Maharashtra government formation : “No point in continuing alliance with BJP”, says Sanjay Raut

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November 11, 2019

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday said if the BJP was not willing to fulfill its promise of sharing the chief minister’s post in Maharashtra, there was no point in continuing the alliance.

A day after Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari invited the Shiv Sena to stake claim to form government, Raut told reporters here that the BJP “insulted” people’s mandate by not abiding to the “50:50” formula which, he claimed, was decided before the Lok Sabha polls.

The BJP on Sunday announced it would not form government in the state and accused the Shiv Sena of “disrespecting” people’s mandate secured by the NDA in the recent Assembly polls.

“The BJP’s arrogance that it would sit in the opposition but not share the chief minister’s post has led to this situation…if the BJP is not willing to implement its promise, then there is no meaning in staying with the alliance,” the Rajya Sabha member said.

To a query, he said when the BJP could tie-up with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to form government in the then Jammu and Kashmir state, why the Sena cannot do the same with the NCP and Congress in Maharashtra.

“Should we call the BJP’s association with PDP as ‘love jihad’? I am simply underscoring here the contradiction behind the question,” Raut said.

The PDP, a regional party, and the BJP, both ideologically different, came together to form government in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state in 2015. However, the BJP ended its alliance with the Mehbooba Mufti-led party last year, following which the government there collapsed.

Raut also expressed disappointment over the Uddhav Thackeray-led party being given just 24 hours to stake claim.

The Sena, which is the second-largest party in the 288-member House with 56 MLAs after the BJP (105), has time till 7.30 pm on Monday to stake claim to form government.

“The BJP was the single largest party, but it was given 72 hours, as per my information. Our numbers are less than the BJP, in such a situation we should have been given more time. However, the Sena will respect the governor’s decision and we will inform him our stand by today evening,” Raut said.

“A conspiracy is going on to keep Maharashtra under control through President’s rule. The Sena, NCP and Congress have agreed to not let this conspiracy succeed,” he added.

Reaching out to the opposition parties, he said the Congress and NCP should bury their internal differences to come up with a ‘common minimum programme’ in the interest of Maharashtra.

“The Sena, NCP and Congress agree on protecting the interest of Maharashtra,” he said.

After the BJP declined to form government in Maharashtra on Sunday, the governor asked the Sena to “indicate its willingness and ability” to stake claim.

While the Sena has been making efforts to reach out to the NCP and the Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led party on Sunday said the Sena will have to walk out of the NDA first.

Sena leader Arvind Sawant, the lone party minister in the Modi Cabinet, on Monday announced his decision to quit the NDA government at the Centre.

Missing minor from Bhandup found raped and murdered in Ghatkopar

By

Hema Singh

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November 11, 2019

A 10-year-old girl who had been missing from in Bhandup area was found dead in Ghatkopar on Sunday.

According to police, the minor girl was last seen outside her residence on November 5 in Bhandup West. After that, her family member filed a complaint of kidnapping at Bhandup police station.

Police said, on Sunday morning they received a phone call from Tilak Nagar police station about the death of the minor girl. As per the police report, the body of the girl was partially decomposed. Later on, police reached the spot with the family member of a girl who has identified her body.

Police have sent the body of the minor girl for post-morten report at Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar. According to the doctor, the cause of death was strangulation and she was sexually assaulted too. Currently police are investigating the matter further probe is on.

Uniform Civil Code demand gains momentum

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Afternoon Voice

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November 10, 2019

After coming to power BJP has fulfilled its core election promises such as scrapping of Article 370, abolishing Triple Talaq, Ram Temple in Ayodhya, now many of BJP voters are expecting to introduce Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India.

