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‘Can we encroach public land by mutual understanding?’ Gurugram Police’s justification for public namaz sparks outrage

OpIndia Staff
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‘Can we encroach public land by mutual understanding?’ Gurugram Police’s justification for public namaz sparks outrage

In response to the controversy that erupted recently when residents in Gurugram raised their objection to Namaz being offered in public places causing inconvenience to locals, Gurugram police posted a tweet justifying the act and asserting that ‘Namaz’ spots at public places have been decided by the ‘mutual consent’ of both Hindus and Muslims in the region.

“The Namaz spots at public places have been decided by both Hindu and Muslim communities after mutual understanding and this place is one among them. Maintaining communal harmony and peace is our utmost responsibility and we will ensure that,” the official Twitter account of Gurugram police said.

The tweet was posted two days ago after a video of Gurugram residents protesting against the public offering of namaz created quite a stir on the internet. The video had instantly gone viral, with social media users questioning the state of law and order in the city for allowing such practices to continue unabated.

Netizens question Gurugram police for justifying the offering of namaz in public places

However, Gurugram Police’s tweet justifying the offering of namaz in a public place further annoyed the social media users, who questioned the police for ignoring the objections of the people seen in the video and normalising the public offering of namaz that blocks public spaces and creates inconvenience for locals.

The locals were asking the police why Namaz is not being offered at mosques and if the authorities will show the same lenience if the Hindu community starts reciting Hanuman Chalisa and performing Puja on roads and public parks.

One of the Twitter users said offering namaz on public properties is even banned in Islamic countries and considered as ‘haram’. The user also added that namaz is a matter of devotion and needs a sanctified place such as a mosque. The police should discourage people from desecrating a pious practice, the user said.

Journalist Swati Goel Sharma of the Swarajya Magazine responded to Gurugram Police’s tweet, asking why are they ignoring the voices of people when they are clearly objecting to the public offering of namaz.

Another Twitter user highlighted how Gurugram Police’s posturing on the issue runs counter to the views held by the state chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who had once said that Muslims should offer namaz in mosques and not in public places.

Yet another Twitter user questioned Gurugram police as to who were the representatives who decided to allot a public place to Muslims for their namaz, and who chose them to represent all Hindus and Muslims. The user also enquired why other communities such as Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Christians, Atheists and others were not consulted before earmarking the public spot for offering namaz.

“What do you mean by mutually decided?” a Twitter user sharply asked, pointing out the flaws in Gurugram Police’s assertion. He asked if the police will allow two communities to ‘mutually decide’ and cause public disorder. The user further questioned if the country is run by mutual decisions taken by various communities or by the constitution and law.

Another Twitter user derisively ridiculed Gurugram Police’s justification for the public offering of namaz saying if the government of India has passed a new land law through which he can build a big house at a public place after having a mutual understanding between himself and his shadow.

Gurugram residents protest against public offering of namaz, police detains a protester

Recently, a video of Gurugram residents pushing back against the public offering of namaz in their locality had gone viral on the internet. The video showed people protesting against the public Namaz offering and a man arguing with the police saying that ‘Asking questions does not mean instigating riots’ and raising safety concerns about the situation.

He also asked why did the police detain a person who was also protesting against the Namaz offering. The man also stated that when there is a mosque within a distance of 2 kilometres from that place why are people being allowed to block public spaces in the name of Namaz.

Another man said, ‘We pray and chant Hanuman Chalisa at the temples but these people gather around here like this, misbehaving with our daughters and sisters, we are scared of them’.

According to locals, specific Muslim groups carry out public namaz in a bid to encroach land illegally. Eventually, an illegal structure is erected at the ‘Namaz’ place and while the police and local administration idles, the land is claimed in the name of a dargah or mosque.

The local residents said that the women felt threatened because of the same. “Ever since this namaz on the roads has started, incidents of chain snatching, eve-teasing have increased. This illegal namaz on roads should be stopped,” a local resident said. “We will not let illegal masjid or Mazar come up here,” another resident said.

