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Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says he will speak with Railways for a solution after temple issued removal notice for Dadar station expansion

Amid controversy over a removal notice to a temple in Mumbai’s Dadar area, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday that the state government will hold discussions with the railways to find a solution to the issue.

Speaking to the media in Pune, CM Fadnavis said, “The court’s order had categorised temples, and as per that order, old temple structures can be regularized. We will speak with the railway administration and try to find a solution to this issue. Whatever we can do within the rules to regularize the structure, we will do.”

The Central Railway had recently issued a notice to the temple committee for the removal of the temple structure, saying that it was coming in the way of the proposed expansion of the Dadar railway station.

Earlier, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya assured that no demolition would take place. “The temple in Dadar received the notice yesterday. We spoke to the railways they have assured us that no demolition would take place,” Somaiya said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray also visited the temple near Dadar railway station after Central Railway issued a notice.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “The ‘Maha Aarti’ was started by Shive Sena in this country. It’s not a new thing for Aaditya Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) members to visit the temple here…We organized Maha Aarti in the 1990s.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant expressed shock over the railway’s notice.

“Their (BJP’s) Hinduism is fake… We don’t provoke hatred. If Central Railway issues a demolition notice for the temple, it would be shocking to us. Even the owners of houses over 20 years old have gained ownership, and this temple is around 80 years old,” he said.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Biggest Jumla in India was the Garibi Hatao campaign used by Congress in elections, the party reduced the importance of the Constitution: PM Modi

Hitting back at Congress over its frequent “jumla” jibes at the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the “biggest jumla in India” was ‘Garibi Hatao’ and alleged that it was used by four generations of Congress leaders in elections.

The Prime Minister made the remarks in his speech that culminated the two-day discussion in Lok Sabha on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

The “Garibi Hatao” slogan was first used by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the 1971 Lok Sabha elections.

“Congress is very fond of one word. I want to use that word today. Their favourite word, without which they cannot live is ‘jumla’… The country knows that if there was any biggest jumla in India and it was used by four generations, that jumla was – ‘Garibi Hatao’. This was such a Jumla which helped them in their politics but did not improve the condition of the poor,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said his government has made sincere efforts to bring the poor out of poverty.

He also targeted the Congress-led UPA government over amendments to the Constitution and alleged that these were not aimed at the welfare of the people.

“Congress tasted the blood of amending Constitution, it started hunting Constitution from time to time. It tasted the blood. It kept bloodying the spirit of the Constitution. In almost six decades, the Constitution was amended 75 times. The poison that was sowed by the first PM of the country was nurtured by another Prime Minister – Indira Gandhi. Congress has constantly disrespected the Constitution, and reduced the importance of the Constitution. Congress is full of many examples of this,” he said.

PM Modi attacked the Congress over Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir which was scrapped by his government in August 2019.

“Everyone knows about 370 but very few know about 35-A… If there is any first son of the Constitution of India, then it is the Parliament but they have strangled it too. They imposed 35-A on the country without bringing it to the Parliament… This work was done on the orders of the President and the Parliament of the country was kept in the dark,” he said.

The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress over the Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975.

“It is 75 years of the Constitution. But 25 years also has an importance, so do 50 years and 60 years…When the country was witnessing 25 years of Constitution, at the same time Constitution in our country was razed. Emergency was imposed, democratic systems were finished, country was turned into a prison, citizens’s rights were looted, and press freedom was curtailed. This sin on the forehead of Congress can never be erased. Whenever democracy will be discussed across the world, Congress’ sin will never be erased because democracy was strangled,” PM Modi said.

Referring to the Nehru-Gandhi family, PM Modi alleged that it “has challenged the Constitution at all levels”.

“Highs and lows occurred, there were difficulties too, there were obstacles as well. But I bow before the people of the country once again that they strongly stood with the Constitution…I do not want to make personal criticism on anyone but it is important to place facts before the country. That is why, I would like to do that,” he said.

“One family of Congress left no stone unturned in hurling a blow to the Constitution. I am mentioning that one family because in 75 years of our journey, they ruled for 55 years. So, country has the right to know what happened. The tradition of this family’s ill-thoughts, bad policies is ongoing continuously. This family has challenged Constitution at all levels,” he added.