Uniform Civil Code is defined in our Constitution under Article 44 of Directive Principles of State Policy. It states that it is the duty of the state to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India. In other words we can say that it means ‘one country one rule’. The question of Uniform Civil Code‘ (UCC) has remained a controversial topic in Indian politics. In a country like ours where individuals are governed on civil matters such as marriage, inheritance, adoption and succession on the basis of the personal laws of their religion, UCC will contain same set of secular civil laws for each and every individual irrespective of his/her religion, gender, caste, creed, race etc. Our country is a culturally diverse one where religion is a very sensitive topic and so bringing about a change in personal laws is a challenging task. The very idea of having a UCC has ignited many debates in the present political scenario and in the past too. Afternoon Voice took opinion of people to know the pros and cons.—

Najmul Hasan Rizvi, senior journalist said, “Article 25 in the Constitution gives fundamental rights to everyone for practising their own religion. And almost every religion has their own personal law. Uniform Civil Code is a political gimmick, which doesn’t stand in common citizens’ view. Hindus get rebate in taxes through Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) whereas in one religion widow can remarry. Muslims have their own personal law.”

Sumita Chakraborty, Editor of STARDUST magazine said, “Yes I think it’s time we follow the common civil code in India. For long we have had personal rules governing various communities. This caused a lot of chaos and disruption. A common or Uniform Civil Code sets the same rules for everyone so nobody can hide behind antiquated laws of the past and get away. I think it will work very well in India as we have now become on par in terms of norms with all the modern countries of the world.”

Arya Money, Reporter at Rajshree Production said, “Uniform Civil Code may or may not work in India because of one major reason. Being the age old tradition or method, it is very difficult to change the mindset easily. The adaptation be it extremely good or bad because society takes time to adapt to it.”

She further said, “The civil code in India is good, till it respects the culture and need of the people, while amending acts for the people. Before taking any major acts into consideration the government should consider the interests of the people, as in if they need such a change rather than imposing something on them. “A change is a must, but not at the cost of violation of public beliefs and interests,” she added.

Abhishek Rai, journalist said, “As far as I know, India officially calls itself a secular country, which means every citizen of India is equal before laws, rule and regulations of our nation, regardless of its religion, caste, culture or creed. Therefore when it comes to maintaining its secular nature, we should have Uniform Civil Code. Because it seems hypocritical to me if there is no equal application of law on various communities in a secular country. The government should introduce Uniform Civil Code as soon as possible.”

Manisha Karki, journalist at UrbanAsian said, “I think it is a matter of debate on Uniform Civil Code since 1949 and because we believe in ‘One Nation One Law‘. India is a diverse country and every set of religion has their own personal laws. No matter there are differences but we all are bound to follow some laws as being the part of the nation. With change in time and generation we see many cases around us either its inappropriate divorce or about gender equality.”

She continued, “I think it’s time for India to take a stand and set an example like other countries. As we can see the Uniform Civil Code can help in solving many problems and settling down thing. In the world where people can see religious extremism, India can be one of the country which others can look into and see how a diverse nation can stand united with its people.”

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, “Uniform Civil Code is our constitutional commitment in the preamble of our constitution. We had committed that we shall bring Uniform Civil Code. In every secular country in the world has a Uniform Civil Code. In our constitution we are saying that we are secular nation.”

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “Basically all other codes are uniformed like CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) and IPC ( Indian Penal Code). The sections of these acts are equally applicable to each and every community present in India. The introduction of Marriage Act, Succession Act is remaining. Uniform Civil Code should be implemented only after arriving at a consensus among all communities in India.”

Adv. Vibin Nair, Managing Partner, Orizon Legal said, “The implementation of Uniform Civil Code is the need of the hour to project the outlook of ‘Sarva Dharma Sama Bhav’ – (All religions are equal). It will also bring a positive change in the field of marriage, divorce, property, succession and inheritance laws in our country with the Parliament also in review and recodification of CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) and IPC (Indian Penal Code) . Having said that, our Parliamentarians should also bear in mind about it’s application having a retrospective or prospective effect to the existing matters already going on.”

Shivani Lokhande, Freelancer Hr executive said, “The Uniform Civil Code is a very sensitive topic and I will support this rule because firstly it will lead to gender equality, there’ll be secularism. People that are divided due to religions can be united and there won’t be discrimination as law will be same for everyone.”

When asked whether Uniform Civil Code should be applicable in India she replied, “Implementing Uniform Civil Code will be a grave problem as people in India are way more religious, they will feel that law is enforced on their way to pray, do rituals, etc. As we all know Indian mentality is majorly conservative in such situation and bringing UCC will be difficult. But like I said initially it’s really needed.”