Nigerian artists offer to donate artwork to British Museum in a bid to encourage them to return looted artefact

OpIndia Staff
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Nigerian artists offer to donate artwork to British Museum in a bid to encourage them to return looted artefact

Artists from Nigeria’s Benin city have offered to donate their artwork to the British Museum in London in a bid to encourage it to return the stolen antics. The precious Benin Bronses were looted by the British troops from Nigerian royal court in 1897, Reuters reports.

As per reports, these artefacts were created in 16th century in the then mighty kingdom of Benin. The bronze and brass sculptures are some of the most culturally significant artefacts from the African country. The European museums which have stored them over the years have come under fire because these artefacts were looted and are symbols of colonial greed.

Hence, the Ahiamwen Guild of artists and bronze casters have offered to give the British Museum contemporary artwork which are not tainted by the British history of looting and also showcase Benin’s modern-day culture.

Nigerian artist Osarobo Zeickner-Okoro, one of the founding members of the guild said that the artists never stopped making artwork even when they were looted. Recently, the artists had put up the artwork on offer on display in Benin City. However, the British Museum said that this is only a matter of discussion between itself and parties offering the objects.

Germany has reportedly said that it would return the Benin Bronzes from its museums to Nigeria. However, the British Museum, which holds the largest and most significant collection of artefact, has not made any such commitments.

Zeickner-Okoro believes that the artefacts should be returned to Benin city stating that while at display in the British Museum, the artefacts could reach a wider audience, they should now be returned to the people who created them. “The descendants of the people who cast those bronzes, they’ve never seen that work because most of them can’t afford to fly to London to come to the British Museum,” he said.

Benin Bronzes

In 1897, a British Military force looted thousands of metal sculptures and ivory carvings from Western Africa’s Kingdom of Benin from Edo State which is now part of southern Nigeria. They have been regarded amongst the greatest work of Africa.

Recently, European governments have come under pressure to atone their colonial-era crimes and some of them have agreed to return the loot.

Jamshedpur: Girl rescued from Hussaini Karbala Imambada was tied up in chains to ‘exorcise demons’, says Maulvi drugged and assaulted her

Anurag
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Jamshedpur: Girl rescued from Hussaini Karbala Imambada was tied up in chains to ‘exorcise demons’, says Maulvi drugged and assaulted her

On September 19, members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad Jamshedpur freed a girl who was kept shackled with chains in the Imambada located on the banks of Kharkai River behind Bodhanwala garage in Bistupur Police Station.

As per reports, the girl was brought to Imambada by her parents on suspicion of being possessed by ghosts. She was tied by the Maulvi of Imambada, identified as Rafique. Members of VHP rescued the girl and handed her over to the police.

Reports suggest that the 24-year-old girl is a resident of Munshi Mohalla, Makadpur, Parsudih. Her family members suspected that she was possessed by ghosts. They took her to Imambada for treatment, where Rafique tied her up with chains. The girl was going through ‘exorcism’ for the last one month. Her father accompanied her during the stay. The girl has alleged that Rafique assaulted her during the exorcism.

The girl was found in deplorable conditions

On the day when the girl was rescued, Ajay Gupta, District head VHP, Jamshedpur Mahanagar, told media that the girl was found in a deplorable condition at Imambada. He alleged that her parents were brainwashed to convert to Islam. He added that the father and stepmother of the girl were not supporting the organization and taking the side of the Maulvi in Imambada.

“We believe that the girl was sexually assaulted in Imambada. We have an on-record statement of the girl that we can give to you if you like. It is a sad situation for Jamshedpur that such incidents are happening in this peaceful region to disrupt the religious harmony,” he added. He said that the administration should take cognizance of the matter and take strict action against the perpetrator.

“We have footage of the girl being held in Imambada shackled in chains. Our organization’s member Ritika was counselling the girl. We have handed over the girl to the administration, and they will update about the case further,” Gupta added.