The special two-day debate in Lok Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution began on Friday.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

‘Every generation of the Gandhi family has violated the constitution’: PM Modi takes Congress to the cleaners in Lok Sabha

On Saturday (December 14), PM Modi scathingly attacked the Gandhi family during his speech on the Constitution in the Lok Sabha. Modi said that every generation of the Gandhi family, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rahul Gandhi, violated the Constitution.

Prime Minister Modi stated, “The present generation of the Gandhi family is continuing the tradition of undermining the Constitution, a practice they began long ago,” prompting strong objections from opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha.

He also remarked, “The Congress ignored its constitution and made Nehru the leader, even though state units had backed Sardar Patel.”

Modi said Nehru had advised his chief ministers to amend the Constitution if it came in their way and obstructed their plans. “The then Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru, wrote a letter to the Chief Ministers stating, ‘If the Constitution comes in the way… we must amend the Constitution at any cost’.This was written in 1951, marking a controversial decision. However, the country did not remain silent. The then President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, warned Nehru that it was wrong. Similarly, the then Speaker also cautioned him about his actions. Eminent Congress leaders like Acharya Kriplani and Jayaprakash Narayan also raised concerns and urged Nehru to reconsider. Yet, Pandit Nehru seemed to follow his version of the Constitution, dismissing the advice of such senior leaders,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi stated that former Prime Minister and Congress leader Indira Gandhi also disregarded the Constitution. “Indira Gandhi’s election was even declared null and void. In a fit of anger, she imposed Emergency to cling to power, misusing the Constitution,” he said.

“It was a period of injustice, with hundreds of people being imprisoned. The apathetic government ignored the voices of the people,” PM Modi said.

He added that Indira Gandhi’s son, Rajiv Gandhi, overturned the Supreme Court’s decision in the Shah Bano case to appease vote banks.

“Rather than supporting a woman seeking justice, he sided with the wrong people. It began with Nehru Ji, continued with Indira Ji, and Rajiv Gandhi followed the same path. The next generation will be no different,” PM Modi said.

“They placed an unelected individual above former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh through the National Advisory Council. Later, to demonstrate authority, a member of the new generation publicly tore up an ordinance that had been approved by the Manmohan Singh-led cabinet. This arrogant act carried out in front of the media, forced the government to overturn its decision. I’m simply recounting what happened to the Constitution,” PM Modi said. He was referring to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who, in 2013, tore up an ordinance introduced by the UPA government to protect convicted lawmakers from immediate disqualification.

PM Modi slams Congress over emergency in Lok Sabha speech, says ‘this sin on the forehead of Congress can never be erased’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Congress over the Emergency and said whenever democracy’ is discussed, “this very sin” of Congress will be remembered.

Speaking in Lok Sabha during the discussion on the ‘Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India,’ the Prime Minister launched a strong attack on Congress and said “one family of Congress left no stone unturned in hurling a blow to the Constitution”

PM Modi said when India was celebrating 25 years of the Constitution, it “was torn apart” and Emergency was imposed.

“It is 75 years of the Constitution. But 25 years also has an importance, so do 50 years and 60 years…When the country was witnessing 25 years of Constitution, at the same time Constitution in our country was razed. Emergency was imposed, democratic systems were finished, country was turned into a prison, citizens’s rights were looted, and press freedom was curtailed. This sin on the forehead of Congress can never be erased. Whenever democracy will be discussed across the world, Congress’ sin will never be erased because democracy was strangled,” PM Modi said.

Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975 by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Referring to the Nehru-Gandhi family, PM Modi alleged that it “has challenged the Constitution at all levels”.

“Highs and lows occurred, there were difficulties too, there were obstacles as well. But I bow before the people of the country once again that they strongly stood with the Constitution…I do not want to make personal criticism on anyone but it is important to place facts before the country. That is why, I would like to do that,” he said.

“One family of Congress left no stone unturned in hurling a blow to the Constitution. I am mentioning that one family because in 75 years of our journey, they ruled for 55 years. So, the country has the right to know what happened. The tradition of this family’s ill-thoughts, bad policies is ongoing continuously. This family has challenged the Constitution at all levels,” he alleged.

