Home Blog Page 888

New Delhi: ‘Jai Mata Di’ Coaching Centre teachers Rizwan, Absar and Irfan force minor Hindu boy to read Quran, recite Kalma, complaint filed

OpIndia Staff
-
0
New Delhi: ‘Jai Mata Di’ Coaching Centre teachers Rizwan, Absar and Irfan force minor Hindu boy to read Quran, recite Kalma, complaint filed

On Thursday, 4th July, a man named Manoj Kumar filed a complaint at Subhash Palace Police Station under the North-West district of New Delhi against Rizwan, Absar, and Irfan for forcing his son to read the Quran. All three accused are teachers at Jai Mata Di Coaching Center located in Shakurpur.

In his complaint, Manoj said that his 13-year-old son had been asking him what the Quran is, and now and then read Kalma. When Manoj inquired about it, his son said that the teachers at the coaching center told him about Islam and its power.

Manoj said, “My son told me that teachers at Jai Mata Di Coaching Centre, Rizwan, Absar and Irfan, are forcing him to read the Quran. They were pressuring them to recite Kalma repeatedly and told my children that Hindu Religion is nonsense. They told them that there is no power in your Gods and Goddesses. Thus, from now on, read the Quran and recite Kalma as this religion [Islam] has a lot of power. It will make you powerful”.

He added, “I took the matter seriously and called the coaching centre. I talked to a female teacher first who forwarded the call to Rizwan Sir… When I asked him why he was forcing my son to read Kalma, he got angry and abused me. He threatened to ‘see me’ and said “I am father of Dawood Ibrahim. I will see you and your family”. He used abusive language. When I asked him to meet me tomorrow, he again threatened my family.”

Organiser’s journalist Subhi Vishwakarma shared a post about the matter and pointed out that Delhi Police has not registered any FIR. However, hundreds of people have visited the local police station every day regarding the case.

Muslim teacher accused of brainwashing children in Gujarat in 2023

This is not the first time Muslim teachers have been accused of trying to brainwash children under the guise of education. In June 2023, an alleged telephone conversation between teachers from Yellow Education System and a parent went viral on social media where the parent accused the Muslim teachers of the school of brainwashing the children to ignore lessons on Hindu kings and study only Muslim rulers.

In a seven-minute-long audio recording, a parent mentioned specific Muslim teachers by name, claiming that they skipped chapters about Hindu kings and instead focused solely on teachings about Mughal rulers. The parent also said that the children are being misinformed about Maharana Pratap. Furthermore, he asserted that his child, who is in the first grade, had started using terms like ‘Ammi-Abbu’ to call his mother and father at home, suggesting a potential influence from the school.

UP govt requests officials of neighbouring states to issue ID cards to Kanwar pilgrims; spears, tridents and other weapons to be banned in Kanwar Yatra

ANI
-
0
UP govt requests officials of neighbouring states to issue ID cards to Kanwar pilgrims; spears, tridents and other weapons to be banned in Kanwar Yatra

In preparation for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently convened a high-level meeting, directing officials to ensure robust arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims’ safety and convenience and urged officials from other states to issue ID cards to the Kanwar pilgrims.

Subsequently, on Saturday, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar met in Meerut with senior officials from western Uttar Pradesh and four other states to strategise on ensuring a safe and successful pilgrimage of the devotees. Officials from neighbouring states were also urged to issue ID cards to the Kanwar pilgrims from their respective regions.

In the meeting, officials stated that Kanwar pilgrims would not be allowed to carry spears, tridents, or any kind of weapon. There will be no ban on DJs on the Kanwar Yatra route, but the sound must be within the prescribed legal limit. The Kanwar Yatra will be monitored by CCTV and drones. Special attention will be given to devotees carrying the national flag during the Yatra.

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh said that the Kanwar Yatra will start on July 22 in the state. Senior officials from Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan participated in the Kanwar Yatra Coordination Meeting in Meerut. Senior officials from the bordering districts of Meerut joined the meeting online, while officials from the range and division were present.

The Chief Secretary stated that a WhatsApp group has been created for all 12 districts of the Kanwar route. This group is divided into two parts: one for senior officials and the other for police station-level officers to share information.

