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From denouncing Islam to the Quran to his demand to shut Madarsas, Wasim Rizvi gets candid in an interview with Hindustan Times

OpIndia Staff
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From denouncing Islam to the Quran to his demand to shut Madarsas, Wasim Rizvi gets candid in an interview with Hindustan Times

Former Shia Waqf Board chief Wasim Rizvi, who reverted to Hinduism by renouncing Islam in December 2021, has been making headlines for quite some time on various issues, be it his support to the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya or his claim that madarsas breed terrorists or his conversion to Hinduism or more recently his book- Muhammad. Speaking to Kumkum Chadha in an interview with Hindustan Times, Wasim Rizvi alias Jitendra Narayan Swami spoke about his stand on several issues pertaining to him.

Muslim bodies are aware that many more mosques have been built over Hindu temples

When he was questioned as to why, after practising Islam for 46 years of his life, he denounced the religion and reverted to Hinduism, Rizvi said that that the Ram Mandir issue had first prompted him to take the decision. He said that when he came to know that even he had been made a party in the Ram Mandir case, he attended a meeting of Muslim bodies to discuss the Ayodhya hearing.

“I asked them that in case you win the case, will you remove the idol from the disputed area. They answered in the negative. So I asked them then why are you creating an atmosphere of animosity and hatred. To this, they said that if today we give up one mosque, then we will have to give away many more in the future”, said Rizvi adding that the Muslim bodies were aware that many more mosques have been built over Hindu temples. He further said that he proposed in the meeting that a committee be formed to hand over those mosques to the Hindus which were built on temples. The Muslim bodies, irked with the proposal, called Rizvi a BJP, RSS stooge.

This is when he separated himself from the Sunni Waqf Board and submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court, calling for the construction of the Ram Mandir. This is when for the first time Rizvi was expelled from Islam.

Here the journalist confirms whether the expulsion was the reason for him to denounce Islam. Rizvi declined, saying that after he was expelled he started studying Islam and Quran and issues like Islamic Jihad and extremism. “This is when I started speaking out against the Quran because I realised it encourages terrorism. The Quran is responsible for all the carnage and violence inflicted by jihadists.”

“Quran specifically mentions that Allah requires Muslims to kill Kaafirs who do not believe in Islam or the Prophet. It explicitly commands them to wage jihad against Kaafirs.”

I have not read the Quran but understood it…it mandates Muslims to kill Kaafirs: Wasim Rizvi

Kumkum Chadha, the journalist with the Hindustan Times, discreetly criticises Rizvi for attacking the Quran, which “he read for 46 years.” Wasim Rizvi interrupts her and reminds her sternly that he hasn’t read the Quran but understood it.

Speaking about the Supreme Courts decision’s to dismiss his plea to remove 26 verses of the Quran for promoting terrorism, Rizvi maintains that he respects the Supreme Court’s verdict but he is dissatisfied. “I accepted the ruling and paid the Rs 50,000 fine, but I was dissatisfied with the outcome. I continued my debate over the Quran’s 26 verses. No decision can change my feelings about it. I showed them the mirror that the terrorist’s jihad is influenced by the Quran” said Rizvi.

The interviewer, constantly attempting to prove Rizvi’s decision to denounce Islam as a mistake and an impulsive decision tells the former Shia Waqf Board chief that he might have misinterpreted or misunderstood the Quran. It might have been a lack of understanding, said Kumkum Chadda adding that even if Rizvi disagrees with the Quran, how far is it fair to dismiss the religious text?

Wasim Rizvi retorted strongly to the journalist, claiming that he had not gone astray and had spoken only after thoroughly studying the Quran. “Allah has mandated Muslims to fight the infidels”, reiterated Rizvi.

The interviewer, who tries her utmost to defend Islam at every turn, questioned Rizvi why he had to publicly slander the sacred text even if he did not agree with it. Wasim Rizvi lashed back, claiming that he is only raising awareness about Islam and not defaming it.

“They are openly doing Jihad and we are expected to keep quiet, why? This concerns our security and humanity, how can I remain silent? You are saying I am defaming Islam…no I am not, I am merely showing them the mirror,” retaliated Rizvi vociferously.

The Hindustan Times journalist demanded to know why Rizvi did not speak against Islamic terrorism and jihad earlier? “The terrorist activities are not new, have been happening for several years… where were you during the twin tower blast…why didn’t you raise your voice then”, asked Chadda to which Rizvi replied that he began his study of Islam only four and a half years ago.

Chadda asked Rizvi if his personal grudge had led him to criticise Islam, inferring that he had done so selectively. The former Shia Waqf Board chief hit back saying “It’s not about personal animosity but humanity. If no one has spoken up against the Islamic atrocities for the last 1400 years why can’t you criticise it now,” blasted Rizvi.

