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‘Army needs to move heavy machinery near China border’: SC okays construction of double-lane highways for Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Project

OpIndia Staff
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‘Army needs to move heavy machinery near China border’: SC okays construction of double-lane highways for Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Project

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Central government to construct three double lane strategic highways for Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Project. While reading the verdict, Justice DY Chandrachud said that the principle of sustainable development is deeply embedded in Indian environmental law and deals with equity not only in development for future and present generation but also current development.

The government said that in a bid to reduce the risk of landslides in the Himalayan region because of the widening of the road, all necessary steps are taken to mitigate disaster. The government added that the landslides have taken place in various parts of the country and not specifically due to the construction of roads. The widening of roads is also needed so as to help the army to move missile launchers and heavy machinery up towards the India-China border.

Justice Chandrachud said, “We find there are no malafides in MA filed by Defence Ministry. MoD is authorized to design operational requirements of armed forces. Bonafide of MoD is apparent from security concerns raised in the security committee meeting.” He further said that armed force cannot be held up for statements made to media in 2019 as a statement written in stone. “This court in the exercise of judicial review cannot second guess the requirements of army,” he said.

While allowing the construction of three strategic highways on the application of the Defence Ministry, the Supreme Court said that the HPC (High-powered committee) recommendations on environmental concerns must be followed. An oversight committee headed by Justice AK Sikri will also be set up and report to the SC directly on the project. The oversight committee shall ensure the recommendations of the HPC are implemented and not conduct a fresh analysis.

The apex court was hearing the Centre’s plea seeking modifications in the September 8, 2020 order which asked the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to follow 2018 circular that stipulated a carriageway width of 5.5 metres on the ambitious Chardham highway project. The highway goes up to the border with China.

The strategic 900 km long Char Dham project is worth Rs 12,000 crore and will provide all-weather connectivity to four holy towns of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. PM Modi laid the foundation of the project in December 2016. He had said it was a tribute to those who lost their lives during the flash floods in the state.

However, in 2018, an NGO had challenged the road expansion project citing environmental concerns and impact on Himalayan ecology. An HPC was formed under ‘environmentalist’ Ravi Chopra by the Supreme Court to examine various issues. The HPC submitted two reports in July 2020. The members did not agree on the width of the hill roads. In September, the SC upheld recommendations of four HPC members including Chopra’s which limited carriageway width to 5.5 meters. Majority report by 21 HPC members of which 14 were govt officials favoured the width of road to 12 meters for a double lane highway.

However, on Tuesday, a bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Vikram Nath pronounced order to permit govt of India to build road with 10 meters of tarred surface as opposed to 5.5 meters.

Gujarat: Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity booked on charges of conversion at shelter home for women

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity booked on charges of conversion at shelter home for women

The Makarpura police in Vadodara, Gujarat, has registered an FIR against Missionaries of Charity, an organization founded by Mother Teresa, on the charges of allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments and luring young girls to convert to Christianity. The organization runs a shelter home in Vadodara city. The case has been registered based on the complaint filed by Mayank Trivedi, District Social Defence officer.

The organization has been booked under Sections 295A (deliberate and malicious acts to outrage feelings of any class by insulting its religious beliefs), 298 (deliberately uttering words to wound the religious sentiments of a person) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 3 (prohibition of forcible conversion) of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003. The punishment for forcible conversion under the act is up to three years with/or a fine of up to Rs. 50,000. As per Section 4 of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, if a minor has been forcefully converted, the punishment would be up to four years and/or a fine up to Rs. 1 lakh.

As per the Indian Express report, Trivedi and Chairman of the Child Welfare Committee of the district had visited the shelter home for girls in the Makarpura area on December 9. According to the FIR, Trivedi found that the girls living in the house were forced to read Christian religious texts. He also alleged that they were forced to participate in Christian prayers with an intention to lure them to Christianity.

The FIR read, “Between February 10, 2021, and December 9, 2021, the institution has been involved in activities to hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus intentionally and with bitterness… The girls inside the Home for Girls are being lured into adopting Christianity by making them wear the cross around their neck and also placing the Bible on the table of the storeroom used by the girls in order to compel them to read the Bible… It is an attempted crime to force religious conversion upon the girls.”

The complainant further alleged that the organization has forced a Hindu girl to marry a Christian man according to Christian rituals. Another allegation made against the organization was that they served non-vegetarian food to some of the girls.

