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Controversial Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle faculty accused of religious bias in suicide of IIT Madras student Fathima

OpIndia Staff
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Controversial Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle faculty accused of religious bias in suicide of IIT Madras student Fathima

19-year-old Fathima, a humanities student from IIT Madras, who committed suicide has reportedly left a note on her phone accusing her faculties, one of whom is an advisor to the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle, of harassing her because she was a Muslim. Fathima, who hailed from Kerala, was pursuing her first-year undergraduate course in the humanities. She was found dead after committing suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan in her hostel room last week.

Fathima Lateef’s death has opened up another controversy after allegations propped up against faculties of the IIT-Madras of harassment, which according to her parents has supposedly led to her suicide. On Tuesday, Abdul Latheef, the father of the deceased, held a press conference and demanded an investigation into his daughter’s death. The father also stated that he had evidence to prove that his daughter had been harassed by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) where she was studying. He has alleged she was tortured by the faculties because of her being a Muslim.

Abdul said that Fathima spoke to her mother on November 8 when she told her that she would be switching off her phone to prepare for semester examinations. Fathima’s phone continued to be switched off on the next day as well which made her mother contact her daughter’s friends. The family received a call from the hostel warden who informed them of Fathima’s death.

Fathima’s parents alleged that humiliation and caste discrimination by a faculty member had forced their daughter to take the extreme step.

A purported suicide note written by the deceased Fathima on her phone is doing rounds on social media, in which she has blamed three faculties of the IIT-Madras as the reason for ending her life.

The ‘suicide note’ found on Fathima’s phone

One of the note read, “In case of my death. This should be considered as my last non nuncupative statement. I never realised that I would miss my home so much. I abhor this place. How I yearn for my home, to be suspended in the delicious inertia like an inteminable sleep from which I can never be roused. In the case of my death the whole blame will be unremittingly upon Hemachandran Karah and Mr Milind Brahme”.

Read: 25 crimes that prove that the Dalit-Muslim unity is nothing but a farce

In an earlier note, the student had also accused Sudarshan Padmanabhan, an associate professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Madras.

Professor Milind Brahme is the faculty advisor of the controversial Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle of the IIT Madras. Milind Brahme, who holds his PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi teaches Translation Studies or Comparative Studies at IIT Madras.

Ambedkar Periyar Study circle is a notorious group which while identifying itself as ‘group of socially concerned’ students who espouse ‘rational and secular’ thinking. However, APSC and its offshoots in other educational institutes like IIT-Bombay, IIT Delhi and JNU are more commonly known for spewing venom against Prime Minister Modi. The members of the group through social media also spread venom against other communities under the garb of ’empowerment’.


In September 2015, during the Jain festival Paryushan, there was meat ban in parts of the country for the eight days, as a mark of respect to the Jain community. Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle referred to it as ‘Jain appeasement’.


Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle through its social media has issued a statement demanding fair and thorough investigation in Fathima’s death but has mentioned radio silence on alleged involvement of the faculty associated with that study circle.

In fact, even in the note which was issued prior to this, Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle kept mum on harassment unleashed on Fathima allegedly by Brahme.

Interestingly, apart from the note that was allegedly written by Fathima on her mobile phone, no other suicide note has been found by the police. The Police had also said no suicide note was found from Fathima’s room and the preliminary probe indicated that she was concerned about her academic performance.

Reportedly, Umakant Dash, the Professor and Head of HSS Department, said that they were unaware of Fathima’s suicide note. “We are cooperating with the police investigations and the police have not discussed any suicide note. We only get to know information based on what the police are telling us”.

A senior Chennai police officer who is supervising the investigation in the case, speaking to the New Indian Express, stated that they were not aware of the allegations made by the student’s parents. He said no one has access to her phone, indicating the “suicide note” could be fake.

