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Tamil Nadu: Devotees denied entry to Palani temple on Thaipusam festival, Malaysia and Singapore allow temple entry with Covid protocols

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu: Devotees denied entry to Palani temple on Thaipusam festival, Malaysia and Singapore allow temple entry with Covid protocols

Thaipusam, one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated by the Tamil community across the globe, was a low key affair this year in India as the Tamil Nadu government had decided to shut the temple for devotees. Citing the threat of rising COVID-19 cases in the state, the Tamil Nadu government had declared that devotees would not be allowed to visit the Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple from January 14-18 during the Thaipusam festival.

In Tamil Nadu, Thaipusam is celebrated at the Palani Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani temple over a period of 10 days, also known as Brahmotsavam. Providing an alternative option to the devotees, the government had said that the devotees would witness the ceremonies and rituals through the temple website or YouTube channels.

Thaipusam celebrated in Batu caves Malaysia

Thaipusam is an important festival of the Tamil community and is observed with much fanfare in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius and Singapore. However, in Malaysia, the Hindus were allowed to visit Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in the famous Batu Caves according to Covid protocols and some preventive measures.

According to the local reports, the devotees this morning rushed to the temple, eager to fulfil their vows and offer prayers on the occasion of Thaipusam. The authorities at the Batu Caves had issued an SOP earlier that said they would provide devotees with a duration tag and would allow them inside the temple only after scanning the temperature and oxygen level.

The authorities accordingly allowed only 500 people to the temple ground at a time to ensure physical distancing and to avoid crowding. The Selangor police chief Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed said that overall, 1,500 police personnel were involved, with the assistance of other agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department to maintain the safety and security of devotees.

Thaipusam in Singapore

The Singapore government meanwhile permitted only the vaccinated devotees to participate in any of the Thaipusam-related proceedings. It has denied permission of foot procession to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple and said that only milk-pot offerings from the temple can be used. The Hindu Endowments Board in Singapore has also banned gatherings in and around the temple and is allowing devotees with pre-book time slots to enter the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.

Thaipusam is one of the most important festivals of Lord Murugan. This festival is celebrated in the month of Poosam with the coming full moon. According to the reports, the festival is dedicated to Lord Murugan who is believed to possess the invincible spear or a Vel. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving ceremony to Lord Murugan and signifies the victory of good over evil.

Earlier this month, the Tamil Nadu government also had denied permission to devotees in temples during the Hindu festival of Pongal and had cancelled all related cultural functions and gatherings across the state. On Monday, the state recorded 23,443 new COVID-19 infections taking the state’s active caseload to 1.5 lakh. In the last two days, the number of samples tested is around 1.40 lakh while the overall positivity rate stands at 16.71 per cent.

American billionaire recants after saying “nobody cares” about the genocide of Uyghurs in China

OpIndia Staff
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American billionaire recants after saying “nobody cares” about the genocide of Uyghurs in China

Chamath Palihapitiya, a Silicon Valley-based Sri Lanka born American venture capitalist, has retracted from the statements he made over the weekend that “nobody cares” about the genocide of Uyghur Muslims in China and nor does he.

Chamath, who owns a minority stake in the NBA’s Golden State Warriors basketball team and who operates a venture capital fund whose mission is ‘to advance humanity by solving the world’s hardest problems’, triggered a massive outrage with his callous and unsympathetic remarks for the Uyghurs.

Following the controversy, Chamath took to Twitter to issue a statement. “In re-listening to this week’s podcast, I recognize that I come across as lacking empathy,” Palihapitiya tweeted. “I acknowledge that entirely.”

“As a refugee, my family fled a country with its own human rights issues so this is something that is very much a part of my lived experience. To be clear, my belief is that human rights matter, whether in China, the United States, or elsewhere. Full stop,” he added.

While the 45-year-old American billionaire backtracked from his apathetic comments for the Ughyur Muslims detained at internment camps in China, he refrained from mentioning them specifically in his statement and tried to draw a moral equivalence between the United States and China. Far from offering an honest and unconditional apology, Chamath’s anodyne tweet appeared to be a delicate balance aimed at taming the spiralling outrage as well as keeping oneself in CCP’s good books.

