Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai, as a part of his ‘En Mann En Makkal’ Padayatra was speaking to an audience in Aranthangi in Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu.
ரேஷன் கடையில் ஸ்டிக்கர் ஒட்ட உங்க போட்டோவ வைக்குறீங்களே, டாஸ்மாக் கடையில் போய் உங்க போட்டோவ ஒட்டுங்க – அறந்தாங்கியில் தலைவர் @annamalai_kpic.twitter.com/MFU81a1Q0K
Addressing the audience, Annamalai raised concerns about the Chief Minister’s actions, claiming that he puts his sticker on central government schemes implemented in the state. “Whatever schemes that PM Modi has given, our CM here will put his sticker on it,” Annamalai stated, highlighting what he perceived as an attempt to take undue credit for initiatives funded predominantly by the central government.
He said that the central government contributes ₹33 and the state government contributes ₹2 per kilo of rice sold at the ration shop. So in total, a kilo of rice costs ₹35. Allegations of corruption were also made, with Annamalai claiming that officials at these shops demand commissions of ₹6 per kilo of rice, further burdening the citizens.
Taking a swipe at the Chief Minister’s approach, Annamalai questioned the presence of the Chief Minister’s large photographs at ration shops while criticizing the lack of similar branding at TASMAC outlets which is a state government undertaking, where alcohol is sold. “If they (DMK government) don’t do it, we (BJP karyakartas) will do it on their behalf. There should be the CM’s photo at TASMAC outlets too,” Annamalai remarked, suggesting that the CM should take responsibility for promoting alcohol consumption as well.
He also questioned, “When you can put your sticker/face on schemes funded almost 99% primarily by the central govt (PM Modi), why not place your photo as someone who encouraged drinking?”
“This is also an example of how the Dravidian model government functions,” he said.
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MV Govindan, Kerala State Secretary of the CPI (M) held a press conference on 2 August 2023 regarding the controversial statements made by Assembly Speaker AN Shamsheer. According to Govindan, the Left party does not harbour any hostility towards any religion or belief system. They have consistently regarded both believers and non-believers as integral members of society. However, Govindan accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of attempting to impose a saffron hue on various aspects, including history.
He said, “India is a democracy and as per the constitution, any believer, whether he is a Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Parsi or sikh or even if he is an atheist (non-believer), everyone has equal rights. Even our first PM was a rationalist/realist. Unlike Modi who is doing the foundation ceremony of Ram temple or even recently placing Sengol in parliament.” He even suggested that the journalists read Nehru’s books, ‘Discovery of India’ and ‘Glimpses of World History’ to understand better.
Govindan asserted that the statement regarding Lord Ganesha and plastic surgery was not initially made by Shamseer but by PM Modi himself during the launch of Reliance Hospital in Mumbai in 2014. He said Modi had stated that it is likely that Lord Ganesha’s head was reattached by a plastic surgeon.
Govindan said, “There are many myths floating around. For example, Dashavatar’s prominent avataram, which is connected to Kerala – Parashurama. It is said that when he threw his axe, it landed in Kanyakumari, so the region between Kanyakumari and Gokarna which was a sea, became land and that is Kerala. There is another myth that this land was given to Brahmins. Do you think Kerala was formed only then? Kerala has been in existence for 1000s of years before Brahminism even came to exist.” There is a book written by Chattapi Swamigal that busts this myth.
He also said that the Hindutva ideology was responsible for what is happening in Manipur, what happened in Gujarat, and now in Haryana. He blamed the RSS, BJP, and even the Congress.
When asked if Shamseer will apologise or retract his statements, Govindan said, “Shamseer will not apologise nor will he retract/rephrase his statements because there is nothing wrong in what he said. When the country is progressing forward in this day and age, their ideologies are bringing it backward and we are against it.”
“Such propaganda is wrong. Myths should be treated as myths, history as history, and science as science. You cannot move forward by rejecting science. Our party has people from all faiths, we do not discriminate based on that”, he said.
When a reporter asked whether he thought Lord Ganapati was a myth, he replied saying, “Is ganapati science then? Let us look at myths as myths only. The formation of Kerala is also a myth, right? We are not against believers.”
Journo: Is lord Ganesha a myth? CPM Secretary Govindan: Yes ofcourse!
Journo: Is Allahu a myth? Govindan: I didn't say all Gods are myths. Unlike Hindus, Muslims doesn't have 1000s of Gods. They believe in a higher concept single God!