“This is what Islam preaches. If you speak against Islam you will be killed”, said Rizvi.

Would have accepted even the lowest class to revert to Hinduism: Wasim Razvi

The journalist further questioned Rizvi about his conversion to Hinduism, asking why he accepted the downgrading from Syed- which is equivalent to a Brahmin in Hinduism to Tyagi. Rizvi explained that he became Tyagi as he was adopted by Yati Narasinghanand Giri’s father. Wasim Rizvi further told the journalist that he does not believe in caste and he was more than willing to accept even the lowest class to revert to Hinduism.

Responding to allegations that he reverted to Hinduism and joined BJP to save himself from the several cases that had been filed against him and from accusations of siphoning off funds as the chairman of the Waqf Board, Wasim Rizvi sternly retorted demanding an enquiry against him. “I myself demanded a CBI probe”.

Further explaining why he had been targeted, Rizvi said that his disagreement has always been with the “Mullas”. “I never became their rubber stamp… and how do you presume that conversion to Hinduism would save me from the charges levelled against me. Converting to Hinduism doesn’t;t mean the cases against me will be dismissed”.

‘Y’all are the secular people and do not want to understand the Muslim conspiracy’: Wasim Rizvi to the Hindustan Times journalist

The journalist here launched a veiled attack on the ruling dispensation claiming that it’s an established fact that BJP goes soft on the people who join the party and take a back seat against those who adopt their ideologies. She insinuated that Rizvi joined BJP to clear himself from the accusations levelled against him. To this, Rizvi strongly retaliated by saying that there is no proof of any wrongdoing against him.

“What is your political agenda?” was the next question posed at Wasim Rizvi to which he replied unequivocally that his political agenda is to weaken the strength of the Muslims because ISIS training is being imparted in every mosque and madarsa in India. “A huge conspiracy is being hatched which you will not understand or should I say people like you do not want to understand since y’all are the secular people and do not want to understand the Muslim conspiracy,” Rizvi riposted explicitly, further elucidating to the journalist the secularism is the biggest poison for people of her likes.

The journalist, looking a little flustered by Wasim Rizvi’s quick responses, told him at this point that he is speaking the language of the BJP. Rizvi retorted by saying that he only speaks for the interest of the nation. “I applaud the BJP people who speak in this language as it is in the interest of the country and the Sanatanis”.

Wasim Rizvi went on to slam the journalist for accusing the BJP and RSS of Hindu appeasement, saying that at least Hindu organisations such as the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal, and others are working for the welfare and upliftment of Hindus rather than nurturing terrorism. “What is wrong in preaching your religion?” Rizvi asked the journalist, who then quickly shifted to asking him the next question.

“It’s only been a month since I have reverted to Hinduism and in this small span of time I have at least understood this much that Sanatan Dharam is a religion of humanity”, said Rizvi, responding to the journalist who asked him how much has he read about Hinduism.

To understand Sanatan Dharma you only need to learn two words- Love and Humanity

Continuing her efforts to defend Islam and denigrate Rizvi for denouncing it, the journalist asked Wasim Rizvi how a person who needed 48 years to understand Islam could fully understand the Sanatan Dharam in a matter of months. Here, Wasim Rizvi astutely told the Hindustan Times journalist that to understand Sanatan Dharma you only need to learn two words- Love and Humanity. “This is the definition of the Sanatan Dharam.”

The journalist reiterated that Rizvi himself confessed that he has not read the Sanatan Dharam properly as it has been a month since he has reverted to Hinduism. Rizvi quips saying that who can be a better example of a Sanatani than the journalist herself. “One can understand from your face what Sanatan Dharam is all about…that’s why you are so secular…you do not want to believe that people (in an obvious reference to Muslims) out there are conspiring to kill you… you keep harping that they are good human beings…they are our brothers…we should remain secular”.

The journalist asked Rizvi whether he was trying to be sarcastic…to which he laughed and said that his intention was not to mock her but use the opportunity to explain to the Muslims that, “you believe in Allah and we are fine with that, but you need to bring some reforms within yourself, you need to change a little”, opined Rizvi.

The Hindustan Times journalist, continuously trying to persuade Wasim Rizvi that rejecting Islam and converting to Hinduism was a wrong move, argued that it would have been preferable to stay inside the community and faith and correct your own people rather than stepping out and hitting at them. The former Waqf Board chief retorted saying that how is it fair that only because he was born into Islam he compulsorily had to remain associated with radicals and terrorist organisations spawned by Islamists.

Hindus and Muslims have the same blood but the difference lies in their thinking and ideologies, opined Rizvi.

