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Hari Har temple dispute: All you need to know about the Sambhal Jama Masjid petition

Anurag
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Hari Har temple dispute: All you need to know about the Sambhal Jama Masjid petition

On 19th November, a court-mandated survey was conducted at Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The court ordered the survey in response to a petition filed by Supreme Court Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, and seven co-plaintiffs, asserting that the mosque occupies the site of a temple dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki.

The mosque in question is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

The survey was carried out under the supervision of Advocate Commission. A heavy police force was deployed in the area to ensure the survey proceeded peacefully.

During the survey, however, Muslims living in the area gathered outside the Jama Masjid and raised religious slogans. The District Magistrate of Sambhal confirmed that the survey was completed in around two hours and stated that a report would be submitted to the Civil Court, which will review it on the next date of hearing, 29th November 2024. OpIndia accessed the petition filed by the plaintiffs in the case.

Who are the petitioners

The petition has been filed in the court by Hari Shankar Jain, a Supreme Court advocate and father of Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, along with Parth Yadav of Noida. Other petitioners are Mahant Rishiraj Giri from Mujahidpur, Sambhal; Rakesh Kumar from Hayatnagar, Sambhal; Jitpal Yadav from Tataipur Ghosi Rudayan, Sambhal; Madanpal from Mujahidpur, Sambhal; Ved Pal Singh from Greater Noida; and Deenanath from Shahzadi Sarai, Sambhal. The petitioners have sought access to the historic site for the Hindu community.ubmissions made by the petitioners

In the petition, it has been asserted that the Jama Masjid in Sambhal was constructed on the centuries-old Shri Hari Har Temple, dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki and destroyed by Babar. The petitioners added that the site holds significant religious importance for Hindus and was forcibly and unlawfully converted into a mosque during the Mughal period. The petitioners further argued that it is a centrally protected monument as per the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and is listed as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

They contended that, being devotees of Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiv, they have the right to access the temple for worship and homage. They asserted that the right to worship has been denied by the mosque’s management committee. Furthermore, they also accused the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of failing to fulfil its statutory duty to ensure public access to the site. They cited Section 18 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, while seeking access to the site.

The petitioners emphasised that the current situation infringes upon their constitutional right to practise their religion and called for immediate action to restore public access to the site.

Historical facts

The petition highlighted the ancient and historical significance of the Shri Hari Har Temple. It stated that the site is revered in Hindu scriptures and known for its association with the prophesied Kalki Avatar. For those who are unaware, Bhagwan Kalki is believed to be the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu belief, Kalki will manifest in Sambhal to bring an end to Kaliyuga and usher in the era of Satyuga. The city of Sambhal, located on the banks of the Mahismat River in the heart of Rohilkhand, has had various names over different ages, such as Sabrit or Sambhaleswar in Satyuga, Mahadgiri in Treta Yuga, Pingala in Dwapar Yuga, and Sambhal in Kaliyuga.

The Shri Hari Har Mandir, dedicated to Bhagwan Kalki, was believed to have been created by Bhagwan Vishwakarma at the beginning of creation. Bhagwan Vishwakarma is the celestial architect. The temple holds a unique place in Hindu theology, symbolising the unity of Bhagwan Vishnu and Bhagwan Shiv as described in Hindu scriptures: “Yatha Shivastatha Vishnu, Yatha Vishnustatha Shivah,” which translates to “As Shiv is, so is Vishnu; as Vishnu is, so is Shiv.” The temple was considered a marvel of ancient architecture. The petition stated that it was a combination of spiritual significance and intricate design.

According to the petition, the temple faced significant destruction during the Mughal invasion. Babur’s lieutenant, Hindu Beg, allegedly partly demolished the temple and converted it into a mosque in 1527–28. The act was reportedly carried out on Babur’s instructions to establish Islamic supremacy and demoralise the local Hindu population.

The reference to this incident is found in Babur’s diary, also known as the Baburnama. It states that Hindu Beg converted the temple into a mosque. The petitioners argued that an inscription inside the mosque mentioning Babur’s name is a later forgery designed to justify the conversion of the temple into a mosque.

Baburnama reads, “Hindu Beg quchin had been Humayun’s retainer in 932 AH (f297) and had taken possession of Sambhal for him. Hence, as it seems, he was ordered, while escorting the ladies from Kabul, to go to Sambhal. He seems to have gone before waiting to Babur, probably not coming into Agra till now. It may be noted here that in 933 AH he transformed a Hindu temple into a Mosque Sambhal; it was done by Babur’s orders and is commemorated by an inscription still existing on the Mosque, one seeming not to be of his own composition, judging by its praise of himself.”

Source: rarebooksocietyofindia

Furthermore, the petition mentioned that during the reign of Akbar, the Ain-i-Akbari was written, which also referred to a prominent temple in Sambhal named Hari Mandir. The text described the temple as being dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu and the prophesied birthplace of Bhagwan Kalki’s avatar. It further highlighted that the temple held importance during Akbar’s time, suggesting that Hindus had temporarily reclaimed the site before subsequent Mughal interventions.