When another reporter asked if Allah was a myth, he replied saying, “What I said was that all beliefs of believers are not a myth. There are plenty of myths, like I said, the formation of Kerala is also one. Believers can follow their beliefs. They could consider things divine that are presented as divine. We don’t question it. There are myths and those that are not,” he added.
Govindan expressed his criticism of the Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan’s statement. Satheesan had earlier said that the Speaker’s statement could be misused as a tool by communal forces, and he suggested that it should be rectified or corrected. Govindan alleged that there are deliberate attempts to reshape historical narratives. He suggested that this rebranding of history was being manipulated for political gains in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha election. Govindan also accused the BJP of making use of the NSS’ (Nair Service Society) position for political purposes.
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Nuh district of Haryana is in the news due to the rioting and violence that was started by a Muslim mob when a Viswa Hindu Parishad-led Shobha yatra on Shravan Somwar was taking place in Nuh, Haryana on 31 July 2023.
The violence which is allegedly premeditated as reported here indicates the extent of planning done before the event. It is very clear from the videos that emerged from the scene as to who was behind the attack. However, media channels from all around the world chose to report it differently. We try to explore the various headlines published in several major news media.
International Media
Maktoob Media called it “clashes that broke out during VHP rally”. In their news report, they clearly mention only the VHP and the procession and “reported” as if the violence broke out just like that. Maktoob Media was credited by BBC in a banned documentary which was perceived as a smear campaign against PM Modi.
Maktoob Media was one of the Indian publications credited by BBC for its documentary which was a smear campaign against India’s majority and government elected by it. This is how they have reported today’s violence in Nuh-Mewat –
CBS News reported the happenings by stating that “the violence started after right-wing Hindu groups, Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, led a religious procession through a Muslim-majority part of Haryana’s Nuh district.”
Report on today’s attack on Shobha Yatra in Nuh-Mewat by @CBSNews – Hindus triggered violence by taking their religious procession though a Muslim-majority area pic.twitter.com/8AuIxc2k2g
This report appears to imply that the violence against the yatris was somehow justified simply because they entered a Muslim-majority area. The article has a photo of people clad in saffron burning an effigy and this is from an incident in June 2022.
Source: CBS News
The only picture used in the story is of saffron-clad Hindus being aggressive.
This whitewashing of minority extremism is happening in the Internet age when videos are available for all to see pic.twitter.com/fUNkM3cehG
The BBC reported this violence in a similar fashion. It only highlighted the news that “Mosque set on fire, cleric killed in Indian state” and the violence broke out during “a procession by hardline Hindu nationalist groups” going by the same playbook as its counterparts.
The vocabulary of coverage of violence on a Hindu procession is typically such that Hindus end up being demonised in all aspects pic.twitter.com/WZC3yXZQyi
Reuters reported it as “clashes between Hindus and Muslims”.
Source: Swati Goel Twitter/Reuters website
These are reports by @Reuters, @BBC, @CBSNews and @dwnews. The same template coverage in all reports – that “clashes broke out between Hindus and Muslims”, real crime is “Hindu processions passing through Muslims areas”, “mosque torched and cleric killed”
They again highlighted only the fact that the mosque was burned down and that a cleric was killed and completely whitewash the horror faced by the thousands of yatris, men women, and children who had to take refuge in a temple to escape the stone pelting and firing by the Islamist mob.
DW News also follows the same template as the others.
Source: Swati Goel Twitter/DW News
The drop head reads “Communal violence has again flared up in northern India after a Hindu group marched through a Muslim-majority area in the Nuh district.”
Indian News Websites
This Hindustan Times report makes it sound as if a nameless/faceless mob was responsible for all the violence that happened at Nuh when it was very clear who the perpetrators were. The details in this report only point to misdoings against the Muslim community.
Source: HT
What happened: A Hindu procession came under attack by majority community of almost wholly Islamised Nuh, part of Mewat region
How it has been reported by global and national newspapers like HT and Express: Violence erupted during a Hindu procession
In another report documenting how the violence unfolded, it sounds as if Monu Manesar’s intention to participate in the yatra was the reason, and that justified the planning of the violence.
Source: HT
The same goes for India Today’s report, the cow vigilante was the key factor for the violence thereby making it sound justified.
Source: India Today
The Quint chose to share a video in their report with the video headline reading “.. How a Religious Procession Turned Violent” implying that it was the procession was responsible for the whole episode of violence and rioting.