Madarsas will spread Jihad and Muslim revolution and you will have to give away another piece of land

The journalist further questioned Wasim Rizvi as to what was his logic or basis behind asking PM Narendra Modi in 2018, to shut down all Madarsas claiming they breed terrorists. Rizvi responded by stating that if the decision to close all Madarsas is not made today, a revolution will emerge from these Madarsas in the coming 15-20 years. “These Madarsas will spread Jihad and Muslim revolution and you will have to give away another piece of land”.

Rizvi further questioned the deliberation of the Muslim clerics to open Madarsas instead of schools. He stated that small children are trained in these Madarsas. Each and every Madarsa is imparting ISIS terror training to children. The only purpose of primary Madarsas is to teach young children the Quran. They are brainwashed and radicalised as they start understanding the Quran. This is why I urged the government to close primary Madarsas and stop funding them, said Rizvi.

If children are sent to school at that age and given the opportunity to interact with children of other religions, such as Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others, they will not grow as fanatical and bloodthirsty as Muslims are now, opined Rizvi strongly backing his demand to shut primary Madarsas.

The journalist, at this point, told Wasim Rizvi that she would not allow him to degrade the Prophet on her show and that they should be talking about logic and facts. Coming to Rizvi’s book, Muhammad, she contended that the book contained remarks against Islam, the Quran and Prophet Muhammad. She reminded him that a complaint had also been filed against him for the same. Here she asked: “It is ok to disagree with a religion but how correct is it to insult the Prophet?”

Rizvi retorted by saying “How are you considering him (the character in his book) the Prophet? You are insulting my imagination by calling him the Prophet”, said Rizvi matter-of-factly.

Evoking Rizvi’s remark that he wants to be cremated rather than buried, the Hindustan Times journalist questioned him whether this statement was driven by his admiration for the religion or fear that the Muslims will not give him a place in their burial grounds.

Rizvi painfully retorts by saying that the Muslims had denied him a burial space that he had reserved beside his father’s tomb. They had broken it. “If I wanted to be buried I had the option to surrender my views and beliefs but I have stuck to them. So, I told them to cremate me when I die instead of letting my body rot on the streets.

Again, in a futile attempt to persuade others that Rizvi’s conversion to Hinduism was forced rather than voluntary, the journalist told him that there are two points that convince her that he converted out of compulsion. Firstly when he said that he was abandoned from his community so he converted and secondly when he said that since he would not get a place in burial grounds he should be cremated. This is suggestive of some sought of compulsion rather than will. “Because I am not getting what I should, I will take what is available”, stated Kumkum Chadha, suggesting that Rizvi’s conversion was a mere compromise.

Wasim Rizvi lambasted the journalist for presuming that his conversion to Hinduism was a compromise. “My conversion to Hinduism is not a compromise. If at all I wanted to compromise I would have struck a deal with the Mullas only. When I reserved a burial space 12-15 years ago, it was obvious that I wanted to be buried as per the Muslim customs. But I was constantly attacked by the Muslim brethren. Yet I never surrendered before them. I kept paving a path for myself. This is not a compromise. The more I read about Islam in the last four and a half years the more aversed I got towards it and the community as a whole.

The journalist opined that after conversion Wasim Rizvi is neither here nor there. Neither would the Muslim recognise him nor would the Hindus give me space in their community. Wasim Rizvi slams the journalist saying that “No Hindu will disown me. They have accepted and embraced me with a lot of love and respect. Yes, you might not accept me as you appear more of a secular to me”, lambasted the former Shia Waqf Board chief.

Oxfam India, Jamia Millia Islamia among close to 6,000 NGOs who lost their FCRA license after not applying for renewal

OpIndia Staff
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Oxfam India, Jamia Millia Islamia among close to 6,000 NGOs who lost their FCRA license after not applying for renewal

Nearly 6,000 non-governmental organisations(NGOs) have their license ceased or expired as of January 1, 2022, after they had failed to apply for renewal of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act(FCRA) license.

The total NGOs registered under FCRA that are active or alive as of today, January 1, 2022, have come down to 16,829 from 22,762 a day ago. As per the official website, 12,580 NGOs are deemed to have ceased or expired on account of the expiry of the validity of their certificate. As per the source cited by Times Of India’s Bharti Jain, the NGOs lost their FCRA registration because they failed to apply for renewal.

FCRA license of close to 6,000 NGOs have been expired or deemed to have ceased
Source: https://fcraonline.nic.in/fc_deemed_asso_list.aspx

Among those who have had their FCRA license expired include Oxfam India Trust, Indian Youth Centres Trust, Jamia Millia Islamia, Tuberculosis Association of India, among others.

Earlier this year, the validity of FCRA registration of those NGOs that were expiring between September 29, 2020, and September 30, 2021, was extended till December 31, 2021. The government had then asked organisations nearing expiring for their FCRA license to apply for renewal in order to continue to remain active. However, close to 6,000 organisations out of 22,762 nearing expiry failed to apply for renewal of their FCRA license.

