‘Dalit ki beti’ Mayawati serving the rich: Mulayam Singh Yadav

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November 24, 2015

Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav hit out at BSP chief Mayawati, alleging that the ‘dalit ki beti’ was in fact serving the rich.

Addressing a convention of 17 Other Backward Castes (OBC) organised by state Mining Minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati at party headquarters here, the SP leader said that Mayawati had failed to serve the interests of the Dalits in the state.

“We had given facilities of Dalits to 17 OBCs in the state, while Maywati scrapped the provisions after becoming the Chief Minster. When we raised the matter in Delhi with the then Manmohan Singh government, the Centre also supported the BSP,” he said.

“When I tried to get him (Manmohan) understand, he said it was necessary to take her (Mayawati) along to run the government and continued to please her,” he said.

Mayawati’s BSP had given outside support to the previous UPA government.

Yadav said that although the BSP leader calls herself ‘Dalit ki beti’, she works for rich.

He assured the representatives of the OBCs at the convention that they would be provided with facilities at par with Dalits along with including them in the Scheduled Castes (SC) list.

Yadav said that he would take up the matter with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and his son Akhilesh Yadav soon.

“We will talk to High Court and Supreme Court and put in a battery of lawyers for the issue. We will also fight in Delhi. You will progress when you all get status of dalits (SC)”, he said.

The effort for inclusion of the 17 OBCs in the SC list was initiated in 2005, when the then SP government headed by Mulayam Singh Yadav had amended the UP Public Services (Reservation for Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Other Backward Castes) Act 1994, to include the ‘most backward castes’ in the SC category.

The castes in question include- Banjara, Kahar, Kashyap, Kewat, Nishad, Bind, Bhar, Prajapati, Rajbhar, Batham, Gaur, Tura, Majhi, Mallah, Kumhar, Dheemar and Machhua.

In 2012, after SP government came to power in the state, it again sent a resolution to Centre for inclusion of the 17 OBCs in SC list but it has not yet been accepted.

Defending his grand 76th birthday celebration in Saifai, Mulayam said, “even those on constitution post have problems with the birthday celebration. They don’t know about me. I belong to a very poor family of farmers. What problem do they have if my birthday was celebrated?”

However, he did not elaborate whom he was referring to.

The SP chief’s birthday bash drew flak from the opposition which questioned the “ostentatious” display of wealth and “garish” expenditure running into crores of rupees when the state was grappling with drought situation.

BJP slams Aamir Khan over intolerance comment

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came down heavily on Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan for their comments on alleged growing ‘intolerance’.

Addressing a press conference, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain slammed Aamir Khan for saying he has been “alarmed” by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country.

Hitting back at the Bollywood superstar, Shahnawaz said though Aamir is free to express his views, he should also remember that it is the same country which has bestowed immense love, respect and wealth on him.

“No country is better than India for Muslims,” Shahnawaz asserted, adding, “Aamir will not get a better country than India to live and a Hindu as his neighbour.”

“Where will one go after leaving this country, wherever in the world you go, you will find intolerance,” he added.

Hussain reminded Aamir that “India gave you all the laurels and respect”.

“There is a sense of peace and brotherhood in the country, which cannot be compared with any part of the world,” he said.

“When you become a big star, your remarks are misused on the platforms of rival countries. Your remarks can draw publicity and can become headlines. But such comments can also defame the country. This is an incredible India. One should not tarnish its image,” the BJP leader added.

Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s tweets, the BJP spokesperson said the Congress vice president should reflect on his own party’s history and advised him not to give lessons on tolerance.

Congress which has been under scanner for its role in 1984 anti-Sikh riots and many other incidences of communal violence shouldn’t advise the nation on tolerance, the BJP leader said.

”Aamir makes a comment and Rahul Gandhi supports it. It has become clear from Gandhi’s comment that there is a conspiracy going on in the country to defame the nation,” the BJP spokesperson said at the press conference here.

He questioned Aamir Khan, asking “who is giving you all the advice”.

