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The Pentagon “Misplaced” $2.46 Trillion: An In-Depth Look At The Financial Audit Failures

By
Ganesh Kumar
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The Pentagon "Misplaced" $2.46 Trillion: An In-Depth Look At The Financial Audit Failures.

The Pentagon, which houses the United States Department of Defense (DoD), failed its financial audit again, marking the seventh consecutive year of such failure. This latest audit revealed that the DoD could not account for 60% of its $4.1 trillion in assets. This amounts to a staggering $2.46 trillion that remains unaccounted for. The DoD’s inability to track such a vast sum of money underscores significant financial mismanagement within the department.

Annual Budget And Oversight

Despite these repeated failures, the Department of Defense continues to receive its full annual budget of $824 billion. This situation raises questions about fiscal responsibility and oversight. The audits, which are conducted by independent auditors and overseen by the DoD Inspector General, cost $178 million annually and involve the efforts of 1,700 auditors. Despite these extensive efforts, the audits consistently reveal significant errors and gaps in the financial records of the DoD.

Comparative Accountability

The Pentagon’s audit failures stand in stark contrast to the stringent measures imposed on private citizens. If a private individual were to fail multiple IRS audits, they would face severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential jail time for tax evasion. This disparity highlights a double standard in accountability and raises concerns about how public funds are managed. The lack of significant consequences for these audit failures within the DoD suggests a need for greater accountability and transparency in government spending.

Mismanagement And Waste

The Pentagon’s inability to account for a substantial portion of its budget points to widespread mismanagement and waste. One striking example is the estimated $220 billion worth of untracked spare parts, which reflects a significant inefficiency in asset management. Such mismanagement not only wastes taxpayer money but also undermines the operational readiness and efficiency of the U.S. military. The scale of unaccounted funds suggests systemic issues that need to be addressed to improve financial stewardship within the department.

Efforts To Improve

In response to these ongoing issues, the DoD has spent $4 billion in recent years to improve its accounting practices. However, these efforts have not yet resulted in the desired outcomes, as evidenced by the continued audit failures. The complexity and vast scale of the DoD’s operations present significant challenges to achieving a clean audit. Continuous improvement and more robust financial management systems are necessary to address these challenges effectively.

Implications For Public Services

The persistent financial mismanagement within the DoD has broader implications for public services. As the defence budget is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2027, some are concerned that increased military spending could divert funds from other essential public services, such as education and healthcare. Taxpayers ultimately bear the burden of these inefficiencies, which can affect the quality and availability of vital public services. The balance between defense spending and funding for other public needs is a critical issue that requires careful consideration.

Public Confidence And Economic Impact

Perceptions of government mismanagement impact public confidence in the economy. Recent surveys indicate that 60% of Americans rate the economy negatively, largely due to rising inflation and living costs. The issue of unaccounted funds within the DoD adds to the overall scepticism about how public money management. Restoring public trust requires addressing these financial management issues and ensuring greater accountability within government departments.

Potential Solutions

Some experts suggest that blockchain technology could help resolve the Pentagon’s financial management challenges. Blockchain provides a transparent and real-time tracking system, which could enhance the DoD’s ability to account for its spending and assets. This technology could ensure more efficient use of funds and prevent mismanagement. However, implementing such a system would require overcoming significant resistance from those who benefit from the current lack of accountability. It would also require substantial investment and a commitment to transparency and reform.

The Pentagon’s continued financial audit failures highlight critical issues in the management of one of the world’s largest defense budgets. The inability to account for $2.46 trillion raises serious questions about accountability and transparency within the Department of Defense. As the defense budget continues to grow, the DoD must address these issues to ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds and maintain public trust. Implementing effective solutions, such as leveraging advanced technologies, and fostering a culture of accountability are essential steps in addressing these ongoing challenges.

Ganesh Kumar is a geo-political analyst.

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BJP Will Kick Out Infiltrators Once In Power In Jharkhand: CM Yogi

By
The Commune
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BJP Will Kick Out Infiltrators Once In Power In Jharkhand: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that once the BJP formed the government in Jharkhand, Bangladeshi infiltrators and Rohingyas, who are taking over the rights of locals in Santhal Pargana region, will be kicked out. He said this while addressing a rally in the Rajmahal Assembly constituency of Jharkhand on Monday.