Ain-i-Akbari read, “There is game in plenty in the Sarkar of Sambel (Sambhal), where the rhinoceros is found.! It is an animal like a small elephant, without a trunk, and having a horn on its snout with which it attacks animals. From its skin, shields are made and from the horn, finger-guards for bow-strings and the like. In the city of Sambal is a temple called Hari Mandal (the temple of Vishnu) belonging to a Brahman, from among whose descendants the tenth avatar will appear in this spot. Hansi is an ancient, the resting-place of Jamal the successor of Shaikh Farid-i-Shakar ganj.“

Source: rarebooksocietyofindia

According to the petition, several archaeological surveys were conducted in Sambhal during 1874–76 by Major-General A. Cunningham, who was then Director General of the ASI. He wrote a report titled “Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur”, which mentioned the architectural elements of the temple that survived the conversion.

Some parts of the book on Sambhal read, “The principal building in Sambhal is the Jami Masjid, which the Hindus claim to have been originally the temple of Hari Mandir. It consists of a central domed room upwards to 20 feet square, with two wings of unequal length, that to the north being 500 feet 6 inches, while the southern wing is only 38 feet 1½ inches. Each wing has three arched openings in front, which are all of different widths, varying from 7 feet to 8 feet.”

Source: Archive.org

It further read, “The Muhammadans ascribe the erection of the building to the time of the Emperor Babar, and point to an inscription inside the masjid, which certainly contains the name of Babar, but which the Hindus assert to be a forgery of late date. On the back of this slab, they say that there is the original Hindu inscription belonging to the temple. Several Musalmans of Sambhal confessed to me that the inscription containing Babar’s name was a forgery, and that the Muhammadans did not get possession of the building until about the time of the mutiny, or a little before it, say about 25 years ago. That they took possession of the building by force; and that there was then a trial about the case in Court before the Judge of the district and that the Muhammadans gained the case mainly by of the forged inscription, and also by all the Muhammadans joining together and bearing false witness against the Hindus, who were in the minority.”

The petition pointed out that Cunningham noted distinct differences between the original Hindu structure and the later Mughal modifications, which included the use of small bricks and mud mortar in the additions. The report mentioned that some remnants of Hindu sculptures and carvings were found under the plaster used by Mughal builders. He documented fluted pillars, sandstone fragments, and other artefacts consistent with Hindu temple architecture.

The history of the temple further extends to links with Prithviraj Chauhan, who was a benefactor of Sambhal. He reportedly built a grand temple of Bhagwan Vishnu, parts of which survived even during Akbar’s reign. The petition stated that the temple represents a unique example of Rajput-period architecture, which retained its Hindu character despite attempts at conversion to a mosque.

The site was officially declared a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and listed as a monument of national importance by the ASI. The petitioners contended that the site is a historical and religious landmark and asserted that they have the right to access it for worship and heritage preservation. The petitioners argued that the site must be recognised and restored to its original purpose as the Shri Hari Har Mandir based on historical narratives supported by religious scriptures, archaeological findings, and colonial-era records.

Vesting of property in Archaeological Survey of India

The petition further drew attention to the legal and administrative history surrounding the control and management of the disputed site. It mentioned the role of ASI in preserving the monument. It was declared a protected monument on 22nd December 1920 via a notification issued by the Secretary to the Government of United Provinces under Section 3(3) of the Act. The petitioners argued that it placed the site under the supervision and control of the ASI. Thus, ASI should be the legal custodian responsible for the upkeep, management, and the facilitation of public access.

As per the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904 and then under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the ASI has the legal mandate to protect and manage the monuments of historical significance. ASI is responsible that public access to these monuments is maintained as per the Section 18 of the 1958 Act.

The petitioners argued that the ASI failed in its statutory duty to provide proper access to the public especially when there is an ongoing religious dispute on the site. The inaction of the ASI has allowed the management committee of the Jama Masjid to restrict the access to the site. The petitioners argued that it is in the violation of the rights of the Hindu devotees to worship at the site, which they believe is the original site of Shri Hari Har Temple that was destroyed by the Mughals.

Furthermore, the petitioners said that ASI did not take necessary steps to secure the site to maintain the historical integrity and prevent removal or destruction of the artefacts and symbols that may prove its Hindu origins. It is a failure of the ASI to fulfil the legal obligation under the said Acts, argued the petitioners.

Prayer

The petitioners sought a multi-fold relief with aim to reclaim the access to the site and ensuring that it is managed by ASI. They further requested the court to issue declaratory decree to affirm their rights to access the site. Furthermore, they asked for a mandatory injunction directing the ASI and relevant government authorities including Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Culture to make provisions to allow access to the site. They also sought orders directing Masjid Committee not to restrict the access to the site.

Jharkhand Elections: Most exit polls predict BJP-led NDA getting majority

ANI
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Jharkhand Elections: Most exit polls predict BJP-led NDA getting majority

Jharkhand is likely to see a change of government with BJP-led National Democratic Alliance coming to power in the state, three exit polls said on Wednesday with one poll giving majority to the ruling JMM-led alliance.

Elections were held in two phases for 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand.

According to Today’s Chanakya exit poll, BJP-led NDA is likely to win 45-50 seats in the state while JMM-led alliance could win 35-38 seats. It said others could get 3-5 seats.

Peoples Pulse exit poll said that the NDA may get 44-53 seats, JMM-led alliance 25-37 seats and others 5-9 seats.

The BJP-led alliance include the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal (United), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance includes Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist).

