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Rahul Gandhi no longer willing to put oil in Lalu’s lantern: Is Congress trying to form a 3rd front in Bihar with Prashant Kishor and having Kanhaiya Kumar as the face

अनुपम कुमार सिंह
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Rahul Gandhi no longer willing to put oil in Lalu’s lantern: Is Congress trying to form a 3rd front in Bihar with Prashant Kishor and having Kanhaiya Kumar as the face

Assembly elections are going to be held in Bihar at the end of this year, the political campaigns for which have already begun. On one side is the BJP, which is enthused after its victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi Assembly elections. On the other side is the Lalu Yadav’s RJD, which is trying to return to power by playing caste politics.

Congress is also in the fray in Bihar, which is trying to establish a new face in the state. Apart from these, there are LJP and HAM, which are part of the NDA alliance, even on the Waqf Bill, BJP had the support of these two parties. There are also leftists, CPI (ML) has a good influence in some districts of Bihar.

There is also a party Vikassheel Insaan Party, which claims its right on the votes of the Nishad community. At the same time, a new party named ‘Jan Suraaj Party’ has also emerged in the state politics, which is making headlines in the national media. This is Prashant Kishor’s party, who was once close to both Lalu and Nitish. The latest equation in Bihar is that the Congress party’s show of strength has made the RJD restless. Will Lalu Yadav ever be able to see a Congress face emerging? If a strong Congress face emerges, then what will happen to Tejashwi Yadav’s political aspirations.

Rahul Gandhi’s blessings to Kanhaiya Kumar, a threat to RJD’s ambitions

On Monday (7th April, 2025) Rahul Gandhi took part in a padyatra with Kanhaiya Kumar in Begusarai. This padyatra has been named ‘Give jobs, stop migration’. In the journey from Subhash Chowk to Har-Har Mahadev Chowk in Begusarai, Rahul Gandhi couldn’t attract much crowd, but he definitely left a message. He was even welcomed with a shower of flowers at many places. On social media too, the party described this yatra as the hope of Bihar’s struggle and voice. RJD and Lalu Yadav family kept their distance from this yatra.

After returning from Begusarai, Rahul Gandhi participated in 2 programs in the capital Patna. He participated in the ‘Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan’ at Sri Krishna Memorial Hall, while he also interacted with party leaders and workers at the party’s state headquarters ‘Sadakat Ashram’. After a long time, so much hustle and bustle is being seen within the Congress in Bihar. Since the time of Lok Sabha elections 2024, Rahul Gandhi has been giving the slogan of ‘Save the Constitution’, he has been constantly talking about OBC/SC/ST rights, will these tactics work in upcoming Bihar elections?

The impact of these tactics will be known only after the election results, but the effect of this tactic has definitely started showing in the grand alliance. The I.N.D.I. alliance fizzled out across the country, but the RJD-Congress-Left parties alliance is still going strong so far in Bihar. However, Lalu Yadav doesn’t want to see any Congress leader becoming powerful in Bihar. Notably, before the Lok Sabha elections, Pappu Yadav had a meeting with Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav before joining Congress, but in the Purnia Lok Sabha elections, Tejashwi Yadav fiercely attacked Pappu Yadav.

Pappu Yadav won by contesting as an independent, but he did not leave Congress. Now a new and popular face is emerging from Congress in the form of Kanhaiya Kumar. Kanhaiya Kumar has been a popular face on social media since the provocative slogans raised in JNU in February 2016, since joining the Congress, he has been seen being a part of big meetings of the party. He comes from Begusarai in Bihar and is outspoken in front of the media and the public. In such a situation, two-time deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, who is struggling to become CM for the first time, will hardly pay any attention to him.

Congress may go into alliance with Prashant Kishor

In such a situation, if Tejashwi Yadav is not giving importance by Congress at the bargaining table, then what option will the party have? One option that the Congress party can have is to join the alliance with Prashant Kishor. Congress party still has cadres in every area, the party has been in power in Bihar for a long time after independence. On the other hand, PK has social media hype and strategy. Prashant Kishor had organized a conference of Muslims in Patna, he has opposed the Waqf Bill, he was also seen a lot in Eid-Iftari – in such a situation, Congress hardly has any objection to an alliance with him.

In the assembly by-elections held on 4 seats in 2024, Jan Suraaj Party (JSUPA) had to change candidates on 2 seats, yet the party was successful in getting more than 10% votes. After that in the Legislative Council by-election, ‘Jan Suraaj Party’ was definitely ahead of RJD-JDU. Recently, student union elections were held in Patna University, in which ABVP won the post of president. For the post of joint secretary, the candidate of JSUPA lost by just 182 votes. RJD suffered a crushing defeat, while the youth showed enthusiasm for Prashant Kishor’s party. Prashant Kishor had incidentally supported NSUI for the post of president.

If we look at some of the decisions taken by the Congress in recent times, it seems as if the party is trying to increase its independent support base in Bihar. New presidents were appointed in all 40 organizational districts. Along with this, state president Akhilesh Yadav was removed from the post. Akhilesh Yadav was a RJD leader during the UPA period and also the Union Minister of State for Agriculture. He was counted among the close aides of Lalu Yadav, so it was also believed that the thinking behind his removal was that the Congress should create a strong identity separate from Lalu Yadav and RJD.

Let us also tell you about Lalu Yadav that whatever dealings he does, he does it directly after talking to Sonia Gandhi on the phone, perhaps this is the reason why he does not give importance to the in-charges sent by the Congress party to the state. In 2021, Lalu Yadav had described Bhakta Charan Das, who was sent by the Congress as in-charge, as ‘Bhakchonhar’. Recently, the current in-charge of Congress, Krishna Allavaru has met the ailing Lalu Yadav. It was told that he had gone to inquire about Lalu’s health.

Congress is trying to scare its regional allies, eyeing Muslim votes

Well, amidst all these discussions, one thing seems certain that the deal between Congress and RJD has not been finalized, the talks regarding seat sharing have not been able to move forward. The credit for AAP’s defeat in Delhi also goes to Congress, even if the figures do not confirm it. In UP, Akhilesh Yadav has stopped giving importance to the Congress party and has even said that Congress is now finished. In such a situation, Congress is scaring the regional parties that if the alliance is not formed, then even if they do not win, they will definitely defeat them.

