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California: Law enforcement initiates investigation into vandalisation of Mahatma Gandhi statue by Khalistanis, Indian Embassy seeks action

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India has, in strong words, condemned the “malicious and despicable act” of vandalisation of the statue of Mahatma Gandhi placed in Davis, California. Taking up the issue with the US state department, the Indian embassy in Washington on Saturday sought “appropriate action” against those responsible for the act.

The statue in the city of Davis in California state, which was gifted by the Indian government in 2016, was vandalised by “unknown persons” on January 28, the external affairs ministry said, adding: “The government of India strongly condemns this malicious and despicable act against a universally respected icon of peace and justice”.

California authorities initiate an investigation into the vandalisation of Mamata Gandhi statue

India’s consulate in San Francisco in California state separately took up the matter with the city of Davis and local law enforcement authorities, who initiated an investigation in the matter. Deeply regretting the incident the mayor of Davis said local authorities have initiated an investigation. Meanwhile, local Indian community organisations have also condemned the act of vandalism.

Khalistanis celebrate Republic Day riots by distributing sweets and desecrating the statue of Mahatma Gandhi

Videos and pictures had emerged showing Khalistani elements in California distributing sweets to celebrate the hoisting of the Nishan Sahib, the holy symbol of the Sikhs, by the rioting mob on the Red Fort on Republic Day. These anti-India forces had also vandalised the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Davis on January 28.

Second such incident in the US in little more than a month

This is, however, the second such incident in the US in little more than a month. On December 13, 2020, some Khalistani elements in the US under the guise of protesting against the farm laws in India defaced and vandalised a statue of MK Gandhi in Washington DC. The Pro-Khalistani elements desecrated Gandhi’s statue by putting up Khalistani flags on his bust that is located in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington.

The Khalistani sympathisers also abused Gandhi by referring to him as a rapist and the one who was complacent to slavery. One of the protestors even went on to suggest that MK Gandhi was less than a decent human being.

‘Sita used to cook beef for Parshuram, will go to High Court to ban Jai Shri Ram’: Trinamool leader goes on a wild rant, links Sita to NRC

Senior Trinamool Congress leader, Madan Mitra, made disgusting comments against Bhagwan Parshuram during a live television debate. During the debate, he said that Parshuram would not eat food without beef and Sita Mata herself cooked it for him.

Such comments do not have any basis in objective fact but are clearly the concoction of a mind corrupted by Hinduphobia. The comments were made during a debate on the 28th of January at about 9.30 pm.

BJYM registers complaint

The BJYM has registered a complaint against the remarks at the South Port police station. “Such derogatory remarks are highly shameful and grossly unacceptable for any Hindu who believes in Ramayana, Dashavatar of Lord Vishnu and Cow-worship.” The BJYM said that the comments are punishable under sections 295A and IPC 153A and requested the police to initiate legal action.

Madan Mitra also said that he would approach the High Court to have the ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan banned. “Jai Shri Ram, we have to ban this slogan. I am going to the High Court. This is Bharatvarsha. Why are you saying Jai Shri Ram? You are excluding Sita. Can there be Ramayana without Sita? It means you have been trying to implement the NRC from the beginning.”

BJP’s Arjun Singh, who participated in the same debate, said after the Trinamool leader’s disgusting comments on Sita Mata and Ravan, ‘We cannot expect better from Madan Mitra. The culture he is a part of cannot distinguish between mother and wife. He belongs to Mamata Banerjee. That is why she in such a situation.’

Clean Ganga Mission: Yogi Govt set to launch Ganga Aarti at 1100 places from Bijnor culminating in Ballia on a daily basis

The Yogi Adityanath government is all set to launch the holy Ganga Aarti on an ambitiously larger scale. According to a press release, the preparations are in full swing as the Yogi Government has declared that the Ganga Aarti would be conducted in 1100 places in Uttar Pradesh including Kashi, Prayagraj on daily basis.

The grand Ganga Aarti would be performed in almost every town and village from Ballia to Bijnor and to pull off the ambitious plan, the Yogi government is preparing to build 1038 new Aarti ‘chabutaras’ (platforms).

According to the government, the department of Namami Gange has selected 1038 villages within a 5 km radius on both sides of the river Ganga as the new Aarti Sthal. The department of Namami Gange led by the Jal Shakti Ministry would carry through the process of construction of these Aarti Sthals jointly with the state’s tourist department.

In a bid to boost tourism in the state, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, in a meeting with the Jal Shakti Ministry along with other department officials, in December last year, instructed that all the ancient and historical religious places in these villages should be revamped.