The special two-day debate in Lok Sabha on 75 years of the Constitution concluded on Saturday.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

US-backed Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens Russia for supporting India, Russian media mocks him by calling him ‘embarrassing CIA proxy’

US-backed Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun has released another video, this time threatening to attack Russian missions across the world for Russia’s support to India. Pannun also targeted Russian media houses RT India and Sputnik India, accusing them of running a disinformation campaign against the Khalistan movement.

The leader of banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) alleged that Russia has started providing intelligence about Khalistani terror activities to India. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened that Khalistani Sikhs will attack Russian diplomates and Russian missions in various countries in North America, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.

He alleged that Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been assigned the task of coordinating with Russian diplomates and consulates in North America. He also added that Russian agencies have started sharing intelligence and logistics with the Modi regime about pro-Khalistan Sikh activism in the North America and the EU.

Pannun threatened Russia to stop cooperating with India against Khalistanis, or face attacks and demonstrations by Khalistanis. He said, “Russia, back off or face off with pro-Khalistan Sikhs with targeting Russian diplomates and demonstrating against Russian consulates in the North America, European Union, Australia and New Zealand.”

SFJ leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, called likely a CIA asset by Sputnik India, also targeted the Indian editions of Russian media houses Sputnik and RT.com. He accused them of running a global disinformation campaign against Khalistan referendum activism.  

The SFJ leader also threatened Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra, saying that he is already on the radar of Khalistanis. He called Kwatra “the face of India-Russia terror nexus”, saying that he is already on the radar and target of pro-Khalistan Sikhs.

Sputnik India reacted to the threats against the media house by Pannun, saying “Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun CRIES about Sputnik India EXPOSING him and so-called Khalistan movement.” The Indian arm of the Russian media house added in a tweet, “He’s wearing all black because he knows dissing us is the equivalent of attending your own funeral.”

In another tweet, Sputnik India tagged CIA, asking it to keep its dog on a leash. They added, “buy Pannun some normal suits. He looks more like a parking attendant than an international terrorist.”

Sputnik India also declared that “Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is the cringiest terrorist of 2024”, saying that his threats are embarrassing, not scary. The media house tagged CIA asking it to try hiring better proxies next time.

RT India also called Pannun a Khalistani terrorist, and noted that his threats came as protestsors chanted “India Russia terror states” slogans outside consulates in New York and Toronto earlier today.

Like Sputnik, RT also mocked Pannun over his threats to Russia, and posted a video meme showing how the media house is unfazed over the threats.

‘Shareer me garmi paida karna tapasya hai’: Rahul Gandhi’s personalised take on ‘tapasya’ leaves Lok Sabha MPs, netizens in splits

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday had Treasury benches and netizens in splits with his speech in Lok Sabha. Mr Gandhi, known for his gaffes, said, “Shareer me garmi paida karna tapasya hai,” cracking up the MPs from the ruling coalition.

Referring to the Eklavya-Dronacharya guru-disciple episode, the Gandhi scion dismissed the actual reasons behind the events described in Hindu scriptures as “your story” while addressing BJP leaders. Ignoring the context and background of the guru-disciple interaction, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “This is your story,” as he proceeded to frame the narrative through a casteist victimhood lens, claiming it as “our story.”

However, Mr Gandhi’s nonsensical rant reached a crescendo when he sought to offer a new definition of what constitutes Tapasya. “Shareer me garmi paida karna tapasya hai,” Gandhi said.Before long, the clip of his speech instantly went viral on social media, with many social media users taking a swipe at the Congress leader over his latest gem in the parliament.

One X user tweeted the video of Rahul Gandhi’s speech from the parliament, suggesting someone should inform him that he is speaking in the parliament and not in a Bangkok resort.

Another X user tweeted “Pappu for a reason” while sharing Rahul Gandhi’s clip from the lower house of the parliament.

“Reason why Tapasvi Rahul Ghandy goes to Thailand & Night clubs in Nepal at every possible opportunity,” tweeted Bhiku Mhatre.

Popular X account The Skin Doctor took a dig at Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera with Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in the parliament.

Besides his tapasya claptrap, Rahul Gandhi was also called out for his lack of knowledge on the Hindu epic. Speaking in the parliament, Gandhi said, “When Dronacharya spliced Eklavya’s thumb…”, to which BJP MPs instantly corrected him that it wasn’t Dronacharya who had cut Eklavya’s thumb.

