sathyasarani is only one of several institutions. Its supporters continue to reject any affiliations with extreme organizations or terrorist organizations. In Kerala, several of these facilities are in operation. Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation is the primary source of literature used by 95% of these brainwashing centres. Numerous converted females have also mentioned how enthralled they were by Naik’s talks. 5,975 persons in the state reportedly converted to Islam between 2011 and 2015, according to government statistics. 1,410 people converted alone in 2015. Women under 35 make up a staggering 76 per cent of the new converts.

What is the key legal hurdle?

This is remarkably similar to incidents of forced conversion in Sindh, Pakistan. The only difference is that because of India’s strict laws against child marriage, the victims are now adults. As a result, the cases simply get dropped or stagnated because the girl and her Muslim husband are safeguarded by the law for acting of their own free will, this introduces more issues for the family members and police. The family and authorities are unable to prove pressure or indoctrination without the girl’s clear confession.

Conclusion of The Kerala Story

Radical Islam has deeply rooted itself in Kerala. The sheer volume of radicalization, conversion, and recruiting centres operating is still far from grabbing the attention of the national media or directing it toward the issue. However, it is undeniably a matter of grave concern. In the post-ISIS world, using women as tools and weapons—whether through sex slavery or recruitment for terrorism—is no longer a secret. The governments, both state and union, must take it seriously and devise effective solutions to combat the problem. Now that the film ‘The Kerala Story’ is about to release soon, there is hope that this serious issue will come to the centre of the popular discourse.

Maharashtra: FIR filed against Kajal Hindustani over alleged hate speech at Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha in Vashi

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: FIR filed against Kajal Hindustani over alleged hate speech at Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha in Vashi

On Tuesday, an FIR was been lodged against Hindu activist Kajal Shingla, widely known as Kajal Hindusthani, by the Vashi police station in Maharashtra’s Mumbai. The case has been lodged by the Maharashtra Salokha Samiti against Kajal Hindustani for allegedly delivering a hate speech at a Hindu Jan Aakrosh Morcha rally in Vashi.

Hindusthani has been booked under section 153A (promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, language, etc.), 153 B (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 295A (acts, intended to outrage religious feelings), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

FIR copy (Sabang India)

The complainant in the FIR said that Hindustani, during the Hindu Jan Akroh rally that had been organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj on February 26, attempted to instigate the masses against the Muslim community. “Hindustani specifically tried to create religious difference and called for an economic boycott of the Muslim community,” the FIR in Marathi read.

The complainant also said that Kajal Hindustani furthered the Hindu agenda and pressured the state government to pass legislation to deal with Love Jihad, forceful conversion, cow slaughter, and illegal encroachment on Hindu land. The FIR highlighted the words allegedly spoken by Hindustani at the event. According to the complaint, Hindustani at the event said, “A man is selling apples in a bag. I really want to get down from the stage and see his Aadhaar card and confirm whether the seller is Abdul or Ajay. Such small things have to be taken care of. There is a vegetable market next to it and listen you Abdul, my Hindu brothers are boycotting you.”

Complaint mentioned in FIR (Sabrang India)

Further Hindustani is also believed to have warned the Hindu women to stay away from the Muslim men. “Tu Kali Ban, Tu Durga Ban, Kabhi Na Burkhewali Ban (become goddess Kali, goddess Durga, but never become a burkha donning woman),” Hindustni said at the event, as per the FIR.

The FIR further states that the Hindu activists at the rally tried to create religious divide by delivering ‘anti-Muslim’ hate speech with the intention of insulting a certain religious group, creating hostility, hatred and divisiveness, which has the potential to hinder national unity and harmony.

Recently on April 13, Hindu activist Kajal Hindustani was granted bail in the Ram Navami speech case in Una. She was released on a bond of Rs 50,000. She came out of Junagadh jail after five days. The activist was arrested by Gujarat’s Una police. This came after a case was registered against her for an alleged ‘hate speech’. 