Then on December 31, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued another public notice, informing about the extension of the validity of FCRA registration certificates expiring between the period September 29, 2021, and March 22, 2022, of those organisations who have applied for renewal on FCRA portal in accordance with rule 12 of the Foreign Contribution(Regulation) Rules, 2011 before the expiry of the validity of their certificates of registration.

“All FCRA registered associations are therefore advised to take note of the fact that in case of refusal of the application for renewal of the certificate of registration, the validity of the certificate shall be deemed to have expired on the date of the refusal of the application or renewal and the association shall not be eligible either to receive the foreign contribution or utilise the foreign contribution received,” the notice read.

India can do better without funds of missionaries and evangelistic services: VHP writes a scathing retort to letter by Syrian Church

OpIndia Staff
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India can do better without funds of missionaries and evangelistic services: VHP writes a scathing retort to letter by Syrian Church

Hitting out at the Secretary of Mar Thoma Syrian Church over his letter charging the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) members with hooliganism against Christian institutions, VHP has said that India can do, and do better without funds of missionaries and evangelistic services.

In the strongly-worded riposte, the VHP Central Secretary Sudhanshu Mohan Patnayak told the church that people are aware of missionaries run educational and service organizations with the sole objective to convert the Hindu population to Christianity.

The letter war started after the Northern India Zonal Assembly of the Mar Thoma Church at its general body meeting on December 10, passed a resolution against the VHP. Syrian Church accused the Bajrang Dal and VHP of hooliganism and targeting missionaries’ run educational institutions across the country.

The Church did not stop here as Toms Niman, secretary of North India Zonal Assembly shot a provocative letter to VHP and demanded an apology.  

The secretary bragged about the services offered by missionaries’ run institutions. He further claimed missionaries’ schools and colleges ‘are providing the international level of education’ contrary to the pathetic situation of government-run educational institutions.

He said that the next time, VHP before attacking any Christian organisation, should keep the fact in mind that none of the Christian institutions depended on the government for donations and the VHP should not imagine blackmailing missionaries by using the government machinery.

Conversion is only goal of services of Church: VHP

VHP snubbed the Church for a scurrilous attack on VHP’s youth wing to gain some cheap publicity.

“You have made such serious allegations irresponsibly, without any specifics or particulars. They are unfounded and have been made only to gain some cheap publicity,” the VHP said.

The VHP said that Church runs educational and service organisations only to convert the Hindu population to Christianity and further accused missionaries of converting people through deceit and allurements.

VHP reminds Church about the observation of Mahatma Gandhi on conversion

VHP said that even Mahatma Gandhi had raised serious concerns over missionaries converting people in the name of the service to humanity.

“It is impossible for me to reconcile myself to the idea of conversion after the style that goes on in India and elsewhere today. It is an error which is perhaps the greatest impediment to the world’s progress toward peace. Why should a Christian want to convert a Hindu to Christianity? Why should he not be satisfied if the Hindu is a good or godly man?”

The VHP Central Secretary quoted the observation of Mahatma Gandhi about conversion published in January 30, 1937 edition of ‘Harijan’.

Leave India to God: may Church like to heed Mahatma’s advice

Calling the letter of the Church arrogant and condescending when claims about the quality of services and funds obtained from abroad, the VHP said India can do better without their funds and evangelistic services.

“We may respond that India can do, and do better without your funds and evangelistic services,” the VHP said.

“In any case, we may remind you of the call given by Mahatma Gandhi to the British rulers, “Leave India to God. If this is too much then leave her to anarchy.” You may like to consider the Mahatma’s advice,” the letter reads.

VHP to continue campaigns against conversion

VHP Central Secretary reminded the organisation is not affected by such baseless allegations and it will continue its campaigns against the conversion of Hindus. The VHP will bring the converted Christians back to the faith of their ancestors in all lawful and constitutional manners.

Nationwide Hindu awakening a threat to conversion agenda of Church

In the past couple of years, Christian missionaries have been facing problems in running the conversion agendas due to awakening among Hindus. This has strengthened nationalistic outfits like VHP to speak against conversion.

In October, VHP kicked a national debate over conversion by demanding a national inquiry commission to investigate religious conversions by church and missionaries.

The VHP has also raised its voice against the Church attempting mass conversion in Punjab and gave a call to free Punjab from the curse of conversion.

In November, last year, VHP members staged a protest against pastor Bajinder Singh’s Healing Crusade programme in Moga, Punjab which was set to be attended by Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi.