Congress, which is running on the principle of ‘Hum to doobenge sanam, tumko bhi le doobenge‘, has had a relationship with PK earlier. Prashant Kishor has worked for Congress in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Once there was a discussion about taking him into Congress and making him the president, but then it came to light that Rahul Gandhi does not like him very much. Prashant Kishor has done padyatra (foot march) in Bihar, has also taken donations from people, has also wooed Muslims, has attacked Lalu and Modi together – so it should not be a surprise if both of them are seen contesting elections together tomorrow.

Dalit-OBC, Constitution, Reservation – Congress’s issues clashing with RJD

Regarding the election of district presidents of Congress, Rahul Gandhi is repeating that the party has given priority to the backward classes and has removed the people of the ‘upper caste’. RJD spokespersons also keep harping on the backward class again and again. In such a situation, Congress entering Bihar and playing on the same pitch means directly facing the RJD. The party’s convention is also going to be held in Gujarat on April 9, it should be seen as a show of strength before the Bihar elections. There too, the talks will be about the constitution, backward class and reservation.

One reason for this is that Nitish Kumar has already sub-classified Dalits in Bihar and given them the status of Mahadalit, while the public welfare schemes of the Modi government in the state have mostly benefited the backward society, especially women. On April 11, Prashant Kishor will start the ‘Bihar Badlaav Rally’ from Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Bihar politics is standing at a point where no one seems to be anyone’s friend, even Nitish Kumar is a compulsion for the BJP. Some of his recent viral videos have also increased the tension of the BJP.

Still, the Mahadalit and women vote bank is with Nitish Kumar and this is his strength. In Bihar, which has been suffering from the corruption of the Lalu family, Nitish Kumar seems ‘clean’ in this matter. So can this time in Bihar, BJP, JDU, LJP and HAM be seen on one side, Congress and PK on one side and RJD and Left parties on the other side? Where will Mukesh Sahni of VIP go in this triangular fight? They are demanding 60 seats which is definitely not possible with RJD being in the Grand Alliance.

Trump tariffs trigger a global stock market bloodbath, Indian Sensex and Nifty nosedive: Concerns of trade war and recession loom

Rukma Rathore
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Trump tariffs trigger a global stock market bloodbath, Indian Sensex and Nifty nosedive: Concerns of trade war and recession loom

Fears regarding a potential Black Monday crash are proving to be reality, with a dramatic downturn in global stock markets following a steep decline in the Dow Jones and S&P Futures on 6th April, triggered by United States President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs. On 7th April, Indian stock markets were met with a similar fate with the Sensex crashing by 4,000 points and the Nifty 50 dropping below 21,800 in early transactions.

The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices also fell by as much as 10 per cent. The bloodbath erased ₹20.16 lakh crore of wealth for investors. The average reduction in India’s automotive, IT, metals, pharmaceutical and energy infrastructure indices was 7%. As investors prepare for greater short-term uncertainty or risk, the volatility index, also known as the India Vix, increased by 59.4 per cent to 21.9, fearing a derail in global supply chains and GDP in midst of a potential trade war after China’s reaction.

The impact on Asian markets has been severe, as both Japan and Taiwan have hit circuit breakers for the first time since March 2020. The global stock market crash has resulted in the loss of trillions of dollars in market capitalization, negatively influencing the shares of many of the largest corporations worldwide.

Some countries are already rushing to defuse the situation. Taiwan proposed a plan that would completely eliminate tariffs. Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, promised assistance to the affected local industries. India has opted for moderation, at least for the time being. “Talks are ongoing, and we are evaluating our options,” an Indian official reportedly stated.

US tariffs, China’s retaliation leave global impact

The United States applied a standard 10% tariff on all arriving foreign goods as of 5th April and the country switched to a matching tariff system from 9th April and charge import taxes that are equivalent to those implemented by other countries. The White House officials also announced that about 60 of the “worst offenders” will be subject to specific reciprocal tariffs. Equity markets suffered an abrupt sell-off, with benchmark indices plunging more than 5% in early trading, amid a worldwide meltdown spurred by the development and China’s retaliatory actions.

The US imposed a 34% reciprocal tariff on China which responded in kind as Chinese products will now face tariffs exceeding 54%. Global investor morale was further clouded by concerns of an impending recession in the biggest economy in the world. The likelihood of a US recession in the upcoming year has increased from its initial estimate of 35% to 45%, according to a revised assessment by Goldman Sachs. JPMorgan Chase went so far as to warn that a recession could hit the US economy this year.

Markets around the world faced panic selling as Trump refused to alter his fluctuating tariffs in spite of China’s move and the mounting volume of global recession warnings. Beijing indicated it was taking the new US tariffs head-on, intensifying the trade battle between the two largest economies in the world as nations around the world rushed to mitigate their impact.

China and Japan’s benchmark indices have also dropped by 10% and 8%, respectively, indicating wider concerns, according to Vikas Jain, Head of Research at Reliance Securities. “The US S&P 500 dropped 6% on Friday (4th April), while the Dow Jones fell over 2,000 points. its worst performance since the COVID-19 crisis. China’s decision to impose a 34% reciprocal tariff on all US imports starting 10th April has only made matters worse,” he expressed.

Julia Lee, Head from FTSE Russell, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange Group voiced, “Tariffs are feeding into expectations around inflation and a recession.” In the worst week for the US stock market since 2020, the S&P 500 slumped nearly 6%, while all three of the country’s major stock indices fell more than 5%.

Image via The Times of India

A considerable deceleration in the US economy would lead to substantial consequences for Asian exports, given the critical role the US plays as a market for goods from this region. Qian Wang, Asia Pacific chief economist, at investment firm Vanguard pointed out, “Asia is bearing the brunt of the US tariff hike. While there could be some room for negotiation, a new regime of higher tariffs are here to stay. This is negative to the global and Asia economy, especially those small open economies, both in the short term and long term.”

Frank Lavin, a former Undersecretary for International Trade at the US Department of Commerce outlined, “Asia is likely to feel a disproportionate brunt of this turmoil because Asia sends more exports to the US than to other markets.”

Global sell-off is dampening market sentiment

The panic on Wall Street was reflected in Asian stocks. The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo slid 7%, the Shanghai Composite lost more than 6%, the Hang Seng in Hong Kong plummeted by about 11%, and the Kospi in South Korea fell 5%. Japanese stock futures hit lower circuit limitations in early trading, forcing a brief pause. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 5.50%, the S&P 500 tumbled 5.97% and the Nasdaq decreased 5.82% on Wall Street.