After coming out of jail on April 13, Hindustani stated that she would continue to work against land jihad, love jihad, and forced conversions. “There are many workers who work a lot for Dharma. As people from the other side commit such things, it is our duty to save our faith. I was doing social work against land jihad, love jihad, and forced conversions. I still do that and I continue to do that,” she was quoted as saying.

IAS Officers’ Association urges Bihar government to reconsider the decision to release Anand Mohan

OpIndia Staff
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IAS Officers’ Association urges Bihar government to reconsider the decision to release Anand Mohan

On April 25, a group representing Central Civil Services officers wrote to the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government to reconsider the decision to release gangster-turned-politician Anand Mohan. In the letter, the Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association, New Delhi, expressed its ‘deep dismay’ at the decision and termed it as ‘tantamounted to denial of justice’.

Notably, the Bihar government recently amended its prison manual to ensure the release of Anand Mohan. He was convicted in the murder of 1985-batch IAS officer G Krishnaiah who was serving as then-Gopalganj District Magistrate. He was murdered in 1994.

In the statement, the association said, “The Central IAS Association expresses its deep dismay at the decision of the State Government of Bihar to release the convicts of the brutal killing of Late Shri G Krishnaiah, IAS, former District Magistrate of Gopalganj, by a change in classification rules of prisoners. A convict of a charge of murder of a public servant on duty cannot be re-classified to a less heinous category. Amendment of an existing classification which leads to the release of the convicted killer of a public servant on duty is tantamount to denial of justice. Such dilution leads to impunity, erosion in the morale of public servants, undermines public order & makes a mockery of administration of justice.”

It added, “We strongly request the State Govt. of Bihar to reconsider its decision at the earliest.” In its statement, the association asserted that a convict of the murder charge of a serving government official cannot be re-classified to a “less heinous” category.

The release of Anand Mohan

Anand Mohan is one of the 27 convicts who are set to get released from different prisons as they have served more than 14 years in Jail. The decision was taken after the Bihar government made amendments to the Prison Manual, 2012 and changed Rule 481 to facilitate the release of the convicts. Merely five words—”a civil servant on duty”—were removed from Rule No. 481 (1) (a) of the Bihar Police Jail Manuals on April 10 this year by the state home department, which later made it easier for Mohan and others to be released.

Mohan is currently out on parole to attend the engagement of his son Chetan Anand, a sitting MLA of RJD in the state. The State Sentence Remission Council’s approval of the release of all 27 inmates, who were housed in separate jails around the state, served as the basis for the state law department’s order. Anand Mohan, who was most recently incarcerated at Saharsa Prison, was on parole so that he could attend an engagement ceremony for his son. Reportedly, this is the third time in the last six months that Anand Mohan has been allowed release on parole.

In 2007, Mohan, 69, was found guilty of killing Gopalganj district magistrate G Krishnaiah in 1994. He was found guilty of instigating a crowd that was leading a protest march after the murder of bodybuilder Chhotan Shukla. When Krishnaiah accidentally crossed the protest march’s path, the crowd lynched him.

The murder of G Krishnaiah

In 1994, G Krishnaian was attacked by a mob led by Anand Mohan, leading to his death. He was serving as district magistrate at that time. Hailing from Mahabubnagar in Telangana, Krishnaiah was considered to be one of the most honest bureaucrats of his time.

‘Tomb of dreams’: former AAP leader Ashutosh describes Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence which was renovated spending Rs 45 crore

OpIndia Staff
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‘Tomb of dreams’: former AAP leader Ashutosh describes Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence which was renovated spending Rs 45 crore

After reports emerged that around Rs 45 crore was spent to renovate the official residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, former Aam Aadmi Party leader and journalist Ashutosh attacked Delhi Chief Minister over the issue. In a tweet posted today, Ashutosh referred to Arvind Kejriwal’s his official residence as a ‘tomb of dreams.’ According to a recent report, Arvind Kejriwal reportedly spent nearly Rs 45 crore renovating his government bungalow on Delhi’s Civil Lines.