In another report, The Quint talks about “Purported visuals have emerged from Badshahpur, where a mob is seen vandalising and setting fire to shops in the area. The incident took place at around 2 pm on Tuesday.”
As expected, The Wire toed the line of its peers and reported the violence as “clashes that broke out during rally by Hindutva outfits in Nuh”.
The deck also claims, “The Wire saw two videos where Hindutva activists provoked people of Nuh to “welcome” the rallyists as their Yatra will “make it a point” to pass through Muslim-majority Nuh.”
Source: The Wire
Indian Journalists On Their Social Media Handles
Here’s how prominent journalists in India narrated stories about this incident. Here we have Rajdeep Sardesai, consulting editor of India Today.
In communal violence, it’s the poor who suffer the most. This man’s small roadside shop was burnt in Gurugram’s sector 66 this evening. Who will compensate him and many others like him across BOTH communities? Will the ‘mob’ who did this get away? And the key Haryana Qs: WHERE… pic.twitter.com/eMH6KK28T8
He selectively showcases a Muslim shop owner whose shop was burnt during the riots when the truth is that shops of both communities were burnt down by the rioters.
A Twitter user replied with screenshots of various victims of the riots.
Another journalist, Faye D’Souza, took to her Instagram to post about the violence in Nuh. She follows the same template as her peers and highlights only the fact that the procession was attacked by a “mob”.
Source: Faye DSouza Instagram
A Twitter user pointed out how the “mob” she was describing had no religion.
Another Twitter user pointed out how she highlighted the name of the organisation Vishwa Hindu Parishad that she mentioned in her post that the nameless mob attacked.
Unnamed "mobs" clashed with "Vishwa Hindu Parishad" procession.
The Sun News channel’s Twitter (X) handle shared a video claiming that people are clamouring for pots to welcome Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai at Karaikudi on 1 August 2023.
Sun News claimed that the pots (ordinary) were being distributed among the public to welcome Annamalai and that there was a shortage hence people clamoured for them and there was a commotion.
In reality, according to sources close to Annamalai, the pots (kalasa sombu) were actually used for the Nagarathar Sambo Puja at Kashi and were brought to Karaikudi to be distributed among the people in memory of the Kashi Nagarathars (a community), during Annamalai’s yatra at Karaikudi.
காசியில் இருக்கும் நகரத்தார் சம்போ பூஜையின் போது உபயோகித்த கலச கும்பங்களை காரைக்குடியில் காசி நகரத்தாரின் நினைவாக இன்று காரைக்குடியில் தலைவரின் யாத்திரையின் போது விநியோகம் செய்யப்பட்டதை உண்மைக்கு மாறான செய்தியை வெளியிட்டுள்ள கேடுகெட்ட சன் நியூஸ். https://t.co/cFHPDl3AHc
Nagarathars are a Tamil community (Nattukottai Chettiars) who perform pujas at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on a daily basis. Since the 1820s, they have been conducting Trikaala poojas daily. These Trikaala poojas are held at 4 AM, 11.30 AM, and 9 PM, and remarkably, they have been performed continuously for the past 150 years (and more) without any interruptions. Even during challenging times, such as the curfew imposed during the Quit India Movement in 1942, the poojas were granted special permission to proceed. It is said that at 10.40 AM and 9.30 PM each day, the milk for abishekam (a ritualistic bathing ceremony) and other pooja items are collected, accompanied by the chanting of “Sambo Shankara.” These specific timings hold special significance, as they are exclusively reserved for these rituals, with the other two poojas being owned by Nepal Maharaja and Kasi Maharaja.
However, Sun News chose to portray this as a commotion and clamouring for the pots. Some Twitter users did not show surprise claiming that it would be surprising only if Sun News reported the truth.
உண்மையை சொன்னால் தான் ஆச்சரியம்
— 𓄂𖤍Bhairavi Nachiyar𖤍 பாண்டிய நாட்டு இளவரசி 𓄂 (@Bhairavinachiya) August 1, 2023
Another user tweeted, “Sun News itself indicates it is a lie.”
During a school programme in Ernakulam on 21 July 2023 AN Shamseer, the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, emphasised the promotion of science in the education sector over what he calls “myths”. He was responding to a question regarding the inventor of airplanes.
