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Ayodhya land dispute case: Supreme Court sets October 18 as deadline to finish arguments

September 18, 2019

The Supreme Court on Wednesday set October 18 as the final deadline for all parties to finish their arguments in the Ayodhya land dispute case. The apex court said that it will work extra hours if required to meet the deadline. The Supreme Court also allowed mediation process and said that the mediation panel can come up with its report.

Earlier, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the parties in the Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid land dispute to come up with a tentative time schedule or date when the arguments can be concluded. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked all parties to apprise it as to when their arguments are likely to be completed, hinting that the court can pronounce the judgement as submissions are over.

After a submission of tentative schedule by both Senior advocates CS Vaidyanathan and Rajeev Dhavan, CJI Ranjan Gogoi said that hearing of the arguments would be completed by October 18.

It is worth mentioning that in this decade old case the judgement has to be delivered before Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi retires on November 17, otherwise the entire process will go into restart mode. That is why Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi has taken this initiative.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it has received a letter from former apex court judge F M I Kalifulla, who was heading the three-member mediation panel, saying some parties have written to him for resumption of the mediation process.

“There is an ancillary issue. We have received a letter that some parties want to settle the matter by way of mediation,” the bench said, adding they may do so and proceedings before the mediation panel can remain confidential.

The bench said the day-to-day proceedings in the land dispute case have reached “an advanced stage” and will continue. The court, however, said the mediation process under the chairmanship of Justice Kalifulla can still continue and proceedings before it will remain confidential.

The bench also comprising Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer, told lawyers from both Hindu and Muslim side that it wanted to conclude the day-to-day hearings in the case by October 18 so that judges get almost four weeks time to write the judgement.

The apex court on August 6 had commenced day-to-day proceedings in the sensitive land dispute case as mediation proceedings initiated to find the amicable resolution had failed.

The apex court had taken note of the report of the three-member panel, also comprising spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate and renowned mediator Sriram Panchu, that mediation proceedings, which went on for about four months, did not result in any final settlement and it had to decide the matter pending before it.

The apex court, which on March 8 referred the matter for mediation, had asked for in-camera proceedings to be completed within eight weeks, but later granted time till August 15 after the panel’s earlier report said that the mediators were “optimistic” about an amicable solution.

The top court had fixed the seat for mediation process in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, around 7 km from Ayodhya, and said adequate arrangements, including the venue of the mediation, place of stay of the mediators, their security, travel should be forthwith arranged by the state government.

The court had perused a report about the progress of mediation process till July 18 and said that its contents will remain confidential.

Fourteen appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya be partitioned equally among the three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid, constructed at the disputed site in the 16th century by Shia Muslim Mir Baqi, was demolished.

Hindi should be promoted as link language?

C K Subramaniam

September 18, 2019

Hindi, Language, Mother tounge, Hindi national language, national language, matrabhasha — Image Courtesy: The Indian Wire

Language, religion, etc. appeal strongly to our emotions. If they are forced on someone, the reaction will almost always be to oppose it. As far as Hindi is concerned, provide all facilities for people to learn. Those who want to, will learn it. Imposing it is the worst thing, as was shown during the fiasco of the 60’s. It will only make people hate the language and view it as a symbol of hegemony. After one nation, one poll the attention is now on one nation, one language. Don’t forget that Hindi became the national language of India by one vote–the casting vote of the then President Late Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Why this Kolaveri di on Hindi?

Hindi should be promoted as link language instead of English. Hope our South Indian brothers and sisters co-operate instead of just crying for each and every move by the Government. It is good for the present generation of youngsters. As a student of 1960s, I suffered a lot studying in Chennai (Madras). When I joined a nationalised bank in near Delhi, I was the odd man out and found it extremely difficult to converse in Hindi and failed to respond my valuable clients. Hindi definitely is a link language of common Indian and a necessity, if one moves out of state but implementation must rest with state.

