Home Blog Page 1015

Tier 2 & 3 Cities the New Draws for over 25% Real Estate Investors

June 13, 2019

Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Nashik & Kochi top favourite among Tier 2 & 3 destinations
Bangalore 2nd-most preferred investment destination with 21% votes in favour, followed by Pune with 18%
For over 30% NRIs, Bangalore is the hot favourite investment hub
Low property prices coupled with improved infrastructure facilities in Tier 2 & 3 cities the primary investment magnets

Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Property Consultants

The quintessential Indian’s yen for investing in real estate continues. The latest data vouchsafes the visible return of investor sentiment for real estate, and the enthusiasm is not limited to traditional property hotspots of the big cities. ANAROCK’s recent second edition of its Consumer Sentiment Survey confirms that investors are equally – if not more – upbeat on the prospects that India’s Tier 2 & 3 cities offer.

Lack of affordability in the larger cities is the primary hurdle to the largest investor base, and property investors are now looking at smaller towns and cities. However, their increasing bullishness on Tier 2 & 3 cities as against their tier 1 counterparts is not just on account of their relatively more affordable property prices, but also because of their better growth prospects.

Infrastructure – The Connecting Force

It is fairly well known that the metros are bursting at the seams and that new infrastructure – the most effective driver of real estate growth – in the larger cities is almost always ‘too little, too late’, at best retrospective, and incredibly hard to deploy. In contrast, Tier 2 & 3 cities have ample scope for Greenfield, forward-looking infrastructure development to drive employment, and therefore capital and rental value appreciation.

The infrastructure thrust in these cities is also supported by Government initiatives like Smart Cities and AMRUT, which have seen a much better uptake in smaller cities. When fully implemented these initiatives will have a huge impact on the respective cities’ real estate market. Already, many Tier 2 & 3 cities offer superior rental growth prospects due to better job opportunities.

ANAROCK’s Consumer Sentiment Survey – H1 2019 indicates that nearly 26% of property investors prefer Tier 2 & 3 cities. The top favourite real estate investment hotspots among these smaller cities include Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Nashik and Kochi. Bangalore and Pune were the other hot favourite investment destinations, garnering 21% and 18% up-votes respectively.

In contrast to previous years, investors are becoming increasingly comfortable with betting on the real estate markets of other cities than the ones they live in. Also, given the survey’s wide bandwidth of respondents, it is evident that Tier 2 & 3 cities’ real estate is attractive to investors with both big and modest budgets and risk appetite.

The reasoning among all classes of investors remains uniform – these cities’ affordable property prices, growing infrastructure and faster adoption of Smart City concepts present a compelling investment rationale. However, the survey also reveals that the smaller cities that Tier 1 city-based investors prefer the most are still those closest to their own cities of residence.

In Chennai, 21% of respondents want to invest in nearby Tier 2 & 3 cities such as Vellore, Coimbatore, Mahabalipuram, etc., followed by Bangalore as their second choice.
In Delhi–NCR, nearly 12% prefer to invest in nearby cities like Sonipat, Jaipur and Chandigarh, followed by Bangalore and MMR respectively.
In MMR (no surprise here) Pune is the first choice, followed by Bangalore and select Tier 2 & 3 cities

The preference of investors based in Tier 2 & 3 cities presents a sharp contrast – 40% of respondents from these cities prefer to invest in the top 7 cities:

28% in Bangalore
25% in Delhi-NCR
17% in Pune, and
12% in MMR.

Tier 2 & 3 Cities – The Future Growth Engines

In the initial leg of this Government-driven mission, the ‘Smart City’ tag allotted to several smaller towns and cities itself opened up opportunities in their respective real estate markets, with housing sales seeing some traction even during the lull period.

As per ANAROCK data, Lucknow saw overall housing sales rise by 19% in 2018 against the previous year. Ongoing infrastructure developments including Metro deployment, increased connectivity to the national capital via Agra Expressway, and huge employment-driven inward migration from nearby smaller towns and villages boosted Lucknow’s housing market considerably.

Investors are also aware that more and more private equity investors have been turning their focus on Tier 2 & 3 cities in the last four years. As per ANAROCK’s latest PE report Private Equity in Indian Real Estate, nearly USD 1.37 bn were pumped into real estate markets across various smaller cities, including Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mohali, Indore and Amritsar, between 2015-2018.

Given that PE players have matchless due diligence protocols, it is fairly easy to follow the leaders as they tap into the potential of India’s upcoming real estate goldmines.

