“With friends like these..” – This saying came to mind as I watched the drama over ‘lateral entry’ plays out. As one astute observer, Sandip Ghose pointed out BJP’s problems come from its ‘friends’ not political rivals. Tavleen Singh’s recent article for Indian Express too added to the discourse on this topic.
Are BJP core supporters too demanding? Is it a thankless mission impossible to keep them happy? Or is it just the usual social media noise that has no electoral impact? What or where is the answer?
Before I get into that, let me clarify – this is not about blaming anyone. If I were to blame, I must first start looking at the mirror – after all, I have been guilty of demanding this or that from Modi Sarkar. But then, isn’t that our right as citizens, to demand and expect? Let us get into the details.
Too demanding?
I think the answer is yes and no, with perhaps yes being a bigger part of the answer. Let me elaborate.
When you compare with the CONLEFT ecosystem, the differences are stark. To them, getting the last avatar of the dynasty to occupy the PM/CM chair is THE mission and once accomplished, nothing else matters. The country or state can go to dogs, and often it did. However, incompetent or damaging their job is, they defend the last man or woman. ‘Brilliant handling of COVID’ or ‘he built that highway’ or some such narrative will be dished out as per the template and all else will be swept under the carpet.
If I were asked to list out the #1 factor that kept India back in the decades since so-called independence from one set of colonials, it must be the appallingly low standards they were held to. These corrupt brown noses dramatically turned into “fearless independent journalists” and cynical, critical academics once Modi came onto the scene. If only they had been 0.01% as demanding all this while, we may have crossed Japan!
I hear the complaint – BJP supporters ask for too much. Be it the much-maligned middle classes asking for tax cuts or the elites asking for reforms. Or the Hindu supporter base asking for an end to cow slaughter, freedom for temples etc. Or NRI and the IT-vity crowd demanding ASEAN or Western levels of liberalised economy as I have often demanded.
But the answer is also a big NO. Why? Because at the end of the day, BJP supporters are only demanding things that PM Modi or the BJP talked about and promised. Furthermore, they want a radical departure from the sloth, inefficiency, excess babudom, absent or decrypt infra, rotten government services, corruption and economic malaise, aptly summed up by the corrupt leftist ecosystem as the “idea of India”. That was the “India we grew up in”, and NOT the India they want their children to grow up in.
Unlike CONLEFT supporters, Hindu supporters of BJP or Modi care for the country more than the party or the man. Shouldn’t we be proud of it? Isn’t that the meaning of democracy? Isn’t that how the UK, USA or Australia works? When Thatcher, Howard, Biden or Blair turn out to be spent force, they are shown the door, and the party and nation move on. They don’t lick up after the dimwit corrupt dynast and keep fighting to get him the chair and then start licking more to collect rewards. Yes, that problem does exist elsewhere but not the degree as it is in India.
Having said this, let us get to the next point – what can be done, where is the answer?
It’s not the coalition
I think we are too quick to blame the fact that the BJP is running a coalition now. But the challenges faced have nothing to do with coalition politics. Land, farm and various other reforms were impossible even with 300+ seats. Did coalition politics stop the BJP from withdrawing the horrendous Angel tax terror for 10 long years and do it in year 11? That only takes a stroke of the pen?!
Some things will be impossible with 400+ seats too. At least if they are not handled better. That is India.
If anything, the coalition gives the BJP a chance to use parties with entirely different voter base and loyalties as sounding boards for ideas, feedback and insight. Frankly, it also gives an escape route.
Ask, but be practical
We must continue to demand the best of BJP and Modi Sarkar. But we must acknowledge the practical realities of how things work in India and offer a viable, practical path forward. Not just empty demands.
This is where I have a confession to make – I have been vocal about abolishing IAS – to name but one demand. Such things are impossible within realistic time frames even with 400 seats. Do I want Modi Sarkar to fight an impossible battle and go down in flames? Only to be replaced by something far far worse?
Of course not!
We are not and must not seek such vain glory. Because that will mean a return of dynastic loot, poverty porn and the resumption of leftist pogrom on Sanatana Dharma.