An investigation titled ‘Operation Sheesh Mahal’ by Times Now Navbharat found that Rs 44.78 crore of taxpayer money was used for the renovations, casting serious aspersions on the party’s tall claims of upholding austerity.

Notably, Ashutosh previously worked as a managing editor and newscaster for the news channel IBN 7. He later quit his job to join the AAP and served as its spokesperson. He was one of Arvind Kejriwal’s closest allies. On August 15, 2018, he resigned from AAP, citing personal reasons. He has since returned to journalism and is a co-founder and editorial director of SatyaHindi.

AAP has long positioned itself as the party of the common people, publicly supporting the cause of austerity and criticising its political rivals for their alleged excess. In 2013, Arvind Kejriwal declared that he and other AAP ministers would live in smaller government flats as opposed to large government-provided bungalows.

As the most recent inquiry now indicates, ten years after AAP’s high promises and assurances appear to be little more than political bluster, casting doubt on the party’s purported commitment to fiscal responsibility and restraint after gaining power.

MannKiBaat100: Shashi Shekhar’s new book ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ chronicles journey of radio broadcast & its tangible social impact

OpIndia Staff
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MannKiBaat100: Shashi Shekhar’s new book ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ chronicles journey of radio broadcast & its tangible social impact

How does one engage in a dialogue with a bustling nation of over 1.4 billion people? What constitutes an effective communication strategy that fulfils the country’s vast range of diversity, aspirations, hopes, challenges, emotions, and expressions? How can you understand the country’s pulse and connect with its citizens on a deeper level? How can you inspire change while embodying it yourself? These questions and many such fascinating facets are uncovered in former Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekar Vempati’s upcoming book, ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’, which encompasses diverse themes touched upon by PM Modi on various aspects of society, economy, environment, culture, health, and fitness, which strike a chord with the nation.

‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ is a literary journey that not only documents one of the most popular radio programmes, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, but also depicts a dynamic discourse that traverses through India’s present, draws lessons from its past, and shapes its future. The literary piece demonstrates the potential of community-driven social transformation, penetrating the gloom of negativity and holding up the beacon of hope and optimism. More importantly, the book captures the fascinatingly encouraging tales of changemakers who, despite facing various roadblocks, manage to circumvent obstacles and bring about monumental improvements in the lives of people in their respective communities. It illustrates how these communities have united to spark a wave of beneficial transformations.

With its focus on diverse themes covered under ‘Mann Ki Baat’, a brainchild of PM Modi to address the nation and establish a dialogue with its over billion people in matters of collective and social import, the literary work emphasises the blend of technology and nature, with the aim of building a more sustainable world. The book provides insight into how young individuals have been inspired to envision a more hopeful tomorrow and serve as agents of change. It showcases the potency of language, metaphors, and creative forms of expression in safeguarding cultural traditions, conserving the environment, and nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ also takes the reader on a journey through the realm of farmers, the Earth’s protectors, providers, healers, caretakers, and unsung heroes of our planet. It chronicles their emotional struggles and celebrates their remarkable achievements in sports and other fields, all in the pursuit of excellence.

Endorsed by former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and a foreword by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ includes enriching conversations with contemporary leaders and changemakers, namely Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai, Dr Parameswaran Iyer among other eminent dignitaries, providing the first-hand account of the transformation underway towards building a developed, sustainable, and self-reliant India.

As PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ draws closer to achieving the milestone of completing its hundredth episode, ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ provides an insight into a broad range of topics covered in the programmes that have spurred unprecedented social and behavioural change. The book delves into the diverse rhetorical strategies employed in Mann Ki Baat to educate, inspire, encourage, and direct citizens. Interacting with both those who drive change and those who make crucial decisions, it evaluates the program’s tangible impact beyond its radio broadcast.

The book also explores academic efforts undertaken to assess multiple aspects of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and provides insight into the making of each episode, the underlying significance of the topic chosen, and the expanding reach of the programme across India’s diverse linguistic landscape. By harmonising key moments of the radio programme with India’s development journey over the past nine years, ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ aims to uncover the thought process underpinning PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat.

‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ to be released at the National conclave Mann Ki Baat@100

Earlier today, the ‘Collective Spirit, Concrete Action’ book by Shashi Shekhar was launched at the National Conclave Mann Ki Baat @100 by the Vice President of India, in the presence of Union Minister Anurag Thakur and other dignitaries.

On April 26, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan attended the National conclave Mann Ki Baat @100 organised by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry ahead of the 100th edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly address to the nation to be broadcast on April 30. The actor lauded the Prime Minister for his innovative approach to communicating with the people of the country.

The actor said that such initiative by our leader is important, which leads to conversations and suggestions. “It’s a very important piece of communication that the leader of the country does with the people, discussing important issues, putting forward thoughts and giving suggestions. That is how you lead by communication. You tell your people what you’re looking at, and how you’re seeing the future. How do you want their support in that? This is what is the very important communication that happens in Mann Ki Baat,” said the actor.

Along with Aamir Khan, the day-long conclave organised by the centre ahead of the 100th episode of Mann Ki Baat, saw actor Raveena Tandon, IT veteran TV Mohandas Pai, Kiran Bedi and Nikhat Zareen as the panellists.

IIM Rohtak survey shows over 100 crore people have listened to Mann Ki Baat

While people listened to the radio occasionally and preferred FM stations, PM Modi brought the focus of the nation back to the national broadcaster All India Radio (AIR). Mann ki Baat became the talk of the town with its monthly broadcast. Scores of people would wait in anticipation of the program to hear what PM Modi will talk about that month.

A recent survey conducted by the Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak showed that at least twenty-three crore people have ‘listened to or viewed’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio broadcast regularly and over 100 crore people have listened to it at least once. 

It further said about 96 per cent of people are aware of the monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, and 41 crore people have the scope of converting from occasional audience to regular audience.

Last month, it came to light that the program fetched almost 5 times in revenue than the amount spent on advertising and promotions for the show.

KCR more dangerous than gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, Telangana BJP chief attacks CM

ANI
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KCR more dangerous than gangster-politician Atiq Ahmed, Telangana BJP chief attacks CM

Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday alleged that Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao was no less dangerous than gangster Atiq Ahmed, who was killed in a recent shootout. 

“KCR is more dangerous than Atiq Ahmed. He is the leader of gangsters. But there is nothing to be afraid of. We shall continue to fight with him till we achieve our goal,” Sanjay said, while addressing the massive rally, Nirudyoga March (Rally of the unemployed) at Mahbubnagar. While Atiq Ahmed had looted the people at gunpoint, KCR was looting the people and their lands taking the help of the police, he said. 

Accusing the chief minister and his family of being responsible for jeopardising the careers of 30 lakh unemployed youth due to the leakage of question papers of the Telangana State Public Service Commission examinations, Sanjay said the fight would go on till unemployed youth would get justice. 

“We shall not rest till KCR sacks his son K T Rama Rao from the cabinet, order a judicial inquiry by a sitting high court judge and pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the unemployed youth towards the troubles they faced due to leakage of question papers,” he asserted. 

Sanjay said the countdown for the downfall of KCR government has begun and the BJP will win all the assembly seats in Mahabubnagar district in the next Maharashtra Assembly elections. 

Sanjay pointed out that the KCR government was trying to frame him in question paper leakage case and send him to jail, only because he was fighting for the cause of the unemployed. “Going to jail is nothing new for me. I had gone to prison nine times. The BJP workers, too, suffered lathi blows and went to jails on every issue confronting Telangana,” he said. 

He said the Telangana government had claimed to have given 21 notifications for various job recruitments but not one of them was successfully completed. “What is the use of having this government which cannot complete the recruitment of jobs in one department?” he asked. 

The BJP president also defended the announcement of Union home minister Amit Shah that the BJP, if voted to power in Telangana, would do away with the reservations to Muslims in education and employment. 