Get Live Updates on Cyclone Vayu directly from IMD

Web Team

June 13, 2019

Indian Meteorological Department today on Twitter shared links for any assistance and information regarding the ‘severe’ Cyclone Vayu which was expected to hit Gujarat early on Thursday; however, as per the updated information from the concerned department, Cyclone Vayu will not hit Gujarat as it changed its trajectory overnight and moved further into the sea.

However, the coastal areas in the state and the neighbouring states are continued to be on high alert as strong winds and rough seas are expected for the next 24 to 48 hours. As a precautionary measure, more than three lakh people were evacuated from the coastal district and the union territory of Diu on Wednesday. Reports suggest that as many as 52 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted to say that the centre was constantly monitoring the situation. Apart from the NDRF, the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Border Security Force too have been put on high alert.

“To view latest Bulletins related to Cyclone VAYU Kindly Visit

Click here https://www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/imag …/bulletin/indian.pdf,” the weather department’s twitter handle @Indiametdept shared today in the afternoon.

As per hourly bulletin published by India Meteorological Department Earth System Science Organisation (Ministry of Earth Science) on “very severe Cyclonic storm Vayu over North East and adjoining East Central Arabian Sea”, the cyclonic storm remained practically stationary and lay centered at 11.30 hrs IST of today, June 13, 2019, near LAT. 20.5n and long. 69.3e over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea about 170 km south-southwest of Diu, 120 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 130 km nearly south of Porbandar (Gujarat).

The wind speed of the cyclone nearly at that time was reportedly at 135-145 kmph gusting to 160 kmph. Veraval and Porbandar show 24-hour pressure fall of 5.9 and 4.8 HPA and wind direction/speed ESEly/20 and NNEly /25 kts respectively.

The report also forecasted that Vayu is very likely to move north-northwestwards for some time and then northwestwards skirting the Saurashtra coast affecting Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagarh, Porbandar, and Devbhoomi Dwarka with a wind speed of 135-145 kmph gusting to 160 kmph from the afternoon of June 13, 2019.

#CycloneVayu UPDATE- #TEAMNDRFINDIA
52 Teams Ready to meet any evatuality. #BeAlert#BeSafe
#NDRF4INDIA @satyaprad1 @PIBHomeAffairs @ndmaindia pic.twitter.com/r286q2SJVd

— NDRF (@NDRFHQ) June 13, 2019

Vayu brings Gujarat on high alert: Citizens on tenterhooks as a 1998 cyclone took 10,000 lives

Web Team

June 13, 2019

Gujrat on hig aler, Cyclone Vayu, Cyclone in Gujrat — Image Courtesy: Moneycontrol

It is a major relief for millions of people in Gujarat as severe Cyclone Vayu which was set to make landfall on Thursday along the Gujarat coast, has changed its course and moved into the sea. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Cyclone Vayu has changed its trajectory overnight and is now moving further into the sea. However, it has warned that the cyclone can cause substantial damage even without hitting the ground, asks citizens to remain alert. In spite of this, the region will experience the effect of strong winds and heavy rains. In 1998, a severe cyclone had killed 10,000 people and over 11,000 animals in Gujarat. It had damaged the port city of Kandla.

It is worth mentioning that Cyclone Vayu is the second deadliest cyclone to hit the state since 1998 that had ravaged port town Kandla killing 1,241 persons. This is also the second severe cyclonic storm to hit the country this year. Earlier in May the eastern coast of India was hit by Cyclone Fani, leaving a trail of destruction in Odisha. Cyclonic storm Fani left 64 persons dead and at least 241 people injured last month. The worst-hit Puri and Khurda districts of the state are yet struggling to come back on the track.

The secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences M Rajeevan told PTI, “Cyclone Vayu may not make landfall. It will only skirt the coast. It has made a small deviation. But, its effect will be there with strong winds and heavy rain,”

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) tweeted, “ Cyclone ‘VAYU’ over the Arabian Sea at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 13th June 2019 about 150 km south-southwest of Diu, 110 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) & 150 km south of Porbandar (Gujarat).To skirt Saurashtra coast with wind speed 135-145 kmph from today afternoon.”

Gujarat is still on alert. Nearly 3 lakh people from low-lying areas had already been evacuated and shifted to safer locations before the arrival of the cyclone. The Indian Army, Navy, and NDRF were put on standby for any emergencies. They continue to be on alert even after the threat of the cyclone has reduced.

Meanwhile, flight operations from Ahmedabad to Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Mundra, and Bhavnagar, continued to remain cancelled for Thursday. Many trains are also cancelled.