Girl’s father claimed her younger sister was treated at Imambada

Bistupur police station in-charge Vishnu Kumar Raut said in a statement that the girl was sent for medical examination. The police would continue the investigation once they get the medical report. He added that the father of the girl had told police that the younger sister of the girl was treated at Imambada as she was possessed by ghosts as well. Her father alleged that she got ‘cured’ by the treatment at Imambada.

What happened when VHP reached Imambada to rescue the girl

As per reports, when VHP reached Imambada, they found the girl tied up in chains in deplorable condition. There were signs of physical assault on her face. When she was asked why she was tied up, she said, “They think I am mentally unstable. They think there is a ghost in me,” she said. On questioning Rafique why she was tied up with chains, he said, “She is possessed by the devil. This is why we have tied her up. She assaulted her father, mother and brother.” When they asked him how would he treat her, he claimed there was a “supernatural power” at that place that treats such patients.

He claimed that Karbala was built at the place in 2004. Meanwhile, the girl claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Rafique. While VHP was talking to the girl, her father reached the spot and asked them to talk to him and not to the girl. He said, “I am her father. Her sister is here as well.” Her sister said, “Her mental condition is fine. She is possessed by demons.” When her father was questioned who told them she was possessed, they did not have an answer. Her father claimed, “No one has told me. I am saying that she is possessed by ghosts.”

The girl was sent to MGM Hospital for examination

After recovering the girl, she was sent to MGM Hospital for treatment. Her family was taken to the hospital for questioning. She was further referred to Ranchi for psychiatric treatment.

DSP PCR Animesh Gupta said that the girl was in conscious condition when she was brought to the station. She gave accurate information about herself and her family. She remembered her name and address correctly. “The girl has been sent for medical examination,” he added.

Statement of the girl during counselling

VHP’s Ritika counselled the girl and assured her that the organization would support her no matter what the family said in front of the police. During the counselling session, the girl said that Rafique kept her tied to the chain and assaulted her. “He would give me a glass of water, and after that, though I was awake, I could not do anything and felt if like if I was unconscious. He would take me to the place where he had a lamp and would chant verses,” she said.

When she was asked if her family supported her, she said they did not. “I was taken to Imambada with my father’s permission,” she said. Her father and sister claimed that they had accompanied her all the time at Imambada. When she was asked why she did not go to the police to file a complaint, she replied that as she was tied up, she could not go.

Statement of the girl at Hindu Peeth office

In her statement at the Hindu Peeth office, the girl said that she was given water mixed with drugs; thus, she was not able to understand what was happening to her. She said, “Rafique used to tie me up with chains. He was the one who physically and sexually assaulted me.”

Imambada is illegal, indulging in supersticious activities, say Hindu leaders

OpIndia reached out to Arun Singh of Hindu Peeth and Golu Azad of Vishwa Hindu Parishad to learn more about the case. He said that in District Jamshedpur, there is a place named Bistupur where there is a Hussaini Karbala (Imambada) near the river. He claimed that the Karbala is illegal. At that place, exorcism is common, and people visit every Friday.

“We came to know about a girl who has been tied up there for exorcism as her parents believed she was possessed by ghosts. We also learned that she was a student of a good school. She was getting the so-called treatment at Imambada for the last 32 days. She was mentally and physically abused. A local organization contacted us and informed us about the girl,” he said. They reached there on September 20 morning to rescue the girl.

“When we reached there, we saw her tied up in chains. We made some videos and released her. We then called the police and handed her over to the administration. She was first treated at the district hospital and then referred to Ranchi for further treatment,” He said. Singh further added that it has been over a week that her medical was done, but they did not receive any intimation from the police about the results.

It is a matter of investigation why there is so much delay, he added. He claimed he had talked to the station in-charge 30 minutes prior to talking to us. The station in-charge informed him that they had not received the report yet.

When we asked what further action they were planning to take, Singh said, “We would wait for action from the administration as they have promised us. However, if they fail to take any action, we will do protest against the Imambada and urge the administration to take action.”