Shahnawaz’s statements came shortly after Rahul said this morning that it would be better for the BJP government to stop “bullying, threatening and abusing” and instead reach out to the people.

“Instead of branding all those who question the Govt & Modiji- as unpatriotic, anti national or ‘motivated’ the Govt would do better to reach out to people to understand what’s disturbing them,” the Congress leader had tweeted.

The BJP spokesperson also took potshots at political parties trying to defame the BJP-led government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Citing PM’s statement in Malaysia that ‘terror cannot be linked with religion’, Shahnawaz said, it is the best statement a responsible leader can give.

“A small incident happens in a country of over 100 crore people, but it is not alright to malign our ‘Incredible India’ over the same,” the BJP spokesperson said.

Guru Nanak: The founder of Sikhism

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh guru and the founder of the Sikhism was born on the full moon day in the month of Kartik as per the Hindu calendar. Hence, his birthday is celebrated as Guru Nanak Jayanti in India. The date falls in October or November in the Gregorian calendar. Guru Nanak was born in the year 1469 at Rai-Bhoi di Talwandi, some 30 miles away from Lahore, in the present Pakistan. The Sikhs visit Gurdwaras where special programmes are arranged and kirtans (religious songs) are sung. Houses of Sikhs and Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) are decorated and lit up to add to the festivities.

Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the culmination of the Prabhat Pheris, the early morning processions that start from the Gurdwaras and then proceeds around the localities singing ‘shabads’ (hymns). The celebration also includes the three-day Akhand path, during which the holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib is read continuously, from the beginning to the end without taking a break. On the day of the festival, the Guru Granth Sahib is also carried in a procession on a float, decorated with flowers, throughout the village or city. In Amritsar, it is wonderful to see it.

When Guru Nanak was young, he showed no signs of being different from the other children. In school, he was very bright and learnt quickly whatever the village schoolmaster would teach him. At the age of 7, he even composed a poem in praise of God which was appreciated by all. When he grew older, he started spending most of his time in the company of holy men. His father did not appreciate this since he was a businessman and wanted his son to take care of the family business. But Guru Nanak was not interested in it. His parents got him married instead. But marriage too did not deter him from pursuing his interest. He wanted to seek God. So he left his home and his wife and travelled far and wide, composing and singing hymns in praise of God. He disliked caste distinction and hated injustice. He died on September 22, 1539. This year Guru Nanak Jayanti falls on November 25.

Jubel D’Cruz

Indian film industry stands for Make in India: Shah Rukh Khan

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says Indian film industry is an colourful example of ‘Make in India’ initiative, as it crosses borders and takes the culture to every part of the world.

The 50-year-old “Chennai Express” star said, “When we talk about ‘Make in India’ we talk about the kind of stuff we do in the country. Somewhere, perhaps selfishly so, I do feel the Indian film industry does stand for something specifically and very beautifully, Make in India,” Shah Rukh said.

He was speaking at the launch of coffee table book of ASSOCHAM, ‘Digitisation and mobility of media and entertainment’.

Shah Rukh said the film industry takes our culture forward in it’s own “mad” and “colourful” way.

“It does take us across borders, tell people about our culture, talks about our music and somewhere down the line spreads the word for what India stands for, in its own sometimes mad, sometimes colourful and sometimes in a little over the top way.”

The “Happy New Year” actor also hoped that the film industry becomes far sighted and cracks the code of international markets.

“We all have been struggling for years to think of the film as an industry be as organised be as far sighted, visionary as most of you in the room.

“Through our Punjabi films, Hindi films, Bengali films and others, we hope that someday we do crack the code in terms of international viewership.”

Shah Rukh will be next seen opposite Kajol in “Dilwale” which release on December 18.

No more reality TV for Paris Hilton

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Socialite Paris Hilton says she no longer has any interest in appearing in reality TV shows.

The former “Simple Life” star, 34, is more focused on her business ventures and DJing around the world than living her life on camera, reported Telegraph online.

“I get offered reality shows all the time but I turn them down. I am really enjoying being a businesswoman and not living that kind of life on camera.

