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Bihar District Judge approaches Supreme Court for justice, says suspended by Bihar High Court for completing trials in child abuse cases quickly

OpIndia Staff
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Bihar District Judge approaches Supreme Court for justice, says suspended by Bihar High Court for completing trials in child abuse cases quickly

An additional district judge from Bihar has approached the Supreme Court after his suspension by the Bihar High Court and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against him. Shahi Kant Rai, an additional district and sessions judge posted in Araria, Bihar, has said in his plea that he was suspended after he concluded the trial in a POCSO case in a day. The trial was about the rape of a six-year-old girl.

Appearing for Rai, Senior Advocate Vikas Singh urged the Supreme Court for an early listing of the matter as the district judge has been kept under suspension for five months already. The Supreme Court has agreed to list the matter for Friday, before a bench of Justices U U Lalit and Justice S R Bhat.

In his petition, Rai has said that he has been suspended for delivering express justice in two child abuse cases. One of which, he concluded in one day, and another one in four days. In one of the cases, he delivered life imprisonment, while the death penalty was imposed in the second case.

In his plea, the petitioner mentioned, “Institutional bias against the petitioner as the judgements of the petitioner in Spl. POCSO Case No. 01/2022 giving capital punishment to accused Md. Major in four working days of trial and in Spl. POCSO Case No. 36/2021 giving punishment of life imprisonment in one working day of trial had caught immense media attention and was widely reported and appreciated by the government as well as by the public.”

Rai also mentioned that he even received death threats after he awarded the death penalty to Md. Major in one of the POCSO cases.

In his petition, Rai also mentioned that the Bihar High Court had denied him his first promotion in 2014. He had sent a representation to the HC in 2020 pleading that since there had been no adverse remarks against him since 2007, his promotion to the post of civil judge (senior division) be considered to be given in 2013-14 instead of 2014-15 as it made him junior to his batchmates.

The High Court dismissed his representation and sent him a Show Cause notice last year for questioning the process of evaluation of judgements and raising an unfounded issue of personal bias and impartiality.

Delhi HC asks Mint to take down defamatory article and posts against YouTuber Gaurav Taneja

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi HC asks Mint to take down defamatory article and posts against YouTuber Gaurav Taneja

On Thursday, July 28, popular YouTuber Gaurav Taneja aka Flying Beast announced on Twitter that the Delhi High Court had ordered Mint, a subsidiary of Hindustan Times and its journalist Shepali Bhatt to remove the article and Tweets that were directed to defame the YouTuber and his family.

Earlier in the day, Gaurav Taneja first put out a Tweet informing his followers that the Delhi High Court had accepted their lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction against the financial newspaper Mint. Thanking his legal team for standing by him, the popular YouTuber and a former pilot slammed the media house and its journalist Shepali Bhatt for peddling a vicious attack against him for his faith.

“I was attacked by certain media for believing in my faith and culture. Delhi High Court yesterday passed an order in our favor and against @livemint and journalist #ShephaliBhatt,” Tweeted the Youtuber.

In his subsequent Tweet, Taneja wrote, “Certain unethical journo peddle a vicious attack because some wear their identity badge proudly. All articles and tweets by #ShephaliBhatt to be taken down as per Delhi High Court order. Such journos insult “Norms of Journalistic conduct” @PressCouncil_IN.

Hindustan Times’ Mint wanted brands to cancel the YouTuber for ‘politically motivated’ posts

Notably, the media house had on May 8 published an article calling for brands to disassociate with the popular YouTuber by claiming that Taneja peddled propaganda, apart from reeking misogyny, child abuse, and abuse of their pet dog. The article was published after Gaurav Taneja tweeted a picture of himself performing a housewarming ritual with his wife Ritu Rathee and thier daughter.

In his tweet, Gaurav Taneja had claimed that the Hindu ritual of performing Havan or ‘Agnihotra’ purifies the air and removes pollutants. The claim was disputed by many on social media.