Talking about the impact of a double-engine government, CM Yogi asserted that states under the BJP rule have no place for infiltrators. He hit out at the current Jharkhand government, alleging that it has turned the state into a stronghold for Rohingya Muslims. “I have come to tell you one thing. In Uttar Pradesh, where we have a double-engine government, there are no infiltrators, and no one dares to slaughter cows or disrespect our daughters. If anyone dares, he is booked a one-way ticket to Yamraj. The JMM-Congress government cannot do this,” CM Yogi said.

Training guns at the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress, he accused their leaders of corruption. Referring to recent raids, the CM alleged, “People of Jharkhand are poor, but crores of rupees were discovered at the residence of Alamgir Alam, a Minister in the JMM-led government, as well as at the house of a Congress MP. Was this money Congress’, RJD’s, or JMM’s? This was money sent by Modi ji for Jharkhand’s development, but these leaders looted it.” The UP CM assured voters that after the counting of votes on November 23, those responsible for corruption would be held accountable. According to him, voting surveys from the first phase of the election, covering 43 seats, indicate that the BJP-led NDA is on track to secure a two-thirds majority. “BJP governments bring good governance and eliminate lawlessness,” he asserted.

Recalling his tenure as a Member of Parliament during the formation of Jharkhand, CM Yogi attacked Congress and the RJD for initially opposing the state’s creation. “Today, both parties are misleading the state by aligning with JMM,” he alleged. Discussing the BJP’s election manifesto, he highlighted the party’s promises such as permanent housing for 21 lakh people, a monthly stipend of Rs 2,100 under the Gogo Didi scheme for women, unemployment benefits of Rs 2,000 per month for graduates and post-graduates, and Rs 5,000 per month under the PM Internship Scheme.

He said the party has also pledged 2.87 lakh government jobs for Jharkhand’s youth and free sand for house construction to every family. CM Yogi urged the public, “We must stay united, division will only lead to our downfall. Leaders who divide society along caste lines are enemies of the nation. We must move forward with the vision of a developed India.” He appealed to voters to support BJP candidate Anant Ojha in the Rajmahal constituency (ST).

–IANS

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‘Feminist’ Swara Bhaskar & Husband Meet Cleric Who Called Women’s Education ‘Haram’

By
The Commune
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'Feminist' Swara Bhaskar & Husband Meet Cleric Who Called Women's Education 'Haram'

Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra elections, actress Swara Bhaskar, who waxed eloquent about feminism, along with her husband Fahad Ahmed, met radical Islamic cleric Sajjad Nomani. Nomani, who has been urging the Muslim community to support the NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena alliance (Maha Vikas Aghadi), has been vocal in his opposition to various social reforms, including women’s education.

Fahad Ahmed, who is contesting from the Anushakti Nagar Vidhan Sabha constituency on an NCP ticket, has garnered support from Nomani, who is known for his controversial statements.

Bhaskar, known for deriding Hindu customs and traditions in the name of feminism was seen looking like a perfect “khala“, found herself in the spotlight for meeting Nomani, given his fundamentalist views that contradict the values of women’s empowerment she advocates.

Who Is Islamist Sajjad Nomani?

Nomani, a member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, has stirred controversy with his views on education for girls.

Education Is Haram

In one video, he declared that sending girls to schools and colleges is “Haram” (forbidden) in Islam. He further stated that parents who allow their daughters to attend educational institutions alone would be condemned to Hell. “It doesn’t matter if the daughter is wearing a hijab; she is not to be left unaccompanied,” Nomani said. He also discouraged Muslim girls from attending schools, urging parents to keep their daughters at home and teach them under female supervision.

Nomani’s extremist ideology extends beyond education, with his remarks against Muslim women’s modesty. He expressed concern over Muslim girls abandoning purdah (veil) and argued that it was better to keep daughters uneducated than to send them to colleges. “I swear on Allah that it is better to keep your daughters uneducated and illiterate instead of sending them to such colleges,” he stated.

Taliban Love

In addition to his regressive stance on women’s rights, Nomani has expressed admiration for the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. After the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, he congratulated the militant group, stating, “No one can defeat a community which is ready to die in its pursuit of power. Congratulations to the Taliban! I, as a Muslim from Hind, salute your courage, calibre, religious zeal, and determination.”