SB Kumavat, Assistant Commissioner of Police, told IE that the District Collector had issued instructions to file a case against the organization. He said, “The District Collector had formed a committee after the complaint from the Child Welfare Committee. A team of members of several departments probed the allegation, following which a complaint was filed. Police will probe the allegations and gather evidence to see if the contentions are true.”

Shamsher Singh, Commissioner of Police, Vadodara, said that the investigation had been initiated into the alleged conversion of a woman who was from Punjab. He said, “We have begun a probe today based on the complaint. There has been one case of a woman from Punjab being converted by the Missionaries of Charity after she lived in the home, which the committee has reported… There are exhaustive guidelines in place for shelter homes, which they must follow. We will examine the case on the basic FIR.”

Organization denied allegations

A spokesperson of Missionaries of Charity said that the organization was not involved in any forceful conversions. They said, “We are not involved in any religious conversion activity… We have 24 girls in the home. These girls live with us, and they follow our practice as they see us doing the same when we pray and live. We have not converted anyone or forced anyone to marry into Christian faith.”

Missionaries’ Conversion racket

Missionaries have been accused of conversions in Gujarat on multiple occasions. Recently, a video from Godhara went viral on social media platforms in which a man from a Christian group was doing an exorcism. Similar allegations have been made against several pastors from Punjab, including Bajinder Singh and Ankur Narula.

‘Tamils Nadus behind IAF chopper crash because Amit Shah wants to be PM’: Pakistani politician Rehman Malik floats wild theories

OpIndia Staff
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‘Tamils Nadus behind IAF chopper crash because Amit Shah wants to be PM’: Pakistani politician Rehman Malik floats wild theories

On December 12, Pakistani politician Abdul Rehman Malik narrated wild conspiracy theories during a talk show on Geo News. He was a guest on the talk show titled Jigra hosted by anchor Saleem Safi on Pakistani News Channel Geo News. During the show, he alleged Tamil militants were behind the IAF chopper crash in which former CDS Late Bipin Rawat lost his life with others on board. He also drew several other conspiracy theories about India during the talk show.

‘Tamil Nadus were behind IAF chopper crash because Modi did not like current COAS’, claimed Malik

In the very beginning of the talk show, Malik drew his first conspiracy theory that he apparently has said multiple times since the Indian Air Force’s chopper crashed in Tamil Nadu, resulting in the untimely death of former CDS Late Bipin Rawat and 12 others.

He said Bipin Rawat was actively involved in creating unrest in Pakistan with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. He claimed Rawat also opened several “backdoor channels” to other countries. He said, “Rawat had become a major target of ‘Tamils’ because of the atrocities he had caused in Tamil Nadu. Though the atrocities against Tamils are not as much as Kashmiris are facing, but the Tamil Nadus are facing tough times.”

He added that PM Modi liked former CDS Bipin Rawat a lot, but he did not like the current army chief MM Naravane. He then claimed that General Rawat had become very ‘visible’ recently and Home Minister Amit Shah likes the current COAS MM Naravane a lot.

When the anchor reminded him that the Army in India is unpolitical and doesn’t do things like grabbing power etc, (unlike Pakistan Army), Malik immediately changed his claims. He then started claiming that ‘Tamil Nadus’ are the same as Tamil militants (the LTTE) and they are secretly active in India after being decimated from Sri Lanka.

He then brought in the assassination of former PM Rajiv Gandhi and claimed the ‘Tamil Nadus’ are behind the chopper crash that killed the CDS.

He further added, “The thing is, Modi liked Bipin a lot. He did not want him to retire, so he made him CDS. The current Army Chief does not have good relations with Modi, but he is very close to Amit Shah. If the current Army Chief becomes CDS now, it will not take long to take power away from Modi.” He was hinting that Home Minister Amit Shah wanted to become Prime Minister, so if the current Army Chief, who, according to him, has good relations with HM Shah, he would help Shah in becoming Prime Minister of India.

He pointed out an article that had also drawn a similar conspiracy theory that Tamil militants were behind the crash. When the anchor asked that Tamil militants are not active, he said, “Look at TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan). We all thought that they were finished at one point. However, they came back. Tamil Nadus were also looking for a chance. They crashed the chopper as soon as they got that chance. Don’t underestimate them. They killed Rajiv Gandhi too. They want freedom.”

Sadly, the Pakistani politician has no idea that Tamil Nadu is the name of the state and not the collective name for a militant organisation. Also, the Indian Army doesn’t do coups and stays far away from politics, unlike the Pakistani Army.