Ram Mandir at Ayodhya: VHP wants HM Amit Shah, CM Yogi on trust, temple as per Nyas model

OpIndia Staff
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Ram Mandir at Ayodhya: VHP wants HM Amit Shah, CM Yogi on trust, temple as per Nyas model

After the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas to pave the way for building a Ram Temple at the site, the key Hindu organisations involved have already started considering solid steps in the direction.

As per a report in The Hindu, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, one of the Hindu organisations that have been at the forefront of mobilising support for the Ram Temple movement all these years, has expressed that Home Minister Amit Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath be included in the Ram Temple trust that is to be set up by the central government within three month’s times.

The Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas had also stated that UP CM Yogi Adityanath should head the temple trust, not as CM of the state, but as the Mahant of Gorakhpeeth.

VHP spokesperson Sharad Sharma has reportedly also stated that they want the central government’s trust to finalise the design of the grand Ram Temple as per the model prepared by the VHP at the Ram Mandir workshop at Karsevakpuram in Ayodhya, a short distance away from the Ram Janmabhoomi.

Read: Ahead of Ayodhya verdict, VHP to stop stone-carving at Karsevakpuram workshop for the first time in almost thirty years

The Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas has been running a workshop at Ayodhya’s Karsevakpuram since 1990 where craftsmen and workers have been constantly working on the temple structures.

The stone carving work has been continuing uninterrupted since the day te workshop was started. As per reports, it even went on when the RSS and the VHP were banned by the government after the Babri Masjid demolition.

Recently, the Nyas had decided to stop the work at the workshop in anticipation for the Supreme Court verdict. The extensive workshop also houses a big wooden model of the proposed plan for the Ram Mandir at thRamam Janmabhoomi site.

Devotees visiting Ayodhya throng to see the Ram Mandir model kept in the Nyas workshop. Sharma added, “Over these nearly 30 years since the inception of the workshop, we have been taking the design of this temple to people’s homes through various means of communication. Devotees too have taken pictures and videos and spread the word. So, that is the dominant image of a Ram temple in the consciousness of the people”.

He expressed hope that not only the temple trust includes representation from the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, but also considers the temple model prepared by the Nyas as the design for the actual temple at Ram Janmabhoomi.

As per the model prepared at the Nyas workshop in Karsevakpuram, the temple, once built, will be 268 ft long, 140 ft wide and 128 ft high, from the ground to the Shikhara and a total of 212 pillars will be used.

It is notable here that so far, several Hindu organisations, including the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, have stated that UP CM Yogi Adityanath should be there in the temple trust, not only as the CM, but mainly because he is the sitting Peethadheeshwar of Gorakhpeeth, an institution that has been instrumental in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and has millions of devotees all over India, and Nepal.

Read: Three Generations, One Dream: Here’s why Yogi Adityanath considered the Ram Mandir his life’s mission

Yogi Adityanath’s spiritual predecessors, former Mahants of Gorakhpeeth, Mahant Avaidyanath and Mahant Digvijaynath have been the key figures in the decades-long Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

My life, between 22 yards for 24 years: Full text of Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell speech from 2013 at Wankhede Stadium

Ritesh
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My life, between 22 yards for 24 years: Full text of Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell speech from 2013 at Wankhede Stadium

The highest runs scored and century-maker in both Tests and ODIs retired in Mumbai 2013. Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement was a teary one for all the fans around the world. From adults to kids, every cricket fan cried or wept a little for sure, especially at the end of his farewell speech when he said – ‘The memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially “Sachin, Sachin” which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing.’

Sachin Tendulkar retired after playing 200 tests for India. In the process, he scored over 15,000 test runs and 18,000 ODI runs. His best cricketing moment came in 2011 when India won the World Cup in his hometown, Mumbai.

Here is Sachin Tendulkar’s full farewell speech in text:

All my friends. Settle down let me talk, I will get more and more emotional. My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that that wonderful journey has come to an end, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank people who have played an important role in my life. Also, for the first time in my life I am carrying this list, to remember all the names in case I forget someone. I hope you understand. It’s getting a little bit difficult to talk but I will manage.