Recently, ISRO chairman said he is Indian first Tamilian next. You tell me what do you think that makes a Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam guy feel like an Indian. Don’t tell it is Hindi. Nowhere in our minds Hindi contributes to nationalism. When you say Hindi unites India, it is nothing lesser than insulting South Indians because we inherently and proudly feel as Indians. And we do it better with our own languages. But the people from Tamil Nadu pick Hindi late and hence hate the language. Whereas people from Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka pick the language rather easily because of their Sanskrit background. What a curse for Tamil speaking people? At the same time, Hindi pictures are running to packed houses in Chennai and other parts of the state.

Is the use of a single language, alien to the majority of the different language speakers a unifier or a divider? No two countries using one language are so divided as the US and UK Unity of a nation is an emotional binding more than a rational edifice. That desire to stay together is the binder with the advanced technologies it is always possible to retain unity in diversity without the uniformity measure. Use of a single language may be inexpensive but use of the local language for major purposes is worth investing in for there is unity in diversity more than unity in uniformity thrust down unwilling throats. These cannot be decided by the ruling caucus. Such decisions must be bottom up than top down. Use of the mother tongue is more beneficial than the use of a tongue quite unfamiliar and yet to be learned. Global institutions permit the use of recognised languages, the native languages of the user countries. Mother tongue accelerates rapid development. Examples are legion.

Sheer statistics support the view that Hindi can serve well enough as a link language for all the Indian people whatever be their mother tongue. A decision to this effect is simply a matter of practical approach and common sense. By no means it would lead to the inference that all other languages are inferior to Hindi. India presents multiple identities to the world through the Bengali, Maharashtrian, Telugu, Tamil and so many other linguistic cultures. Of course, Hindi also has a role in all this as an equal, but not a superior. Other nations of the world already look at India with awe because we present multi-lingual and multi-cultural facets to them, yet remain one united nation. This is not seen anywhere else in the world. To represent India through one Hindi language will be demeaning to the nation as well as to the various groups that reside here. It is also an insidious step to replace the various cultures in India with one kind of culture driven by the Hindi heartland, and we all know how that heartland is at the lowest rung in social, economic achievement and is well known as a hotbed of lawlessness.

One Nation concept is still in existence in India. There is no second opinion. Unity in diversity is our motive. It may mean, culture, tradition, language. There may be link language but not the only one language against the riches of other languages. Unity in diversity is the essence and foundation of India. It is proud of its pluralistic character.

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

Letters to the Editor: 18 September, 2019

Web Team

September 18, 2019

Address ground realities of our nation

Trump – Modi jugalbandi (friendship) is great news for media headlines but the ground realities in our country too needs to be addressed urgently. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a great Ambassador of our country when it comes to good ties with almost every country in the globe. He has travelled extensively and India’s image internationally has improved massively. Big Daddy Trump is a great friend of Modi and an admirer of India.

However, situation back home is worsening each day with job losses, inflation and unemployment. International image has no meaning if citizens within the country are suffering. Our economy needs an overhaul and government should raise its spendings on infrastructure to give a boost to employment and economic makeover. Exports needs encouragement and imports should be curtailed to insulate Indian manufacturers. Modi should use his growing international image to bring investments into India which would benefit Indian economy over a period of time.

S.N. Kabra

Welcome decision of UP govt to abolish income tax payment of ministers from public exchequer

Yogi Adityanath deserves all compliments for doing away with totally illogical practice of paying Income Tax of ministers from public-exchequer. It is beyond understanding why and how some former state Chief Minister adopted the anti-public policy which is unfortunately still prevalent in five other states namely Madhya-Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh while Punjab Chief Minister abolished the practice with effect from 19.03.2018.