Gaurav Taneja’s unapologetic display of his Hindu way of life did not go down well with the ‘liberal-secular’ Twitter influencers and media houses. Mint, a subsidiary of Hindustan Times, published an article written by one Shephali Bhatt, calling brands to ‘cancel’ the pilot-turned-YouTuber.

Mint, in its article, by Shephali Bhatt, had called Gaurav Taneja's posts as 'politically motivated' and called upon brands to boycott him.
Article published by Mint

The article apparently called for popular brands such as Google India, Airtel, Tata Cliq, Realme, Dell India, Mamaearth, and Rage Coffee to disassociate from supporting the popular YouTuber. The Mint wanted Gaurav Taneja to be ‘cancelled’ for his ‘politically motivated’ post.

“Their videos attract a vast majority of the Hindi-speaking audience who find this content real, relatable, and unfiltered. Naturally, major brands flock to collaborate with them for influencer marketing campaigns,” lamented Mint reporter Shephali Bhat in her report.

Assam: Mufti arrested, 8 Maulvis detained for running a jihadi camp in madrasa and preaching hatred through Islamic texts

OpIndia Staff
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Assam: Mufti arrested, 8 Maulvis detained for running a jihadi camp in madrasa and preaching hatred through Islamic texts

Assam Police has carried out a major crackdown on terrorists. State police busted a terror module operating in Morigaon. According to the information, jihadi activities were being carried out in a madrasa here. Mufti Mustafa and 8 other Maulavis are arrested by Assam police.

The terror module was operating from a madrasa and was reportedly planning a major attack in the state. The Assam Police received information about it from the intelligence agency, after which the police swung into action and arrested the suspected jihadist. The mastermind of this terror module has been identified as one Mufti Mustafa.

The Morigaon police arrested him on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at night after conducting a search operation at the madrasa and other residences in Moirabari. The madrasa has also been sealed by the police.

Mufti Mustafa is said to be the mastermind of the terror module. He runs the Jami-ul-Huda madarasa since 2018 in Moirabari. The police also seized several incriminating documents along with mobile phones, bank passbooks, and other material from Mufti Mustafa’s possession. With this, the police detained eight clerics of the madrasa for interrogation. It is being told that he was being funded by one Ansarullah from Bangladesh. Apart from this, the madrasa was also getting funding from many other countries.

Locals say they have no idea about what has led to Mustafa’s arrest. One of the locals said, “The Morigaon police, army, and other officers carried out a search operation for at least two hours at Mustafa’s residence and madrasa last night. Mustafa was apprehended by the police. We don’t know why he was arrested.”

Police are currently investigating further into the case. Meanwhile, speaking on the matter, Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said, “Terrorist organizations are slowly trying to target Assam. They are entering the state via Bangladesh. They are trying to provoke the Muslim youth of the state by teaching them provocative texts.

Later sharing more information on the development, Assam special DGP GP Singh said that so far 11 people have been arrested from Morigaon, Barpeta, Guwahati and Goalpara, and they are connected to Islamic fundamentalism with linkages with terror outfits like Indian subcontinent unit of Al-Qaeda and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT). He informed that Jamiul Huda Madrassa building at Sahariagaon in Morigaon has been sealed by the authorities. Several electronic devices and incriminating documents have been seized from detained persons. GP Singh said that it was an outcome of a long surveillance operation of Assam police and central agencies.

Morigaon SP Aparna Sen said that they had received information that a man named Mustafa who runs a madrassa in Moriabari associated with anti-national activities. He is linked with the financing of Ansarullah Bangla Team related to Al-Qaeda in the sub-continent. The arrested persons have been booked under several sections of UAPA.

It is notable that, recently, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma advocated for the abolition of the word madrasa, saying that getting children admitted in madrasas is a violation of human rights. CM Sarma had described madrasas as the enemies of humanity and said that the word should become extinct. He said, “As long as the madrasa revolves in the mind, the child will never be able to become a doctor or an engineer. If these things are taught to the children, then the children themselves should not go to the madrasa. Admission of children in the madrasa is a violation of human rights.”