Bhagwa Love Trap Conspiracy Peddler

Nomani has also propagated the controversial “Bhagwa Love Trap” theory, alleging that Hindu men are conspiring to convert Muslim women through relationships. He claimed that Hindu men are trained in Islamic teachings and Urdu to lure Muslim women, with the incentive of money, housing, and jobs. “As per my estimates, at least 5000 girls have run away with Hindus, married them and changed their religion to Hinduism. And some of these girls are those who were considered virtuous in their localities. You did not educate them enough about honour of God. You sent them to school, college. You gave them mobiles. They are making friendships. On the other side, there is a whole conspiracy to trap as many Muslim girls as possible, destroy their religion, enjoy them for a few months and then throw them away like peels, destroy their lives, this is a planning. Girls and their parents are so unaware of what’s happening outside. They get these girls’ contact numbers, contact them, and I came to know this through sources that the members of that organization is training their youth for 1-2 months about how Muslims talk among themselves, their behavioural aspects and do sweet talk the unaware and naive girls and the parents. Has any of your sleep been disturbed after listening to this?”, he asserted, adding that these men are allegedly rewarded for their efforts. He warned his followers to be vigilant and accused Hindu youths of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to convert Muslim women.

The meeting between Swara Bhaskar and Sajjad Nomani has sparked criticism, particularly given the radical views expressed by the cleric. Bhaskar following her marriage to Fahad Ahmed earlier this year seemed to have taken a drastic turn favouring Islam given her recent meeting with Nomani. Her feminist stance seems at odds with Nomani’s restrictive views on women’s rights.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Karnataka Minister Zameer’s Racist Remarks Unacceptable: Ex-CM Bommai

By
The Commune
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Karnataka Minister Zameer’s Racist Remarks Unacceptable: Ex-CM Bommai

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai slammed Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan over his racist remarks on Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, stating that such comments are not acceptable in a civil society.

Speaking to the media persons in Bengaluru on Monday, Bommai said, “Everyone deserves respect, whether rich or poor. No one can demean another person. Those with awareness will never make such statements,” he said. Zameer Ahmad Khan, Housing and Waqf minister of Karnataka had stirred a controversy some days ago when addressed Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy as ‘Kaala Kumaraswamy’. Though hours later, he tendered an apology stating, “We both are very close. He used to address me as “kulla” (shorty) fondly, and I used to address him as “kariyanna” (blacky, Kalia).” Kumaraswamy stated, “Do you think I come from such a background to address Minister Zameer as ‘shorty’ and to be called as ‘kariya’ (Kaala, blacky) by him? His words show his culture.”

“The Congress leaders are claiming that we were close and racist remarks are not a big deal. If they have any shame, they should know we were close, the closeness was over politics and it was not on personal levels,” he further clarified. He also slammed the Congress ministers who have been either tacitly or openly supporting Zameer’s racist jibe at him.

Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had stated, “Primarily, it is their personal matter. Minister Zameer should not have spoken like this. Distinction over fair or dark skin is not correct. He should not have spoken about it. As the party’s state President, I am stating that what Minister Zameer said is wrong.” When asked about the Lokayukta report dismissing Congress’ accusations of 40 per cent corruption against the previous BJP government, Basavaraj Bommai refused to comment in detail.

“I won’t speak on this matter now. Our state president and opposition leader have already addressed it. I will respond after the by-election results are announced on November 23,” Bommai said. Regarding the Congress government’s ongoing investigations against the previous BJP government, Bommai maintained his stance of withholding comments until after the by-election results. “I will address all these questions after the results are out,” he stated.

–IANS

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After Ram Temple, Hindus Waiting For Krishna Temple In Mathura: MP CM Mohan Yadav

By
The Commune
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After Ram Temple, Hindus Waiting For Krishna Temple In Mathura: MP CM Mohan Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday said after the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu community is now eagerly waiting for a decision on Lord Krishna’s birthplace in Mathura. CM Yadav made this remark while addressing a public gathering in Mumbai, on the last day of the campaign for the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections slated for November 20. He said that Lord Ram had returned to his birthplace in Ayodhya, and the fight for Lord Krishna’s birthplace Mathura will also be resolved in the coming days.

