by Editor | Aug 27, 2024 | News, Politics
NEW DELHI – The BJP on Monday distanced itself from its Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut’s remarks on the farmers’ agitation, and asked her to refrain from making such statements in the future.
Actor-politician Ranaut earlier stoked a controversy by suggesting that the farmers’ protest could have led to a Bangladesh-like situation in the country had the top leadership not acted strongly.
In a video shared on X, the Mandi MP also alleged that during the farmers’ stir against the three farm laws, “bodies were seen hanging and rapes were taking place”.
BJP’s Media Cell has now issued a statement on Ranaut’s controversial remarks, saying, “The views expressed by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on the farmers’ movement do not reflect the stance of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The party distances itself from her statement. Kangana Ranaut is not authorised to represent the party or speak on matters of party policy. She has been instructed by the BJP to refrain from making similar statements in the future.”
The BJP is committed to follow the principles of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’ and social harmony, it added.
Ranaut’s comments came at a time when Assembly elections are around the corner in Haryana (October 1). Her remarks could further inflame farmers’ outrage against the BJP, potentially impacting the party’s poll prospects in thr agri-centric areas of the state.
Taking a subtle jibe at the Mandi MP, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala asked her “Get well soon”.
Surjewala wrote on X, “After all, why do BJP people hate the country’s food providers so much? The BJP has always lied, deceived, conspired, and oppressed our farmers. And once again a BJP MP has made baseless allegations against our food providers. The question is, has Kangana made this cheap allegation against the farmers as per the BJP’s election strategy?”
The Congress leader who hails from Haryana also asked, “Were these just Kangana’s words or did someone else copy them? If not, why are the Prime Minister of the country, the Chief Minister of Haryana, and all the BJP MPs and MLAs silent on this issue?”
When Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was questioned on Ranaut’s remarks, he refused to comment and said “it was her personal opinion”.
by Editor | Aug 27, 2024 | News, Politics
MUMBAI — With parties busy chalking out electoral strategies ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, Sanjay Nirupam, a prominent leader from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), has stirred the hornet’s nest by backing the demand for a significant representation of Muslim candidates in the Shiv Sena faction of Uddhav Thackeray. This comes after All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) urged Thackeray to allocate tickets to Muslim candidates in the upcoming elections.
In a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nirupam expressed his support for the demand: “More than 50 percent of the candidates of Shiv Sena (UBT) should be Muslim, because if Muslims had not voted in the Lok Sabha elections, not a single candidate of Shiv Sena (UBT) would have won. The same is going to happen in the assembly elections as well. Shiv Sena (UBT) has abandoned Hindutva and Marathi-speaking voters have gone away from them.”
This statement underscores the growing influence of Muslim voters within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction of the Shiv Sena. Following the Lok Sabha elections, where Uddhav’s faction did not secure the expected support from Hindus and Marathi-speaking voters, there has been a noticeable shift in strategy. Thackeray’s recent engagements with Muslim leaders and his public commitment to safeguarding Waqf properties have further solidified the community’s confidence in his leadership.
“Uddhav Thackeray has promised to give full support to Muslims in the Waqf Board property case,” said a source close to the party. “He has clearly stated that no one can touch the Waqf property, and he has also indicated that his party will oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill.”
This stance is believed to be a calculated move in response to the Lok Sabha election results, where the Uddhav faction relied heavily on Muslim votes, particularly from the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition. The commitment to opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill and protecting Waqf properties is seen as a direct appeal to maintain and strengthen the support of the Muslim community in the upcoming assembly elections.
“The opposition of the MPs of the Uddhav faction to a sensitive issue like the Waqf Bill will infuse new confidence in the minority society towards the party,” political analysts suggest. As the assembly elections approach, the inclusion of Muslim candidates in the Shiv Sena (UBT) lineup could play a crucial role in determining the party’s success, especially given the shifting voter base and the challenges of maintaining a balance between different communities.
Sanjay Nirupam’s endorsement of the demand also highlights the ongoing rift within the Shiv Sena, with the Shinde faction critiquing Uddhav’s approach and its departure from the party’s traditional voter base. However, Uddhav Thackeray’s recent actions suggest a deliberate strategy to consolidate Muslim support, which could prove decisive in the upcoming elections.
by Editor | Aug 27, 2024 | Politics
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sparked controversy on Tuesday with his remarks during a heated assembly debate, saying that he would “take sides” and prevent Miya Muslims from “taking over Assam.” Sarma’s comments came in response to adjournment motions brought by opposition parties seeking discussion on the state’s law and order situation, particularly in light of the recent rape of a 14-year-old girl in Nagaon.
During the session, Sarma dismissed claims that the crime rate in Assam had increased, stating that the figures remained proportionate when considering population growth. When accused by opposition members of being biased, Sarma defiantly responded, “I will take sides. What can you do about it?”
The Chief Minister further intensified the debate by questioning the movement of people within the state, suggesting that such migrations were an attempt by Miya Muslims to assert dominance in Assam. “Why will people from Lower Assam go to Upper Assam? So that Miya Muslims can take over Assam? We won’t let it happen,” he said.
Sarma’s statements came shortly after opposition MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that the BJP was attempting to replicate the 2002 Gujarat scenario in Assam. Gogoi’s remarks were in response to reports of organizations allegedly threatening Miya Muslims in Upper Assam, urging them to leave the region.
The discussion in the assembly quickly escalated, leading to members from both the ruling party and opposition storming into the Well of the House. The intense confrontation prompted Speaker Biswajit Daimary to adjourn the proceedings for 10 minutes.
The adjournment motions had been brought forward by MLAs from Congress, AIUDF, CPI(M), and Independent legislator Akhil Gogoi, all of whom sought a serious discussion on the rising crime rates in the state, including crimes against women.
by Editor | Aug 27, 2024 | News, Politics
Patna: Heavy rush of devotees at the ISKCON temple in Patna on the occasion of the Janmashtami festival created a stampede-like situation on Monday evening, a police officer said.
“A huge number of devotees thronged the ISKCON temple on the occasion of Janmashtami festival in the evening. An adequate number of security personnel had already been deployed there. We engaged more personnel when the situation turned chaotic as the devotees tried to outpace one another. It was a tough time for the security personnel. The situation was, however, immediately brought under control. It was not a full-blown stampede,” Mishra said.
Video clips that went viral on social media showed security personnel trying to control the onrushing devotees at the temple. A few of them fell on the ground and they were helped by the security personnel.
“The situation is completely under control. Our top priority is to manage the rush of devotees first. Women security personnel have also been deployed in large numbers,” said the SSP.
To a question, he said, “Some of the devotees might have suffered minor injuries.”
Patna District administration also issued a statement on the incident.
“There was no stampede at the ISKCON temple. Mild force was used to check those devotees who tried to enter temple premises by breaking police barricades. The situation is completely under control”.
At least seven people were killed and 16 others injured in a stampede at Baba Siddheshwar Nath Temple in Bihar’s Jehanabad district earlier this month.
by Editor | Aug 27, 2024 | News, Politics
New Delhi: India on Monday trashed reports in Bangladesh that the opening of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal is causing floods in some areas in the neighbouring country.
“We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
He said relevant data is shared with joint river commission officials concerned in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis, and it was done this time as well.
“We have seen media reports of the opening of Farakka barrage gates that will allow the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga/Padma river,” Jaiswal said.
“This is a normal seasonal development that takes place due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream,” he said.
The MEA spokesperson was responding to media queries on the matter.