He further mentioned that for security reasons, the entire route has been divided into five zones. Health camps and Kanwar camps will be set up at various places along the route, providing resting, dining, and accommodation facilities for the pilgrims. Separate camps will be arranged for women.

Health camps will also have anti-venom injections available. Eight combined control rooms will be set up in UP and Uttarakhand, operated by officials from both states to ensure all necessary facilities for the Kanwar pilgrims.

DGP Prashant Kumar said that changes have been made in the traffic system in view of the Yatra. The entry of heavy vehicles will be banned from the routes from which the Yatra starts. Additionally, heavy vehicles will be banned from 12 midnight of July 21 on Delhi Expressway, Dehradun Expressway and Chaudhary Charan Singh Kanwar Marg.

He further mentioned that the police will regulate the songs played by DJs and the sound limits during the Yatra. Special security measures will be in place on the borders of Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, with active dog squads, bomb disposal teams, IB, intelligence, and LIU teams.

Liquor and meat shops along the Kanwar route will be closed. Electric poles will be covered with polythene and transformers with nets to prevent any accidents. Camps along the Yatra route will be set up away from highways and expressways.

DGP Kumar also mentioned that officials from other states have been instructed to provide ID cards to the Kanwar pilgrims to ensure they can be contacted and assisted in case of any issues. Additionally, the villages and police stations of the groups of pilgrims should be noted.

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

Why second & third wives can’t enter Islamabad Club: Discusses Pakistan’s senate committee, award to Chahat Fateh Ali Khan for ‘Bado Badi’ proposed

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Why second & third wives can’t enter Islamabad Club: Discusses Pakistan’s senate committee, award to Chahat Fateh Ali Khan for ‘Bado Badi’ proposed

In Pakistan, the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Divisions debated various issues. One of the issues debated was the ban on entry of second and third wives of the members of the elite Islamabad Club.

During the meeting, Senator Saleem Mandviwala questioned the conditions imposed by the club on its members. He said that the club does not recognise other wives of members apart from the first wives of the members, and therefore second and third wives of the members are not allowed to enter the club.

He wondered why such a restriction was imposed at the club when such rules are not applied in any other club in the country. The senator said that it was an unfair rule at the club. The committee recognised the “significance” of the issue, and the chairman noted that this is “a very important problem” as Islam allows four marriages.

Therefore, the committee reportedly summoned the management of the Islamabad Club to the next meeting to resolve this matter. However, the special secretary of the Cabinet Division said that the division has no role in the membership of the club, and said that it was an internal issue of the club.

While discussing civil awards given by the Pakistan government, the name of Chahat Fateh Ali Khan came up. Committee member Aamir Chishti asked the Secretary whether the viral singer’s song ‘Bado Badi’ would be considered for an award – given its number of views on YouTube.

When Aamir Chishti asked committee chair Rana Mahmoodul Hasan whether he has listened to the song, he replied, “I have. It gave me a headache.”

The committee also discussed the Toshakhana gift issue, and the committee was told that the Toshakhana policy was amended last year according to which no one can keep any gift worth more than $300. Any gift above the value is be displayed in the Parliament, the President or the Prime Minister’s houses. Moreover, government employees are now not allowed to participate in the auction of gifts.

Madhya Pradesh: Hindu girl molested by Salman, Imran, Mubarik and Sameer, brother stabbed and father beaten for protesting

राहुल पाण्डेय
-
0
Madhya Pradesh: Hindu girl molested by Salman, Imran, Mubarik and Sameer, brother stabbed and father beaten for protesting

An incident of stabbing a Hindu youth who was protesting against the molestation of his sister has come to light in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The victim, Saurabh Yadav is in serious condition and is currently receiving treatment. The accused are Salman, Mubarik, Imran and Sameer Khan. The police have arrested Salman and Imran and are searching for Mubarik and Sameer Khan, who are both absconding. The incident transpired on 4th June.