In his response, AN Shamseer stated that, according to his understanding, the Wright brothers were the inventors of the airplane. However, he also added that for those who adhere to Hindutva ideology, the first airplane is believed to be the Pushpak Vimana, a flying chariot mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He also mentioned that Hindutva ideologues promote the idea that Lord Ganesha acquired his elephant face through plastic surgery, which he dismissed as a myth. “They are promoting such myths in place of science,” said the Speaker.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged by the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district Vice President, accusing AN Shamseer of insulting Hindu beliefs under the pretext of promoting “rational thinking”. The complainant emphasized that Shamseer’s remarks should be treated with gravity, as they were made in the presence of school children.
The complaint further asserted that cases should be filed under IPC section 153 (a), which pertains to promoting enmity between different religious groups, and section 295 (a), which addresses the act of insulting religious beliefs or religion.
In response to the incident, the Nair Service Society (NSS) announced its decision to observe Faith Preservation Day on 2 August 2023. The NSS strongly expressed its protest against Shamseer’s statements, urging the government to take decisive action and issue a sincere apology, retracting the remarks instead of downplaying the matter.
The programme for Faith Preservation Day required all NSS workers to visit the nearest Ganesha temple and present offerings as a symbolic gesture of preserving and honoring their faith.“Any behaviour that fosters religious rivalry is unacceptable. In this case, it is not right for him to continue in the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. What should be done is that he should retract his statements and apologise to believers for hurting the religious sentiments. Otherwise, the state government is liable to take action against the Speaker,” Sukumaran was quoted as saying.
Previously, members of the Nair community staged a protest, and NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair participated in rituals at Vazhapally Temple in Kottayam. The NSS also declared plans for a march from Palayam Ganapathy Temple to Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple as part of their demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Sukumaran Nair, when asked about the controversial remarks of Shamseer, replied, “That is foolish, who found out about it? These people say that if you go to heaven there are houries, who went to heaven and returned to tell them that there are houries in heaven? So commenting on that has no meaning.”
Nair Service Society (NSS) GenSec has used strong language against Shamseer and AK balan, demanded an apology AND subsequent govt action to ensure the religious insult is assuaged. pic.twitter.com/kSnuvAydEa
“People of the Hindu faith have lived in harmony with other religions in Kerala. When a person belonging to another community criticises our community, we cannot sit back. We will work against this with RSS and BJP if the need arises. This is about our belief system,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair also said anti-Hindu views are behind Shamseer’s remark. He warned that if Hindus are mocked, there will be harsh responses. Shamseer should apologise for his remark. “Faith is more important than science”, he said.
Other Hindu organizations like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Dheevara Sabha, and Yogakshema Sabha have condemned the remarks of Shamseer.
On August 2, 2023, Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer clarified that his comments on Hindu myths were not intended to target believers. “The Indian Constitution grants the right to believe and promote any religion. It also emphasises the duty of citizens to promote scientific temper. As someone holding a constitutional position, I simply echoed what the Constitution advocates. How can that be deemed a crime?” asked Shamseer during a press conference. He also added that “No one has the right to question my secular credentials”.
The serene atmosphere of Madhumala Moolasthana Malanada Temple was shattered when miscreants vandalised the sacred site. Aranmula police arrested a local resident, Pezhumkat Jose, in connection with the break-in and acts of destruction that occurred at the temple in Panchayat 4th ward.
The lamp around the temple was found destroyed and the tiles were also smashed. In addition, eight stone lamps were ruthlessly smashed by the culprits.
The shocking incident came to light when individuals who arrived at the temple on Monday, 31 July 2023, to install the lamp discovered the devastation. They promptly informed the Aranmula police, who immediately initiated an investigation. Fingerprint experts were called to the scene to gather evidence and assist in identifying the culprits.
The incident has sparked outrage among the local community, with members of Hindu Aikyavedi protesting against the violence perpetrated by anti-social elements on the temple premises. During the protest, Taluk President K Shashi, District Working President Raghavan Nair, Secretary Manoj Kojanchery, along with Mohandas, Hari Ilantur, and others participated in the protest.
A distressing video from Jaipur, Rajasthan, is gaining traction on social media, showing a mob assaulting a mentally challenged woman while police officers attempt to protect her from the violent attack. The woman, who is from the Muslim community, was targeted by members of her own religion due to certain slogans she had written on the exterior walls of her house.