Father

The most important person in my life and I have missed him a lot since 1999 when he passed away, my father. Without his guidance, I don’t think I would have been standing here in front of you. He gave me freedom at the age of 11 and told me that [I should] chase my dreams, but make sure you do not find shortcuts. The path might be difficult but don’t give up, and I have simply followed his instructions. Above all, he told me to be a nice human being, which I will continue to do and try my best. Every time I have done something special [and] showed my bat, it was [for] my father.

Mother

My mother, I don’t know how she dealt with such a naughty child like me. I was not easy to manage. She must be extremely patient. For a mother, the most important thing is that her child remains safe and healthy and fit. That was what she was most bothered and worried about. She took care of me for the last 24 years that I have played for India, but even before that, she started praying for me the day I started playing cricket. She just prayed and prayed and I think her prayers and blessings have given me the strength to go out and perform, so a big thank you to my mother for all the sacrifices.

Aunt-uncle

In my school days, for four years, I stayed with my uncle and aunt because my school was quite far from my home, and they treated me like their son. My aunt, after having had a hard day’s play, I would be half asleep and she would be feeding me food so I could go again and play tomorrow. I can’t forget these moments. I am like their son and I am glad it has continued to be the same way.

Siblings

My eldest brother, Nitin, and his family have always encouraged me. My eldest brother doesn’t like to talk much, but the one thing he always told me is that whatever you do, I know you will always give it 100% and that I have full faith and confidence in you. His encouragement meant a lot to me. My sister, Savita, and her family was no different. The first cricket bat of my life was presented to me by my sister. It was a Kashmir willow bat. But that is where the journey began. She is one of those many who still continue to fast when I bat, so thank you very much.

Ajit, my brother, now what do I talk about him? I don’t know. We have lived this dream together. He was the one who sacrificed his career for my cricket. He spotted the spark in me. And it all started from the age of 11 when he took me to Archrekar sir, my coach, and from there on my life changed. You will find this hard to believe but even last night he called to discuss my dismissal, knowing that there was a remote chance of batting again, but just the habit we have developed, the rapport we have developed, since my birth, has continued and it will continue. Maybe when I’m not playing cricket we will still be discussing technique.

Various things we agreed upon, my technique, and so many technical things which I didn’t agree with him, we have had arguments and disagreements, but when I look back at all these things in my life, I would have been a lesser cricketer.

Wife-kids & in-laws

The most beautiful thing happened to me in 1990 when I met my wife, Anjali. Those were special years and it has continued and will always continue that way. I know Anjali, being a doctor; there was a wonderful career in front of her. When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back and say that ‘you continue with your cricket and I will take the responsibility of the family’.

Without that, I don’t think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without stress. Thanks for bearing with all my fuss and all my frustrations, and all sorts of rubbish that I have spoken. Thanks for bearing with me and always staying by my side through all the ups and downs. You are the best partnership I’ve had in my life. Then, the two precious diamonds of my life, Sara and Arjun. They have already grown up. My daughter is 16, my son is 14. Time has flown by. I wanted to spend so much time with them on special occasions like their birthdays, their annual days, their sports day, going on holidays, whatever. I have missed out on all those things. Thanks for your understanding. Both of you have been so, so special to me you cannot imagine. I promise you [that] for 14 and 16 years I have not spent enough time with both of you, but the next 16 years or even beyond that, everything is for you.

My in-laws, Anand Mehta and Annabel, both have been so, so supportive [and] loving and caring. I have discussed on various things in life, generally with them, and have taken their advice. You know, it’s so important to have a strong family who is always with you and who is guiding you. Before you start clapping, the most important thing they did was allowing me to marry Anjali, so thank you very much.

Friends

In the last 24 years that I have played for India, I have made new friends, and before that, I have had friends from my childhood. They have all had a terrific contribution. As and when I have called them to come and bowl to me at the nets, they have left their work aside to come and help me. Be it joining me on holidays and having discussions with me on cricket, or how I was a little stressed and wanting to find a solution so I can perform better. All those moments my friends were with me. Even for when I was injured, I would wake up in the morning because I couldn’t sleep and thought that my career was over because of injuries, that is when my friends have woken up at 3 o’clock in the morning to drive with me and make me believe that my career was not over. Life would be incomplete without all those friends. Thanks for being there for me.