Betty White dies at 99: Here is the People’s magazine cover about her 100th birthday that she tweeted 3 days before her demise

OpIndia Staff
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Betty White dies at 99: Here is the People’s magazine cover about her 100th birthday that she tweeted 3 days before her demise

On Friday (December 31, 2021), American actress and comedian Betty White passed away at her Los Angeles home due to natural causes. She was 99, just 17 days short of her 100th Birthday.

Just 3 days before her death, the actress had shared her interview, with the People magazine, on Twitter. “My 100th birthday… I cannot believe it is coming up, and People Magazine is celebrating with me! The new issue of People is available on newsstands nationwide tomorrow, her tweet read.”

Following her demise, the said tweet had gone viral on social media. At the time of writing, it has 205.6K likes, 25.5K retweets, and 33.9K quote tweets.

Screengrab of the tweet by Betty White

While speaking to the People magazine, White remarked, “I’m so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age. It’s amazing. I got it from my mom, and that never changed. I always find the positive.” In a career spanning 8 decades, the American actress had influenced the Television industry to a large extent.

Born in 1922, she is often dubbed as the ‘First Lady of Television’. She worked her way as a model and actress. Betty White worked with the American Women’s Voluntary Services during World War 2. Despite the temporary halt in her acting career, she found a great deal of success in the radio and TV industry. Betty White played key roles in ‘The Golden Girls‘, ‘Hot in Cleveland’ and ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show.’ She was also one of the first female producers in the film fraternity.

Tibetan Parliament-in-exile condemns China after it criticised Indian MPs for participating in Tibetan Advocacy Campaign: Details of the statement

OpIndia Staff
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Tibetan Parliament-in-exile condemns China after it criticised Indian MPs for participating in Tibetan Advocacy Campaign: Details of the statement

Hours after the Chinese Embassy fired off a letter to 6 Indian Parliamentarians for attending the Tibetan Advocacy Campaign programme on December 22 last year, the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile slammed the Chinese regime for its illegal occupation of the region since 1951.

In a press statement, it said, “Historically Tibet has never been a part of China. Since the illegal and violent occupation of Tibet, China has oppressed the Tibetans under its brutal and draconian policy. Tibetans inside Tibet are deprived of their fundamental rights and the situation inside Tibet remains grim to date. Hence, the Tibetan issue is not an ‘internal affair’ as China has repeatedly claimed but a critical concern on Tibetan existence.”

The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile added, “The violation of international human rights law and hegemony of the neighbouring nations by China should be a concern for the international community. China in the name of economic development has only fulfilled its growing greed and is systematically destroying Tibet culturally, environmentally, and eradicating the Tibetan identity. Now China is displaying its dominance of free nations and democratic countries around the world including India.”

Screengrab of the press release by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile

The press release pointed that the Communist regime in China continues to put Tibetans under surveillance, who are now residing in other nations. It stated, “By sending the letters to honourable members of the Indian Parliament, it becomes evident that China is intimidated by the growing support for the Tibet movement around the world.”

“Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile does not consider it a matter of surprise because Chinese government has been performing similar behaviour in the past. China has yet again called Central Tibetan Administration a “separatist political group” whereas it remains the sole legitimate representative of Tibet and Tibetans across the world. CTA has been supported warmly by many nations in our endeavour of protecting the fundamental rights of Tibetans inside Tibet and protection of our cultural identity,” it added.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile further stated that its non-violent struggle for human rights has found appreciation from the international community. “Considering the growing aggression and propaganda narrative by CCP, at this date no nation would believe such preposterous claim by China. Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile openly welcomes an equal and non-conditional negotiation with Chinese government,” it concluded.

Participation of Indian MPs in Tibetan Advocacy Campaign miffed China

On December 22, 2021, six Indian parliamentarians headed by Union MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar had attended a dinner reception hosted by the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, prompting protests from expansionist China which illegally captured Tibet. Other than Chandrasekhar, the event witnessed the presence of BJP’s Maneka Gandhi and KC Ramamurthy, Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh and Manish Tewari, and BJD’s Sujeet Kumar. The Speaker of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, was also present at the event.

According to the website of the Tibetan Parliament, MPs attended the Tibetan Advocacy Campaign programme as part of the All-Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT). The programme continued for over a week. Besides these six MPs, others namely minister Ramdas Athawale, Janardan Singh Sigriwal, Swapan Dasgupta, Chandeshwar Prasad, Suresh Kumar Kashyap, Sabtagiri Ulka, and Rani Pratibha Singh had attended the reception.

Meanwhile, the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India Zhou Yongsheng shot protest letters to MPs asking them to refrain from anti-China separatist activities and providing support to the ‘Tibetan independence forces’.

BJD MP Sujeet Kumar, who has been appointed as the new convener of APIPFI, snubbed the Chinese Embassy for its undiplomatic move and asked, “How dare you send letters to Indian MPs? If anything, you can raise your protest through official channels. I think the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) should take a stand.”