Muslim Woman in Jaipur Rajasthan was allegedly beaten mercilessly for supporting BJP
The woman made a 'lotus' flower by writing 'BJP' outside the house, the whole community attacked her
According to reports, the incident occurred approximately ten days ago, but the video of the woman being assaulted came to light recently. The attempted lynching took place on 21 July 2023 in Kalyan Nagar, situated within the jurisdiction of Malpura Gate Police Station.
On the day of the incident, a furious mob assembled outside the woman’s residence. Fearing for her life, the woman sought refuge inside her house and locked herself in. However, the Islamist mob forcibly entered her home by breaking down the gate. Subsequently, they forcefully entered the room on the upper floor and subjected the woman to a vicious and brutal assault.
The mob violently dragged her out by pulling her hair and clothes, then callously threw her into the mud. Upon receiving the information, the police promptly arrived at the scene. After approximately an hour, Constable Dholi Bai, who was stationed at Malpura Gate police station, along with other police personnel, intervened and rescued the 40-year-old woman from being lynched by the mob.
It has been reported that Constable Dholi Bai received information that a woman had locked herself inside a house in Kalyan Nagar. There was a large crowd of approximately 100 to 150 people gathered outside her residence, attempting to harm her. In response, Constable Dholi Bai, along with Harlal and SI Anil, quickly rushed to the scene.
Upon reaching the location, she observed a large mob gathered outside a house. Some individuals were attempting to break the gate of the house by climbing onto the second floor. Before long, they successfully broke the gate and began assaulting the woman. Despite the presence of police personnel inside the house, they were outnumbered and overwhelmed by the mob, leading to the forceful dragging of the woman out of the house.
Once the woman was forcibly dragged out of her house, the mob persistently thrashed her, even in the presence of police personnel. Constable Dholi Bai recounted that the mob went to the extent of pushing and attempting to attack the police officers. However, the police officers bravely held onto the woman and tried to shield her from further harm. Despite the mob’s relentless assault, the police stood their ground and protected the woman for nearly an hour.
With additional help and support, the police successfully managed to rescue the woman from the violent mob and promptly sent her to the hospital for medical attention. According to the police officials, the woman is mentally challenged, and the incident was triggered by some objectionable things she had reportedly written on the walls of her house. These writings had apparently offended the sentiments of the local residents, leading to the disturbing incident.
She Was Lynched For Writing Pro-BJP Slogans
Based on the complaint filed by the woman’s husband, Sahadat Ali, the police registered a case of assault. The police explained that they did not make immediate arrests during the Muharram period. However, after reviewing the video footage from that day, they took action and arrested seven individuals who were part of the violent mob on Sunday, 30 July 2023. This action was taken approximately ten days after the incident occurred.
In connection with the incident, the authorities arrested seven individuals from Kalyan Nagar, namely Nasiruddin, Rashid, Mustaq, Irfan Khan, Ejaz Khan, Ikram Deshwali, and Kalamuddin.
According to a report by Navbharat Times, the Muslim woman was targeted by an Islamist mob due to her support for the BJP. The alleged objectionable content on her house walls were actually Pro-BJP slogans and a lotus flower, symbolizing her political allegiance. This act apparently infuriated members of her own community, leading to the violent assault and attempted lynching.
On 28 July 2023, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, flagged off the ‘En Mann, En Makkal’ padayatra (foot march) spear headed by tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President K Annamalai from the coastal town of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. This padayatra/ campaign seeks to make a resounding impact ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
15% of India's total Palmyra trees are in TN's Ramanathapuram Dist, yet, Palmyra workers remain economically weak.
BJP will replace TASMAC liquor with Palmyra/Coconut toddy & distribute Palmyra products through Ration shops, if voted to power, vows Annamalai.#EnMannEnMakkalpic.twitter.com/YjEBmvtBub
In an address to a massive crowd in Ramanathapuram as part of the padayatra, Annamalai, made a fervent pledge to uplift the economically weak palmyra farmers in the region. Highlighting the significance of palmyra trees in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram District, which boasts 15% of India’s total palmyra tree count, Annamalai lamented the prevailing poverty among these farmers and presented a promising vision for their betterment.
Addressing the issue head-on, Annamalai unveiled a comprehensive plan to replace TASMAC liquor with palmyra and coconut toddy, while simultaneously distributing palmyra products through ration shops. He emphasised that the aim of this strategic move is to eliminate the exploitation of the youth and the detrimental effects of alcohol addiction, which he attributed to the conspiracy by the DMK government.