Prior to this, the 1998 Gujarat cyclone was a deadly tropical cyclone that killed at least 10,000 people in India. It made landfall on June 4, 1998, and dissipated on June 10, 1998. Over 11,000 animals were killed. Over 162,000 structures were damaged or destroyed throughout the affected area and damages amounted to Rs 120 billion.

The 2015 Gujarat cyclone, officially referred to as Deep Depression ARB 02, brought heavy rains to Gujarat in June 2015. It made landfall on 22 June 2015 and dissipated on 24 June 2015. Following heavy rains, Gujarat was affected by floods. The flood is also known as the June 2015 Gujarat flood or 2015 Amreli flood. The floods resulted in at least 81 deaths. The wildlife of Gir Forest National Park and the adjoining area was also affected. The Gir Forest National Park and adjoining area housing Asiatic lions, an endangered species with only 523 living individuals documented in May 2015, was severely affected. The carcasses of 10 lions, 1670 Nilgai, 87 spotted deer, nine black bucks, six wild boars and some porcupines were also recovered.

In 2017, very severe cyclonic storm Ockhi devastated parts of Sri Lanka and India. In its entirety, Cyclone Ockhi left a trail of massive destruction in Sri Lanka, Lakshadweep, South India, and The Maldives, as it strengthened from a depression to a mature cyclone. Though it rapidly weakened during its final stages over the Arabian Sea, it caused heavy rainfall along the western coast of India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Ockhi caused at least 245 fatalities, including 218 in India and 27 in Sri Lanka, and the storm left at least 550 people missing, mainly fishermen.

Gujarat in constant touch with Odisha

The Gujarat government is in constant touch with Odisha in view of the eastern state’s successful handing of similar calamities like cyclone Fani in May this year and cyclone Titli last year. According to sources, Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh called up his Odisha counterpart AP Padhi and sought Odisha’s advice on how to tackle the cyclonic storm on a war-footing. Padhi said, “Gujarat chief secretary had called me up and discussed the measures to be taken ahead of the landfall. We have offered all kind of help to Gujarat. However, the Gujarat chief secretary has said that they will seek further help if required keeping the situation in view.” The Odisha government offered all help to Gujarat, which has launched a massive evacuation exercise to shift people from low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

Here is a list of Dos and Donts to keep people safe and alert during the tough times.

During/after the cyclone (if indoors)

Switch off electrical mains, gas supply.
Keep doors and windows shut.
If your house is unsafe, leave early before the onset of the cyclone.
Listen to a radio/transistor.
Drink boiled/chlorinated water.
Rely only on official warnings.

During/after the cyclone (if outdoors)

Don’t enter damaged buildings.
Watch out for broken electric poles, wires, other sharp objects.
Seek a safe shelter ASAP.

For fishermen

Keep a radio set with extra batteries handy.
Keep boats/rafts tied in a safe place.
Don’t venture out to sea.
Avoid listening to rumours at such times.

Congress cutting a sorry figure

Jayanthy Subramaniam

June 13, 2019

rahul gandhi column — Image Courtesy: newsclick.in

Ever since election debacle, the age-old Congress party is cutting a sorry figure and now struggle to stand one in the aftermath of the drubbing it faced in the mandate. The debacle is their own making as the party could not project what they proposed to do and instead of showering abuses on PM Modi and Shah and that move boomeranged.

The party was destined to lose and instead of consolidating party’s position, the party cadre passed on the abuses on India’s successful Prime Minister like their party President and that was the beginning of the end. Now, the party cadre felt that it is important to protect the unity and integrity of the party and as the Congress President, it is his duty to ensure this. The Congress seems to be in a state of confusion and uncertainty ever since Rahul Gandhi told the Congress Working Committee (CWC) on May 25 that he would step down as party chief and his position was ‘non-negotiable.’

Dynastic political power is an integral part of Congress and it will have to continue. Both Moily and Prof. Sriprakash Singh have hit the nail on the head while observing that Congress President Rahul Gandhi should keep the party presidentship with himself and decide on who will lead the party ahead putting thereby the indecision looming large over the grand old party following his decision to step down to an end and also to save the party from fragmental crisis.