Instead, we must demand incremental steps that make a big difference over time. Each step must be doable. But together they must be huge.
First, do beta testing before going live! Any software guy can tell you that. Why not float some trial balloons that can be pricked away without much damage? Why announce something big and then take it back?
Second, I am sad to say that after ten years of BJP rule – there are still too many low-hanging fruits. Go after them.
Third – a lot of the action is still in the states. Do it there!
Fourth – let the demand come up from the ground – this means selling ideas to the ground. PM Modi is perfectly capable of doing this. That will be indestructible and self-sustaining.
Remember – given the chaos, fascism, destruction and dynastic dacoity the country will revert to, nothing is worth sacrificing the regime. That should be the bottom line.
On Saturday (31st August), Mumbai Police arrested Rishabh Bibhas Chakravorty, the Audi owner who beat a 24-year-old cab driver over a minor accident in Ghatkopar. The accused is a former Moneycontrol journalist, and the victim has been identified as Qayamuddin Qureshi. Reports say that Chakravorty has been booked on the charges of attempt to murder and has been arrested.
In the CCTV footage of the incident which unfolded on 18th August, Qayamuddin was seen driving his taxi in Ghatkopar West’s Asalpha area. Right after entering a narrow lane, Qureshi’s cab bumped into Rishabh Chakrvorty’s Audi Q3. Consequently, Chakravorty turned enraged. As the cab driver stepped out of the cab, Chakravorty lifted Qayamuddin and smashed him to the ground, leaving the cab driver with severe head injuries.
Maharashtra | A case has been registered by Parksite Police against two people for assaulting a cab driver in the Ghatkopar area after their car dashed the cab. The case has been lodged based on the complaint of the victim driver Qaymuddin Mainuddin Qureshi (24) and the CCTV… pic.twitter.com/4Z4xe9fEpj
The driver, a resident of Govandi, suffered serious injuries after which he was taken to the Rajawadi Hospital by security personnel, but seeing the injuries on his head, he was admitted to JJ Hospital.
As the cab driver gave his statement to the police after regaining consciousness, a case was formally registered by the Parksite Police. An FIR was filed against Chakravorty and his wife, Antara Ghosh, who allegedly removed the Ola cab device from Qayamuddin’s cab and left the scene.
After the arrest, Chakravorty was produced before the court where he was sent to police custody for 7 days. Police have added an attempt to murder charge after the victim suffered serious head injuries in the attack, added the police.
Santosh Ghatekar, the senior police officer of the Parksite Police Station said “Rishabh Chakravorty dashed the cab with his car near Asalpha village in Ghatkopar after which the cab driver stopped him and asked to compensate for the damage caused to his vehicle. “But Chakravorty drove away without paying any attention. After this, the cab driver followed Chakravorty to his residence on LBS Marg in Ghatkopar and when Chakravorty stopped his car, and the cab driver dashed his car from behind, after which Rishabh and a woman who was in the car got out and started slapping the cab driver. He then lifted the driver and slammed him onto the ground, causing serious injuries to his head and body,” added the police official.
The police have recorded the statements of Rishabh Chakravorty and his wife Antara Ghosh. Further investigation is underway.
The renewable energy sector in India has received a major boost with the acquisition of the Khavda Phase-IV Part-A transmission project by Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL).
The company confirmed the development in a press release on Monday (2nd September). AESL will evacuate 7 GW of renewable energy from the Gujarat-based Khavda Renewable Energy Park to the National Grid.
According to reports, the company acquired the project through the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process and plans to invest a whopping ₹4091 crores.
Adani Energy Solutions Ltd Expands in Khavda with 7 GW Renewable Energy Project ?
?#ADANIENSOL secures ₹4,091 crore Khavda Phase-IV Part-A project to evacuate 7 GW of renewable energy into the National Grid.
Over the next 2 years, Adani Energy Solutions Ltd will execute the Khavda Phase-IV Part-A transmission project on a ‘Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT)’ basis. The company will provide maintenance for a period of 35 years.
As part of the 298 km-long project, AESL will install a 300 MVAr STATCOM to ensure safety and grid stability. It will contribute to India’s decarbonisation goals and help evacuate clean energy from the world’s largest renewable energy park in Khavda.
