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BJP goes ‘international’ as martial arts fighter Jiri Procházka launches his store, here is what has left netizens amused

OpIndia Staff
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BJP goes ‘international’ as martial arts fighter Jiri Procházka launches his store, here is what has left netizens amused

Following the announcement of the ‘BJP going international’, netizens are having hilarious reactions on Twitter. The revelation has amused netizens, who are perplexed as to what it means for the ‘BJP’ to have gone international.

The trend began with a tweet from a Czech professional martial artist and kickboxer. Jiri Procházka, a UFC fighter, offered a link to the ‘BJP Store’ in the tweet, and social media users became thrilled and began to circulate the message relating to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Following the tweet, Netizens started to quote the tweet referring to it and equating it with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India. A user shared the post writing, “Czech Republic BJP headquarter!”

Replying to the tweet by Jiri, another user shared an edited image of the same.

What is this BJP Store?

BJP is actually a sports brand started by the Czech martial arts and UFC star Jiri Procházka. He now participates in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Light Heavyweight category (UFC). He is the first and only Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Champion, as well as the first and only Czech GCF Light Heavyweight Champion. Prochazka is ranked fifth in the world in light heavyweight by Fight Matrix as of July 1, 2021. Recently, Jiří officially changed his nickname from “Denisa” to “BJP,” short for “bomby jak píča” (bombs as f*ck in english).

When asked about BJP during an interview, Jiri Procházka said, “That’s me. Bomby jak píča in Czech language. That’s my idea…when I started with martial arts I did some training for the special power of punches. That’s Bomby jak píča training, and after many years, I keep the training every Sunday. That is my special BJP training…Every Sunday is my BJP training. To fight a target and destroy guys.”

According to the brand’s website, the term BJP is derived from the name of Jiri Procházka, who founded the company. The company presently manufactures apparel, health foods, and sports equipment.

Maharashtra: Mumbra Police files second FIR against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged ‘blasphemous’ remarks on Prophet Muhammad

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: Mumbra Police files second FIR against BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged ‘blasphemous’ remarks on Prophet Muhammad

On May 30, another FIR was registered by Mumbra Police against Bharatiya Janata Party’s spokesperson Nupur Sharma for her alleged ‘blasphemous’ remarks on Prophet Muhammad during a debate on a news channel.

Sharing the information, Mumbra Police said, “Another case was registered against BJP national spokesperson Nupur Sharma at Thane’s Mumbra police station. Case registered under several sections of IPC for allegedly promoting enmity, outraging religious feelings.”

On May 29, members of the Imam Council met the officials at Mumbra Police station and submitted a memorandum against Sharma. It is yet unclear if the FIR has been registered based on the complaint by Imam Council members or someone else. Notably, Journalist Varun Singh has reported that the FIR has been registered based on a complaint by one Mohammad Gurfan of Mumbra. He has claimed that his “religious sentiments were hurt by the remarks by BJP’s Nupur Sharma”.

First FIR against Sharma was registered by Mumbai Police under sections 295A, 153A, and 505B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the behest of Raza Academy, an Islamist outfit with a history of violence.

Islamists lead the attack on Nupur Sharma, BJP spokesperson

Following a debate on Times Now on Thursday evening, Alt News cofounder Mohammed Zubair dog-whistled an online mob against Sharma, accusing her of insulting Prophet Muhammad. He was supported by other Islamists, many of whom issued death and rape threats to her and her family.

During a debate on Times Now on the disputed Gyanvapi structure, Nupur Sharma argued that since people are mocking the Hindu faith repeatedly, they can also mock other religions referring to Islamic beliefs. Taking that video out of context, Zubair shared it with his Twitter followers, declaring Nupur a rabid communal hatemonger and someone who can incite riots. So far, no action has been taken against Muhammad Zubair.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited.

Singer Papon hails Assam govt’s efforts to promote films in the state after representing Central Government’s North-East forum at the Cannes Film Festival

OpIndia Staff
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Singer Papon hails Assam govt’s efforts to promote films in the state after representing Central Government’s North-East forum at the Cannes Film Festival

Singer Papon who has delivered many hits has lauded Assam Government’s efforts in promoting Assam and Asamiya cinema. Papon, who represented the state at the Cannes Film Festival as a cultural ambassador of Assam was one of the luminaries from India who graced the global cinema festival.