He was referring to the ongoing legal battle about the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah mosque dispute in Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. The Hindu petitioners allegedly claimed that Krishna’s birthplace lies beneath the mosque, while the Muslim side argues that the mosque does not fall within the disputed land. “Ram temple was built under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and now we all are waiting for the decision on the birthplace of Krishna in Mathura. We will get back that too soon,” CM Yadav said, urging the people of Maharashtra to support the BJP to make PM Modi stronger. He criticised the Opposition bloc for questioning the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple. “Leaders of the Opposition bloc will raise questions on the Ram temple. Not a single leader from the opposition visited the Ram temple since it was inaugurated,” he added.

CM Yadav was in Mumbai on Monday to campaign for the BJP in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. On the last day of the campaign, he is scheduled to do five roadshows and public addressings at different locations, including in Dharavi and Kandivali. Maharashtra will witness a contest between two coalitions — the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), consisting of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar), and Congress, and the Mahayuti Alliance, which brings together BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar).

In the 2019 elections, BJP secured 105 seats, Shiv Sena 56, and Congress 44. Voting for all 288 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly will be held in a single phase on November 20, and the results will be declared on November 23. Of the 288 Assembly seats, 234 come under the general category, 29 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 25 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).

–IANS

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“If Sanatana Dharma Is Insulted, We Will Respond Appropriately”, Says AP Dy CM Pawan Kalyan

By
The Commune
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Situation Will Be Different If I Become Andhra’s Home Minister: Pawan Kalyan

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has reiterated his firm stance on protecting Sanatana Dharma, asserting that any insult to it will be met with a strong response. Speaking at a public meeting in Ballarpur during his campaign for the BJP alliance in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Kalyan emphasized the importance of respecting all religions while defending the Hindu faith.

“We follow Sanatana Dharma and respect everyone, regardless of religion. However, if Sanatana Dharma is insulted, we will respond appropriately,” said Kalyan, addressing a gathering ahead of the state elections. He also praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its significant role in shaping India’s growth. “India could not have reached where it is today without the support of RSS,” Kalyan added.

The Maharashtra elections, scheduled for the day after tomorrow, are witnessing a direct contest between the Mahayuti alliance, comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Congress, Uddhav Shiv Sena, and the Nationalist Congress (SP). Raj Thackeray’s Nava Nirman Sena, Bahujan Samaj, and Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi parties are also contesting separately.

Kalyan, who leads the Jana Sena Party in Andhra Pradesh, expressed his commitment to the development of both Maharashtra and Sanatana Dharma. “India is currently the fifth-largest economy, and the NDA government is working tirelessly to elevate it to the third position. We must ensure this progress continues,” he said, urging voters to support the right candidates in the upcoming elections.

Having recently contested the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in alliance with the National Democratic Alliance, Kalyan reiterated his strong Hindutva views and announced plans to launch a new initiative called the Narasimha Varahi Pada within his party to further promote the values of Sanatana Dharma.

(With inputs from OneIndia Tamil)

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Two Minor Pakistani Hindu Girls Found Hanging In Tharparkar, Islamkot

By
The Commune
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Two Minor Pakistani Hindu Girls Found Hanging In Tharparkar, Islamkot

In a heartbreaking incident in Pakistan’s Islamkot area, two Hindu girls, Hema (15) and Venti (17), were found hanging from a tree on the outskirts of Babuhar Hingorja village in Tharparkar. The incident has caused widespread outrage and fear among the local Hindu community, who continue to face persecution and threats.

According to the victims’ family, the sisters had gone to work in the fields while others were occupied with household tasks. Shortly afterward, news emerged of their deaths. The parents informed police that both girls suffered from mental health issues, and another sister had died by suicide four years ago. Villagers described the family as isolated and noted the girls were reportedly engaged two years ago, with no known disputes involving the family.

The tragedy has reignited concerns over the dire conditions faced by Pakistan’s minorities, with many calling for stronger global action. 

Image Source: https://twitter.com/INSIGHTUK2/status/1857846765140983962

AP Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Condemns Incident

Responding to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed grief on social media, saying, “It pains a lot to see our Hindu sisters in Pakistan going through such atrocities and losing their lives. Every time I see such news about the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, it pains me deeply. I pray for Hema and Venti’s departed souls with tears.”

His comments followed a post by Insight UK, which criticized international bodies like the UNHRC for failing to address the safety and rights of minorities in Pakistan.