Coach

My cricket career started when I was 11. The turning point of my career was when my brother (Ajit) took me to Achrekar sir. I was extremely delighted to see him up in the stands. Normally he sits in front of the television and he watches all the games that I play. When I was 11/12, those were the days when I used to hop back on his scooter and play a couple of practice matches a day. The first half the innings I would be batting at Shivaji Park, the second half, at some other match in Azad Maidan. He would take me all over Mumbai to make sure I got match practice.

On a lighter note, in the last 29 years, sir has never ever said ‘well played’ to me because he thought I would get complacent and I would stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and wish me now, well done on my career because there are no more matches, sir, in my life. I will be witnessing cricket, and cricket will always stay in my heart, but you have had an immense contribution to my life, so thank you very much.

Mumbai Cricket

My cricket for Mumbai started right here on this ground, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which is so dear to me. I remember landing from New Zealand at four o’clock in the morning, and turning up for a game here at eight o’clock just because I wanted to be a part of Mumbai cricket, and not that somebody forced me. That was for the love of Mumbai cricket, and thank you very much. The president is here so thank you very much, along with your team, for taking care of me and looking after my cricket.

BCCI

The dream was obviously to play for India, and that is where my association with BCCI started. BCCI was fantastic, right from my debut they believed in my ability and selecting me into the squad at the age of 16 was a big step, so thanks to all the selectors for having faith in me and the BCCI for giving me the freedom to express myself out in the middle. Things would have been different if you had not been behind me, and I really appreciate your support. Especially when I was injured, you were right with me and making sure that all the treatments were taken care of, and that I got fit and fine and playing [right] back for India.

Team-mates

The journey has been special, the last 24 years, I have played with many senior cricketers, and even before that there were many senior cricketers with whom I watched on television. They inspired me to play cricket and to play in the right way. Thanks to all those senior cricketers, and unfortunately I have not been able to play with them, but I have high regards for all their achievements and all their contributions.

We see it on the mega-screen, Rahul, Laxman, Sourav, and Anil, who is not here, and my team-mates right here in front of me. You are like my family away from home. I have had some wonderful times with you. It is going to be difficult to not be part of the dressing room, sharing those special moments. All the coaches for their guidance, it has been special for me. I know when MS Dhoni presented me the 200th Test match cap on Day One morning. I had a brief message for the team. I would like to repeat that. I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team and serving the nation.

Read: Interview with Sachin Tendulkar’s mother Rajni Tendulkar: Of his childhood, her life, dreams, the devout family and working women

Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and right values. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the Almighty to serve this sport. Each generation gets this opportunity to take care of this sport and serve it to the best of our ability. I have full faith in you to continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and to the best of your ability, to bring all the laurels to the country. All the very best.

Physicians

I would be failing in my duties if I did not thank all the doctors, the physios, the trainers, who have put this difficult body together to go back on the field and be able to play. The number of injuries that I have had in my career, I don’t know how you have managed to keep me fit, but without your special efforts, it would never have happened. The doctors have met me at weird hours. I mean I have called them from Mumbai to Chennai, Mumbai to Delhi, I mean wherever. They have just taken the next flight and left their work and families to be with me, which has allowed me to play. So a big thank you to all three of you for keeping me in good shape.

Marketing Managers

My dear friend, late Mark Mascarenhas, my first manager. We, unfortunately, we lost him in a car accident in 2001, but he was such a well-wisher of cricket, my cricket, and especially Indian cricket. He was so passionate. He understood what it takes to represent a nation and gave me all the space to go out and express myself, and never pressurized me to do this ad or promotion or whatever the sponsors demanded. He took care of that and today I miss him, so thank you, Mark, for all your contribution.