Annamalai said, “Opening more TASMAC outlets all over Tamil Nadu and in order to get more revenue, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government is making our people drunkards and alcohol addicts. The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party is very clear about the fact that we will open toddy shops in the state. We are clear about passing on the products of coconut and palmyra trees. BJP aims to distribute palm sugar instead of white sugar through ration/PDS shops. There are 10 crore palm trees in India of which 5 crore are in Tamil Nadu and Ramanathapuram constitutes 1.5 crore trees i.e., 15% palm trees of the whole of India is in Ramanathapuram. If we close TASMAC outlets and pass on the products of palm and coconut trees to the people, there will be no poor person here. Whoever has a palm tree at their home should be rich.”
The BJP leader advocated for the utilisation of the vast potential of palmyra and coconut trees, expressing his commitment to providing extensive benefits to the people of Tamil Nadu. He asserted that if the BJP is voted to power, brown sugar extracted from palmyra would replace white sugar in ration shops, further supporting the economic prosperity of palmyra farmers.
Annamalai made a compelling case for the economic impact of this plan, noting that Tamil Nadu alone boasts a staggering 5 crore palmyra trees, with Ramanathapuram District alone accounting for 1.5 crore trees, representing 15% of India’s palmyra tree population. According to him, this abundance of resources, if rightfully recognised and marketed, could transform Ramanathapuram into one of the wealthiest districts in India.
In his address, Annamalai drew a sharp contrast between the prevailing situation, where palmyra farmers toil tirelessly, yet remain impoverished and living in meager conditions, and the promising future he envisions under a BJP-led government. He painted a picture of prosperity and improved livelihoods, where palmyra farmers will no longer languish in poverty, and their hard work will be adequately rewarded.
The BJP leader also criticised the current government’s operation of TASMAC, alleging that it is meant to support certain liquor factories, perpetuating the exploitation of palmyra farmers for personal gains.
Annamalai reaffirmed the BJP’s unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of palmyra farmers and ushering in a new era of prosperity through the promotion and recognition of palmyra and coconut products.
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A recent tweet by a Twitter user stirred up the question of whether past Congress governments engaged in surveillance on the family of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose once again. Declassified British and Indian documents indicate that the findings of this surveillance were shared with Britain’s MI5 intelligence agency.
Again, sharing without comment.
For those who will call this "Whatsapp University":
1. First info is from West Bengal govt documents
2. Second info is from MI5, Britain's military intelligence agency
The West Bengal government’s intelligence branch declassified files, which were shared with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), revealing that several members of Subhas Chandra Bose’s family were subjected to surveillance from 1948 to 1968. Jawaharlal Nehru, who served as the Prime Minister from 1947 to 1964, had direct oversight of the IB during that period.
The documents shared below prove that this is not any deliberate attempt at tarnishing Nehru’s image.
Anuj Dhar, the author of “India’s Biggest Cover-Up,” discovered the documents in Britain’s National Archives concerning the exchange of information between the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and MI5. The documents revealed that Indian intelligence agents shared information obtained from the letters of Subhas Chandra Bose’s relatives with their British counterparts. Anuj Dhar’s book investigates the enigma surrounding Netaji’s alleged death in a plane crash in 1945.
A letter written by Nehru on November 26, 1957, was discovered by Anuj Dhar, and in the letter, Nehru instructed the then foreign secretary, Subimal Dutt, to gather additional information about a trip made to Japan by Netaji’s nephew, Amiya Nath Bose.
Source: Anuj Dhar’s Facebook page
Nehru wrote, “Just before I left Japan, I heard that Shri Amiya Bose, son of Shri Sarat Chandra Bose, had reached Tokyo. He had, previously, when I was in India, informed me that he was going there. I should like you to write to our ambassador at Tokyo to find out from him what Shri Amiya Bose did in Tokyo. Did he go to our Embassy? Did he visit this Renkoji Temple?”
The Indian Ambassador in Japan at that time, CS Jha, replied that there was no evidence of Amiya Bose engaging in any objectionable activities during his visit to Japan.
Source: Anuj Dhar’s Facebook page
According to another document from the British National Archives, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) shared the contents of a letter with MI5. This letter was penned in 1947 by a close associate of Netaji who was in Switzerland. The information in the letter was obtained through what was euphemistically referred to as “secret censorship,” which essentially implies surveillance. The IB sought MI5’s input on the matter.
