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Stunned silence on crimes against women, the sham of ‘protecting’ the constitution: PM Modi tears into Congress in Rajya Sabha

OpIndia Staff
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Stunned silence on crimes against women, the sham of ‘protecting’ the constitution: PM Modi tears into Congress in Rajya Sabha

On Wednesday (3rd July), Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down heavily on the opposition parties, particularly Congress for spreading fake narratives, their anti-Dalit mindset and so-called concerns, and efforts to safeguard the Constitution. He also questioned the selective silence of so-called feminist leaders over grave incidences of crimes against women involving the accused from their party or state, referring to the horrendous Sandeshkhali incident and the recent Taliban-style flogging of a woman in Bengal.

PM Modi hails voters for rejecting politics of propaganda and deceit

PM Modi lauded voters for rejecting the politics of deceit, defeating propaganda, and putting a stamp of victory on the politics of trust in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

During his reply to the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address in the Upper House, PM Modi said, “We feel proud of the wisdom and intelligence of the people of this country, in these elections. They defeated propaganda. They prioritised performance. They rejected the politics of deceit and put a stamp of victory on the politics of trust.” 

PM Modi on so-called progressive feminist leaders

PM Modi slammed the selectiveness of so-called progressive feminist leaders for their silence over grave incidences of crimes against women and highlighted the Sandeskhali incident and the recent case where a woman was publicly flogged in Taliban-style ‘Justice’ in West Bengal.  

Highlighting Bengal flogging video and Sandeshkhali incidents, PM Modi said, “No stalwart spoke on these atrocities, even showed hurt in their words. There can’t be a more saddening picture than this. Even those who consider themselves as a progressive feminist leader, have also zipped their lips because it is connected to their political party or state.”

“Politics is getting so selective, where incidents are not conducive to their politics, they go into hibernation,” he stressed.

Opposition ke Muh me Ghee Shakkar: PM Modi says the Opposition believes NDA will form a government for the next 20 years as well

PM Modi took a dig at the opposition’s one-third government jibe and wished that they taste milk and honey. He said that by trumpeting 1/3rd government, the opposition is saying that the incumbent government will continue for the next 20 years. 

He said, “They trumpeted that our government is 1/3rd..Our government has completed ten years and this means that they believe we will continue for 20 more years..Opposition ke muh me ghee shakkar (may they taste sweet and honey).”

Those who wave Constitution copy, opposed introduction of Constitution day: PM Modi 

PM raised questions on Congress’ commitment and efforts in safeguarding the Constitution and later in the address highlighted how the grand old party made major assaults on the Constitution. 

He said, “Those who wave copies of the Constitution had opposed the move when we started marking Constitution Day on 26th November. They opposed saying we already have 26th January.”

Later during his address on Congress’ so-called concern and respect for democracy and the Constitution, PM Modi said, “They said this was the country’s first election in which the main issue was to safeguard the constitution. Will you continue to spread this fake narrative? Have you forgotten 1977 elections, newspapers, and radios were not allowed to speak and people of the country voted only on one issue – re-establish the Constitution? They showed this in the 1977 election how democracy is thriving in the veins of the citizens. You are misleading people, 1977 was the biggest election to safeguard the constitution and the people routed the incumbent government to protect democracy. Now, this time, if it was an election to safeguard the constitution, the people of the country have found us worthy to safeguard the constitution.”   

The Prime Minister emphasised, “It hurts when people like Mallikarjun Kharge speak such things because he was a key member of the Congress party and witnessed how the Constitution was bulldozed and democracy was ransacked during the Emergency.” PM Modi then highlighted major instances when the Congress party went against the Constitution, attacked, disrespected, and insulted it.

“I ask the people who talk Constitution, which constitution was it that you ran a government for 7 years – when the tenure of Lok Sabha is for 5 years – and committed atrocities on the citizens and you teach us the Constitution…It doesn’t look good when you utter that you want to ‘safeguard the Constitution’. From which Constitution did you bring the provisions of imposing a NAC over the Cabinet, you shattered the repute of the Prime Minister and sat over its head with the remote pilot. Which constitution allows an MP to publicly tear a decision of the Cabinet? In what capacity it was torn into pieces? We have a written protocol for the President, vice president, etc…How one family was given preference under which constitution? They were kept ahead of Constitutional heads, which constitution were you respecting back then?”, PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that Congress has an anti-Dalit mindset, they front a Dalit only in defeatist situations so that family could avoid accountability.

Rajya Sabha Chairman and PM Modi lambasted the opposition for staging a walk-out

Vice President and ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankar came out heavily on the unruly conduct of the opposition leaders and staging a walk-out of the House of the elders. 