Papon, whose original name is Angaraag Mahanta, is a singer, songwriter and music producer from Assam. Apart from being a cultural representative of Assam at Cannes this year, he also participated in the Government of India’s forum on ‘The Gateway to the Northeast’ as a panellist. While speaking to the media, he said that being on the global platform and being able to represent his state and the nation is a proud opportunity for him.

Papon heaped praises on the Himanta Biswa Sarma led BJP-government in Assam for its contribution to promoting Assamese cinema and the state as an ideal location to shoot films. Talking to Firstpost, he said, “I have been sharing my inputs with the Ministry of Culture and the office of our Honourable Chief Minister and it feels good to see their quick response to improvise the film policies and invite people from outside to come to shoot in Assam.”

“The government has also been looking into the requirements of the people for shooting apart from subsidies and incentives. The government in Assam allows you to hire filmmaking equipment, that is four times cheaper than the rest of the states. The connectivity in Assam has also improved. If this continues in the long run, we are on a speedy road to an inclusive and impactful cinema,” the singer added.

Talking about the Central government’s event at the film festival, Papon highlighted that ‘Assam – The Gateway to the North East’, is part of the joint initiative by the Indian Government and Assam State Government for encouraging international filmmakers to visit India to shoot their films and promote Indian cinema. “I have been talking to a lot of producers to understand what they require to make it more inviting for them to come and shoot in Assam,” he noted.

Apart from being a state representative, Papon also attended the event in France as a producer of two independent films. Papon’s films, which were showcased in the film festival, included ‘The Land of the Sacred Beats’ which revolves around the 550 years old traditional classical music of Assam, by Vaishnava Saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and ‘The Mystical Brahmaputra – A Musical Story’ is a tribute to the Brahmaputra and the multicultural co-existence of the music, art and culture of the tribes and communities who have settled at the bank of the river.

Assam’s Government’s push to make regional cinema ‘global’

It is noteworthy, that Biswajeet Bora-directed Assamese movie, Boomba Ride was also part of the five films that were showcased at the Cannes film festival as part of the Indian contingent this year. Produced by Luit Kumar Barman, revolves around the life of a 9-year-old Boomba who wants to study in an English medium school but circumstances force him to study in a government school.

The Assam government decided to help the Boomba Ride director travel to Cannes. Being on the official list of select films to be featured in France, “the Government of India took care of a major part of the expenses with visa processing, holding seminars to promote regional cinema, booking the auditorium, lodging, etc,” informed the director of the film.

Another Assamese and Moran language film ‘Baghjan’ directed by Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia made its cut in the ‘Goes to Cannes’ section at the festival. Upon the selection, the state government decided that it will help the film in its post-production.

Assam minister of cultural affairs Bimal Borah congratulated the filmmaker on Twitter, when he wrote “This year, two movies from Assam will be screened and pitched in two different sections organized alongside Cannes Film Festival. We congratulate both the directors. I would like to inform you that we are extending support by providing travel expenditure of Biswajit Bora along with another person related to the film while the Government of India is facilitating their accommodation.”

Baghjan’s filmmaker Jaicheng Zxai Dohutia thanked the government for its gesture saying, “I’m thankful to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and cultural affairs minister Bimal Borah and the Assam government for their interest in completing my film. I’m also thankful to the people and the media for the unconditional love and support.” He also expressed his hope that in the days to come Assamese films will see better days.

With a boost to the cultural representation of Assam on a global level and support from the local government, Assamese Cinema hopes to revive its glory in the coming days.

‘Farmer leader’ Rakesh Tikait gets beaten with a mic, ink thrown on his face in Bengaluru: Watch

OpIndia Staff
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‘Farmer leader’ Rakesh Tikait gets beaten with a mic, ink thrown on his face in Bengaluru: Watch

On Monday (May 30), an unidentified man walked up to the stage and assaulted ‘farmer leader’ Rakesh Tikait with a microphone. Within seconds, another man approached Tikait and blackened the face with ink.

The incident took place during an event held in Bengaluru. Reportedly, Rakesh Tikait was present at the event to clarify about a sting operation wherein one farmer leader named Kodihalli Chandrashekar was caught soliciting money.

After the two unidentified men attacked Rakesh Tikait, others present at the event began assaulting the duo with chairs. A video of the brawl was shared on social media by news agency ANI.

While speaking about the matter, Rakesh Tikait blamed the BJP government for not providing adequate security for the event. He told ANI, “No security has been provided by local police here. This has been done in collusion with the government.”

Meanwhile, the High Grounds police had informed that three people were detained in connection to the incident.