Source: Anuj Dhar’s Facebook page
As per the document, IB’s deputy director SB Shetty was in contact with KM Bourne, MI5’s security liaison officer posted in Delhi. Bourne promptly sent Nambiar’s letter to the MI5 director general on the following day and requested his input on the matter.
Source: Anuj Dhar’s Facebook page
Based on another declassified document from the British archives, it was revealed that British intelligence viewed Nambiar, who had served as Bose’s representative to Germany during World War II, as a friend of the Soviet Union.
Source: Anuj Dhar’s Facebook page
In an interview with Hindustan Times, author of the book “India’s Biggest Cover-Up”, Anuj Dhar pointed out that these documents indicate a close working relationship between the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and MI5 after India’s independence. Dhar expressed his concerns over who the IB was serving as they continued to conduct surveillance on Bose’s family post-independence, treating him as an enemy rather than serving British interests.
According to Dhar, the Congress’ mistrust of Netaji can be linked back to the disagreement between Nehru and Bose in 1939. Bose resigned as the president of the Indian National Congress during this period. Both Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru were against Bose’s calls for self-governance and the use of force to achieve independence. This difference in ideology and approach led to tensions and suspicion within the Congress party towards Netaji.
V Balachandran, a former special secretary of R&AW (Research and Analysis Wing), emphasized the significance of the documents revealing the collaboration between the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and MI5. He stated that these documents corroborate the revelations found in the authorized history of MI5, indicating that Nehru had permitted the British to station a security liaison officer in New Delhi.
The website of MI5 also substantiates this further. It is mentioned in this link that, “Indian independence in 1947 set an important precedent for the rest of British decolonisation. The government of Jawaharlal Nehru agreed to the stationing of an MI5 Security Liaison Officer (SLO) in New Delhi after the end of British rule. For almost a quarter of a century, relations between MI5 and its Indian counterpart, the Delhi Intelligence Branch (DIB), were closer and more confident than those between any other departments of the British and Indian governments. In other newly independent Commonwealth countries, as in India, the continued presence of an SLO became a significant, though usually undisclosed, part of the transfer of power.”
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken action against the Popular Front of India (PFI) by attaching the Green Valley Academy in Manjeri, Malappuram district, Kerala. The Green Valley Academy, managed by the Green Valley Foundation, had allegedly served as a training centre for PFI members. As per the NIA, the Green Valley in Kerala was one of the PFI’s oldest and largest centres for arms training. Its establishment dates back to 1994, during the time when it was associated with the National Development Front, a former organisation of the PFI.
According to the NIA, the Green Valley Academy, managed by Green Valley Foundation, initially served as a facility for arms and physical training for cadres of the National Development Front (NDF) and later for members of the Popular Front of India (PFI). The sprawling area covers 10 hectares and ewas allegedly utilised by PFI members as a hideout following their involvement in various criminal activities, including murder.
The NIA further asserted that the Green Valley operated under the pretext of being an educational institution. Apart from the Green Valley Academy, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also attached several other PFI training centres, including Malabar House, Periyar Valley, Valluvanad House, Karunya Charitable Trust, and Trivandrum Education and Service Trust. The NIA is actively investigating additional institutions and buildings affiliated with the PFI that are suspected of being used for arms training and propagating ideological activities
This is the 6th Arms Training Centre of the PFI and the 18th property of the outfit to be attached by the NIA in Kerala under the UA(P) Act. On 17 March 2023, the NIA filed a chargesheet against 59 accused, including the PFI as an organisation, in the case RC-02/2022/NIA/KOC.
The NIA, in its statement said that, PFI had been employing the property to provide arms training, physical training, and instruction on the use and testing of explosives to its cadres, specifically those belonging to their ‘Service Wing’. The facility was used as a hideout for ‘PFI Service Wing’ members following their involvement in criminal activities, including murders. The NIA also stated that the centre was used to impart radical and divisive ideological training, promoting the PFI’s communal agenda and policies, to its trained operatives, cadres, and members. Offices of the PFI and its affiliated organisations were said to be operating from this location, disguised as educational institutions.
Twelve more PFI offices, intermittently utilised by the organisation’s leadership, have also been attached by authorities. These offices were used for organising arms and physical training, propagating ideologies, and providing training for various criminal activities, including murders and acts of terrorism.
According to NIA investigations, the PFI has been operating numerous training centres under the guise of charitable and educational trusts established by the organisation’s members or leaders. The investigations have also uncovered that PFI rented several buildings to conduct their training camps and engage in activities related to terrorism and violence.
