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Islam in China must adhere to socialist principles and be Chinese in orientation: Xi Jinping in Xinjiang

OpIndia Staff
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Islam in China must adhere to socialist principles and be Chinese in orientation: Xi Jinping in Xinjiang

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered officials to step up efforts to maintain the conception that Islam in the nation must adhere to the socialist society supported by the ruling Communist Party of China and that Islam in China must be Chinese-oriented.

Xi recently travelled to the turbulent Xinjiang province, where Chinese security forces have been trying to oppress Uygur Muslims for several years. The Chinese govt has been accelerating its Sinicization program in the regiion. During his four-day stay in the region, which started on July 12, Xi spoke with officials and stressed the need of fostering a strong sense of nationalism for China.

Xi stated that believers’ regular religious requirements should be met and that they should be tightly unified with the Communist Party of China and the government. He was reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency as stating that greater efforts should be made to defend the notion that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation and to adapt faiths to socialist society.

Jinping’s remarks follow his first visit to the province of Xinjiang since 2014. In recent years, the Chinese president has advocated for the “sinicization” of Islam, which effectively means bringing it into line with the principles of the ruling Communist Party. Xi emphasised the value of cultural identity and urged all ethnic groups in the Xinjiang region to strengthen their ties to their native country, the Chinese people, and Chinese culture, implicitly denouncing Islam in the process.

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims in China

In the Xinjiang province of China, nearly 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities have been reportedly detained in a network of detention centres since 2017. By stating that the camps are vocational training schools, Beijing has refuted numerous and proven reports that it has tortured Muslims in Xinjiang. The Communist Party of China’s (CPC) objective is to integrate Uyghurs into the dominant Han Chinese ethnicity by stripping them of their religious and ethnic identities. While Uyghur Muslims face re-educational camps, forced labour, and digital surveillance, including their children being indoctrinated in orphanages.

The CPC restricts any news revealing the horrors committed against the Uyghurs in the detention centres in order to counteract scathing foreign findings. Several foreign journalists covering the plight of the Uyghurs have been expelled from China, while academics, activists, and survivors who try to expose China’s deceit have been mocked and harassed. Those who speak out against China’s illegal detention of Uyghurs are either intimidated or executed.

After Sangrur MP Simranjit Singh Mann compares Bhindranwale with Bhagat Singh, Khalistani sympathizers claim Bhindranwale was even greater

OpIndia Staff
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After Sangrur MP Simranjit Singh Mann compares Bhindranwale with Bhagat Singh, Khalistani sympathizers claim Bhindranwale was even greater

On July 14, Sangrur MP Simranjit Singh Mann stirred controversy by comparing Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale with legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. Following his remarks, Khalistani sympathizers took to social media and claimed Bhindranwale was even greater when compared to Bhagat Singh.

Mann had said, “Try to understand, Sardar Bhagat Singh had killed a young English officer, he had killed an Amritdhari Sikh constable, Channan Singh. He had hurled a bomb into the National Assembly at that time. Now, you tell me whether Bhagat Singh was a terrorist or not.” His remarks attracted an array of criticism on and off social media. However, there is a section of Khalistani sympathizers who saw the controversy as a perfect opportunity to inject their propaganda.

A number of Khalistani sympathizers claimed on social media that Bhindranwale was a greater leader and icon compared to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. A Twitter user, malwai_s, said that compared to the martyrs of Sikhism from every century, Bhagat Singh was not even worth a mention. He said, “I also was raised on the belief that Bhagat Singh was a great Shaheed, and he won Indian freedom. But the truth is very different, compared to the Sikh Shaheeds from every century, Bhagat Singh would not even merit a mention.”

Tweet By: Malwai_s Source: Twitter

Malwai_s was quoting a thread by another Twitter user ProudPunjaabi who tried to defame Bhagat Singh because he was in support of the ‘One Nation, One Language’ theory. He said, “Simranjit Singh Mann’s remarks on Bhagat Singh have sparked some debates. Personally, I grew up admiring Bhagat Singh, but it ended when I read his views endorsing “one nation, one language” and the idea of replacing Gurmukhi script of Punjabi with a ‘perfect’ Devanagri script.”