According to media reports, the matter pertains to the Janakganj police station area of ​​​​Gwalior, where 59-year-old Balkishan Yadav runs a grocery shop in the Harikotasheer neighbourhood to support his family. He has two sons and two daughters in his family. His daughters frequently work at the store as well. Balkishan and his daughter were at the store on 4th June when Salman, Imran, Mubarik and neighbour Sameer Khan arrived there. All of them are residents of the Muslim-dominated region of Apaganj.

All of them reportedly started harassing the girl who was at the grocery shop and assaulted her when she protested along with her father who attempted to protect her. The perpetrators also hurled filthy abuses at the two. Afterwards, Saurabh, son of Balkishan Yadav, rushed to the shop after hearing about the incident and the Muslim males stabbed him in his neck and face. All three members of the family endured injuries in the attack.

The father and daughter have suffered minor injuries, while the critically wounded Saurabh Yadav has been admitted to the hospital. Members of Hindu organizations have expressed anger over the instance. A spokesman from ‘Hindu Jagran Manch’ in Gwalior, Vasant Godyale, told OpIndia that of the four accused, Sameer Khan had already served time in jail for harassing and abusing a Hindu female. Vasant Godyale was also threatened with murder when he and other activists demonstrated against the brutal attack on the Hindu family and demanded action at the police station.

Mubarik, Imran, Salman and Sameer Khan have been named as accused in this occurrence. The authorities have arrested Salman and Imran. Mubarik and Sameer Khan are fleeing, and police teams are conducting raids to apprehend the pair. OpIndia has a copy of the First Information Report.

USA: At least 33 dead, nearly 100 injured in violent attacks and mass shooting incidences since 4th July Independence Day celebrations

OpIndia Staff
-
0
USA: At least 33 dead, nearly 100 injured in violent attacks and mass shooting incidences since 4th July Independence Day celebrations

Continuing the tragic yet familiar pattern for American cities, at least 33 people lost their lives and around a hundred others suffered serious injuries across the United States of America in incidences of mass shooting and other violent attacks. Incidentally, according to US authorities, this high casualty number has been recorded within the extended weekend of 4th July. Notably, the US marks its independence on the 4th of July as on this day in 1776, it gained independence from Britain. 

However, the 4th of July has historically been one of the deadliest days in the US with violence and mass shootings marring the Independence Day celebrations across the country. Just like this year, a string of mass shooting incidences were recorded in previous years as well. More than a dozen people were killed and 60 others were wounded in mass shooting incidences around the holiday, last year. Similarly, seven people died in a mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade near Chicago in 2022. 

11 killed, 55 wounded in Chicago in violent attacks and mass shooting this year

During the extended July fourth weekend, at least 11 people were killed and 55 others were wounded in incidences of mass shooting in the Chicago area alone, as of Friday morning (5th July), as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. This includes a mass shooting that took place on Thursday (4th July) in which two women and an 8-year-old boy lost their lives.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said that the recent violence “has left our city in a state of grief”. 

In another incident, eight people were injured in an attack that took place in Chicago’s Little Italy neighbourhood, shortly after Friday midnight. 

It was followed by a shooting incident in the city’s Austin neighbourhood. Six people were injured in that incident. 

The 31st Street Beach had been the epicentre of recent stabbings and shootings in this area. Ironically, because of the rampant violent attacks, the officials had precautionarily closed the popular Lake Michigan beach in Chicago which was one of the attack-prone sites in this area yet high casualty figures were reported during the 4th July weekend. 

2 killed and 3 injured in deadly weapon attack in California

Police stated that in Huntington Beach, California, two people were killed and three others were injured in an Independence Day attack less than two hours after a fireworks show ended. According to reports, the authorities were responding to an assault with a deadly weapon Thursday night and it ended up arresting a suspect in this incident.

A 15-year-old attacker fatally shot a young man in Ohio

According to Police Chief Jay Holland, a 15-year-old male fatally shot a 23-year-old man on Thursday night at a Fourth of July party. The incident took place at a residence located in the northeastern Ohio community of Niles. The Police later took the minor suspect into custody. 

Additionally, the Police stated that a 10-year-old girl, identified as Gracie Griffin, was fatally shot in a Cleveland neighbourhood. The Police were probing the motive behind the murder as well as looking into reasons that sparked the shooting or if the minor girl was targeted.