When the anchor suggested that India is sticking to the reports that it was a crash, Malik said, “India cannot say that their CDS was killed by Tamil militants. It would be a great defeat for India.”

‘India finance TTP and Taliban’

The next conspiracy theory he drew was that India funds TTP in Pakistan. He said, “India has supported TTP. It had supported TTP. It supports TTP. It will keep supporting TTP. I have documentary evidence of catching people red-handed while giving money to TTP. I have heard conversations between TTP and Indian agents myself. RAW is providing support to TTP.”

He further claimed that TTP is actively supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. He said, “There are around 25,000 to 30,000 TTP members providing support to Taliban in Afghanistan.” The anchor questioned if TTP is with the Taliban, how could Taliban be friends with Pakistan, to which he said, “You need to see them separately. TTP was the reason the Taliban did not enter Afghanistan before August 31. There was an understanding between the Taliban and America. TTP is still supporting them.”

In this wild theorising, Malik perhaps forgot that it was not RAW, but his own government in Pakistan that had recently released TTP militants from prison and has been proudly boasting their friendly relations with the Taliban.

‘Danish Siddiqui was about to expose the link between India and Taliban’

One of the most senseless conspiracy theories that he drew during the talk show was that India is providing all possible support to the Taliban, and it was India that made the Taliban stronger in the region. He said, “Do you remember that Indian journalist (Danish Siddiqui) that was killed by the Taliban? He was about to expose the link between India and the Taliban. This is the reason he was killed.”

Again, Malik seems to have forgotten that Pakistan’s ISI chief has been sharing cute lovey-dovey pictures of himself with Taliban leaders and Pakistani politicians have been boasting about their own deep friendships with the Taliban. Most importantly, Pakistani PM Imran Khan had hailed the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, declaring that by defeating the US, the Taliban has broken the mental shackles of the people of the region.

Rehman Malik and his claims

Rehman Malik is not new to making wild claims. He had earlier mistaken Joe Biden for George Bush, had been falling for pranks by Indian social media users and keeps getting exposed for peddling fake news.

Bajrang Dal removes ‘Pakistani Food Festival’ banner in Surat, restaurant owner issues apology

OpIndia Staff
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Bajrang Dal removes ‘Pakistani Food Festival’ banner in Surat, restaurant owner issues apology

On Monday (December 14), Bajrang Dal workers tore down a contentious banner endorsing a ‘Pakistani food festival’ in Surat city of Gujarat.

As per reports, the 10-day food festival was organised by a chain of restaurants called ‘Taste of India’ between December 12 and December 22. A hoarding, to the effect, was put up near the old sub-jail on Ring Road in the city of Surat. On learning about the banner from social media, Bajrang Dal members reached the spot, took it down and set the banner on fire.

The Hindu rights group also dialled the restaurant owner, identified as Sandeep Dawer, to inquire about the matter. He issued an apology for naming the food festival after Pakistan and replaced it with ‘seafood festival.’ While speaking about the matter, Bajrang Dal leader (Surat) Deviprasad Dubey informed, “We got to know about the hoarding from social media following which we took permission from the South Gujarat Convenor Dinesh Navadiya.”

He further added, “Later, we went to the spot and brought down the hoarding. We also called Dawer, the owner, and asked him why he has organised such a food festival. He apologised.”

Meanwhile, the restaurant owner Sandeep Dawer had accepted his mistake and vowed to not use the word Pakistani as it hurt the sentiments of people. While speaking about the matter, he added, “When we were using that word we felt that some people might not like it, but we did not know it would turn out like this…We are just serving cuisine which has nothing to do with Pakistan as such. The second name of Mughlai cuisine is Pakistani food.”

He added that no Pakistani cuisine chef was invited to the food festival. Dawer added that the menu was prepared by the restaurant staff through online videos. The Bajrang Dal members did not register a police complaint against the accused restaurant. Deviprasad Dubey clarified that he had been waiting for instructions from leaders and will act on their directives.

‘Na sounga, na sone dunga’: PM Modi, CM Yogi inspect ongoing work in Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi in middle of the night

Nirwa Mehta
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‘Na sounga, na sone dunga’: PM Modi, CM Yogi inspect ongoing work in Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi in middle of the night

Prime Minister Modi is known for keeping everyone on toes. A tough taskmaster, there have been tales of him making sure the bureaucrats and ministers in his cabinet do not get a breather as he sets tough deadlines and timelines for work to get completed. And what he did as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he not only continues to do so as Prime Minister of India, but now seems to have taken to another level as he ensures that what he implemented in Gujarat becomes a norm in rest of the country.