Hindus In Pakistan In Grave Danger

Hindus living in Pakistan face danger from their Islamist countrymen who are said to force them to convert through forced marriages of underage girls or just pressurizing them every single day. These suicides are a daily occurrence in the country where the number of Hindus is dwindling by the day.

In 2023, Reeta Kohli also reported as Reeta Meghwar, was abducted in Sindh two months ago by Ashiq Ahmadani. She was coerced into converting to Islam and forced to marry a much older Muslim man. After escaping and seeking refuge at a police station, Reeta pleaded in court to reunite with her parents. However, the court placed her in a shelter home against her will, prompting criticism from activists who called the decision unconstitutional and demanded her release.

Around the same time, an 11-year-old Hindu girl from Sindh’s Umerkot district was abducted by 28-year-old Azim Ghumrani. This region is infamous for the abduction, rape, and forced conversion of minority Hindu girls, further illustrating the dire conditions faced by non-Muslims in Pakistan.

In 2021, in Sindh, Pakistan, 60 impoverished Dalit Hindus reportedly converted to Islam under pressure, seeking freedom from bonded labor, debt, and fear of molestation. A viral video shows a cleric leading the conversion. While some allege coercion, Pakistani Hindu MNA Ramesh Kumar Vankwani denied it, attributing motives to religious interest or financial gain.

In 2021 in Sindh, a 12-year-old girl Rekha Kohli was abducted by 60-year-old Muhammad Hanif Bozdar who already had a family. After the abduction, Rekha was forcibly converted to Islam and married to the abductor.

In 2020, a Hindu temple was vandalized in the Kario Bhanwar region of Sindh in Imran Khan’s ‘Naya Pakistan’. The temple which is dedicated to Lord Ram was razed down by local Islamists.

In a similar incident that happened the same year, an entire village of Hindus in Bhawalpur had been mindlessly demolished under the watch of Pakistan’s Housing Minister Tariq Basheer Cheema who belongs to the Imran Khan-led government.

(With inputs from ABP News)

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Sacred Heart Church In Hyderabad Receives Eviction Notice From Indian Railways, Church Says They’re Not Land Grabbers

By
The Commune
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Sacred Heart Church In Hyderabad Receives Eviction Notice From Indian Railways, Church Says They're Not Land Grabbers

A church in Lallaguda, dating back nearly a century, now faces eviction after receiving a notice from the South Central Railway (SCR) according to a report by Time of India. Sacred Heart Church, a central place of worship for the Catholic community in South Lallaguda, has been directed to vacate the premises within a month. The SCR claims that the church, situated on railway property within the SLGD Officers and Staff Colony, was built without proper authorization.

The notice, which cites the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971, warns that failure to comply will result in forced eviction and possible legal action. The church, established in 1927, came into existence when the Railways permitted the Catholic residents of Lallaguda—then a small colony under the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway Company—to build a dedicated place of worship. Initially, Mass was held at the local Railway School by a priest from St. Mary’s Church in Secunderabad. The construction of Sacred Heart Church began in July 1927, following the Railways’ agreement to allocate a plot of land earlier that year. Built in the shape of a cross, the church cost ₹7,000, with a ₹1,000 contribution from the Nizam. It was dedicated to the Sacred Heart and blessed by Msgr. Vismara, the third Bishop of Hyderabad.

One of the church’s early challenges was community opposition to the ringing of its bell, which some non-Catholic neighbors found disruptive at 5:30 a.m. However, the then-priest, Fr. Tinti, managed to resolve the dispute, allowing the bell to continue ringing for various occasions, a tradition that persists today.

Over the years, the church underwent several renovations. Under Fr. Madanu Arogyam’s leadership, an asbestos structure with a gallery was added, blessed by Archbishop Samineni Arulappa. Later, during Fr. Chopparapu Arogyam’s tenure, the asbestos roof was replaced with RCC roofing, and further enhancements were made, culminating in the chapel’s blessing by Archbishop Marampudi Joji in 2004.

The church community, however, contests the SCR’s claims, arguing that they have a legally binding lease agreement with the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway, valid until 2027. They highlight that they have been paying royalties as per the agreement, with receipts valid until 2025. This recent notice, they argue, is the first time the railway authorities have officially questioned their right to the land.

“We are not encroachers,” asserted Father Joannes Mettu. “We have valid legal documents proving our lease extends until 2027. Issuing an eviction notice now is premature, given that there are still three years remaining on our agreement.”, the father was quoted saying in a Time of India report.