By linking Ganga Aarti with these villages and towns, the Yogi government wants to make the Ganga Swachhta Abhiyan (Clean Ganga Mission) the biggest mass campaign. It aims at generating a sense of euphoria over the holy river and promote cultural awakening among the younger generations.

In its efforts to achieve the aims and objectives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mission to clean river Ganga (Namami Gange mission), the state government confirmed that 62 new STPs (sewage treatment plants) with a treatment capacity of 1522.16 MLD are under construction and would soon be connected to boost sewage treatment capacity in 14 new districts in the state.

As soon as these new sewage treatment plants become operational, a total number of 41 districts in the state would become STP-equipped. At present, 104 STPs are being operated in Uttar Pradesh with a cumulative treatment capacity of 3298.84 MLD. After getting these new STPs, the Jal Shakti ministry would be able to stop a large quantity of chemical and human waste from entering the river.

From calling PM Modi ‘prostitute’ to threats to shoot cops with AK 47: Shocking video from Republic Day riots emerges

Days after a violent mob of anti-farm law protestors desecrated the Indian flag at the Red Fort on Republic Day, a video has now surfaced on social media that showcases the unfolding of the unfortunate events.

In a video uploaded by a Facebook page named, ‘The Saffron Sword’, a ‘farmer’ protestor can be seen hurling expletives at PM Modi at the very onset. He then goes near the gate of the Red Fort and says, “The time for peace is over. It’s revolution time now… If they (cops) don’t open the gates (of Red Fort), then, we will take up arms.”

The video, which is over an hour long, was live on a Facebook page called “akaalsahaitv”. However, the video has now been taken down by the page. The Saffron Sword had downloaded the entire video and edited relevant portions which showed the shocking side of the violence.

The ‘protestor’ was then seen threatening a police official with violence, if he did not open the gates. This is despite the fact that the cop kept on pleading that he did not have the permission to do such a thing. “Danda taiyaar rakh lo (Keep your batons ready)… Laaton ke bhoot baton se nahi maante,” the man provoked the mob.

“We will pee in Modi’s mouth. We will make him eat sh*t. We will feed him cow dung,” the man was heard as saying. He further warned, “We will shoot the cops down with AK47. Explain it peacefully to the police officers.” Amidst loud cheer and sloganeering, a few protestors were seen climbing up the gate. Meanwhile, the man recording the video, yelled, “Jump the gate, my lions. Break the barrier… Modi R*nda (Modi is a prostitute).”

The police officials, deployed at the Red Fort, were clearly outnumbered by the mob. “We have maintained peace here. Get lost before we do something. Then, you will complain that we thrashed you”, the man threatened a police officer. After a protestor climbed a pole to unfurl the Khalsa Nishan, the man exclaimed, “This is the sacrifice of Sikhs…Raj Karega Khalsa (Only the Khalsa will rule).” The video ends with a glimpse of ‘protestors’ urinating on the walls, with the cameraman asking them to pee in Modi’s mouth.

Protesters resort to violence, vandalism, and destruction amidst tractor rally

Thousands of farmers breached barricades and proceeded towards Delhi amid huge police presence as they kicked off their tractor rally on Republic Day. Chaos was unleashed on the streets leading to the national capital as farmers flouted the designated route and marched towards the Parliament and Red Fort.

The participants of the tractor rally also resorted to vandalism as they ran amok on the highways, attacking the trucks and breaking the barricades that were put up by the Delhi police to control their route. The protestors were seen trying to run their tractors over police personnel. In another video, the mob was seen beating and pushing police personnel off a high rise wall in the Red Fort. Hundreds of police personnel have received injuries in the incident.

The upheaval was primarily caused after the protesters who were allowed to hold the “Kisaan Parade” between 12 to 5 PM, started the march much before the allotted time and veered away from the agreed-upon routes. The security personnel had tried in vain to convince the farmers to stick to the plan of holding the tractor parade after the conclusion of the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. But, their requests fell on deaf ears as the protesters ran riot, breaking barricades and vandalising vehicles on their way.



Congress troll triggers Hindu Terror bogey, insinuates RSS hand behind blast near Israel Embassy

Congress troll Saket Gokhale has come up with his own conspiracy theories regarding the motivations behind the blast near the Israel Embassy. He says that the possibility that the blast was orchestrated by the RSS “cannot be ignored” and proceeded to say it “most definitely” will be covered up.

Saket Gokhale spreads conspiracy theories
Saket Gokhale spreads conspiracy theories

Saket Gokhale appears to have channeled the hatred fueled conspiracy mongering that led the Congress party to invent the ‘Saffron Terror’ bogey. And now after years have passed, with not a shred of evidence to back the ‘Saffron Terror’ narrative, a Congress troll wishes to trigger the same again, and this time too, with no evidence at all.