Aditaya Iyer, CA intern said, “Uniform Civil Code looks to be a good idea as it states equal rights for all citizens and will promote national integration. But at the same time, we need to keep in mind that India is a very diverse nation and there are various laws governing, keeping the interests of the various sections of the society safe. These laws safeguard the interests of both sections of society differently.”

“I feel there will be a lot of difficulty in the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code and don’t see it happening in the near future. But I do feel as time passes all these laws may individually be amended and overtime when almost all are on the same page we can think of a Uniform Civil Code,” he added.

Bhaskar Parikh, Architect said, “Yes, a common civil code should be amended on every citizen in India and there are some major changes that needs to be taken place in the Constitution. He further said, “Though it will be very difficult and a sensitive task to put forth because of the diversity in India. However, this needs to be implemented so that people in India get equal rights, equal status and no gender discrimination.”

“I think this step will take a major turn on the positive side of national integration,” he added.

How many Indians approve Uniform Civil Code?

By

Vaidehi Taman

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November 10, 2019

In India, Uniform Civil Code is always debatable, some believe this is need of the hour because in a diverse society like India, the laws needed to deal with the disputes related to the issues of marriage, divorce, custody, adoption, inheritance. Laws must to be same for all irrespective of religion, caste or sect. At a time, when reforms for strengthening the position of women in the society are being given the utmost significance and attention, there is an urgent need for a new civil code to eliminate discrimination against women in the society. Others believe that in our country, where the principle of equality of all citizens is protected in the Constitution, different sets of personal laws for different religious communities go against this very principle of the Constitution. Different rules of civil law go against the secular credentials of the democracy and also challenge the concept of unity in diversity. And the concept of Uniform Civil Code is define in Article 44 of Indian Constitution, and comes under the Directive Principle of State policy and Article 37 states that directive principle of state policy cannot be enforceable by law.

Almost all the countries of the world have a common civil code for all their citizens. The basic idea behind the formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is to end discriminations based on religions. Personal law of nearly all the religions have acted as a tool of oppression of the women through which they are suppressed most of the times citing religious and social obligations. Personal laws have always played a big role in causing the rise of gender discrimination. Uniform Civil Code guaranteed by the Constitution has also become a very sensitive and controversial issue that has always been communalised by people having vested interests.

BJP government to give justice to Muslim women at large scraps one of the controversial religious laws, Triple Talaq. They have scrapped Article 370 without keeping a chance for debate, under their rule Uniform Civil Code is also possible, but country like our needs to go through the pros and cons of it.

A Uniform Civil Code administers the same set of secular civil laws to govern different people belonging to different religions and regions. This does away with the right of citizens to be governed under different personal laws based on their religion or ethnicity. Uniform Civil Code will in the long run ensure equality.

It is necessary that law be divorced from religion. With the presentation of a uniform code, secularism will be strengthened; much of the present day separation and divisiveness between various religious groups in the country will disappear, and India will emerge as a much more cohesive and integrated nation.

The crusade for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code should get the support of all progressive and right-thinking citizens of the country. It is the need of the hour. There is also need for a political consensus to implement the Uniform Civil Code.

We have a secular government that says that all humans are equal, which protects the right of the citizen to practise their religion as it may. People will argue that both points are synonymous with each other but there are certain differences. You have personal law boards for religions, which put them in the grey area of constitutional law. Our Constitution has guaranteed that under Article 44, “The state shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India” and the honourable Supreme Court and its eminent jurists have noted on multiple occasions the need for a civil code applicable to all citizens [Shah Bano, Sarla Mudgal]. Article 44 is one of the many logical, rational, good-intentioned, pious doctrines enshrined in the Constitution, but only enshrined, as in a marble tomb. There have been no laws made by our Governments, rather, they have moved in the opposite direction many times. Why most of the feminist organisations have been pushing for this code to be created and implemented is because most of Indian personal laws were (and are) patriarchal in nature that promote the imbalance of powers between the genders. This is a very endemic problem that causes most of the surficial gender related issues that we see today being rampantly discussed by the media. Indirectly fights vote-bank politics, by creating a unified civil law system that treats citizens the same regardless of religion.