“Now I’m just really focused on my business empire and my DJing. I’m happy not doing reality TV anymore.”

Hilton said she wouldn’t return to reality TV for her 39-year-old entrepreneur boyfriend Thomas Gross, who is very private.

“He’s very private so he’d never want cameras following us around.”

Every ordinary person has something special: Ranbir Kapoor

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who essays the role of a man who loses himself by living as per social conventions in ‘Tamasha’, feels every person has something special about him or her.

“What I realised after watching the film, but not when I was shooting for it, every ordinary person has something special in them. What you are trying to find in the world… That thing is in you,” Ranbir told during a train journey from Mumbai to Delhi.

“If you really look deep inside you, if you understand yourself, identify yourself, you will definitely find that person,” he added.

The Imtiaz Ali directorial also features actress Deepika Padukone and Javed Sheikh.

‘Tamasha’ will release on Friday.

I like to keep marriage to Daniel Craig private: Rachel Weisz

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Rachel Weisz said she and husband Daniel Craig are one of the most private couples in Hollywood.

The 45-year-old actress, who tied the knot with the James Bond star in June 2011, said she wants to “protect” their relationship from the public eye, reported Hello! magazine.

“He’s just too famous. It would be a betrayal. You have to protect your marriage. When you’re young, you tell your girlfriends everything. One of the great pleasures of not being an adolescent is that you don’t have to share everything.

“When you’re married, that door closes. The audience goes, and you’re in your own life,” she said.

Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez take stroll together in Beverly Hills

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Afternoon Voice

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November 24, 2015

Former couple Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were spotted out and about together in Beverly Hills.

The pop star, 21, and the “Good for You” songstress, 23, looked happy as they took a stroll together, reported Us magazine.

And while they didn’t hold hands, in one photo, the former Disney Channel star can be seen putting her hand on the “Sorry” singer’s back.

Bieber and Gomez were an on-and-off couple for three years before calling it quits in January 2013.

Fadnavis deliberately not expanding the cabinet, alleges allies

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Afternoon Voice

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November 23, 2015

Allies demanded that the BJP should go ahead with the cabinet expansion plans at the earliest.

A meeting was held at the residence of PWD Minister Chandrakant Patil to discuss about the cabinet expansion which will happen after the winter session of Maharashtra assembly. The meeting was attended by BJP and its allies. Allies like Shiv Sena, RPI, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana and Rashtriya Samaj Paksha had become aggressive and demanded that the BJP should go ahead with the cabinet expansion plans at the earliest. The meeting was attended by Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana’s Raju Shetti, Sadabhau Khot and RPI leader Ramdas Athawale. Shiv Sena held the BJP responsible for delaying the cabinet expansion plan.

RPI leader Ramdas Athawale said, “The BJP should allot us ministerial berths at the centre and state. We had offered support to the BJP during the assembly and Lok Sabha polls hence we deserve representation.”

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana, President, Raju Shetti said, “The BJP should fulfil all the promises made by it before coming to power. They should try to accommodate allies and must not sideline them.”

On the other hand, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was not keen to go ahead with the cabinet expansion. He also failed to issue any comment about the cabinet expansion plan.

Danve had earlier announced that the cabinet expansion will be held before the state government completes its one year but the Fadnavis government has failed to implement it. He later said that the expansion will happen after receiving a nod from the centre. All the allies are eyeing plum posts. On the other hand, BJP has been delaying the cabinet expansion plan as it is worried about a backlash from those leaders who are denied ministerial berths. Therefore, the saffron party will take a decision in this regard after the commencement of the winter session of the state assembly. The winter session is scheduled to commence on December 7 and end on December 23. All the government offices will be shifted to Nagpur in the first week of December for the purpose.

If cabinet berths are allotted to RPI and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana then their ministers will not be able to get elected within six months. Since 10 seats will be vacant in the Legislative Council in July hence ministers can get elected if the cabinet expansion is undertaken after the winter session.

Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister on October 31 last year with seven cabinet and two ministers of state.