PM Modi, who is on a visit to Varanasi for the inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, also took time to inspect his constituency and see to it that other works of development are on track.

Little after midnight, PM Modi shared an image with Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers of BJP governed states mentioning that he had just concluded an extensive meeting with them.

About half an hour later, he shared how he was inspecting other key development works in Kashi.

Here he was accompanied Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

At 1:24 AM PM Modi tweeted that he was at the Banaras railway station and let the citizens know what his vision has been for the Indian Railways. In one of the pictures he shared, he is standing under a giant clock which read 1:13 time.

Here, too, he was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Netizens were in awe and amused at how the Prime Minister was not only not taking a break himself but not letting anyone off easily on a work-related trip.

Haven’t we all had that one boss who very easily crosses the line between sheer genius and insanity? (Here, this journalist is not speaking about her own boss who borders on being a psycho.)

Many people, way younger than the PM is, were also in absolute awe of the energy he exuded without an iota of tiredness on his face to serve the nation.

People even wondered where the Prime Minister, who is 71, gets so much energy to get so much work done.

Many even appreciated the limitless energy and dedication of the Prime Minister who has been working round the clock for betterment of the nation.

Some even invoked the resident clown prince whose major contribution to the nation in recent years is to make Congress party more irrelevant than it has ever been.

Meanwhile, some concerned citizens also said how the PM should perhaps rest a little as it is too cold.

People also said how they are extremely proud and feel lucky to have a Prime Minister who works tirelessly like this.

When does PM Modi sleep

In a 2017 report, it was said that PM Modi works 20 hours a day and functions on just 3-4 hours of sleep. Despite doctors and wellwishers advising him to sleep at least 5-6 hours, he said he barely manages with such less sleep because he is a workaholic. However, he said that it is a very sound sleep and he falls asleep within 30 seconds of lying on the bed.

PM Modi also regularly practices Yoga and Pranayam and it was under his leadership that 21st June was made the International Day of Yoga by the UN.

It is also said that PM Modi, when he plans his travels, he plans it such that he catches up on work and sleep while on flight so that he can avoid overnight stay in hotels and make the most of the productive day. In fact, he prefers to stay overnight in hotel only if he has an engagement the next day.

Varanasi – One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

Anurag
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Varanasi – One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

December 13 has been written in golden alphabets for Varanasi in history as it was the day when the gates of Kashi Vishwanath Corridor were formally opened for the devotees. Kashi, Varanasi or Banaras, the city that belongs to Bhagwan Shiva, has a history that dates back thousands of years. The city has been mentioned in several Scriptures include Rig Vega, Skand Mahapurana, Shiv Mahapurana, Ramayana, Mahabharata and many others. Though some studies suggest that it came into existence around 1200 BC, the excavations that happened in nearby sites suggest it is much older.

Varanasi is closely associated with Sanatan Dharma, Jainism and Buddhism. Notably, Buddha himself gave his very first sermon in 528 BC at Kashi. Mark Twain’s famous words about Kashi resonate with its history. He had said, “It is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

Varanasi is a southeastern city in Uttar Pradesh. It is located on the bank of the River Ganga. Kashi is one of the seven most sacred cities associated with Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism. For a long period of time, Kashi remained the centre of religious, educational and artistic activities.

When Islamic rulers and Mughals invaded India, Varanasi became one of the prime targets and the attacks on the city date back to 1194. During the period of Islamic rulers, several Hindu temples were destroyed. Many scholars who lived in the city fled out of fear. In the 17th century, Aurangzeb demolished Kashi Vishwanath Temple and built a mosque in its place. By the 18th century, Marathas started working on its revival. It became an independent kingdom in the same period.

Mata Ahilyabai Holkar rebuilt the temple next to the mosque that was built on the site of the original temple. However, its revival saw another obstacle when the British came to power in India. It is noteworthy that during that time, Kashi thrived as a centre for religion for Hindus. In 1910, the British made Varanasi a state with Ramnagar as headquarters. After independence in 1947, it became part of Uttar Pradesh.

Sanatan Dharma breathes in Kashi.