The veteran Congress leader’s assertions come in the backdrop of open factional fights in States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and desertions in Telangana, and Maharashtra. When the leadership does not act, all these things will happen. The Congress president needs to quell such indiscipline with an iron hand. The only way forward is for Gandhi to continue in his post or he himself appoints an executive working president. This way, the new leader will have acceptability,

This is only excused doing round since long that only family person from Gandhi can keep unity is wrong. Kennedy family in the USA is not there. There are so many young talented in congress so using this tool will bring no results. Let him step down. The present BJP is ultra strong. It is a blessing in disguise for the party in power at present. More you oil Rahul and Sonia for the party leadership, more there is the wreckage of the ship in the Bay of Bengal. That is what needed. Common people can breathe properly and peacefully in a Congress-free India.

Rahul was vehemently criticising the move of their leaders to bring their sons of the soil to the fore. In a rare outburst, Rahul blamed the senior leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, and former Union Minister P Chidambaram for putting personal interests above the party’s as their sons were contesting the Lok Sabha election.

Some are born Leaders, Some achieve Leadership and some have Leadership thrust upon them. Rahul Gandhi seems to be in the third category. He should allow Congress to grow and flourish on its own. Congress does not need only Gandhis to reign over. It can be achieved with restructuring cadre base, bringing internal democracy, listening to the grievances of marginal Karyakartas and of course reaching out to the common people. The picnic part-time politics won’t work anymore for Rahul and Priyanka. If they can’t dedicate, they should leave it to others to take over. The ivory tower approach needs to be changed. India needs a stronger opposition to run this country swiftly and efficiently and not to mention to hold the Government responsible and accountable. In all, Congress is cutting a very sorry figure.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 13 June, 2019

Web Team

June 13, 2019

Offering freebies is insult to today’s women

Offering free public transport to women by the Delhi State government headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is a poll gimmick before elections. This is an insult and disrespect to the fair sex who are being used in dirty politics by the Chief Minister who is trying to woo women voters with freebies when he has nothing to show by way of achievements during his tenure. We are today living in an era of equality and women in no way are inferior to men. Services that come without cost are not just unreliable but undesirable as well. Security for women is a major concern in Delhi and free transport would mean compromising on safety as security services costs a lot of money.

Mumbai doesn’t need such gimmicks and people would rather prefer to pay for their travel but expect quality commuting in the bargain. Politicians should behave rationally and election tantrums to please voters should be avoided as citizens have become educated today. People expect good governance and not freebies as the parliamentary elections just gone by is an example where leaders who gave false promises were rejected by the people.

S.N. Kabra

Abolition of bank charges a right step

The Reserve Bank of India has taken a practical step in right direction by waiving bank-charges for Real Time Gross Settlement RTGS and National Electronic Funds Transfer. It is noteworthy that money-transfer through cheque-clearing costs much costlier to banks than electronic-transfer of RTGS and NEFT. To further encourage cashless transactions, transaction-charges on payments received through credit or debit cards should be totally abolished. Banks issuing credit-cards can be compensated by government through funds saved by abolition of various incentives announced at time of demonetisation on November 8, 2016 like on purchase of petrol-diesel through cards. It is also time to abolish penalty for not having some stipulated Minimum-Balance in banks at a time when government encourages even zero-balance accounts.

Cashless-transactions can be further encouraged by imposing cash-withdrawal limit for individuals to say rupees 48,000 per month and by introducing seven-day working of all banks for twelve hours daily in two shifts by giving bank-employees two weekly holidays by rotation like is being done even presently by some smaller banks of private-sector.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Reduction in repo rates should be passed to existing loan takers

Reserve Bank of India has announced further cut in repo-rate to 5.75-per cent making it lowest since the year 2010. However banks and Non-Banking-Financial-Companies luring new loan-takers by offering competitive lower interest-rates, is not passing benefit of reduced repo-rate to existing loan-takers. RBI should make it compulsory for all banks and NBFCs to pass on benefit of lower interest-rates because of cut in repo-rate to existing loan-takers without being asked for.

It is also time to discourage loan-business by imposing a total ban on financing of NBFCs by banks. It is not fair that NBFCs are financed by banks for money-lending business instead of banks directly giving loans without involving NBFCs as middle-agencies. There should be a total ban on telephone-calls encouraging people to avail loans. Foreclosure-charges on every type of loan should be totally abolished to allow loan-takers happy exit from loans. It should be ensured that interest-rates for education-loan should be lowest even lower than that for home-loans.

Some highest limit of interest-rate should be fixed for loans either by banks or private individuals, firms, agencies etc. Even abnormally high interest-rate of about 48-per cent per annum on credit-card defaults or accepting provision of boldly-written Minimum-Amount-Payable on credit-card statements should be covered by suggested highest interest-rates.

