On the one hand, Tamil Nadu’s Sports Development Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin is preparing for the Formula 4 (F4) streetcar races, which are set to take place in the heart of Chennai on 31 August and 1 September 2024. On the other hand, the government is facing criticism over its handling of school finances. The Dravidian model government is accused of not ensuring that schools have paid their electricity bills since taking office, exacerbating the already severe revenue shortfall for the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TNEB).
The accusation of non-payment of electricity bills involves two government-run primary and elementary schools in Keezhadi, Sivaganga district.
The primary school has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately ₹47,121, with arrears amounting to ₹43,111. The elementary school owes ₹65,603, with arrears of 55,400, although its current monthly bill is only between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.
This discrepancy is due to years of unpaid electricity bills, which have accumulated into a substantial debt. The Tamil Nadu Education Department has been criticized for not taking responsibility for the unpaid electricity bills. When questioned about these dues, the department has shifted blame to other departments. This evasive stance has frustrated TNEB officials, who lament the lack of accountability and the failure to address the growing arrears.
Critics argue that if similar situations are found in other schools, TNEB’s total loss could be around ₹300 crores. If one adds government-run Anganwadis and libraries to this assessment, the total loss could rise to approximately ₹650 crores.
Furthermore, critics believe this issue extends beyond schools to other government offices and argue for a comprehensive audit. They also question the rationale behind DMK honoring former CM Karunanidhi with statues and pursuing high-profile Formula 4 race events while TNEB struggles with significant arrears.
In a recent letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee of the Republican Party, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., revealed that the Biden-Harris administration was involved in content moderation on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zuckerberg’s letter, which has garnered widespread attention, alleges that his company faced repeated pressure from senior officials within the Biden administration to censor specific COVID-19-related content, including humorous or satirical posts.
Allegations Of Pressure On Meta From Biden Administration
Zuckerberg stated unequivocally that in 2021, “senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humour and satire.” He noted that when Meta did not fully comply with the administration’s demands, the White House expressed significant frustration. Despite the pressure, Zuckerberg emphasized that the final decision to remove or demote content rested with Meta, saying, “Ultimately, it was our decision whether or not to take content down, and we own our decisions, including COVID-19-related changes we made to our enforcement in the wake of this pressure.”
Reflecting on these events, Zuckerberg expressed regret that his company did not take a firmer stance against the government’s requests. “The government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it,” he wrote. He further asserted that Meta should not have compromised its content standards due to pressure from any administration, adding, “We’re ready to push back if something like this happens again.”
The Hunter Biden Laptop Story
In his letter, Zuckerberg also addressed the controversial decision to down-rank a story from the New York Post regarding allegations of corruption involving then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s family. Zuckerberg recounted that in the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had warned Meta about a potential Russian disinformation operation targeting the Biden family and Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company. Acting on this warning, Meta decided to temporarily demote the story while it was sent to fact-checkers for review. However, Zuckerberg acknowledged that this decision was a mistake. “It’s since been made clear that the reporting was not Russian disinformation, and in retrospect, we shouldn’t have demoted the story,” he stated. Zuckerberg indicated that the company has since revised its policies and processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future, noting, “We no longer temporarily demote things in the U.S. while waiting for fact-checkers.”
The House Judiciary Committee, which posted the letter on X (formerly Twitter), highlighted three critical admissions by Zuckerberg: that the Biden-Harris administration pressured Facebook to censor Americans, that Facebook complied with this censorship, and that Facebook throttled the Hunter Biden laptop story. The Committee’s post described these admissions as a “big win for free speech.”
🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: Mark Zuckerberg the founder of Meta, formally known as Facebook and Instagram admits he regrets working with the Biden-Harris administration by censoring information online during the Covid era
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) August 27, 2024
As the US approaches another presidential election, Zuckerberg reiterated his commitment to maintaining neutrality in the electoral process. He emphasized that his goal is “to be neutral and not play a role one way or another — or to even appear to be playing a role,” suggesting that Meta will take a more hands-off approach in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Mark Zuckerberg’s letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee about the Biden administration’s pressure on Meta to censor content and Meta’s subsequent actions have raised important questions about free speech and content moderation.