He said, “The possibility of the involvement of BJP/RSS goons cannot be ignored though we know that it most definitely will be covered up.”

Saket Gokhale spreads conspiracy theories
Saket Gokhale spreads conspiracy theories

Saket Gokhale has a history of spreading misinformation. In July 2020, he claimed, without any evidence, that RSS karyakartas were protesting outside his house. The RSS rubbished it as one of his publicity stunts.

On another occasion, he claimed that he has been granted permission by the Delhi Police to hold a rally chanting “desh ke gaddaron ko, goli maaro saalon ko.” The Delhi Police rubbished it as well and said that the letter that was being circulated was actually his request for permission which had not been granted.

The Congress troll has a history of making things up in order to peddle the political agenda of the Congress party. It is no surprise, then, he has decided to breathe life into the ‘Saffron Terror’ bogey long since buried.

Rakesh Tikait was thrashed by Khalistanis minutes before the press conference in which broke into tears: Report

In a stunning revelation, a report published on Kreately states that Bharatiya Kisan Union(BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait was beaten to the pulp by some hardline Sikhs and Khalistani proponents before his press conference on the evening of January 28, wherein he broke into tears and alleged that farmers are being cheated, and a conspiracy is being hatched to kill them.

The report claims that the real reason for Tikait’s crying was not his concern for the farmers but it was something else. A few minutes before the press conference, the Kreately report says, a team of Khalistanis who were bankrolling the movement sought a meeting with Tikait. The team was reportedly angry with Tikait.

As per eyewitness account cited in the report, one of the members of the Khalistani team hustled Tikait inside a room while hurling expletives and abuses at him. Tikait was not only slapped inside but one of the Khalistani supporters even kicked Tikait that led him to collapse on the ground.

The report goes on to claim that the members of the Khalistani group threatened Tikait with returning their money. According to the sources cited by the Kreately report, this was the real reason why Tikait sobbed in front of the camera during the press conference, not his concern for the farmers which is being bandied about in the media. Reportedly, the threats issued by Khalistanis caused Tikait’s BP to shoot up that night and which was allegedly brought under control by a team of doctors sent by the Police.

As of now, there has not been a refutal of the assertions made in the article by any authoritative source.

However, there have been several reports which claim that Khalistanis have indeed been financing the ongoing ‘farmers’ protest. Just a few days back, banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice(SFJ) had announced a reward of $ 350,000 for laying siege to the Indian Parliament and raising Khalistani flags there.

Rakesh Tikiat has an emotional breakdown during a press conference after the Republic Day violence

Two days after tractor rally protesters ran riot on the streets of Delhi, indulging in violence and vandalism, and laying siege to the Red Fort, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait addressed a press conference to ward off an imminent attempt by the government to vacate the Ghazipur Protest site.

On January 28, Rakesh Tikait addressed a press conference where he broke into tears claiming that the protests will go on and kept insisting that the laws must be repealed. He also threatened to commit suicide and also said that there was a conspiracy underway to murder farmers.

Rakesh Tikait doubles down on his efforts to sustain the ‘farmers’ protests

Following the Republic Day violence, the credibility of the ‘farmers’ agitation has taken a hit. Rakesh Tikait’s emotional breakdown has been seen by many as a last-ditch attempt by the leader to ward off a forthcoming police action against the protesters. In fact, after he cried on the national television to garner sympathy, Tikait has doubled down on his efforts to intensify the ongoing protests.

The protests that started as a farmer rally has now turned into a caste showdown as farmer leaders are now trying to mobilize protestors on caste lines. In what seems to be the last push, Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait, accused of instigating the Republic Day violence, has now farmers from Western UP to reach Ghazipur site to support his protests against the government.

Israel Embassy blast: Friday explosion was a ‘trailer’, threatening letter found from spot reveals, Iranian link suspected

A letter in an envelop addressed to “Israel Embassy Ambassador” has been found on the spot as per police sources, reported the Indian Express. The letter contains a threat which says that the blast on Friday was a ‘trailer’. As per the report, the threatening letter also contained reference to two ‘Iranian martyrs’, Qasem Soleimani and Dr Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.

Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian commander who commanded the Quds Force of the IRGC, was killed by the US forces in January 2020 in Baghdad. In November 2020, Iranian nuclear scientist Fakhrizadeh was assassinated on the outskirts of Tehran by a 62-member squad.