In an earlier interview, he had said that around 700 madrasas have been closed and that he intends to convert the rest into nursing schools and medical-engineering colleges. He told that he wants Muslim children to become doctors and engineers by studying in regular schools.

Praveen Nettaru Murder: 2 arrested suspects are linked to PFI and SDPI, accused Shafiq and his father works in Praveen’s shop

OpIndia Staff
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Praveen Nettaru Murder: 2 arrested suspects are linked to PFI and SDPI, accused Shafiq and his father works in Praveen’s shop

Hours after the arrest of two accused named Mohammed Shafiq Ballere and Zaqir Savanuru, in connection with the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Kumar Nettaru in Karnataka, reports have emerged that Shafiq and Zakir are linked to the Islamist terrorist organisation PFI and SDPI.

According to reports, the wife of Shafiq has confirmed that her husband was an active member of the PFI and that he used to participate in all the ‘social’ activities. She also said that on the day of the incident, he was not at home hinting that he might be involved in executing the murder of the BJP youth member. “My husband was a PFI member. He was aware that the murder took place,” Shafiq’s wife told India Today.

Shafiq is also associated with SDPI (Social Democratic Party of India) and has organized various ‘social’ events. The wife after the arrest while talking to the media also said that initially her husband was not aware of the murder. Later he had tears in his eyes when he came to know about who was murdered in the village. Meanwhile, a video report by News18 also shows Safiq’s picture at an SDPI event.

ADGP (law and order) Dakshina Kannada, and Alok Kumar who also interacted with the media confirmed that Zakir who has a criminal case in Bellare has been suspected of having PFI links. The Police who arrested the duo said that they have undertaken the investigation into the murder case as there is a lot to verify in the case.

Zakir is 29 years old and is a resident of Savanoor whereas Mohammed Shafiq who is 27 years old belongs to Bellare. According to reports, Shafiq and Zakhir are the conspirators, but the assailants are still to be apprehended. The Police have detained a total of 21 persons in connection to the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Kumar Nettaru. “We have been investigating all suspected persons legally using the powers investigation officers have. Dakshin Kanada SP and Mangaluru City Police are also working on the case”, ADG Alok Kumar said.

Accused and his father works in victim’s shop

Another important fact in the matter is that father of accused Shafiq Ballere and his father worked in the poultry shop of Praveen Kumar Nettaru. This was revealed by Shafiq’s father Ibrahim himself while talking to the media. Ibrahim told India Today,  “I work at Praveen’s shop. My son and Praveen used to talk there.”

Ibrahim denied his son’s involvement in the crime, and alleged that they are targeted because they are Muslim. ” We have no idea why my son has been arrested. Just because we are Muslims, we are being targeted. Both Shafiq and Zakir aren’t like that,” he said. He also informed that Praveen used to go to their house.

On July 26, Nettaru was hacked to death by unidentified assailants. As per reports, the killers came on a bike in Bellari, Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka, in the late evening and attacked Nettaru with sharp weapons. Praveen Nettaru, who looked after a poultry business, was returning home when the attack happened. The assailants escaped after the attack. Praveen was rushed to the hospital, but he could not be saved.

Massive protests erupted after Praveen’s death in the city of Bellare and Sullia. While the outraged BJP Yuva Morcha members started to furnish mass resignations, the members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a bandh concerning the safety of Hindus in the state of Karnataka.

The Police have arrested two accused named Zakir and Mohammed Shafiq in connection with the murder. According to the reports, Shafiq and Zakhir are the conspirators, but the assailants are yet to be apprehended. Investigations in the case are still underway.