My current management team, WSG, for repeating what Mark has done because when I signed the contract I exactly told them what I want from them, and what it requires to represent me. They have done that and respected that.

Someone who has worked closely with me for 14 years is my manager, Vinod Nayudu. He is more like my family and all the sacrifices, spending time away from his family for my work, has been special, so big thank you to his family as well for giving up so much time for my work with Vinod.

Media

In my school days, when I performed well, the media backed me a lot. They continue to do that till this morning. Thank you so much to the media for supporting and appreciating my performances. It surely had a positive effect on me. Thank you so much to all the photographers as well for those wonderfully captured moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, so a big thank you to all the photographers.

Fans

I know my speech is getting a bit too long (crowd roars with ‘noooo’), but this is the last thing I want to say. I want to thank all the people here who have flown in from various parts of the world and have supported me endlessly, whether I scored a 0 or a 100-plus. Your support was so dear to me and meant a lot to me. Whatever you have done for me.

I know I have met so many guys who have fasted for me, prayed for me, done so much for me. Without that life wouldn’t have been like this for me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and also say that time has flown by rather quickly, but the memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially “Sachin, Sachin” which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing. Thank you very much. If I have missed out on saying something, I hope you understand. Goodbye.

18 years after he took a vow not wear slippers, Dev Das to finally wear one after Ram Mandir is constructed in Ayodhya

OpIndia Staff
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18 years after he took a vow not wear slippers, Dev Das to finally wear one after Ram Mandir is constructed in Ayodhya

18 years back Bihar resident Dev Das took a vow not to wear slippers till Ram Mandir is built at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. He will now finally wear one after the Ram temple is constructed.

Das, a resident of Kishanganj in Bihar runs a grocery shop and is also district executive of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He had taken a pledge 18 years back that he will not wear slippers till a Ram Temple is built and Lord Ram is finally at his rightful home. Das says that while walking barefoot was hard initially, especially in summer, Lord Ram gave him the courage.

Read: Winter of 1949: The untold story of the ‘miraculous appearance’ of Murtis of Ram Lalla at Babri Masjid

Das says that because of his faith in Lord Ram, he has never been hurt with a shard of glass or pebbles on the road as he walked barefoot. He says he will wear footwear only after Ram Mandir is constructed.

In a historic verdict, the Supreme Court on 9th November, pronounced that the disputed property at the Ram Janmabhoomi belongs to the Hindu parties and that the Ram Mandir be built there. The apex court also allotted 5 acre land to the Muslim parties for construction of a mosque should they so wish. The Central Government has been directed by the Supreme Court to set up a trust which will oversee the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Supreme Court to deliver Rafale, Sabarimala verdict tomorrow

OpIndia Staff
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Supreme Court to deliver Rafale, Sabarimala verdict tomorrow

The Supreme Court has been on a spree to pronounce verdicts in highly important cases as the retirement of the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi comes closer. Last week it delivered the verdict on the protracted Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute. Tomorrow, the apex court will declare verdicts in the politically significant issue of Rafale and deeply emotive matter of Sabarimala verdict. The CJI is stated to retire on November 17, 2019.

A constitution bench comprising of CJI Gogoi, Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra will declare Sabarimala verdict tomorrow at 10:30 AM.

The Supreme Court had reserved its judgment in the Sabarimala verdict after hearing the review petitions in September this year, challenging the court’s verdict of lifting the ban on women of menstrual age to enter the shrine of Sabarimala-The abode of Lord Ayyappa. The court verdict sparked a series of protest with many asserting that the court cannot interfere in the centuries-old tradition of the Sabarimala temple. There were 65 petitions including 56 review petitions and 4 writ petitions against the judgment passed by the top court.

Read: Chief Justice of India is a ‘public authority’, comes under the ambit of RTI Act : Supreme Court

The Rafale verdict will be delivered after the Sabarimala judgment by a bench of three justices comprising CJI Gogoi, Justices SK Kaul and K M Joseph.