Matrize exit poll said NDA is poised to win 42-47 seats, INDIA bloc 25-30 seats and others 1-4 seats. My Axis predicted that JMM-led alliance will retain power in Jharkhand by winning 53 seats.

It predicted that NDA could win 25 seats, others one and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JKLM) two seats.

Polling for the second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections across 38 constituencies in 12 districts concluded on Wednesday, recording an approximate voter turnout of 67.59 per cent till 5.00 pm.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Jamtara recorded the highest turnout at 76.16 per cent, followed by Pakur with 75.88 per cent, and Deoghar with 72.46 per cent.

Bokaro recorded the lowest turnout of 60.97 per cent, with Dhanbad at 63.39 per cent, Dumka at 71.74 per cent, Giridih at 65.89 per cent, Godda at 67.24 per cent, Hazaribagh at 64.41 per cent, Ramgarh at 71.98 per cent, and Sahebganj at 65.63 per cent.
The state capital, Ranchi, recorded a turnout of 72.01 per cent by 5.00 pm.

A total of 528 candidates were in the fray in the second phase of the Jharkhand elections, including 55 women, one third-gender candidate, and 472 male candidates.

Prominent candidates in the fray included Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and his sister-in-law Sita Soren from the JMM. Key BJP leaders in the second phase included former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto (JMM), AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto, and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri.

The first phase of the Jharkhand polls was held in 43 of 81 assembly seats on November 13. The results for all 81 constituencies will be declared on November 23, alongside those for Maharashtra Assembly elections and bypolls across several states

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

Madhya Pradesh: Communal tensions erupt in Burhanpur as Muslims claim Hindu religious site as ‘Dargah’, 4 injured

OpIndia Staff
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Madhya Pradesh: Communal tensions erupt in Burhanpur as Muslims claim Hindu religious site as ‘Dargah’, 4 injured

On Tuesday, 20th November, people from the Muslim community clashed with the Hindu groups claiming that the Hindu saint Navnath Baba’s grave was an Islamic religious site.

The fight between the two communities escalated as the Islamists claimed that the religious site worshiped by Hindus as Navnath Baba’s grave was a ‘Dargah’. The clashes left four people injured. A large police force was deployed to bring the situation under control. 

The incident happened in the Biroda village, Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh. As per the local reports, the fight between the two communities has been going on for a week.

The Muslims in Burhanpur village claimed that the Hindu saint’s grave was recently painted saffron. After this, the Muslims held protests against the Hindu community provoking the village administration to arrange a couple of meetings to mediate between the two communities.

However, the meeting, that was chaired by Naib Tehsildar became violent, with the protesters pelting stones at the other group, resulting in 4 major injuries. Meanwhile, the Hindus are also believed to have retaliated against the attack. The Police reached the spot and controlled the situation.

The four injured, including a woman, were taken to the district hospital for treatment.

ASP Antar Singh Kanesh indicated that the meeting was held to resolve the ongoing issue since both communities had urged the administration to interfere.

“Despite efforts to mediate, the disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation. Heavy police deployment remains in the area, and authorities are working to identify those responsible. Strict action will be taken against the offenders,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh: Crowd consisting Islamists pelt stones at police during Muzzafarnagar by-polls

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Crowd consisting Islamists pelt stones at police during Muzzafarnagar by-polls

On Wednesday, 20th November, massive chaos erupted during voting in the Meerapur constituency of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh where a crowd clashed with the state police in Kakrauli, pelting them with stones. The situation escalated to the point where officers who were attacked by the miscreants resorted to disperse the crowd by using a pistol. The SSP has since arrived at the scene with additional forces to manage the tense situation.

As per the reports, the incident is believed to have happened when Muslims in huge numbers reached the spot to cast their votes. The Police then began controlling the crowd, checking the IDs of all the voters in line and asking them to follow the due procedure and discipline. Following this the crowd began pelting stones at the police after which the latter resorted to using a pistol to disperse the crowd.

After creating a ruckus, the crowd consisting of Muslims later allegedly began playing victim claiming that they were being harassed by the state police. SP candidate Sumbul Rana meanwhile alleged that the police ‘obstructed’ the voting process by scrutinizing voters’ IDs and allegedly harassing them. Similar unrest was reported in Sisamau, Kanpur, where Muslim voters alleged that the police were checking their IDs but then barring them from voting. SP candidate Naseem Solanki accused the police of using force and preventing people from casting their votes.

Similarly, AIMIM candidate Arshad Rana raised serious concerns, while Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Mithlesh Pal filed a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing former MP Kadir Rana of facilitating fraudulent voting. Rana further expressed frustration, stating, “There are significant issues here. Our supporters are being denied the right to vote, and the administration is not offering any assistance. Police are actively stopping voters.”

Muzaffarnagar SSP Abhishek Singh meanwhile denied the claims and said that the clashes were stopped by the Police. “During the Meerapur assembly by-election, there was a clash between two parties near village Kakaroli of police station area Kakaroli. Police reached the spot immediately and removed everyone using force. Peace is maintained at the spot and voting is going on in a free and fair manner,” he said.