On 13 February 2012, Israeli diplomat Tal Yehoshua and an Indian driver of an Embassy vehicle along with two other were injured after a magnetic bomb stuck to the vehicle went off Delhi. An Iranian hand was alleged even in that blast. The Iranian officials, however, had denied all allegations.

CCTV footage found

In aftermath of the low-intensity blast that happened yesterday evening in front of Jindal House near the Israel embassy in Delhi, the Delhi police special cell has obtained the CCTV footage of the area where the explosion occurred. The CCTV footage reportedly showed a cab dropping off two persons who walked towards the Israel embassy in the direction of the spot where the blast took place.

The driver of the cab has been contacted and sketches are being prepared of the suspects.

An investigation has been initiated to find out their role in relation to the incident. The NIA and the NSG teams were rushed to the spot immediately after the blast took place yesterday. The Delhi police denied any injury in a statement released after the blast. The incident happened on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and India. The President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister and the three chiefs of the defence forces were present at a few kilometers’ distance at the Beating Retreat ceremony when the blast happened.

Broken pieces of a cold drink can and ball bearings were recovered by the investigators from the spot. The windshields of the cars parked nearby were broken after ball bearings hit them. They have been sent to the forensic lab for further examination. Primary investigation reportedly suggests that explosives and ball bearings were stuffed in the cold drink can.

External Affairs Minister assures protection Israel mission in India

Soon after the incident, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi and assured him of fullest protection to Israel’s mission and its diplomats in India. According to some reports, the police said that the explosive was apparently planted in a flower pot on the road divider. A letter in an envelope addressed to the Israel Embassy has also reportedly been recovered from the spot.

Team of Israeli investigators to reach Delhi

The CISF that is entrusted with the security of airports, vital nuclear and aerospace installations, Delhi Metro and central government buildings has reportedly been put on high alert. A team of investigators from Israel is also expected to reach the national capital to assist the Indian agencies in the investigation.

As India bets big on electric vehicles, Yogi Adityanath unveils big plans to strengthen the upcoming industry

In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath is set to give a boost to the electric vehicles (EV) industry in the State.

As per reports, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said that electric vehicles will be given precedence over vehicles that run on diesel and petrol. He also suggested an exemption in registration fees of electric vehicles and road tax to encourage its use. With an intention to encourage investment in the emerging EV sector, Yogi Adityanath sought to further liberalise the Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Policy of 2019.

The Uttar Pradesh government is also planning to establish a centre of excellence for research, development, testing and certification of EV. It will also provide incentives under the industrial park scheme to private electric vehicle parks. Yogi Adityanath informed that a revenue-sharing model will be set up for establishing charging stations to recharge electric vehicles. He also emphasised on the scheme to promote e-rickshaws over autos and diesel tempos by providing loans under government schemes.

Yogi Adityanath to provide a major boost to the EV industry

Speaking on the development, Yogi Adityanath said, “Proposals have been received from various international automobile companies to set up electric vehicles. manufacturing units in the state. We will provide all possible help to them to promote industrial investment in the state…The manner in which the state has given incentives for the proposed bulk drugs/medical devices park should also be taken in relation to electric vehicles.”

He further added, “The number of electric vehicles in Uttar Pradesh will increase soon. So, adequate charging stations should be established for public convenience. These stations should also be set up in parking areas. Petrol pumps should also be encouraged to set up such charging stations…Capital subsidy can be provided to MSME, macro and mega anchor units at different rates. It will also be an incentive for the industries to develop.”

Electric car giant Tesla registers office in India

American electric car giant Tesla has finally come to India. As per reports, Tesla has set up its Indian subsidiary in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The American carmaker has incorporated a fully owned subsidiary ahead of setting up an R&D unit and a manufacturing plant for its electric vehicles in India. The unit was registered as Tesla Motors and Energy Private Ltd and was incorporated on January 8.

Vaibhav Taneja, Venkatrangam Sreeram, and David Jon Feinstein have been named as directors. In December 2020, while responding to a Twitter user, Tesla chief Elon Musk had said that if Tesla India may not happen in January 2021, it was still definitely happening in 2021.

Large-scale production of electric vehicles in India, says Nitin Gadkari

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, while answering a question on large-scale production of EVs in India, said that many small companies are already manufacturing e-bikes and e-scooters in Uttar Pradesh and other states. The main issue these companies are facing is the availability of the lithium-ion battery.

As a significant stake in lithium-ion mines, including those in Argentina, are under Chinese hold, it is little problematic for Indian manufacturers. However, the Minister said that there is a lot of research going on in developing aluminium-ion. These aluminium-ion batteries will not only be readily available but will cost much less compared to the lithium-ion batteries.