“We shall not allow four per cent reservations being extended to Muslims. How can we allow religion-based reservations? Soon after the BJP is voted to power in the state, it will tear the copy of the Muslim reservations into pieces and dump them into dustbin,” Sanjay said, while addressing the massive rally, Nirudyoga March (Rally of the unemployed) at Mahbubnagar. 

Alleging that Hindus were being subject to humiliation in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi government in Telangana, Sanjay said such discrimination was glaringly evident in the construction of state secretariat. “While only 2.5 guntas of land was allotted for Nalla Pochamma temple in the Secretariat premises, five guntas were earmarked for the construction of a mosque. Is it not a discrimination against the Hindus who constitute 80 per cent of population?” he asked. 

The BJP president said if his party was voted to power in the next elections, it would settle the accounts straight. “We shall make appropriate changes in the Secretariat in tune with the Telangana culture and traditions. We shall convert Nalla Pochamma temple into a golden temple and show the power of the deity,” he said.

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

Kerala govt decides to teach content deleted from NCERT books, SCERT to publish supplementary textbooks

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala govt decides to teach content deleted from NCERT books, SCERT to publish supplementary textbooks

On Tuesday, April 25, Kerala Education Department reportedly held a meeting wherein it has been decided by the Communist government that it will not be complying with the revised syllabus of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in which several topics have been omitted. According to a decision by Kerala’s State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT), the state government’s school textbooks will now contain the material that NCERT deleted from the curriculum as a part of the syllabus rationalization process.

The State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT Kerala) will prepare special supplementary textbooks to teach topics omitted from the syllabus by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. 

The state government has been asked for approval by the education department to implement the decision. As soon as the government gives its approval, the chapters that were removed from NCERT textbooks can be taught in Kerala schools. The curriculum committee decided that Kerala should teach the portions that were removed, mostly those that related to history.

After getting the go-ahead from the state government, the Education Department plans to introduce supplementary textbooks for classes XI and XII.

Notably, the history, civics, and Hindi textbooks for classes 10th, 11th, and 12th have undergone revisions as a result of NCERT’s rationalization effort. The history book no longer contains some material pertaining to Mughal history. Darwin’s theory of evolution and the Gujarat riots have also been removed. The NCERT books also dropped some portions related to the Emergency, Cold War, the Naxalite movement,  RSS ban etc. Additionally, it has been decided to take some poems and paragraphs out of the Hindi curriculum. Whatever modifications have been made to the curriculum have been put into effect as of the current academic year, 2023–2024.

Ironically, it was the CPM government in West Bengal, which had ordered that there should be no mention of Muslim atrocities in textbooks during their tenure. In 1989, the WB government issued a circular and recommended the deletion of discussions about the medieval period because it was “too controversial.”

Recently, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Binoy Viswam, wrote a letter to the Modi government expressing concern about the “deletion of Mughals” from National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks.

Kerala: Congress workers vandalise Vande Bharat Express, paste posters of Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan all over

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala: Congress workers vandalise Vande Bharat Express, paste posters of Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan all over

On Tuesday, Congress workers in the Palakkad district of Kerala praised its Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan for his role in ensuring the halt of the newly launched Vande Bharat Express at Shoranur Junction. The Congress workers filled the railway station and pasted the posters of Palakkad MP VK Sreekandan on the windows of Vande Bharat Express as soon as it arrived at the Shoranur Junction.

The video of the incident was shared on social media in which the Congress workers could be seen praising the leader to honour his “contribution” to making sure the train stopped at Shoranur Junction.

According to the reports, Sreekandan had issued a warning that the Congress would flag down the train if a halt at Shoranur was not announced to the public before the train’s inauguration. In addition, the Congress party was ready to hold an extensive demonstration if the Railways’ decision had not been positive towards halt at Shoranur Junction.

The Congress people, as seen in the video held posters and placards hailing the Palakkad MP and pasted the posters of the leader on the windows of the Vande Bharat Express as soon as the train slowed down. Railway Protection Force took cognizance of the event and has lodged a case and an investigation into the matter is underway.

Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express connects the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram with Kasaragod, the northernmost district. It is slated to have halts at Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam Town, Thrissur, Shoranur Junction, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to Kerala on Tuesday.

State BJP President criticized the Congress party and wondered how a Member of Parliament and his followers could behave with such “a dirty mind.” “Defacing Vande Bharat Express in Palakkad is a nefarious activity of the Kerala Congress workers. These criminals are the followers of the ‘crowned prince’. Shame,” he tweeted.

BJP TN chief K Annamalai has called it shameful conduct by the Congress workers. He wrote that it is acceptable if Congress cannot contribute to the country’s development but at least the party workers should not contribute in pulling the nation back.

Meanwhile, the Palakkad Congress MP said that he had not asked anyone to paste the posters on the train. He also alleged that the BJP was trying to create controversy out of it.

On the day Parkash Singh Badal died, Mann Govt gave the nod to prosecute him in a 2015 case

OpIndia Staff
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On the day Parkash Singh Badal died, Mann Govt gave the nod to prosecute him in a 2015 case

On April 25, five-time Chief Minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Parkash Singh Badal passed away. On the same day, the home department of Punjab gave the nod to prosecute eight accused, including Badal and his son Sukhbir Singh Badal in the Kotkapura police firing case of 2015. The nod came after the Special Investigation Team (SI), probing the case, filed a supplementary chargesheet in a local court along with the prosecution sanction order. The first chargesheet was filed by the SIT two months ago. Government of Punjab has declared public holiday on April 27 in view of Badal’s demise.

The 2,400-page supplementary chargesheet named Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, former director general of Police Sumedh Singh Saini, now-suspended Inspector General of Police Paramraj Singh Umranangal, then-DIG Amar Singh Chahal, then-Senior Superintendent of Police Faridkot Sukhmander Singh Mann and former SSP Charanjit Singh Sharma.

These accused were named in an FIR that was registered in 2018 in connection to the 2015 police firing case. The FIR was registered based on the report submitted by a commission led by Retired Justice Ranjit Singh. SIT probing the case is led by ADGP LK Yadav, who has submitted a chargesheet with documents, a sanction order and a CFSL report. Furthermore, it contained statements of 45 new witnesses and 43 new pieces of evidence. SIT was formed in 2021 by then-Captain Amarinder Singh-led Congress government. In February, a 7,000-page chargesheet was filed by the SIT that contained 218 statements, including 52 protesters and 12 police personnel.

Hindustan Times quoted an unnamed officer speaking about the prosecution under Section 197. He said, “In the sanction, the home department has observed that after going through the entire evidence on record and forensic proof collected by the SIT, a prima facie case is made out against the accused. Being a competent authority, the home department granted permission to prosecute all eight accused in both cases.”

The SIT has also filed a supplementary chargesheet against Mann, Umranangal, Saini and then Station House Officer of Kotkapura Gurdeep Singh Pandher based on an FIR registered in October 2015. The matter will be heard on May 16.

The police firing incident of 2015

On October 14, 2015, police opened fire at the people protesting at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura against the sacrilege of Shri Guru Granth Sahib in Bargari Village. Two Sikh protesters, identified as Gurjeet Singh of Sarawan village and Krishan Bhagwan Singh of Niamiwala village in Faridkot, were shot dead during the firing. Sacrilege incidents have been one of the hottest topics during elections in the state. From Akali Dal to Congress and now Aam Aadmi Party promised the voters to take strict action in matters related to sacrilege incidents, but the situation mostly remained the same.

Here’s how Kejriwal used Rs 45 crore to ‘renovate’ his house during Covid, and how he could have used it to lessen Aam Aadmi’s struggle during pandemic instead

OpIndia Staff
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Here’s how Kejriwal used Rs 45 crore to ‘renovate’ his house during Covid, and how he could have used it to lessen Aam Aadmi’s struggle during pandemic instead

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has time and again diligently portrayed himself to be adoring a common man’s lifestyle, has spent Rs 45 crores to renovate his official bungalow located at Civil Lines in New Delhi. He is said to have used this huge amount of money to make a few changes to his already existing bungalow during the Covid pandemic when the citizens of Delhi were facing a severe shortage of life-saving facilities at the hospitals.