Mamata Banerjee finally sacks minister Partha Chatterjee after ED recovers more illegal money, gold from his ‘close aide’

OpIndia Staff
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Mamata Banerjee finally sacks minister Partha Chatterjee after ED recovers more illegal money, gold from his ‘close aide’

The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal Government have finally sacked Partha Chatterjee, who is accused of the SSC Recruitment Scam and was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. As per the official notification issued by the government of West Bengal, Chatterjee has been relieved from the departments he was Minister-in-charge of. Notably, he had charge of the Department of Industry, Commerce and Enterprises, Department of Information Technology and Electronics, Department of Parliamentary Affairs and Department of Public Enterprises and Industrial Reconstruction.

While earlier the party had said that Partha Chatterjee will not be sacked unless charges against him are proven, that stand proved to be difficult to maintain after more illegal money was found from another house of Arpita Mukherjee, a ‘close aide’, of the minister. Till now, around Rs 50 crore in cash, gold, jewellery, and foreign exchange have been recovered from two flats in Kolkata belonging to her. Arpita Mukherjee has said that the money belongs to Partha Chatterjee, and it is believed that the money is proceeds of the SSC recruitment scam in the education department when Partha Chaterjee was the education minister.

The Enforcement Directorate unearthed the huge stash of cash and valuables after the Calcutta High Court ordered a probe into the SSC recruitment scam, where bribes were taken in exchange of jobs of teachers and other staff in government schools.

In the raids being carried out in connection with the ongoing investigation of the School Service Commission (SSC) recruitment scam, the federal agency has, thus far, recovered a little over Rs 50 crores in cash and Rs 4.31 crore worth of gold from multiple locations linked to actor Arpita Mukherjee, who have been described as a ‘close associate’ of arrested cabinet minister Partha Chatterjee.

The ED conducted a fresh raid at Mukherjee’s apartment complex in Kolkata’s Belgharia locality on Wednesday. They left this morning with ten trunks of cash amounting to Rs 29 crores, besides 5 kg of jewellery and gold bars. The operation continued for 18 long hours. This was the second raid conducted by the agency. During the first raid on July 22, a day before her arrest, the agency had recovered a whopping Rs 21.20 crores in cash from the actor’s residence, apart from gold, jewellery and foreign exchange.

Besides the cash, jewellery, 22 mobile phones and Rs 54 lakh worth of foreign currency, a number of other incriminating documents, records, details of dubious companies and electronic devices were also seized by the central agency.

They also recovered two black journals consisting of entries about the illegal appointments of teachers against bribes, collection of cash, and more. A detailed account of the SSC Recruitment Scam can be read here.

Sanjay Dutt ‘stands with’ super flop film Shamshera, gaslights audience for calling out the Hinduphobic content

OpIndia Staff
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Sanjay Dutt ‘stands with’ super flop film Shamshera, gaslights audience for calling out the Hinduphobic content

Film actor Sanjay Dutt on Thursday took to social media and said that he stands by the film Shamshera and tweeted ‘#ShamsheraIsOurs’ claiming that those who have criticised the film over its Hinduphobic content are ‘spewing hatred’ on ‘one of the most hardworking and talented actors of our times’.

Dutt claimed the film got a lot of hate, some of it by people who had not even seen it and claimed that he found it ‘horrible’ that people don’t ‘respect the hard work’ we all put in. Shamshera has been receiving a lot of criticism not only over its Hinduphobic content, but even mainstream ‘film critics’ have also trashed it over its content.

Dutt ended his rant with a couplet ‘kuch toh log kahenge’ (people will say things), thereby dismissing viewer feedback, people who actually pay money to watch their films and demonised them.

The emotional train wreck was triggered by a post by the film’s director, Karan Malhotra, who, took to Twitter on Wednesday to pen a note to the film to talk about the ‘hate’ and ‘humiliation’.

In a note he claimed that all the criticism that came his way for a seemingly badly made film made him ‘abandon’ it and he got ‘weak’. But now he was, claiming ownership of it and being proud of a film the audiences have rejected.