He stated that it is extremely painful and hurtful to witness Amaryadit acharan (shameful conduct). He added, “Government is in its third term, I had spoken to them, discussed and advised the leader of the opposition to let them (treasury benches) speak without hindrance, today they have not just walked out of the house, they have left maryadaya. Today, they have not shown back to me but to the Constitution. They have insulted not me, but the oath they took under the Constitution, there can’t be a more insulting thing to the Constitution. I condemn their conduct. 140 crore people in the country will be hurt by their conduct. Constitution copy is not to pose but rather to live by it.”

Referring to the opposition’s ruckus in Lok Sabha and walk-out in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi took a jibe at them and said, “The Country is watching that fake news peddlers don’t even dare to hear the truth…They are insulting the Upper House and its great legacy. People of the country have handed them defeat such that they have no option other than to shout and scream in the streets..narebazi, hoolalla, aur medan chod ke bhag jana.” 

PM Modi on continuing clampdown against Corruption

PM Narendra Modi said, “For me, the fight against corruption is not the scale for electoral wins or losses. I am not fighting corruption to win or lose elections. This is my mission, my conviction. I believe that corruption is one such termite that has hollowed out the nation. I am working wholeheartedly to free this country of corruption and to build hatred against corruption in the minds of common people…”

PM Modi added, “Those who are questioning the investigating agencies, I urge them to refresh their memory. I want to tell how investigating agencies were misused earlier. I want to present some statements; the first statement is from 2013 – ‘it is not easy to fight against the Congress…it will put you in jail. The CBI will be after you. The Congress takes support after threatening you in the name of CBI and Income Tax’ – this statement is of late Mulayam Singh.”

These election mandates have ensured continuity and stability by electing a stable government for the third time, they have also assured the world. Because of these results, India is emerging as an attraction for global investors, the Prime Minister asserted. 

He made these remarks while addressing the Upper House on Motion of Thanks on the President’s address.

CISF refutes reports that Kulwinder Kaur who slapped Kangana Ranaut has been reinstated, she remains suspended but transferred to reserve battalion in Bengaluru

OpIndia Staff
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CISF refutes reports that Kulwinder Kaur who slapped Kangana Ranaut has been reinstated, she remains suspended but transferred to reserve battalion in Bengaluru

On 3rd July, several social media accounts ‘reported’ that CISF constable Kulwinder Kaur, who was suspended for assaulting MP Kangana Ranaut, has been reinstated and has been posted at Bengaluru airport. After the ‘reports’, there were mixed reactions on social media, with INDI Alliance supporters and Khalistani sympathisers celebrating the news, applauding the ‘bravery of the CISF DG’. On the other hand, others were outraged, and questioned how she could be reinstated when the case against her was still ongoing.

However, now CISF has clarified that it is fake news, and Kulwinder Kaur has not been reinstated. ANI reported citing CISF that Kaur is still suspended and a departmental inquiry against her is still on.

However, as per reports, the CISF personnel has been transferred to Bengaluru while she remains under suspension. She was posted at Chandigarh airport before her suspension, where she had slapped Kangana Ranaut on 6th June.

Reportedly, Kulwinder Kaur has been transferred to a reserve battalion of CISF in Bengaluru. This means she will not be posted at a fixed location, but may be deployed at various places protected by the CISF based on staff availability. Her husband is also in CISF, and reportedly currently he is posted in Bengaluru.

Kulwinder Kaur was suspended by CISF after she assaulted Kangana Ranaut without any provocation at Chandigarh airport on 6th June. While Ranaut was going through the security check, Kaur who was working at a different booth charged towards her and slapped her. Following the incident, a police complaint was filed against her, and she was suspended.

After slapping Ranaut, Kaur claimed that she did as revenge for Ranaut’s comments on farmer protests. During the farmer protests against the 3 farm laws, Ranaut had said that women sitting in the protests were hired. Kaur said that her mother was sitting at the protests during that time, therefore she was hurt by Kangana Ranaut’s comments as it also applied to her mother.

While Kaur remains suspended and faces a departmental enquiry, farmer unions and pro-Khalistani elements are supporting her. Her family, INDI Alliance parties and Khalistani elements have justified her action.

Punjab CM Mann claimed that Kulwinder Kaur was angry at Kangana Ranaut for her comments, and Ranaut should not have made the comments. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) also justified the assault claiming continuous ‘targeting’ of Punjab and Punjabis was extremely unfortunate and painful.

Gujarat: Congress workers attack BJP members with sticks, stones, acid bottles for protesting over Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu remark, cops also injured

OpIndia Staff
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Gujarat: Congress workers attack BJP members with sticks, stones, acid bottles for protesting over Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu remark, cops also injured

sangCongress leader Rahul Gandhi has been under fire recently for his anti-Hindu statement “Hindus are violent,” in the parliament. Meanwhile, an incident of attack on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers who had come to protest near the Congress headquarters in Ahmedabad has come to light. They were brutally assaulted with stones, sticks and sharp weapons which resulted in many injuries.

