Religious Tolerance on Display: Milad-un-Nabi Procession Yields to Ganesh Nimajjan
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In a bid to maintain peace and security in Hyderabad, three prominent organizations, namely the Sunni United Forum of India, Anjuman e Quadri, and Seerat-un-Nabi Academy, have decided to cancel the grand Milad-un-Nabi procession, which traditionally takes place on the 12th day of the Rabi ul Awal month of the Hijri calendar.
The decision to cancel this celebrated event stems from concerns that potential troublemakers might infiltrate the gatherings, given that Ganesh Nimajjan, a significant Hindu festival, falls on the same day. These organizations prioritize the well-being and harmony of the city and have opted to forego the procession for the year.
Syed Ghulam Samdani Ali Quadri, an office bearer of Seerat un Nabi Academy, expressed their stance, stating, “To maintain peace in the city, we have cancelled the procession this year.”
The Milad-un-Nabi procession typically draws a large crowd from various regions, culminating at Charminar. It features food camps, blood donation drives, and the distribution of confectionery along the procession route.
While some organizations are yet to decide on whether to cancel or reschedule their processions, it is likely that they will opt for rescheduling or consider alternative routes through Muslim-dominated areas to accommodate both festivals peacefully.
In a recent development, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party, was sentenced to 14 days of judicial custody by an Anti-Corruption Bureau court in Vijayawada on September 10. He faces allegations of corruption related to a ₹371 crore skill development scam.
Earlier on the same day, Mr. Naidu appeared in court for a hearing where Justice Hima Bindu presided over arguments presented by legal representatives from the government and those representing the TDP leader. Concurrently, the NTR Commissionerate Police bolstered security measures at the ACB Special Court, a move reviewed by Police Commissioner Kanthi Rana Tata.
During the early hours of Sunday, Naidu was transferred to the SIT office after undergoing medical tests at a Vijayawada hospital. This followed a grueling 10-hour-long interrogation, as confirmed by a police official.
#BREAKING 14 day judicial custody to TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu!
The Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) had stated on September 9 that the former Chief Minister was the primary conspirator and “accused no 1” in the skill development scam. They alleged that the government order was issued under Mr. Naidu’s instructions, with the intent to cause financial loss to the public exchequer while benefiting private individuals.
In anticipation of the court’s judgment, security has been significantly reinforced across Vijayawada by the A.P. police.
In an overseas interaction, Rahul Gandhi criticizes the governing party’s actions, emphasizing the need to defend India’s democratic values and unity.
*Paris, – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, once again on foreign soil, launched a sharp critique of the saffron party during an interaction with students and academics in Paris. The 53-year-old Opposition leader accused the governing party of relentlessly seeking power at any cost and challenged the claim that their actions had any connection to Hinduism.
During the discussion, Rahul Gandhi delved into a range of topics, including his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ (Unite India Journey) and the Opposition alliance’s efforts to safeguard India’s democratic foundations amidst various challenges. He reiterated the Opposition’s commitment to preserving the “soul of India” and expressed confidence that the nation would overcome its present state of “turbulence.”
Responding to a query regarding the rise of “Hindu nationalism” in India, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “I’ve read the ‘Gita’, I’ve read a number of the Upanishads, I’ve read many Hindu books; there is nothing Hindu about what the BJP does, absolutely nothing.”
He continued, “I have not read anywhere, in no Hindu book, from no learned Hindu person have I ever heard that you should terrorize, harm people who are weaker than you. So, this idea, this word, Hindu nationalists, this is a wrong word. They’re not Hindu nationalists. They have nothing to do with Hinduism. They are out to get power at any cost, and they will do anything to get power… They want dominance of a few people, and that is what they are about. There is nothing Hindu about them,” emphasizing the divergence between the party’s actions and Hindu principles.