Madhu Agrawal

Maharashtra is facing severe drought

Maharashtra state is in the grip of drought and it is better than late that both Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray have decided to visit drought hit areas in the state. The state is facing drought situation with over 75 per cent hit by severe drought due to lack of monsoon rains for the last five years. There will be no dearth of issues for the state government in this peculiar situation. In these districts, the yield in 141255 hectares was badly hit as the rain was below average. Apart from that Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Satara and Sangli are suffering for decades and this year the situation is becoming bad to worse. It is time to rush up aid and Sena the coalition partner of BJP in Maharashtra must act swiftly. The mission by Sena leaders may yield fruitful results if the aid reaches farmers in time.

Chitra Rugmini

Today’s Hindi films lack substance

These days, Hindi films have little substance. They are full of sex and violence. Gone are the days when we had good productions such as Aar Paar, Howrah Bridge, Chalti ka Naam Gaadi, Prem Kahani, Gharonda, Geet Gaata Chal, Do Phool, Rajnigandha and Chhoti Si Baat.

Jubel D’Cruz

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Shiv Sena makes Mockery of Constitution?

Vijay Panchal

June 12, 2019

Shiv Sena is trying to undermine the Supreme Court of India, while it is glorifying the leaders of its ally the BJP on the Ram Mandir issue in Ayodhya. It may be an endeavour to make the party chief Uddhav Thackeray’s second Ayodhya tour a grand success in the wake of a landslide victory of the Shiv Sena-BJP combine in Maharashtra in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. At the same time, the party wants to gain an upper hand over the BJP on the issue of the Hindutva. At any cost, Shiv Sena is in the search of a favourable ground, before Maharashtra Assembly elections which are due in October this year.

It is notable that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will visit Ayodhya on June 15. All 18 newly elected parliamentarians from the party will also accompany him. This will be Uddhav’s second tour. On November 25 last year, he had visited Ayodhya and received support of local people and saints. The Shiv Sena and BJP won a total of 41 seats out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party is going to contest Assembly elections in alliance with the BJP. The seat sharing for the 288 membered Maharashtra Assembly is yet to be decided. Both the parties stake their claim for chief ministerial post. Before the Modi-Shah era, the Shiv Sena was the big brother of the BJP in Maharashtra and retained the post of CM. But after 2014’s Assembly elections, things changed. The BJP emerged as big brother and enjoys the post of CM. As of now, this is one of the major disputes between the two allies.

Actually, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Monday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Supreme Court for his party because the country had elected him with an overwhelming majority. Earlier, he had said that courts would not do anything in the Ram Mandir matter. Just before it, the Supreme Court had fixed the hearing of the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid land dispute cases for January before an appropriate bench last year. Sanjay Raut said, “We are not paying attention to what the Supreme Court verdict (on Ram Mandir issue) is and what date it gives (for the verdict). We don’t want to pay attention. The court won’t do anything in the Ram Mandir matter. We did not ask the court before demolishing the Babri structure 25 years ago.”

On being asked about the disputed statement, NCP leader and advocate Majeed Memon told Afternoon Voice, “Sanjay Raut appears to be an educated person and he has some knowledge about provisions of the Constitution of India. He must record, just a fortnight ago when the Prime Minister addressed all newly elected parliamentarians in the Central Hall of the Parliament, he first respected and kissed the copy of the Constitution of India. Sanjay Raut should appreciate that the Constitution of India very clearly explains as to the extent and limitation of the power of various constitutional functionaries, no executive is above the law.”

“The Supreme Court has to independently decide the issue on merits. Sanjay Raut also knows that the dispute relating to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi temple is under active consideration of the Supreme Court. And neither PM Narendra Modi nor Amit Shah nor Yogi Adityanath can claim to be above the Supreme Court. All three of them together also are subordinates to the Supreme Court. Therefore, the statement of Sanjay Raut is not only immature, irresponsible but also ridiculous,” he added.

Shiv Sena leader’s statement has raised a serious question over the party’s faith in the Constitution of India, according to which the Supreme Court is supreme in any dispute. Its ally in Maharashtra and at the Centre, the BJP is also under question. In coming days, both the parties have to make their stand clear on the Constitution and the constitutional organisations.

The Shiv Sena’s all seasoned friend the BJP disowns itself from the disputed statement of Sanjay Raut. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra refused to comment on this issue. When asked whether they are supporting the Shiv Sena leader or opposing him, he said, “I will ask my top leaders, only then I can say anything on this issue.”