Businessman Gautam Adani is leading India’s transition towards green energy through the AESL, which currently has a transformation capacity of 61,686 and an MVA transmission network of 21,783 ckm.
“Khavda, the world’s largest renewable energy park, with a planned generation capacity of 30 GW, will immensely contribute to India’s decarbonization journey. The award of this project to AESL boosts the availability of critical transmission infrastructure required for evacuation of clean energy. The Adani Group’s focused approach will also ensure the transformation of Khavda from a barren stretch of land into a landmark in India’s net zero journey,” AESL said in its press release.
‘Proud to play a crucial role in India’s impressive strides in renewable energy’: Gautam Adani
Earlier in December last year, businessman Gautam Adani said, “Proud to play a crucial role in India’s impressive strides in renewable energy as we build the world’s largest green energy park. This monumental project, covering 726 sq km in the challenging Rann desert, is visible even from space.”
“We will generate 30GW to power over 20 million homes. Also, just 150 km away, in our karmabhoomi Mundra, we are creating one of the globe’s most extensive and integrated renewable energy manufacturing ecosystems for solar and wind,” he emphasised.
Gautam Adani added, “This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards sustainable energy, underlining our commitment to the Solar Alliance and the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.”
The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) that carries diesel to the neighbouring country is facing a slow pace due to the political turmoil that was created following protests and Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Mint quoted unnamed people aware of the development to assert that the the proposal to extend the 131-KM pipeline beyond Parbatipur in Bangladesh has been paused by the Government of India.
One of the unnamed sources told Mint, “Since the project has been operating well and has been largely successful, there was a consideration as to why not further extend it to cater to more places in the neighbouring country. Now, after the political situation somewhat destabilized, India would like to wait for the situation to stabilize for any further consideration and talks. No specific timeline can be given.”
The pipeline was inaugurated in March 2023 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina. It runs from Siliguri in West Bengal to an oil depot in Parbatipur in district Dinajpur of Bangladesh.
The capacity of IBFP is one million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of high-speed diesel (HSD). It currently serves seven districts in northern Bangladesh. The pipeline was built at an approximate cost of Rs 377 crores out of which Bangladesh paid Rs 285 crore using grant assistance by India.
Another unnamed source quoted by Mint said that there was a proposal to send high sulphur fuel oil which is used in the maritime industry and furnace oil to Bangladesh and heating homes, businesses and industrial units.
Notably, diesel is used to power Bangladesh’s textile industry which contributes extensively to the neighbouring country’s economy.
Apart from the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, petroleum products are also being delivered to Bangladesh via rail from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam.
In a media query external affairs ministry, the spokesperson of the ministry said that the development projects in Bangladesh were affected due to the law and order situation in the country.
The current situation of the pipeline, however, remains unaffected as assured by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd’s (NRL) chairman Ranjit Rath. He said, “Rather, we are scaling up operations in northern Bangladesh from our Siliguri terminal and northeastern Bangladesh from terminals developed near Silchar.” Notably, Rath also holds the position of chairman and managing director of state-run Oil India Ltd. It is the largest shareholder in NRL.
In future, NRL wants to expand the capacity from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA. The company is working on several projects including the Paradip Numaligarh crude oil pipeline and crude oil import terminal at Paradip along with a second-generation bio-refinery at Numaligarh in Assam.
Political turmoil in Bangladesh
On 5th August 2024, Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister of Bangladesh amidst escalating protests and political unrest. After her resignation, the Bangladesh Army took control on the same date and an interim government was put in place under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. Amidst this turmoil, there have been disturbing reports of targeted attacks on Hindus, with homes and temples being vandalised, further heightening tensions in the country. India, on several occasions, has raised concerns over the attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
Amid the ongoing protests over the rape-murder of a doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has decided not to send its spokespersons to media channels that are holding it accountable.
In a statement released on Sunday (1st September), TMC has accused TV9, Republic and ABP Ananda of peddling propaganda against the State at the behest of Delh-based ‘zamindars.’