The former Congress president also cited electoral figures, stating that 60 percent of India had voted for opposition parties, while only 40 percent had voted for the ruling party. He refuted the notion that the majority community overwhelmingly supported the BJP, stating, “So this idea that the majority community is voting for the BJP, this is a wrong idea. The majority community actually votes more for us than they vote for them.”
Addressing the India-Bharat terminology debate, he referred to the Constitution, which defines India as “India that is Bharat, a union of states.” Rahul Gandhi underscored the importance of ensuring that the voices of all citizens within these states are heard, without suppression or intimidation.
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Paris come amidst ongoing political discussions and debates on these critical issues in India.
Government Faces Backlash as G20 Venue Succumbs to Rainwater Inflow in Delhi
New Delhi, – Visuals of a flooded Bharat Mandapam, the designated venue for the G20 Summit in New Delhi, have gone viral on social media following heavy rainfall in the capital city. The incident has prompted strong criticism from the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, as they question the government’s development claims.
The Congress party took a jab at the government after sharing the viral video, which also depicts efforts to pump out the waterlogged area. In their post, the Congress asserted that the government’s claims of development have been exposed, as the substantial investment of Rs 2,700 crore in the G20 venue appeared to have been washed away in just one day of rain.
खोखले विकास की पोल खुल गई
G20 के लिए भारत मंडपम तैयार किया गया। 2,700 करोड़ रुपए लगा दिए गए।
Delhi’s Urban Development Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, expressed deep concern over the situation and directed his criticism towards Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. Waterlogging was reported inside the expansive Bharat Mandapam, the primary venue for the G20 Summit at Pragati Maidan, following overnight rain in the national capital. Bharadwaj posted a video on social media showcasing water accumulation within the Bharat Mandapam complex and tagged the Lieutenant Governor. He urged immediate action, stating, “This is very serious. Even after your 50+ inspections, if the main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I, as Minister of Delhi, don’t have control over this Central Government area, or else I would have assisted you, sir.”
Resp @LtGovDelhi saab, This is very serious. Even after ur 50+ inspections, if the very main area around Mandapam is submerged in water, then heads must roll. I as Minister of Delhi don’t have control over this Central Govt area, else would have assisted u sir. pic.twitter.com/hn0dSBSA78
However, the Public Works Department (PWD) countered the claims, stating that while there was heavy waterlogging, everything was functioning smoothly around the VVIP routes and locations near the G20 area, including Rajghat, Akshardham, and Ring Road.
Social Media Outcry
Social media users voiced their discontent, sharing images and videos of the inundated venue. One user highlighted the irony of the situation, where 21 countries’ leaders had dined just 12 hours before the flooding, and questioned the effectiveness of the substantial investment made in the past six months. Another user criticized the Modi-Kejriwal regime for the state of the G20 venue after such a short bout of rain.
Saket Gokhale Raises Questions
Saket Gokhale, a prominent commentator, drew attention to the flooded G20 Summit venue, emphasizing that it had been constructed after substantial funding of 4,000 crores. He raised questions about the utilization of these funds and suggested possible embezzlement by the Modi government. Several users echoed these concerns, further criticizing the government’s handling of the situation.
Government Responds
In response to the flooding claims, the Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking wing labeled them as “exaggerated.” They clarified that while there was minor waterlogging in the Bharat Mandapam area, it was swiftly cleared within 20 minutes. The government agency sought to downplay the severity of the incident amidst growing criticism.
PM Modi Proposes Virtual G20 Session in November to Review Summit Outcomes
New Delhi, The G20 summit in New Delhi came to a close on Sunday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally handing over the presidency’s gavel to Brazil, signifying the transition of leadership within the elite global grouping. Brazil is set to assume the presidency of the G20 on December 1, 2023, as reported by the news agency AFP.
During the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Modi extended his congratulations to Brazil’s president and his friend, Lula da Silva, stating, “I want to congratulate Brazil’s president and my friend Lula da Silva, and hand over the presidency’s gavel to him.” He also conveyed his best wishes to Brazil for its upcoming presidency.