Every modern nation has it, and that will achieve the grand vision, which was envisioned at the time of framing our Constitution. In Shah Bano case Supreme Court held that government should implement the Uniform Civil Code and in Sarla Mudgal case Supreme Court has also advocated to the implementation of Uniform Civil Code and one of the major problem behind the implementation of Uniform Civil Code is that whether Directive Principle of state policy cannot supersede over the fundamental right because Fundamental Right is justifiable right. While Directive principle of state policy cannot be enforceable by court But Uniform Civil Code can be enforceable by legislature and according to Article 245, the Parliament have right to make a law throughout the whole territory of India.

Directive Principle of state policy can over ride over the fundamental right if it violates the other fundamental right of any individual, for example if any tradition of any religion violates the Article 14, Article 15, Article 21 then this tradition cannot be defended in the name of right to freedom of religion.

In conclusion, I would like to say that Uniform Civil Code is not against any religion. It is about gender justice, equality which has already been mentioned in our Constitution and in the state of Goa there is a one common law system irrespective to all religions which consists of 65 per cent Hindus and 25 per cent Christian so if it can be implemented in Goa then why not in whole part of country. In a nutshell, Uniform Civil Code is necessary to effect an integration of a country as diversified as India by bringing all the communities into a common platform which do not form the essence of a single particular religion. A Uniform Civil Code will also enforce the idea of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution more forcefully. Now the problem where it comes is here.

India is a secular democratic republic, which, by its definition means that one should treat all its citizens the same.

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

BJP informed Maharashtra Governor, they will not form the govt in state

By

Hema Singh

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November 10, 2019

The Bharatiya Janata Party would not be able to form the government in Maharashtra because it does not have the required mandate.

Maharashtra BJP President, Chandrakant Patil on November 10 addressing a press conference to media said that “The mandate was given to us (BJP-Shiv Sena) to work together. If the Sena wants to disrespect our decision and want to form a government with Congress and NCP then all our best wishes are with them.”

The BJP has also informed the Maharashtra Governor that it will not form the government in the state. Patil said, the people of Maharashtra gave the mandate to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance but Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his party is not ready to support the government formation.

“Best wishes to Shiv Sena if they wants to form Government with NCP and Congress” he added.

The press conference was held after the BJP leaders, including the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

Taron Egerton wasn’t ‘very happy’ making ‘Robin Hood’

By

Web Team

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November 10, 2019

Taron Egerton says the 2018 film “Robin Hood” was pitched to him differently and the actor he didn’t have the time of his life working on the film.

Egerton, who starred in director Otto Bathurst’s take on the iconic character, said the action adventure “lost” its way in the wake of the powers behind the project.

Also starring Jamie Foxx, the film went on bomb at the box office and was declared a critical failure.

“It was absolutely not the movie that I signed up to make. It was pitched to me in a different way. I think it was made by committee and I think it lost its vision.

“I wasn’t very happy on set. I didn’t have a very happy time making it,” Egerton told a website.

A representative for Lionsgate nor Bathurst commented on the actor’s remarks.

Mounted on a budget of USD 100 million, “Robin Hood” only managed to earn USD 85.7 million worldwide, with a mere USD 30.8 million of that from domestic ticket sales.

The film was a huge disaster for the studio and the first major flop for the “Kingsman” star.

Gwyneth Paltrow opens up about her relationship with Harvey Weinstein

By

Web Team

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November 10, 2019

‘Avengers’ actor Gwyneth Paltrow who once accused Harvey Weinstein of sexually assaulting her, recently opened up about her relationship with the disgraced producer.

At The New York Times DealBook conference recently, Paltrow confessed that she is “not sure” about her and Weinstein’s relationship.

“I’m not sure how I feel. He was a very, very important figure in my life. He was my main boss,” Fox News quoted the actor as saying.

“He gave me an incredible opportunity and yet during that time we had a very, very fraught, complicated relationship. Highs and lows,” she added.