US Media Fails To Report This Development
While Mark Zuckerberg’s letter has made waves in certain corners of the world, particularly in India, it has not received the same level of attention in the United States. There is a growing concern about media freedom and transparency in America. Despite the gravity of Zuckerberg’s admissions, coverage of this story in the U.S. media has been notably muted.
In stark contrast, Indian media outlets have been at the forefront of reporting on Zuckerberg’s letter. Critics question the current state of press freedom in the United States, where it appears that questioning the Biden administration is increasingly off-limits. The silence of major U.S. outlets on this issue may reflect broader concerns about the influence of political power on media coverage.
It is noteworthy that the Biden DOJ jailed a man for a meme on Hillary Clinton. Douglass Mackey was an internet personality known as “Ricky Vaughn” online. He was sentenced to seven months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to interfere with the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Mackey created and distributed misleading memes, falsely encouraging Hillary Clinton supporters, particularly Black, Hispanic, and female voters, to “vote” via text, a method that is not legally valid. The U.S. Department of Justice charged Mackey with conspiracy against rights, arguing his actions deliberately disenfranchised voters. Mackey was found guilty and sentenced to prison despite his defence citing free speech.
Free speech seems to work differently for the US government, especially under the Biden-Harris administration.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
Actor and BJP member Namitha has alleged that she was subjected to rude and discriminatory treatment during her visit to the Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple in Madurai on 26 August 2024. The incident has sparked controversy, with the actor stating that a temple official demanded proof of her being a Hindu before allowing her entry into the temple.
The actor took to Instagram to express her disappointment. She stated that she felt alienated in her own country for the first time and was compelled to prove her faith. “It’s not about being asked if I am a Hindu, but the manner in which I was questioned,“she wrote.
Namitha described the official’s behaviour at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple as “rude and arrogant.”
The actor, also a state executive member of the BJP, expressed that her visit was part of a spiritual pilgrimage to celebrate the Janmashtami festival at Madurai ISKCON. She and her husband wore masks during the visit to avoid disturbing other devotees who might recognize her.
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Official Response
A senior temple official, however, offered a different perspective. He stated that the inquiry was standard procedure since Namitha and her husband wore masks. The official added that after the couple clarified their faith, Namitha was anointed with kumkum on her forehead and permitted to enter the temple.
Namitha Social Media Post
In her Instagram video, Namitha also called on the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister, P K Sekar Babu, to take action against the temple official for what she described as inappropriate behavior.
In the video, she said, “I came to celebrate Janmashtami in Madurai. This morning, we Krishna devotees went to visit the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. But something shocking happened there. I have been to so many temples to date. But no one has spoken to me like this. A Superintendent/Correspondent Mr Uttara behaved very rudely and arrogantly to me and my husband. He asked me to show him my ‘Hindu certificate’, andhe asked me to show even my caste certificate. Till today, no one has asked me such things. Because everyone in India knows that Namitha is born Hindu. I got married in ISKCON Tirupati, my children are named Krishna Aditya and Kian Raaj, named after Lord Krishna. I request you sir to take necessary action.”
On 26 August 2024, VCK MP D. Ravikumar criticized the DMK government’s decision to introduce religious education on Lord Murugan in state-run education institutions. He voiced his concerns on resolutions passed at the recent Muthamizh Murugan conference organized by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) ) department in Palani on 24 August 2024.
He argued that integrating religious elements into the education system is unjust and an attempt to “push the Hindutva agenda” into state education.
Murugan Conference
The conference, inaugurated virtually by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, featured prominent figures, including judges, seers, and religious trust members. Over 40 attendees from countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore participated, resulting in nearly 21 resolutions. These resolutions proposed measures such as holding literature competitions about Lord Murugan in schools and colleges under the HR&CE. State school students will recite the ‘Kandha Sashti Kavacham’ during the Sashti festival. HR&CE-affiliated educational institutions will include literature on Lord Murugan in their curriculum.
VCK objects to Murugan Bhakti in Education
Ravikumar criticized these commitments on his official X account. In a post, he said while the Murugan conference aimed to celebrate Tamil culture, its approach of incorporating religious elements into education could foster division rather than unity.