Rakesh Tikait ousted from Bharatiya Kisan Union for playing politics

Earlier this month, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), which had been at the forefront of anti-farm law protests, expelled ‘farmer leader’ Rakesh Tikait from the organisation. His brother Naresh Tikait was also ousted from the position of the National President of BKU. 

Republic TV reported that the duo was accused of playing politics and working for a political party’s interests. Not happy with the organisation’s involvement with politics, several leaders of BKU decided to end their association with Rakesh Tikait.

The farmer’s organisation thereafter split into two factions, with the breakaway BKU (Apolitical) faction being led by farmer leader Rajesh Singh Chauhan. While speaking about the development, Chauhan had accused the Tikait brothers of politicising BKU, which was supposedly created to serve the interest of farmers.

Banned Khalistani terror outfit SFJ issues fresh threats to Punjabi singers after Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, says ‘death is imminent’

OpIndia Staff
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Banned Khalistani terror outfit SFJ issues fresh threats to Punjabi singers after Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, says ‘death is imminent’

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a banned Khalistani terror organization based in US, has issued a warning to all Punjabi singers within hours after murder of Punjabi singer and Congress politician Sidhu Moosewala. In a warning directed at the Punjabi singers, SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun asked them to back the Khalistan campaign.

Pannun declared that “death is imminent,” and that now is the moment to support the “Khalistan Referendum” to liberate  Punjab from India. The threat from SFJ came following the confirmation from Punjab Directorate General of Police Viresh Kumar Bhawra that Moosewala’s murder was the consequence of inter-gang rivalry.

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had earlier threatened Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Viresh Bhawra on May 2. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, SFJ’s president and a designated terrorist, advised the CM and the DGP not to take action against the Khalistani sympathizers implicated in the Patiala violence in a video message.

Sidhu Moosewala shot dead

Sidhu Moosewala, a Congress politician and rapper, was killed in a shootout in Mansa, Punjab, on Sunday. Goldy Brar, a close associate of renowned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has claimed responsibility for the dramatic murder of Sidhu Moosewala in Punjab. Goldy Brar, who resides in Canada, claimed responsibility for the murder in a Facebook post immediately after it happened.

According to Punjab Police, eight attackers surrounded Moosewala, and cartridges from three AN-94s were discovered at the scene. According to the police, the usage of AN-94s is relatively unusual in Punjab. Following the murder, the police reportedly arrested many people with supposed ties to Goldy Brar.

Opposition blames AAP government for the murder

Meanwhile, opposition parties have blamed the Bhagwant Mann government for the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. Moosewala’s mother, who is upset about the murder, has also blamed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab for the attack.

She said, “You removed my son’s security, and he was attacked today. They were saying there is no need for security. Now go and see how my son was shot. Shoot me as well. Such a useless government this is.”

It is notable that the AAP government revoked Sidhu Moosewala’s protection along with 423 other prominent personalities in Punjab.

Ashikul Islam, who incited mob to torch police station in Assam gets killed in a road accident while trying to escape: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Ashikul Islam, who incited mob to torch police station in Assam gets killed in a road accident while trying to escape: Details

The Nagaon police in Assam have confirmed that prime accused Ashikul Islam, who had masterminded the May 21 Batadrava police station attack, died in a road accident while trying to escape police custody on the intervening night of Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30. Three policemen were also injured in the incident.

“On Sunday, the accused, Ashikul Islam, was arrested by the police, and we brought him in for questioning,” Nagaon SP Leena Doley stated. During his interrogation, Ashikul admitted to having weapons stored in his home. “As a result, our crew proceeded in search of the weaponry. He tried to flee the car after the search operation ended, and the escort vehicle behind him accidentally ran him over,” Doley said, adding that he was declared dead at the hospital.

In what transpired, the Islam was being brought to Nagaon from Dhula police station when he jumped off the moving police vehicle to flee and was accidentally run over by a police van that was following. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

The police arrested Ashikul Islam on Sunday, May 29. Islam had then too tried to escape but after chasing him for around six kilometres, the police were able to nab him from the Mousida area under Dhula police station in Assam’s Darrang district.

Islam was the prime accused, who had incited a mob to burn down the Batadrava police station in Assam’s Nagaon last week. Reportedly, this was not the first crime he had been involved in. He has been involved in the drug trade and several cases of dacoities. He has many cases pending against him at the Batadrava police station.

Video footage had emerged showing Islam instigating a woman, who was a part of the mob of around 2,000 people who attacked the Batadrava police station, assaulted cops, and burnt the police station down.