While targeting the news channels as anti-Bengali (Bangla Birodhi), the party directed its spokesperson to refrain from appearing on the said TV channels.
It must be mentioned that TV9, Republic and ABP Ananda had taken the West Bengal government head-on for trying to rid itself of moral responsibility in the RG Kar rape-murder case.
The three media channels have fearlessly spoken truth to power and questioned the political posturing of Mamata Banerjee in the aftermath of the disturbing incident. As such, TMC has not only decided to boycott TV9, Republic and ABP Ananda but also attack their journalistic integrity.
“AITC has, for now, decided not to send its spokespersons to media channels like ABP Ananda, Republic, and TV9 due to their persistent ANTI-BENGAL agenda-driven PROPAGANDA,” the party declared.
TMC rakes up Bengali sentiments, paints media as ‘Bangla Birodhi’
TMC, which has been spewing hatred against so-called outsiders since 2021, claimed, “We understand their compulsion to appease the ZAMINDARS of Delhi, given the investigations and ongoing enforcement cases their promoters and companies are facing.”
It further alleged, “We also clarify and request the people of West Bengal not to be misled by individuals portrayed as party supporters or sympathizers on these platforms during discussions or debates, as they are not authorized by the party and do not represent our official stance.”
“The people of Bengal have consistently rejected this unholy BANGLA BIRODHI NEXUS and have always chosen TRUTH over PROPAGANDA!” it concluded.
OpIndia had previously reported how Mamata Banerjee took out a protest march against her own government to deviate the focus from the breakdown of law and order and women’s security in West Bengal.
Eighth accused has been arrested in the mob lynching incident where a migrant worker from West Bengal was allegedly beaten to death in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri district over suspicions that he had eaten beef, police said.
The eighth accused was arrested on Sunday.
Earlier, the police increased security in the area to prevent further unrest or any untoward incident.
Badhra Deputy Supretindent of Police (DSP) Bharat Bhushan told ANI that both SSB and state police personnel have been deployed in the district and are closely monitoring social media posts.
“The victim, a resident of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal, worked as a ragpicker here. We have deployed a company of SSB and state police and are continuously monitoring social media,” Bhushan said.
“On August 27, we received information that some people in the slums of Hansawas Khurd village were consuming prohibited meat. We have collected a sample of the meat, which has been sent to an FSL lab. Future proceedings will depend on the lab report. During this period, based on suspicion, the complainants visited other slums, kidnapped two persons, and assaulted them. One person died and the other was injured,” he explained.
“The police immediately took action and arrested seven suspects. Three have been sent to judicial custody, while four are in police remand. We are interrogating them, and if other names emerge, further arrests will be made,” he added.
The deceased has been identified as Sabir Malik. The arrested individuals are Abhishek, Ravinder, Mohit, Kamaljeet, and Sahil. The two others detained are minors.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dheeraj Kumar had said that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and that the investigation is ongoing.
“A case has been filed under BNS, and seven people, including two juveniles, have been arrested. The police are actively investigating, and the accused are being questioned while in remand,” DSP added.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
OpIndia has been widely reporting how domestic and foreign players have been orchestrating and fueling anti-India narratives and sentiments in Bangladesh, especially after the violent ouster of the country’s elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Strikingly, a picture of an aide worker who is seen wearing a T-shirt with an anti-India message has surfaced on social media. Importantly, a Bangladeshi blogger and activist has confirmed the veracity of this picture.
(An aide worker in Bangladesh was seen wearing a T-shirt which had anti-India message written on it, while distributing relief material to flood affected persons, thus spreading hatred against India in the Islamic nation)
Incidentally, the picture of the aide worker spreading hatred against India was taken somewhere in a flooded area in Bangladesh, at a time when notorious domestic and foreign players were falsely blaming India for the flash floods in the Islamic nation. In this picture which is now going viral on social media, an aide worker is seen wearing a white-colour T-shirt while distributing water bottles in flood-affected areas. The anti-India inscription written on the back of the T-shirt in Bengali reads, “আপনার সন্তানকে ভারত বিদ্ধেষী বানান!” which translates to “Make your child anti-India.”