Trump levied a reciprocal tax of 26% on India, however, it is less than the tariffs slapped on major textile exporters to the US, such as Vietnam (46%), Bangladesh (37%), Cambodia (49%), and Pakistan (29%). All 30 constituents of the Sensex were showing negative performance in the market. Tata Steel experienced a drop of more than 10 per cent, while Tata Motors recorded a reduction of more than 9 per cent. Significant losses were also incurred by industry titans including Infosys, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Reliance Industries, TCS and L&T.

“Markets are going through extreme volatility driven by deep uncertainty. No one knows how this tariff turmoil will evolve, and that is keeping investors on edge globally,” VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Service noted. The chaos was compared by some investors to “Black Monday,” the biggest one-day decline in Dow Jones history, which occurred on19th October 1987, when the index crashed 23% due to ongoing trade and budget deficits in the US.

Tariffs sow fears of trade wars, recession and global backlash 

As President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs fueled fears of a worldwide recession and steep price increases for large categories of goods in the largest consumer market in the world, nations all over the world threatened to launch a trade war with the United States. Trump’s sanctions caused global financial markets to crash and other leaders who were facing the end of a decades-long period of trade liberalization condemned them.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, one of the closest trading allies of the US, complained that the tariffs had caused a “national crisis” as Tokyo’s stock market headed for its worst week in years due to a decline in banking shares. The US tariffs would be the largest trade barriers in over a century which might raise the cost of everything from Apple’s iPhone to running shoes to cannabis for American consumers.

According to estimates from Rosenblatt Securities, if Apple passes the expenses on to customers, a high-end iPhone might cost around $2,300. Businesses rushed to adapt. While General Motors (GM.N), which opened a new tab, stated it would enhance US manufacturing, automaker Stellantis announced it would temporarily lay off US workers and close operations in Canada and Mexico.

According to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the US has renounced its longstanding position as an advocate for global economic cooperation. He added, “The global economy is fundamentally different today than it was yesterday.” China pledged to respond to Trump’s imposition of 54% tariffs on imports, a sentiment echoed by the European Union, which is subject to a 20% duty.

European nations were urged to halt their investment in the United States by French President Emmanuel Macron. Japan, South Korea, Mexico, among other trading partners stated that they would postpone any response for the time being in order to negotiate concessions. Britain is trying to reach an economic agreement with the United States, according to the country’s foreign minister.

However, both Washington’s supporters and adversaries forewarned of a catastrophic damage to international trade. International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva asserted that the tariffs “clearly represent a significant risk to the global outlook at a time of sluggish growth,” and she urged Washington to try to ease trade tensions with its allies and lower uncertainty.

As economists warned that the tariffs might affect business profitability, disrupt supply chains and reduce demand, stocks fall apart globally and the US dollar plummeted while oil prices were poised for their worst week in months. A large number of American companies that produced in other countries suffered.

James Lucier, founding partner at Capital Alpha emphasised, “The tariff plan does not appear to be well thought-out. Trade negotiations are a highly technical discipline, and in our view these proposals do not offer a serious basis for negotiations with any country.” According to economists, the tariffs could elevate the probability of a US recession, spark inflation again and increase expenses for the American family by thousands of dollars. Analysts warned that the tariffs could undermine strategic attempts to restrain China and alienate friends in Asia.

“We now expect real GDP to contract under the weight of the tariffs, and for the full year (4Q/4Q) we now look for real GDP growth of -0.3%, down from 1.3% previously,” JP Morgan’s chief US economist, Michael Feroli announced. He also mentioned that it is predicted that the recession will “push the unemployment rate up to 5.3 per cent.”

Trump introduced a 25% tax on South Korea and a 24% duty on Japan, both of which are home to significant American military installations. Additionally, he enforced a 32% tariff on Taiwan to China’s growing military pressure on the island. The biggest trading partners of the United States, Canada and Mexico, were not hit by targeted tariffs, but they already incur 25% tariffs on multiple items and now have to pay additional duties on auto imports.

How vulnerable is India

India is closely linked to international trade and investment flows, just like the majority of open economies. Export-focused companies will be directly impacted by a slowdown in global growth and cross-border trade, and if overall growth slows, local enterprises will also see second-order repercussions.

India’s imports totaled $839.39 billion in FY25, while its exports of goods and services totaled over $750 billion. During the same year, India’s GDP was estimated to be $4 trillion, with imports accounting for 21% and exports for 19%, illustrating the country’s vulnerability to global value chains. India’s biggest trading partner, the United States, is also one of the few nations with which the former recorded a trade surplus in 2023–2024.

India’s exports to the US are subject to an additional average duty of 26%, which is a significant setback even though it is less than the tariffs placed on a number of other Asian exporters. The possible disruption of global supply chains due to retaliatory trade measures is anticipated to put pressure on earnings and valuations of listed Indian companies.

Image via The Times of India

Growing investor involvement and disciplined investing through systematic investment plans (SIPs) have been the main drivers of the recent boom in retail inflows into stocks. Inflows of mutual funds through SIPs increased 37% from ₹1.9 trillion in FY24 to ₹2.6 trillion in FY25 (April–February), according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi). A significant increase was also observed in retail investors’ direct stock investments. These investors could be hurt by the current increase in volatility.

The global context continues to be worrisome. With a 23% decline from its record high of 20,204.58 on 16th December to 4th April’s close of 15,587.79, the Nasdaq has formally entered bear market territory. With their weight of 11.91% on the Nifty, second only to financial services at 37.30% as of March-end, this means that Indian IT stocks, especially those of major exporters, will be under greater stress.

On the other hand, Sujan Hajra, Chief Economist & Executive Director, Anand Rathi Group earlier stated, “With lower tariff rates than key peers and a modest impact on exports, India may even gain from supply chain shifts. Domestic growth, inflation, and equities remain on solid ground, turning a global trade headwind into a potential strategic tailwind.” The impact on India’s GDP, he added, would be limited to about 0.2%, even in the worst-case scenario of a 10% drop in exports to the US.

India is predicted to maintain strong growth in the 6.5-7.5% range over the next two to three years, notwithstanding trade frictions worldwide, owing to comparatively solid domestic demand and a significantly higher weighting of local versus foreign demand.

Economist Niven Winchester also examined the potential effects of reciprocal tariffs on the GDP of key nations worldwide, including the US, in a piece published on “The Conversation.” India’s GDP would alter by only about 0.19%, which would have a detrimental effect of $28 per household each year. At the current currency rate, that amounted to about ₹2396.28 annually for each household.

