Home Blog Page 6507

India’s ‘Constantine moment’: Our choice now will decide the fate of our civilisation

Jai Menon
-
0
India’s ‘Constantine moment’: Our choice now will decide the fate of our civilisation

First, a bit of history:

Almost exactly 1,700 years ago, the Roman Emperor of Britain & Gaul (France), Flavius Valerius Constantinus, is said to have had a vision while on the road with his army – of a cross over the sun, and next to it the words “in this sign conquer” (in hoc signo vinces). In a different version, a writer of the time says this came to Constantinus in a dream. No one is sure what the sign referred to in the dream/vision was, but it was a Christian symbol of the time – probably not the cross we are all quite familiar with today.

The very next day, at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, Constantinus, and his forces routed the army of Roman Emperor Maxentius and the gates of Rome, the seat of the Roman Empire, were laid open to him. Constantinus, better known as Constantine the Great, became a Christian as a result of that vision or dream. It came to be seen as a capstone moment in world history.

The earliest version of the battle had no mention of a vision or a dream. But this was the 4th century CE, and such things as visions and dreams were much more saleable to the general public then. It was no doubt also convenient for Christian history-writers in the centuries after, as they worked to impose on diverse peoples monotheistic absolutism across what is now Europe, West Asia, and Northern Africa.

Constantine’s victory on Oct 28, 312 CE was a landmark moment in history. It resulted in the complete and utter destruction of the European civilization of that time over the following centuries. The period roughly between the 5th and the 11th century used to be known as the Dark Ages of Europe. That usage has fallen out of fashion of late, for obvious reasons. It is a story of incredible violence, and of the use of law to crush all existing forms of worship, rituals, customs and practices – and also in some cases the digested transformation of some of these rituals and customs.

To make matters worse for the old gods of Europe and Western Asia, in the early 7th century, a new monotheistic religion erupted out of Arabia: Islam – which had been forged on the caravan routes between Arabia and the Levant, where Christianity was born. This set the stage for a clash of absolutism, which persists to this day. But, caught in the crossfire, the polytheists of the area were defenseless. Their practices were rendered illegal and often the penalty of non-conversion was sub-citizen status or death. The legislative pen and the divine sword were used in the service of the expanding monotheisms.

In any case, you will be hard pressed to find a temple to Apollo or any of the Greco-Roman gods built in the last 15 centuries, anywhere in the regions where the Greco-Roman and the Judaic civilizations used to thrive. The Jewish people, monotheists themselves and in many ways the source of both Christianity and Islam, have just about managed to cling on, and are still on an existential cliff-hanger. Their predicament, in this writer’s view, can be whittled down to a single predominant factor: The Jews did not actively proselytize and try to increase their numbers.

Now, on to the present day, and India:

We are at a similar inflexion point. What India got in 1947 was independence only from British rule, not from its influence. The first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, is on record as saying that he was himself only an Indian “by accident of birth”. In fact, he was a product of the British education system for its own elites, which looked upon the denizens of their colonies with a certain compassionate contempt.

Though a well-meaning man, Nehru started a dynasty that has since evolved into a byzantine monstrosity Constantine himself would have been proud of. That is to say a kleptocratic, opportunistic and cynical group of individuals (with a matriarch born in Italy, ironically enough). For 70 years, this dynasty has been – by commission and omission – undermining the Dharmic civilizational base of India, and promoting what they call the “Idea of India” as if there is only one.

Their idea of India is basically a summary of Nehru’s book “Discovery of India”, i.e. a sanitized and sterile India that the anglicized remnants of empire can live with, and more importantly, explain to their friends and acquaintances in the West, with the above-mentioned compassionate contempt, well-honed in British and American universities.

So here we are, seven odd decades later, poised to choose, yet again between a pseudo-Gandhi and a salt-of-the-earth Indian politician, Narendra Modi. Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: a victory in which Rahul Gandhi ends up as Prime Minister of India will result in a vicious backlash against anything to do with the Dharmic civilization that is closely identified with the BJP and the RSS. “Hindutva” is actually just a euphemism for Hindu, a legitimized derogation.

Leading acolytes of the family, like Kapil Sibal, Randeep Surjewala, Sanjay Jha and Abhishek Manu Singhvi have gone on record warning about what is in store for those who get to close to the BJP and its leader Narendra Modi. They would not have said these things without approval. Three of them are lawyers. Edicts and laws are much more effective than violence in forcing change on a people because they carry the implicit threat of violence by the state. And that violence is regarded by the general public as worthy, exemplary and legitimate – because it has a state behind it.

That is how Christianity spread through Europe after Constantine, through edicts and laws which steadily and incrementally legitimized violence by the state against all who believed in other gods. (For more detail, read this book, the latest in a small list – The Darkening Age, by Catherine Nixey)

While everyone knows about the persecution of Christians between 200-400 CE (mainly), few know about the violent suppression of the “pagan” gods in the 15 or so centuries thereafter. This is why no one even bothers to ask “why were no temples to Apollo, Jupiter, or Athena built in the last millennium?” Faiths that sustained civilizations have been rendered museum memories, often with their heads, hands, noses chopped off. Sounds familiar? And while we, along with the world, mourn at the fiery collapse of the Church of Notre Dame in Paris, a monumentally beautiful edifice, let us also remember that underneath it was a temple to many gods, including Jupiter, Mercury, Castor and Pollux, and Vulcan, the old Roman god of fire.

The scrubbing out of civilizations was not just in Europe, but in the Americas, in Australia, Africa and parts of Asia. Wounds of the Goan Inquisition are still raw, and the ancient temples converted to churches may be far between, but not few. The impulse of the Abrahamic faith systems to gain access to legislative power is powerful, pragmatic and persistent. At the time of Constantine, Christianity was no more than 10% of the total population. It was political power, followed by edicts, laws and subtle amendments over decades that changed the world.