The incident was triggered by the death of Safiqul Islam, a fish trader, while he was in police custody at the police station. After learning about his death, people from his community gathered around the police station and attacked it. The mob assaulted policemen on duty at that time and after that set the police station on fire.

Soon after the attack, additional forces were sent to Batadrava to control the situation.

Himanta Biswa government ordered to raze 5 illegal houses of rioters accused of setting the police station in Assam on fire

A day after the incident, the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led-Assam government demolished the houses of rioters who set up a police station on fire in the Nagaon district of Assam.

While speaking about the matter, Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma expressed grave concern over the incident. “We will take stringent action against those involved. At the same time, I would like to warn that we will not tolerate and excuse such acts till the government is in power” he remarked.

“Large-scale encroachment is there at Batadrava. I have instructed the DC and police to either evict or take other legal action against elements posing a threat to peace and security in the area,” he further added.

Sidhu Moosewala murder: As Congress and the Left blame security lapse, here is how they downplayed PM Modi’s Punjab security breach

OpIndia Staff
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Sidhu Moosewala murder: As Congress and the Left blame security lapse, here is how they downplayed PM Modi’s Punjab security breach

Sidhu Moosewala, a singer/rapper and Congress leader from Punjab, was gunned down on May 29 allegedly by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Since it made headlines, the left-liberals and Congress have been targeting the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government for the security lapse. Many top leaders have mentioned how Moosewala’s security was reduced a day before his murder.

Interestingly, the left-liberals and Congress leaders, who are raising their voices for the lapse in Moosewala’s security, had contradictory views when PM Narendra Modi’s convoy was stuck on a bridge in Punjab for 20 minutes due to agitating the farmers at one end of the bridge. Incidentally, the bridge where PM Modi’s convoy got stuck was close to the India-Pakistan border.

We compared the statements by some left-liberals and Congress leaders from two incidents to see how they reacted. Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Deeply shocked at the tragic murder of young Congress leader & popular singer Sidhu Moosewala. It’s a reflection of the collapse of Punjab’s law and order situation that he was killed a day after his security was withdrawn. Deepest condolences to his family and well-wishers.” However, at the time of the security lapse in PM Modi’s convoy, he had blamed BJP workers for the same.

National President of Indian Youth Congress Srinivas BV has been extensively tweeting about the incident and blaming the current government for the security lapse. On January 5, when a security lapse happened in PM’s convoy, he had tweeted, “Modi Ji, How’s the Josh?” He further downplayed the incident and claimed PM Modi returned as there was no crowd.

National Convenor of Congress Hasiba Amin said, “Shocked beyond belief on finding out about Sidhu Moosewala being shot with multiple bullets to death in Punjab. That to a day after his security cover was taken away by the AAP govt. May he rest in peace. This is just so wrong. There must be justice!” In January, she had downplayed the incident of security lapse in Punjab during the PM visit and posted a thread claiming 700 farmers died in the protests against now-repealed farm laws. The number of farmers who died during protests has a lot of loopholes, and questions were raised several times on the way deaths were added to the list.

AICC Secretary in charge B M Sandeep said, “Deepest condolences to family and friends of Sidhu Moosewala. Deeply shocked at the tragic murder of young Congress leader & popular singer Sidhu Moosewala. The collapse of Punjab’s law and order situation that he was killed a day after his security was withdrawn.” Interestingly, he completely ignored the security lapse during PM’s January visit to Punjab and had shared photographs of empty seats claiming PM had returned as there was no crowd.

National Convenor of Congress Ruchira Chaturvedi said, “My deepest condolences to the family and fans of #SidhuMoosewala. Just a day after his security was withdrawn, Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead. Will the AAP Govt in Punjab take responsibility for this devastating tragedy?” On the contrary, one of her January statements read, “There was no security lapse…70,000 chairs were put up for the rally, but only 700 people turned up. No point sulking, Modi Ji; have the courage to accept the truth.”

Journalist Aditya Menon while questioning the security lapse in the Moosewala case, he had mocked the allegations of security lapse in PM Modi’s convoy.

Murder of Sidhu Moosewala

On May 29, controversial singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moosewala were shot dead. Multiple rounds were fired at his vehicle in district Mansa, Punjab. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Lawrence Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the murder, alleging Moosewala was involved in the murder of one of their gang member, but Police did not take any action against him.