Mr Gandhi’s gaffes in the parliament came a day after his sister, Ms Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, made her debut speech in the parliament where she was caught on the hop while criticising the Himachal Pradesh government, ruled by Congress, over the plight of farmers in the state.

Bangladesh: Four arrested for vandalization of Hindu homes, shops and a temple in Sunamgonj over a Facebook post

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Law enforcement agencies on Saturday arrested four individuals for vandalising and damaging houses and shops of the Hindu community and the local Loknath temple in the Doarabazar area of Sunamganj district earlier this month, the office of the Chief Adviser said in a statement.

On December 3, a Facebook post by Akash Das, a resident of the Sunamganj district, sparked tensions in the district. Even though he deleted the post, screenshots spread widely, leading to violence in the area. The local police arrested Das immediately, but, amid concerns over his safety, the police transferred him to another station, the statement said.

Police said that on that day, the mob vandalised and damaged the homes, shops, and the local Loknath temple of the Hindu community. The situation was brought under control in the presence of the district SP, DC, army, and police. The police identified the accused involved in the incident and filed a case against 150 to 170 people, including 12 people named as plaintiffs, today, it added.

Those arrested in this incident are Alim Hossain (19), Sultan Ahmed Raju (20), Imran Hossain (31), and Shajahan Hossain (20), the statement said.

The arrest comes days after the Indian Foreign Secretary visited Bangladesh.

During his visit to Bangladesh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told reporters in Dhaka, “We also discussed recent developments and I conveyed our concerns including those related to the safety and welfare of minorities.. We also discussed regrettable incidents of attacks on cultural and religious properties… I emphasised that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh. I have underlined today India’s desire to work closely with the interim government of Bangladesh Authority”.

Misri earlier this week briefed members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs on the ‘Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship’ and conveyed that the neighbouring country has assured action against perpetrators of violence against minorities, sources said.


(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

After Atul Subhash, head constable dies by suicide in Bengaluru leaving death note blaming wife and father-in-law for torture and threats

As Bengaluru Police continued investigations into the suicide of techie Atul Subhash due to alleged harassment by his wife and her family, another man ended his life in the city blaming his wife and her family. Tippanna Alugur, a head constable with Bengaluru Police, died by suicide by jumping in front of a moving train at Baiyappanahalli on Friday night.

The mutilated body of the cop was discovered on the tracks at around 10.45 by locals, who informed the police. Along with identification documents, a death note was found, in which he blamed his wife and his father-in-law Yamanappa for the extreme decision. In the note, Tippanna accused them of continuous harassment. He further wrote that his wife’s father had even threatened to take his life.

In the note he wrote that he was deeply saddened by torture and threats from his wife and his father-in-law Yamanappa. 34-year-old Tippanna wrote about his conversion with Yamanappa, saying, “On December 12, he called me at 7.26 p.m., spoke for 14 minutes, and threatened me.” He then added that when he contacted his wife’s father the next day, he asked the cop to die.

Yamanappa said that his daughter would be better off without her husband, who also allegedly abused his son-in-law.

Tippanna Alugur was from Handiganuru village near Vijayapura district’s Sindhagi town, and was posted as head constable at Hulimavu Traffic Police Station. He jumped in front of a moving train s between Heelalige Railway Station and Carmelaram Husaguru Railway Gate in Bengaluru. He was on duty at that time. The body has been sent to C.V. Raman Hospital for post-mortem.

A formal complaint has been filed by Tippanna’s father at the Baiyappanahalli railway police station, demanding justice for his son’s death. Accordingly, an FIR has been registered under sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 351(3) (criminal intimidation by treating to cause death or grievous hurt) , and 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) against the victim’s in-laws.

The incident comes days after the suicide of Atul Subhash who worked at an automobile company in Bengaluru. Before the death, Atul left a video and a 24-page suicide note, accusing his wife, her family, a judge of harassment and extortion.

Sambhal: Shiva, Hanuman Temple discovered during operation against encroachment and electricity theft in the Shahi Jama Masjid area, reopened after 46 years

A Shiva temple has been discovered inside a locked house in Mahmood Khan Sarai, Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. This house belonged to a Hindu family during the 1976 riots and was later sold. It is said that the house has remained closed ever since.