Although the people of the Dharmic civilization has been at similar inflexion points in the past – and have held fast to the Sanathana Dharma despite severe structural damage – the start of the third millennium presents us with an existential choice. And it is made at the press of a button. Vote wisely, choose well.

The Dharma cannot afford another millennium, or even another century, of suppression. It must survive or the last of the old gods of the world face a great suppression and then forgetting – as in Europe. Rescue is in your hands. Literally at your fingertip.

Rahul Gandhi’s Congress’ blatant Hinduphobia: Tripundra, Bhagwa Dhvaj and Shri Rama shown as symbols of religious bigotry

K Bhattacharjee
-
0
Rahul Gandhi’s Congress’ blatant Hinduphobia: Tripundra, Bhagwa Dhvaj and Shri Rama shown as symbols of religious bigotry

The Congress party, on Saturday, shared a video through its official Twitter handle which can only be described as vitriolic Hinduphobic propaganda. The lyrics of the song in the video, which is in the form of a rap, says, “Farzi hai, nakli hai, yeh Bhakt Charitra.” The imagery of the video reeks of propaganda that is tailor-made to hurt Hindu sentiments and demonize public display of Hindu faith.


In the video, people dressed in traditional Hindu saffron garb are depicted as malicious, hateful and bigoted. It gives one the impression that people dressed in saffron attire are evil and Rakshasas in the guise of men. The rapper, himself, is dressed in western casuals. It appears, for the Congress party, the colour of one’s clothes is evidence of underlying political opinions and the surest way to fight bigotry is by donning western clothes and singing lyrics which make extremely little sense.

The song begins with the words, “Yeh Kaisa Bhakt Charitra hai?” Since the advent of Narendra Modi in national politics, a concerted effort has been made by the Congress ecosystem to demonize the word ‘Bhakt’. In Hinduism, the word has a very pious meaning. It denotes a person who is consumed by his devotion towards the Gods. That liberals have been working in overdrive to demonize the word only reveals their disdain for the cultural ethos of the country.

‘Bhakt’ does not have any political connotations. But the Congress party and its minions have tainted it with political partisanship and malice. They have attributed bigotry, evil, hatred and numerous other negative aspects to the word when it only signifies a Hindu who has great love and devotion towards the Gods. By questioning the ‘Charitra’ (Character) of Bhakts, they have not questioned the character of supporters of Narendra Modi but every Hindu who is a devotee of the Devas.

The video appears to suggest that Hindus are the driving force behind religious fundamentalism. The 2 minutes 16-second video does not make a single mention of the Hindu victims of Islamic fundamentalism in the past 5 years. Throughout the video,  religious bigotry has a colour and the colour is saffron.

Numerous leaders from the BJP make an appearance in the video. Yogi Adityanath, Vinay Katiyar, Maneka Gandhi are shown making controversial remarks. Images from communal riots are shown as well and in every instance, Hindus are depicted as aggressors and Muslims as victims.

One particular line stands out for its rabid Hinduphobia. The rapper says, “Dhongi hai, Dikhava hai yeh astitva (This existence is an imposturous, pretentious.” One wonders exactly what the Congress party means when it says such a thing. Given the context of the song, it appears that according to the Congress party, a Bhakt’s existence is imposturous and pretentious.

Why is the existence of someone who worships the Gods and is completely devoted to Them imposturous? Why is it pretentious? It’s a grave insult to the faith of millions and millions of Hindus but given the history of the Congress party, it appears hardly surprising.

The symbolism of the video is particularly distasteful. Towards the end of the video, the Tripundra and the Bhagwa Dhvaj are shown with ‘Bhakt Charitra’ emblazoned on the screen. For devout Hindus, these are sacred symbols which represent the very ethos of our great civilization.

The Bhagwa Dhvaj is the colour of our civilization. It’s the banner under which our great ancestors fought for to rid our great land of foreign-born pestilence. It’s the banner under which Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj dreamt of his vision if Hindavi Swaraj, it’s the banner under our ancestors marched for justice, vengeance and Dharma. Associating the Bhagwa Dhvaj with bigotry and religious fundamentalism is a grave insult to the sacrifices made by our ancestors on the battlefield and the hardships they had to endure so that we could live as free men and women.

The Tripundra, which the Congress party has associated with fanaticism, is a sacred ritualistic Tilak integral to Hinduism associated with Shiva. Once upon a time, Congress President Rahul Gandhi had called himself a Shiv-Bhakt and here he is, associating the Tripundra with bigotry and fanaticism.

The Congress party cannot get away with saying that the video is intended to target the Bharatiya Janata Party and its workers. The Tripundra and the Bhagwa Dhvaj are not associated with the BJP. The Tripundra is a symbol of our devotion towards our Gods and the Bhagwa Dhvaj is as much a symbol of the serenity of our Hindu civilization as it is that of our resistance to invaders. They are the heritage of every single Hindu, maligning them is attacking our Hindu faith, not the BJP. But for the Congress party, it seems they are one and the same thing.

Shri Rama, too, was not spared by the Congress party. Rama appears in the video quite randomly, the scene doesn’t appear to be from any riots or communal violence. From the picture it appears that the scene is either from Ram Navami or Dussehra although it’s impossible to say with certainty where it’s actually from. But what can be said for certain is that the image doesn’t seem to depict any religious intolerance. Thus, it appears, for the Congress party, the King of Ayodhya Himself has become a symbol of intolerance.

