English हिन्दी
Connect with us

India News

Opposition Criticize Government for Inaction against Lynching Culprits

Published

on

Ghulam Nabi Azad

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Govt. says equally concerned

The NDA government had tough time in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday when opposition leaders alleged involvement of “some members of BJP and Sangh Parivar” in the growing number of lynching incidents, saying the incidents were spreading the message of fear.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of the Opposition, while attacking the government for its inaction against the culprits involved in the lynching incidents, said, “Earlier it was done at individual level. You may not like it, all lynching is done by some members of the ruling party and Sangh Parivar. They should have been jailed. Even I can identify hundreds. They are known to the media.” 

Azad insisted that no opposition party benefits from these incidents. He said, “one political party, the ruling party is benefiting. This is done for political harvest.”

Elsewhere in his speech, he said “This is not a religious battle. This is not Hindu-Muslim fight. This is everyone’s fight for humanity. When our home is weak, how can we fight the external forces… Our house has always been strong. Don’t break the house for votes,” he said. Azad further said that not a single place is safe, from Jammu and Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

Azad cited the details about how atrocities and lynching incidents are taking place against Dalits, Muslims and Christians. He gave details of atrocities and lynching incidents of dozens of villages, districts a spread in various states. He described the harrowing situation all over the country, including the states ruled by Congress.

Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) leader cited cases of lynching that took place over last two years and demanded that government should ban cow vigilante and moral   policing groups functioning as “private armies.” He suggested that fight against vigilante groups is necessary to maintain constitutional order. He even went further citing Bhagvat Gita, saying all humans are equal.

Yechuri alleged that “Hindutva nationalism” is giving sustenance to these groups. “This is not the Bharat Mata I know” he said and argued that Bharat Mata has place for people of all religions. He raised question as to why the only “Bharat Mata ki jai” slogan is considered patriotic. If that is the fact, “Was Bhagat Singh who gave “inquilab zindabad” slogan not patriotic?”

Mukhtar Abbas NaqviParticipating in the debate Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarawal said that government should bring a “stringent law” to curb the lynching incidents. He alleged that ruling party leaders were speaking in contradictory tones. PM says that strict action should be taken against those taking lives in the name of gau rakshaks, while Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parikar says something else, he said.

Agarawal alleged that the ruling party was behaving with “Moon Mein Ram Baghal Mein Chhuri” (You are having God’s name on lips and knives in your pockets) policy. He suggested that PM should call all Chief Ministers and direct them to take strict action against those indulging in lynching.

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brein, while referring to PM’s statement against lynching incidents, said, “Empty words and generic comments will not work. Name the group. Name the individual. We are deeply suspicious.”

He suggested that the real term should be “cow terrorism” and not cow vigilantism. He said that not only the minorities and Dalits but also the powerful media houses were also being targeted. He asserted that, “We will not be cowed down to your political terrorism and political vendetta.”  

The TMC leader alleged that fake pictures were being circulated on social media by a BJP leader during recent violence in the state. But, he asserted, polarization will never happen in West Bengal. He appealed all opposition parties to join hands to fight BJP saying “We will get GST – growing strong together.”

Reacting to the opposition debate, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Minister of Minority and Parliamentary Affairs said the government is equally concerned about the criminal incidents and everyone should speak in one voice to fight against “such destructive forces.” He said that Centre condemned such incidents and the states should take stringent legal action against those involved.

He said, “Please don’t give communal angle to these incidents. If you give, you are helping them…”

He also tried to calm down opposition by indirect allegations of such incidents under previous governments and in the states ruled by them.  He said, ‘”This is a conspiracy. Anyone could be doing it. I am not taking any party names. I don’t want to get into it.” He further added, “Whether lynching incidents happened before or now, strict legal action should be initiated against those involved.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

Delhi to install 305 mist sprayers across 9 major pollution hotspots

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in Delhi, alongside expert-led planning and coordinated measures to reduce dust and biomass-related pollution.

Published

on

Delhi-NCR air quality

The Delhi government has announced a large-scale deployment of mist sprayer technology to tackle rising air pollution, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirming that 305 mist sprayers will be installed across nine pollution hotspots in the capital.

Mist sprayers to curb dust at critical locations

During an inspection at ITO, Gupta said the mist sprayers already operational at the site are performing effectively. She noted that 35 poles at ITO have been fitted with these machines, which are helping suppress dust—a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi.

According to the Chief Minister, trials conducted in certain NDMC areas have shown promising results, reinforcing confidence in the technology.