Chamath Palihapitiya says nobody cares about what’s happening to Uyghurs in China

The controversy erupted during the discussion of President Biden’s efforts to address the plight of Uyghurs in China and its impact on the polls back in the United States. On the “All In’ podcast, on which Palihapitiya is a co-host, the American billionaire said nobody cared about the condition of Uyghurs Muslims in China.

“Let’s be honest, nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs,” Palihapitiya said. “You bring it up because you really care, and I think that’s nice that you care. The rest of us don’t care. I’m telling you a very hard, ugly truth. Of all the things that I care about, it is below my line.”

Chamath said his concern was more for various domestic inconveniences.

“I care about [empty shelves at grocery stores]. I care about the fact that our economy could turn on a dime if China invades Taiwan. I care about that. I care about climate change. I care about America’s crippling and decrepit health care infrastructure,” he added.

“But if you’re asking me do I care about a segment of a class of people in another country? Not until we can take care of ourselves will I prioritize them over us. I think a lot of people believe that and I’m sorry if that’s a hard truth to hear. But every time I say that I care about the Uyghurs, I’m really just lying if I don’t really care,” Chamath elaborated.

China’s continuous subjugation of Uyghur Muslims

Uyghur Muslims are being subjected to unspeakable atrocities by the Chinese Communist Party. From the last few years, several reports have emerged detailing the cruel treatment meted out to Uyghur Muslims living in the restive province of Xinjiang. According to a 2017 report by the head of the Institute of Sociology at the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing considers the increasing Muslim population in Xinjiang a threat to its political hegemony.

They are penned in internment camps that are euphemistically described as “re-education” centres. However, experts are of the view that it is a strategy of the Communist Party of China (CCP) to strip Uyghurs of their religious and ethnic identity and assimilate them into the dominant Han Chinese ethnicity. While Uighur Muslims are often subjected to re-educational programs, forced labour, and digital surveillance, their children are indoctrinated in orphanages.

Reportedly, Uighur Muslims have been the subject of a massive crackdown since 2017. They were held up in prisons for praying, travelling abroad, or even using social media under the pretext of containing ‘ religious extremism’. According to researcher Zenz, two counties and townships have directed authorities to leave no ‘blind spots’, contain illegal births, and decrease fertility levels.

BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule demanded arrest of Nana Patole, Nagpur police arrested him instead

OpIndia Staff
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BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule demanded arrest of Nana Patole, Nagpur police arrested him instead

BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been arrested by Police officials in Koradi, Nagpur. Earlier, Bawankule had raised serious discontent over Maharashtra Congress Chief’s statements threatening to beat up PM Narendra Modi.

Since Yesterday, The State BJP Unit leaders have demanded strict actions by law against Patole, who had made derogatory remarks about the Prime Minister and had threatened physical violence while addressing a group in Bhandara, Maharashtra. Patole in his speech was heard saying, “I can abuse Modi, and I can even beat him up.”

On January 17, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the former energy minister who hails from Nagpur, had registered a complaint against Nana Patole in the Kuhi Police station. On Tuesday, the BJP leader along with party workers sat in protest at the Koradi Police station demanding the police to probe into the matter. It is reported that the Police had assured Bawakule of enquiry and had requested him to take back the agitation.

When Bawankule refused to call off the protest, the Nagpur Police finally arrested Bawankule in the afternoon.

Earlier, the Congress state chief had clarified his stance saying he was talking about a local goon with a surname ‘Modi’ and that the BJP is accusing him falsely. Refuting his claims, BJP leader Bawankule during the protest said, “Patole should prove the identity of ‘Modi’ he is talking about. He (Patole) is doing a drama by twisting his statements.”

Opposition leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis has lashed out at the MVA Government for the action against Bawankule. In a tweet, he said, “Strange Justice! No action has been taken against those who used the language of assaulting Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. Instead, action has been taken against those who are demanding ‘action’ against this anarchy. What’s going on in this state?” he asked.

While raising questions about the state of democracy in Maharashtra, Fadnavis stated, ”Use the brute Police force as much as you want! BJP workers will not tolerate the silence and the people of this state will not forgive you.” The day has seen much furore and discontent against Nana Patole in the Political circles of Maharashtra and many BJP leaders have demanded enquiry and arrest of the State Congress Chief.