The video comes across as less of political propaganda against a political opponent and more of laying the framework for the re-ignition of the Hindu Terror theory should the Congress party return to power. It’s quite clear that the Congress considers the Tripundra, the Bhagwa Dhvaj and Shri Rama as symbols of intolerance. Such hatred has very little to do with politics, it only shows the hatred that the Congress party has in its heart for Hinduism and the culture of our land.

Institutional respect by the Modi Govt and Institutional contempt by Congress: Two contrasting approaches

Jain Amitanshu
-
0
Institutional respect by the Modi Govt and Institutional contempt by Congress: Two contrasting approaches

If one carefully observes, there’s been one common plot deployed by opposition parties especially Congress in the past 5 years. As soon as Congress sensed that the Modi government is delivering good results under any program/scheme or some potential event may damage the credibility of opposition, they started aggressive false propaganda to pull down/discredit the Schemes/People/Institutions/Systems/Reforms.

Apart from trying to save themselves from accountability for wrong deeds in the past, the aim has also been to reduce/nullify any political benefit that might accrue to BJP/NDA. All this was done even if it meant institutional contempt or working against national interest. In fact, Congress’s recent behaviour of attributing its own comments on PM Modi to Hon. SC proves that now Congress and Opposition are in a space where they can go to literally any extent.

On the top of all this, to camouflage its own doings, its been accusing BJP of institutional contempt and disregard to Constitution. Quite contrary to the propaganda by the opposition and a section of media, this article looks at, with logic/facts, how Modi government has worked tirelessly to strengthen Institutions. In fact, its the Congress/Opposition that is guilty of institutional contempt. Needless to mention that when they could do all this being in opposition, one can’t imagine the destruction while they were in power.

This article attempts to evaluate the Modi government’s and the opposition’s approach in different situations while dealing with important Institutions. The article is broken into 7 parts looking at different situations involving different institutions. Throughout the article, a scorecard is kept for Institutional Respect or Contempt and by whom.

Courts and Investigating Agencies

While in power, Congress’s track record in using investigative institutions for its own agenda is nothing new. A very recent example is the 2G case in which investigations were completed during the UPA period, leading to the acquittal of the accused. It’s important to highlight what the Hon. The court said in its verdict “it was a well-choreographed charge sheet, containing incorrect facts and they were entitled to be set free”.

“I may also add that for the last about seven years, on all working days, summer vacation included, I religiously sat in the open Court from 10 am to 5 pm, waiting for someone with some legally admissible evidence in his possession, but all in vain”

The Modi government had to appeal to reopen 2G scam case. In fact, from day one, the Modi government’s harsh stand and stringent action on corruption were clear to everyone.

Congress sensed very early that past skeletons (corrupt deals, phone banked loan NPAs etc) are likely to come out of the closet, prominent leaders may go to Jail and NDA government may get major political credit for acting on corrupt. To nullify the impact of any such event, Congress has created fake stories of corruption by prominent BJP leaders throughout the past 5 years.

However, to the contrary, the Modi government empowered institutions to tackle corruption and economic offences;

  1. Empowered NCLT (an important Institution) by passing a law in the form of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and resolved a few major NPA accounts without forgiving single rupee. This institutional approach in dealing with NPAs is in complete contrast to UPA’s vague policy of hiding NPAs under the disguise of restructuring,
  2. Brought fugitives economic offenders bill, empowering institutions of the country to deal with fugitives more effectively. Post this, all assets (including foreign assets) of fugitives like Nirav Modi, Choksi, Mallya and others have been attached. Modi government has relentlessly pursued the extradition of fugitives and has made meaningful progress.

After it realized that Modi government is hell-bent on curbing corruption and investigating past wrongdoings, Congress threatened Bureaucrats (a form of Institutional Contempt) by openly saying investigating officers should remember Congress will come to power in some time and there may be consequences.

(Score: Modi +1, Opposition -1)

However, the government’s strong will and a free hand was given to agencies in dealing with criminals and corrupt, has shown good results, as follows;

  1. For the first time in history, 18 fugitives (Incl. defence middlemen Christian Michelle, Rajiv Saxena, Deepak Talwar) have been brought back to India in the past 5 years. Partially, it is the result of Institutional Independence.
  2. Investigations in corruption cases have continued incl. against Gandhis, Vadra, Yadavs, Chidambarams etc.
  3. Courts sent Lalu Yadav to jail for multiple scams.
  4. Delhi HC in its judgement concluded that Sonia and Rahul Gandhi cheated the country in National Herald case. In another case, both are out on Bail. Also, Gandhis have been found evading a large amount of taxes and now asked by courts to deposit.

(Note – in the above case, SC has recently stayed HC order. See if you want to change the language etc.)

5. Some of the Haryana Land deals related to Robert Vadra has been cancelled. Cases on Vadra are progressing with ED’s rigorous questioning.

Some big names are getting investigated honestly which should strengthen the institution of law and create a deterrent for corruption in future.

(Score: Modi +2, Opposition -1)

After failing to intimidate investigating officers, Congress/Opposition resorted to creating internal fights in important institutions. Through CBI/SC internal fight, an attempt was made to discredit institutions openly in public eyes and blame it on Modi government Also, ED/CAG/CVC was discredited and blame put on Modi government. This was being done to camouflage its own hidden agenda of destroying the credibility of these institutions to legally/politically nullify any adverse revelations (by ED), orders (by courts) or reports (on Rafale by CAG, on CBI by CVC).