VCK MP Ravi Kumar stated, “The resolutions from the Murugan conference aimed at saffronizing education are shocking. On 24-25 August 2024, the Muthamizh Murugan conference, organized by the Tamil Nadu government in Palani, passed 21 resolutions. Among them:
5th Resolution: “It has been decided to award prizes to students in schools and colleges run by temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, focusing on Muruga Bhakti literature.”
8th Resolution: “It has been decided to require students to recite the Kandha Shasti Kavasam in Lord Murugan’s temples during the auspicious festive season.”
12th Resolution: “It has been decided that the government may recommend the establishment of special spiritual courses in colleges run by temples under the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Department, focusing on the glories and literature of Lord Muruga.”
These measures appear to be an attempt to implement the BJP government’s Hindutva agenda by introducing religious elements into secular education under the guise of celebrating Murugan. While the Hindu Religious Endowments Department performing its traditional functions is not criticized, imposing religion on the education sector violates the constitutional principle of secularism. This is highly objectionable.”
கல்வியைக் காவி மயமாக்கும் முருகன் மாநாட்டுத் தீர்மானங்கள் அதிர்ச்சி அளிக்கின்றன ===
பழனியில் தமிழ்நாடு அரசின் சார்பில் நேற்றும் இன்றும் (24-25) நடைபெற்ற முத்தமிழ் முருகன் மாநாட்டில் இன்று 21 தீர்மானங்கள் நிறைவேற்றப்பட்டுள்ளன. அவற்றுள்,
India’s addition to solar power capacity jumped by 282 per cent to nearly 15 GW in the first half of 2024, marking the highest-ever half-yearly installation.
According to a report by Mercom India Research, the country commissioned 5 GW of solar power capacity in the second quarter of 2024. In the first quarter (January-March), the newly added capacity surged by 9.9 GW. As of June 2024, the country’s installed solar capacity stood at 87.2 GW, accounting for 19.5 per cent of the total energy mix.
It said India’s large-scale solar project pipeline stood at 146 GW, with projects totalling another 104 GW tendered and pending auctions as of June.
Meanwhile, the report said average large-scale project costs in India declined by 2 per cent quarter on quarter and about 26 per cent yearly. Solar panel costs have been on a downtrend in recent years, and the fall of the expenses is expected to continue.
The report added that Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka led the quarterly large-scale solar capacity additions, while the top 10 states accounted for 94 per cent of total installations.
India has emerged as one of the world leaders in Energy Transition and fixed a target of adding 500 GW of renewable energy capacities by 2030, with solar expected to play a significant role in achieving this goal.
As of June 30, 2024, the total grid-connected capacity of renewables stood at 148 GW. The solar power segment accounted for 85 GW, followed by wind power at 47 GW and biomass at 1.4 GW.
The small hydro segment accounted for 5 GW. Installed solar capacity has increased 32 times, from 2.6 GW in 2014 to 85.5 GW. Technology and innovative market mechanisms have been instrumental in reducing overall costs.
Solar is now the cheapest form of energy but is variable in nature. According to Vibhuti Garg, Director of South Asia at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), India needs to deploy flexible generation sources for better integration of renewable energy.
This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and instantly get the day’s best stories.
The Indian Navy has ordered an investigation into the collapse of a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled on Navy Day last year.
In a late-night statement on Monday, the Navy said it had deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of the “unfortunate accident” and initiate steps to repair, restore, and reinstate the statue as soon as possible.
The 35-foot statue at the Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district collapsed around 1 p.m. on Monday.
“The Indian Navy notes with deep concern the damage caused this morning to the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that was unveiled on Navy Day on December 4, 2023, as a dedication to the citizens of Sindhudurg,” the Navy said.
“Along with the state government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statute as soon as possible,” it added.
Maharashtra Government On Rebuilding
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was Maharashtra’s idol and vowed to rebuild the structure.
“The Indian Navy erected the statue and not the state government. The Navy itself prepared the design of the statue. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is our idol, and his statue is our identity. After hearing the news that the statue had collapsed, I contacted the District Collector, who told me that when the incident occurred, a gusty wind with a speed of 45 mph was blowing in that area, damaging the statue,” he said.