Communist leader Kavita Krishnan outrages against a UP ad in the newspaper calling it ‘Islamophobic’: Did she just admit that all rioters are Muslims?

OpIndia Staff
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Communist leader Kavita Krishnan outrages against a UP ad in the newspaper calling it ‘Islamophobic’: Did she just admit that all rioters are Muslims?

Communist leader Kavita Krishnan took to Twitter today to rave and rant against an advertisement of the Uttar Pradesh government in the paper. The ad spoke about how rioters wreaked havoc before 2017 and now, they are lining up to apologise because of the strong action taken by the Yogi Adityanath government. Krishnan called this advertisement “Islamophobic”.

Taking to Twitter, Krishnan said, “Dear @rajkamaljha – take a close look at this @IndianExpress front page with a huge Islamophobic ad by the UP Govt enjoying pride of place. You can’t pretend that this is a mere commercial decision – this ad editorialises, & makes the paper a vehicle for fascism. Chilling to see”.

Interestingly, while Kavita Krishnan called the ad Islamophobic, a closer look at the ad itself could reveal how Kavita may have had a Freudian slip.

In the ad itself, there is no specific indication that the rioter belongs to the Muslim faith. This is to say that the rioter had no religious markings on him – he was not wearing a skull cap or anything else that would tacitly reveal that the ad meant for the rioter to be Muslim.

The ad simply said that the difference in administration is clear – before 2017, the people feared rioters and after 2017, the rioters are apologising to the police. The ad was followed by the slogan, “Soch Imandar, Kaam Damdar”, which means, “Honest intentions, good work”.

Kavita Krishnan, however, posted a snapshot of this ad and claimed that it was “Islamophobic” and went on to say that Indian Express was becoming a vehicle for “fascism” by printing this ad.

In calling the ad about rioters “Islamophobic”, many wondered if Kavita Krishnan had tacitly admitted that all rioters indeed belonged to the Muslim community.

When asked about the same, Kavita Krishnan had a meltdown.

Responding to author Aneesh Gokhale, Krishnan said that the ad was a “dog whistle” by the Yogi government and that he, presumably calling him a dog, has come running listening to that whistle.

The message, that Kavita Krishnan thought qualified for smart retort, was repeated to several others who questioned her and asked if she was admitting that all rioters were Muslims.

While her meltdown on probably realising her own blunder was for all to see, Kavita Krishnan claimed that the rioter in the ad was wearing a Kefiyah and therefore, it was evident that the ad was implying that the rioter was a Muslim.

A Kefiyah is fashioned from a square scarf, and is usually made of cotton and comes in several designs. In Saudi Arabia, even a plain white cloth worn around the head is called a Kefiyah. It is basically a square scarf worn around the head or neck. There is no specific pattern to the Kefiyah. How then did Kavita Krishnan reach the conclusion that the scarf being worn by the rioter is specifically a Kefiyah is beyond reason.

After her epic meltdown, Kavita Krishnan posted a follow up tweet that supplemented her original delusion.

She urged people to read the “Sanghi responses” to her tweet, who she claimed “came running” after “hearing Yogi’s dog whistle in the ad”. Essentially, she called anybody questioning her rant a “dog”, in a stunning display of civility that is unique to Communists.

The Yogi government has taken a tough stand against gangsters, mafia lords and rioters. During anti-CAA violence, the Yogi administration ensured that the rioters, overwhelmingly belonging to the Muslim community, were apprehended and their properties attached to compensate for the loss caused to the state due to the violence. The Yogi government has also come down heavily against gangsters like Vikas Dubey.

In July 2020, Vikas Dubey and his men ambushed a police team in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and killed eight police personnel. The Police team had gone to raid history-sheeter Dubey’s house. When the team reached close to his house at Bikaru Village, Dubey’s men started firing. Dubey escaped from the spot. Several Police teams were formed to catch Dubey and his associates. A week later, Dubey was arrested in Madhya Pradesh. While UP Police was bringing him back, the car they were travelling in overturned on the highway

In the case, the SC commission had given a clean chit to the UP government after the very people outraging today against “Islamophobia” had claimed that the UP police had deliberately caused an accident to ensure the death of Dubey.

Essentially, it is evident that for the Communists and assorted Liberals, any action against rioters and gangsters would be termed some form of fictional phobia and motives would be attributed to the government simply because Yogi Adityanath wears saffron and they have vowed to pull down the widely popular government at the state, led by Yogi Adityanath, and at the centre, led by PM Narendra Modi.