While talking to OpIndia, Golu Azad claimed that the police had received the medical report at least seven days ago. He said, “It is a matter of investigation why Bistupur police station is not releasing the medical report of the girl. Why do police hesitate in informing if the report came negative or positive [for the sexual assault]? If someone asks them about the report, they say it is not important.”

Police statement in the case

OpIndia reached out to Bitsupur police station to see if there was any update in the case. The police officer who talked to us did not reveal his name but told us that the father had given in writing that he took the girl to Imambada himself. There was no pressure on him. He said that no complaint has been filed against Rafique.

It is yet to be clarified why such superstitious practices of ‘exorcism’ and brutal treatment of people is being allowed to continue in the place.

‘Don’t cross your limit’: Bhupesh Baghel warns against using ‘insulting’ words for Rahul Gandhi after Navika Kumar’s ‘bl**dy’ slip up

OpIndia Staff
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‘Don’t cross your limit’: Bhupesh Baghel warns against using ‘insulting’ words for Rahul Gandhi after Navika Kumar’s ‘bl**dy’ slip up

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday took to Twitter to ‘warn’ people from media against using ‘abusive’ terms to describe senior Congress leader and son of party president Rahul Gandhi.

Baghel tweeted, ‘Listen up, Rahul Gandhi is the main leader of the opposition. Congress workers will not tolerate ‘abusive’ words against him. We respect every media house which is being a responsible fourth pillar of democracy. But do not forget your limits.’

While Rahul Gandhi, Wayanad MP, is indeed one of the leaders of opposition, he is neither the party president (his mother is) nor is he the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

This, however, did not go down too well with netizens who did not take such threatening messages too kindly.

BJP Delhi spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga questioned whether Baghel is a chief minister or a goonda. He reminded that similar language used by Rajiv Gandhi in 1984 after Indira Gandhi’s assassination led to killing of thousands of Sikhs.

Other Twitter user pointed out that Baghel is tweeting for ‘Pappu’, a nickname given to Rahul Gandhi by many, at midnight. “If you’d have given this much attention to your state, you would not have to tender your resignation,” he added. Chhattisgarh, too, is currently facing political upheavals as various Congress factions are fighting amongst themselves.

One Twitter user, paying no heed to the warning said that Rahul Gandhi is a donkey and dared Baghel to initiate action against him.

Swarajya journalist Swati Goel Sharma pointed out how this kind of threat was just one step away from ‘sar tan se juda’, a slogan changed by Islamists who give a call for beheading on allegations of blasphemy.

It seems the trigger for such a reaction was a show on Times Now by Navika Kumar where she was discussing the Punjab political crisis. “… want my vacation and I’ll go for vacation. And the day he returns, bl**dy… I’m sorry, sorry, on the day he returns Punjab is in the headlines…” she said.

Congress leaders then took to Twitter to trend ‘Kachra Navika’ and hurled choicest abuses towards her for saying ‘bloody’ on air in a sentence that also included Rahul Gandhi.

Navika Kumar later took to social media to apologise for her momentary lapse in flow of conversation and using an ‘unparliamentary word’ on air.

She mentioned how she had immediately apologised for using the word as well. However, despite that, Congress workers, leaders and supporters were not satisfied. They demanded her to be taken off air.

Some even demanded she releases a video apology and promises never to ‘repeat this insanity’ ever again against Rahul Gandhi. Apparently nothing short of on-air apology will work for Congressis.

It must be noted that Congress-friendly media houses as well as Editors’ Guild of India and other media organisations have not yet commented on Baghel’s threat to media houses.

Punjab Congress: Amarinder Singh says Sidhu is going to join another party very soon, AICC tries to patch things up

OpIndia Staff
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Punjab Congress: Amarinder Singh says Sidhu is going to join another party very soon, AICC tries to patch things up

After “I told you so,” on Navjot Singh Sidhu’s antics, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has now declared that the just resigned PCC chief is all set to dump the Indian National Congress and hop to another party. 

As per Tribune, when the former CM was asked about Sidhu resigning from his post as state party president on the grounds of ‘principles,’ he said, “What principles? He’s only making grounds to quit the Congress. Wait and watch, he will join another party very soon.”