Now, a complaint has been lodged against multiple Congress and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) members including party MLA Shailesh Parmar, Pragati Ahir, Shahzad Pathan, Imran Rafiq Shethji, Akash Sarkar and NSUI leader Sanjay Solanki. The complaint has been filed by Ahmedabad Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) president Vinay Desai.

Attack with stones, glass bottles, sticks and sharp weapons: Vinay Desai

OpIndia spoke to Vinay Desai to gather information about the matter and he revealed, “BJP Yuva Morcha workers staged a protest a short distance from the Congress office with placards, in response to Rahul Gandhi’s anti-Hindu comments. However, our people were attacked. Congress leaders, workers and goons called by them attacked our workers with stones, glass bottles, sticks and sharp weapons when our workers were standing. They came in a crowd, smashed the police-erected barricades and attacked the group wounding several of our workers. Five of them had to be transported to a hospital for treatment due to their critical condition. The cops who were present on the spot were also injured. BJYM workers were demonstrating in a peaceful and democratic manner. We have submitted a complaint against Shaileshbhai Parmar, Shahzad Pathan and others.”

Ahmedabad City BJP president Amit Shah also stated, “Workers from the BJP Yuva Morcha had gone to the Congress office to peacefully protest Rahul Gandhi’s remarks that were disparaging to Hindus. All they had with them were placards. However, Congress officials and workers threw stones, liquor bottles and acid bottles at them. Five of our workers were seriously injured in this attack and were immediately admitted to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SVP) Hospital for treatment.”

Shailesh Parmar was spotted among the Congress workers

Shailesh Parmar in the mob. (Source: OpIndia Gujarati)

Notably, a video of the occurrence has also surfaced in which the Congress workers could be witnessed running towards the police and BJP workers with sticks in their hands. Some of Congress members are also seen pelting stones. More importantly, even party MLAs are marching with the mob as BJYM workers are getting attacked. Shailesh Parmar is also saying something loudly in the footage. On the other hand, police and Home Guard personnel have also been wounded in the assault. According to initial information, a total of seven people including a senior official of the Ahmedabad Police, other policemen and Home Guard personnel sustained injuries during the instance.

Background of the incident

Rahul Gandhi has been facing continuous opposition after claiming “Hindus are violent” in Parliament. Ahmedabad BJP also organised a protest following a large-scale agitation by Bajrang Dal activists near the Gujarat Congress headquarters in Ahmedabad late on 1st July. An altercation transpired between the two sides and the BJP charged that Congress workers started stone-pelting at them when they were 300–400 meters away from the party’s office. They disclosed that some of their workers were taken to LG Hospital, Ahmedabad for medical care after suffering injuries. Acid and alcohol bottles, sticks and stones were hurled at them from the Congress office.

An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) rank officer was also wounded in the assault. The authorities broke down the door and entered the Congress office after party workers locked it from inside. Senior police officers including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Branch and other Ahmedabad city BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the location. Now, the entire area has been turned into a police cantonment after BJP workers were assaulted by Congressmen at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan (Gujarat Congress Headquarters) in Ahmedabad.

Over 11,000 FIRs, 500 arrests, govt efforts for amicable solution and more: Here is what PM Modi assured Rajya Sabha on Manipur

OpIndia Staff
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Over 11,000 FIRs, 500 arrests, govt efforts for amicable solution and more: Here is what PM Modi assured Rajya Sabha on Manipur

On Wednesday (3rd July), Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Rajya Sabha that the government is taking comprehensive measures to bring and maintain peace and normalcy in Manipur which witnessed ethnic tensions and large-scale violence last year. He also stressed that those elements that are trying to inflame the situation in Manipur, will be rejected by the state. PM Modi highlighted that despite being a small state, viz-a-viz, number of FIRs in a region, over 11,000 FIRs have been registered in Manipur and over 500 accused have been arrested since the violence broke out last year.


Addressing the Upper House, PM Modi said, “I have comprehensibly addressed the house last time on the issue of Manipur, I want to reiterate that the government is actively working to bring normalcy to Manipur. In the incidents that took place there, over 11,000 FIRs have been registered in Manipur, which otherwise is a small state. Over 500 accused have been arrested. We have to accept the fact that incidents of violence have been constantly decreasing which means that it is becoming possible to have faith and trust in peace.

Today, schools, colleges, and other institutions are functioning as usual in most parts of Manipur. Just like the country, Manipur too conducted examinations and it has continued its developmental story. Central and state governments are holding talks with all stakeholders for peace and amicable solutions and are making all efforts for that. It is a major work to bring together smaller units and it is being done in a peaceful manner.” 