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said that to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are equivalent to the Supreme Court. He said that the construction of Ram Mandir will start by the end of this year.

Mahila Pradesh Congress General Secretary Manisha Rote said, “It is a shocking statement for the Indian democracy. He has challenged the Constitution of the country.”

Sanjay Raut said, “The decision will be taken by the majority. Don’t the voices of 125 crore people matter? The Supreme Court will continue to do its work. But we have many ways to go ahead. What is the Supreme Court for us? For us, Supreme Court is Narendra Modi ji, Amit Shah ji, Yogi ji and people. During campaigning, main issues including Ram Mandir, section 370 and Uniform Civil Code were raised. These are issues of national interest and people voted for us based on these issues.”

He said, “Under the leadership of Modi and Adityanath, Ram Mandir will be constructed. Ram Mandir will be constructed now. Nobody can stop the construction of Ram Mandir. In 2019, NDA got a huge majority. Ram temple is one of the issues. This is why nobody can stop it neither law nor those who are against the construction. This is the decision of people that’s why they have voted us to power.”

Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, “It is not a challenge to the Supreme Court. But we are expecting a big step from PM Narendra Modi on this issue like he may come up with an ordinance for the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The BJP has said that it will come forward with full strength in this matter.”

Sanjay Raut also said that after country’s first home minister Sardar Patel, it is Amit Shah who has the ability to resolve the Kashmir issue. Amit Shah is a capable Home Minister to resolve the Kashmir problem. He talks about country, Hindutva. There are no two opinions over Kashmir being an integral part of India.

Ram Mandir issue throttling Shiv Sena and BJP

Vaidehi Taman

June 12, 2019

BJP’s alliance party Shiv Sena, which was in a very attacking and aggressive mode till sometime back, all of a sudden, has become very obedient to Modi and Shah. Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena’s senior-most leader Sanjay Raut gave a statement to the media that he feels, Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are equivalent to the Supreme Court and asserted that the construction of Ram Mandir will start by the end of this year and not even law can stop the Ram Mandir construction. Raut further stated that the majority would take the decision.

“Don’t the voices of 125 crore people matter? The Supreme Court will continue to do its work. However, we have many ways to go ahead. What is the Supreme Court for us? For us, the Supreme Court is Narendra Modi Ji, Amit Shah Ji, Yogi Ji, and people.”

During 2014 campaigning, main issues including the Ram Mandir, Section 370, and Uniform Civil Code (UCC) were raised. These are the issues of national interest and people voted for BJP based on these issues. BJP ruled for five years but none of these promises ever got fulfilled. Even here, after the leaders might claim anything but the construction of Ram Mandir will not be in their hand.

PM Modi has been till now delivered only one promise or unsaid agenda, which is not building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Modi and BJP are advocating making an ordinance to build a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya but in the same time, they keep elaborating the issue through Shiv Sena, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal (BD) and other BJP leaders.

They are already well aware that the building of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is closing their chapter finally. This issue is like chocking their throats. They neither can openly come to build a Ram Temple nor drop this issue. Hence, indirectly, they are provoking this issue among the Hindus. As the upcoming state assembly elections too are very crucial for these parties.

Everyone expected that the Mandir could be built before the general elections of 2019, but BJP did not utter a single word on the same. Now, we can see the starting of discussion on Ram Mandir before the upcoming assembly elections. Meanwhile, Supreme Court was hearing Ram Mandir issue on a daily basis without any interruption and ordered a court-monitored mediation in the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid land dispute case to arrive at a “permanent solution” to the politically and religiously sensitive issue. The court also said that the mediation proceedings are to be kept confidential. The decision regarding this issue can come as expected and we know that there are no powerful evidence favouring Babri Masjid.

To bypass the judiciary, BJP needs a 2/3rd majority in both the houses, which they now possess. An out of court settlement is also possible. The Shia Waqf Board agreed for Ram Mandir in the disputed land while the Sunni Waqf Board didn’t. If the Sunni Waqf Board also agrees to it, then the Mandir can be built.

Other than the court, the pressure tactics from various forces already built on these communities who are against making of Ram Mandir; so, whether Modi, Shah, and Yogi are greater than the Supreme Court or not, Lord Rama is greater than all these people because he has given grounds to BJP politics in India. Without him, BJP has no vote bank. It is a very important issue for them (and Hindus) both culturally and ideologically.