The petitioners had approached the apex court seeking a review of its verdict dismissing a plea challenging India’s agreement with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets. Petitioners Prashant Bhushan and Arun Shourie argued in the court that the government had made false submissions in the court and the verdict dismissing the plea contesting India’s agreement with France was based on incorrect and incomplete facts presented by the government. After the conclusion of arguments, the bench of CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph reserved the judgement in both the cases.

Fact check: PM Modi did not congratulate CJI Ranjan Gogoi for contribution toward ‘Hindu Rashtra’ after Ayodhya verdict

OpIndia Staff
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Fact check: PM Modi did not congratulate CJI Ranjan Gogoi for contribution toward ‘Hindu Rashtra’ after Ayodhya verdict

After a five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice, Ranjan Gogoi cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple in the long-pending Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case, a fake letter in the name of PM Narendra Modi started doing the rounds wherein it was alleged that the Prime Minister congratulated CJI Ranjan Gogoi for the Ayodhya Verdict and acknowledged the role of judges in making India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’.

Many Pakistan-backed fake news portals were caught sharing this spurious letter extensively. These bogus portals not only used this fake letter to deride the Indian judiciary by calling it communal but also attempted to denounce the Prime Minister of India hinting that he colluded with the five-member bench of Indian Supreme Court.

Pakistan-backed fake news portals were caught sharing this bogus letter in the name of PM Modi

The letter, which appeared on the letterhead of the PM also ‘thanked’ the bench for ‘support during crucial time’. The letter with a typo which spells ‘commendable’ as ‘compendable’ was also being spread in Bangladesh media.

Now, to clear the air, Indian High Commission in Dhaka has published a circular in which it cautions people about a fake letter being circulated in some news media in Bangladesh. It mentions this above fake letter claiming that PM Narendra Modi has written a letter to Chief Justice of India congratulating him on Ayodhya Verdict.

Read: Pakistani media invents a fictitious Imran Khan – Vladimir Putin meeting at a fictitious dinner hosted by Donald Trump

In the circular, the Indian High commission calls the above letter completely ‘fake’ and ‘malicious’, which intended to mislead people in Bangladesh and create social disharmony, read the circular.

“It is most egregious and wrong on the part of those who are deliberately circulating fake and incorrect information to create misunderstanding about India in the public domain”, furthered the notice issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.


Meanwhile, on the contrary to these bogus claims, hours after the historic Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya, PM Modi in his address to the nation had congratulated the bench for patiently hearing all the sides for a continuous 40 days before coming to a unanimous decision and had also lauded the restraint showed by people saying that the verdict has been peacefully accepted by all. Modi said that the judgement ushered new dawn and every Indian should welcome this new era.

The Supreme Court of India, in a historic judgement ending a dispute spanning centuries, handed over the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya to the Hindu parties.

The bench had said that the Central Govt should within 3 months formulate a scheme envisaging setting up of Trust to build the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Possession of inner and outer courtyards to be handed over to the Trust. The apex court also ordered the union government to provide 5 acres of land at an alternate site at a prominent location in Ayodhya to the Sunni Waqf Board to rebuild the Babri Masjid which was demolished in 1992.

It may be noted that while the Ram Mandir will be built by a trust constituted by the central government, the Sunni Waqf Board will build the mosque on the plot given to them by the government at a prominent location in Ayodhya.

Rajasthan: Congress workers pelt stones at Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary’s car

OpIndia Staff
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Rajasthan: Congress workers pelt stones at Union Minister Kailash Chaudhary’s car

Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kailash Chaudhary fell prey to the Congress workers angst who allegedly pelted stones at the minister’s car while he along with Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) MLA Hanuman Beniwal were on their way to attend a religious function in Rajasthan’s Barmer district on Tuesday night.

Though no one was injured in the incident the police said that the window panes of the minister’s vehicle and a police jeep were damaged in the ensuing ruckus, said the police.

The Congress workers were reportedly targeting Beniwal, who had earlier levelled corruption charges on the Congress leader and the state revenue minister Harish Chaudhary.