Voting for nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh began at 7 a.m. on November 20 under tight security measures. Following intense campaigning and slogan-shouting by leaders from various political parties, the electioneering for these polls concluded on Monday evening. The constituencies where polling is taking place include Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar, Karhal in Mainpuri, Meerapur in Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Majhawan in Mirzapur, Sisamau in Kanpur, Khair in Aligarh, Phulpur in Prayagraj, and Kundarki in Moradabad.

The results of the Uttar Pradesh by-polls, along with those for 15 Assembly seats in Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand, will be announced on November 23.

Uttar Pradesh: Body of Dalit girl found in a sack, family says she was killed by SP goons for supporting BJP

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Body of Dalit girl found in a sack, family says she was killed by SP goons for supporting BJP

On 20th November, the body of a young Dalit woman was recovered in a sack near the Kanjara River bridge in Karhal, Mainpuri district, Uttar Pradesh. The family of the deceased has alleged that it was a politically motivated murder and accused a person named Prashant Yadav of the crime.

The victim’s family has further alleged that the deceased was raped before being killed. The victim had expressed her intention to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Karhal bypolls, which allegedly enraged Prashant. As per reports, he threatened the woman with dire consequences if she voted for the BJP and not the Samajwadi Party.

The family stated that she was threatened on 19th November. On the same day, she was seen being taken away on a bike by two suspects. On 20th November, her naked body was found stuffed in a sack. The police were informed about the incident, and an investigation into the matter has been initiated. Upon arriving at the scene, the police took possession of the body and sent it for a post-mortem examination.

Speaking to the media, the mother of the victim said, “Yesterday, my daughter told Prashant that she does not fear anyone and will vote for Kamal [the political symbol of the BJP].” She asserted that her daughter was strangled to death for suggesting that she would vote for the BJP in the bypolls.

The victim’s father said that three days prior to voting, they were planning to go to Kota. However, an SP leader asked them to leave only after voting and urged them to vote for the cycle (SP’s symbol). His daughter told the leader that she would vote for the BJP, after which the leader and his associates threatened the young girl.

He further alleged that when they went to Bablu and Prashant’s house to inquire about their daughter, both of them denied any knowledge. However, he alleged to have seen his daughter’s slippers at Prashant’s house. Later, they found her body in a sack near the Kajra River.

BJP leaders have demanded strict action in the murder case. Speaking to the media, BJP’s candidate Anujesh accused the SP of killing the Dalit girl. BJP IT Cell chief shared the videos of the victim’s parents and wrote, “The misdeeds of the red-capped goons are once again in front of everyone. The red-capped goons of Akhilesh Yadav, who gave the slogan of PDA, brutally murdered a Dalit girl in Karhal. Akhilesh Yadav should keep the goons of his party under control, otherwise there is the law and administration.”

BJP state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said that a daughter, who had benefited from the public welfare schemes of the BJP government, was brutally murdered by SP leader Prashant Yadav and his companions. He added that the entire state is witnessing the mayhem caused by those wearing red caps.

In a social media post, he said, “The people of the state have kept them far away from power because of their hooliganism and bullying.”

In a press conference, he stated, “These are people of the mafia rule. The Samajwadi Party is pressurising people across the state to vote for SP by making fake identity cards. SP is nervous due to the fear of defeat.”

Mainpuri Superintendent of Police (SP) Vinod Kumar stated that on 19th November, they received a complaint that a 23-year-old woman had gone missing. The next day (20th November), her dead body was recovered. The parents of the victim filed a complaint against two individuals, Prashant Yadav and Mohan Katheria alleging that they killed the woman for favouring BJP in bypolls. An FIR has been registered based on the complaint, and both of them have been arrested by the police. Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Bypolls took place in Karhal on 20th November after the seat was vacated following Akhilesh Yadav’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The seat has been considered a stronghold of the Samajwadi Party since 1993. Tej Pratap Yadav, nephew of Akhilesh Yadav, is the SP’s candidate from the seat. On the other hand, Anujesh Yadav, the uncle-in-law of Tej Pratap Yadav, is the BJP’s candidate. Yadavs comprise 1.4 lakh voters in the constituency, while Muslims and Dalits make up 15,000 and 40,000 voters, respectively.

Uttar Pradesh: ATS busts conspiracy to circulate fake currency during Mahakumbh, arrests Suleman and Idris, hunt on for mastermind Zakir

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Uttar Pradesh: ATS busts conspiracy to circulate fake currency during Mahakumbh, arrests Suleman and Idris, hunt on for mastermind Zakir

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh Police has exposed a conspiracy to circulate fake currency in Mahakumbh which is going to take place in Prayagraj. This shocking development transpired after the arrest of Mohammad Suleman Ansari and Idris who were nabbed from Sarnath in Varanasi on 19th November with counterfeit currency valued at Rs 1.97 lakh.

The authorities are now looking for their partner Zakir who is reportedly the kingpin of the racket. He used to hand over the fraudulent notes to Suleman and Idris, and they distributed the bogus money in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Zakir is a resident of Malda in West Bengal. During interrogation, it was revealed that he received the fake Indian currency from Bangladesh.

Suleman and Idris are residents of Vaishali district of Bihar. Suleman used to make punctures in Malda where he came in contact with Zakir. The former was also caught by Bihar Police with fake notes worth Rs 2 lakh, after which he was imprisoned in Hajipur jail for about 6 months.