Tweet By: ProudPunjaabi Source: Twitter

From killing Saunders to bombing the Parliament, according to Twitter users, Bhagat Singh’s actions were questionable. He went on to call his actions acts of terrorism. He said, “And what to say about the bombing of Central Legislative assembly! I mean, what kind of a gesture was that? It is a textbook example of an act of terrorism.” However, he further clarified that he was not calling Singh a terrorist, but he would not consider him a revolutionary either.

Tweet By: ProudPunjaabi Source: Twitter

Another Twitter user and former Indian Express journalist Jagtar Singh echoed Simranjit Singh Mann’s remarks on Bhagat Singh. He said, “Bhagat Singh Terrorist and freedom fighter hero are relative terms. Shaheed Bhagat Singh was a terrorist in British India records. The situation is the same in the case of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, declared Martyr from supreme Sikh seat of Akal Takht.”

Tweet By: Jagtar SIngh Source: Twitter

Another Twitter user, lovemahal16, claimed Bhagat Singh did not do anything for Punjab, Punjabi, and Sikhism, and there was no burden to carry his legacy as Sikhs have a long line of martyrs like Bhindranwale. He said, “A community which has a great hero like Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale has no compulsion to find its hero in a person like Bhagat Singh. When Bhagat Singh left without doing anything for Punjab, Punjabi, and Sikhi, why should we bear the weight of his sacrifice? We have a long line of martyrs.”

Tweet By: lovemahal16 Source: Twitter

Punjabi Singer Jassi had made a post in favour of Bhagat Singh a day after Mann’s remarks came to light. In a Tweet, he had said it was difficult to copy Bhagat Singh. Replying to his tweet, Twitter user Virpal Kaur Chauhan said, “It is very difficult to become Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. If Bhagat Singh was martyred for the country, then Sant Jarnail Singh was also martyred for the rights of his community and Punjab. When Saints are called terrorists, you never made any such comments.”

Tweet by Virpal Kaur Chauhan. Source: Twitter

Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh’s struggle for independence is well documented, and he is referred to as one of the greatest freedom fighters who sacrificed his life for the country. He was hanged till death by the British government along with Sukhdev and Rajguru on March 23, 1931.

Tamil Nadu: DMK MP S Senthilkumar objects ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for road project, insults Hindu priest

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu: DMK MP S Senthilkumar objects ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for road project, insults Hindu priest

S Senthilkumar, a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, has stirred controversy by objecting to a Hindu priest doing ‘Bhoomi Pujan’ for a road project. When the MP arrived in his home district, he questioned an official if he was aware that a government function should not be arranged in such a way that just one religion’s prayers were included.

“Sir, Do you have instructions or not that government functions should not be held like this. Are you aware or not?” he asked. He even shared the video of the incident through his Twitter handle.

The Hindu priest who attended the function wearing saffron robes was also insulted by S Senthilkumar. Pointing towards the Hindu priest, the MP asked the official, “What is this? Where are the other religions? Where are the Christians and Muslims? Invite the Church father, the Imam, invite those who do not profess any religion, the atheists’, the Dravidar Kazhagam (representatives).”

The MP also urged authorities present to ‘clean’ everything, presumably alluding to preparations for the Hindu priest to perform Bhoomi Puja alone. The event was held for the groundbreaking of a road project in Tamilnadu’s Dharmapuri District.

Narayanan Thirupathy, the vice president of the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), fiercely denounced Senthilkumar and questioned if the MP would have behaved in the same way if the official had been Muslim and had offered prayers in accordance with Islamic principles. Pujas are performed with the employees’ beliefs in mind, not for the benefit of the government, he said. “Senthilkumar’s behaviour was childish,” he continued, adding that Senthilkumar must apologise to the public for disrespecting people’s faith.

In a tweet, Thirupathy wrote, “I strongly condemn @DrSenthil_MDRD for insulting Hindu beliefs and rituals at a work place where poojas were about to be performed by the workers to their beliefs. His abuse and behaviour has once confirmed that @arivalayam is a anti-Hindu party.”

Humans of Bombay issues clarification after netizens question the authenticity of Muskaan’s story

OpIndia Staff
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Humans of Bombay issues clarification after netizens question the authenticity of Muskaan’s story

Hours after netizens questioned the authenticity of the ‘Harvard story’ of a 22-year-old Muskaan and the associated fundraising campaign, ‘Humans of Bombay’ have issued clarification.

