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BJYM vandalises Tharoor’s office for saying BJP will turn India into a Hindu Pakistan if it returns to power

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8 years ago

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Shashi Tharoor

Angered at Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s statement about how intolerance and majoritarianism would turn India into a mirror image of Pakistan – a ‘Hindu Pakistan’ – BJP’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) has proceeded to prove his point by vandalizing his office in his constituency of Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor on Monday, July 16, alleged that BJYM “vandals” attacked his constituency office in Thiruvananthapuram and even threatened to kill him.

Tharoor said the activists of BJP’s youth wing smeared black oil on signs, doors, and walls of his workplace and tied a banner saying “Hindu Pakistan” office.

BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president S Suresh justified the act, saying the Yuva Morcha workers’ action was a democratic way of protest. “Workers have every right to vent their anger if they are provoked with such irresponsible statements,” he said.

Some days earlier, the Congress leader had said India would turn into Hindu Pakistan if BJP returned to power in 2019.

Tharoor leader posted a series of tweets to say that his office was ransacked by the BJP Yuva Morcha who also drove away the people who were waiting to meet him and submit petitions.

“Today @YUVAMORCHABJP vandals attacked my constituency office in Thiruvananthapuram. They poured black engine oil on signs, doors, walls & gate, drove away innocent citizens waiting with their petitions, put up offensive banners & shouted slogans asking me to go to Pakistan,” wrote Tharoor.

“More details are emerging of their vile conduct. They threatened to kill me & to shut down my MP office. This is an assault on democracy & on freedom of expression. We have taken it to the Kerala Police,” wrote Tharoor.

In another tweet, Tharoor said BJP’s answer to the question about giving up the dream of a Hindu Rashtra was vandalism and violence. “The BJP’s answer to the simple question “have you given up the dream of a Hindu Rashtra?” is apparently vandalism and violence. That is the face they have shown in Thiruvananthapuram today. Most Hindus will say these Sanghi goondas do not represent us,” he said.

Tharoor later added, “We have asked the BJP a very simple question. Have they given up on the dream of Hindu Rashtra, they don’t answer that. By attacking me, they are pretending to defend the Constitution, but what we see today is their answer to a question that they are otherwise unable to answer. Vandalism, goondaism, driving out the people who have come with their petition, this is the kind of politics that they want to practice. People of Thiruvanthapuram and the people of India will reject this. We want a politics where they are free to express their opinion and we are free to express ours, not politics where the answer to a free opinion is acts of violence and vandalism.”

Senior Congress legislator VD Sateeshan told the media that the incident was a show of the BJP’s arrogance.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president MM Hassan extended their support to Tharoor and visited the office. Chennithala said that Tharoor cannot be stopped and intimidated by the BJP with “such acts of vandalism”.

“The attack on Tharoor’s office by BJP goons is not acceptable. Is this the way to behave in a democratic system? Tharoor has every right to voice his opinion on issues. So many people were waiting to see the MP today and they were dispersed by these people. They tried to ransack the office. I request the state government to take strong action against those behind the attack,” Chennithala said.

Though the BJP had sought an apology from him Tharoor stood his ground saying there was nothing wrong in his statement. “A state with a dominant majority religion that seeks to put its minorities in a subordinate place will be a Hindu Pakistan,” he reiterated.

Even as the Congress national leadership distanced itself from Tharoor’s ‘Hindu Pakistan’ jibe, the party’s Kerala unit stood behind him.

Speaking on “Threats faced by Indian Democracy and Secularism” at an event here last week, Tharoor said: “The great danger is that if they (the BJP) are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha, then frankly our democratic constitution as we understand will not survive because they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one.

“That will be a new one which will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, will remove equality for minorities, that will create a Hindu Pakistan.”

On July 14, a Kolkata court summoned Tharoor following a petition moved by lawyer Sumeet Chowdhury dubbing the leader’s comments as “a deliberate and malicious act ” that was “intended” at “outraging” religious feelings.

However, Tharoor reiterated on Monday, “He added, “When we say we don’t want India to become a Hindu Pakistan, we are not praising Pakistan. We are saying that Pakistan was founded on the principle of one religion. That is not the idea behind India and we don’t want India to become that. But the BJP apparently doesn’t understand this.”

On Monday, when someone on Twitter pointed out to Tharoor that the vandalism was only an “equal and opposite reaction”, Tharoor shot back saying, “No one. The equal reaction to a speech is a rebuttal speech. Not vandalism. But you need to be a democrat to value that. Not too many of those in the Sangh Parivar, clearly.”

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Mamata Banerjee warns BJP, EC over Bengal polls, says they will be accountable

Mamata Banerjee holds BJP and Election Commission responsible for any incidents during Bengal polls, raising concerns over officer transfers.