Remaining five states must also abolish the practice. At least Prime Minister can advise BJP-ruled states to do so, when remaining states will also be compelled to do so. Salaries, perks, privileges and post-retirement benefits including pension to all those in legislature (including centre and states) should be transferred as a central subject rather than leaving the important issue at discretion of state-governments so that no state government may be able to burden public-resources like freebies to its legislators, ministers and Chief Ministers, like has been announced in Bihar where all state-legislatures are to get plots of 300 yards each at highly subsidised rates. Evidently opposition observes silence on any such anti-public policy because its legislatures are also be benefitted through such schemes.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Doordarshan needs prominence over private news-channels

Doordarshan has completed glorious sixty years having given many prominent unmatched TV serials including extremely popular Ramayana and Mahabharat which in popularity-rating crossed boundary of nation with people even in neighbouring Pakistan, Nepal and other countries glued to TV-screens during telecast of these ever-educative epic-serials. Curfew-like situation used to be in India during telecast of these TV serials.

It is good that Doordarshan still telecasts programmes of national importance like those held in Rashtrapati Bhawan and Sansad Bhawan at very special occasions. Private TV channels running purely for increasing TV-ratings never care for quality-programmes or unbiased news-bulletins. Rather these private TV-channels are badly harming viewers by making them TV-addicted through never-ending TV-serials where recently one of such TV-serial crossed 3000^th episode.

It should be made compulsory for every private TV news-channel to telecast at least one daily prime-time news-bulletin followed by some news-based programme like Parliament-News with video-clippings for say just half-an-hour say at 8 pm. Feasibility for compulsorily live-telecast of some very special TV programmes from Doordarshan by all private TV channels like those held at Rashtrapati Bhawan and Sansad Bhawan.

Madhu Agrawal

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

Maharashtra registers 16% rise of ‘first time’ voters

Rajesh Choudhary

September 17, 2019

The poll schedule for Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand assemblies is likely to be announced very soon. Top sources in the Election Commission (EC) said the announcement could come as early as in the next few days. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Baldev Singh informed media that the district machinery is completely prepared to conduct elections. For registration, voters can also visit www.nvsp.in and register their name if they don’t see their names in the list.

When our correspondent Nikhil Sagare spoke to NCP leader Vidya Chavan she said, “For increasing the voter percentage every leader should work for the development. People have lost faith in political parties. Nobody is doing any work and potholes are visible in every nook and corner of the city. BJP is saying that it is in power in Zilla Parishad, Municipal Corporation and at the centre but they are not working. The work on the overhead bridge at Lower Parel is yet to begin. Youths have distanced themselves from political parties.”

The total numbers of voters in Maharashtra, as on August 31, are 8,94,46,211.

Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa visited Haryana around 10 days ago. In Maharashtra and Haryana special summary poll revision exercise has been completed. The EC had sent out a slew of instructions to the chief secretaries and CEOs of the two states in July. The EC is in the midst of finalising the list of officials in both the states who may be directly connected to poll duties.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Baldev Singh told Afternoon Voice, “We are all set for upcoming elections, there is good rise in first time voters. There is 16 per cent rise in the number of ‘first time’ voters. We are delivering voter ID cards for all those who lost them during the floods. The voter ID cards would not be charged and the voters can register up to 10 days before the last date of nomination”.

It is remarkable that video conferencing of senior government officials from across the state was held on Saturday last week to review preparations for the forthcoming assembly elections. It was a run-up for the final review, which is scheduled to be conducted in Mumbai on September 17 and 18 by a delegation of the Election Commission of India.

BJP vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said, “It is necessary to create awareness among voters about the importance of voting. People are having confusion about electoral process. We are working towards improving the voting percentage.”

According to State Election Commission officials, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora along with Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra held meetings with civil administration and police officials. They held discussions with various political parties to take stock of poll preparedness of the state. According to the officials, the term of the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly ends on November 9, 2019 and a new assembly should be constituted before that.

Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve said, “According to me, there has been an increase in voting percentage. Shaka pramukhs visit the people of their constituency and carries out survey and connect with them to increase voting percentage.”

As per the official from the office of Maharashtra’s chief electoral officer, the dates for the assembly elections are unlikely to be announced until the commission’s review meetings are over. The announcement of the poll schedule is expected to be done on September 19 or 20.