In an Instagram post, the Indian photoblog stated, “At Humans Of Bombay, no fundraiser is taken up without an elaborate vetting of documents and due diligence. Muskaan’s story is no different.”

‘Humans of Bombay’ claimed that it confirmed every fact of the case and reviewed her document before promoting the fundraiser. It had uploaded soft copies of Muskaan’s Harvard admission letter, the breakup of the fee structure, Harvard loan receipt, visa document, flight tickets and lease agreement.

The Indian photoblog stated that Muskaan’s flight is scheduled for July 20, 2022. It also explained why the location of the 22-year-old varied across fundraising platforms such as Ketto and Milaap.

Humans of Bombay clarified, “We have also noticed a miscommunication about Muskaan’s location on another crowdfunding platform– this stemmed from the fact that she shared with us (during the hour-long interview) that a few years ago, she moved to Chandigarh with her mom (where they’re currently residing) and this information wasn’t shared with the other platform.”

It further added, “Muskaan is running multiple fundraisers to cover her cost of ₹73 Lacs ($ 91,788) Her ₹5 Lacs loan ($19000) only covers 1/5th of her expenses. Our aim was simple– to realise Muskaan and her mom’s dream of seeing Muskaan study at a college of her choice.”

“Should you, however, feel the need to further cross verify you are free to check in with the college’s admission office. We hope this settles any kind of discrepancy– our utmost priority has always been and will always be to be transparent with our community,” the photoblog concluded.

The background of the controversy

On Thursday (July 14), the popular Indian photoblog ‘Humans of Bombay’ posted the story of a 22-year-old Muskaan, who apparently required ₹23 lakhs to pursue a master’s in Psychology at Harvard University.

The Instagram post detailed her journey as an ‘anxious’ teenager who found guidance under her school counsellor. ‘Humans of Bombay’ claimed that Muskaan spent ₹2.5 lakhs in application and visa fees.

“My mom is a single mom & the breadwinner; she’s putting down her savings for me. Still, Rs. 23 lakhs more are required for me to study there…,” the post stated.

The popular photoblog posted the link to a fundraising campaign, which was hosted on Ketto. As of July 17, 2022, the campaign has amassed ₹ 13,70,434 ($17176.48).

Netizens were quick to point out obvious discrepancies in the fundraising campaign. Popular Twitter user (@BefittingFacts) informed that Muskaan had been running a similar fundraising campaign on Milaap.

Another Twitter user (@Naarad_Munii) stated that the last date to confirm Muskaan’s admission to Harvard was April 15, 2022, and that she has been raising funds for the same in July of this year.

One user claimed that Muskaan Bawa is a model by profession. He also sought the intervention of the Mumbai police. Concerned netizens also posted in the comment section of the fundraising campaign in the hopes to deter naive people from donating to her. 

Hindus demand implementation of Disturbed Areas Act in Ambaji, one of the Shaktipeeth where Devi Sati’s heart had fallen

OpIndia Staff
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Hindus demand implementation of Disturbed Areas Act in Ambaji, one of the Shaktipeeth where Devi Sati’s heart had fallen

On July 15, a Hindu organization named Hindu Heet Raksha Samiti held a mass rally and called for a bandh in Ambaji, one of the important Hindu pilgrimage site in Gujarat. The organisation sought enforcement of the Disturbed Area Act at Ambaji. They submitted a memorandum in the matter to the circle officer. The bandh and rally were organized to express concerns over increasing threats to the members of the Hindu community in the light of the brutal murder of Hindu tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

It is noteworthy that Kanhaiya Lal’s murder was not an isolated incident. Another man Umesh Kolhe was murdered in Amravati, Maharashtra, and several reports of threats to Hindus have been reported from across the country.

The rally in Ambaji commenced from the Khodvadli circle and passed through different areas of the city, with a large number of Hindus raising slogans and expressing their concerns over the increasing threats. They also recited Hanuman Chalisa. Heavy police force was deployed in the city during the procession. As per reports, there were no incidents of any mishap during the bandh and rally.

Ambaji is one of the important sites for Hindu pilgrimage and one of the 51 Shaktipeetha. It is believed that the heart of Devi Sati fell on this site. Shaktipeethas were formed across India including present day Pakistan and Bangladesh after Lord Shiva carried her corpse in sorrow after her selfimmolation following the Daksha Yagna.