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8 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India responsible for any untoward incidents in the state during the upcoming assembly elections, following the transfer of key officials.

Addressing concerns over administrative reshuffles, Banerjee said that changes involving senior bureaucrats, including the chief secretary and home secretary, could affect governance and law and order in the state during a crucial period.

The Trinamool Congress chief also announced candidates for 291 constituencies for the elections scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Criticising the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the transfers were being carried out in a manner that benefits the BJP. She questioned the timing of the decisions and said such actions weaken the state administration at a sensitive time.

She further raised concerns about disaster management and essential services, stating that experienced officials familiar with the state’s situation have been replaced. According to her, this could impact administrative efficiency if any emergency arises before the new government is formed.

Protecting Bengal’s identity

Banerjee emphasised that the election is not merely about forming a government but about safeguarding Bengal’s identity and existence. She accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and attempting to influence the electoral process.

She urged that elections should be conducted peacefully, without external interference, and in line with democratic principles. The chief minister also expressed confidence that her party would return to power with a stronger mandate.

Appealing to voters, she called for support for the Trinamool Congress, asserting that the people of Bengal will ultimately decide the outcome and protect their democratic rights.

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Centre assures action on LPG supply disruption, court closes distributors’ plea

The Bombay High Court closed a plea by LPG distributors after the Centre assured diplomatic efforts to stabilise supply amid global disruptions.

Published

10 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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LPG cylinder

The Union government on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that it is taking diplomatic steps to address disruptions in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supply linked to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, following which the court disposed of a petition filed by LPG distributors.

Appearing before the Nagpur bench, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Centre was actively engaged in international-level negotiations to stabilise LPG supply. However, he noted that specific measures could not be disclosed due to their sensitive nature.

The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Anil S Kilor and Raj D Wakode. The bench accepted the government’s assurances and closed the plea.

Distributors flagged supply disruption in Vidarbha

The petition was filed by six LPG distributors, including Omkar Sales, who raised concerns over disruptions in supply chains across Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region. They claimed the situation had led to a significant shortage of LPG for domestic consumers.

The distributors, dependent on Confidence Petroleum India Ltd (CPIL), alleged that despite directives prioritising domestic consumption, LPG was being diverted for export to capitalise on high international prices.

Government cites policy compliance, CPIL denies diversion

The petitioners referred to recent orders issued under the Essential Commodities Act and the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which mandate prioritising household LPG supply during crises.

However, CPIL rejected the allegations, stating it was fulfilling pre-existing export commitments and had not violated any policy norms.

Court had earlier termed issue ‘serious’

During earlier hearings, the court had described the matter as “serious” and of “grave importance”, issuing notices to the Centre and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

On Tuesday, the Centre reiterated that macro-level supply challenges arising from global geopolitical tensions were being handled through diplomatic channels. It also said that any localised supply issues could be resolved by state authorities.

Taking note of these submissions, the bench disposed of the petition.

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Om Birla likely to move motion to revoke suspension of 8 opposition MPs today

The Lok Sabha is likely to revoke the suspension of eight opposition MPs today, with a motion expected to be moved by the government following consensus on maintaining discipline.

Published

18 hours ago

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March 17, 2026

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Om Birla

The suspension of eight opposition Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha is expected to be revoked on Tuesday, with Speaker Om Birla likely to initiate the process, according to sources.

The MPs, including seven from the Congress and one from the CPI(M), were suspended on February 3 for unruly conduct during the first phase of the Budget session after a resolution was adopted by the House.

Motion to be moved in Lok Sabha

Congress leader K Suresh said that Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to move a motion around noon seeking revocation of the suspensions.

Although the suspension was initially imposed for the entire session, scheduled to conclude on April 2, opposition parties have consistently demanded reconsideration since the second phase of the session began on March 9.

Agreement on maintaining decorum

At a recent meeting convened by the Speaker, both ruling and opposition sides reportedly agreed on maintaining discipline in the House.

Key understandings include:

  • No member will enter the well of the House to protest
  • Papers will not be torn or thrown toward the Chair
  • MPs will not climb onto officials’ tables

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has also reminded members to keep areas within the Parliament premises obstruction-free to ensure smooth movement.

Speaker raises concern over conduct

Earlier, Om Birla had expressed concern over the use of banners, placards, and inappropriate language by some MPs. In a letter to party leaders, he stressed the need to uphold the dignity and traditions of parliamentary democracy.

He had also indicated that actions like suspension are taken in cases of serious misconduct, such as climbing onto tables during proceedings.

Suspended MPs

The suspended MPs include Gurjeet Singh Aujla, Hibi Eden, C Kiran Kumar Reddy, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Manickam Tagore, Prashant Padole, Dean Kuriakose (Congress), and S Venkatesan (CPI-M).

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