The 47-year-old actor was amongst the first major Hollywood celebrities who spoke against Weinstein.

‘Shakespeare in Love’ produced by Weinstein earned Paltrow an Oscar.

“You know, I don’t like to be binary about people or about things. I think we’re all equal parts or varying percentages light and dark,” Paltrow further said about the #MeToo movement.

Here’s why Kaley Cuoco lives away from husband Karl Cook

By

Web Team

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November 10, 2019

Going beyond the conventional idea of staying together after marriage, ‘The Big Bang Theory’ actor Kaley Cuoco admitted she has been staying apart from her husband Karl Cook and said that they “love” it!

“I made headlines saying that we don’t live together yet. And people went crazy. They couldn’t believe it,” a leading magazine quoted her as saying on The View on Friday.

Explaining why the two stay apart even after over a year of tying the knot, Cuoco shared their jobs are such that they have to be in two different cities.

“Because of work and his business, and his horses are a few hours away from where I was currently living,” she explained.

Answering if this is going to be their status forever, the 33-year-old said that this was transient and “We’re actually building our house together right now.”

“We just haven’t been under the same roof. But, by the way, it’s been working great and we love it. We love it, so I don’t know why people have such an issue,” she continued.

The couple walked down the aisle in June a year ago in Southern California.

Prior to her marriage to Cook, Cuoco was wedded to tennis player Ryan Sweeting for three years from 2013 to 2016.

Rajkummar Rao has his fanboy moment with SRK

By

Web Team

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November 10, 2019

Rajkummar Rao can’t keep calm after having a fanboy moment with Bollywood’s ‘Badshah’ Shah Rukh Khan, and his latest picture is proof!

The actor, who considers Shah Rukh his inspiration, seems to be on cloud nine and elated in the clip wherein the ‘DDLJ’ star can be seen mimicking a dialogue of Rajkummar’s flick ‘Stree’.

In the funny video, the 54-year-old star hilariously repeats along with the ‘Newton’ actor “Vicky, please”.

Taking to Instagram, the 35-year-old actor shared the clip and wrote, “Since childhood, I’ve been saying his dialogues. What a wonderful feeling when he decides to say my dialogue this time. There’s is no one like you @iamsrk sir. You’ve inspired me to become an actor. Biggest fan ever. #Stree.”

‘Roof-Afza’ is another upcoming film that the actor would be seen in. The film also stars Bollywood starlet Jahnvi Kapoor. The shoot for the film began in June and is all set to release on April 17, next year.

He will also essay the lead role in ‘Turram Khan’ opposite Nushrat Bharucha. The film will hit the screens on January 31.

Arjun Kapoor introduces Sahil Salathia as ‘Shamsher Bahadur’ from ‘Panipat’

By

Web Team

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November 10, 2019

Adding to the fans’ curiosity, Arjun Kapoor brought out yet another character’s look from his upcoming magnum opus ‘Panipat’ on Sunday.

Introducing the brave son of Bajirao and Mastani; and the cousin of Sadashiv Rao Bhau – Shasher Bahadaur, essayed by debutant Sahil Salathia, Arjun shared the legal look donned by the actor.

Clad in a beautifully embroidered silk robe, Sahil is seen with long tresses with a cap over them and a heavy beard going along with a moustache. Acing the royal look, he is seen wearing a delicately crafted neckpiece.

Documenting and introducing his character on Instagram, the ‘Gunday’ actor captioned, “Shamsher Bahadur – Brave son of Bajirao and Mastani, and the cousin of Sadashiv Rao Bhau.”

Prior to this, the actor on Saturday also brought out Sakina Begum’s look which is being pictured by veteran actor Zeenat Aman.

Arjun, who will be seen as Sadashiv Rao, the fierce warrior, even underwent a drastic physical transformation to take his performance a level higher!

Kriti Sanon will be seen opposite him, playing the role of a queen named ‘Parvati’. Sanjay Dutt will be the antagonist playing the role of a fierce battle warrior Ahmad Shah Abdali.

The historical drama based on the third battle of Panipat is produced and directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. It is slated to hit theatres on December 6.