Image via The Conversation

He presented another scenario that demonstrated the economic consequences of other nations refusing to react to US tariffs. This situation is entirely theoretical, though, as retaliatory tariffs have been proposed. Under such circumstances, there could have been a 0.01% increase in India’s GDP, which would have translated into an annual increase of $1 at the household level.

A defiant Donald Trump

Trump reiterated his stance on reducing deficits with the country’s trading partners, stating that he would not engage in any agreements until this issue was addressed. He maintained that other nations will need to shell out “a lot of money” to lift the broad reciprocal tariffs that were put in place last week. According to him, he wasn’t worried about the major sell-off as the US stock market has lost around $6 trillion in value just last week.

“I think your question is so stupid,” he angrily slammed a reporter’s question concerning the “pain threshold” of American consumers as concerns about sharp price hikes and a market slump deepen.”I don’t want anything to go down. But sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something. We’re going to become a wealthy nation again, wealthy like never before,” he declared as it seemed that the world’s financial markets would continue to fall precipitously. He even claimed that European and Asian countries were “dying to make a deal” with the US.

He also defended his decision on his social media platform Truth Social, calling the tariffs a “very beautiful thing to behold” as traders around the world braced for more turbulence after suffering severe losses.

Both senior trade adviser Peter Navarro and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also affirmed that the proposed tariff hikes were not negotiable and the president would not back down.

According to Washington over the course of less than a month, the goals of these tariffs have also been transforming. They have shifted from national security issues (such as fentanyl and immigration inflows) to the revised justification of the need to balance trade deficits and prevent America from being undervalued. The Trump administration has also been arguing that the exercise will generate revenue for the projected tax cut that is anticipated later this year.

The officials claimed the tariffs would open up export markets overseas and create manufacturing jobs domestically, but they warned that results would take time while Trump has insisted the “reciprocal” duties are a response to restrictions placed on US exports. In just two trading sessions to end the week, Donald Trump’s declaration of significant tariffs on US trading partners worldwide, including India, destroyed $5.4 trillion in market value.

Conversion racket busted in Bilaspur, 6 arrested including pastor and organiser

OpIndia Staff
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Conversion racket busted in Bilaspur, 6 arrested including pastor and organiser

On 6th April, six people including a pastor were arrested for forcibly converting local Hindus to Christianity under the guise of a “prayer gathering” or “healing meeting”. The event was organised in the Bahatarai area under the Sarakanda police station jurisdiction.

As per media reports, Hindu organisations received information about the healing meeting allegedly being organised to convert unsuspecting locals to Christianity. Following the uproar, police reached the spot and arrested six individuals, including Pastor Deepak Singh Sidar, Pooja Sidar, Deepa Gotel, Gurvinder Singh, Shivkumar Dhivar and Madhu Kumar.

According to local Hindu activists, these prayer meetings were being regularly held every Sunday in Atal Awas and other areas of Bahatarai. One of the activists said, “Under the guise of prayer meetings, innocent Hindus are being brought in and slowly pushed towards conversion.”

Further probe in the matter revealed that Pastor Deepak and his wife Pooja had previously conducted a similar gathering on 31st March in Yadunandan Nagar, where a large number of local Hindus were present. All the accused were taken into custody and action was initiated under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act.

Reacting to the incident, Hindu activist Ram Singh Thakur said that there is a systematic attempt to turn Bilaspur into a “conversion hotspot”. He named regions including Koni, Sakri, Civil Lines and Masturi where similar activities have been reported in the past. He said, “Now even Bahatarai is being targeted. Poor and innocent Hindus are being misled with promises during these so-called prayer meets.”

He further added that Hindus are being enticed with offers and made to change their faith under emotional and social pressure during these meetings. OpIndia accessed the FIR filed in the matter.

Content of FIR

The FIR has been filed on the complaint of Pankaj Pandey under Section 3 of the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act. Pandey, who is a member of a Hindu organisation, said that he received information that Pastor Deepak and his wife Pooja, along with Gurvinder, Shivkumar and Madhu, were conducting a Christian prayer meet where they were trying to convert Hindus by offering them monetary inducements and creating fear based on illnesses.

The complainant, accompanied by fellow organisation members, reached the location and found that around 50 Hindus had gathered and were allegedly being encouraged to abandon their faith. They were being lured to convert to Christianity under the pretext that their health and poverty issues would be resolved through Christian belief.

The complainant pointed out that in the upper portion and in a room in the lower portion, separate prayer gatherings were being conducted with the motive to convert unsuspecting Hindus.

Bangladesh: Muslim mob attempts to lynch Hindu man after accusing him of ‘blasphemy’, police arrest victim instead of the attackers

OpIndia Staff
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Bangladesh: Muslim mob attempts to lynch Hindu man after accusing him of ‘blasphemy’, police arrest victim instead of the attackers

On Sunday (6th April), a frenzied Muslim mob attempted to lynch a 40-year-old Hindu man named Akhil Chandra Mondal after accusing him of ‘insulting’ Islam and mocking Prophet Muhammad. The incident occurred in the Tangail district of Bangladesh.

In disturbing visuals that have surfaced on social media, the extremists could be seen attacking the Hindu man with sticks and rods. Akhil Chandra Mondal was seen bleeding from his head while the police escorted him away.

Local Muslims in the area carried out the brutal attack after accusing the victim of posting ‘indecent cartoon’ on Facebook. They first hounded him at his own jewellery shop.

The victim managed to escape and took refuge in another shop. But the mob came attacking him soon after. Akhil Chandra Mondal was stripped, his shirt was torn and the Muslims gathered there threw punches and blows at him.

On learning about the matter, the police and the army officials reached the spot and took the victim away. He was subsequently arrested while no action was taken against the Muslim mob that almost lynched him.

After failing to murder Akhil Chandra Mondal, the extremists protested in front of the Tangail Sadar Upazila Parishad.

In November 2024, OpIndia reported how the High Court of Bangladesh recommended strengthening the Cyber Security Act to make ‘blasphemy’ punishable by life imprisonment and death penalty in the country.

Muslims attack Hindu minorities in Bangladesh under pretext of blasphemy

This is not the first time that such an incident has come to light.

In February 2025, a Muslim mob comprising members of the radical ‘Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’ and ‘Tawhidi Janata‘ hounded a Hindu man named Supta Saha Anik after accusing him of making ‘objectionable remarks’ about Islam.