High-level committee to guide pollution-control measures

Gupta announced the formation of a high-level expert committee that will advise the government on effective measures to reduce pollution. The panel will include senior officials from various departments as well as environmental specialists, including experts from IITs. Officials stated that the committee will receive special powers to implement pollution-mitigation strategies.

Departments directed to repair roads, add greenery

The Chief Minister said departments including PWD, DSIIDC and DDA have been instructed to fix potholes, repair and carpet roads, plant foliage along dividers and islands, and take other measures to reduce pollution sources.

She urged residents to report potholes on the government portal for quicker action.

Appeal to RWAs to prevent biomass burning

To curb winter pollution, Gupta advised Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to distribute electric heaters to security guards to discourage biomass burning, which significantly contributes to seasonal pollution spikes.

Continue Reading

India News

PM Modi welcomes Vladimir Putin with warm hug as Russian President begins India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin began a high-profile visit to India on Thursday, welcomed by PM Narendra Modi as both nations prepare to discuss defence, energy and trade cooperation.

Published

on

Vladimir Putin rides in Indian PM Narendra Modi's car on India visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for a 27-hour visit focused on strengthening defence, energy and trade cooperation. The visit, marked by a warm embrace and a brief car ride shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the continuity of the India-Russia strategic partnership amid shifting global geopolitics.

Putin receives ceremonial welcome and packed schedule ahead

Putin landed in Delhi around 6:35 pm, where PM Modi personally received him at Palam airport. The two leaders shared a hug before leaving together, with the Prime Minister set to host a private dinner in honour of the visiting President — a reciprocal gesture to the hospitality extended during Modi’s Moscow visit last year.

On Friday, Putin will begin his official engagements with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a visit to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. He is also scheduled to attend the India-Russia Annual Summit at Hyderabad House, where both sides will hold a working lunch.

The Russian President will later inaugurate a new India-based channel of Russia’s state broadcaster and attend a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, before departing India on Friday night.

Defence, energy and trade to dominate agenda

Officials have indicated that discussions will centre on defence, energy and trade — the three pillars of the bilateral relationship. Agreements are expected across sectors including shipping, healthcare, fertilisers and connectivity.

Ahead of the summit, defence ministers from both countries held extensive talks, covering additional procurement of S-400 air defence systems and delayed military hardware shipments affected by the Ukraine war. The S-400 platform, procured under a USD 5 billion deal, played a major role during Operation Sindoor.

The Kremlin has also hinted that Russia may propose the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet, which would put Moscow in direct competition with Western aircraft makers.

Energy ties face renewed pressure

India remains among the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude. However, fresh US sanctions on key Russian oil producers have led to a dip in purchases.

Putin’s visit also comes at a time of strain in India-US ties, with Washington recently imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods — including measures linked directly to India’s continued oil trade with Russia.

Massive security deployment in Delhi

Delhi Police have stationed over 5,000 personnel across central and New Delhi districts, supported by SWAT teams, anti-terror units, snipers, quick-reaction teams, anti-drone systems, HD-CCTV networks and layered surveillance measures for the visit.

Continue Reading

India News

Rahul Gandhi attacks Centre ahead of Vladimir Putin’s India visit

Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government discourages visiting foreign dignitaries from meeting Opposition leaders, calling it a sign of “insecurity,” hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi.

Published

on

Rahul Gandhi

As Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Delhi today for the India-Russia Annual Summit, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has renewed his charge that the Centre discourages visiting foreign leaders from meeting Opposition representatives. He called it a sign of “insecurity” within the government.

Rahul Gandhi alleges break in long-followed tradition

Speaking outside Parliament, Rahul Gandhi said that it has traditionally been the norm for visiting foreign leaders to meet the Leader of the Opposition, a practice he claims continued during the tenures of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh.

He alleged that the present government advises foreign dignitaries against such meetings. “When foreign leaders come, the government suggests they should not meet the Leader of the Opposition. This is their policy,” Gandhi said. He added that a meeting with the Opposition offers visiting leaders a broader perspective, as “we too represent India.”

Gandhi further stated that this approach reflects the government’s reluctance to allow engagement between the Opposition and foreign guests.

Former Foreign Secretary counters Gandhi’s remarks

Responding to Gandhi’s allegations, former Foreign Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said visiting leaders operate on very tight schedules and there is no protocol mandating a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition. He stressed that such interactions depend entirely on the guest’s time and preference, noting that the required meetings are those with the President and the Prime Minister.

Putin’s schedule packed with bilateral engagements

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to land in Delhi this evening on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. His itinerary includes:

  • A private dinner with PM Modi
  • Visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat
  • Engagements at Bharat Mandapam and Hyderabad House
  • A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu

The visit forms part of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com