After the arrest of Suleman and Idris, Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) Inspector Bharat Bhushan Tiwari registered a case in Sarnath police station. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) according to which ATS had received information regarding the smuggling of these notes in Uttar Pradesh.

On 19th November, ATS learned that a group of individuals had disembarked from a Varanasi train with a consignment of forged currency from West Bengal. The police began looking for the suspects. On the Faridpur bypass, two individuals were observed standing with backpacks. Both of them fled when they spotted the cops.

Following their capture, one of them identified himself as Muhammad Suleman Ansari (67) during questioning. He was found to have a mobile phone, PAN card, cash, and a train ticket. The other accused identified himself as Idris. Railway ticket and mobile phone were also recovered from him.

Bundles of fake 500 rupee notes were recovered from them during the search. According to both of them, two days ago, the accused left Vaishali for Malda. Zakir supplied them the money totaling almost two lakh rupees. They used to receive real notes worth thirty thousand rupees for counterfeit ones worth one lakh.

The accused admitted during questioning that they returned to West Bengal in different vehicles after acquiring the forged notes which were intended to be utilized in Varanasi. The remaining notes were then to be employed for the Mahakumbh Mela, which is scheduled for January of the following year at Prayagraj. Both of them had also made small purchases and bought tea with the false notes before being nabbed.

Ranting Gola, the troll who abuses BJP in all videos gets in trouble after video targeting Abu Azmi goes viral, comes up with an excuse that questions her conduct

OpIndia Staff
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Ranting Gola, the troll who abuses BJP in all videos gets in trouble after video targeting Abu Azmi goes viral, comes up with an excuse that questions her conduct

On the 19th of November, a video of Modi-BJP detractor Shamita Yadav aka “Ranting Gola”, ‘ranting’ against Abu Azmi, the Samajwadi Party MLA from Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar in Maharastra, went viral on social media. However, soon after, Shamita Yadav published a video claiming that her ranting video against Abu Azmi was based on a script and only for trial and she had not shared it anywhere.

In the viral video, Shamita Yadav said that despite being a three-term MLA Abu Azmi has failed to raise the issue of rampant illegal drugs sales in Govandi.

“Since the last 15 years, there has been an increase in drugs problem in Govandi but there is one more thing common in the last 15 years, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi. In the last 15 years he has not even written a single letter to the police to take action against drugs abuse. You have only one job, if you can’t even do that, why don’t you just leave the chair,” she said.

Furthermore, Yadav accused Abu Azmi of either making money from the drug business or himself running the nexus and said, “In a place where young people are being killed due to drugs, from 2009 to 2021, you (Abu Azmi) have got only 2 cases registered in the NDPC [it is Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, or simply NDPS Act]. You are either getting your Kharcha Paani or you are running this drugs business. You Nithallay [useless] MLA, in your Govandi, the average age of people in Govandi is just 36 years. Entire Mumbai’s bio-medical waste is burnt here, the smoke of SMS company has made it difficult to breathe, and a maximum number of TB patients in Mumbai are from here. So in the next batch of biomedical waste, get your shame also set ablaze.”

The “Ranting Gola” went on to slam the Samajwadi Party leader for allegedly muzzling the voices of those criticising him by filing false cases against them. “[You are] on top in Gundagardi, crime and if some social activist speaks up against you, then you file bogus cases against them. At least stop encroaching on the library. A leech-like yourself has not even spared the soil of graveyard. Why is there, not a single college or hospital constructed, did you shove all the official funds in your backside,” Yadav said and concluded her ‘rant’ with an appeal to the people of Govandi to vote for themselves and their issues instead of voting to make a candidate win.

As the video went viral on social media in no time, Shamita Yadav quickly published a video giving ‘clarification’ that the content of her rant against Abu Azmi was merely a “script provided to her” and that she had not verified the script. In addition, she said that it was made as a trial video and was not meant to be publicly released.

“Everyone must have seen that a video of mine against Abu Asim Azmi is going viral. I just want to clarify that this video is not verified by me. I was only given a script and was asked for a trial recording. This video was never made for public release. That is why you all must have noticed that this video was not uploaded by me on any of my social media handles. So I just want to tell you all that it is only a script and a trial recording and should be taken as that only. This video neither contains my personal viewpoints nor information verified by me…” Yadav said.

Given that Shamita Yadav is notorious for her annoying haranguing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP-RSS and its supporters, her rant against the Samajwadi Party MLA came as a surprise for many on social media. However, as Shamita Yadav aka Ranting Gola published a ‘clarification’ video over her rant against Abu Azmi, many raised questions about her conduct and questioned if her ‘rant’ videos, often seen as political activism, are actually just ‘scripts that she reads from?’

Popular X user “The Hawk Eye” shared the viral video and said: “This is liberal’s darling, you-go-gal, more-pawa-to-u @therantinggola. Paw paw ne paise bhi ni diye aur @abuasimazmi se pangey alag.”

Another X user “Raja Babu” said: “When you don’t get money after promoting a movie”.

One X user named Mikku said: “This krantikari social activist used to label BJP leaders as ‘gundas’ but a single call from Abu Azmi made her realize who the real ‘gunda’ is. In this video you hear her saying “You file fake cases against activists opposing you” and she’s now apologizing for the same video.”