“I want to assure everyone that Navy officials will go there on Tuesday. Sindhudurg district guardian minister Ravindra Chavan, also the state public works minister, will also be reaching the spot. Naval officers and state government officials will inspect the memorial tomorrow. The work of rebuilding the full-length statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will start tomorrow itself. Once again, you will see Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s statue standing resplendent and strong in the same place,” CM said
Congress Blames Quality
Congress, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT) blamed the state government for the statue’s collapse earlier. They claimed the state officials made it in haste as Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to inaugurate it. NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil said the state government paid little attention to the quality of work.
“It only focused on conducting an event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to unveil the statue. The Maharashtra government only issues new tenders, accepts commissions and gives contracts accordingly,” he said.
–IANS
This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and instantly get the day’s best stories.
A tense standoff erupted in Mayiladuthurai district after Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) members allegedly attempted to assault a police officer who intervened to prevent inflammatory speeches targeting Hindus during a religious procession. The police sub-inspector, who tried to intervene, was reportedly physically threatened and verbally abused.
DK Assault Mayiladuthurai Cop
DK and a few Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) affiliates reportedly attempted to assault a bandobast police sub-inspector on August 23, 2024. The altercation arose after the police officer requested that the DK halt their alleged inflammatory speech against Hindus and Hindu deities, particularly as a religious procession was passing by the DK stage in Mayiladuthurai.
The incident occurred when DK had received permission to hold an event near a temple on Chinna Kadai Street. During the event, DK’s Mathivathini delivered a speech that allegedly included derogatory remarks about Brahmins and criticized the procession of the Mayuranathar Swamy temple.
Sub-Inspector Kannan, stationed to maintain order, requested that Mathivathini’s speech be halted until the procession had passed. About 20 individuals, including Panchayat Council President Selvamani and DMK Councilor Rajini, confronted the officer in response. The Dravidar Kazhagam members reportedly surrounded, pushed, and attempted to assault him, resulting in a heated argument.
This confrontation has stirred controversy in the area, with DMK celebrating the Murugan festival on one hand, while causing a violent attack at the police in Mayiladuthurai on the other.
Subscribe to ourTelegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
On 25 August 2024, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai came down heavily on the state’s opposition parties, including the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), putting an end to speculation of a BJP alliance with them. He also condemned former AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), labelling him “the highest bidding agent of the party.”
Speaking at an event in Chennai, Annamalai also affirmed that the BJP will not form any electoral alliance with the DMK, as it views both Dravidian parties as key adversaries.
Speculations About BJP Alliance With DMK
The speculation started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded former Chief Minister Karunanidhi while releasing a commemorative coin marking his centenary. AIADMK officials and their supporters fueled much of the speculation. EPS, in particular, claimed that the BJP had a covert alliance with the DMK.
Speaking at the YMCA grounds at a public meeting titled ‘Thamizhagam Meetpom’ (We will retrieve Tamil Nadu), K Annamalai launched his address by swiping at both Dravidian parties.
“Tamil Nadu will no longer tolerate this,” criticizing all former chief ministers except Kamaraj and MGR.
Annamalai remarked that smaller states are surpassing Tamil Nadu. “Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, India’s largest economies for 40 years, have now become Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. By the end of 2028, it will become Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. By the end of 2032, Tamil Nadu, which is in fourth position, will move to sixth.”
He added, “Other states are planning what’s needed for the next 25 years. The able administrators of India are thinking about what projects will bring industrial growth. They are thinking about what kind of plan should be implemented and how a government should support the common people. But only in Tamil Nadu do the administrators think of benefiting just one family.”
He claimed that any decisions made would primarily enrich their family through tenders, commissions, and contracts.
Rajinikanth Praising DMK
Responding to film actor Rajinikanth’s comments at a recent DMK event, Annamalai stated, “When there are persons like Durai Murugan and E.V. Velu on stage, Rajinikanth has pointed out that there will be a riot if the chair (power) gets transferred to Udhayanidhi Stalin. That’s what superstar Rajinikanth, in his style, stuffed the sugar-coated bun in the chief minister’s mouth without causing trouble to anyone.”
Annamalai pointed out that these ministers keenly anticipate Udhayanidhi’s potential promotion to chief minister, as it would help secure the political future of their own families. He criticized DMK leaders, who once championed self-respect in the 1970s, for now having no qualms about elevating Udhayanidhi to the role of deputy CM.