PM Modi also highlighted that, unlike the previous governments, several Ministers and senior officials camped in the violence-torn state and held discussions with all stakeholders to find amicable solutions.

“Unlike previous governments, the Home Minister has stayed there for days and the MoS Home Ministry has camped there for weeks. They have gone there regularly to bring together all stakeholders. Apart from political leadership, concerned higher officials in the government have also visited there and have been in touch with people there,” the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi also assured all assistance to the state which is currently facing the threats of flood.

PM Modi added, “Currently, Manipur is also facing the threat of floods, The Central government is fully cooperating with the state government and today, two teams of the NDRF have reached there.”

He urged the House to rise above politics to cooperate in bringing normalcy and also warned elements that are trying to inflame situation there, he categorically asked them to stop such acts and noted that they will eventually be rejected by Manipur.

PM Modi said, “All of us, rising above politics, should cooperate to bring normalcy there, it is our duty. All those elements who are trying to inflame the situation in Manipur, I am alerting them to stop these acts, one day will come and Manipur will reject such people.”

He emphasised that there has been a history of conflicts and ethnic tensions in the state which has been marked with challenges that forced previous governments to impose Presidential rule, ten times.

He added, “Those who know the history of Manipur and the timeline of the incidents, they know Manipur has a long history of struggle whose roots are very deeply entrenched. Congress should not forget that for these reasons, ten times presidential rule have been imposed on this small region, there must have been some challenges there..and this didn’t have during our tenure. Yet for political benefit, there are things being done there. In 1993, Manipur witnessed similar but intense developments which ran for five years. “

He concluded by urging, “We have to work with great concern and want to take cooperation of all those who want to cooperate. We are making great efforts to bring and maintain peace and normalcy.”

UP: Rifa and Mehak Khanum embrace Hinduism in Bareilly, marry their Hindu lovers with Vedic rituals after becoming Riya Sagar and Sonam Saxena

OpIndia Staff
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UP: Rifa and Mehak Khanum embrace Hinduism in Bareilly, marry their Hindu lovers with Vedic rituals after becoming Riya Sagar and Sonam Saxena

In the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh, two Muslim girls embraced Hinduism and married their Hindu boyfriends on 1st July. One of these two girls, Mehak Khanum embraced Hindu Dharma amidst the chants of Vedic mantras and adopted the name Sonam Saxena. Similarly, another girl Rifa Bi became Riya Sagar after “gharwapsi”. Both girls performed Havan-Pooja and raised slogans in praise of the Hindu Gods.

22-year-old Rifa Bi is the daughter of a Bareilly resident, Wali Hasan and is educated till eighth class. Rifa said that she met Rahul Sagar on her way to school several times. Rahul Sagar who belongs to the Scheduled Castes (SC) proclaimed his love for Rifa and she accepted his love proposal. Subsequently, the duo began meeting frequently and decided to get married. Rifa, however, said that her family did not approve of their union.

Although several restrictions were imposed on Rifa, Rahul continued to make efforts to marry the Muslim girl. At last, on 1st July, Rahul arrived at Agastya Muni Ashram in Bareilly and Rifa also managed to get there. This duo presented all of the necessary documents before the ashram’s pundit, Pandit KK Shankhdhar. Rifa stated that she was under no compulsion to marry Rahul and she was doing on her free will. After this, both of them married at Agastya Muni Ashram. Rifa went to her husband’s home after marriage. After returning home, she changed her name to Riya Sagar and said that she was very happy about his marriage to Rahul Sagar.

Mehak Khanum became Sonam Saxena after Gharwapsi

On Monday, another Muslim girl Mehak Khanum also reverted to Hinduism after purification (Shuddhi) rituals were performed. The 22-year-old girl then married her Hindu boyfriend Ansh Saxena at the Agastya Muni Ashram in accordance with the Vedic rituals. Mehak (now Sonam) originally hails from Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur and her father moved to Bareilly for work. Notably, Mehak is also quite active on social media and makes Instagram reels. Professionally, she works as a Saree designer.

Mehak said that Ansh used to visit her locality often. The duo met there and fell in love with each other. Sometime after dating each other, the couple decided to get married. However, Mehak’s family opposed her relationship with a Hindu youth and imposed several restrictions including not allowing her to step out from her house. However, the Muslim girl somehow reached the Agastya Muni Ashram along with Ansh on 1st July. The duo told Pundit KK Shankhdhar that they are adults and want to get married. They also provided their necessary documents. After the verification, Mehak’s purification rituals were performed. She then married Ansh Saxena and happily went to her husband’s house.