Illegal sand mining case: ED raids locations linked to Punjab CM Channi’s nephew, others

OpIndia Staff
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Illegal sand mining case: ED raids locations linked to Punjab CM Channi’s nephew, others

In connection with an illegal sand mining case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at ten locations in the districts of Ludhiana, Mohali, and Pathankot in Punjab on Tuesday. A property in Mohali, reportedly owned by Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s nephew Bhupinder Singh Honey was among the locations searched in connection with a money-laundering investigation.

Based on an FIR filed by the Punjab police in 2018 against one Kudrat Deep Singh, the ED is investigating a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Kudrat deep Singh is reportedly the primary accused who operates a quarry in Nawanshahr, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

According to reports, Kudrat Deep Singh had set up a company named Punjab Realtors to obtain sand mining contracts. Bhupinder Singh Honey is one of the directors of the company.

The ED assesses that black money was used to secure the sand extraction contract. According to insiders, the firm that was formed is very small and is unlikely to get a deal worth crores.

The ED is yet to issue a comment about the ongoing raids. A statement is expected after the completion of the ongoing raids.

Punjab’s opposition parties have accused the state government on several occasions of assisting those who engage in illicit sand mining. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said “It’s very sad to know that raid is being conducted on the premises of Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi’s relative in connection with a case of illegal sand mining. Punjab CM & his relatives are involved in illegal sand mining.”

Refuting all allegations, Chief minister Channi claimed that the raids are a political vendetta by the central government. “Raid is being conducted. They’re targetting me & trying to put pressure on me in view of upcoming Assembly polls. This is not good for democracy. We’re ready to fight this. The same thing happened during WB elections.”

Interestingly, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi himself promised last year in November that ‘Mission Clean’ will be implemented in the state, and that severe action would be taken against unscrupulous elements involved in illegal sand mining.

Here is how Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav earned himself the monicker ‘tonti chor’

OpIndia Staff
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Here is how Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav earned himself the monicker ‘tonti chor’

A video of Shaktimaan spoof of former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, is making rounds on social media. The video took a dig at the monicker ‘tonti chor’ that Yadav had earned in 2018. In the 2 minutes 20-second video, the lyricist called Yadav corrupt. The music and lyrics are based on the children TV series Shaktimaan. Where the word Shaktimaan comes in the original lyrics, ‘tonti chor’ was used in a similar manner.

The spoof also blamed the SP chief for riots during his tenure as Chief Minister. It also mocked Yadav for Samajwadi Party’s alliance with Congress’s Rahul Gandhi in previous Assembly Elections. The spoof pointed out that Yadav was behind the expulsion of his uncle from the party. Calling Yadav an imposter, the video further pointed out the fact that earlier, he was not interested in going to temples, but for the current Assembly elections, Yadav has been making references and visits to temples to lure Hindus.

How Akhilesh Yadav earned the monicker ‘tonti chor’

The whole spoof is based on the allegation that Yadav stole taps (tonti) at one point in his political career. In May 2018, after having a head-on fight with the state government over the allotted residence, Yadav was finally ordered by the Supreme Court to vacant the place and hand over the keys to the estate department. The following month, former-CM Akhilesh Yadav vacated his government allotted residence. The story here sounds fine but what government officials found inside the residence that Yadav vacated was beyond shocking.

Missing tiles, air conditioners, electric fitting and tap fittings

When the government officials entered the residence to inspect, a vandalised accommodation was waiting for them. Within days, several reports went viral where the damage caused allegedly by the former CM was clearly visible. Imported tiles, air conditioners, centrally air conditioner fitting, electric switchboards and other items were missing from the house.

Further, the damaged lawn added to the misery the accommodation was in. All those expensive items that were missing from the government accommodation took a backside as the officials reported taps, aka tonti, were also missing from the bathrooms. Rest all “stolen items” were forgotten but the alleged petty act of “taking taps” stuck with the former CM. This was the point he earned the monicker ‘tonti chor’ that is still being used against him.