Attack on Hindus in Gujarat and violations of Disturbed Areas Act

In recent times, multiple reports of systematic demographic change have come to light in Gujarat and other parts of the country. In October 2021, OpIndia did a detailed report on the Hindus staying in a society in Bharuch who were forced to sell their houses after Islamists purchased 28 flats in the building and sold them to other Muslims by circumventing the Disturbed Areas Act, thereby forcing demography change. The Hindus had put up ‘for sale’ banners following the change in demography. There were reports that the Hindus were even forced to stop Aarti at a local temple.

A similar case took place in Surat. Reports suggest a Muslim builder brought in a Hindu partner temporarily for the purchase of land in Surat’s Adajan area, where the Disturbed Areas Act is in place. As a Hindu partner, they got permission to construct a building next to a temple. The activist named Asit Gandhi, who raised objections over the construction, had told OpIndia that such deals were rampant in Gujarat.

Another case happened in Ahmedabad’s Paldi area, where the Disturbed Areas Act is in place. In June 2019, Varsha Flats in Jankalyan Cooperative Housing Society in Paldi landed in controversy after the mandatory sanction sale was withdrawn. When the society went for redevelopment, many Muslim families purchased the property. However, because the area falls under the Disturbed Areas Act, due process, including the Collector’s permission, would be needed for the deal to be concluded.

Subsequently, Collector asked the 13 residents of Varsha Flats to vacate the apartments as they were in violation of the Disturbed Areas Act. An FIR was filed against the builders and owners of Varsha Flat for violation of the Disturbed Areas Act.

The Disturbed Areas Act

District Administration, to maintain communal harmony and peace, could declare certain areas as ‘Disturbed Areas’ which are susceptible to demography change. The transfer of immovable property in these areas would require an elaborate procedure. The seller, in the application, must mention that the seller is selling the property of their own free will.

Disturbed Areas Act is often wrongly interpreted as it applicable where at least one party between buyer and seller is either Hindu or Muslim. The thing is, any such transactions in such areas would require following due process. This is to preserve the religious and community value and identity of the areas which are susceptible to demographic change.

Murder of Hindu man Kanhaiya Lal

On June 28, a Hindu man named Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor by profession, was murdered in Udaipur, Rajasthan for allegedly publishing a post supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. Another Hindu businessman named Umesh Kohle was also murdered for the same reason in Amravati, Maharashtra. Several people have been threatened by the Islamists for supporting Sharma who was suspended from the party over alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammed. Recently, Police protection was provided to two businessmen from Udaipur after they received death threats.

Rajasthan: Two more men get ‘sar tan se juda’ threats in Udaipur, probe initiated

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Two more men get ‘sar tan se juda’ threats in Udaipur, probe initiated

On the intervening night of July 15 and July 16, two Hindu men from Udaipur received death threats. As per reports, the businessmen received ‘star tan se juda’ threats on the messaging platform WhatsApp. The message had come from an international mobile number. Complaints have been filed in the matter, and the Police have initiated a probe. Furthermore, Police personnel have been deployed outside shops and houses of the traders.

The businessmen who received the threats are residents of the Dhanmandi Police Station area in Udaipur where Kanhaiya Lal was murdered. One of the businessmen who works as a hairdresser received a text from a number with +96 (Iran) country code. The message read, “It has been long since you have been doing haircuts for others. Now the time has come to cut off your head. You will receive the same fate as Kanhaiya Lal. Your recce is going on. Those who insult the prophet will be beheaded. Your ‘father’ is roaming around you.”

A similar threat message was sent to a cloth merchant identified as Hiralal Dangi. He was on a trip with his family when he received the message. Following the complaints by the businessmen, Cyber Cell has initiated an investigation into the matter. District Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Sharma said in a statement that efforts are being made to trace the caller as soon as possible.

Murder of Kanhaiya Lal

On June 28, a Hindu tailor named Kanhaiya Lal was brutally beheaded in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He was killed over an alleged social media post in which he had supported former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma. As per reports, his neighbour Nazim had filed a complaint against him, following which he was arrested by the Police. Kanhaiya Lal was later released on bail.

Nazim also leaked Kanhaiya Lal’s number, photograph, and address to his community groups. Kanhaiya Lal continued to receive threat calls and messages. Fearing for his life, Kanhaiya Lal shut his shop for six days and approached Police for protection. Instead of giving him protection, the Police asked him to compromise with the Islamists who were threatening him.