It is not some temple at the end of the street; it is a fight for the Birthplace of Lord Rama. This issue is no illusion; imagine a church being built by the Christian crusaders by demolishing the Mecca Masjid. As soon as the Muslims get back in power, they would have demolished it and try to build an even grander Masjid. However, here, even after 70 years of independence and Muslims getting their separate country, No Mandir has been constructed. The entire politics is revolving around Hindu and Muslims and their respective sentiments.

Now, if this issue gets resolved, BJP will go out of topic. They will have nothing to play their cards other than communal riots. On the other hand, Congress leader Kapil Sibal (a Hindu) is fighting against Ram Mandir and had asked to postpone the hearing till after 2019 elections. They were afraid if the judgement comes, one way or the other, Hindus will consolidate with the BJP.

A Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will boost BJP’s credentials. However, these don’t make the Ram Mandir issue any less important. Ram Mandir is not for Ram anymore. It’s more associated with Hindu domination over Muslim tyrants of the past 1000 years (700–1700AD). BJP found an ideal issue, which can provide them a big chunk of 79 per cent voters of this country. If you visit the site, you will find that the bricks with ‘Ram’ imprinted are now stolen by the local priests to build their own homes. All the excavations have resulted in no proof of a Ram Janmabhoomi.

Now comes the question! Once in an election after 1992, when asked by a journalist, is Ram Mandir going to be an issue, Sushma Swaraj said, “Ek Cheque Ko Kitni Baar Encash Kar Sakte Hain?” (How many times can one cheque be encashed?). You can simply imagine what Ram Mandir issue does for BJP.

Before this issue, BJP had only two seats. After their huge effort in erecting this issue, they won 85 seats and carried on, and now they have crossed 300. Ram Mandir is a golden eggs laying goose. Building the temple will be like killing the goose. Keeping people expecting is a better idea. Most of the people are convinced that BJP only can build a Ram Mandir and it is working in their favour. Why build it if the people are anticipating and are sure that they are for the cause, maintaining the status quo is more fruitful for the future.

In my opinion, BJP will just create a feeling of closure before the 2024 elections and not push for a final decision. If they win, they will push for it and if they lose, they will try everything that the government in power doesn’t take a step towards it. In that case, they will have to play dirty games like buying the opposing parties of Ram Mandir and make them oppose hard on every platform. The non-right alliance will have to appease the minority. There are good chances that they will foolishly ignore the issue and give advantage to BJP.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

‘Sooryavanshi’ gets relieved from the biggest clash

Web Team

June 12, 2019

Salman Khan on Wednesday took to Twitter to announce the new release date of Sooryavanshi with a heartwarming quote – ‘I always thought of him as my younger brother and today he proves it…@itsrohitshetty

Sooryavanshi releasing ‪on 27th March, 2020’.

I always thought of him as my younger brother and today he proves it… #RohitShetty

Sooryavanshi releasing on 27th March, 2020. pic.twitter.com/KGHsej3Bow

— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) June 12, 2019

Sooryavanshi directed by Rohit Shetty stars Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif along with others.

The hubbub around the releasing date of the Rohit Shetty directorial started with the report that eminent director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Inshallah’ starring Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt would be clashing with Rohit Shetty’s ‘Sooryavasnhi’ starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. Bollywood superstar Akshay and Salman clashing on the box office was being considered as one of the biggest of its kind.

Both the films were initially scheduled to release on Eid 2020. However, finally, putting all the rumours to rest, ‘Sooryavanshi’ team has decided to shift the release date of the film to March 27, 2020.

In April, in an interview to a portal, Salman said that he will begin working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film after he wraps up Dabangg 3. At that time, the 53 year-old actor said, “I’ll start Dabangg 3 first and then Sanjay will release his film after that. So, Dabangg will release in December and we will come on Eid, next Eid (2020).”

With ‘Inshallah’, Both Bhansali and Khan are coming together on a project after long 20 years. On the other hand, Akshay Kumar is all set take forward Shetty’s cop story universe ahead.

As per box office report card, Khan’s latest Eid release ‘Bharat’ is making fireworks at the box office. It has become the biggest opener of Salman Khan’s career and has broken all box office records.

Uttar Pradesh most dangerous place for journalists!

Web Team

June 12, 2019

journalist attacks 1 — Image Courtesy: catchnews.com

Probably, Uttar Pradesh will be listed as the most dangerous place for journalists. Within hours after the Supreme Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to release journalist Prashant Kanojia, another journalist was not only beaten but treated inhumanly, too, in the state. The police personnel even urinated in his mouth. Besides Kanojia, Ishika Singh, head of a Noida-based news channel, and Anuj Shukla, one of the editors of the channel, were arrested for allegedly making objectionable comments and propagating defamatory content against the UP chief minister. These incidents will malign the image of India, which was judged fifth-most deadliest place to be a journalist in 2018.