“I’ve known this boy (Sidhu) since his childhood. He has been a loner and can never be a team player,” remarked Amarinder Singh further. 

Sidhu unwilling to budge

Reportedly, several Congress leaders and MLAs rushed to Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee chief Navjot Singh Sidhu’s residence on Monday to listen to his grievances and reasons for submitting his resignation. It is imperative to note that according to the latest information, the Congress Party’s top brass has refused to accept the resignation of the state party president.

However, Sidhu allegedly said that he is not willing to rethink “with present political changes in the government.” 

In just a little over two months from grabbing the position of PCC chief, Sidhu declared that he could not be a mere “puppet in the hands of the party high command”.

“I have promised to the people of Punjab that I will keep their interests above everything else and will not compromise on it,” said Sidhu to the party leaders. 

Sonia consults party veterans

The Gandhis who were vacationing in Shimla had to cut short their trip and head back to the national capital after the news of Sidhu’s resignation jolted the party. 

Reports suggest that Congress’ interim president Sonia Gandhi has called upon a few senior leaders to clean the political mess. 

“With his public resignation, the messy fallout and subsequent resignations of supporters, Sidhu appears to have made reconciliation difficult, if not impossible. The party wants a solution but this is a Catch-22 situation,” informed a Congress leader to Tribune.

My sense is a search for replacing the PCC chief may well be on while other solutions are mulled. Views are being sought on the way forward,” the leader said further. 

On the other hand, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal claimed that everything is under control. “All will be well. This is an emotional reaction by Mr Sidhu,” he remarked. 

Hours after Sidhu tendered his resignation, his close aide and treasurer Gulzar Inder Chahal and general secretary Yoginder Pal Dhingra also resigned in solidarity.

NYT fact-checks random meme of PM Modi circulating on social media, Congress supporters call it BJP’s defeat

OpIndia Staff
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NYT fact-checks random meme of PM Modi circulating on social media, Congress supporters call it BJP’s defeat

A random morphed meme featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the front page of an American daily has been doing the rounds on social media since his return from the White House. 

The satirical image with glaring errors depicted PM Modi on the front page of the New York Times with the headline “Last, Best Hope of Earth” and “World’s most loved and most powerful leader is here to bless us,” as the sub-headline. 

The New York Times has now fact-checked the image and distanced themselves from even a meme praising the Indian Prime Minister. “This is a completely fabricated image, one of many in circulation featuring Prime Minister Modi,” they said in a Tweet.

“Resharing or circulating photoshopped images online only adds to misinformation and uncertainty, at a time when truthful, trusted journalism is needed the most,” read their clarification further. 

The publication also shared a link where one can access articles done by them on PM Modi. As usual, most of them were articles painting a grim, morbid picture of India. A quick glance at the linked page and one can understand why the publication was quick to fact-check a random meme calling PM Modi ‘Best Hope of Earth.’ 

Ironically, the meme was not even seen by many on social media till some so-called ‘fact-checkers’ started fact-checking’ it.

New York Times factual reporting on PM Modi

Congress picks up random meme to accuse BJP supporters

On the other hand, the social media warriors of Congress had accused the Bhartiya Janta Party supporters of circulating the ‘fake image’ to flatter the leader. However, it is imperative to note that the image was widely circulated by Congress supporters themselves. 

They are now rejoicing at the clarification issued by the New York Times calling it BJP IT Cell’s defeat. “This must hurt! BJP IT cell spread fake news. NYT not only denies it, it provides a link to all of their recent news items on Modi, most of which aren’t flattering! The saying in Hindi – Aa Bail Mujhe Maar!” Tweeted a social media user.

Low IQ Congress supporters do not seem to fathom why the BJP IT cell would create a meme that was mocking PM Modi.

Before the American daily, the meme was ‘fact-checked’ by the likes of Scroll, Quint and Boom Live in India.