12 dead and 14 injured in a stampede in Vaishno Devi shrine, PM expresses grief, announces ex-gratia for kins of deceased

OpIndia Staff
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12 dead and 14 injured in a stampede in Vaishno Devi shrine, PM expresses grief, announces ex-gratia for kins of deceased

On the first day of the new year, a stampede occurred at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir in which twelve pilgrims were killed and over a dozen others were injured. Officials reported on Saturday that the accident was caused by a massive surge of devotees who came to the temple to pay their respects to mark the beginning of the New Year. The incident occurred outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine on Trikuta hills in Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra to the holy shrine was suspended briefly after the unfortunate incident but resumed after the situation was under control.

ANI quoted Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbag Singh as saying: “The incident occurred around 2:45 am, and as per initial reports, an argument broke out which resulted in people pushing each other, followed by a stampede.”

The Additional Director General of Police, Mukesh Singh, confirmed that 12 pilgrims died in the stampede and at least 14 others were injured. He said, “All of the injured have been taken to a hospital.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences for the demise of 12 people in a stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to JK LG Shri @manojsinha_ Ji, Ministers Shri @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @nityanandraibjp Ji and took stock of the situation,” PM Modi Twitted.

According to a minister in his office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “personally observing and keeping track” of the unfortunate incident.

He has announced that the families of those killed in the mishap would receive Rs 2 lakh in ex-gratia from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Families of those who were injured would receive Rs 50,000.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also took to Twitter to express grief at the unfortunate incident. Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured,” the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha said in a tweet from his official account. He added that he spoke with Prime Minister Modu and “briefed him about the incident.”

The Governor’s office also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the stampede and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. The Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured, added the JandK Governor.

Soon after the stampede was reported, the Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a rescue operation. The injured have been rushed to Naraina Hospital. Some are said to be critical.

The Jammu and Kashmir cave shrine is located at a height of 5,200 feet in the Reasi area and receives nearly a million visitors each year. The pilgrimage site is run by the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Karnataka High Court upholds acquittal of Hindu seer Raghaveshwara Bharathi in 2016 rape case

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka High Court upholds acquittal of Hindu seer Raghaveshwara Bharathi in 2016 rape case

On Wednesday (November 29), the Karnataka High Court upheld the order of a trial court that had acquitted a Hindu seer, who was accused of allegedly raping his female disciple between 2011 and 2014.

As per reports, the matter was heard by a Bench of Justice V Shrishananda. The Bench upheld the verdict of the lower court that acquitted Ramachandrapura Math’s Head seer Raghaveshwara Bharathi of rape charges in 2016. The appeals were filed before the Court by the victim and the CID probing the case.

“We do not find existence of grave and strong suspicion, much less any suspicion, as to involvement of the accused in the alleged crime of rape absolutely no iota of materials to frame the charges against the accused (sic),” the trial court had noted. It said that no sexual assault could be established and it could at best be described as ‘sexual affair’ amounting to ‘unacceptable intimacy.’ 

The Background of the Case

As per a report in The News Minute, Raghaveshwara Bharathi was accused of rape by his disciple, who worked under him at the Ramachandrapura Math in 2010. The woman, now in her 50s, was a part of the Ramakatha programme that consisted of a group of 5 people. She had claimed that Bharathi began making sexual advances towards her between September-October 2011.

The woman had alleged that the Hindu seer came to her room under the guise of praying to Lord Ram but instead forced himself on her. She claimed to have been forced into silence by the ‘fear of divine wrath.’ The woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Raghaveshwara Bharathi Bharathi in 2012 and 2013, following which she stopped coming to the Math.

However, in 2014, she re-established ties with the Ramkatha troupe and was allegedly subjected to sexual abuse by Bharathi. As per the victim, she was last assaulted by the Hindu seer in June 2014. The woman had claimed that Raghaveshwara Bharathi got her and her husband arrested even before they could file a complaint.

Later, a case was filed before the Court by the woman’s daughter seeking action against the Hindu seer. While the matter was being heard by the trial court, Bharthi moved the Karnataka High Court seeking dismissal of charges. Although the High Court upheld that the accused was fit for investigation, the trial court acquitted the Head Seer of the Ramachandrapura Math on March 31, 2016, due to lack of evidence.

Two separate petitions were filed by the State and the victim’s family in the High Court challenging the trial court’s order, which was eventually turned down.

After criticising Ram Janmabhoomi movement for years, Akhilesh Yadav claims he would have built the Ram Mandir in a year

OpIndia Staff
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After criticising Ram Janmabhoomi movement for years, Akhilesh Yadav claims he would have built the Ram Mandir in a year

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya would have been built in one year had there been a Samajwadi Party government in the state.

As the construction of the temple started under the supervision of the Yogi Adityanath led government, the Samajwadi Party chief stated that the BJP was only interested in taking votes in the name of the Ram temple rather than constructing it.