Punjab village issues Tughlaqi farman: To fine families if they fail to send members to ‘protests’ at Delhi border

Adding to the high political drama going on around the ‘farmer protests’ following the Republic Day violence, the Sarpanch Virk Khurd gram panchayat in Bathinda, Punjab has passed a Tughlaqi Farmaan. The Sarpanch named Manjit Kaur has ordered that at one member from each family in the village will be sent to the protests going on at Delhi borders for a week.

In order to put pressure on people to follow her diktat, Kaur has attached monetary sanction to it. Those not following the order will be made to pay a fine of Rs 1,500 and those who fail to pay the fine will be boycotted.

Earlier, a scuffle had broken out between the protestors and the locals at Singhu border after a group of locals gathered there demanding the routes to be cleared. The protestors pelted stones at the locals and policeman was also badly injured in the clashes.

BKU (Lok Shakti) rejoins the protests at Delhi border

Just a day after announcing its withdrawal from the farmer protest, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Lok Shakti) re-launched its protest over the farm laws on Friday. BKU (Lok Shakti) Chief Thakur Sheoraj Singh Bhati urged the union’s supporters to reach at Ghazipur border from the Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida where they had been camping. Bhati released a video message appealing to the union’s supporters to reach the farmers’ Mahapanchayat that was organised in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Political parties lend support to protests during Mahapanchayat

The Mahapanchayat was convened in Muzaffarnagar by BKU leader Naresh Tikait after his brother and BKU leader Rakesh Tikait broke down on camera refusing to end the protest. It was decided at the Mahapanchayat that the protest will continue. Several political parties including the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party have lent their support for the protest. Jayant Chaudhari, son of RLD chief Ajit Singh, participated in the Mahapanchayat.

‘Farmer’ protests are completely organic not politically motivated. Here is how

The ‘farmers’ have been protesting at various entry points leading to the national capital for over 60 days now. While many from ‘Godi media’ have been trying to cast aspersions that these protests are politically motivated by opposition and these are actual farmers, here is a lowdown of how it is not so.

All weather protestor Yogendra Yadav

So what if he was part of Sonia Gandhi’s National Advisory Committee under the Manmohan Singh government? Yadav was the member of the NAC on Right to Education. Of course, he’s apolitical. No wonder he was also a founding member of the Aam Aadmi Party along with Prashant Bhushan. From Citizenship Amendment Act to abrogation of Article 370 to farm laws to everything under the sun. If it is a reform, Yadav is there to protest against it.

Agents of chaos aka Aam Aadmi Party

Arvind Kejriwal, who on most days cries that despite being the chief minister he has no powers, has obviously not sniffed a political opportunity here. The fact that Punjab, where Aam Aadmi Party is primary opposition, goes into state elections in 2022 has obviously nothing to do with Kejriwal’s bent over backward support to the protestors. That he provided free WiFi (which he had promised Delhi residents but never fulfilled) and deployed his ministers at Delhi borders obviously is not politically motivated.

Darshan Pal is a purely farmer leader

Of course. Pal was a doctor who took to farming a few years ago, the media reports said. What they conveniently forget to add is that he is a Maoist leader. Darshan Pal was one of the founders of People’s Democratic Front of India (PDFI). PDFI is a constituent of the Maoist movement, the left-wing terrorism in the country.

Darshan Pal was the convenor of the 51-member executive committee of PDFI. Apart from Pal, other founder members of PDFI included known anti-National and anti-BJP names like Varvara Rao, Kalyan Rao, Medha Patkar, Nandita Haksar, SAR Geelani, BD Sarma etc.

Pal’s participation in the anti-farm law bills is clearly apolitical.

Rakesh Tikait

Rakesh Tikait is son of Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Mahendra Singh Tikait who had considerable influence in Western UP. In 2014, Tikait joined the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in 2014 and contested the 2014 elections from Amroha. This was seen as a move to please the Jat community after the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013.

RLD has been part of the Congress-led UPA since 2011.

And it is an absolute lie that Bharatiya Kisan Union demanded the exact opposite of what they are demanding right now just few months back. That their demands were exactly what the new farm laws give.

Congress, the most innocent of them all

So what if Rahul Gandhi goofs up and does not know that the ‘protestors’ are at Singhu border and not at some imaginary ‘Shambhu border’?

So what if Congress leaders have been giving explicit support to the ‘farmers’ from Punjab? And really, so what if Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Adani-Ambani’ rhetorics led to destruction of 1500 Jio mobile towers in Punjab? That he has given a call to farmers across the country to join the protests is obviously not politics.

Not that Congress ever promised the same reforms in its manifesto as per new farm laws, right?

Note: The above article is high on sarcasm.