(Score: Modi +2, Opposition -6)

To Congress’s surprise, the Modi government showcased great composure and respected institutions while handling crisis situations. In the case of Hon. SC’s four judges press conference, Modi government allowed the crisis to be resolved internally, respecting Judicial institutional independence. However, when there was a need for interference, it didn’t shy away from as in the case of CBI, because finally government. is accountable to people and not bureaucracy. In the end, the Modi government was proven right as Alok Verma’s removal got SC approval. The corruption charges on CBI directors and internal fight may have led to credibility loss but approach of Modi government post that has conveyed a clear and strong message that institutions are bigger than Individuals and wrongdoings won’t be tolerated at any level. This has created strong deterrence for the future, making the institution stronger.

In recent times after Vadra/Chidambaram questioning and Kolkata Police commissioner episode, opposition and a section in media have been propagating that CBI/ED is working on Modi government’s orders. But, they fail to apply one simple logic, if CBI was working under orders, then Modi government would never have been able to fire CBI director as easily because he would have provided many pieces of evidence of so-called motivated investigations.

(Score: Modi +4, Opposition -6)

Once it saw a few cases going against it, Congress indirectly threatened Courts to deliver judgements in its favour, as follows;

  1. Pressurised courts to handover Judge Loya case to Judges of opposition’s choice
  2. Impeachment motion,
  3. Congress lawyers threatened boycotts/walkouts in courtrooms if particular stand not accepted

While hearing Ram Mandir Case in 2017, Hon. CJI, SC reprimanded Congress/supported lawyers (Sibal, Dave & Dhawan) and said “when lawyers argue in a manner, not in tune with the constitutional language, we will tolerate it but for how long? If the Bar does not regulate itself, we will be compelled to regulate”

Similarly, in Judge Loya case, Hon. SC’s comment on lawyer Dushyant Dave – “The attempt of the petitioners is to create prejudice and to malign the dignity of the judges”.

Despite the above tactics by Congress, there were no hasty actions/reactions by Government. Given the wrongdoings of opposition or false cases against NDA, Courts delivered judgements which were not in opposition’s favour (Judge Loya, Rafale, CBI, Sadhvi Pragya, Swami Aseemanand etc) and listed some important matters like Ram Mandir for day to day hearings.

It’s important to note that post bail in 2017, Sadhvi Pragya said that after her arrest during UPA, “I was brutally beaten by male officers with a broad expeller belt, day and night for 24 days in custody. My arms and legs were swollen, which were then immersed in salty warm water, and the beatings resumed. In custody, the officers used to hurl filthy abuses at me and forced me to hear objectionable CDs. They wanted to forcibly extract a confession from me in order to implicate senior RSS leaders”

(Score: Modi +4, Opposition -7) 

Congress used every trick to delay Ram Mandir case, hoping for Modi government taking some legally challengeable steps while hearings underway in SC. Through this, they somehow wanted to create an impression that the Modi government doesn’t respect Constitution/Judiciary. Also, the aim was to create some sort of unrest in the country to disturb the Modi government’s past 4.5 year’s track record of peace in the country.

While Congress has been successful in delaying the Ram Mandir case but again Modi government showed great restraint and respect for Constitution/Judiciary and Congress’s wish of unrest wasn’t fulfilled.

(Score: Modi +5, Opposition -7) 

Then, Congress indirectly tried for some sort of provocation by motivated groups announcing Ram Mandir construction start date. The aim was again to create some sort of unrest to disturb the peace and then blame it on Modi government This was in complete constitutional disregard. This too was handled very well by Modi/Yogi government.

Congress’s recent behaviour of attributing its own comments on PM Modi to Hon. SC proves that now Congress and Opposition are in a space where they can go to literally any extent.

(Score: Modi +5, Opposition -8) 

The Election Commission

Post-2014, BJP/NDA victories continued election after election and Congress/Opposition sensed that their political existence is in doubt. They started discrediting Election Commission and EVMs, thereby trying to create doubts in the voter’s mind about the voting process. However, in the eyes of most people, this propaganda never struck any chord and whatever was left of it got shattered after Congress won Rajasthan/MP/CG. However, Congress/opposition continues false propaganda against EVMs despite several Courts including Hon. SC has dismissed opposition’s petitions at different times. Excerpts from Gujarat HC judgement a few days back:

“We are assured that the firm conviction about the integrity and non-tamperability and credibility of the EVMs and the confidence in the robustness of the procedural safeguards”

(Score: Modi +5, Opposition -9) 

Parliament

PM Modi started his Lok Sabha Journey by bowing down to Parliament and strictly asking MPs/bureaucrats to ensure highest productivity and accountability. This clearly showed the utmost respect for people’s mandate and the Parliament as an Institution. Congress/Opposition tried every trick to disrupt Parliament proceedings. Yet, 16th Lok Sabha was the most productive one.

(Score: Modi +6, Opposition -10) 

Armed Forces

Modi government has worked well to strengthen the institution of armed forces, through many measures like;

  1. Freehand to forces,
  2. Procurement of Rafale, S400 and other requirements like bullet-proof jackets etc.
  3. OROP,
  4. The PM personally celebrating Diwali with them

Congress/Opposition tried every trick to portray Modi government not doing anything for armed forces and also tried to lower the morale of armed forces, through;

  1. Rahul Gandhi/most opposition parties standing with Tukde Gang in JNU when they shouted slogans against India and Armed Forces.
  2. Calling Army Chief ‘Sadak Ka Gunda’
  3. Asking for proof of Surgical/Air Strikes
  4. Praising enemy nation and its prime minister
  5. Promoting motivated reports of Human Rights violations in Kashmir
  6. Supporting false propaganda on India’s defence expenses reducing
  7. Trying everything to cancel Rafale Procurement
  8. Accusing Modi government of using armed forces for the political benefit (indirectly saying that armed forces are happily supporting the same)

But, given the freedom and improved morale, armed forces delivered unprecedented results in times of adversity.