Usually when a film is a hit and successful, the filmmakers rush to take ownership and take credit, especially the director and actor. However, it seems, now when a film doesn’t do well, the audience is to be blamed for the same.

Shamshera and its Hinduphobic content

Shamshera has been on the receiving end of criticism not only from apolitical mainstream film critics who have giving it low rating and even called it unbearable, but even an average movie-going audience seem to be unhappy with the storyline. Shamshera portrays the villain, played by Sanjay Dutt (Shuddh Singh) as a devout Hindu and a ruthless barbarian. He is shown in the film as a devout Hindu with a Shikha and a Tripund Teeka. His character is named Shudh Singh, a brutal authoritarian general who has imprisoned and enslaved a warrior tribe.

With less than Rs 21 crore in two days’ worth of box office revenue, Shamshera, a movie with a huge budget of Rs 150 crore, has decisively been rejected by fans, putting YRF under a lot of strain. The film’s script has also been panned by reviewers for its weak content with many saying the storyline has no point. Audience feedback is that Ranbir Kapoor does not match the image of a dacoit, and neither does his voice. The screenplay was not well praised by critics too.

But ‘kuch toh log kahenge’…

‘If Jihadi violence continues like this, there will be a reaction, and Hindus won’t be responsible for it’: Vishwa Hindu Parishad

OpIndia Staff
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‘If Jihadi violence continues like this, there will be a reaction, and Hindus won’t be responsible for it’: Vishwa Hindu Parishad

On 28th July 2022, the general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Milind Parande said that the Hindu society will not be responsible for any extreme reaction against Jihadi violence. The VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal has shared a press note which quotes VHP general secretary Milind Parande’s detailed statement regarding recent targetted killings of Hindus by Jihadi Islamists in various parts of the country.

Milind Parande said, “All cases of recent Jihadi violence and beheadings, including the slaying of Praveen Nettaru in South Kannada district in Karnataka, should be tried in fast track courts to ensure speedy justice to the victims’ families and the Hindu society. The Central and State Governments should immediately consider setting up Fast Track Courts. If the Jihadi mindset continues to commit such sadism, viciousness, and assassinations, then there will be express fury in the Hindu society and there will naturally be an extreme reaction. If this happens, then the Hindu society will not be responsible for it.”

Milind Parande reiterated that Bajrang Dal – the youth wing of VHP – has issued helpline numbers at the state levels. He added that if anyone receives a threat of violence, then immediately s/he should register an FIR with the local police and may contact the said helpline numbers for legal and all related necessary assistance.

Appealing to the Muslim community to follow a better leadership, Milind Parande said, “The Muslim community will now have to decide which leadership it accepts, that of Madanis and Owaisis or that of Kalams and Ashfaq Ullahs! The Muslim community will have to dismiss and eject the extremist and terrorist mindset from its social order and show it the door, otherwise, the self-contradiction of their words and actions may remain as it is. Organizations like the Jamaat-e-Islami follow a double standard. On one hand, they stand in support of those Jihadi gangs who practice ‘Sar Tann Se Judaa’ (beheading) and also blow up bombs, and, on the other side, they pretend to offer refreshments to Kanwariyas.”

Besides, Milind Parande also underlined the role of social media in enhancing communal tensions. He said, “The materials that promote, incite, and inflame Jihadi violence are being circulated and spread through the Internet. There should be a complete ban on all such materials being distributed through the Internet. A conspiracy to build a Terror Corridor from Nepal to Delhi has come to the fore. In such a situation, the central government should make every effort to entirely neutralize it.”

It is notable that after the alt-news co-founder Mohammed Zubair dog-whistled the Islamists over Bharatiya Janata Party’s former spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s remarks about the life of prophet Muhammad, several Hindus have been killed so far by Islamists in various parts of the country for supporting Nupur Sharma. Recently, Praveen Nettaru, a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha member, was hacked to death in Karnataka. Many people living in different parts of India received death threats for supporting Nupur Sharma on social media. Bajrang Dal issued state-level helpline numbers where a Hindu in trouble can call and seek help.