‘Abdul puncture banata hai, uska beta puncture nahi banayega’: Owaisi urges Muslims to contest elections and win

OpIndia Staff
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‘Abdul puncture banata hai, uska beta puncture nahi banayega’: Owaisi urges Muslims to contest elections and win

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi posted a video on Twitter in which he is seen addressing a gathering and saying that to date ‘Abdul’ has been fixing punctures, but Abdul’s son will become a scientist like Abul Kalam.

Owaisi said, “People who mock Muslims, such as members of the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, who remark that Abdul fixes punctures, we want to inform them that Abdul used to patch punctures, but soon Abdul’s son will become a scientist like Abul Kalam.”

“Abdul used to repair punctures but now, Abdul’s son will not repair punctures. Instead, Abdul’s son will open a cycle factory. It is our responsibility, my responsibility, to guarantee that the son of someone who used to mend punctures does not do the same,” Owaisi said.

He further added, “It is my responsibility that the son of a puncture mechanic becomes literate and able. This is why I am saying to contest elections and win so that no Abdul is left to repair punctures. Abdul’s son should not sit beside the roads. Abdul used to sell fruits while wearing a vest. Abdul’s son will no longer sell fruits. Make him dream my beloved brothers, sisters and mothers. Start dreaming because unless one dreams, they can’t be accomplished.”

Further stressing to dream, Asaduddin Owaisi said, “These merciless people do not want us to dream. You should start dreaming and we will fulfil those dreams together. Have faith in Allah. How long we will bear this injustice. In this effort, I need your support. Please strengthen the organization in Gujarat.”

Recently, another video of the AIMIM chief gained rounds on social media in which he was seen crying during his address as he highlighted the recent violence in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone and Delhi’s Jahangipuri. Owaisi said in his address that Muslims were wronged in Khargone and Jahangirpuri as their homes were supposedly demolished. He urged them not to give up hope and courage.

“People are calling and telling me about atrocities being done to them, their villages and shops are being demolished. One should not lose hope, there’s no need to worry. We’ll face it with patience but will never raze a home,” Owaisi said in his address. 

Threats triggered by Alt News’ Mohammed Zubair’s dog-whistling continue, AIMIM (Inquilab) announces a bounty of ₹1 crore for killing BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma

OpIndia Staff
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Threats triggered by Alt News’ Mohammed Zubair’s dog-whistling continue, AIMIM (Inquilab) announces a bounty of ₹1 crore for killing BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma

Ever since Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair unleashed Islamists on Nupur Sharma, the BJP spokesperson has been receiving multiple death life threats. After TLP supporters from Pakistan announced a bounty of Pakistani Rupees 50 Lakhs on Nupur Sharma, now an outfit from Hyderabad, AIMIM (Inquilab) has announced a reward for killing Sharma.

On Sunday (May 29), a local Hyderabad-based party AIMIM (Inquilab) announced a reward of ₹1 crore rupees to any Muslim who would kill BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma for allegedly committing blasphemy.

The threats were made by the party leader Qavi Abbasi. In a video that has now surfaced on social media, Abbasi can be seen making derogatory remarks about Hinduism and labeling the BJP leader as a ‘white collar prostitute.’

At the very onset, he said, “As you know, the punishment for insulting Prophet Muhammad is death in Islam. Whoever commits blasphemy, we announce a bounty of ₹1 crore for killing him/her. We had earlier made a similar announcement for Waseem Rizvi.”

“I announce a bounty of ₹1 crore for killing Nupur Sharma. I want to ask you what was age of Sita when she married Ram? She was 6. How many wives did King Dasharath have? More than 100. If we start exposing your religion, then, you will be on the road. You are a white-collar prostitute,” he said during his misogynist tirade.

Abbasi then went on to claim that BJP has become a hub of male and female prostitutes. “We have your records. We know how male BJP workers are exploiting their female counterparts. She (Nupur Sharma) is a white-collar prostitute.”

“Whosoever brings disrepute to the honor of Prophet Muhammad, we do not leave him alive. We also don’t let go of the dead easily. This is what Islam teaches us. I am keeping a bounty of ₹1 crore on Nupur Sharma. I am a High Court advocate,” he announced.

TLP supporters announce bounty of PKR 5 million for beheading Nupur Sharma

A Pakistani Twitter handle named ‘Labbaikians TV’ which claims to share ‘The Latest Speeches and interviews of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP)’ has shared the announcement via their Twitter handle. The handle announced a cash reward of Pakistani Rupees 5 million (Around 19.5 lakhs INR) to anyone who would behead Nupur for allegedly committing ‘blasphemy’.