It is notable that Yadav has categorically denied taking anything from the government accommodation. He had blamed the government officials for ripping apart the govt accommodation allotted to him and blamed government officials for allegedly stealing expensive items from the house.

On June 13, 2018, Akhilesh Yadav called a press conference to counter the claims that he stole taps from his govt accommodation before vacating the premises. He said, “I have taps (tonti) in my hand. The reason I brought the taps with me is that if the government thinks I took away any taps with me, please let me know how many taps I took. ‘main poori ki poori tonti dene ke liye tayyar hun’ (I am ready to give back all the taps).”

He further claimed as per the earlier provisions, he was supposed to attain the government residence, but the laws changed, and he had to vacate it. He got the installations done in such a way if he had to leave, he could take them with him. He also claimed he did not spend public money on his house. Yadav blamed the IAS officer and other government officials for damaging the residence after he vacated it. He also threatened the officers who alleged he stole items before vacating the house.

PM Modi mocked Yadav in 2019 rally

During campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi mocked Yadav for allegedly installing expensive amenities in his government residence instead of building houses for the poor. While addressing the rally, PM Modi exposed the hollow claims of the Samajwadi Party leader of being a ‘socialist’ and slammed him for leading an extravagant life in opulent bungalows.

PM Modi targeted the Samajwadi Party for misusing the legacy of late socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia to further their political ambition. He said, “They did not care to build houses for the poor. Instead, they were more concentrated on building their bungalows.”

“We used to write letters to the then Uttar Pradesh government asking the names of those people who were eligible to avail free housing. But, they (Samajwadi party leaders) were busy building their bungalow with imported tiles, furniture. I have heard there were some expensive taps inside the bungalow,” PM Modi took a dig at Akhilesh Yadav over his controversial and luxurious life in bungalows during his tenure as Chief Minister.

Threat to PM Modi, other international dignitaries, says intelligence inputs, security alert issued

OpIndia Staff
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Threat to PM Modi, other international dignitaries, says intelligence inputs, security alert issued

Intelligence agencies are reported to have got some details about a probable terror plan targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries on Republic Day this year.

According to a report by India Today, a nine-page intelligence feed revealed that PM Modi and other dignitaries attending India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations were in danger. Dignitaries from Central Asian countries, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are expected to be invited as key guests.

The threat apparently originated from factions headquartered in the Pakistan/Afghanistan-Pakistan area, according to the document. These groups intended to scupper public gatherings, key establishments, and crowded areas in order to attack high-ranking dignitaries. According to the intel, Pakistan-based Khalistani organizations are also mobilizing cadres to reunite and resurrect militancy in Punjab. They also want to carry out targeted assaults in Punjab and other adjoining regions during the upcoming state assembly elections.

Earlier intelligence agencies had reported that ISI considers the current state assembly elections as ‘now or never’ for Khalistan terrorism and have activated their networks to derail the election process.

Khalistani resolve to incite violence in India

This move comes after Khalistani organization ‘Sikhs for Justice'(SFJ) threatened SC lawyers since the Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter of PMs security breach in Punjab, stating that they would not let the PM Modi hoist the National Flag on upcoming Republic Day. Reportedly, SFJ has taken responsibility for the road blockade of PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security was breached on January 5 when his convoy was halted on a flyover for 20 minutes in Ferozepur, Punjab, owing to protestors obstructing the route. While the state government, which is governed by Congress, and police officers emphatically denied any security breaches, the incident holds serious concern in the security establishment of the country.

Recovery of huge amount explosives across the country

OpIndia reported on January 17 that police in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and New Delhi had seized bombs that were to do massive damage in the respective states. An abandoned bag in East Delhi’s Ghazipur flower market was found on January 14 with 3 kg of explosives, including RDX and ammonium nitrate, as well as a countdown device, an electric detonator, and some shrapnel.

On the same day, police in Malkangiri, Odisha, discovered a large stash of explosives in an area that had previously been shut off near the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border. Amritsar Police also seized an IED weighing around 5 kg from a locality near the Wagha-Attari border the very same day.

The Delhi Police, which has been investigating the improvised explosive device (IED) recovered from the Ghazipur flower market revealed that the explosive was part of a 24-bomb shipment sent by the terror state of Pakistan to Pakistan-backed terrorist sleeper cells in India.