It is notable here a look at the meme is enough to tell it has been morphed and is a satirical take on the PM. Among the barrage of morphed images and memes that flood social media every day, why the so-called ‘fact checkers’ tried to dismiss a meme that was so obviously morphed is for anyone to guess.

Kanhaiya Kumar says supporting his movement led to divorces and fights at dinner tables

OpIndia Staff
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Kanhaiya Kumar says supporting his movement led to divorces and fights at dinner tables

Kanhaiya Kumar while addressing the media after joining the Congress Party said that his movement caused divorces and fights at dinner tables.

Kanhaiya Kumar said, ‘I am grateful to the place where I was born and the party (CPI) that raised me up, which taught me and gave me the courage to fight, and along with the party, I want to thank the crores of people who fought with their friends in school WhatsApp groups when unfounded allegations were made against us. In support of our movement, they fought at dinner tables and fell out with friends. It even led to divorces. Only Congress party can provide the leadership in this ideological struggle that is going on in the country.’

Regarding his reasons to join the Congress party, Kumar said, “I am joining the Congress because some people who are ruling the country are trying to change this country’s thoughts, culture. I have chosen to be in the country’s most democratic party.” “Youth are beginning to realise that if the Congress is finished, then this country will also not be safe,” he added.

Kumar also said that there is no alternative to the Congress party. “If a big ship like the Congress is not saved, then small boats will not survive,” he stated.

Earlier today, Rahul Gandhi celebrated with former JNU ‘student leader’ Kanhaiya Kumar and independent MLA Jignesh Mevani at Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Park, ITO, Delhi Gujarat. Hardik Patel was also present to celebrate the formal induction of the two leaders into the party fold.

Gandhi siblings try to settle dispute between two Congress leaders, end up causing both of them to resign: How the Punjab crisis unfolded

Jinit Jain
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Gandhi siblings try to settle dispute between two Congress leaders, end up causing both of them to resign: How the Punjab crisis unfolded

Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday resigned from the post of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), 10 days after former Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh had tendered his resignation. Sidhu took to Twitter to make the announcement.

In a letter addressed to Sonia Gandhi, Sidhu said, “The collapse of a man’s character stems from the compromise corner, I can never compromise on Punjab’s future and the agenda for the welfare of Punjab. Therefore, I hereby resign as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Will continue to serve the Congress.”

The decision to quit as PCC chief came days after former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh resigned from the post of CM. The Gandhi siblings, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, had tried to iron out the differences between Navjot Singh Sidhu and Captain Amarinder Singh, but their efforts proved to be catastrophically counterproductive, with both the leaders deciding to relinquish their respective posts.

The Gandhi siblings perhaps thought that their intervention would end the party’s internecine conflict and strengthen it for the assembly election polls slated to happen next year. But far from forging unity, the mediation by the Gandhis had the opposite effect—it exacerbated the tussle between the two Congress leaders—leaving the party more vulnerable than it already was.

Captain Amarinder Singh resigns after enduring humiliation at the hands of the Congress leadership

Months ahead of the assembly state elections, the Congress government in Punjab saw themselves engulfed in an unnavigable political crisis. The two towering leaders of Punjab Congress were at loggerheads with each other. On one hand, it was Pradesh Congress Committee chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and on the other, it was Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh.

The crisis was triggered in sorts by the Congress party’s decision to bring Sidhu out of the woodwork and award him with the plum position of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief. It was reported that Priyanka Gandhi, who had fashioned herself as the party’s ‘crisis manager’ after Ahmed Patel’s demise, had convinced the party high command for an expanded role for Navjot Singh Sidhu in Punjab Congress.

Captain Amarinder Singh and his camp had already expressed their reservations over Sidhu’s elevation in the party. The relationship between the two leaders had sharply deteriorated after Navjot Singh Sidhu’s brazen disregard of Captain’s suggestion against visiting Pakistan. Sidhu defied Captain’s advice and visited Pakistan, thereby causing a rift in their relationship that only widened as time passed by.