Halala and Triple Talaq practices are wrong

Both Rifa and Mehak said that the practices of Triple Talaq and Halala are evil and wrong. They said that now they will worship Hindu Gods. After getting married to their lovers, both Rifa and Mehak chanted slogans in praise of the Hindu Gods and Pundit KK Shankhdhar blessed the newlyweds for a married life.

Karnataka minister writes to centre seeking 15% NRI quota in govt medical colleges for ‘self-sustainability of colleges’

ANI
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Karnataka minister writes to centre seeking 15% NRI quota in govt medical colleges for ‘self-sustainability of colleges’

Karnataka Medical Education and Skill Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil wrote a letter to the centre on Tuesday seeking NRI quotas in the government medical colleges.

He said, “I had written to the government of India and even the National Medical College. (NMC). We are requesting an increase of 15 percent in seats in the common medical colleges for the NRI quota for the self-sustainability of the colleges.”

He further said that the increase in seats in government medical colleges would help improve the quality of education and generate more money. “In the long run, if you want to improve the quality of education and have better teaching facilities in the teaching hospitals, we need to generate more money.”

“The government is giving sufficient money but in the long run, I believe additional funds are required because now private medical colleges are making huge investments and I don’t want the government medical colleges to fall behind. “Hence, I gave the government of India the proposal for the enhancement of the seats. It will be helpful for the government medical colleges,” he added.

Earlier, on June 13, he issued tough instructions to the officials of his department to conduct an inspection and seal nursing colleges that had failed to provide basic infrastructure to the students after availing all the facilities from the government.

In his chair meeting with the members of the nursing college management and medical education department officials at the Vikasa Soudha, he received numerous complaints over the lack of infrastructure facilities in several nursing colleges.

He had then instructed the Director of Medical Education, Dr Sujatha Rathore, who was present in the meeting, to inspect and seal the colleges.

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

Uttar Pradesh: Rizwan, Rehman and two others kill Aman Rajput for demanding borrowed money back, arrested after an encounter with police

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Rizwan, Rehman and two others kill Aman Rajput for demanding borrowed money back, arrested after an encounter with police

The Uttar Pradesh Police on June 30th arrested 4 individuals involved in the Hardoi murder case within 24 hours. Two accused were shot in the legs during the encounter. Reportedly, two policemen have also been injured.

The arrest happened after the police received a tip that four people accused of murder intended to flee somewhere by car. Based on this information, the joint police unit pursued the miscreants who were fleeing from Bairiya Tiraha to Shahabad via the Pali Kasba route.

As a move was made to stop them, the criminals began firing at the cops and tried escaping. The miscreants stopped the car in the nearby forest area on the way to Kahar Kala and opened fire on the police. Accused Rizwan was shot in the left leg, while Taufiq, a resident of Pali, was wounded in the right leg. Two more accused named in the murder, Rehman and Abrar Ali were also arrested. 

The accused persons, Rizwan, together with his brother Rehman Ishtiaq, Rizwan, Abrar, Javed, Taufiq, and Arshad had allegedly attacked Aman Rajput on Saturday night. Aman had lent money to Rizwan and had been recently demanding it back. Enraged by this, the accused launched an attack on Aman’s home, shot him dead, and also injured his pregnant sister. His other family members were also injured. 

Further investigations are underway.

Power tussle deepens in Karnataka Congress: Demands for change in CM grows as seers weigh in on Siddharamaiah vs Shivakumar debate

OpIndia Staff
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Power tussle deepens in Karnataka Congress: Demands for change in CM grows as seers weigh in on Siddharamaiah vs Shivakumar debate

A power struggle and caste-based politics in the state of Karnataka appears to be brewing yet again after a Vokkaliga seer urged CM Siddaramaiah to step down the post of Chief Minister so that DK Shivakumar could take over as the new CM.

During a Kempegowda Jayanti function attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seer Chandrashekar Swamiji advised Siddaramaiah to make room for DK Shivakumar in the future. Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swami of the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt, a prominent mutt of the Vokkaliga community, said that everyone from the Congress had enjoyed the power but DK Shivkumar was kept away from it.

“Everyone has become Chief Minister and enjoyed power. Our DK Shivakumar hasn’t become Chief Minister yet. Siddaramaiah has already been in power. In the future, Siddaramaiah should hand over power to Shivakumar. I again request Siddaramaiah, please make DK Shivakumar the Chief Minister,” he said.

The seer later told the media that Shivakumar was a deserving candidate for the post of Chief Minister since he played a key role in organizing the Congress ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections.

To note, DK Shivakumar is a prominent leader in the Vokkaliga minority, which accounts for 15% of Karnataka’s total population. In response to the seer’s words, Siddaramaiah who was also present at the event stated that the final decision depended on the Congress’ high command. “I will do whatever the party high command says,” the Chief Minister stated.