‘Voting the BJP out will be a greater Azadi than 1947’: Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu

OpIndia Staff
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‘Voting the BJP out will be a greater Azadi than 1947’: Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu

PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti, while speaking at her party’s ‘Tribal Youth Convention’ in Jammu on Monday, has remarked that getting rid of the BJP in the upcoming elections will be a greater ‘Azadi’ than freedom from the British in 1947.

Mufti said, “Seventy-five years ago people of this country got a chance to fight for freedom against the British. Now, we have the opportunity to get rid of the BJP”. With a move to incite people stoking the ‘Azadi’ narrative, she said, “Getting rid of the BJP in UP will be greater ‘Azadi’ than in 1947 because they want to break this country into pieces.” She alleged that the ruling party is dividing people on the basis of religion. While toeing the religious line herself, she later remarked, “Sikhs are being called Khalistanis, The Hindus who oppose are called anti-national, and the Muslims who raise a voice are being called Pakistanis”

Talking about the Uttar Pradesh Elections, the PDP leader said, Assembly Elections are going to take place in Uttar Pradesh and they are recalling Aurangzeb and Babur.” She urged the people to read history and write down their own destiny while taking inspiration from it. Mehbooba further claimed that Jammu and Kashmir acceded to ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s India and not Nathuram Godse’s India’. Lashing out at the BJP she said, “We will not allow this country to become Nathuram Godse’s nation. They (BJP) pray to Godse but Gandhi was the biggest Hindu, a vegetarian and a secular leader who was not having any hatred against anyone, even those who were non-vegetarians.”

While giving big statements about India and national unity, Mufti called migrant workers from other states working in the union territory as ‘outsiders’. “They are giving jobs and land to outsiders and then they (BJP) claimed that this will do development in the state. I ask them to show development in Uttar Pradesh. They can’t provide hospitals in UP.” Mehbooba Mufti claimed.

It is not understood why was Mufti worried about the upcoming elections. Her party has no candidates in the coming state elections and Mufti has declared that she won’t contest elections even in Jammu and Kashmir unless the statehood is restored.

Mufti has time and again instigated separatism and incited violence against the Indian government. In 2020, she had stated that she will not unfurl the Indian national flag. Earlier, she had warned that if any government tries to touch Article 35A, their hands will burn and violence and bloodshed will follow.

AAP names Bhagwant Mann as its chief ministerial candidate for Punjab assembly polls

OpIndia Staff
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AAP names Bhagwant Mann as its chief ministerial candidate for Punjab assembly polls

Amidst rising uncertainty over Aam Aadmi Party’s chief ministerial candidate in Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal announced Tuesday that his party would fight the upcoming assembly polls in the state with Bhagwant Mann the CM face.

Bhagwant Mann is AAP Punjab president and a member of parliament from the Sangrur constituency.

Kejriwal ascribed the party’s decision to go ahead with Mann as the chief ministerial candidate to an unusual referendum, in the form of televote asking people to vote for their choice of leader as the party’s CM candidate.

People were asked to use their phones and Whatsapp to vote for their preferred candidate. More than 93 per cent of the people who voted their choice opted for Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal told reporters.

Earlier on January 13, Kejriwal had launched a mobile phone number and asked people of Punjab to send suggestions on their preferred chief ministerial candidates.

Punjab assembly polls post-poned from February 14 to February 20

It is notable to mention that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deferred the Vidhan Sabha elections for the State of Punjab from February 14 to February 20 this year.

In a tweet posted on January 17, ECI spokesperson informed, “After consideration of all facts made available, Election Commission has announced 2022 General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of State of Punjab on 8th January 2022 under which notification for the election is to be issued on 21st January 2022 and poll is to take place on 14th February 2022.”

The new date for election notification is January 25, the last day of filing nominations on February 1, and the scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on February 2. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is February 2.

Elections in the State will now coincide with the 3rd phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh. The decision by the ECI was taken in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer (ECI) and the Punjab government. Votes in the poll-bound State will be conducted on March 10, 2022.