On Sunday (1st September), Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen also shared this picture through her social media handles and pointed out how Bangladeshi Jamaat-e-Islami has been peddling anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. She added that they have been making poor people wear this T-shirt which has an anti-India message written on it. “Teach your child to hate India,” she attributed the text written on the T-shirt saying. While she gave a slightly different translation, the underlying meaning is the same.
She wrote, “Bangladeshi Jamate Islami helping poor people wearing a t-shirt that says ‘teach your child to hate India.’ Islamists ask people to boycott Indian products. Anti India anti Hindu Wahabi Islamists are growing in Bangladesh (sic).”
Bangladeshi Jamate Islami helping poor people wearing a t shirt that says 'teach your child to hate India.' Islamists ask people to boycott Indian products. Anti India anti Hindu Wahabi Islamists are growing in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/oWJmunIKID
She also shared the picture on Facebook where a lot of users probed the veracity of the viral picture with one Bangladeshi citizen finally confirming its veracity, stating that the picture is true. In her FB post, Tasleema Nasreen asked, “Camp Relief Distribution Program! Found this picture. Authentic or fake?”
In the comment section of her post, some users alleged that the picture was fake as it had spelling errors. Reacting to their claims of spelling mistakes in the post, a few users replied that the mistakes rather proved that the anti-India message was real and not doctored as the one fabricating it would not make spelling mistakes to undo their fabrication efforts.
Responding to the spelling error claims, Nasreen replied, “So authentic. If the spelling was correct, it would rather be doubtful.”
However, a Bangladeshi blogger and Secular activist Asaduzzaman Noor confirmed the veracity of the picture and debunked the claim that the picture was fabricated by some IT-cell guys.
(Commenting on Taslima Nasreen’s FB post that shared the viral picture, a Bangladeshi blogger and activist confirmed its veracity)
(The verified FB account of the Bangladeshi activist)
Commenting on her post, Noor said, “The picture is true.” It is important to note that Noor is a Bangladeshi blogger and activist and his FB account is a verified handle.
Furthermore, the same picture was also shared by a Bangladeshi digital content creator on 30th August. Falsely blaming India for the flash floods, he wrote, “Make your child Anti India! Just a small reason, 1 of the rain in Feni over the past 1 week. Not even 5 feet of water is supposed to be. So how did the 2 storey building in Fulgazi / Parashuram submerged? You only let the answer know.”
India has categorically debunked baseless allegations that blamed India for flash floods in Bangladesh, not once but twice
It is important to note here that several Bangladeshis are spreading an anti-India narrative amid the floods alleging that India has deliberately opened the gates of the Dambur Hydroelectric Project in Tripura state. Apart from netizens, several media houses also alleged that India was behind the floods that have shaken Bangladesh currently. However, India has factually debunked these allegations twice.
India has factually debunked the allegation that flash floods occurred in Bangladesh because India opened the dam in Tripura not once but twice. India has clarified that the gates were not opened as claimed by many including credible Bangladeshi and other nation’s media houses, but the automatic release of water due to heavy rainfall was observed. Floods in Bangladesh have created havoc.
President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a new flag and insignia for the Supreme Court to commemorate its 75th anniversary in the national capital on Sunday.
President Murmu graced the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India.
She emphasised that there are many challenges before the judiciary that will require coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to be resolved, informed an official release.
Addressing the gathering, the President said that since its establishment, the Supreme Court of India has made an invaluable contribution as a vigilant sentinel of the judicial system of the world’s largest democracy.
Indian jurisprudence has a very respectable place because of the Supreme Court. She appreciated the contribution of all present and past people associated with the Indian Judiciary.
She was happy to note that on the completion of 75 years of its establishment, the Supreme Court has organised many programmes that have increased people’s trust and attachment towards our judicial system.
The President said that the feeling of faith and reverence towards justice has been a part of our tradition. She referred to her address on a previous occasion and reiterated that people consider every judge in the country as God.
The President said that in recent years there have been significant improvements in the availability of infrastructure, facilities, training, and human resources of the judiciary at the district level, but a lot remains to be done in all these areas.