According to reports, journalist Amit Sharma went to cover a train derailment in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh. He was thrashed by a group of GRP personnel on Tuesday night. He was beaten up on camera by a group of GRP personnel led by SHO Rakesh Kumar. The group was seen repeatedly slapping and thrashing the journalist while he tries to reason with them. Later, the journalist alleged that he was subjected to torture.

The journalist associated with a news channel, said, “They were in plain clothes. One hit my camera and it fell down. When I picked it up they hit and abused me. I was locked up, stripped and they urinated in my mouth.” The incident took place when he was covering a train derailment incident in Dhimanpura on Tuesday night.

The journalist was locked up in the GRP station. He dubbed the attack as a retaliation for a negative story. Accused inspector/SHO Rakesh Kumar sat on chair and kept confronting other journalists protesting against the incident. The journalist was reportedly dragged to the Government Railway Police (GRP) police station in Shamli and put behind the bars. He remained detained for the night while an order has been issued to release him on Wednesday morning.

Several local journalists rushed to the police station on learning about the incident and put the video footage of cops beating up Amit Sharma on social media. The journalists also reportedly contacted senior officials at the police headquarters. Videos of this incident were circulated on Twitter and social media. After this, DGP UP OP Singh ordered for suspension of SHO GRP Shamli Rakesh Kumar and Constable Sanjay Pawar. The UP police said that strict punishment shall be accorded to policemen misbehaving with citizens. The Uttar Pradesh police tweeted, “We have come across a video where a journalist has been beaten up & put up in a lock up. DGP UP OP Singh has ordered for immediate suspension of SHO GRP Shamli Rakesh Kumar & Const. Sanjay Pawar.”

The journalist told his colleagues who were protesting at the police station that he was being subjected to this torture because of a negative story he did on the railway police force. This incident took place just few hours after the Supreme Court slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for arresting journalist Prashant Kanojia for posting a video on CM Yogi Adityanath. Kanojia was arrested by the UP police on charges of defaming the chief minister of the state.

It is notable that Prashant Kanojia was in jail for over three days. He was not produced before any Magistrate to seek a transit remand. No arrest memo was prepared and neither Kanojia nor his wife was told of why he was being taken and who the arresting officials in civil dress were. An FIR was registered against Prashant Kanojia at Hazratganj police station on last Friday night in Lucknow. UP Police alleged that the accused made objectionable comments against the CM and tried to malign his image. Prashant Kanojia had shared a video on Twitter and Facebook where a woman is seen speaking to reporters of various media organisations outside the CM’s office, expressing her desire to marry Yogi Adityanath and claiming that she had sent him a marriage proposal. Kanojia had shared a video on Twitter and Facebook where a woman is seen speaking to reporters of various media organisations outside the CM’s office, claiming that she had sent a marriage proposal to Adityanath. She claimed in the video that she had been conversing with the chief minister for a long time over video chat, and that now she wanted to know if he was willing to spend his life with her.

According to Jagisha Arora’s petition, the FIR against Kanojia has been filed under Sections 500 of the Indian Penal Code and 66 of the Information Technology Act, both of which are bailable offences. It is strange that the police filed a case against Section 500 (defamation), since the law requires the concerned person (in this case CM Yogi Adityanath) to file a complaint himself. There are procedural lapses on the part of the police, including not presenting Kanojia before a magistrate and no arrest memo being prepared. Two sections were later added to the charges, which were not on the original FIR – IPC Section 505 and IT Act Section 67.

According to report of the Reporters Without Borders (RSF), there had been an increase in the number of journalists killed in 2018. Total 80 journalists were killed. Of these, 63 were professional journalists, compared with 55 professional journalists killed in 2017. RSF said 348 others were detained, 60 were held hostage and 3 were missing. Of the 80 killed, 49 were deliberately targeted because their reporting threatened the interests of certain people in positions of political, economic, or religious power or organised crime. The report said 15 journalists were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, making the nation the deadliest place to report from, 17 years after the US-led war began. 11 were killed in Mexico, 8 in Yemen, and 6 each in India and the United States. The positive news was from Iraq, where RSF reported no journalist was killed for the first time since the US-led invasion of 2003.

1...1,0141,0151,016...5,589 Page 1,015 of 5,589