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Karnataka Lokayukta Gives Clean Chit To Previous BJP Govt, Here’s How Congress And Its Propaganda Outlets Like TNM Went On An Overdrive About 40% Commission Govt

By
The Commune
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Karnataka Lokayukta Gives Clean Chit To Previous BJP Govt, Here's How Congress And Its Propaganda Outlets Like TNM Went On An Overdrive About 40% Commission Govt

On 18 November 2024, the Lokayukta reportedly cleared the former Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in Karnataka of allegations related to the so-called “40% commission” case. D Kempanna and R Ambikapathy, the late president and vice-president of the Karnataka State Contractors Association, made the allegations. Both individuals passed away last year due to age-related illnesses and a heart attack, respectively.

Addressing the media, BJP leader R Ashoka criticized the allegations, asserting that no evidence was ever provided to substantiate the claims. “The Lokayukta never received any evidence of the alleged 40 per cent commission the contractors gave. Both Kempanna and Ambikapathy acted as a toolkit of the Congress party and filed the case. But the Lokayukta dismissed the case, saying there was never any evidence to substantiate the claims,” he stated.

Ashoka also accused the Congress of coming to power by making “false claims” and “misleading guarantees” to voters, predicting their eventual political downfall. Former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also weighed in, welcoming the Lokayukta’s findings and calling on the Congress government to stop perpetuating what he described as falsehoods. “At least now, I urge the Congress govt to stop spreading lies about the 40 per cent commission,” he stated.

The Karnataka Lokayukta reportedly found no substantial evidence in the complaint, with officials noting that Kempanna had not undertaken any contracts in the past six years, suggesting a lack of basis for his allegations against the BJP. Former Deputy Chief Minister Govind Karjol echoed these sentiments, asserting that the accusations were politically motivated.

In response, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed the clean chit as inconclusive, arguing that a lack of evidence does not equate to innocence. “Just because the BJP claims it received a clean chit does not mean no wrong has happened. There are two ways in which a case is dismissed at the courts. One of the ways is that the evidence could not substantiate the wrongdoing,“ he explained. Siddaramaiah also noted that the judicial commission set up to investigate the matter has yet to submit its report.

The controversy dates back to accusations from the Karnataka State Contractors Association, which claimed that BJP officials, including Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa, demanded a 40% commission on government projects. The allegations were amplified by Congress leaders, with Rahul Gandhi labeling the BJP as “the most corrupt party in India” and accusing it of using illicit funds to influence MLAs from other parties. In 2022, the Congress launched its “PayCM” campaign against Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, alleging his government demanded a 40% commission on public works. Posters featuring a QR code and Bommai’s image appeared outside BJP’s Nelamangala headquarters, redirecting to Congress’s “40% Sarkara” website for bribery complaints. Congress took responsibility for the campaign, with leaders calling the BJP government the “most corrupt.” Bommai called it a “fake campaign” to tarnish his and Karnataka’s reputation, ordering an investigation. 

Last year, Home Minister Amit Shah challenged the Congress to provide concrete evidence of their claims in court. “They can talk about it and should go to court if they have concrete evidence. Neither there’s any probe nor there’s any case. How will people believe in such baseless allegations?” Shah had said at the time.

The News Minute Peddled Same Propaganda

The News Minute carried a massive propaganda alleging the 40% commission and gave platform to the contractors to air their allegations. They made video after video on this alleged corruption scandal.

In 2023, just before the Karnataka Assembly elections, The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran even posed questions on the allegations made by the Contractor’s Association to TN BJP chief Annamalai who was canvassing for the party in Karnataka. She even said, even though an MLA’s son was caught with money, “strangely, there seems to be no way in which the BJP is addressing the problem of corruption.” However, there was no proof to substantiate the allegations made and hence the contractor who made the allegation was sued for defamation by the MLA Muniratna and was arrested.

Dhanya Rajendran did not seem to accept Lokayukta’s findings then and wanted the allegations to be substantiated without proof.