  1. First time conducting Surgical/Air Strikes by crossing into enemy territory,
  2. Eliminating terrorists within our borders (Kashmir, Naxals and terror suspects in other states).

Intelligence agencies have also been strengthened under Modi government preventing countless attempts of terror across the country. As a result, India has not seen any major terror attack in the past 5 years, except Kashmir.

Also, as regards defence expenditure, its well-known fact that major part earlier used to go to middlemen, politicians etc. Now, since there are no middlemen, lot of money is saved. In any case, even adversaries agree that PM Modi will not let National Security get compromised for want of funds.

Modi government has also strengthened ISRO and DRDO meaningfully. Results have been that India is now ASAT capable and is in the Top 4 nations. Also by launching 104 satellites at one go, it created a World record.

(Score: Modi +10, Opposition -12)

National Statistical Organizations

Modi government’s approach from the beginning has been to launch holistic large scale schemes/programs through inspiring people’s movement (For example – Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao etc). This was a refreshing and correct approach to achieve something big in a short period of time, esp. in a country like India with a large diverse population. Also, PM Modi had the vision and capability to inspire people’s movement.

Given a completely new approach to what governments have been doing in past ~65 years, Congress sensed this very late that Modi government programs will be much more successful vs. previous governments. Therefore, initially, most of the opposition made fun of the schemes. For example, Swachh Bharat was initially made fun of when PM Modi and his team used to post pictures/videos of cleaning, to inspire people. However, once they realized the large scale success of most schemes, they started criticizing successful schemes by saying everything is on paper, nothing happening on the ground. But then, most statistics coming out supported Modi government’s claims about GDP Growth, Jobs creation, Electricity coverage, Sanitation, LPG coverage and many other achievements on large scale. The opposition started discrediting National Statistical Commission (NSC) and started building a narrative that India’s statistics are not reliable under the Modi government.

But then, Globally renowned organizations upgraded India on various parameters – Credit rating, Ease of Doing Business, Electricity Accessibility and most other parameters. FDI and FIIs continued showing faith by investing record amounts in the past 5 years (indirectly certifying the statistics and work done by Modi government). There have been many instances where the World has taken note of and recognized India’s rise under the Modi Government.

Then came a moment when opposition itself busted its own propaganda when they started denigrating some of the recognized global institutions for praising India.

(Score: Modi +10, Opposition -13)

Been unsuccessful elsewhere, but successful in discrediting ‘Opposition’ as an Institution

In the process of trying to discredit and denigrate institutions, what has actually happened is opposition as an institution has lost respect and credibility. Now, its helpless and continues to adopt shoot-and-scoot policy propagating whatever lies it can, about NDA destroying institutions, Constitution in danger, EVMs, Rafale etc.

So, without going into the history of past Congress government’s, I have highlighted many instances of Congress/Opposition destroying institutions and showing disregard for the constitution. If you think that’s it, then here are some more recent specific instances of opposition’s disregard for the Constitution, Courts, Laws and Institutions;

1) Mamta Banerjee sitting on Dharna along with police commissioner, clearly suggesting police works for TMC and not for the State,

2) Mamta Banerjee not letting opposition leaders campaign in the State, showing complete disregard for the Constitution,

3) Akhilesh Yadav indirectly asking journalists to write something good on him and get payments when they form the government.

4) Karnataka Police arresting a techie for chanting ‘Modi’,

5) Many opposition states (West Bengal, Andhra, Chhattisgarh) banning CBI investigation,

6) Many opposition leaders occupying government Bungalows even after no eligibility and in some cases even after court orders

7) Congress openly supporting Tukde Gang who are calling to break India, supporting terrorists openly by terming Afzal Guru as a victim of Judicial Execution.

8) Rahul Gandhi openly tried to pitch a Public Sector Unit (HAL) against the ruling government.

9) Navjot Sidhu went to Pakistan and without any authority held talks on sensitive issues.

10) Many times we have heard in the past 5 years, how the opposition has been trying to paint a picture of PSU Banks going bust and no cash at ATMs, trying to create panic.

(Score: Modi +10, Opposition -25) 

Can you find any specific instances of PM Modi/Amit Shah disregarding Institutions?

I tried to search a lot but couldn’t find any statement made or action taken by PM Modi which destroys institutions or disregards Constitution.

Some are saying what Amit Shah said in Kerala on Sabarimala is in disregard to Hon. SC. In fact to the contrary, what he said was to avoid any disregard in future by anyone. The harsh truth is that there are SC orders which have not been implemented for the past several years. If that’s the case, the credibility of the SC orders goes down and it becomes easy for others to disregard future orders. It will only add to its credibility if SC, before delivering judgement, starts reflecting on the feasibility of implementation of some of its contentious orders unless of course, the issue is of urgent National Interest.

Also on allegations of Modi government using armed forces for political benefit, we need to ask ourselves just one question. And that is what is it that armed forces did which shouldn’t have been done?

Surgical Strikes? Air Strikes? Killing Terrorists within India and preventing Terror attacks?

I bet you won’t find one single action by armed forces which shouldn’t have happened. If that’s the case then how is it that Armed forces are being used politically. They are simply doing what is best for the country. And if someone thinks that Modi government is benefitting politically because of these actions then its foolishness. Obviously, the government which took hard decisions will benefit politically because god forbid if something went wrong the blame also would have been on the Government.

So, if one thinks rationally, it is hard to find any action of the Modi government disrespecting Constitution/Institutions.