Palani Murugan
Annamalai then referred to Cho’s remark about Hindus in Tamil Nadu becoming aware, suggesting that if they did, the DMK would take the ‘Paal Kaavadi’ procession to Palani in the same manner they have now pursued. He mocked the DMK’s recent political manoeuvre involving the international Murugan conference organized by the HR&CE department, labelling it a government-driven political spectacle.
The state BJP chief criticized the DMK’s approach towards the deity Palani Murugan, whom he called an “eremite”. He said the ruling party misrepresents their understanding of Sanatana Dharma while conducting functions. He pointed out that those who previously dismissed this perspective have faded into obscurity. Annamalai also highlighted the irony of Udhayanidhi and Shekar Babu participating in this conference, given their earlier commitment to “eliminate Sanatana Dharma.”
EVR Followers Deciding On Palani Paal Kaavadi
Annamalai then ridiculed the DMK’s Dravidian model and its ideologue, EVR, also known as Periyar. He criticized Periyar’s views on Thiruvalluvar, Tholkappiyar, and Kambar. Regarding Thiruvalluvar, Annamalai pointed out that EVR had claimed, “Thiruvalluvar, in line with the times, supported the Aryan concept and made statements driven by religious sentiment, without worrying about the rationale.”
Concerning Tholkappiyar, he quoted EVR’s characterization of him as “an Aryan mercenary and a great traitor who transformed Arya Dharma into Tamil grammar.” On Kambar, Annamalai referenced EVR’s opinion that Kambar was “like today’s politicians, a complete liar and a total hypocrite/fraud.”
Using these quotes, Annamalai ridiculed the DMK. The ruling party prides itself on deriving its Dravidian model from EVR’s ideology while engaging in political stunts involving Palani. He further asserted that Lord Murugan’s retribution is imminent and significant, declaring, “The punishment will be severe. They will definitely face consequences.”
BJP Will Contest 2026 Polls Alone
Annamalai stated that the BJP must rely on its capabilities to succeed in Tamil Nadu.
The TN BJP chief described the DMK and AIADMK as the state’s political rivals. He labelling the DMK as an evil force and criticized the AIADMK under EPS for becoming a “bidding agent.”
“If the BJP has to gain power in Tamil Nadu, it has to stand on its strength before the people, which is its first qualification. The second qualification is that both DMK and AIADMK are political adversaries. There is no compromise in that. DMK is an evil force, and the people of Tamil Nadu, for the past 50 years, have realized it well. The current AIADMK, under Edappadi Palaniswami’s leadership, has become a bidding agent waiting for the highest bid. It has lost the individuality it had during the times of leaders like Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi.”
Annamalai recounted how EPS came to power.
“Mr Edappadi Palaniswami, in your hometown Siluvampalayam, a murder occurred during a brothers dispute. After the incident, one person was arrested and imprisoned, while another hid in the Western Ghats. You are the one who grabbed the legs of a senior ADMK minister who is currently serving as a minister in the DMK. After closing the case, you stood in the panchayat election and faced defeat. So, please don’t lecture me about honesty.”
Annamalai then criticized Palaniswami. He said the latter ascended to power within the party through a tender and bidding system in Koovathur.
“To tell a dignified farmer’s son Annamalai, who signed in green ink for ten years and never borrowed a single penny, ‘tharkuri’ (illiterate) Palaniswami, has no locus-standi to speak about me. This is arrogance. In 2026, the party run by Puratchi Thalaivar and Puratchi Thalaivi is now run by “well frogs.” You will be thrown out, not even to fourth place.”
He then explained why the BJP had severed ties with the AIADMK. In 2019, EPS mocked the PM, claiming he would not win and, therefore, would not participate in the candidate nominations.
Following that incident, the BJP decided to avoid any alliance with the ADMK. He concluded by asserting that both Dravidian parties are adversaries. He added that for the BJP to establish its dominance, the 2026 election represents a ripe opportunity for the party.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
Even after the second round of counselling for the Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA), more than 1 lakh engineering seats remain vacant in Tamil Nadu. With only the third and final round remaining, concerns are growing about the future of engineering education in the state.
Over 110 colleges have filled only single-digit numbers of seats, and 30 colleges have been unable to fill any seats. Experts warn that such low enrollment numbers could jeopardize the quality of education offered in these institutions. Will the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu address this pressing issue? Can they ensure adequate student enrollment in its engineering programs?