On Saturday morning, the district administration carried out a large-scale operation against encroachment and electricity theft in the Shahi Jama Masjid area of Sambhal. During this drive, a Lord Shiva temple, which had been closed for 46 years, was reopened. The temple was found inside a locked house in the Mahmood Khan Sarai area, which belonged to a Hindu family during the 1976 riots.

The house was later sold and had remained closed ever since. Under the supervision of District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Pensia and Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, the temple was cleaned, and excavation of the well was initiated. DM Pensia stated that an investigation is underway to determine the ownership of the house.

Strict action is ongoing in the Shahi Jama Masjid area to remove encroachments and prevent electricity theft. The administration’s team has ordered the removal of encroachments from roads and drains in the area. During the campaign against electricity theft, over 300 houses were found involved in power theft, including several mosques.

The team discovered that one mosque was running 59 fans, a refrigerator, a washing machine, and 25-30 light points using stolen electricity. Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department, Naveen Gautam, stated that action is being taken against the offenders. To ensure the safety of the electricity department teams, the police have deployed two platoons of force in the area. This strict action by the administration has caused a stir in the region.

Unauthorised electricity connection inside mosque

Under the leadership of DM Dr. Rajendra Pensia and SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, the electricity department conducted a checking drive in areas like Raisatti, Nakhasa, Hindupara Kheda, and Deepa Sarai under the Nakhasa police station limits. Power theft was detected in several houses, including some mosques. Reports of electricity theft will be filed against all offenders, and fines amounting to lakhs of rupees will be imposed.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra stated that during the investigation, it was found that some individuals had encroached on the temple land and built houses. The temple contains idols of Lord Shiva and Hanuman. Earlier, Hindu families lived in this area but left for some reason. The temple is now being cleaned, and action will be taken against the encroachers.

Information has also surfaced about an ancient well, which is currently under investigation. This operation has caused a stir in the area. The administration has made it clear that encroachment on any religious site or public property will not be tolerated, and strict legal action will be taken against the encroachers.

Temples discovered during operation against electricity theft in Jama Masjid area

During an anti-electricity theft drive on Saturday in the Jama Masjid area, a Lord Shiva and Hanuman temple that had been closed for 46 years was discovered. The temple had been encroached upon and turned into residential houses. The administration cleaned the temple and announced strict action against the encroachers.

District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Rajendra Pensia stated that during the campaign against electricity theft, a temple was found that had been encroached upon and closed.

The temple is being cleaned, and an ancient well nearby, which had been covered with a ramp, has been uncovered. The temple will be handed over to its rightful owners, and action will be taken against the encroachers. Additionally, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be approached to conduct carbon dating to determine the temple’s antiquity.

“Congress gave away Kachchatheevu island to Sri Lanka for political reasons,” says BJP MP Tejasvi Surya

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Amid the ongoing debate on the constitution in Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP on Saturday launched a scathing attack on Congress, accusing it of giving away Kachchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 for political reasons.

He claimed that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was ready to give away Siachen to Pakistan. “This is their commitment to the territorial integrity of this country, Surya added.

“A very important (Kachchatheevu) island belonging to India was gifted, given away for political reasons by the Congress. This is not the first instance. Even in the case of Aksai Chin and more recently it was learned that the UPA government was ready to even give away Siachen to Pakistan. This is their commitment to the territorial integrity of this country…” BJP MP Suryav said in Lok Sabha.

The BJP MP said that Parliament was not taken into consideration while giving away the Kachchatheevu island. He said that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) under M Karunanidhi also supported it.

“Pandit Nehru was asked about this (Kachchatheevu) Island which was part of the then Madras presidency. He said, ‘I attach no importance at all to this little island and I would have no hesitation in giving up our claim to it.’ This was his position on a very important island. DMK under Karunanidhi also supported it. Parliament was not taken into confidence,” Surya added.

The BJP MP further attacked Congress, saying that the party didn’t subscribe to the view that India was a millennia-old state and they approached India as a union of states.

“Starting from the first Prime Minister Pandit Nehru to the communists and the others who followed, India was not considered sacred geography because they didn’t have the civilisation worldview that India was a millennia-old state. They approach India as a union of states, more a private jaagir, any part of which could be given to anybody. The attack on the Constitution by the Congress party started from the very first article…Congress government and the DMK gave away Kachchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974 without following any due process envisioned in the constitution,” Surya said. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)