The mob organised a protest rally in Kalmakanda upazila in the Netrakona district of Bangladesh after Jumma Namaz. They also demanded the immediate arrest of the Hindu man for supposedly insulting Prophet Muhammad and gave an ultimatum of 48 hours.

As expected, the violent Muslim mob raised genocidal slogans and vowed to make ‘ultimate sacrifie’ in order to avenge the supposed dishonour to Islam.

In January this year, a Hindu man named Pranta Talukder was abducted and tortured by a Muslim mob in the Chittagong city of Bangladesh. He was thrashed mercilessly and left severely injured over allegations of committing blasphemy.

In December 2024, Muslims carried out arson attack on 130 Hindu houses and 20 temples after accusing a young boy named Akash Das of making blasphemous comments on Facebook.

In October 2024, a frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Kadirdi Degree College in Boalmari in the Faridpur district of Bangladesh after accusing a Hindu boy named Hridoy Pal of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

In September last year, a Hindu boy named Utsab Mandal was almost lynched by a Muslim mob on accusations of ‘blasphemy’ in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna city.

Later that month, another frenzied Muslim mob laid siege to the Patiya police station in Chittagong district of Bangladesh, demanding that the cops hand over a Hindu boy accused of ‘insulting’ Prophet Muhammad.

The mob, comprising mostly local madrassa students, also attacked an army vehicle after seeing a young boy in civilian clothes and mistaking him for the Hindu victim. A 22-year-old Hindu youth named Partha Biswas Pintu was arrested on charges of committing ‘blasphemy’.

In May 2024, a Hindu student named Utsab Kumar Gian, studying at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Bangladesh, was thrashed by a Muslim mob on accusations of blasphemy.

Adani’s Colombo West terminal commences operations: Landmark achievement in India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership

OpIndia Staff
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Adani’s Colombo West terminal commences operations: Landmark achievement in India-Sri Lanka maritime partnership

The Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd has announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on April 7.

The Colombo West International Terminal, developed by Adani, is the first fully automated terminal in Colombo, aimed to enhance the efficiency of the port and ease congestion.

Developed under a landmark Public Private Partnership, CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising India’s largest port operator Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, (APSEZ), leading Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keels Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Port Authority, under a 35-year (build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement.

The CWIT represents an investment of around USD 800 million. It stretches 1400 metre quay in length and 20 metres depth, enabling the terminal to handle 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. 

Developed with the goal in mind of making Colombo one of the key transhipment hubs in the South Asia, the CWIT is first deep water terminal in Clombo to be fully automated, with enhanced cargo handling capabilities, improved vessel turnaround time.

The construction of the CWIT started in 2022 and has progressed rapidly.

“The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in the regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly in the Global Maritime map,” stated Gautam Adani, the Chairman of the Adani Group. 

Why should Hindus respect a dead tyrant who invaded India to kill, loot and convert? Salar Masud Ghazi, his fake shrine, and a whining ecosystem

Shraddha Pandey
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Why should Hindus respect a dead tyrant who invaded India to kill, loot and convert? Salar Masud Ghazi, his fake shrine, and a whining ecosystem

Islamists in India have a penchant for glorifying historical figures who mirror their own religious fanaticism, elevating Hindu-hating despots like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan to heroic status. A blatant display of their limerence for Aurangzeb and readiness to unleash violence against Hindus who wanted a discontinuation of honouring the historical tormentor of their ancestors was seen in Maharashtra’s Nagpur recently. Now, the Islamists are targeting Hindus in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj for waving saffron flag after climbing on the ‘Dargah’ of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, also known as Ghazi Miyan, the nephew of Mahmud Ghaznavi, who destroyed Somnath Temple in 1026 AD.

On the occasion of Ram Navami (6th April), some of the activists of Maharaja Suheldev Samman Suraksha Manch (MSSSM), led by one Manendra Pratap Singh, reportedly climbed atop the Dargah of Syed Salar Masud Ghazi and waved saffron flags in the Baharia area of Prayagraj. It is pertinent to note that Salar Masud’s original ‘dargah’ is situated in Baharaich, however, several shrines dedicated to him are built in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, including Bhadohi, Muzaffarangar and Prayagraj.

Several videos of Hindu activists waving saffron flags on Salar Masud’s dargah have surfaced online. In the viral video, three men carrying saffron flags are seen reaching the dome, while several others gathered below raise slogans like Jai Shri Ram. After receiving information about the incident, the police team arrived at the spot, however, the Hindu activists had already gone by then. The Prayagraj Police said that the investigation into the matter is underway.

In a statement issued on MSSSM’s letterpad, the Hindu activists alleged that Salar Masud’s dargah in Prayagraj is illegal and demanded that the weekly fair held there should be stopped. Manendra Pratap Singh, the former Karni Sena leader, stressed that there should be no place for the dargah of foreign Islamic invaders and demanded that the shrine in question be demolished. Notably, similar fairs are organised in other shrines dedicated to Salar Masud. In March this year, the Sambhal Police denied permission for organising the Neja fair to commemorate the Islamic tyrant.

Notably, the activists of ‘Suheldev Samman Suraksha Manch’ have given a memorandum to the DM and SP regarding their demands.

Islamists fume over Hindus refusing to accept the sanctity of Hindu-hating Muslim tyrant’s ‘dargah’

Predictably, the spectacle of Hindu activists climbing atop Syed Salar Masud Ghazi’s dargah has sparked outrage, with Islamists and their “liberal” cheerleaders doing what they do best— villainise Hindus and whitewash the Islamist hatred against Hindus.

In this vein, Mohammad Zubair of Alt News, who earned notoriety by dog-whistling Islamists against ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and passing off ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans raised by his co-religionists as ‘Nasir Sahab Zindabad’, shared some videos of Hindu activists climbing atop Salar Masud’s shrine. In his X post, Zubair lamented that the administration will not act against Hindu activists for their actions.

Abhinav Pandey, the Associate Editor at The Lallantop, also shared a picture of the said incident and wrote on X, “What religion do these people want to establish? Photo- Prayagraj under Bahria police station… sorry, our city was not like this.”

Similarly, Zakir Ali Tyagi, who has a record of peddling falsehoods to push the Muslim victimhood narrative, also lamented that Hindus no longer want to accept the existence of any structure or symbol dedicated to Islamic invaders.