Philadelphia drive-by shooting kills one, injures 6 others

On Thursday night (4th July), a drive-by shooting in Philadelphia left one dead and six injured. The injured included four minors who were immediately rushed to the hospital. Their injuries were reported to be non-life-threatening. The motive behind the shooting was yet not known. 

Three shooting incidences in Boston

During the city’s 4th of July celebrations, the Boston area was rocked with three incidences of shooting in which one person lost his life. One of the shootings took place at around 1:30 a.m. on Friday (5th July) in a park near Boston’s South End neighbourhood. 

Around the same time, another incident near the city’s Jamaica Plain neighbourhood left three injured. 

The third shooting incident was reported at a gas station in which a victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

A 17-year-old boy suffered a stomach wound in another shooting. The incident took place on Thursday night in a condominium parking lot in East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. 

Early on Friday, a woman was fatally shot in her car in Connecticut. She was pronounced dead at a hospital. The victim’s relatives stated that they believed she had just left a Fourth of July party.

North Carolina

Police said that a shooting incident at an unofficial fireworks display left one person dead after a large crowd had gathered in the parking lot of the city. The incident unfolded in High Point, North Carolina.  

Mass shooting incident in New York

According to New York’s Albany Police, six victims in age ranges from 16 to 19 suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a mass shooting incident that took place at a large gathering at a home around 12:15 a.m. on Friday. 

On Friday morning, a fight broke out at a party which ended in a mass shooting incident in Pontiac, about 50 kilometers northwest of Detroit. Around five teens, all male, were injured however, their injuries were said to be non-life-threatening.

Early on Friday, Police said that four people were wounded in a shooting outside a Tampa adult nightclub after an altercation between the club’s security guard and two men. Police said both suspects were arrested and charged with several crimes.

Two shooting incidents were reported in the St. Louis area during 4th of July gatherings in which two men died and five others suffered injuries.  

State Police said that Charles Speer (42) of Kermit, died early Friday after being shot multiple times following a physical altercation at the home of another man in West Virginia. 

Earlier on Thursday, a police officer who was there to serve a warrant in Cleveland and an armed person making threats in Yellowstone National Park were among those killed in other shootings.

According to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, a road rage incident led to the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old man in Taneytown, Maryland.

Other violent attacks

In New York’s Queens section, an 8-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in an apartment. The Police described the case as a domestic dispute. 

Police said that officers later fatally shot a 20-year-old man who held a knife to his 43-year-old father’s throat and refused commands to drop the weapon. 

Incidentally, gun violence, violent attacks, and especially the menace of mass shooting have been a tragic yet familiar pattern for American cities which has continued in the first few weekends of summer in the US. 

Gujarat: Bajrang Dal members detained in Ahmedabad for protesting against Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu remarks in parliament

ANI
-
0
Gujarat: Bajrang Dal members detained in Ahmedabad for protesting against Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu remarks in parliament

Members of the Bajrang Dal staged a protest against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Ahmbedabad on Saturday, over his alleged “anti-Hindu” remarks in the Parliament.

During the demonstration, the Bajrang Dal members raised slogans against Rahul Gandhi over his comments on the Hindu community. Following this, several protesters were detained by the Gujarat Police.

The cadres were chanting slogans of Jai Shri Ram and also tried to burn the effigy of Rahul Gandhi. However, the police stopped them and detained the workers.

Joint Commissioner of Police, Neeraj Badgujar, said Bajrang Dal members have been detained and required force have been deployed in the region to maintain peace.

“The required police force has been deployed. There is peace now. The Bajrang Dal workers had come out in protest, but they are being detained by the police,” Badgujar told ANI.

Last week, Rahul Gandhi, in his speech in the Lok Sabha accused the BJP and RSS of “spreading violence and hatred”. Targetting the BJP government, he alleged there has been “a systematic attack” on the idea of India.

He also connected the Hindu symbol ‘Abhayamudra’ which gestures fearlessness, reassurance and safety, with the symbol of the Congress party.

Rahul’s remarks drew protests from the Treasury benches. BJP members took strong objection to Rahul Gandhi’s remark and accused Rahul of insulting Hindu religion by connecting it with violence.