Meanwhile, “Incognito” said: “Ranting Gola is crying because her “scripted” video about Abu Azmi which was not meant for “public release” is now going viral. Lagta hai payment ruk gai.”

Although, “Ranting Gola” issued a ‘clarification’ that it was a script and that she was asked to make a trial recording, she did not elaborate on who provided her with the script or sought a trial recording. Was it her team? Or someone, possibly Abu Azmi’s political opponents wanted Shamita Yadav to make a video targeting Abu Azmi for money? While the real reason for Yadav’s backtracking on her rant against the Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar MLA remains best known to her, it is obvious to speculate that the supporters of Abu Azmi may have criticised her, or maybe she did not receive the desired payment for the video in question.

Also, it raises the question of whether Shamita Yadav has turned ‘ranting’ into her full-fledged profession since her own admission in the ‘clarification’ video suggests that she is provided with scripts on various topics by someone else, that script is prepared by someone else and she ‘verifies’ the facts of the script perhaps only after receiving payment? Or maybe it is all a warp and weft of lies to escape threats and trolling from the Samajwadi Party leader and even avoid chances of having false cases filed against her by Azmi, as she claimed in her ‘scripted’ video that Abu Azmi files bogus cases against his critics to silence them.

Apart from the hilarity of this episode, it is evident that ranting against Prime Minister Narendra Modi is easier and safer in India than criticising any anti-BJP politician. Much like numerous other left-liberal ‘influencers’, “Ranting Gola” has also earned popularity within the Islamo-leftist ecosystem by slandering PM Modi and selectively targeting the BJP without facing any legal consequences or threats. However, one single video criticising the Samajwadi Party leader who is not even in a ruling government anywhere, forced her to issue ‘clarification’ distancing herself from her own comments and passing it off as ‘script’. This incident raises questions if most of the videos of Ranting Gola if not all, are purely propaganda ‘rants’ funded by certain individuals or political outfits against their nemesis.

Survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Muslims protest as court-ordered survey conducted

OpIndia Staff
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Survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Muslims protest as court-ordered survey conducted

On 19th November, a court-ordered survey was conducted at Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. As information about the court orders reached local Muslims, they gathered around Jama Masjid and started protesting against it. According to media reports, religious slogans were raised during the protest.

The Advocate Commissioner, who arrived for the survey hours after the court directed it, was accompanied by a heavy police force. Additional police forces were deployed, given the tense situation in the area, to maintain law and order. The police dispersed the crowd, and the survey was conducted peacefully for around two hours.

While the Muslim side has claimed that nothing incriminating was found during the survey, the findings will be examined by the court during the next hearing on 24th November.

Notably, the controversy around Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is not new. Once the survey was ordered, the region became communally charged. The market in the area was abruptly shut down.

Approximately four months ago, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted a detailed survey of the mosque without triggering such tensions. However, the court’s directions to appoint a Court Commissioner and orders to submit a report by 29th November heightened concerns within the Muslim community. Several Muslim shopkeepers closed their businesses and rushed to Jama Masjid, while members of the Hindu community also closed their shops and returned home, due to the tense atmosphere.

The administration issued appeals for peace and communal harmony, urging locals not to believe in rumours or provocative messages circulating on social media. The police warned of strict action against individuals spreading misinformation that could lead to communal tension. Furthermore, appeals were made from the mosque itself to maintain peace. Although tensions flared during prayer time, Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Vishnoi managed the crowd, averting any potential law and order situation.

Additional police forces were deployed by SP Vishnoi from six police stations, including Sambhal Kotwali, Nakhasa, Hayatnagar, Kailadevi, Hazrat Nagar Gadhi, and Asmoli, to manage the situation. The atmosphere remained tense during the survey, and the police remained vigilant throughout.

Court Commissioner Ramesh Chandra Raghav, accompanied by District Magistrate Dr Rajendra Pensia, SP Krishna Kumar Vishnoi, SDM Vandana Mishra, and other officials, completed the two-hour survey. As they exited Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the situation stabilised.

Petitioner claims signs of temple, invokes religious prophecy

In his petition, Vishnu Shankar Jain asserted that the site showed signs of its Hindu origin. He cited carvings and symbols that indicated the presence of a Hindu temple. He also highlighted the significance of Sambhal in Hindu belief, as it is the prophesied birthplace of Kalki Avatar, an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, who will take birth towards the end of the Kaliyug.

The court, in its order, instructed the submission of a detailed report supported by photography and videography of the site. The findings will be reviewed by the court on 29th November 2024 to decide the next course of action. Meanwhile, an additional police force has been deployed in the area to ensure peace.

Outrage on Vinod Tawde, silence ‘bitcoin scam’ allegations against Supriya Sule: Is Rajdeep Sardesai repaying Sharad Pawar’s favour to his father Dilip Sardesai?

OpIndia Staff
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Outrage on Vinod Tawde, silence ‘bitcoin scam’ allegations against Supriya Sule: Is Rajdeep Sardesai repaying Sharad Pawar’s favour to his father Dilip Sardesai?

The 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections are underway. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinod Tawde has been accused by the opposition of giving money to people, however, he dismissed the claims later. Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule, leader of The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)- Sharad Pawar faction which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has also been charged with embezzling Bitcoin scam funds.