1 Lakh+ Engineering Seats Vacant
At the end of the second round of TNEA counselling, over one lakh engineering seats remained vacant in Tamil Nadu. However, the final round is underway until August 25.
Around 110 of the 443 colleges could fill seats in the single digits. 30 other colleges in the state could not fill any seats.
K.M. Muthuvel, an academic from Tiruchi and Director of the Centre for Policy and Development Studies, spoke to IANS. He said if only a handful of students were joining these colleges, it would be challenging to deliver quality education.
He said that of the total 1,62,392 engineering seats available in Tamil Nadu,17,769 were filled after the first round of counselling, and 61,082 were filled after the second round of counselling, leaving 1,01,310 seats vacant.
Around 93,000 students are expected to attend the third round of counselling. Muthuvel said that as per the trend seen in the past years, around 55,000 to 60,000 seats will be vacant this academic year.
Academic consultant Manonmani told IANS that in 2023, Anna University closed down some colleges due to poor enrolment. She said universities have to look into the problem of the student shortage and devise a solution. In TNEA 2023, more than 50,000 seats remained vacant.
This story is based on an IANS-syndicated feed.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and instantly get the best stories of the day.
On Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath firmly pounded the drum for unity among citizens, saying that this would ensure their well-being and empower the country.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s pointed message for unity comes against the backdrop of unrest in Bangladesh, which has been experiencing riots and widespread violence for months now.
Addressing an event in Agra, CM Yogi Adityanath said, “There is nothing bigger than the country. It overcomes everything. The nation can become powerful only when we stay united. Then only we can remain safe. Divisions will destroy us. See the example of Bangladesh. We can’t repeat that mistake here.”
“Batenge toh katenge, ek rahenge toh nek rahenge (If we get divided, we will be shredded. If we stay together, we will be safe),” CM Yogi Adityanath said at the public meeting.
“By staying together, we will reach new heights of success and prosperity. We have to attain new territories of growth. Together, we have to work towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat,” CM Yogi said.
The CM gave the speech after inaugurating the statue of Durgadas Rathore. CM Yogi Adityanath’s message of unity is set to spur many reactions from Opposition parties, as the latter are likely to dub it ‘communal and polarising’.
UP CM Questions Opposition Silence on Bangladesh Hindu Genocide
Notably, the CM, on previous occasions, also questioned the Congress-led INDIA bloc’s ‘silence’ on the persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus.
Speaking in Mathura a day ago, he criticized the Opposition parties for being outspoken on the Palestinian crisis but staying mum on the Hindu persecution in Bangladesh.
A couple of Congress leaders, including Salman Khurshid, created a flutter in political circles days ago when they claimed that Bangladesh-like upheaval was possible in India. This drew the BJP’s wrath and stern condemnation from various quarters.
Notably, Bangladesh plunged into chaos after the student riots forced Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and her sudden escape from the country.
What followed was an attack on religious places of Hindus and other minorities. Mobs attacked many Hindu houses and vandalised their properties after the country became ‘headless’.
Hindus, constituting about 8 per cent of the population of Bangladesh, saw the desecration of their temples by the rampaging Islamist mobs. These attacks, reports said, continued even after the interim government under Mohammad Younus, a Nobel laureate, took charge.
Rahul Gandhi Demanding Caste Census
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has been vocally pushing for a nationwide caste census. Many citizens view this initiative as an attempt to create divisions among Hindus based on caste.
Recently, he even questioned why there were no OBC, Dalits, or Adivasis in the Miss India pageant. Earlier, he questioned why there were no SC, ST, or OBC officers in the Budget Halwa ceremony.
An article in OPEN Magazine reported an incident involving a conversation between an airline executive and Rahul Gandhi. The article said that Rahul asked, “Can you share with me the caste profile of people who travel on your airline?” While the airline official declined this request, stating that such information is never collected from passengers, this raises questions about Rahul Gandhi’s sinister agenda.
Despite Rahul Gandhi’s shrillness in seeking the caste census, Congress bodies, like the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, have no members from SC, ST, or OBC. Neither has any Congress government in the state conducted a caste census and released a report.
Subscribe to our Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram channels and instantly get the best stories of the day.