She affirmed confidence that the rapid progress would continue on all dimensions of reform.
The President said that pendency and backlog of cases are big challenges before the judiciary. She stressed the need to ponder the serious issue of cases remaining pending for as long as over 32 years.
She emphasised that programmes such as special Lok Adalat week should be organised more frequently and said that this will help in tackling the pendency of cases.
President Murmu also expressed her happiness while noting that many aspects related to case management were discussed in one of the sessions of this conference. She expressed confidence that these discussions will yield practical results.
The President said that the Constitution provides for the power and responsibilities of the legislative and executive bodies at the local level through panchayats and municipalities.
She asked if we could think of a justice system at the local level equivalent to these and stated that making arrangements to provide justice in the local language and local conditions can help in achieving the ideal of taking justice to everyone’s doorstep, the release stated.
The President said that when court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity.
She stated that it is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes, and those who suffer from their crimes live in fear, as if those poor people have committed some crime.
The President also expressed happiness at the fact that the Supreme Court has ordered the implementation of the provision of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita with retrospective effect.
Under this, there is a provision to release first-time accused and those who have served one-third of the prescribed maximum imprisonment period, on bail, the release added.
She expressed confidence that by implementing the new system of criminal justice with this promptness, our judiciary will usher in a new era of justice.
(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)
Manipur which has been grappling with ethnic tensions and witnessed large-scale violence last year, recorded a fresh round of violence on Sunday (1st September 2024). As per reports, on Sunday afternoon, armed insurgents opened indiscriminate fire and dropped a bomb on a house using a drone. In the attack, they fatally shot a 31-year-old Meitei woman and severely injured her 8-year-old daughter as well as three others. The assailants are suspected to be Kuki insurgents. Reportedly, one police commando was injured in the bombing incident.
The firing incident took place in Imphal West district which shares a border with the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district. According to officials, it all unfolded at around 2 PM near the border between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Notably, Imphal West is dominated by the Meitei community while Kukis are a majority in Kangpokpi.
The deceased Meitei woman has been identified as Ngangbam Surbala. She was hit on her head while her 8-year-old daughter was hit in her right arm. The victims were at their homes when the firing and bombings began. It is said that the assailants opened fire from the nearby hills.
According to reports, a drone was used to drop a bomb which caused heavy damage to a house. However, no civilian was reportedly injured. It is said that the incident occurred at a place near a Border Security Force (BSF) station. One police commando, part of the reinforcement team, was hit by a splinter of a drone-dropped bomb.
Kadangband residents said that at least one drone dropped a “bomb” on a house in the area. They have also shared purported visuals of the drone dropping a bomb, while people were seen running to find cover for their safety. However, sources in the security forces said they are yet to look into this claim.
Following the firing and bomb blast incident, the body of the deceased woman was shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) for post-mortem examination. Her daughter and police officer N Robert (30) were admitted to RIMS while two others are recuperating at Raj Medicity.
On Sunday, the Police said a woman was killed, and four others were injured when suspected militants launched a gun-and-bomb attack in Manipur’s Imphal West district.
According to police, the militants fired indiscriminately from hilltop positions towards the low-lying valley areas of Koutruk and neighbouring Kadangband. The Police added that the sudden assault on the unsuspecting village caused widespread panic, forcing many residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to flee to safer areas.
The Police further stated that security forces, including both state and central units, have been deployed to the area to stabilise the situation.
Following the incidents, the Meitei community blamed the Kuki community. They have claimed that “Kuki terrorists” killed the Meitei woman and injured four others in the recent firing and bomb attack. However, social media users from the Kuki tribes alleged that the Meiteis began firing at Kuki villages in Kangpokpi first. It is pertinent to note that ethnic tensions between both communities had resulted in large-scale violence last year and tensions continue to prevail between both communities.
The incident comes a day after Kuki-Zo groups carried out protest rallies against Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in the Kuki-Zo dominant districts of Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.