Praveen Nettaru murder: Two accused named Zakir and Mohammed Shafiq arrested from Kerala, PFI links suspected

OpIndia Staff
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Praveen Nettaru murder: Two accused named Zakir and Mohammed Shafiq arrested from Kerala, PFI links suspected

The Karnataka Police on Thursday arrested two persons in suspiscion of involvement in the BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Kumar Nettaru’s murder case. The accused have been identified as Zakir and Mohammed Shafiq. The duo was arrested from Kasargod, Kerala. According to the Police, one of the suspects is said to have ties with the Popular Front of India (PFI).

Zakir is 29 years old and is a resident of Savanoor whereas Mohammed Shafiq who is 27 years old belongs to Bellare. According to reports, Shafiq and Zakhir are the conspirators, but the assailants are still to be apprehended. The Police have detained a total of 21 persons in connection to the murder of BJP Yuva Morcha member Praveen Kumar Nettaru.

The Karnataka Police on July 28 also mentioned that the 21 people who have been detained in the case belong to various Islamist organizations including the SDPI and PFI. “We have been investigating all suspected persons legally using the powers investigation officers have. Dakshin Kanada SP and Mangaluru City Police are also working on the case”, ADG Alok Kumar said.

Karnataka minister Araga Jnanendra has stated that the involvement of SDPI and PFI is being probed. He added that Kerala-based organisations have been involved in the murder of BJP karyakartas earlier too.

On July 26, Nettaru was hacked to death by unidentified assailants. As per reports, the killers came on a bike in Bellari, Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka, in the late evening and attacked Nettaru with sharp weapons. Praveen Nettaru, who looked after a poultry business, was returning home when the attack happened. The assailants escaped after the attack. Praveen was rushed to the hospital, but he could not be saved.

Massive protests erupted after Praveen’s death in the city of Bellare and Sullia. While the outraged BJP Yuva Morcha members started to furnish mass resignations, the members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad called for a bandh concerning the safety of Hindus in the state of Karnataka.

The Police amid the investigation gained CCTV footage near Praveen’s shop which showed some of the persons moving suspiciously. Reports mention that the footage showed suspects waiting for the deceased on the roadside for about 30 minutes and riding towards the chicken shop just before the murder.

The Police have arrested two accused named Zakir and Mohammed Shafiq in connection with the murder. According to the reports, Shafiq and Zakhir are the conspirators, but the assailants are yet to be apprehended. Investigations in the case are still underway.

Maharashtra: CM Eknath Shinde led govt to withdraw cases filed for agitations during Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav under the MVA regime

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: CM Eknath Shinde led govt to withdraw cases filed for agitations during Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav under the MVA regime

On Wednesday, the Maharashtra government led by CM Eknath Shinde decided to withdraw all the legal cases filed in connection with the alleged agitations during the Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav. CM Shinde announced that all such cases up to March 2022 will be withdrawn.

“In the cabinet meeting today, it has been decided to withdraw all the cases up to March 2022 in political and social agitations in the entire state in connection with Ganesh Utsav and Dahi Handi (Krishna Janmashtami)”, the chief minister said after the cabinet meeting at Mantralaya, state headquarters on July 28. He also said that the cases filed against people for violating the COVID guidelines will also be taken back.

According to reports, the Maharashtra government held a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to provide relief to many who have faced charges for violating the COVID rules during the pandemic. Many students who desire to study abroad have also been relieved by the ruling govt, as they will now have no difficulty obtaining no-objection certifications for visas owing to lawsuits against them.

The violators of the COVID limitations were charged under Section 188 for disobeying a validly issued order by a public official. Persons were arrested for violating lockdown limits, curfews, prohibitory orders prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, and not wearing masks, among other things. There are around 10,000 cases filed across the state for violating COVID restrictions.