“Ghustaak-e-Rasool Nupur Sharma beheader will be given Rs 5 million reward -Labbaikians TV,” the tweet read. The handle is run by supporters of the Islamic extremist party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

Soon after, Pakistanis began wishing death upon the BJP spokesperson and started feeling sad that they can’t commit this murder because they are on the other side of the border. “Kash me India me hota to iss ka qatal kr hi data (I wish that I was in India. I would have killed her then)”, read a comment by one of the users.

“Kill this woman,” exclaimed another user Aftab Hussain. It must be mentioned that Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers were responsible for the lynching of a Srilankan national Priyantha Kumara in Sialkot in the Punjab province of Pakistan over blasphemy charges.

PM Modi releases benefits under ‘PM CARES for Children’ to support kids who lost their parents to COVID-19

OpIndia Staff
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PM Modi releases benefits under ‘PM CARES for Children’ to support kids who lost their parents to COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the benefits under the PM CARES for children scheme via video conferencing on Monday, May 30.

PM CARES for Children Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29, 2021, to support children who have lost both their parents or legal guardian or adoptive parents or surviving parents to the COVID-19 pandemic, during the period from March 11, 2020, to February 28, 2022. The benefits under the scheme have been released today (May 30, 2022).

Addressing the event virtually, PM Modi said, “I am talking to the children not as the PM, but as a member of your family. I am very relieved to be among children today. PM Cares for Children is a reflection of the fact that every countryman is with you with the utmost sensitivity.”

During the program, the Prime Minister headed over scholarships to school-going children who have lost both their parents or guardians to the coronavirus pandemic. Modi also gave a PM CARES for Children passbook as well as a health card under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana to the children.

“I know how difficult the situation is for people who have lost their family members during the Covid-19 pandemic. This program is for the children who lost their parents during the pandemic. PM CARES for Children Scheme is an attempt to such children,” said the Prime Minister during the event.

“No effort/support can replace the affection of your parents. In their absence, ‘Maa Bharti’ is with you. India is fulfiling this through PM Cares. This isn’t just a mere effort of one individual, institution or govt. In PM Cares, people have added their hard-earned money,” Modi added.

The Prime Minister announced that under the scheme if someone needs an education loan for professional courses or higher education, PM-CARES will be able to assist them. He stated that these children would receive Rs 4000 per month to enable them to meet their daily needs.

He added that when such children complete schooling they would require more money for future needs. Keeping this in mind, the scheme would offer youths from 18-23 years of age a stipend every month and when they are 23 years old, they will get Rs 10 lakhs, announced Modi.

PM Modi further said, “Children are also being given Ayushman Health Card through ‘PM Cares for Children’, from this free facility of treatment up to Rs 5 lakhs will also be available.” 

“PM Cares fund helped a lot in preparing hospitals, buying ventilators, and setting up oxygen plants during the pandemic. Because of this many lives could be saved. Those who left us untimely, today this fund is being used for their children, for the future of all of you,” Modi added.

According to a communique from the Prime Minister’s Office, the scheme’s primary objective is to provide children with long-term care and protection by providing them with boarding and lodging, empowering them through education and scholarships, and equipping them for self-sufficiency with the financial support of Rs 10 lakh when they reach the age of 23, as well as ensuring their wellbeing through health insurance.

Notably, the central government has also developed an online registration gateway for children. The portal is a single-window system that facilitates the approval procedure and all other assistance for children.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set up the PM CARES Fund on March 27, 2021, after the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the country and invited people to contribute to the Fund. Along expected lines, a section of left-liberal intellectuals had launched a campaign against it, alleging that the fund will be misused as it will not be audited by the CAG. Congress president Sonia Gandhi had demanded that the entire money collected in the fund should be transferred to the PM National Relief Fund. The tirade against the PM CARES Fund did not stop there and several conspiracy theories were floated. They had repeatedly questioned the decision to set up a new body when there was already a relief fund in the form of the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Many opposition friendly media houses like The Hindu and journalists had written lengthy articles and posts to insinuate that a scam was brewing in the PM CARES Fund and hence, PMO had refused to divulge details.

OpIndia has then written a detailed report about the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, in which it is clearly mentioned that PMNRF has the PM, deputy PM, finance minister, Congress president and a representative of the Tata Trust and industry representative chosen by FICCI, as members of the trust whereas PM Cares have up to 13 eminent experts to undertake relief or assistance of any kind relating to a public health emergency including the creation and up-gradation of healthcare facilities. Most importantly, the eminent experts will be working pro bono.

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