After six days, when he opened his shop, two Islamists came as customers and beheaded him. The two attackers, identified as Mohammed Riyaz Akhtar and Mohammed Gos, were arrested by the Police. National Investigation Agency is currently investigating the case. 

IndiGo flight lands in Karachi following a technical glitch, second Indian flight to make emergency landing in two weeks

OpIndia Staff
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IndiGo flight lands in Karachi following a technical glitch, second Indian flight to make emergency landing in two weeks

On July 17, the IndiGo Sharjah-Hyderabad flight was diverted to Karachi, Pakistan, following a technical glitch in the aircraft. As per news agency ANI, the pilot of the Hyderabad-bound flight that took off from Sharjah observed a technical fault in the aircraft. As a precaution, it was diverted to Karachi, Pakistan, and the plane was being examined. The airline is reportedly sending another flight to Karachi to fly the passengers to Hyderabad.

This is the second flight in less than two weeks to land in Karachi following a technical fault. On July 5, a SpiceJet SG-11 aircraft from Delhi to Dubai was diverted to Pakistan following a technical glitch. The plane was diverted to Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and made a safe landing. Reportedly, on the same day, another SpiceJet flight had made an emergency landing in Mumbai after a windshield cracked mid-air.

Following July 5 incident, Aviation regulator DGCA issued a show-cause notice to SpiceJet following eight technical malfunction incidents in the last 18 days. The DGCA, in the statement, said that SpiceJet failed to establish safe, efficient, and reliable air services under terms of Rule 134 and Schedule XI of the Aircraft Rules, 1937. The authority has asked the airline to explain why action should not be taken against it for the repeated safety issues.

Naveen Jindal says Police van outside his residence attacked, glass shattered, days after he got death threats, here is what police said

OpIndia Staff
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Naveen Jindal says Police van outside his residence attacked, glass shattered, days after he got death threats, here is what police said

On Sunday (July 17), former BJP leader Naveen Kumar Jindal informed that a police van stationed outside his house was attacked by extremists and the windows of the PCR van were broken.

In a tweet, he said, “My family is under the constant instant threat from Islamic jihadists for a month now. I have written to the Delhi police on several occasions in the past month.”

Jindal further added, “A PCR (Police Control Room) patrolling van and a cop has been deployed outside my house. Yesterday night, jihadists broke the glass windows of the van and sent a message.”

The former BJP leader requested the Delhi Police Commissioner to take appropriate steps to ensure his safety and that of his family.

However, soon after Jindal’s tweet, Delhi Police stated that the glass of the PCR van was shattered because of a spinning stone from a vehicle passing by and there was no such attack.

Naveen Jindal was removed from the saffron party over a tweet, along with national spokesperson Nupur Sharma, for making allegedly derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

He has been getting threats over social media since his comments were made viral after being translated into Arabic. Jindal had received several Direct Messages with threats that he would be murdered, the moment he steps out of the house. OpIndia has screenshots of some of those threats.

He had earlier appealed for security and said, “My family and I are under severe threat. We just sit and look at each other wondering if we will meet again. The government must initiate an investigation into this global conspiracy and also provide security so my family and I can be protected”.

Note: Report and headline updated after Police statement.

Punjab: AAP Govt seeks special package from Centre to bail out debt-stricken farmers, days after announcing free electricity

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab: AAP Govt seeks special package from Centre to bail out debt-stricken farmers, days after announcing free electricity

The Aam Aadmi Party’s freebie culture finally seems to be bearing down on the party as its government in Punjab sought a special package from the Centre to bail out debt-ridden farmers, weeks after it announced free electricity to households in the state.

On July 16, Saturday, the AAP government in Punjab requested the central government for a special bailout package for the farmers to help them tide over the crippling debt trap, promote crop diversification and also stop stubble burning.

Malvinder Singh Kang, the AAP chief spokesperson, said the demand for the special package was made by the state Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal with Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. The two had met at the national conference of agriculture and horticulture ministers of the states in Bengaluru, Kang said.

Kang said the AAP government had sought the package to address the financial distress suffered by the farmers, advance crop diversification and stop the persistent problem of stubble burning existent in the state, Kang added.