Akhilesh Yadav has even said that Lord Ram belonged to his party and he would soon visit Ayodhya. As Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and the BJP have set the tone for the upcoming assembly election – Taliban (Muslim fundamentalism) and Abbajan (Muslim appeasement) of Samajwadi Party vs nationalism, development, and Ram temple of the BJP – Akhilesh Yadav has become defensive.

Given previous instances and the political legacy Akhilesh Yadav inherited, his statements on Lord Ram and the Ram temple is a complete U-turn.

Chanda jeevi vs Babar-Jeevi

In November 2019, the Supreme Court had delivered the judgment in the Ayodhya case and handed over the Ram Janmabhoomi site to Hindus to build the temple of Lord Ram. Saints and devotees across the country had aunched ‘Shri Ram Mandir Nidhi Samarpan’ campaign to raise funds for the grand temple.

A simmering wave of resentment swept the devotees of Lord Ram after Akhilesh Yadav derided the donation collectors, calling them “Chanda jeevi” or professional donation collectors. People responded to him with disdain and called him “Babar-Jeevi“.

The BJP continues to remind him of his Chanda Jeevi remark. Union Home Minister Amit Shah who addressed a rally in Lucknow on October 29 mocked the Samajwadi Party leader even did not donate to the temple construction. “You (Akhilesh) missed out giving even Rs 5,000,” Shah had taunted.

Akhilesh Yadav had banned 84 kosi parikrama in Ayodhya in 2013

Akhilesh Yadav was chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when he had banned the 84 koshi parikrama in Ayodhya under pressure from his minister Azam Khan to please fundamentalist Muslims.

Mulayam Singh Yadav nicknamed ‘Mullah Mulayam’

Akhilesh Yadav inherited hate for Hindus and the Ram Janmabhumi from his father Mulayam Singh Yadav. He was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when had ordered firing upon the Karsevaks who had gathered at Ayodhya in November 1990 to demand the construction of a Ram temple. Mulayam Singh Yadav earned the nickname of ‘Mullah Mulayam’ for his atrocities on Hindus.

The official figure claimed only 16 Ram bhakta died but the actual figure was in hundreds. Mulayam Singh Yadav never repented for Ayodhya massacre. He said that he gave order to open fire at Ram bhakta to save Muslim minorities. He said that decision was needed to keep the faith of Muslims in this country intact.

Years after the brutal assignation of Hindus at Ayodhya, the Samajwadi Party kept offending injured sentiments by coining slogans to mock Lord Ram. In 1993 Mulayam Singh Yadav joined hands with Kanshiram of Bahujan Samaj Party to fight assembly election together. They had coined a slogan “Mile Mulayam Kanshi Ram, Hawa Ho Gaye Jai Shri Ram.”

Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Xiaomi might face fines up to Rs 1,000 crore for violating law: IT Dept reveals after raids

OpIndia Staff
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Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Xiaomi might face fines up to Rs 1,000 crore for violating law: IT Dept reveals after raids

Following searches across India last week, the Income Tax department announced today that Chinese mobile phone manufacturers Xiaomi and Oppo might face fines of up to Rs 1,000 crore for violating the law.

“The search action has revealed that two major companies have made remittance in the nature of royalty, to and on behalf of its group companies located abroad, which aggregates to more than Rs.5500 crore,” the tax department said in a statement today. 

The statement further added that “these companies had not complied with the regulatory mandate prescribed under the Income-tax Act, 1961 for disclosure of transactions with associated enterprises. Such lapse makes them liable for penal action under the Income-tax Act, 1961, the quantum of which could be in the range of more than Rs 1000 crore.” 

Tax raids on Chinese smartphone makers Oppo and Xiaomi in India

It may be recalled that the IT Department had conducted searches on leading Chinese mobile companies across the country on December 21. The searches were conducted in offices of Oppo, Xiaomi, and One Plus in Delhi and 11 states including, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan. 

The Chief Executive Officers of these companies were also covered in this search and interrogated by the Income Tax officials.

“The residential premises of the CFO of one of the assessee firms was searched by the team; other key managerial persons have also been covered during the searches,” a senior official told the Economic Times.

The searches on Wednesday also included some of Oppo’s Chinese distribution partners’ offices.

“One of Oppo’s Chinese distribution partners was recently penalised in hundreds of crores by the ED in Hyderabad,” another person familiar with the matter said.

“As an invested partner in India, we highly respect and abide by the law of the land. We will continue to fully cooperate with authorities concerned as per procedure,” an Oppo India spokesperson said in a statement to the media.

According to reports, the search was carried out based on intelligence reports of massive tax fraud by major Chinese mobile companies. The companies had been under the radar for some time, and when the Income Tax Department received actual evidence of tax evasion, they were raided.

Sources claimed that a large amount of digital data proof pointing to tax evasion had been discovered and seized during the raids.

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