The incident is said to have happened when Siddharamaiah and Shivakumar were both present at an event commemorating the birth anniversary of Kempegowda, who is regarded to be the founder of Bengaluru. 

The power struggle in the Karnataka Congress is not a secret since it has defeated the BJP to come to power in the 2023 elections. Amid this, comments by seer Chandrashekar Swamiji have sparked heat among the party members. Following this, several other seers belonging to different sects have also begun commenting on the power struggle making sure their sect gets equal representation in the state power.

Srisaila Jagadguru Channa Siddharama Panditharadhya Swamy, a prominent Lingayat seer, asked the Congress last week to consider their community leaders for the position of chief minister.

Unlike the Vokkaliga seer, who pitched Shivakumar alone, the Lingayat saint suggested state ministers M.B. Patil, Eshwar Khandre, and S.S. Mallikarjun for the position. He reminded the Congress that Lingayat voters had supported it in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

“If the CM is changed and additional deputy chief ministers are appointed, then Lingayats should get more representation in the cabinet. Opportunities should be given to leaders like M B Patil, Eshwar Khandre, and Shamanur Shivashankarappa,” he said. Another Lingayat seer, Rambhapuri Veerasomeshwara Swami on June 30th demanded prominent positions for leaders from the Lingayat community in the cabinet.

It is crucial to note that the appearance of the seers and their vehement calls for leadership comes at a time when a faction of the Congress wants three deputy chief ministers representing the major communities.

Housing and minority affairs minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna have all openly supported the proposal for three deputies, apparently to undermine DK Shivakumar’s prominence.

The loss of D.K. Suresh’s home constituency of Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha constituency was a major setback for Shivakumar. Many had anticipated that Shivakumar would strengthen his bid for the top position, but the defeat of C.N. Manjunath, a cardiologist and the son-in-law of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, of the BJP is said to have changed the game for Shivakumar.

Shivakumar persisted in his quest to become chief minister even after leading the party to a resounding victory in the state elections of 2023. Days of talks and meetings with high-ranking officials were required to convince him to give in to Siddaramaiah as part of a deal for power-sharing.

The Congress officials are meanwhile blaming the BJP for allegedly instigating the seers to talk about the leadership in the state. Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvaraswamy charged the BJP with triggering the seers to cover up the party’s inability to retain 27 (of 28) seats in Karnataka in the last Lok Sabha. Also, CM’s economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy commented on the matter and opined that religious heads should not make such statements. “People respect them. Rather than imparting religious teachings, asking a person to make a CM based on caste is wrong,” he said.

Over the last week, the Siddaramaiah camp has attempted to upset Shivakumar by raising the issue of an additional deputy chief minister amid calls to replace the chief minister. Reports believe that Chandrashekaranatha Swami’s remark was intended to offset the Siddaramaiah camp’s efforts. Aside from the seer, some of Shivakumar’s supporters have also advocated for him to be appointed chief minister.

The BJP meanwhile has slammed the Congress party for disturbing the governance amid the party’s internal issues. “There is a power struggle going on in the Congress party. There is no governance,” said BJP MLA Ashwath Narayan. Sunil Kumar Karkala, a BJP MLA and state general secretary, claimed that the Congress leaders were battling for power at a time when the state was experiencing a rise in essential commodity prices.

“The pure greed of the Congress party and ministers have derailed development works in Karnataka. Now it’s time for Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar. Let Congress MLAs once and for all tell the public who they want as CM. Karnataka needs a stable government,” Karkala said.

A section of the Congress believes that the statement by the ministers seeking three more Deputy Chief Ministers had been part of Siddaramaiah’s plan to keep Shivakumar in order, amid speculation that he may seek the CM post after two and a half years in office. 

Dr Ahabbar Hussain posed as Aman Dikshit to marry a Hindu woman, forced her to convert to Islam and got her raped by his friends in Deoband, FIR registered

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Dr Ahabbar Hussain posed as Aman Dikshit to marry a Hindu woman, forced her to convert to Islam and got her raped by his friends in Deoband, FIR registered

A case of love jihad has been reported from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district wherein a married Muslim doctor posed as Aman Dixit to lure a Hindu girl into his love trap before forcing her to convert to Islam. The Hindu victim, originally from Kolkata, was held captive in a residence near Deoband and ruthlessly assaulted. The accused doctor’s name is Ahabbar Hussain. He has been married five times, and four of his wives are Muslim. On Monday, 1st July, the police filed an FIR against the accused and began an investigation.

This incident unfolded in the Deoband police station area in Saharanpur district. On Monday, the victim filed a complaint with the police and said that she is already married and the mother of a seven-year-old girl. She met Ahabbar Hussain, a Deoband resident who pretended to be a Hindu man named Aman Dixit. Aman ensnared the victim in his love trap. Ahabbar married the victim in Kolkata, following Hindu traditions. The victim also gave the authorities images and videos from the marriage as evidence. OpIndia has video footage of the marriage.