Miles of ghats, religious bathing, temples and places linked to Sanatan Dharma make Kashi one of the holiest places on earth. The city is bounded by a road known as Panchkosi. Devotees wish to walk that road and visit Kashi at least once in a lifetime. Many believe that living in Kashi during the last days assures Mukti or Moksha. Every year millions of pilgrims visit Kashi.

Baba Vishwanath Temple, Bhagwan Sankatmochan Dham, Maa Durga Temple and many others are some of the main attractions in the city. Being associated with education, Kashi houses Banaras Hindu University and two others, along with countless schools and educational institutes.

Mahashivratri, the festival of Shiva, the Ganga festival, Bharat Milap, Bhasma Holi and many other festivals attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists.

Not only Sanatan Dharma, but Kashi also has ruins of ancient  Buddhist monasteries and temples. There are temples built by the Maha Bodhi Society and by Burmese, Tibetan and Chinese Buddhists.

Terrorists attack police bus near Srinagar in Kashmir, two cops killed and 12 injured

OpIndia Staff
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Terrorists attack police bus near Srinagar in Kashmir, two cops killed and 12 injured

Terrorists attacked a police bus in the Jewan area at the outskirts of Srinagar killing two policemen and injuring several others, according to reports. Terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba is thought to be behind the attack while the involvement of Pakistani terrorists was also hinted. The name of a terrorist organization called ‘Kashmir Tigers’ also came to the fore, however, the security forces consider that it might be a hoax. Apart from the two deaths, 12 policemen were injured in the attack.

Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, “Terrorists fired upon a police vehicle near Zewan in Pantha Chowk area of Srinagar. 14 personnel injured in the attack. All the injured personnel evacuated to hospital. Area cordoned off. Further details shall follow.”

Police said, “SrinagarTerrorAttack: Among the injured police personnel, 1 ASI & a Selection Grade Constable succumbed to their injuries & attained martyrdom. Further details shall follow.”

Further, the Police have informed that the attack was carried out in the Pantha Chowk area of Jewan. According to the officials, at least 14 policemen were wounded including the two who later lost their lives. The wounded police personnel have been admitted to hospitals as a search operation to nab all other terrorists is being conducted. Also, the CRPF squad and senior officers of Jammu and Kashmir Police were sent to Jewan after the attack.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the families of the security personnel martyred in the attack. A Tweet by the PMO said that the PM also has sought details of the attack.

Kim Kardashian clears baby bar exam, just a step away from becoming attorney

OpIndia Staff
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Kim Kardashian clears baby bar exam, just a step away from becoming attorney

Kim Kardashian, an American media personality, has cleared her baby bar examination after two years of attempts, rendering her just a step away from becoming a real-deal attorney.

Kardashian, who was shot to fame after a scandalous video showcasing her sexual exploits with former boyfriend, rapper Ray J., was leaked online in 2002, could not hide her excitement after passing the examination. On Monday, she posted a string of tweets, declaring that she had passed the Baby Bar Examination and expressed her gratitude for those who helped her in this journey.

“OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!! Looking in the mirror, I am really proud of the woman looking back today in the reflection. For anyone who doesn’t know my law school journey, know this wasn’t easy or handed to me,” Kardashian tweeted.

In the following tweet, Kim explained that the baby bar is the first of two exams needed to be taken to become an attorney in the state of California. With one exam already cleared by Kim, she is just a step away from becoming an attorney.

“I was told by top lawyers that this was a close to impossible journey and harder than the traditional law school route but it was my only option and it feels so so sooooo good to be here and on my way to achieving my goals,” she said.

In another tweet, Kim explained how she had flunked three times in the last years but got up each time and studied harder until she did it. She also added that she had COVID and was down with 104 fever at the time of her third attempt.

She thanked Van Jones in a subsequent tweet, saying he was the one who pushed her to go to law school. “Thank u to Van Jones who talked me into going to law school in the 1st place & introducing me to Jessica Jackson & Erin Haney who have brought me along to watch their every move in the court room. I appreciate u for letting me tag along &ask all of the little questions along the way,” her tweet said.

Finally, she also remember her late father, Robert Kardashian, the hugely successful attorney in Los Angeles widely known for fighting the OJ Simpson case, a criminal trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court in which former National Football League (NFL) player, broadcaster and actor O. J. Simpson was tried and acquitted for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. 