In addition, the state cabinet resolved to drop social and political proceedings filed against individuals until March of this year. Furthermore, the state administration also made other decisions, such as offering a 50,000 bonus to farmers who repay their debts in a regular manner for two consecutive years and lowering electricity tariffs by 1 per unit for farmers participating in the drip irrigation system, among others.

“The erstwhile government had made the farmers ineligible for the incentive who have got financial assistance from the state for floods but we have decided to provide the incentive to all the farmers. The decision will benefit 14 lakh farmers,” CM Shinde was quoted. The state administration has also meanwhile agreed to make certain discounts available to landless persons who qualify for the rural housing plan.

“The beneficiaries of the decision will be charged with ₹1,000 as stamp duty for the property instead of charging stamp duty as per ready reckoner rates. They will also be given a 50% discount on the measurement fees of the plot,” the chief minister said.

Smriti vs Sonia in Lok Sabha: Here is what happened on the floor of the House after a heated argument on ‘Rashtrapatni’ comment by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

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Smriti vs Sonia in Lok Sabha: Here is what happened on the floor of the House after a heated argument on ‘Rashtrapatni’ comment by Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

On July 28, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi angrily told fellow Member of Parliament Union Minister Smriti Irani ‘Don’t talk to me’ as the debate inside the Lok Sabha got too heated. The exchange between Gandhi and Irani took place in Lok Sabha following the loud protests that happened against Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for calling President Droupadi Murmu ‘Rashtrapatni’. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs demanded an apology from Sonia Gandhi for Chowdhury’s remarks.

Smriti Irani lashed out at Congress and demanded that being the head of the party, Sonia Gandhi must apologise for what Chowdhury had said. Members of NDA held placards with ‘Sonia Gandhi, apologise’ written on them. The Union Minister said, “Sonia Gandhi, you sanctioned the humiliation of Droupadi Murmu. Sonia Ji sanctioned humiliation of a woman at the highest constitutional post.”

Amidst the loud protests, the Lok Sabha speaker adjourned the house. Sonia Gandhi then walked across the floor of the House to speak to BJP MP Rama Devi and said, “Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had already apologised. Why am I being dragged into this?” As per the sources, Union Minister Smriti Irani intervened and questioned Gandhi, “Madam, may I help you? I took your name.”

Sonia Gandhi, who was already irked by her name being mentioned because of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, angrily said, “Don’t talk to me.” As per reports, Trinamool Congress MPs and NCP’s Supriya Sule took Sonia Gandhi away from BJP members.

Following the war-of-words inside Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi left the house, where media reporters asked her if she would apologise for what Chowdhury had said. To which she replied, “He has already apologised.”

In a statement to the media, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “When Sonia Gandhi came to our MP and tried to talk to her, one of our other MPs came and asked what had happened. That time Sonia Gandhi said, ‘You don’t talk to me’ with an almost threatening voice. She has not apologised for her behaviour. Secondly, she is misleading that Adhir has apologised. What is this behaviour?”

The controversial ‘Rashtrapatni’ comment by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has sparked a massive controversy by calling President Draupadi Murmu ‘Rashtrapatni’. The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned after a huge uproar over this issue. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury admitted that it was his ‘mistake’ to call President Draupadi Murmu ‘Rashtrapatni’. However, the Congress leader has refused to apologize and said that the ruling party is trying to make mountain out of a molehill.

Amidst the uproar, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has clarified his statement. He said, “Two days ago when I was going towards Vijay Chowk, I was being asked where you’re going. I was telling them that I want to go to Rashtrapati Bhavan and meet the President. Yesterday, I spoke this word (Rashtrapatni – apparently meaning wife of the nation) by mistake. I know that whoever the President of India is, he is the ‘Rashtrapati’ for us. I spoke that word only once. This is a mistake. But some people of the ruling party are trying to make mountain out of a molehill. Once I uttered that word, so what to do now? Hang me to death. I don’t have anything to say about the BJP.”

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