The Justice Hema Committee Report has opened a pandora’s box for not just the Malayalam Film industry, it has also stirred a demand to undertake similar initiatives for cinema industries in other states including Telugu Film Industry. The shocking findings of the report which was released after a long gap of five years have led to a cascading effect and great ramifications for the Cinema industry. Here is a detailed explainer of the origin, key findings, and the aftermath of Justice Hema Committee’s Report on sexual abuse, the casting couch, the pay gap, and other issues in the Cinema Industry.
Origin of the Hema Committee Report and the delay in its publication
The Kerala government established the Justice Hema Committee in February 2017 after a heinous case of sexual assault of an actress came to light. Notably, a prominent Malayalam actress was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and filmed in a moving car. The Investigations revealed that actor Dileep had allegedly orchestrated the attack to “teach her a lesson.”
After the survivor identified herself on social media, the industry witnessed a major upheaval which led to the formation of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC). The WCC filed a petition to investigate the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry following the actress’ sexual assault case. Based on their petition, the Kerala government set up a three-member committee. This was headed by retired Justice K. Hema and the committee was named after its head. It also comprised former actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari. It submitted its report to the government on 31st December 2019.
However, the findings of the report were made public on Monday (19th August 2024), five years after it was submitted to the Kerala government as it was claimed that it had a lot of sensitive information which needed to be redacted before releasing it to the public. They believed that publishing the full report would harm the industry.
It is pertinent to note that it was published after several rounds of legal battles in the High Court. Five Right To Information activists had approached the Kerala State Information Commission (KSIC) for more details on the report. Subsequently, the KSIC decided on 6th July, this year that a controlled report could be released to the petitioners. The original report had 295 pages but 63 pages were redacted before its release under the Right to Information Act (RTI), as they expected widespread repercussions. It was initially scheduled to be released on 24th July, then on 14th August.
But the Kerala High Court held its release while hearing a plea moved by a Malayalam film producer Saji Parayil, who argued that its publication would violate the right to privacy of individuals (including himself), and possibly expose them to retaliation and harassment. But the High Court dismissed the plea on 13th August and directed the government to publicize the report within a week.
The 63 pages that were redacted had portions that could infringe on the privacy of the individuals mentioned in it, as directed by the State Information Commission (SIC). However, the state government is facing widespread allegations that it is trying to protect the accused and excluded more information than what was recommended.
Major findings of Hema Committee Report
The Justice Hema Committee Report has revealed horrid tales of sexual abuse, illegal bans, discrimination, drug and alcohol abuse, wage disparity, and inhuman working conditions, especially for women. According to the report, the Cinema industry is male-dominated and has become an exclusive Boys’ Club.
(This is how Justice Hema Committee report start while listing out the findings on sexual abuse and casting couch in Malayalam film industry, Image Source – The New Indian Express)
It has identified at least 17 forms of exploitation experienced by women working in 30 different categories within the industry. According to reports, Several Malayalam female actors and junior artists have accused director Baburaj, actor Siddique, Mukesh, Jayasurya, Maniyanpilla Raju, Edavela Babu, Thulasidas, and CPI-M MLA Vichu Mukesh of sexual harassment, and misconduct.
The report emphasised that women were being asked to make certain “adjustments” and “compromises” – euphemisms for sexual favours – to secure or retain opportunities. It added, that these two words are very familiar among women working in Malayalam cinema, who “are asked to make themselves available for sex on demand”.
According to the findings of the report, the Malayalam film industry is under the control of a powerful lobby of male producers, directors, and actors who “dominate other persons working in cinema.”
It added that “these influential figures could even coerce and threaten the persons who work in ICC to deal with the complaint, in the manner they demand.” The report describes the situation in cinema as “very shocking.”
It also revealed grave concerns regarding the effectiveness of the Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) within the Malayalam film industry stating that the formation of ICCs is not recommended due to several reasons. The most startling discovery was that women who experience sexual harassment or assault frequently choose not to speak up for fear of being branded as “troublemakers” or being shunned by the business.
The government-appointed expert group discussed several embarrassing aspects, including unwanted physical advances made to women in the Malayalam film industry before they even started working and code names for women who would compromise. Testimonies from other women in the industry, who detailed their terrifying experiences, are included in the report. In one incident highlighted in the report, an actress was made to rehearse a scene in which she was hugged by an actor who had previously molested her. The filmmakers took 17 takes to finalize the shot.