Meanwhile, India Today ‘journalist’ Rajdeep Sardesai has once again taken a biased stance over the two issues. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) members in Palghar, Maharashtra, accused BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde on 19th November of distributing money to voters. Afterward, Rajdeep Sardesai made several tweets regarding the issue which is a matter of investigation, and kept highlighting the issue.

“Huge: A day before Maharashtra goes to polls, major controversy. BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde trapped and gheraoed by a BVA MLA in a hotel in Virar, accused of having a Rs 5 crores cash bag with a diary of people to whom money given is reportedly mentioned. BJP and BVA activists clash. Money power in this Maharashtra election is worst kept secret. How can elections be free and fair if votes are ‘bought’? Will Election Commission of India investigate, act or stay quiet once again,” he stated in a tweet.

He then made another tweet about the three First Information Reports (FIRs) submitted in “cash for votes” issue at Tulinj police station. He wrote, “BJP candidate named in two FIRs. Vinod Tawde named in one FIR. BVA also named in one FIR. Total cash found 9 lakhs 53 thousand 900 rupees. 9,53,900 total cash seized by election officials.” The FIRs are filed over “illegal campaigning under 48 hours before voting, cash seized and illegal press conference by both sides.”

Downplaying the allegations against Supriya Sule he remarked. “Criminal and defamation case after purported audio clip of her claiming to seek Bitcoin funds for election campaign goes viral. Interesting that allegation was made by BJP within hours of the cash for votes allegations involving its senior leader Vinod Tawde became the big story. Even more intriguingly, the person who made the allegations had spent several months in jail. Maharashtra political drama needs an OTT serial to expose all the muck.”

Rajdeep Sardesai was providing up-to-date information on Vinod Tawde. Now, anyone can argue that Rajdeep Sardesai is a journalist, so what’s wrong if he’s tweeting over the matter? However, there is a problem. While Vinod Tawde was accused, Sharad Pawar’s MP daughter Supriya Sule was also accused of using the money from the bitcoin scam in the assembly elections and the BJP also raised the issue. However, Rajdeep Sardesai did not tweet even once about the allegations against her. The one who accused her is a retired IPS officer. An audio of a conversation has also surfaced, with some alleging that the voice is Sule’s. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also confirmed that he recognized the voice of his cousin Supriya Sule and it was her on the audio clip.

Rajdeep Sardesai while amplifying the allegations against Tawde, actively downplayed the allegations against Sule. A popular handle on X named ‘Eminent Intellectual’ asked if the cause behind the bias is the bond between Sharad Pawar and Rajdeep Sardesai’s father, Dilip Sardesai. The journalist is still repaying Sharad Pawar for a favor he did for his father, the handle suggested.

The handle named Eminent Intellectual on social media site X has revealed that in October 1993, Dilip Sardesai, the cricketer was arrested on charges of money laundering. Sharad Pawar was the Chief Minister of Maharashtra at that time. Eventually, this case completely disappeared. Maybe this explains why Rajdeep Sardesai still feels grateful to Sharad Pawar. On 20th October 1993, it was announced that Dilip Sardesai and Jayant Vittaldas, a businessman from Pune, had been detained in connection with a money laundering case involving 6.89 million US dollars (about Rs 58 crore in today’s currency) and placed in judicial custody until 29th October. The arrest took place after the Income Tax raid at Vittaldas’ place.

However, no one knows what happened later. With Sharad Pawar’s grace, Dilip Sardesai reportedly emerged unscathed. Maybe this explains why Rajdeep Sardesai continues to benefit from Sharad Pawar’s generosity and is paying him back by not tweeting on the allegations against his daughter.

Madras High Court stops Madras Music Academy from adding MS Subalakshmi’s name to the Sangita Kalanidhi award to controversial personality TM Krishna

Shraddha Pandey
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Madras High Court stops Madras Music Academy from adding MS Subalakshmi’s name to the Sangita Kalanidhi award to controversial personality TM Krishna

On Tuesday (19th November), the Madras High Court restrained the Music Academy from presenting the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subulakshmi award to Leftist activist TM Krishna.

In an interim order, Justice G Jayachandran stated that the Madras Music Academy can present the ‘Sangita Kalanidhi’ award to TM Krishna, but the name of legendary artist MS Subulakshmi shall not be added to it.

Srinivasan, the grandson of MS Subbulakshmi, and her legal heir, had moved the High Court challenging the Music Academy’s decision to award controversial artist TM Krishna in his grandmother’s name. Music Academy’s plea against Srinivasan’s petition has been dismissed by the court.

Notably, MS Subbulakshmi, the legendary Carnatic singer, said in her will in 1997 that no memorials, foundations, or trusts be established in her name. The court determined that Srinivasan, as the will’s beneficiary, had the locus standi to contest the presentation of the award.

“The best way to honour a departed soul is to honour and respect her wish and not to disrespect her. If any person is really having reverence and regard to MS Subbulakshmi, after knowing her desire and mandate, should not continue to give awards in her name,” Justice G Jayachandran’s order noted.

Musicians pulled out of Madras Music Academy’s annual conference 2024 after the Academy conferred the Award to TM Krishna

The Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subulakshmi award has been started to honour the Madras Music Academy each year. A number of singers and artists have objected to the Academy choosing controversial artist TM Krishna for this year’s award.