With Hamza’s killing is it the end of Laden’s terror empire?

Vaidehi Taman

September 17, 2019

US President Donald Trump confirmed news that Hamza bin Laden, the son and designated heir of Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, was killed in a counter-terrorism operation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. US media reported in early August, citing intelligence officials, that the younger Bin Laden had been killed sometime in the last two years in an operation that involved the United States. Hamza was 15th of Osama bin Laden’s 20 children and a son of his third wife. He was emerging as a leader in the Al-Qaeda franchise. There was $1 million bounty on his head in February 2019 — perhaps after his actual demise. Hamza was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 1989. In March 2003, it was claimed that Hamza and his brother Saad bin Laden had been wounded and captured in Ribat, Afghanistan. This claim eventually proved false. Hamza married a daughter of Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah when he was 17 years old. In August 2018, The Guardian quoted Hamza’s uncles as saying he had married a daughter of 9/11 hijacker Mohamed Atta. However, Hamza’s brother Omar bin Laden denied the report. In a 2005 video titled The Mujahideen of Waziristan, Hamza is shown participating in an al-Qaeda assault on Pakistani security forces in the South Waziristan tribal region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. In September 2007, it was reported that he was again in the tribal belt that encompasses the Pakistan/Afghanistan border region taking a senior role with Al-Qaeda forces.

In July, 2008, a translation of a poem written by Hamza was made available, which had been published on an extremist Islamic website. In the poem Hamza wrote, “Accelerate the destruction of America, Britain, France and Denmark.” In response British MP Patrick Mercer dubbed Hamza bin Laden the Crown Prince of Terror. Hamza bin Laden was implicated in the 2007 assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. However, according to an interrogation of former al-Qaeda spokesman Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, Hamza was under house arrest in Iran when Bhutto was assassinated and was not released until 2010.

On August 14, 2015, he released an audio message for the very first time. He called upon followers in Kabul, Baghdad and Gaza to wage jihad, or holy war, on Washington, London, Paris and Tel Aviv. In the recent past, Jihad or service to Allah is taken as violence.

It was reported on May 11, 2016 he had released an audio message focused on the issues of Palestine and the Syrian Civil War. He said the “blessed Syrian revolution” had made the prospect of “liberating” Jerusalem more likely. “The Islamic umma (nation) should focus on jihad in al-Sham (Syria) … and unite the ranks of Mujahideen,” he said. “There is no longer an excuse for those who insist on division and disputes now that the whole world has mobilised against Muslims.

In July 2016, media reported that he had issued an audio message threatening the United States in revenge for his father’s death. In the 21-minute speech entitled “We Are All Osama”, he said “We will continue striking you and targeting you in your country and abroad in response to your oppression of the people of Palestine, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and the rest of the Muslim lands that did not survive your oppression,” Hamza said. “As for the revenge by the Islamic nation for Sheikh Osama, may Allah have mercy on him, it is not revenge for Osama the person but it is revenge for those who defended Islam. In May 2017, a recording by Hamza bin Laden was published by As-Sahab, encouraging terrorist attacks against Western targets. It is rumored he pledged allegiance to Jama’at Ansar al-Furqan in Bilad al Sham in 2017. In the light of his growing influence within Al-Qaeda, the United States classified Hamza bin Laden as Specially Designated Global Terrorist in January 2017. This effectively put him on a blacklist aimed at restricting his movement and economic abilities.

In May 2017, a video was released in which he calls on his followers to attack Jews, Americans, Westerners and Russians, via lone wolf attacks using any means possible. On February 28, 2019, the United States Department of State offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the identification or location in any country of Hamza bin Laden. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced on March 1, 2019 that it had revoked bin Laden’s citizenship through a royal decree signed in November 2018.