Now, try and find some more instances of Constitution disregard and Institutional contempt by opposition leaders. You will find many and if you go slightly into past Government’s history, then even weeks won’t be enough to note down all of them.

Final Score: Modi +10 and counting, Opposition -25 and counting

As an Indian, one should be rest assured that Constitution and Institutions both are very well protected under Modi government.

ISIS module case: NIA conducts raids in Telangana and Maharashtra

OpIndia Staff
-
0
ISIS module case: NIA conducts raids in Telangana and Maharashtra

NIA conducted fresh raids at several places in the country in a case related to the ISIS module case that was busted last year in which the agency had arrested two alleged ISIS sympathisers -Mohammed Abdullah Basith and Mohd Abdul Qhadeer, from the city. The agency conducted raids at three locations in Hyderabad and one in Wardha, Maharashtra. This was done as a part of its larger investigation into Indian youth being radicalised to carry out attacks on the command of the International terror outfit.

“The recent raids were being carried out in connection with this module after a supplementary charge sheet was filed against them in February this year and based on new inputs,” police said. A senior police official of the Cyberabad Police Commisonerate told PTI, “NIA is conducting raids at two places in Hyderabad in the case related to the ISIS module.”

In August 2018, the NIA had arrested two persons for purportedly scheming to execute the terror group’s activities in India. Abdullah Basith and Mohammed Abdul Qhadeer were also actively seeking to recruit people into the terror group. In 2014, Basith was arrested and again he was arrested in 2015 for attempting to travel to Syria from India.

The agency officials believe that he was “planning to increase the foothold of IS (and) carry out terrorist acts in India”. He was also suspected to have been in constant touch with the chief Islamic State recruiter Adnan Hassan Damudi, who had been deported from Dubai in 2016.

Read details: Rahul Gandhi lands in a soup over his Amethi nomination, scrutiny postponed after questions raised on his British citizenship

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Read details: Rahul Gandhi lands in a soup over his Amethi nomination, scrutiny postponed after questions raised on his British citizenship

Ahead of scrutiny of nomination papers submitted by Rahul Gandhi from Amethi constituency, objections have been raised against his nomination. Four separate objections were raised citing discrepancies in nomination papers submitted by Rahul Gandhi in various Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi’s nomination paper was to be scrutinised today, but that has been postponed to 22th April following the objections. Rahul Gandhi’s lawyer Rahul Kaushik sought time from the Returning Officer of Amethi to counter the objections.

One of the persons to file objections is Dhruv Lal, an independent candidate from Amethi. In the petition submitted with the returning officer, he states that in the 2004 nomination paper, Rahul Gandhi had stated that he had done Senior Secondary from CBSE in 1989, and M.Phil from Trinity College in 1995. But his affidavits for the subsequent elections state that he had done BA from Rollins College in Florida in 1994 also, apart from the two qualifications mentioned in 2004 affidavit.

He also mentions that the subject of Rahul Gandhi’s M.Phil has been mentioned as “Development Economics” and “Development Studies” in different affidavits, thereby the candidate has made purposefully false Declaration. The petitioner asks that Rahul Gandhi should be asked to produce his original certificate.

The petition also states that all the affidavits by Rahul Gandhi say that he passed M.Phil from Trinity College, Cambridge University in the Year 1995. Claiming that it is false a declaration the petitioner says that the candidate has claimed to have passed M. Phil in the year 2004-2005, and copy of Certificate issued by the University of Cambridge as available in public domain.

The petition filed by Dhruv Lal alleges that Rahul Gandhi has made false declaration about his identity, as the Bachelor of Arts certificate issued by Rollins College and M.Phil certificates issued by University of Cambridge (Trinity College) describe the person as “Raul Vinci” and not “Rahul Gandhi”. Therefore, either Rahul Gandhi did not obtain the educational qualifications mentioned in his affidavits, or his name is Raul Vinci and not Rahul Gandhi. And in either case, the nomination should be rejected, the petitioner states.

 

One of the annexures with the petition showing Rahul Gandhi’s UK address

The petitioner also alleges that Rahul Gandhi has made a false declaration about his nationality. It states that Rahul Gandhi held shares in a company named Backops Limited, Britain. The Memorandum of Association and Annual Return of the company in the year 2005 had mentioned Rahul Gandhi’s nationality as “British” and his UK address was mentioned. As the candidate is not a citizen of India, his nomination deserves to be rejected, the petition says.

The petitioner adds that Rahul Gandhi has concealed information regarding ownership of property in UK and profits earned from Backops Limited.

Following the objections, the scrutiny of Rahul Gandhi’s nomination paper has been rescheduled for 10:30 AM on 22nd April, which was originally scheduled for 10:30 AM on 20th April.

PM Modi concedes that the BJP-PDP alliance was a ‘mahamilavat’, but was the need of the hour

Jinit Jain
-
0
PM Modi concedes that the BJP-PDP alliance was a ‘mahamilavat’, but was the need of the hour

In an interview with Timesnow, PM Narendra Modi had admitted that the BJP and PDP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir was a mahamilavat. However, he also commented on the situation in the state under the previous two governments and suggested that the situation is somewhat better under Mufti Muhammad Saeed.

PM Modi asserted that the alliance was the only option since neither of the party had got the required number of seats to form a government. He said, “I concede that such mahamilawat (alliances) have short lives. It was the need of the hour and we went ahead with it.”

Talking about governance under Mufti Mohammed, PM Modi said, “The developmental work was given priority under Mufti government. The construction of hospitals, roads and schools picked up the pace under his governance. We thought other issues could be kept aside and the work for the common people should not halt.”

After Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s demise in January 2016, his daughter Mehbooba Mufti became the chief minister of the state. Speaking about the issue what might be one of the reasons for the rift between BJP and PDP, Modi asserted that Mehbooba was not in favour to have Panchayat elections that were needed for the development of the state. “We had a firm belief that if the state has to progress, it was necessary to empower panchayats. They will have to be allocated funds directly from the centre. We would have to trust them with the responsibility of carrying out development work at their level. She was unwilling to give in,” PM Modi said.

Formed Anti-Romeo Squad for people like Azam Khan: Yogi Adityanath

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Formed Anti-Romeo Squad for people like Azam Khan: Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, launched a scathing attack against senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan for his obscene remark against Jaya Prada, BJP candidate from Rampur.

While addressing a gathering in Hardoi on Friday, after his 72-hour campaign ban, the saffron-clad monk said, “Our government has constituted anti-Romeo squad for persons like Azam.” The SP leader had made distasteful comments about the colour of Jaya Prada’s undergarments.

In his earlier rally at Sambhal, Yogi, taking a dig against Khan without naming him, stated, “A ‘jeev’ (creature) of SP lives in Rampur… What kind of language he used for Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar… Today Mayawati ji is seeking votes for those who had disrespected Baba saheb… What kind of language he uses against mothers and daughters?”

The firebrand Hindutva mascot also asserted that he has never asked for votes in the name of religion. “Remember the Congress government when the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had said that Muslims had the first right over the country’s resources while Mayawati in a rally in Saharanpur asked Muslims to unite and vote for the BSP-SP alliance… I have never sought votes in the name of caste or religion,” he said.

Yogi did not spare the candidate from Sambhal either. Calling the SP candidate ‘Babur ki Aulad’, he asserted that Shafiq-ur-Rehman Burq had called himself a descendant of Babur. “Once I was in parliament, I asked the SP candidate, who was also an MP, as to who were his predecessors, he said he was the successor of Babur. I was surprised,” Yogi Adityanath said at the rally.

He added, “I have problem with this fact that a person who has a problem of singing Vande Mataram, one who is ashamed of garlanding the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar and visiting the Kela Devi temple, is he worthy of your vote? Be it Congress or SP-BSP gathbandhan, are you ready to hand over the reins of the country to these anti-nationalists, terrorists?”

The Election Commission had barred Yogi Adityanath for campaigning for 72 hours following his remarks involving Bajrang Bali in response to Mayawati’s appeal for Muslim votes. In the following three days, Yogi visited the Hanuman Setu Mandir in Lucknow on Tuesday, offered his prayers to Shri Rama at Ayodhya on Wednesday and visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on Thursday before resuming his campaign on Friday.

Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is a symbolic answer to Congress for calling the Hindu civilisation as terrorist: PM Narendra Modi

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Sadhvi Pragya Thakur is a symbolic answer to Congress for calling the Hindu civilisation as terrorist: PM Narendra Modi

The decision of the ruling BJP to field Sadhvi Pragya Thakur as a candidate against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency has been a significant strategic move by the BJP. However, right after the announcement of her candidature, the entire left-liberal cabal has been hounding Sadhvi Pragya.

Speaking to Times Now on Friday, Prime Minister Modi backed the decision to field Pragya Singh Thakur as the BJP candidate from Bhopal. Referring to it as a symbolic answer to all those who falsely labeled the rich Hindu civilization as “terrorist”, PM Modi asserted that “this symbol will prove costly for the Congress”.


Targetting the Congress party for its role in 1984 Sikh genocide after the death of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi, PM Modi said, “Her (Indira Gandhi’s) son (Rajiv Gandhi) had said that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes. Thereafter thousands of Sikhs were massacred in Delhi. Was it not the terrorism of certain people? Even after that, he (Rajiv Gandhi) was made the prime minister. The neutral media never asked any question with regard to that but is asking now,” PM Modi said.

“Those who were eyewitnesses and involved in the murder of the Sikhs were made Member of Parliament, cabinet ministers. One of them was recently made the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh (Kamal Nath), against whom there have been allegations. The people who were facing serious charges were never questioned. Those who have been convicted are being hugged even in jail,” he said and questioned the Congress, “Do they have any right to raise questions?”

While defending the fielding of Pragya Singh Thakur, PM Modi asked why no such questions are being asked when Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi who are contesting from Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies, respectively, despite being on “bail”.

“In Amethi, they (Congress) have a candidate (Rahul Gandhi) who is on bail, in Rae Bareli, they have a candidate (Sonia Gandhi) who is on bail, but there is no debate on that. But if the candidate from Bhopal is on bail, there is so much of outcry. How can this go on?” said PM Modi.

While responding to the question on fielding of Pragya Thakur in the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi replied, “One woman, that too a ‘Sadhvi’, was humiliated in such a manner, nobody raised the issue”.

“I have lived in Gujarat. I have understood Congress’s modus operandi. It is like a film script, they build a narrative out of it. Then they will pick something, then bring a villain to the story to use it for propaganda,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi went on to say, “Because of the same modus operandi of the Congress, all the encounters were presented as fake. Even in the Justice Loya case, he died a natural death but because of this kind of modus operandi, such a case was built as if he had been murdered. On EVM issue also, they used the same modus operandi,” he charged.

PM Modi also added that Congress party used the same modus operandi during the Samjhauta Express case. “Samjhauta Express verdict came. What happened? Without any evidence, you (Congress) called a rich civilization as old as 5000 years, which gave the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as a terrorist. To give a reply to all such people, this (fielding of Pragya Thakur) is a symbol and this symbol will cost the Congress dearly,” the prime minister added.