Republic Day tableau controversy: How West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu allegations of ‘bias’ are baseless

OpIndia Staff
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Republic Day tableau controversy: How West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu allegations of ‘bias’ are baseless

The central government has dismissed state governments’ claims that the rejection of their tableau from the Republic Day Parade on Rajpath is politically motivated. The government refuted all of the CMs’ claims, asserting that the decision is made by a committee of non-political experts and that it should not be equated with regional pride.

“This is a wrong precedent, adopted by Chief Ministers of states to portray an outcome of an objective process as a flashpoint between the Centre and the states. This goes a long way in harming the country’s federal structure.” The sources from the central government are reported to have stated. They also stated that these chief ministers have perhaps “no positive agenda of their own that they have to resort to the same old trick using misinformation year after year”.

This comes after several states’ tableaus for the R-Day parade were rejected, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. All of the opposition states criticized the central government, alleging that everything had been intentionally done.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her anger and disappointment at the decision in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing that the state’s tableau was rejected without explanation. Some politicians in Kerala have called it an “insult” from the national government. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin expressed his disappointment through a letter that the tableau of prominent liberation heroes from Tamil Nadu will not be featured in the procession.

The spat erupted again on Monday, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin joining West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in pleading with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately.

Selection process of Tableaux

The tableaux are not decided by the Central government. The Ministry of Defence appoints an expert panel consisting of prominent people from various fields like art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, dance, amongst others, for the selection.

Before making suggestions, the committee considers the topic, idea, design, and visual impact of the submissions. Only a few of the suggestions can be approved due to time restrictions. Out of the 56 proposals received from states and central ministries this year, 21 were selected for further consideration.

To say that Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are being treated unfairly would be incorrect as the same central government under Narendra Modi had accepted Kerala’s tableau proposals in 2018 and 2021. Similarly, Tamil Nadu’s tableaux were accepted in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021 and West Bengal’s designs were accepted in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021.

Banerjee also accused the central government of disrespecting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for rejecting the state tableau. However, according to the sources cited by various publications, with this year’s tableau of the Central Public Works Department, which falls within the purview of the central government, incorporates Netaji as a topic. Hence, any question of his disrespect put up by the State government of Bengal does not even exist.

Rajasthan govt to spend Rs 5 crore on waqf land, madrasas; sanctions Rs 98.5 crores out of Rs 100 crores for upliftment of minorities

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan govt to spend Rs 5 crore on waqf land, madrasas; sanctions Rs 98.5 crores out of Rs 100 crores for upliftment of minorities

On Tuesday, the Rajasthan government declared that it would spend Rs 5 crore for the construction of boundary walls in waqf land or graveyards, madrasas and schools that belong to the minority community. This is after CM Ashok Gehlot on Monday approved the package of Rs 98.55 crores, especially for the development of the minority community in the state.

According to the reports, from the 100 crores set up for the inclusive development of the minority community, the CM has decided to allocate Rs 50 lakh for the development of traditional skills of the people of the minority community, also Rs 1.25 crores for the upskilling of the minority craftsmen.

The government will also be spending Rs 58 lakhs from state government funds for developing e-study rooms in 15 government minority hostels and Rs 44 crores for infrastructure development in minority-dominated areas. As proposed by Congress, under the Indira Gandhi Urban Credit Card Scheme, the Gehlot government has assigned Rs 5 crore for interest subsidy on loans. It has also decided to look after the development and restructuring of the Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur.

Reports further suggest that a research counter will be set up in the coming period for the upliftment of minorities and the government has sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the purpose. Official statement read that Rs 1 crore would be used for the Minority Meritorious Youth Promotion Scheme. The Gehlot administration has furthermore has decided to uplift the farmers of the minority community. It has proposed to set up a solar pump grant scheme for minority farmers at a cost of Rs 15.42 crore.

In the 2021-22 budget, the Rajasthan government had allocated Rs. 100 crores for the total development of ‘religious tourist circuit’ connecting places of worship of Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, and Muslims in order to develop ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava’. According to the census, there are 13 per cent Muslims in the state who are contended with Rajasthan government’s decision to undertake the development of 9 Muslim religious places under the 100 crore ‘religious tourist circuit’ programme.

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