Speaking to ANI, the MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that “The closing down of the Green Valley Foundation by the NIA in Kerala establishes the fact that in Kerala, the Islamic terrorist organisations are getting a covert support from the ruling dispensations of Kerala, be it CPM or the Congress. The shocking fact is that NIA has said that this centre has large storage of arms and giving training in arms but in spite of that this centre has been functioning there for more than a decade.”
#WATCH | "The closing down of the Green Valley Foundation by the NIA in Kerala establishes the fact that in Kerala the Islamic terrorist organisations are getting covered support from the ruling dispensations of Kerala be it CPI(M) or the Congress…The shocking fact is that NIA… pic.twitter.com/jxXTLd50Jg
He also said that he had led an agitation as the President of Kerala BJP almost a decade ago against this centre but the state governments did not take any action then.
“Who Found There Are Houries In Heaven? Did Anyone Go To Heaven & Return?” Asks Nair Service Society Chief Following Kerala Speaker Shamseer’s Remarks On Hinduism
During a school programme in Ernakulam on 21 July 2023 AN Shamseer, the Speaker of the Kerala Assembly, emphasised the promotion of science in the education sector over what he calls “myths”. He was responding to a question regarding the inventor of airplanes.
In his response, AN Shamseer stated that, according to his understanding, the Wright brothers were the inventors of the airplane. However, he also added that for those who adhere to Hindutva ideology, the first airplane is believed to be the Pushpak Vimana, a flying chariot mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. He also mentioned that Hindutva ideologues promote the idea that Lord Ganesha acquired his elephant face through plastic surgery, which he dismissed as a myth. “They are promoting such myths in place of science,” said the Speaker.
Subsequently, a complaint was lodged by the BJP Thiruvananthapuram district Vice President, accusing AN Shamseer of insulting Hindu beliefs under the pretext of promoting “rational thinking”. The complainant emphasized that Shamseer’s remarks should be treated with gravity, as they were made in the presence of school children.
The complaint further asserted that cases should be filed under IPC section 153 (a), which pertains to promoting enmity between different religious groups, and section 295 (a), which addresses the act of insulting religious beliefs or religion.
In response to the incident, the Nair Service Society (NSS) announced its decision to observe Faith Preservation Day on 2 August 2023. The NSS strongly expressed its protest against Shamseer’s statements, urging the government to take decisive action and issue a sincere apology, retracting the remarks instead of downplaying the matter.
The programme for Faith Preservation Day required all NSS workers to visit the nearest Ganesha temple and present offerings as a symbolic gesture of preserving and honoring their faith.“Any behaviour that fosters religious rivalry is unacceptable. In this case, it is not right for him to continue in the post of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. What should be done is that he should retract his statements and apologise to believers for hurting the religious sentiments. Otherwise, the state government is liable to take action against the Speaker,” Sukumaran was quoted as saying.
Previously, members of the Nair community staged a protest, and NSS General Secretary G. Sukumaran Nair participated in rituals at Vazhapally Temple in Kottayam. The NSS also declared plans for a march from Palayam Ganapathy Temple to Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple as part of their demonstration.
Speaking to reporters, Sukumaran Nair, when asked about the controversial remarks of Shamseer, replied, “That is foolish, who found out about it? These people say that if you go to heaven there are houries, who went to heaven and returned to tell them that there are houries in heaven? So commenting on that has no meaning.”
“People of the Hindu faith have lived in harmony with other religions in Kerala. When a person belonging to another community criticises our community, we cannot sit back. We will work against this with RSS and BJP if the need arises. This is about our belief system,” he said.
Sukumaran Nair also said anti-Hindu views are behind Shamseer’s remark. He warned that if Hindus are mocked, there will be harsh responses. Shamseer should apologise for his remark. “Faith is more important than science”, he said.
Other Hindu organizations like Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, Dheevara Sabha, and Yogakshema Sabha have condemned the remarks of Shamseer.
On August 2, 2023, Kerala Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer clarified that his comments on Hindu myths were not intended to target believers. “The Indian Constitution grants the right to believe and promote any religion. It also emphasises the duty of citizens to promote scientific temper. As someone holding a constitutional position, I simply echoed what the Constitution advocates. How can that be deemed a crime?” asked Shamseer during a press conference. He also added that “No one has the right to question my secular credentials”.
(With inputs from OnManorama & Mathrubhumi)
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