With Rahul Gandhi contempt notice up for hearing, CJI says allegations to dissuade him for hearing important cases

OpIndia Staff
-
0
With Rahul Gandhi contempt notice up for hearing, CJI says allegations to dissuade him for hearing important cases

Today, a bunch of Leftist portals published a story about a woman levelling allegations of sexual harassment against the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. In response, Justice Gogoi convened a bench and responded to these allegations. Other than saying that this is a ‘larger plot to destabilise the Judiciary’ and that when ‘they’ couldn’t catch him on the money they are resorting to this, CJI Gogoi also said that this is a pressure tactic to dissuade him from hearing important cases that are up for hearing next week.


After the bench was commenced, CJI made several statements alleging how this was a pressure tactic and the sanctity of the Judiciary was being compromised. AG Venugopalan too said that he was being attacked as an officer of the court for defending the government and CJI Gogoi said that there were only two independent offices in the country, of the PMO and CJI.

CJI Gogoi also made a startling revelation while commenting on the allegations of sexual harassment. He said that next week, he is to hear important cases and these allegations were to dissuade him into hearing those matters.

Incidentally, there are three important matter pertaining to the ongoing 2019 Lok Sabha elections which are up for hearing next week.

Case 1: Contempt hearing against Rahul Gandhi

A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on Monday issued a notice to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and sought an explanation from him for his comments after the Supreme Court verdict on Rafale.

Rahul Gandhi had distorted the SC order while talking to the media, and said that Supreme Court has accepted that there is some form of corruption in Rafale deal and that “chowkidaar ne chori karwayi hai”. The Supreme Court observed that it had on “no occasion” made any comments as attributed by Gandhi and that the judgment was solely on the legal question of admissibility of documents produced by review petitioners. The top court has asked Rahul Gandhi to reply by April 22 which happens to be next week.

The contempt petition against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi over his ‘Chowkidar chor hai’ remarks against PM Modi after the Supreme Court order on Rafale.

Case 2: The release of Vivek Oberoi starrer biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

While the Supreme Court had refused to interfere in the release of the Vivek Oberoi starrer biopic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Election Commission had put a stay on the release until the 2019 Lok Sabha elections concluded saying that its release may hamper the equal playing field that political parties should get.

Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had asserted that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field should not be displayed in areas where the model code of conduct was in force.

On April 15th, the Supreme Court had asked the Election Commission to watch the movie fully and submit their report to the Supreme Court by 19th April. 

The Supreme Court Bench led by CJI Gogoi is all set to hear the matter and probably deliver a verdict on April 22nd, the same day as Rahul Gandhi contempt petition.

Case 3: Tamil Nadu elections and bribes paid to voters

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought the Election Commission (EC)’s response on a petition alleging largescale bribing of voters in all the Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

The petitioner alleged that every voter in these constituencies has been paid around Rs 5,000. He pleaded before the court that the poll panel be directed to postpone the parliamentary elections in the state. The petition also cited Rs 11.5 crore cash from a cement godown in Vellore district by the IT Department on Monday. “So far, Rs 78.12 crore cash has been seized in the state,” the petition pointed out.

Read also: Tamil Nadu: IT raids on Congress ally DMK leader, huge cash recovered allegedly belongs to DMK treasurer

The CJI had asked whether polling in Tamil Nadu should be cancelled. The detailed hearing is set to take place on 22nd April, the same day as Rahul Gandhi’s contempt petition and the hearing on the release of PM Modi’s biopic.

West Bengal: Wife of missing election official Arnab Roy requests media to stop spreading rumours and to help find her husband

OpIndia Staff
-
0
West Bengal: Wife of missing election official Arnab Roy requests media to stop spreading rumours and to help find her husband

It has been two days since Arnab Roy, an officer on duty during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in the West Bengal went missing. It is rather shocking that the state government led by Mamata Banerjee is yet to find the whereabouts of the officer.

However, Anisha Jash, wife of the missing officer Arnab Roy has now started to appeal to every citizen to find her husband who went suspiciously missing from duty on April 18th from Bipradas Choudhury Polytechnic College of Nadia, West Bengal. Interestingly, Roy was the in charge of the EVMs and VVPATs.

“I do not want anything except my husband right now and I shall go to the last extent to find him. I earnestly request everyone to share my post. I want my husband back,” wrote Anisha Jash in her Facebook post.

The state of West Bengal under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been notoriously known for political violence and alleged electoral malpractice through intimidations and violence against political opponents. The law and order situation in West Bengal seems to be out of control as it is evident from the manner in which an on-duty officer appointed by the election commission has been missing while performing his duty.

As the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced on Thursday, reports of rampant political violence and poll malpractice have been pouring in from West Bengal. Among this, a report has surfaced that Hindu residents of a Muslim dominated village have been barred from voting in the Raiganj constituency in the state.

On Thursday, during the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, massive violence erupted in West Bengal causing apprehensions about the free and fair elections in the state. Chopra in Darjeeling constituency had witnessed widespread violence, where miscreants tried to prevent voters from casting their votes. Locals came out in protest of this and blocked the highway, and security forces had to lob tear gas shells and do lathi charge on the people to disperse them.

In another incident, a 22-year-old BJP worker Sishu Pal Shahish was killed and his body was found hanging on a tree in West Bengal’s Purulia.

The state government and the media ecosystem backing Mamata Banerjee has been silent on the issue who otherwise outrage on the independence of the institutions. The Lutyens liberal, who are often so quick to target the ruling establishment for their alleged intrusion into political institutions have deliberately chosen to ignore the brutalities and subversion of democratic principles inflicted by the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

1...6,5066,5076,508...7,669Page 6,507 of 7,669