The RLP MLA had while speaking to media persons on Tuesday, levelled corruption charges on the state revenue minister, which had irked the Congress workers who then decided to teach Beniwal a lesson.

When Beniwal and Union minister Kailash Chaudhary reached the religious function at a temple in Baytoo area of Barmer at night, they were attacked by the Congress workers who had decided not to let Beniwal attend the function. Notably, Baytoo is the assembly constituency of the state revenue minister Harish Chaudhary.

“There was resentment among the Congress workers. They assembled near Baytoo last night saying they will not let the MP attend the function”, SP Barmer Sharad Chowdhary said, furthering that “They were initially pacified. Senior police officers were also present but when the vehicles arrived, some of the Congress workers pelted stones at the vehicle of the union minister in which RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal was also present.”

The SP confirmed that the situation was ultimately brought under control and the ministers were escorted by the police to the temple where they attended the function. After the function was over, the union minister stayed at Balotara town in Barmer while the RLP MP from Nagaur was escorted by the police to the Jodhpur border, confirmed Chowdhary.

Rashtriya Loktantrik Party is an NDA alliance partner. Hanuman Beniwal had contested and won the Lok Sabha election from the Nagaur seat as the alliance candidate last year while BJP’s Kailash Chaudhary represents Barmer constituency in the Lok sabha.

Governor has not denied change to anyone, if anyone has the numbers, they can form government: HM Amit Shah on Maharashtra

OpIndia Staff
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Governor has not denied change to anyone, if anyone has the numbers, they can form government: HM Amit Shah on Maharashtra

In a scathing attack against BJP’s political opponents in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah slammed the opposition for politicising the office of Governor and tarnishing democracy. Shah’s statements come after high-voltage drama in Maharashtra concluded with the imposition of President rule yesterday.


Speaking to the ANI, Shah rubbished accusations made by the opposition that the BJP government in the centre was stonewalling them from forming government in Maharashtra and calling the shots through the Governor. Slamming Kapil Sibal for his childish arguments, Shah made it clear that nobody is stopping anybody from staking claim to the government in Maharashtra. “If anybody has numbers today, they can approach the governor. A learned man like Kapil Sibal is putting forth childish arguments like “we were denied a chance to form a government”.

Read: A tale of two Sanjays: The Maharashtra conundrum

Taking a dig at their former alliance partner Shiv Sena, Amit Shah said that both he and PM Modi had declared in the election campaign rallies that if the alliance wins the elections, Devendra Fadnavis will be the chief minister of the state. Nobody objected back then, now they have come up with a new set of demands which is unacceptable to us, Shah said.


The Governor of Maharashtra had yesterday sent a report to the Home Ministry recommending imposition of President rule in the state. After discussions in the cabinet meeting concluded, President rule was implemented in the state of Maharashtra.

The opposition- Shiv Sena had argued that they were not given sufficient time to prove their majority. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, through his lawyer Kapil Sibal, filed a complaint in the court contesting Governor’s decision of recommending President rule in the state.

The BJP-Sena alliance broke out over disagreement over the position of the chief minister. The Sena maintains that they had agreed upon what they call “50-50 formula” with a rotational chief ministerial post. The BJP has explicitly denied having agreed to any such formula before the elections.

Following the severance of alliance with the BJP, Sena sought NCP and Congress’ support to stake a claim at the government. Uddhav Thackeray called up Sonia Gandhi on November 11 seeking support for forming the government. After responding in affirmative, Gandhi held back her party’s support citing discussions to be held with her party MLAs and alliance partner-NCP. Sena was left in limbo as they could not prove the numbers to the Governor.

The Governor then invited the third-largest party NCP to form government in the state but they too couldn’t muster the required number necessary to stake a claim at the government. The Governor then, using his discretionary powers, sent his report to the Centre recommending President rule to be imposed in the state since no political party or alliance was in a position to form a government in the state.