Hamza was the son of Khairiah Sabar of Saudi Arabia, one of bin Laden’s three wives who were living in the Abbottabad compound in Pakistan. That was Osama bin Laden’s last home. Interrogation of the surviving wives of Osama bin Laden by Pakistani intelligence after the raid on the Abbottabad compound revealed Hamza was the only person missing. He was not among those killed or injured. The raid conducted by the SEAL team was thorough: infrared technology, as well as ground troops, remained confident nobody inside the compound had escaped. There were no hidden exit tunnels from the compound.

On July 31, 2019, The New York Times and other news organisations quoted unnamed American officials as saying that bin Laden, was believed to have been killed in the first two years of the Trump administration, which began on January 20, 2017.

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

Ram Kadam to send 51,000 elders for Kashi pilgrimage

Web Team

September 17, 2019

On the occasion of birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP MLA Ram Kadam has announced his commitment to send 51,000 elders for Kashi pilgrimage. BJP Maharashtra spokesperson and MLA Ram Kadam made this announcement via his account on micro-blogging site twitter. While releasing the video he said, “On the occasion of birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, I shall conduct the religious trip of Kashi for 51,000 elder persons”.

He also prayed for long life of Prime Minister Modi and said that he prays not only India’s but even world’s welfare happens at the hands of PM. Earlier, Ram Kadam had sent almost 1,75,000 people to various religious trips and pilgrimages.

प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के जन्मदिन पर मैंने 51 हज़ार वृद्ध माता-पिता को काशी यात्रा पर ले जाने का संकल्प लिया है। पूर्व में भी पौने दो लाख माता-पिता को तीर्थ स्थलों पर ले जाने का सौभाग्य मुझे मिला। मैं ईश्वर से प्रधानमंत्री जी के आरोग्य और दीर्घायु की कामना करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/U4oXauCgdB

— Ram Kadam (@ramkadam) September 17, 2019

Letters to the Editor: 17 September, 2019

Web Team

September 17, 2019

Right step by railways to withdraw flexi-fare system

The recent move by Hon’ble Ministry of Railways to withdraw flexi-fare system and Tatkal charges being reduced to 1.3 times (from 1.5) for all 35 Humsafar Express trains running across Indian Railway network is welcome. It is also welcome to know that augmentation of sleeper classes to Humsafar Express which otherwise consisted of only AC 3 Tier coaches. The move thus is aimed at making available ticket fares at normal rates and provide a fair opportunity to travel with a reserved accommodation in both sleeper and AC classes.

Further the system of Flexi-fare in premium trains needs an immediate overhaul due to the prevailing high price factor. The withdrawal of this system now across all the other categories of premium trains will help ensure that a person gets a fair opportunity to travel without paying exorbitant fares levied otherwise. Such a fare/ticketing scheme do not satisfy the exact demand-supply criteria expected under rail travel otherwise diligently followed by the Airline industry.

While one appreciates the level of comfort offered through premium trains with flexi fare system, the Railway Board is further suggested to formulate innovative solutions to garner revenue otherwise gained through such a complex fare calculation method. As also with the sleeper coaches now added to Humsafar Express category, an effort should be made to increase its popularity by adding new routes and introducing more trains (under this category) across the railway network.

Varun Dambal

Picking from the perils of downpour

Mumbai saw its wettest 2019 and there appears to be no respite from inclement weather as rain continues to cause havoc. With 15 days more left we hope to see record rains beating the 1954s tally of monsoon rains. Such situation has become normal affair in Mumbai. Mumbai monsoon rains brought more miseries and the number of potholes increased in large numbers. Travelling through the wet road brought nightmarish experience and BMC is to be blamed for this situation. After, all the water logging and water related diseases, the corporation should be able to work out a plan and that will see that these problems did not recur during the next monsoon season. With better planning we can bring out a change in the functioning of the BMC. Picking from the perils of the monsoon will be our first priority.