With the Lokayukta’s findings now public, BJP leaders are asserting vindication, while Congress maintains that the absence of evidence does not absolve the previous government of wrongdoing.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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ADMK Joins Its Ally & Terror-Linked PFI’s Outfit SDPI To Demand For Increasing Muslim Reservation To 7%

By
The Commune
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ADMK Joins Its Ally & Terror-Linked PFI's Outfit SDPI To Demand For Increasing Muslim Reservation To 7%

Significant condemnation erupted following the controversial remark of T. Velmurugan, the founder of the Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) party and the Panruti constituency MLA, had compared the banned terror linked outfit Popular Front of India (PFI), which is listed under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), to the Indian armed forces during a protest rally in Chennai on 16 November 2024. The PFI’s political wing organized the rally, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which was demanding the release of Muslim prisoners and the provision of 7% reservation for Muslims in education and employment. His remarks sparked widespread outrage and demanding his arrest.

On 16 November 2024, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) organized a protest rally in Chennai, pressing for two key demands, an increase in the Muslim reservation quota for education and employment to 7%, and the release of Muslim prisoners serving life sentences, in line with an election promise. The rally, held near Rajaratnam Stadium in Egmore, Chennai, was led by Mohammed Mubarak, the state president of the SDPI.

The event began with a welcome address from  SDPI state general secretary Nizam Mohideen, followed by the flagging off of the rally by State Secretary Ratnam. The opening speech was delivered by State General Secretary ASA Umar Farooq, Ahmed Nawavi, Abubakar Siddiqui, and Najma Begum also spoke during the event

They were joined by special invitees, including former Tamil Nadu Minister and AIADMK member D. Jayakumar, Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Party President and MLA T. Velmurugan, May 17 Movement Coordinator Thirumurugan Gandhi, and several other political leaders.

During the rally’s public meeting, Nellie Mubarak, the SDPI’s state president, strongly advocated for the increase in the Muslim reservation quota from 3.5% to 7%, urging the Tamil Nadu government to implement this as open, rather than closed, reservation. He called for legal amendments to allow Muslim communities to compete within the backward category to achieve social justice. Mubarak also demanded that the government issue a white paper on the benefits of reservation for Muslim minorities and conduct a caste-wise census to ensure fair distribution of resources.

Addressing the issue of Muslim prisoners, Mubarak pointed out that many Muslim have been incarcerated for 10 to 28 years, with some still awaiting release despite the recommendations of Justice N Adinathan’s committee. He criticized the DMK government for delaying the release of these prisoners, despite the government’s prior promise to free them. Mubarak further highlighted that 26 Muslim inmates are only granted parole intermittently, with their release periods being reduced, causing further distress to their families.

Participating in the rally on behalf of AIaDMK Organizing Secretary D. Jayakumar criticised the DMK government for not supporting the muslims who have backed them in elections and even after the MP’s who were sent from tamil nadu have not raised any voices supporting the muslims and urged the DMK to instead of fociing solely on TASMAC liquor sale simplement the promises that they made during 2021 elections.

Speaking at the SDPI rally, Panruti MLA T. Velmurugan sparked controversy with his remarks, comparing the banned terrorist organization PFI to the Indian armed forces. He stated, “Today, many of the top officers in the police department are new, but for 14 years, we have witnessed injustice, lawlessness, and atrocities in this state. In this struggle, the SDPI party and the former Popular Front of India have stood with me like an Indian armed forces. I have participated in numerous grand marches organized by the Popular Front of India, which is a key affiliate and friendly organization of the SDPI. Alongside the Tamil Nadu Police, it is the SDPI and the Popular Front of India that act as the real force like CISF, defending law and order and dedicating their efforts, even their lives, to serving the common people. For fascist BJP, they can be seen as militant or they can be seen as a movement challenging the state. On that basis, the SDPI rally should not be viewed with the same eyes as the fascist Bharatiya Janata government”

Panruti MLA T. Velmurugan stated that he would take responsibility for the actions of the Islamic fundamentalist group ‘Popular Front of India’ (PFI) and assured that they had not harmed the public. He also remarked that officials were hesitant to grant permission for the rally, adding that such caution was, in his view, justified.

Thirumurugan Gandhi, a Dravidian sympathizer and the leader of the May 17 Movement, also spoke at the rally, condemning the DMK government. He indirectly criticized the DMK for resembling the fascist policies of the central government, claiming that the party had failed to fulfill its promises to the Muslim community. Gandhi warned that if the DMK continued to neglect these promises, they would have no choice but to protest against them.

The event concluded with calls for immediate action by the Tamil Nadu government to address these long-standing issues.

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