Central govt assures Manipur that the Naga Peace Talks will not harm their interests amidst protests

OpIndia Staff
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Central govt assures Manipur that the Naga Peace Talks will not harm their interests amidst protests

Chief Minister of Manipur, Biren Singh, has assured that the territorial integrity of Manipur won’t be affected by the final settlement of the Naga Peace talks. He said that he has been assured of the same by the Central government. He further said that his government has full faith in the leadership of the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah categorically gave us this commitment when a government delegation including the Assembly Speaker and ministers visited him on Sunday,” he told reporters on Tuesday. Singh also stressed on the need to be calm till all the stakeholders are invited for discussion by the Central government.

Congress MLAs are demanding that the state government ought to provide a written assurance of the same. “If the chief minister and his MLAs firmly believe in the assurance given by the home minister that Manipur’s interest will not be harmed under any circumstances, the state government should provide a written assurance and take full responsibility for any eventuality,” said Th Lokeshwar, a former speaker of the Manipur Assembly and current MLA from the Congress party.

Read: Manipur CM Biren Singh raises concerns about Rohingyas in the state, urges residents to identify agents who felicitate their entry

Meanwhile, protests are ongoing in the state fearing that the final clauses of the settlement may have adverse implications for Manipur. On Tuesday, protesters clashed with the Police. They are primarily being organized by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).

The protesters are concerned that Manipur’s territorial integrity will be infringed by the seetlement given that the Naga rebels demand the creation of a unified Naga homeland, called Greater Nagaland, by incorporating the Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur besides Assam and Arunachal Pradesh with Nagaland. The chorus has also been joined by the Left parties.

JNU announces roll-back in fee hike and some other schemes, JNUSU calls it ‘cosmetic’

OpIndia Staff
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JNU announces roll-back in fee hike and some other schemes, JNUSU calls it ‘cosmetic’

As the JNU students protest against the Draft hostel manual that has provisions for the fee hike, curfew timings and dress code restrictions on the students intensified, the administration has announced a ‘major rollback’ in the hostel fee hike and other stipulations said the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

The authorities will also provide assistance to students of economically weaker section (EWS) students, confirmed the administration of JNU on Wednesday.

Education Secretary R Subrahmanyam took to Twitter to announce: “JNU Executive Committee announces major roll-back in the hostel fee and other stipulations. Also proposes a scheme for economic assistance to the EWS students. Time to get back to classes.


The decision was taken in the varsity’s Executive Council (EC) meeting, which had to be shifted outside the campus at the last moment fearing agitation by students.

The students union, however, termed the partial rollback of hostel fee hike “cosmetic” said it will continue its struggle till the time the manual is discussed with them.

“The JNU community has received no communication whatsoever regarding this. The said EC meeting has happened without any communication or consultation. If it has passed the IHA Manual without consultation, which includes curfew timings, permission for adult students for going out for a day and regressive notions on dress code we reject it,” they said.

On the issue of fee hike, there are unconfirmed reports that the so-called major rollback has happened only in room rent, they added. “Our issue substantively is not just with the room rent but the Rs 1,700 service charge, water and electricity charge which was zero and has been steeply hiked,” they said.

“The HRD secretary while announcing the so-called rollback has the arrogance to advise us to: ‘go back to classes’. With the fee hike still in place, students will be going out of classes and out of JNU. We reject this sham propaganda and selective usage of facts,” they said.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union had on Monday organised protests outside the University over a slew of issues including fee hike even as the University’s convocation ceremony continued inside the campus with Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu as the chief guest.

It has been two weeks since the JNU Student’s Union (JNUSU) has been conducting protests over the hostel manual. The JNU Vice-Chancellor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar had on November 8 alleged that Associate Dean Dr Vandana Mishra was kept in illegal captivity by some students as a part of their protest.

The last year’s convocation at the JNU, which was second after a period of 46 years was marred with boycott calls by the students’ union, which had accused JNU VC M Jagadesh Kumar of “muzzling their democratic rights”.

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