Calicut Krishmaniam

Right step in the right direction

Aarey Colony can significantly restructure the growth of suburbs over the next couple of years. The Metro project established in this land is one such measure. Eating into the green cover will be disastrous. The Government won’t permit sacrificing the vital green lung for another cement jungle. It is time to have private-public participation in this initiative and make sure there is no encroachment and the green cover in the lush green lung of Aarey Colony into a business hub should not materialize even as a distant possibility. But using the government land for developmental purposes cannot be prevented as CM bats for Metro and it is a right step in the right direction.

Jayanthy S. Maniam

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

Saradha scam: Special court declines to hear Rajeev Kumar’s anticipatory bail plea

Rajesh Choudhary

September 17, 2019

Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar moved a special court in Barasat on Tuesday, seeking anticipatory bail in connection with a CBI notice to him for appearing before it in the multi-crore Saradha chit-fund scam. But the special court judge Sanjib Talukdar refused to hear Kumar’s plea, saying it does not have jurisdiction to hear anticipatory bail prayers.

The special court, in charge of trial of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs, said it is a trial court and cannot hear an anticipatory bail application. It said Kumar may move the court of Barasat district sessions judge with his application.

On September 13, the Calcutta High Court vacated its interim order granting the former Kolkata police commissioner protection from arrest in the Saradha chit-fund scam case. The high court also rejected Kumar’s prayer for quashing a CBI notice that sought his appearance for questioning in the case.

Kumar, who is currently the West Bengal CID Additional Director General, was part of a Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to investigate the scam, before the Supreme Court handed over the case to CBI in 2014, along with other chit-fund cases.

Shiv Sena in search of safe seat

Suraj Chandran

September 16, 2019

With the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled in mid-October this year, Sena-BJP has started negotiating on seat sharing and their deal is almost finalised. This year for the first time, Thackeray family member and the Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray will directly participate in the election process. Shiv Sena’s recent campaign – Jan Ashirwad Yatra – under the leadership of Aaditya Thackeray focused on the rural areas in the state. Aaditya Thackeray has said that his ‘Jan Aashirwad Yatra’ to thank people for party’s good showing in the Lok Sabha polls has been like a pilgrimage. He went on to say that if the places he visited during the yatra get rains then he was ready to criss-cross the state on foot. While speaking in Shrirampur, Ahmednagar district Thackeray said, “Without your (people’s) support I cannot create a new Maharashtra. I need your support to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.”

“We have to make the state drought free, unemployment free and pollution free. I may not be a farmer but I understand their grief. I have been touring drought affected areas and trying to help farmers since 2012,” he said.

When our correspondent Nikhil Sagare spoke to Shiv Sena MLA Anil Parab he said, “Nothing has been finalised pertaining to the constituency from where Aaditya Thackeray will contest assembly polls. Party workers want Aaditya to contest election from Worli. Aaditya will emerge victorious by contesting polls from any constituency. Young people are attracted towards the youth leadership of Shiv Sena.”

If Aaditya Thackeray contests election he will be the first to contest from the Thackeray family in the history of Shiv Sena. According to sources, Shiv Sena is inclined to present Aaditya Thackeray as its candidate for Chief Minister. Until now Sena has always contested polls without a face. Sources say that time has come for Sena to change its strategy.

Dr Neelam Gorhe Shiv Sena leader and deputy chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council said, “Shiv Sena leaders are communicating with people to be aware about the problems faced by them. Many party workers are saying that the manner in which a youth leader like Aaditya Thackeray has emerged in Shiv Sena it restores the confidence of the party and people have faith in them. We have received letters from citizens asking Aaditya Thackeray to contest election from several constituencies. The final decision in this regard will be taken by Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray.”

Earlier, there were speculations that Aaditya Thackeray might contest the upcoming polls from Worli assembly constituency. However, Shiv Sena is exploring options for Thackeray in rural parts of Maharashtra, as they want the seat should be safe for their Yuvraj. A Shiv Sena leader said that Aaditya’s presence in the state legislature will have positive influence on party legislators.