Since Singh wielded enormous influence on the party in Punjab, Sidhu was treated as a pariah and consigned to the fringes of active politics. Both leaders made no bones about their dislike for each other and neither did the two see eye to eye on any of the issues.

Yet, the party took the gamble of appointing Navjot Singh Sidhu as the PCC chief in July 2021. The party was focused on winning the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and in their grand scheme of things, Sidhu had a key role to play, regardless of the reservations raised by Captain Amarinder Singh.

With Sonia Gandhi not keeping good health, the Gandhi siblings reportedly took the mantle of settling the widening friction between the two leaders in Punjab. Instead of resolving the conflict, their actions only added proverbial fuel to the fire. However, a Congress insider quoted by the Times of India said Sidhu was just a pawn in the battle of egos fought between Amarinder on one side and Rahul and Priyanka on the other.

But that decision of elevating Sidhu in their bid to clip the wings of Captain turned out to be disastrous. The discord within the Congress party came to a head when Captain Amarinder Singh decided to end his humiliation by resigning from the post of Punjab Chief Minister on 18 September 2021. Talking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Amarinder Singh said he resigned after he was humiliated by the party leadership. Referring to the frequent meetings of Congress MLAs, Singh said they suggested that the party had doubts about his leadership skills.

Gandhis take control of Punjab Congress to keep Sidhu ‘under check’

Gandhis thought changing chief minister in the state would end the turmoil before the assembly elections early next year. But that decision was beset with a fresh set of problems. With the fallout with Captain Amarinder Singh fresh in mind, Gandhis were reluctant to give free rein to new CM Charanjit Singh Channi and Navjot Singh Sidhu, lest other leaders in the state mimic Singh and start submitting their resignations. Within 4 days after being elected as the new Punjab Chief minister, Channi was summoned to Delhi two times to hash out a “consensus” cabinet, demonstrating party leadership’s resolve to keep the authority of the state government in its own hands and not allow local leadership to take control, a report published in News 18 said.

From administrative shuffle to the appointment of bureaucrats to the selection of ministers in the new Punjab Cabinet, Gandhis were reportedly having a say in all decisions concerning the state. The decision to take absolute control in Punjab state stemmed from the bad optics the party attracted in the wake of the unceremonious removal of Captain Amarinder Singh from the post of the chief minister.

As per sources, the Gandhis were even keen on keeping the Pradesh Congress Committee Navjot Singh Sidhu ‘under check’. The Gandhis also approached former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jhakhar to consult him on the cabinet formation, indicating that they would also include those who are not firmly embedded in the Sidhu camp.

Gandhis were inclined towards appointing someone “neutral” as an election campaign party in charge to make sure that competing factions within the party do not indulge in recriminations over the appointment of the said person. Jhakhar was among the frontrunner in the contention. The Gandhis reportedly wanted to give an impression that voices within the party other than those belonging to the Sidhu camp will also be heard.

However, the heavy-handedness of the Gandhis did not sit well with Navjot Singh Sidhu, who chose to resign instead of continuing as a figurehead leader. As per sources, Sidhu was upset with the cabinet changes made by the new CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who was in all likelihood following the instructions he had received from 10 Janpath. It is also speculated that key posts granted to officials linked to the “sacrilege” case and the party’s disregard for Sidhu’s recommendations for the recent cabinet appointments also led him to resign from the post of PCC chief.

The Gandhis possibly thought their mediation in Punjab would not only end the enduring dispute between the two leaders but also establish their credentials as leaders worthy of taking over the party leadership. A peaceful transition of CM would have reinforced the notion that Gandhis were capable of shepherding Congress in the right direction. But instead of steering the storm-tossed ship of Punjab Congress out of danger, their intervention ended up taking it right at the eye of the maelstrom, with neither Captain nor Sidhu available to helm the ship back to safety. It would not be surprising if the Congress party in Punjab now finds itself circling the drain and eventually collapsing under the weight of the Gandhis.