These testimonials highlight the widespread culture of insensitivity and exploitation that women in the field face on a daily basis. The study found that the Malayalam film industry has a deeply embedded patriarchal mentality that feeds the myth that women only pursue careers in the business to gain notoriety and fortune, and as a result, they will “surrender” to anything.
Additionally, women actors are denied basic facilities like access to toilets and safe changing rooms even on film sets. They often have to find secluded spots to change or use the bathroom during outdoor shoots, with no access to water or basic facilities, the report added.
It is pertinent to note the report also highlighted challenges faced by their male counterparts in the film industry. According to the report, several well-known male artists have been subjected to “unauthorised” bans from working for extended periods, often for “very silly reasons.”
According to the report, these bans are usually a result of artists unknowingly provoking powerful figures within the industry’s influential lobby. Consequently, many men are reluctant or afraid to speak out against the industry’s practices, fearing that any information they provide could jeopardise their future opportunities in cinema.
Repercussions
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment against a few actors in Malayalam cinema and it consists of senior women police officers. The Kerala High Court has taken cognizance and directed the state government to submit the full report in a sealed envelope.
Around 17 cases have also been filed after the release of the Hema Committee report. These cases have been registered against several big names in the industry, including actor Jayasurya and actor and politician Mukesh.
Furthermore, the Association of Malayalam Movies Artistes (AMMA) was dissolved on 27th August and its president popular actor Mohanlal, and the other 17 members of the executive committee including Siddique and Edavela Babu also resigned leading to the dissolution of the cinema body. Actor Siddique resigned as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists after he was hit by sexual assault allegations. He resigned over allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by a female actor.
Major reactions
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) which initially petitioned for such a Committee, released an official statement on the very day when the findings of the report were made public. In their statement, they said, “Today, we stand vindicated”.
An organisation representing film technicians – Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has demanded that the names of the accused mentioned in the Hema Committee report should be made public.
While speaking with Matrubhumi, the director and general secretary of the FEFKA, B Unnikrishnan denied the existence of ‘power groups’ in the Malayalam film industry but admitted that the casting couch exists.
Unnikrishnan said that it was an ‘undeniable fact’ that some production houses had ‘strong alliances’ with certain directors, writers, and actors to make big films. Unnikrishnan also said that denying the casting couch exists in Mollywood would be ‘denying reality’.
The publication of the Justice K Hema Committee report on sexual misconduct and abuse in the Malayalam film industry has opened a can of worms. Several actresses have come forward with disturbing accounts of the mistreatment they faced at the hands of their various male counterparts in the Kerala film industry. The actresses also came down heavily on their male counterparts for not speaking up on the findings of the Hema Committee report.
Recently, popular South Indian actress Radhika Sarathkumar made startling allegations. In a recent interview, she said that the ordeals of actresses aren’t limited only to Malayalam cinema but also to the Tamil and Telugu industries. Recounting her own experience, she said that hidden cameras were secretly installed inside the vanity vans on the shooting set of a Malayalam film to record videos of actresses, specifically while they were changing clothes. She asserted that she had personally witnessed male actors watching such objectionable videos on their mobile phones.
Meanwhile, after maintaining silence for several days, senior actors Mohanlal and Mammootty have finally reacted to the findings in the Hema Committee report.
On Saturday, Mohanlal held a press conference over this issue. While he maintained that the culprits must be punished, he said, “Please don’t kill the Malayalam film industry”. He said that he had not ‘run away’ anywhere.
While the findings of the report have been widely amplified and hailed by the actresses of the Malayalam and other film industries, their male counterparts from the Malayalam Industry have either been accused of giving cold responses or maintaining silence. But ever since, the report exposed the dark underbelly of the film industry in Kerala, actors, and actresses from other industries have also demanded similar comprehensive initiatives in their regional cinema industries.
Nonetheless, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked the Kerala government to submit the full Hema Committee report in a week. Additionally, the Kerala High Court has taken cognizance and directed the state government to submit the full report in a sealed envelope.