Lula da Silva, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of unity within the G20, saying, “We cannot let geopolitical issues sequester the G20 agenda of discussions. We have no interest in a divided G20. We need peace and cooperation instead of conflict.”
Prime Minister Modi further proposed a virtual session of the G20 towards the end of November. This session aims to evaluate the suggestions and decisions made during the leaders’ summit that concluded in New Delhi on Sunday. He noted that India’s presidency of the G20 would officially continue until November 30, providing over two-and-a-half months for India to continue its leadership within the group.
“In the last two days, you have put forward your views, given suggestions, and a number of proposals have been put forward. It is our responsibility that the suggestions that have come forth are closely looked upon as to how they can be expedited,” PM Modi stated. “It is my proposal that we hold another session of the G20 virtually in November-end. In that session, we can review the issues that have been agreed upon during this summit. Our teams will share the details of it with all of you. I hope all of you will join this (session),” he added.
Fresh Cyclonic Circulation to Bring Heavy Rainfall to Multiple Indian Regions
Representational picture
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast on Saturday, indicating a significant increase in rainfall activity across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana starting from September 12. This anticipated surge is attributed to the development of a fresh cyclonic circulation over the northwest and adjoining West Central Bay of Bengal.
IMD meteorologists also noted that heavy rainfall activity is expected over Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra during the weekend, with the northeast region experiencing similar conditions for the next three days, followed by a gradual decrease in rainfall.
In East India, the forecast calls for light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Moreover, isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Bihar on Saturday.
The IMD bulletin stated, “The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will continue to experience these weather conditions until September 12, while Odisha can expect them on September 12 and 13.”
Southern India is also preparing for rainfall, with light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread precipitation anticipated. Isolated heavy rainfall is particularly expected in the ghat areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal over the weekend. Kerala and Mahe should brace for similar conditions until September 11, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are likely to experience these weather patterns on September 12 and 13.
In Central India, light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning are predicted. Isolated heavy rainfall is mainly anticipated in Madhya Pradesh until September 11, with the possibility of isolated very heavy rainfall on Saturday.
West India should expect light to moderate fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning, along with isolated heavy rainfall, particularly in the Marathwada and Gujarat Region on Saturday. Additionally, Konkan, Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra are likely to experience these conditions over the weekend, with isolated very heavy rainfall anticipated over these areas on Saturday.
Northeast India is set to witness light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy rainfall activity in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura until September 12. Arunachal Pradesh should prepare for similar weather conditions on Sunday and September 11, with isolated very heavy rainfall expected in Assam and Meghalaya on September 12.
Finally, in Northwest India, light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall and thunderstorms are likely. Isolated heavy rainfall activity is expected over East Rajasthan on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday, and Uttarakhand on Saturday and September 13.
Supporters Strongly Condemn Midnight Arrests and Filing of Illegal Cases
Report, Mohammed Yousuf – Australia, Expatriates, under the banner of Telugu Desam Australia, gathered on Sunday to protest against the illegal arrest of Telugu Desam Party National President and former Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The demonstrators vehemently condemned the unjust filing of cases and midnight apprehension of Chandrababu, who has dedicated 45 years of his life to the development of the Telugu State.
Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy’s actions, perceived as vengeful due to a diminishing grip on power, have drawn anger from the public, who continue to support the Telugu Desam Party despite efforts to suppress it.
Jagan, embroiled in numerous corruption cases involving thousands of crores, mistakenly believes that others share his misconduct. The protestors raised their voices against the government and police, highlighting the widespread discontent.
Representatives of Telugu Desam Australia emphasized that illegal cases and arrests would not deter their leader and party activists. The people stand prepared to respond appropriately in the forthcoming elections, indicating their unwavering support for Chandrababu.
Expressing their solidarity with Chandrababu, the party’s fervent supporters who attended the protest program expressed their gratitude for his dedicated service to the Telugu State.