When Shiv Sena joined the government later, the strength of the ministry increased from 10, including CM, to 30. At present, there are 20 ministers from BJP and ten from Sena.

As per constitutional provisions, Maharashtra assembly, which has a total of 288 MLAs, can have 42 ministers — 15 per cent of the total strength.

For RSS, Ram is Bharat and Bharat is Ram

By

Vaidehi Taman

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November 23, 2015

After a long time, RSS remembered their promise to the voters about making Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Ashok Singhal has two dreams and that were of building the Ram Temple at Ram Janmabhoomi and spreading Vedic wisdom in the world. In a condolence meeting for VHP patron Ashok Singhal, Sangh Parivar pushed for construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat declared that serious attempts should be made to accomplish the Hindutva leader’s dream in this regard. As tributes were paid to Singhal, Bhagwat recalled Singhal’s last meeting with him earlier this month and said he wanted two things to be accomplished. The same should be accomplished by working sincerely towards them. The RSS supremo at the memorial service said, Singhal is no more but his thoughts are with us and the task he undertook (of building the Ram temple) yielded some results.

Bhagwat believes that if you want to develop Bharat, then Ram Temple would also have to be set up. Ashokji was never communal or divisive and sought to unify people. Stepping up pressure for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Vishwa Hindu Parishad emphasized that the ruling BJP at the Centre cannot afford to fail its electors on the “core issue” and must deliver on it. BJP’s manifesto, which mentions the Ram Temple among its core issues, the Hindu outfit said it was sure the party would not like to face the next election with the “failure tag”. Ram Temple was BJP’s core issue. Recently, BJP President Amit Shah had also given a statement that the party lacked the majority needed to address the matter and it stemmed from the fact that the leader himself described Ram Temple as a core issue.

The Hindu outfit’s ‘Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal’, a body of top religious leaders, had resolved at its recent meeting in Hardwar that a delegation of saints would be formed to take up the matter with the government so that impediments are removed. VHP’s Margdarshak Mandal is again meeting in Maharashtra later this month and is likely to further deliberate on the issue. Interestingly, more than two decades after the demolition of the Babri Mosque voters who once dumped BJP on the failure of building Ram Temple, have moved on. The construction of a Ram temple, they believe, is no longer an electoral issue.

The Ayodhya dispute is a political, historical and socio-religious debate in India, centered on a plot of land in the city of Ayodhya, located in Faizabad district, Uttar Pradesh. The main issues revolve around access to a site traditionally regarded among Hindus to be the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama, the history and location of the Babri Mosque at the site, and whether a previous Hindu temple was demolished or modified to create the mosque.

Ram Janmabhoomi, which at one point was the BJP’s key electoral floorboard and part of its political chronicle, did not find a mention in a speech by the Narendra Modi, nowadays. Although, an artist’s depiction of the temple formed the backdrop to the stage during Lok Sabha election where Modi himself spoke about “Ram Rajya”.

The provocative agenda— a move to build a Ram Temple in place of the razed Babri Mosque in Ayodhya—has been pushed to the margins of the BJP’s Lok Sabha manifesto. BJP reiterates its stand to explore all possibilities within the framework of the Constitution to facilitate the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, was all that the party said on the last page of its list of promises in its manifesto.

The Babri Mosque was destroyed by hardline Hindu activists during a political rally which turned into a riot on 6th of December, 1992. A subsequent land title case was lodged in the Allahabad High Court, the verdict of which was pronounced on 30th September, 2010. In the landmark hearing, the three judges of The Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres (1.12 hectares) of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with 1/3 going to the Ram Lalla or Infant Rama represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, 1/3 going to the Islamic Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining 1/3 going to a Hindu religious denomination Nirmohi Akhara. While the three-judge bench was not unanimous that the disputed structure was constructed after demolition of a temple, it did agree that a temple or a temple structure predated the mosque at the same site. The excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India were heavily used as evidence by the court that the predating structure was a massive Hindu religious building.

Looking at all political developments, let’s see how BJP fulfills the dream of Ashok Singhal by building Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.