Ahabbar Hussain marrying the Hindu victim while pretending to be Aman Dikshit

Ahabbar’s friends raped the Hindu woman

Following the marriage, the accused doctor brought the victim to Deoband and locked her in a room. The victim alleged that Ahabbar used to rape her and she was assaulted if she protested. Meanwhile, the accused did not even provide adequate food to the victim. The accused doctor had also installed CCTV in the room, which allowed him to monitor the victim’s activities. Meanwhile, Ahabbar Hussain’s friends also raped the victim. In her complaint, the victim named one Doctor Arif and Shahzad accusing them of raping her on 25th June 2023. The victim woman demanded stern action against the perpetrators.

Victim’s minor daughter forced to convert to Islam

In Deoband, Ahabbar Hussain converted the victim and her 7-year-old underage daughter to Islam. The victim claims to be an illiterate woman from West Bengal who does not know Hindi well. Accused Ahabbar Hussain took advantage of this, and convinced her to sign a document. Later, based on these documents, Aadhar cards were generated for the victim and her daughter. She stated that by the time she learned that Ahaber Hussain was a Muslim, she had already fallen into the accused’s trap.

Victim along with her minor daughter demanded justice

Ahaber Hussain is a paediatrician at the Baby Care Hospital in Deoband. “He should be sent to jail. Otherwise, turn him over to me. I’ll burn him. He has caused us a great deal of pain,” the victim said.

I will commit suicide if I don’t get justice

In her complaint, the victim stated that if stern action is not taken against the accused, Ahabbar Hussain, she will be forced to commit suicide. On this complaint, the police have filed an FIR against Ahabbar Hussain, Shahzad, and Dr. Arif. All of them have been booked for violating Section 376 D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 5(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act 2021. OpIndia has a copy of the complaint. Saharanpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police stated that the required legal action is being taken following an investigation into the case.

Ahabbar Husain’s Muslim wife comes out against him

Meanwhile, Dr. Ahabbar’s ex-wife Fauzia has also come out in the media against him. Fauzia, originally from Saharanpur, stated that she married Ahabbar Hussain 13 years ago. The accused left Fauzia helpless four years ago who is currently raising her two girls alone. Fauzia claims her husband has married five times with her knowledge. She also voiced concern that other than this, Ahabbar may have covertly married many more women. Like the Hindu victim, Fauzia also wants Ahabbar jailed.

Hindu rights groups demand action against Ahabbar Hussain

The Bajrang Dal also intervened in this case. According to Vikas Tyagi of the Saharanpur Bajrang Dal, Ahabbar Hussain is currently living in Deoband with two wives, one of whom is a Hindu victim. One of his wives is believed to reside in Sarsawa, Saharanpur, another in Gangoh, the same district, and the third in Dehradun. Vikas Tyagi called for an in-depth investigation into Ahabbar Hussain’s crimes.

Over 120 people dead at ‘Bhole Baba’ Satsang in Hathras: Deadliest stampedes in recent history, what causes them and how to prevent them

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Over 120 people dead at ‘Bhole Baba’ Satsang in Hathras: Deadliest stampedes in recent history, what causes them and how to prevent them

On 2nd June, a tragic incident happened in Uttar Pradesh where over 120 devotees attending a ‘Satsang’ died in a stampede. The incident took place during the Satsang (religious gathering) for a self-styled Godman who goes by various aliases ‘Bhole Baba’ aka Narayan Sakar Hari or Sakaar Vishwa Hari. He is said to be close to several politicians including Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav who has in the past attended his Satsang and hailed him.

Reports suggest that though permission was taken for the event, the number of attendees was several folds more than the administration permitted for. When the Satsang was over the devotees rushed to collect soil from under Narayan Sakar Hari’s feet as he left the stage. Amidst the rush, chaos happened leading to a stampede that caused over 120 deaths. The death toll may rise further.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has initiated an inquiry into the matter and sought a report within 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was informed about the incident during his ‘Motion of Thanks’ speech in the Lok Sabha. He paused his speech and expressed condolences for the families of the deceased and assured them all support would be provided.

While this is one of the deadliest stampede that has happened in India, history shows that such incidents often happen across the world. Here is a list of some of the deadliest stampedes in India and worldwide.

The 2022 stampede of Seoul, South Korea

In October 2022, on the night of Halloween, around 1,00,000 people gathered to celebrate the festival in the narrow streets of Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea. The victims were crushed as the crowd surged and soon the sea of individuals collapsed. Over 158 people lost their lives and over 500 were reported injured.