According to a report by Times Now, the taxpayer’s money that Kejriwal used for renovation and not really ‘construction’ of the Chief Minister’s residence, could have been better utilized for the benefit of Delhites during Covid. Notably, Rs 45 crores could have been utilized to build 224 Mohalla clinics. Considering how badly Delhi struggled during the pandemic, the amount could have been utilized to purchase 12,459 oxygen concentrators. As many as 2,25,000 PPE kits and 2,710 ventilators could have been purchased during the Covid. But, Kejriwal seemingly had to ‘renovate’ his house on priority.

How he spent Rs 45 crores

The said property has been approximately renovated for Rs 44.78 crores out of which more than Rs 1 crore was sanctioned to buy only the curtains. Kejriwal is said to have selected a curtain design costing Rs 7,94,000 per piece for his residence and had ordered 23 such curtain pieces. He also ordered ‘Deor Pearl Marble’, known for its superior quality for Rs 3.30 crores. The said amount was used to buy the marble and polish it. Additionally, Rs 21,60,000 was spent on the chemical adhesive used to fix the marble.

Further, the Chief Minister ordered 6 hand-crafted wool carpets for a total of Rs 20 lakhs. Rs 63 lakhs were spent on renovating two kitchens and Rs 4 crores were spent on wall paneling. Also, another Rs 40 lakhs were spent on redoing the wardrobes and dressers in his room, his parents, and also the bedrooms of his two children.

As per a report in Indian Express, the first sanction by PWD for the renovation work was on September 1 2020, for RCC framing works and alarm systems. The second sanction was on May 2021 for fixing modular kitchens, laundry and pantry etc.

Last year he used taxpayers money to construct a swimming pool

It is worth noting that last year, the Delhi CM had also used Rs 21 crores of taxpayer’s money to construct a swimming pool inside his residence. It was also said that Kejriwal had got the pool modelled as per the standards of luxury Maldives hotels.

Moreover, in 2014, Arvind Kejriwal stated that he and his AAP ministers would not occupy the government-provided bungalows and instead opt for smaller government flats. Aam Aadmi Party has long fashioned itself as the common man’s party, publicly championing the cause of austerity and attacking its political opponents over their purported extravagance.

Kejriwal wears basic shirts and keeps a cheap Reynolds pen in his pocket. The pictures of them are often used by AAP leaders to claim how simple and humble their CM is.

Ten years on, the lofty promises and claims made by them appear nothing but political grandstanding as the latest Times Now report now reveals, raising questions about the party’s professed commitment to economic prudence and frugality on being elected to power.

BJP demands resignation

The BJP took cognizance of the renovation and stated that when Delhi was struggling with Covid, CM of Delhi was spending crores on getting his house renovated. Calling Kejriwal a ‘luxurious king’ and demanding his resignation, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Ramvir Bidhuri added, “In 2013, he used to say he will neither take a house, security or official vehicle. But he ended up spending Rs 45 crore on the renovation of his house.”

The AAP responded to this and said that the property that was renovated did not belong to the CM but was a government-allotted house. It also said that the cost had to be seen in the context of the amount spent by other governments on similar projects. “The estimate for the new Prime Minister’s sprawling house alone is Rs 467 crore, while the actual cost of the Central Vista project is estimated to be Rs 20,000 crore. Further, the renovation cost of the PM’s 7 RCR residence was three times the estimate. Just renovation was carried out at a whopping Rs 89 crore against an estimated cost of Rs 27 crore,” the party said in its statement.

It also further said that the BJP was raising this issue to divert the public attention from the real issues. “They don’t wish to respond to serious allegations made by former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik who has attributed the Pulwama attack to lapses of the Modi government,” the party said.

However, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said that while several other projects amid the pandemic were postponed, the renovation work of the CM’s house continued. “Kejriwal should own moral responsibility and resign,” he said.

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