The BJP leaders accused the Congress MP “of speaking lies, misleading the House and terming the entire Hindu community violent”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at Rahul Gandhi over his remarks and said calling “the entire Hindu community violent is a very serious matter”.

In response, Rahul Gandhi hit back stating BJP is “not the entire Hindu society.”

“Narendra Modi is not entire Hindu society. BJP is not the entire Hindu society, RSS is not the entire society, this is not BJP’s contract,” he said.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi arrived in Ahmemabad today to meet his party cadre, as well as the families of victims of the Rajkot Gaming Zone tragedy.

28 people were killed in the TRP Game Zone fire incident, which happened on June 25.

Last week, Congress alleged that several members associated with BJP, Bajrang Dal, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad vandalised Congress office in Ahmedabad by throwing stones at it.

Congress spokesperson Hemang Raval, told ANI that the office was vandalised in protest against Rahul Gandhi’s comments in Parliament after which the police filed a complaint in the matter.

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

DRDO unveils light battle tank Zorawar, developed in record two years with L&T to counter China in high-altitude areas

ANI
-
0
DRDO unveils light battle tank Zorawar, developed in record two years with L&T to counter China in high-altitude areas

In a major boost to Indian forces deployed opposite China in Ladakh, premier defence research agency Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are at advanced stage of trials of the indigenous Light Tank Zorawar.

DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.

Developed in a record time of two years for high altitude areas of Ladakh, the tank is testimony to Indian progress in indigenous manufacturing.

The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.

The light tank Zorawar with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.

59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.

The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.

The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.

Even though the first ammunition is coming from Belgium, the DRDO is ready to develop the ammunition indigenously.

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

Commuters frazzled as Pakistan’s petrol pumps run dry

ANI
-
0
Commuters frazzled as Pakistan’s petrol pumps run dry

Petroleum dealers in Pakistan announced the postponement of their strike on Friday evening, however, many consumers were still frazzled as they found several pumps closed or were out of fuel in Karachi, a Pakistan-based daily, Dawn reported.

The petroleum dealers were protesting against the government’s decision to impose a 0.5 per cent advance turnover tax which, they say, would result in an additional tax burden of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 1 million per pump, a demand they vehemently rejected and refused to accept under any circumstances.

A petroleum dealer reported that around 50 per cent of fuel pumps in Karachi were closed ahead of Friday prayers due to a divided response to the strike call. However, by evening, most pumps resumed operations before the announcement by Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Chairman Abdul Sami Khan to postpone the strike and instruct dealers to reopen pumps from 7 pm, Dawn reported.

Fuel pumps remained open at Sharea Faisal, I I Chundrigar Road, Malir, Korangi, Landhi, North Karachi, Gulshan-i-Iqbal and other areas of the city, he said.

PPDA chairman announced the postponement of the strike, citing the difficulties faced by tourists in the north, including Hazara division, Malakand and Swat, who were running low on fuel.

Khan claimed that over 13,000 fuel pumps across the country remained closed since 6 am, declaring the strike a success. He said the association decided to postpone the strike due to the difficulties faced by tourists in northern areas, as well as the challenges encountered by motorcyclists and ambulance services in other cities. But he made it clear that this decision does not mean the association is withdrawing from its demand, Dawn reported.

He alleged that the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners in the Hazara and Malakand divisions had coerced PPDA dealers to open their outlets. “Although the strike has been deferred, it has not ended. We will not remain silent. If our demands are not met, we will persist in our efforts,” he warned.

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

Pakistan to decide on banning social media for a week during Muharram so that Shias and Sunnis don’t read abuses thrown at each other

OpIndia Staff
-
0
Pakistan to decide on banning social media for a week during Muharram so that Shias and Sunnis don’t read abuses thrown at each other

The Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan could impose a complete ban on six social media platforms namely X (Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook for around a week during Muharram. According to Pakistani media reports, the provincial government in Pakistan’s Punjab had asked the Central government to ban social media citing hatred and avoiding sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis. Notably, the Punjab government is led by Maryam Nawaz, the niece of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif. Earlier, Islamabad had blocked X (formerly Twitter) for over four months. 