Earlier this year, several musicians, including the Trichur brothers and Dushyanth Sridhar, have pulled out of Madras Music Academy’s annual December conference to protest the Sangita Kalanidhi award to Krishna, who they allege has “glorified Periyar” and vilified the Carnatic music community.

The artists are miffed with the Chennai-based academy’s decision to bestow the honour, considered the Oscar equivalent in Carnatic music, on the 48-year-old vocalist. Krishna was picked to preside over the 98th annual conference and concerts of the Madras Music Academy later this year in December. 

Renowned Indian classical duo Ranjani and Gayatri said their participation in this year’s conference under TM Krishna’s presidency would constitute a “moral violation.” They accused TM Krishna of insulting the most respected icons like Tyagaraja and MS Subbulakshmi. The musicians further alleged that Krishna’s actions have “tried to spread a sense of shame in being a carnatic musician” and has been exhibited through his “consistent denigration of spirituality in music.” 

Subsequently, the sibling duo of Srikrishna Mohan and Ramkumar Mohan, otherwise known as the Trichur Brothers said participating in the year-end festival conference hosted by the Academy will make them “outright hypocrites in our own eyes.”

Further, three-time Grammy Award winner Indian music composer Ricky Kej condemned N Murali, the chief of the Madras Music Academy for writing an attacking letter against Carnatic musician sisters Ranjani and Gayatri.

TM Krishna and his controversial antecedents

TM Krishna, full name Thodur Madabusi Krishna, is an Indian Carnatic vocalist, author, and self-styled liberal social activist. Born on 22nd January 1976, in Chennai, India, Krishna has gained widespread recognition for his excellence in Carnatic music, a classical music tradition of India. He is the grandnephew of former Indian finance minister TT Krishnamachari, who was among the founders of the Madras Music Academy.

Apart from his musical pursuits, TM Krishna is also known for his self-styled social activism and advocacy for various causes which he considers attention-worthy. This includes caste issues, gender equality, and the democratisation of the arts. In the guise of addressing these issues, he had been a vocal critic of Hinduism and a staunch supporter of the Periyarite thoughts.

In his attempt to be vocal about the need to break down barriers in classical music and make it more accessible to people from all backgrounds, he often resorted to making various statements against particular castes and communities especially the Brahmins by quoting EVR Periyar. For those unversed, Periyar had a long history of spreading hate against Hindu deities including breaking Murthis to Ravana leela.

In March 2023, TM Krishna released a song in honour of Periyar to commemorate 100 years of his “anti-caste” movement. The post shared by TM Krishna was reshared by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as well. Unsurprisingly, Tamil Nadu CM had come out in support of TM Krishna when the renowned musicians protested against Madras Music Academy over conferring the Sangitha Kalanidhi Award to TM Krishna.

TM Krishna has closely worked with Tamil writer Perumal Murugan, who has misrepresented Hindu temple festivals of yore in order to cast aspersions on the character of Indian men and women.

On Diwali last year, TM Krishna took to X to express his support for Palestinians saying that he found it difficult to celebrate the festival of lights at such a time.

“Difficult to celebrate the festival of lights when for people of Palestine lights indicate incoming death. Support for the Palestinians is support for all those who have been marginalised. In prayer for peace and a return of humanity,”

“Support for the Palestinians is support for all those who have been marginalised,” he wrote along with a photo of himself.

In an op-ed on 14th January 2024, TM Krishna trained guns at Infosys founder N Narayan Murthy and Sudha Murthy for endorsing longer work hours by likening their views to “Brahminism” followed by an unending rant.

In another casteist op-ed on 11th February 2024, he began by writing that the Indian classical dance form Bharatanatyam has been appropriated by Brahmins leading to its alteration and erosion.

TM Krishna, despite being a Carnatic vocalist himself, has said that Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam are not superior to other art forms. “Carnatic music is just like gaana, cinema music, or rock and roll,” he said in an interview in January.

In 2022, he performed in an event marking the Gujarat riots titled “Gujarat 2002-2002. Memories of Struggle.” He performed an “Urdu bhajan” at the event.

In an atrocious and misleading op-ed in September 2020, TM Krishna declared that Guru-Shishya parampara in Indian arts is abusive and should be abolished. He used the case of sexual abuse allegations against the Gundecha brothers to demonise the entire tenet of the Guru-Shishya tradition which has given India great artists and performers.

In 2018, irked by the outrage from Hindu connoisseurs of the arts for performing Christian hymns in Carnatic, TM Krishna vowed that he would sing one song on Allah and Jesus every month. The same year, admitted that he feels no empathy when RSS members are killed by communists or Islamists in places like Kerala. Trying to give context to his barbarian and bloodthirsty beliefs, Krishna had funnily blamed the Modi government for making him inhuman. “They (BJP and allies) have made the rest of us crass and inhuman to the extent that we are unable to empathise when an RSS member is killed,”

Most importantly, in the context of the current petition, on 24th November 2017, he said that MS Subbulakshmi was celebrated only because of her upper caste. He had said, “Earlier in her career, Subbulakshmi’s music had incredible freeness in spirit but later it was imbued with a certain sorrow that was mesmerising in itself. Her music was what it was because of the sorrow in her.”

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