Islamist apologists claim Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid didn’t get to join Congress because he is Muslim, unlike Kanhaiya Kumar, Jignesh Mevani

OpIndia Staff
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Islamist apologists claim Delhi riots accused Umar Khalid didn’t get to join Congress because he is Muslim, unlike Kanhaiya Kumar, Jignesh Mevani

Islamists and Islamist apologists have decided to fawn over Umar Khalid on a day when Kanhaiya Kumar and Jignesh Mevani have been inducted into the Congress party. They believe the reason why Umar Khalid is rotting in jail while Kanhaiya Kumar and Jignesh Mevani have landed in the Congress party is that Khalid is a Muslim.

Journalist with The Wire, Arfa Khanum Sherwani, asked about Umar Khalid, “Is he being punished for being a Muslim?”

Source: Twitter

‘Journalist’ Zeba Warsi said, “Kanhaiya Kumar, Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid are all similar in the sense of being a new breed of young activists. Yet, Khalid’s present situation is starkly different.”

Source: Twitter

One Saif Patel pointed out that Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid had broken into the national limelight at around the same time. However, while the former was now a full time politician, the latter was rotting in jail.

Source: Twitter

One Afzal said that Umar Khalid was being punished because he is a Muslim.

Source: Twitter

Faisal Nadeem, a ‘Muslim student activist’ from the Aligarh Muslim University, commented that Khalid’s fate is the “harsh reality” of an Indian Muslim activist.

Source: Twitter

One Mohammed Rizwan said that there is a lesson to learn from the whole affair.

Source: Twitter

Khalid was arrested by the Delhi Police on September 14 last year for his alleged involvement in the Northeast Delhi riots. He was summoned by the police for investigation and was later arrested. Khalid is accused of hatching a conspiracy to unleash violence along with his friends during the visit of US President Trump to India. He is accused to have met the former AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain and another accused Khalid Saifi for logistical support during the riots.

Despite the serious allegations against the ‘activist’, Islamists and their apologists claim that Khalid is being ‘persecuted’ because he is Muslim. Quite clearly, it is another effort to whitewash an accused in the riots case. A similar effort was launched to whitewash Tahir Hussain and Shahrukh Pathan as well, despite evidence to the contrary.

Congress top brass refuses to accept resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu, asks state leaders to resolve the matter at their own level first

OpIndia Staff
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Congress top brass refuses to accept resignation of Navjot Singh Sidhu, asks state leaders to resolve the matter at their own level first

The Punjab Congress circus is getting more entertaining by the minute. Now, according to the latest information, the Congress Party’s top brass has refused to accept the resignation of state party president Navjot Singh Sidhu. News agency ANI has quoted Congress sources as revealing that the top leadership has asked state leaders to resolve the matter at their own level first.

Earlier in the day, Sidhu had resigned from the post of PPCC chief. In a letter addressed to party chief Sonia Gandhi, Sidhu had stated that he is stepping down as the state president.

“The collapse of a man’s character stems from the compromise corner, I can never compromise on Punjab’s future and the agenda for the welfare of Punjab. Therefore, I hereby resign as the President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Will continue to serve the Congress”, wrote Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Reacting to Sidhu’s unanticipated move. former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh had said: “I told you so…he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab.”

Shortly after the news of Navjot Singh Sidhu quitting as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President surfaced in the media, Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were seen at Chandigarh Airport heading back to New Delhi.

Reportedly, the Gandhis who were vacationing in Shimla after the resignation of former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh seemed to have cut short their trip after Sidhu put down his papers.

After Sidhu’s resignation, many of his loyalists too put in their papers.

Yoginder Dhingra and Gautam Seth resigned as General Secretary and General Secretary (in-charge training) of Punjab Congress. Similarly, Razia Sultana, another close aide of Sidhu, too, resigned from the newly formed Cabinet in Punjab. She was included in the Cabinet just two days back.

Only in the month of July did the Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi had overthrown Sunil Jakhar to make Navjot Singh Sidhu the new Punjab Congress Chief. The decision had then garnered a wide range of responses with some snubbing Captain Amarinder Singh while others attacking Sidhu for his vendetta politics.

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