The AAP spokesperson further added that Dhaliwal had demanded Rs 15,000 per acre per year compensation for the farmers of the border areas to alleviate their financial woes. Kang said the farmers in border areas could tend to their farms only between 10 am to 4 pm.

Making a case for financial assistance from the Centre, Kang proclaimed that Punjab has been feeding the country and it is the responsibility of the central government in New Delhi to extend financial help to the farmers to defray their debts.

AAP government in Punjab promises 300 units of free electricity to households

The request for a special package came days after the AAP government in Punjab announced providing 300 units of free electricity to households from July 1, setting up 117 Mohalla Clinics and upgrading 100 schools as ‘schools of eminence’ in the state among other proposals.

Announcing the freebie scheme that has become a hallmark of the AAP governments, whether it is in Punjab or Delhi, the state finance minister emphasised that the government would fulfil its promise of giving 300 units of free electricity per month to each household from July 1, adding that it had already planned to finance this scheme by cutting wasteful expenditure and through enhancement of own tax revenue.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets PM Modi seeking Rs 50,000 crore package for Punjab

Earlier this year, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met PM Modi and sought Rs 50,000 crore per year for two years from the Centre as financial aid claiming the financial health of the state is very poor. Mann informed the prime minister about the financial condition of the state and told him that there is debt worth Rs 3 lakh crores.  

However, critics termed it an attempt by the AAP government to prepare grounds to blame the Centre for the non-fulfilment of its freebie promises. AAP chief and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had promised a round-the-clock free electricity supply to everyone in Punjab. He had also promised Rs 1000 monthly financial aid to all women above the age of 18 years in Punjab. He had also promised to renovate all schools and hospitals in Punjab and establishment ‘Pind Clinics’ along the lines of Mohalla Clinics where everyone will be treated free of cost.

NDA announces West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as its candidate for Vice President of India

OpIndia Staff
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NDA announces West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as its candidate for Vice President of India

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda announced on 16th July 2022 that West Bengal’s Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will be the National Democratic Alliance’s candidate for the upcoming election of the Vice President of India. The opposition candidate for the Vice President’s election is not declared yet.

Addressing a press conference, BJP President JP Nadda said, “The parliamentary board of the Bharatiya Janata Party has concluded that the son of a farmer Shri. Jagdeep Dhankhar is announced as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s and the National Democratic Alliance’s candidate for the upcoming elections for the Vice President of India.”

JP Nadda further said, “We all know very well that Shri Jagdeep Chandra Dhankhar Ji is currently the Governor of West Bengal and for the last three decades he is working in public life. He hails from an ordinary farmer’s family, that is, he has an agrarian background. He crossed many social and economic challenges to achieve the higher goals and he gave his best to serve the people.”

Jagdeep Dhankhar hails from Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, born on 18th May 1951. Lawyer by profession, he is in active politics since 1989. He served as a member of Lok Sabha from the Jhunjhunu constituency and worked as a minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs between 1990-1991. He also worked as a member of the legislative assembly of Rajasthan from the Kishangarh constituency between 1993 to 1998. Since 30th July 2019, he has been working as the Governor of West Bengal.

Earlier in the day, Jagdeep Dhankhar also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. JP Nadda further said in his press conference, “He belongs to a farmer’s family. He was raised in a small village in Jhunjhunu. He studied in the school of his native village. After that, he studied in the military school of Chittorgarh. He went on to graduate in Physics from Rajasthan University. He completed his LLB course and became the first generation lawyer. He became an established, competent, and famous lawyer in the Rajasthan High Court. He also became a very reputed advocate in the Supreme Cour, before coming to public life he was an established lawyer.”

JP Nadda further said, “He won the hearts of the common people while working as the Governor of West Bengal. The way he has served for a long tenure in public life, Bharatiya Janata Party and National Democratic Alliance decided to field this son of a farmer as the candidate for the Vice President election. He is a son of an ordinary family who went on to become a first-generation professional and has good experience working as a professional lawyer. Besides he has a fully equipped administrative capacity. Nomination and other procedures will follow soon as per the schedule.”

After Jagdeep Dhankhar’s name was announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Kisan Putra Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji is known for his humility. He brings with him an illustrious legal, legislative and gubernatorial career. He has always worked for the well-being of farmers, youth, women and the marginalised. Glad that he will be our VP candidate.”

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