The Chief Minister’s Announcement Signals Commitment to Unity and Communal Harmony in India.
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a significant announcement during the Nativity of Birth of Virgin Mary festivities held at St Mary’s Basilica in Shivajinagar. He confirmed the forthcoming establishment of a Christian Development Corporation, already endowed with a substantial budget of Rs. 100 crore, and hinted at the imminent appointment of a capable president to lead this initiative.
The choice of venue for this announcement held special significance for Siddaramaiah, who expressed, “The St Mary’s Basilica at Shivajinagar is a place visited by people of all faiths and backgrounds. It has evolved into a symbol of communal harmony. I attend the Nativity festival every year, and it brings me immense solace.”
In light of India’s diverse religious landscape, the Chief Minister passionately advocated for unity and strongly condemned any efforts to fan the flames of religious or caste-based hatred. He unequivocally asserted, “India is renowned for its diverse religions, and there is no room for hatred on religious grounds. While a few elements may attempt to portray hatred as part of our country’s culture, our government remains steadfast in its commitment to combat such divisive forces. We take stringent action against those who promote division.”
Siddaramaiah further highlighted that none of the world’s major religions preach animosity towards humanity. He expressed his disappointment with individuals who, under the guise of religion, seek to sow discord among people and communities. In response to this challenge, the government pledged to use the full force of the law against such anti-social elements.
Addressing the demands put forth by community leaders, the Chief Minister assured them of careful consideration, including requests such as renaming the Shivajinagar Metro station to St Mary’s Metro Station, among others.
This proclamation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah aligns with the broader national aspiration to safeguard and promote the values of unity and secularism in a diverse and pluralistic society.
Pradeep Jain Dangur (46) acquired a certain degree of expertise in Ayurveda and general medicine during his tenure working alongside Ayurvedic practitioners.
In a recent operation, the Hyderabad police successfully arrested an individual posing as a medical practitioner who had deceived unsuspecting victims by operating a fraudulent clinic in Shahinayathgunj. During the operation, fake certificates and medications were seized from the suspect.
Identified as Pradeep Jain Dangur, aged 46, the imposter had acquired some knowledge in Ayurveda and general medicine while working alongside Ayurveda practitioners. In 1999, he resorted to obtaining counterfeit D.A.M.S and M.D (A) certificates through an intermediary named Ritu Raj, hailing from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for a sum of Rs. 40,000.
“After procuring these falsified certificates, Pradeep established a clinic known as ‘Sri Naman Clinic’ located at Jinshi Chowarah, Jummerat Bazar, where he presented himself as Dr. Pradeep Jain, B.A.M.S, MD, General Physician,” revealed Inspector Task Force (central) B Raju Naik, the officer responsible for apprehending him. “Pradeep provided Ayurvedic, allopathic, and other medical treatments, swindling a significant amount of money from unsuspecting patients,” Naik added.
The suspect, along with the confiscated property, has been turned over to the Shahinayathgunj police station for further legal proceedings.
On Saturday, Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the formidable strength of the INDIA alliance, attributing their success in capturing four out of seven seats during the recent by-elections across six states to this remarkable power.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Saturday that the INDIA alliance demonstrated its formidable strength by clinching victory in four out of seven seats during the recent by-elections held across six states.
“The INDIA alliance wields immense power, and this has rattled the BJP. It is also the driving force behind the BJP’s desire to change the country’s name,” stated Kejriwal on X.
Earlier, Kejriwal had firmly criticized the notion of changing the country’s name, labeling it as a betrayal to the nation.
“Renaming the country is a betrayal of our nation. Furthermore, the ‘one nation one election’ proposal has been introduced solely due to the influence of the INDIA alliance. The BJP seeks to evade facing the electorate every six months, hence their endorsement of ‘one nation one election.’ If this proposal gains traction, mark my words, they will sell cylinders for Rs 5,000,” Kejriwal emphasized during a press conference.