As per reports, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has currently deferred a decision on this matter. It has neither accepted nor rejected the Punjab government’s request to ban social media platforms during Muharram. In a statement released on Friday (5th July), the Ministry stated that no decision had been taken so far regarding the internet shutdown. However, it added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make the final decision in this regard. 

While the statement didn’t name any provincial government, it claimed that other provinces had also made similar requests as recommended by the Punjab government. 

Speaking with Pakistani outlet Dawn, an official had earlier said that instead of blocking access to social media platforms, foolproof security arrangements would be made. However, the official had hinted that cellular services would be suspended in some cities for a few hours on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

According to a government notification issued late Thursday night (4th July), the cabinet committee on law and order of the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had recommended a ban on social media platforms from 6 to 11 Muharram to “control hate material, and misinformation to avoid sectarian violence” in the state.

Citing sources, Pakistani media reported that the Punjab government had initially planned social media suspension for two days, but it was based on “intelligence reports” that it went for more stringent measures.

Apart from provincial governments in Pakistan, Pakistan’s army chief Gen Asim Munir had once declared, “Social media is a vicious media” and emphasised the need to combat “digital terrorism.” Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also serves as the foreign minister, had recently demanded a complete ban on social media.

During Muharram, Shia Muslims take out huge processions to mark the martyrdom of the grandson of the prophet of Islam. They observe his martyrdom as a symbol of resistance to tyranny. For this, they take out rallies during the first ten days of Muharram. This culminates into huge processions on the 9th and 10th of the month. However, the dominant Muslim sect in Pakistan, Sunnis has a historic theological rivalry with the Shias. 

Extremist Sunni outfits in Pakistan brand Shias as heretics and carry out bombings on Shia processions. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has witnessed numerous such attacks in the past.

Meanwhile, earlier in February, the Shehbaz Sharif government had shut down X after the Election Commission of Pakistan raised allegations of tampering with general election results. However, it was seen as a move that was directed against Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf which had a strong presence on the micro-blogging site.  

‘I.N.D.I. Alliance defeated Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya’: Rahul Gandhi uses Lok Sabha results to mock struggle for construction of Ram Mandir

OpIndia Staff
-
0
‘I.N.D.I. Alliance defeated Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya’: Rahul Gandhi uses Lok Sabha results to mock struggle for construction of Ram Mandir

On Saturday (6th July), Rahul Gandhi announced that the Congress and other parties in the I.N.D.I. Alliance has defeated the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which culminated in the construction of the majestic Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

He made the contentious remarks during his address to Congress workers in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat.

During his speech, the Gandhi scion said, “The movement which was initiated by Lal Krishna Advani and had its epicentre in Ayodhya has been defeated by the I.N.D.I. Alliance in Ayodhya.”

Rahul Gandhi was referring to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement of LK Advani, which helped realise the dream of re-construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

It must be mentioned that the BJP lost the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency to Samajwadi Party candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

This is not the first time that the Congress party or its leaders have talked about defeating the Ram Janmabhoomi movement or opposing the construction of Ram Mandir.

It may be recalled that ex-Congress leader Kapil Sibal fought the Ram Janmabhoomi case for the Sunni Waqf Board opposing the building of a magnificent Ram temple in Ayodhya. He had also employed cunning tactics to delay the decision in the Ram Janmabhoomi case till the 2019 elections. 

Congress and its denial of existence of Lord Ram

Eminent Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had earlier claimed that no ‘good Hindu’ would want a Ram Mandir at the site of the disputed structure. Tharoor urged that one should only have the Ram Mandir in one’s heart. 

Interestingly, the Congress-led UPA government filed an affidavit in 2007, decrying the existence of Lord Ram. 

The affidavit read, “Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas admittedly form an important part of ancient Indian literature, but these cannot be said to be historical records to incontrovertibly prove the existence of the characters and occurrences of events depicted therein.”

The affidavit was filed to register the UPA government’s opposition to the demand to scrap the Sethusamudram project as it would damage the Ram Setu.

1...887888889...7,574Page 888 of 7,574