“I know my dad would be so proud and he would actually be so shocked to know that this is my path now but he would have been my best study partner. I am told he was notorious for making fun of people who didn’t pass on their first attempt like he did, but he would have been my biggest cheerleader!” Kim added.

After ordering central forces for Tripura municipal polls, Supreme Court junks BJP’s petition seeking central forces for Kolkata municipal polls

OpIndia Staff
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After ordering central forces for Tripura municipal polls, Supreme Court junks BJP’s petition seeking central forces for Kolkata municipal polls

Despite the large-scale violence witnessed in West Bengal during the assembly polls, the Supreme Court of India today refused to entertain a petition filed by BJP to deploy central forces for the upcoming Kolkata municipal elections. The court asked the petitioner Sukanta Majumdar, Lok Sabha MP and BJP’s state president, to approach the Kolkata High Court instead.

The petition had said that after BJP nominated and finalised the list of candidates for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections, the candidates have been receiving threats from the ruling Trinamool Congress party members, asking them to withdraw from the contest. The petition had also said that despite the threats, no FIRs are being registered by the police.

The bench comprising Justices L Nagesara Rao and BR Gavai told Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, who was representing BJP in the court, that it will not be entertaining the petition. The bench said, “We cannot take decisions with respect to the requirement of Central force. High Court will be in a better position to know the situation”.

The apex court said that if this petition is allowed, there will be no end, and advised the petitioner to approach the high court instead. Advocate Singh accordingly withdrew the plea with the liberty to approach the High Court.

It is interesting to note that while the Supreme Court is refusing to order the deployment of central forces for municipal elections in West Bengal, saying it will open the floodgates for similar petitions, the same court had given completely opposite order just a few weeks ago. Last month, the apex court had ordered the govt to deploy more central forces in Tripura for the municipal elections, agreeing to a plea by the Trinamool Congress.

The court had ordered the union home ministry to ensure that enough central forces are deployed in the state so that every polling booth is maned by central forces. It is notable that the Supreme Court had ordered this despite the fact that the High Court was already hearing the issue.

West Bengal has been seen widespread political violence by TMC in the last several years. Hundreds of BJP workers and leaders have been killed and many more attacked by TMC workers. The violence peaked after TMC won the assembly elections, and hundreds of people were forced to flee to neighbouring states due to the violence by TMC. A National Human Rights Commission committee report has documented these incidents and also notes how police had refused to file cases of violence by TMC workers.

Did Akhilesh Yadav just wish PM Modi death? Here is what he said about PM Modi’s visit to Varanasi

OpIndia Staff
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Did Akhilesh Yadav just wish PM Modi death? Here is what he said about PM Modi’s visit to Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor today, which was his dream project. He received a warm welcome from the people of Kashi on the occasion, who showered him with petals thanking him for bringing the transformation to the city nobody believed was possible. However, opposition leaders are not happy with the popularity of Modi, and Akhilesh Yadav seemed to have wished death for the PM while talking about the grand celebrations in the world’s oldest city.

Samajwadi Party chief and former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav was talking to media today when the journalists asked for his comments about PM Modi visiting Varanasi today and the month-long celebrations that starts today in the city.

Akhilesh Yadav misinterpreted the questioned, and assumed that PM Modi will be staying in Varanasi for one month. Accordingly, he replied, ‘very good, not just one month, he can stay they for two months, three months. That place is meant to live during the last days, the last days are spent in Varanasi only’.

This comment by Akhilesh Yadav seems to clearly mean that Narendra Modi is now in his last days of his life, and he should spend this period of his life Varanasi, like many Hindus do during their last days.

Akhilesh Yadav has been widely condemned for this comment, with BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya saying that this reflects the distorted mentality of Yadav. He said Akhilesh Yadav has lost his mental balance anticipating defeat in the coming assembly elections.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra commented that all ‘Aurangzebs’ have lost their minds after seeing the divinity and grandeur of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham.

Veteran journalist Kanchan Gupta wondered what does this reflect, “His upbringing? His party SaPa? His lack of scruples and absence of values? His fetish for Jinnah? His itch to tickle Islamist fancies? All this and more?”

It is notable that a month-long cultural program is being held in Varanasi after the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor by PM Modi. The mega project has decongested the area around the temple complex and its surroundings, which was surrounded by buildings and the road to the temple was narrow. Under the project, govt purchased over 300 buildings and demolished them to create space for the project. During those demolitions, several old temples and other structures were also discovered, which were hidden behind those buildings.

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