“The mob involved in the Ram Navami procession in Allahabad’s Bahria police station area not only raised slogans to provoke the Muslims, but also climbed the Dargah of Salar Masood Ghazi and waved saffron flags while raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram. The name of the goon leading the flag-waving group is Mahendra Pratap, who is a BJP worker. Recently, the UP CM was saying in an interview that Muslims should learn discipline from Hindus. Sorry CM sahab, Muslims do not need such discipline at all. Rather, you need to learn from the discipline of Muslims and hand over the videos of the religious programs of Muslims to your people to show how they celebrate their festivals peacefully without harassing or provoking anyone!” Tyagi posted.

Another of Zakir Ali Tyagi’s kind, Wasim Akram Tyagi, also shared the viral picture of Hindu activists standing atop the said dargah with saffron flags and said, “Learn discipline from these Hindus who consider creating a ruckus in the places of worship of others under the protection of the government as their religion?

Meanwhile, Rana Ayyub went a step ahead and claimed that Salar Masud’s ‘dargah’ is a mosque.

It is pertinent to mention that the structure on which the Hindu activists seen in the viral videos climbed while carrying saffron flags is not a mosque but a shrine that is named after Salar Masud Ghazi, not even his grave or mazar.

Interestingly, none of the Islamists who were outraged over Hindus climbing atop Salar Masud’s shrine cared to divulge who the Islamic fanatic was, leaving the unsuspecting public in the impression that Hindu ‘hardliners’ are randomly attacking or vandalising Muslim places of worship during Hindu festivals to humiliate Muslims.

Since the Islamo-leftist cabal is out to villainise Hindus and once again whitewash the Hinduphobic history associated with Syed Salar Masud Ghazi, it is important to know all about the nephew of Mahmud of Ghazi and his anti-Hindu deeds.

Ghazi Syed Salar Masud and his legacy of killings, conversion of Hindus to Islam and destruction of Hindu temples

Ghazi Syed Salar Masud was the nephew of barbaric invader Mahmud of Ghaznavi. He was an Islamic fanatic and an infamous plunderer who deserves condemnation and not garlands and hushed reverence. Islamists eulogize Ghazi Salar Masud as a “martyr” who died fighting the “kafirs”. The fact is that Salar Masud was a fanatic who, under the tutelage of his uncle, Mahmud of Ghaznavi, drew pleasure in the rampant massacre of Hindus. In his lifetime in the 11th century, Salar Masud carried out mass conversions and executions of Hindus. He plundered and destroyed Hindu temples and Mutts, including the sacred Suraj Kund at Bahraich, as he went ahead to conquer various parts of India until Raja Suheldev finally halted his advent.

Ghazi Salar Masud was ultimately killed by Maharaja Suheldev when the two engaged in the fierce Battle of Bahraich in 1034 CE. The battle was fought near Chittaura Lake near the present-day Bahraich city in Uttar Pradesh. In 1026 CE, during the destruction of the famous Somnath Temple, Mahmud of Ghaznavi was accompanied by his 11-year-old nephew Syed Salar Masud. After the death of Mahmud Ghaznavi, Masud invaded India in May 1031 CE with a 100,000-strong army. He had imbibed the fanaticism and barbarism of his uncle.

Salar Masud’s first military conflict was with Raja Mahipal Tomar of Delhi, whom he defeated. From here, he marched into upper Doab towards Meerut, whose king, Raja Hari Dutt, submitted and joined Islam. Ghazi Salar Masud continued his campaign of invasions, massacres, looting, and destruction, eventually conquering Multan, Delhi, and Meerut and marching ahead.

After he defeated several kings, some other kings from Meerut, Badayun, Kannauj, and elsewhere opted to join forces with him rather than battle his huge army. After capturing these places, Masud intended to invade Ayodhya, a Hindu holy city. However, before reaching Ayodhya, his army had to cross Bahraich, which was controlled by Shravasti. During this time, Raja Suheldev governed the Kingdom of Shravasti.

When Raja Suheldev learnt of Masud’s plans, he prepared a counterattack. He spoke with the kings of nearby states, and they prepared a large defence force against the invader. Despite the fact that Suheldev’s army was first defeated, the king encouraged his warriors to fight back with all their might, vowing that the enemy must not return alive. After days of furious fighting in 1034, Raja Suhaldev was able to catch Salar Masud, and the Muslim invader was murdered. It is said that none of Masud’s 1.5 lakh Jihadis survived the battle, effectively halting the Islamic invasion of India for nearly a century.

Islamists continue to remember, extol, and defend historical figures with the greatest anti-Hindu credentials

Islamists and their cheerleaders masquerading as ‘secularists’ have long been venerating Muslim historical figures for their record of persecuting Hindus, destroying their temples, and converting them to Islam. The more the Islamic fanatic the historical figure was, the more venerable he is for present-day Islamists in the subcontinent. In March this year, Islamist mobs ran riots in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, as some Hindu activists gathered to protest and demand the removal of the grave of 17th-century Hindu-hating Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb.

 OpIndia extensively reported how the Islamo-leftists blamed Hindus and the film Chhaava for inciting Islamist mob violence. They pushed a sinister narrative that it was Hindus and the film depicting atrocities inflicted upon Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb to be blamed for Islamists getting offended and somehow being forced into resorting to violence. Now in the case of Salar Masud’s dargah, a similar pattern is emerging wherein the Islamic fanaticism is downplayed and Hindus are outrightly blamed for not simply accepting the glorification of those who brutalised their ancestors, destroyed their temples and wanted to eradicate Hindu Dharma.

Just as the ‘intellectual’ section of the Islamo-leftist ecosystem floated their figments of imagination, ironically, through history textbooks to whitewash Islamic fanaticism of Muslim tyrants as seen in the case of Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, it would not be surprising if the ecosystem comes up with a narrative that somehow Syed Salar Masud was secular at heart and was forced to persecute Hindus for a greater good. Interestingly, Salar Masud’s anti-Hindu credentials have already undergone a phase of whitewashing, as the long-dead Hindu-hater and plunderer’s image has been transformed into that of a righteous and truthful ‘Sufi saint’. His original dargah in Bahraich holds annual Urs and attracts visitors from Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities who offer prayers and seek ‘Mannat’ here while remaining oblivious to the bloodied history and anti-Hindu deeds of Salar Masud Ghazi.