Shiv Sena corporator Dilip Lande said, “Shiv Sena will gain from the Jan Aashirwad Yatra organised by Aaditya Thackeray. If Aaditya Thackeray contests election from any constituency people will vote for him and give him an opportunity to serve the people.”

The ruling parties including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena will be contesting the assembly polls together, as clarified by Uddhav Thackeray during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mumbai. Aaditya Thackeray has been a centre of the political campaigns conducted by Shiv Sena. The ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra’ aimed to thank voters for a huge win in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. However, the political motive behind the campaign was to strengthen the party’s roots in rural parts of Maharashtra.

The BJP and Shiv Sena had contested the 2014 Maharashtra assembly polls separately. Later they joined hands to form the government. The BJP had won 122 seats out of 288 seats and Sena won 63 seats. The Congress–NCP had won 42 and 41 seats.

Cow Protection under Modi Government

Vinod Dixit

September 16, 2019

Recently our Prime Minister Narendra Modi while launching a programme in Mathura for prevention of livestock diseases said that “Some people when they hear the words ‘Om’ and ‘gaay (cow)’ think it takes the country back to the 16th century.” The programme aimed at vaccinating 36 million female bovine calves annually in its fight against Brucellosis disease. It is nice that the programme has two components to control the diseases by 2025 and eradication by 2030. It is reported that with 100 per cent funding from the Central government till 2024, the Rs 12,652 crore disease prevention programme aims at vaccinating over 500 million livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against the FMD. Modi has rightly said that rural economy cannot be imagined without animals and therefore the government is focusing on animal welfare.

As regards the word “OM”, it is the highest sacred symbol in Hinduism which contains everything from Vedas. This single word produces the sound and vibration which allows you to feel at one with the universe. It is considered so divine in Hinduism that they place it before and after every other Mantra.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Cow protection to me is not mere protection of the cow. It means protection of that lives and is helpless and weak in the world.” Reverence for cows is in the major texts of the Vedic religion. Mahatma Gandhi said, “I worship it and I shall defend its worship against the whole world,” Gandhi regarded Cow better than the earthly mother, and called her “the mother to millions of Indian mankind.” Cow protection has become a highly politicised core of the Hindu religion. Killing and maiming innocent animals for human consumption is the most irreligious, immoral and lowest human act. Indians have reasoned that killing a cow is like killing your own mother.

In India, the cow is considered holy, and many devout Hindus devote themselves to protecting cows from slaughter and abuse — sometimes with violent results. Cow protection didn’t become India’s top political issue in 2017 overnight. There is a strong history and background to it that allows the BJP to garner such widespread public support while championing the bovine cause. Cow vigilante groups have become increasingly active in many parts of India. Rather than encouraging these cow vigilantes to take law into their hands, the government should strictly enforce laws so that no such illegal transportation or cow slaughter occurs in the first place. Not just cows but all the animals should be protected and not murdered to merely satisfy our taste buds.

Breaking his silence on cow vigilantes in the country our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rightly condemned their actions, saying most of them were anti-social elements masquerading as gau rakshaks (cow protectors). India has 150 million cows today, giving an average of less than 200 litres of milk per year. The cow has been a symbol of wealth in India since ancient times. However, they were neither inviolable nor revered in the same way today. Nowadays, it has been slaughtered in large numbers. Commercial benefits are not the only criteria in a human life. Cow-based farming has been the backbone of our agriculture for centuries. The cow is very much attached to the sentiment and the cultural traditions of the people. It is to be remembered that cow is the back-bone of Indian economy. India was golden bird until cow was base of agriculture. It is our duty to inform the poorly informed the bad consequences of animal slaughter for human consumption. We call the cow our mother. It’s not our duty to protect our mother? It is nice that the government runs several gaushalas, shelters for old cattle, across the country, but these are too few and are not governed by serious norms. Government must put a check on the people who are running shops in the name of cow protection which welcomes donations and outside help in the name of cow protection. We need to spread awareness about the cow and its many uses.

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

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