The 2022 stampede of Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir

In 2022, on the eve of the New Year, a large number of devotees went to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings leading to a stampede. As per official reports, the stampede occurred due to a massive surge in the devotees. Around 12 people lost their lives and 14 were injured.

Visuals from the Vaishno Devi shrine on New Year, 2022 where 12 people died in a stampede, image via TOI

The 2015 stampede of Hajj, Mecca

In September 2015, thousands of people were crushed during a 10-minute-long stampede at Mecca. Reports suggest that at least 2,411 pilgrims lost their lives during the stampede, 3-times higher than the official number released by Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of pilgrims went missing after the stampede. According to the official report, the stampede occurred when two waves of pilgrims converged on a narrow road. Though Saudi Arabia claimed they were prepared for the crowd control and had spent billions for the same, the sheer number of pilgrims made it difficult for the authorities to manage. Among the dead, 120 pilgrims were from India. The highest number of pilgrims (464) who died in the incident were from Iran.

Piles of bodies at the Mina stampede in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 2015, image via RT

The 2015 stampede of Pushkaram festival, Andhra Pradesh

In 2015, at least 29 people lost their lives and over 60 were injured in a stampede during the Mahapushkaram festival on the banks of the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh. The incident took place at around 8 AM at Rajamundry soon after then-Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his family participated in the holy dip. Reports suggest that some of the pilgrims were trying to retrieve their shoes and fell off leading to the stampede. Tens of thousands of people were pushed forward to bathe in the river. It is believed that over 24 million devotees participated in the festival and a small place like Rajahmundry was not prepared enough to manage the crowd.

Godavari Pushkaram stampede in Rajamundry in 2015, images via DNA and Business Standard

2013 stampede of Ratangarh Temple, Madhya Pradesh

In 2013, at least 111 people lost their lives and over 100 were reported injured in a stampede that took place during the Navratri festival near Ratangarh Temple in district Datia of Madhya Pradesh. The stampede was triggered due to a rumour that the bridge that the devotees were trying to cross was about to collapse.

The 2010 stampede of Water Festival in Phnom Penh, Cambidia

In November 2010, at least 340 people died and hundreds were injured during the Cambodia Water Festival in Phnom Penh. Considered to be one of the most joyful events in the Cambodian calendar, the festival turned into a tragedy at around 10 PM on the third and final day of the Water Festival. 240 casualties were women. Though there were no confirmed reports of how the stampede happened, rumours suggest that a fight broke out between the attendees and police used water cannons to disperse them. It led to people rushing to get away from the site and a stampede happened. According to the doctors, suffocation and electric shock were the two main reasons for the death, however, the government dismissed electrocution as one of the reasons.

Water festival stampede in Cambodia, image via AP

What causes stampede?

Stampedes or crowd crushes are complex events. Several factors add up leading to stampedes. Some of the key causes are as follows.

Overcrowding and Poor Crowd Management

One of the most significant reasons for stampede is overcrowding. In many cases, the number of attendees of an event exceeds the capacity of the venue of the area where the event is happening. It can lead to dangerous situations. Furthermore, poor planning and crowd management add up to the problem.

Panic and Sudden Triggers

Mass panic and sudden triggers often cause stampede. A rumour, loud noise, or an unexpected event may cause people to move abruptly leading stampede. In yesterday’s event at Hathras, a large crowd started rushing to collect the ‘charan dhool’ or dust at the feet of Bhole Baba for their religious belief. As the Baba’s security personnel prevented the crowd from rushing in towards the godman, people piled on each other, some slipped on a slope leading to an open field and the crowd kept rushing in, stepping over fallen persons, causing many victims to suffocate and die. The SDM’s report on the tragic event elaborates on this. The report states that after the confrontation between Baba’s security personnel and the surging crowd rushing towards the godmen, the crowd started running helter-skelter, causing many to fall and get trampled.

SDM’s report of the Hathras stampede event, via Sachin Gupta on X

Inadequate Emergency Response

Slow and inadequate response from the administration and law enforcement agencies can cause stampede.

Poor Communication

In a dense crowd, information moves slowly but rumours travel fast. Lack of awareness and poor communication lead to deadly situations. It can cause continued pushing and movement increasing the risk of getting crushed, especially for those who are not physically well.

Environmental and Structural Issues

Narrow pathways and enclosed spaces also cause stampede especially when the crowd grows beyond the capacity of the space.

How to prevent stampede?

Preventing stampedes involves a combination of effective crowd management, proper event planning, and quick emergency response. Key measures include controlling the number of attendees to prevent overcrowding, designing venues with multiple exits and clear pathways, and ensuring robust communication among event organisers and security personnel. Furthermore, it is essential to educate the people attending the event about the safety protocols. Well-trained emergency response team at the site of the event also helps in reducing the risks.

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