The hypocrisy of Islamists, especially their liberal enablers, is unrelenting. These people are quick to decry Hindu assertion of not honouring Islamic fanatics, but maintain a deliberate silence over the destruction of Hindu temples and whitewashing of the legacies of the Islamists who persecuted Hindus into humanised tales of ‘cultural exchanges’. Whiile taking law into one’s hands should not be justified, the Hindu activists in Prayagraj were not storming a random mosque, rather they were rejecting the halo foisted upon Syed Salar Masud who in his lifetime persecuted Hindus, they were refusing the accept the sanctity of the dargah of a Islamic fanatic who drew joy in destroying Hindu temples. Be it Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan or Syed Salar Masud, the ecosystem wants Hindus to remain oblivious to brutality and fanaticism of those celebrated by present-day Islamists who harbour no less hatred for Hindus and desire to replicate the deeds of the tyrants they revere.

Allahu Akbar vs Vande Mataram Slogans: Chaos in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over Waqf Amendment Act, bill copies torn

OpIndia Staff
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Allahu Akbar vs Vande Mataram Slogans: Chaos in Jammu and Kashmir assembly over Waqf Amendment Act, bill copies torn

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into chaos on Monday after members of the National Conference and its allies protested against the enactment of the Waqf amendment bill, they also protested speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s decision to reject their adjournment motion on the Waqf Amendment Act.

As the session began, opposition MLAs rose to demand a discussion on the recent amendments made to the Waqf Act, voicing concerns over its implications. However, Speaker Rather maintained that the matter could not be taken up under an adjournment motion since it was currently sub judice.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said, “As per rules, no matter which is sub-judice can be brought up for adjournment. Since this issue is in the Supreme Court and I have got a copy of it, the rule clearly says that we cannot discuss through an adjournment motion.”

NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq moved the adjournment motion. Soon after, NC MLAs began approaching the well but were stopped by Marshals. NC MLAs then raised slogans, “Ban karo ban karo Waqf bill ko ban karo.”

NC MLAs Hilal Lone and Salman Sagar tore copies of the Waqf Act, and Abdul Majeed Larmi threw his jacket on the floor in protest, causing chaos in the House.

Slogans of Allahu Akbar were shouted by the NC MLAs as the chaotic scenes continued. In response, BJP MLAs were chanting ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song of India, and ‘Jai Shri Ram’.

After the Assembly was adjourned due to the chaos, the NC MLAs kept protesting outside the Assembly against the Waqf Bill and the decision by the Speaker to not allow discussion on it.

On April 5, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was passed by Parliament during the budget session.

Congress MLA Irfan Hafeez Lone said, “It is a violation of the Constitution, democracy, and rule of law… Numbers do not matter in a democracy. They should have taken us in their confidence and respected our emotions… You are brazenly violating rule of law, federalism, and secularism. This is a matter of serious concern. We will agitate for India to be free of such an ideology…”

The PDP, which is not in alliance with the NC, also joined the protests and accused the National Conference of indulging in a fixed match.

PDP leader Waheed Para said, “When Article 370 and CAA were in the court, we brought a resolution, and many states brought it. Today, we want to register our protest against the Waqf Bill, but unfortunately, the Speaker rejected the resolution. They are playing a fixed match. By not opposing this bill today, it has been shown that the Jammu and Kashmir government is compromising on the issues of Kashmir and Muslims.”

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on April 4 with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared the bill after a lengthy debate, with 288 members voting in favour and 232 opposing it.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to focus on improving the management of waqf properties, empowering stakeholders relevant to this, improving the efficiency of survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and developing waqf properties. While the core purpose remains to manage waqf properties, the aim is to implement modern and scientific methods for better governance. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed.

The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised following recommendations by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key features include improving the registration process and incorporating technology to enhance the efficiency of Waqf board operations.

The bill aims to overcome the shortcomings of the previous act and enhance the efficiency of Waqf boards, improving the registration process and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.

(With inputs from ANI)

Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 counties, including India, ahead of Hajj: Here is why Indian Muslims are barred – unauthorised entries, overstaying visit and more

OpIndia Staff
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Saudi Arabia bans visas for 14 counties, including India, ahead of Hajj: Here is why Indian Muslims are barred – unauthorised entries, overstaying visit and more

The Saudi government has suspended issuing visas to citizens of 14 nations, including India, ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage season. The other affected countries include Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

According to reports, the last date for issuing visas to Muslims living in these countries for Umrah is 13th April. New visas henceforth would be issued after the end of the Hajj, which is set to commence in June.

The development comes after the Saudi Arabian government in February this year suspended 1-year multiple-entry visas indefinitely for these 14 countries and limited travel to single-entry visas for 30 days.

Why did the Saudi govt make such a decision?

It has come to light that Muslims travelling to Saudi Arabia from India, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen have repeatedly violated visa rules.

They have entered the Gulf nation on a visit visa or Umrah and overstayed to participate in the Hajj.

Many Muslims from these 14 countries did not bother to register through official channels and openly flouted the quota system of Saudi Arabia, which has been designed to limit/ regulate the number of pilgrims.

The Saudi government had blamed these violations of visa rules for the 2024 Hajj extreme heat disaster, where 1301 people lost their lives.

The overcrowding caused by Muslims from these 14 nations, including India, through unauthorised participation in the Hajj creates massive issues in lodging, transportation, and healthcare.

In light of the situation, the Saudi government had warned unregistered Muslim pilgrims of a 5-year entry ban in the country. Indian Muslims have also repeatedly misused visa rules to overstay and participate in the Hajj, flouting country-specific quotas.

Saudi warns Pakistan over influx of beggars

In September 2024, the Saudi Arabian government issued a strong warning to Pakistan regarding the increasing number of Pakistani beggars entering the country under the pretext of Umrah. Saudi authorities cautioned that if Islamabad fails to take appropriate action, it could negatively impact the religious and interpersonal relations between the two nations.

“The Saudi Ministry of Hajj has issued a warning to Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, urging action to prevent Pakistani beggars from entering the kingdom under Umrah visas,” reported Pakistan’s Express Tribune newspaper.

In response, Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced plans to implement an “Umrah Act” to regulate travel agencies organizing Umrah trips, bringing them under legal oversight.

Additionally, the ministry has urged the Pakistani government to explore measures to prevent beggars from travelling to Saudi Arabia under the pretence of religious pilgrimage.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi assured Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki that stringent measures will be enforced against the criminal networks responsible for sending beggars to Saudi Arabia. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been assigned to spearhead this crackdown, focusing on dismantling the mafias that facilitate the illegal entry of beggars into the Kingdom.

‘Stones rained down on vehicles’: BJP slams Mamata Banerjee Govt for attack on Ram Navami procession in Kolkata, police dismiss charges

OpIndia Staff
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‘Stones rained down on vehicles’: BJP slams Mamata Banerjee Govt for attack on Ram Navami procession in Kolkata, police dismiss charges

On 6th April, a Ram Navami procession making its way back through Kolkata’s Park Circus Seven Point neighborhood was allegedly attacked resulting in multiple injuries and damaging numerous vehicles. Calling the incident “targeted violence,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed it on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (AITC/TMC). Kolkata Police, however, denied the allegations, claiming that no such procession took place near Park Circus.

West Bengal party president and union minister Sukanta Majumdar stated, “Stones rained down on vehicles just for carrying saffron flags. Windshields shattered. Chaos unleashed. This wasn’t random, it was targeted violence. And where was the police? Right there. Watching. Silent. Spineless.” He added that police was “completely paralyzed by Mamata Banerjee’s politics of appeasement. Not one step taken to protect innocent Hindus.”

Majumdar further conveyed “The roar of united Bengali Hindus during Ram Navami has shaken the system. Mamata’s pampered ‘Shanti Vahini’ isn’t peaceful, they’re panicked. Rattled. Terrified.” He vowed that the area would witness an even bigger, louder and more powerful procession the next year. “And the same cops who stood mute today? They’ll shower flowers on us. Mark these words,” The BJP leader declared.

BJP West Bengal unit also tweeted about the attack and slammed the chief minister. “Mamata Banerjee’s long-standing wish seems to have come true. In the heart of Kolkata, at Park Circus, vehicles belonging to Ram Navami devotees were attacked and vandalized during a religious procession.” It accused that no action was initiated despite substantial presence of police personnel.

The party highlighted that the city came to a standstill last Friday as Muslim community members demonstrated against the Waqf Bill at the same spot and halted everyday life. “Today, Hindus have once again been targeted and once again, the police chose silence,” it charged.

On the other hand, Kolkata police denied the accusations and claimed, “With reference to an alleged incident at Park Circus, it is clarified that no permission was taken for any procession, nor did any such movement occur in the area.” It claimed that police reacted swiftly to restore order after learning that a car had been damaged and a case is being filed to look into the situation. “Public is advised not to heed any rumours,” the authorities added.

Responding to the police, BJP leader Tarun Jyoti Tiwari questioned if permission is required for any event in Park Circus. He pointed out that no authorization was acquired for the meeting organized to protest the Waqf Amendment Bill and outlined that members of the minority community recently protested against the bill at Park Circus Crossing. Senior leaders of the saffron party led rallies at several sites during the party’s Ram Navami festivities in West Bengal.

Stone pelting on Ram Navami procession in Kanpur

Meanwhile, a Ram Navami procession was reportedly stoned on 6th April evening, prompting increased security in the Nai Sadak region of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. However, police claimed that the situation was under control and dubbed the occurrence a rumor. The “Shobha Yatra” organizers filed a written complaint, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Shrawan Kumar Singh, stating that during the procession’s movement, stones were thrown from building rooftops near Nai Sadak, near Chandreshwar Hata.

According to the DCP, the procession was returning when devotees were attacked with stones from houses, causing commotion, based on the complaint. “Prima facie it appears to be a rumour, as no one has been hit by bricks or stones. We have made proper inspections and scanned CCTV footage and videos and found no evidence corroborating the charges so far,” he stated.

The public, including members of the media, have been urged by police to submit any images or video that could support the assertions and help with the investigation. The official added, “We have made an appeal to people to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours.” Reserved police troops and cops from adjacent police stations have been stationed in the area as a precaution to avoid any unfortunate events.

“The situation is under control and we are still alert and keeping a close surveillance on the situation. Rumour-mongers will be dealt with sternly. Some video footage is doing the rounds, in which some people are seen fleeing, has fuelled the controversy. However, the authenticity of the video is yet to be verified,” he informed. The matter is under inquiry.

Congress the only party to retain two Lutyens’ bungalows, BJP and three other parties hold one each: Government reply in Lok Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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Congress the only party to retain two Lutyens’ bungalows, BJP and three other parties hold one each: Government reply in Lok Sabha

On 3rd April, while replying to a question by Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Ray, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs informed the Lok Sabha that there are six government bungalows in Lutyens’ Delhi that have been allotted to Election Commission-approved national political parties for office purposes. Interestingly, Congress is the only political party that holds two bungalows, while BJP and three other parties hold one each.

In his question, Ray asked whether government bungalows have been allotted to national political parties. He also asked if any parties have been denied such accommodation and if any bungalows have been allotted to presidents or general secretaries of these parties.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, provided a detailed list of bungalows allotted for party offices as well as for the residence of key office-bearers. Sahu informed the House that the Indian National Congress occupies two government bungalows, including 24, Akbar Road and 5, Raisina Road. These bungalows were allotted to the party in July 1990 and July 1976 respectively. The Raisina Road premises are currently used by the Indian Youth Congress.

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party occupies only one bungalow, that is, 14, Pandit Pant Marg. It was allotted to the party in 1999. The BJP was occupying 11, Ashoka Road, which served as the party’s headquarters. However, it was vacated by the party and is currently allotted to BJP MP from Odisha, Baijayant Panda.

Not to forget, both BJP and Congress have built their headquarters outside the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone. The BJP’s headquarters is located on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, and the Congress’s headquarters is located on Kotla Road. The land for both headquarters was allotted by the government. As per existing policy, parties are expected to vacate government bungalows within three years of either being allotted land or completing construction on new premises.

Sahu further informed the House that the National People’s Party (NPP) was allotted 75, North Avenue in August 2021, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) received 29, Lodhi Estate in February 2024, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was given 1, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane (Canning Lane) in July 2024.

For residential purposes, BSP chief Mayawati was allotted 35, Lodhi Estate in February 2024, while CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat was allotted 36, Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla Lane in December 2024.

Sahu clarified that no national political party has ever been denied government accommodation for office purposes. Land has also been made available to various regional parties, including the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, Janata Dal (United), DMK and AIADMK, among others, for building their own offices in Delhi.

According to the 2012 policy on land allotment, once land is allotted or construction is completed, parties have to vacate existing government bungalows or suites in Vithalbhai Patel House within three years. The timeline has been loosely observed across party lines, reports suggest.

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