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“Every state government has the resources to stop such protests”

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“Every state government has the resources to stop such protests”

Mudda looks for a solution after fringe groups go on rampage in six states opposing Padmaavat release, decides that authorities are to blame as they have chosen to play silent witness

Protestors all over India went on a rampage following the release of the film, Padmaavat. Though the Supreme Court struck down the ban imposed by four states (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana) on the film’s release, it was still not screened in any of the multiplexes there. Vandalism and violence were reported in Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Members of fringe groups also attacked a school bus in Gurugram on Wednesday.

Thursday’s edition of the Mudda, APN’s daily current affairs show discussed the issue. Moderated by Akshay Tripathi, the guests were Justice AN Mittal, former chief justice of Allahabad High Court, Supreme Court advocate JP Dhanda, CPI leader Ameer Haider Zaidi, BJP spokesperson Ashok Thakur, Congress spokesperson Onkar Nath Singh, film director Vandana Kohli, Kshatriya Mahasahba President Pradeep Singh Babboo, Karni Sena spokesperson Vijender Singh and consulting editor of APN Govind Pant Raju.

Vijender Singh said the video of the mobs attacking a school bus in Gurugram is a fake video. He said: “Media is circulating false news and tarnishing the image of the Karni Sena. Please verify the authenticity of the video. The Rajputs are not involved in this incident. They can never do such thing.”

Ameer Haider Zaidi alleged that the video of the school bus attack is a video from Afghanistan. He added: “Neither the state government or the Central government knows anything about the video. Secondly what actions can we take against the governments that are going against the Supreme Court’s order. States not being able to maintain law and order proves the failure of the state governments. I think some fringe groups who are related to terrorist groups are behind the violence. And, by going forward with the release of the film, Bhansali has given them a reason to do so.”

Ashok Thakur also blamed the media for circulating false news that is sullying the good image of the BJP. He said the BJP is with the SC.

Onkar Nath Singh asked why Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is silent on the whole issue. He said: “After a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court stating that the Rajputs werebeing misrepresented in the movie, it had asked film critics and journalists to see the movie and file a detailed report. Seeing the report, the apex court had told the director to continue shooting. There is some rule of law. I am a Rajput (Kshatriya) too and I am ashamed to be so. I condemn the attack on the school bus.”

Pradeep Singh Babboo however condemned the attack and said if any Rajput was involved in it, it is shameful for our community. But if they are protesting peacefully, the Supreme Court should not interfere in it, he added.

Justice AN Mittal said: “I think this protests are sponsored. They are taking the cover of the Karni Sena to achieve some ill. I want to ask these protestors why they have never protested when women, Brahmins or Vaishyas etc were shown in a degrading manner in films. There are reasonable restrictions too in a film director’s freedom but these protests are just baseless.”

Vandana Kohli said the people who are protesting have no idea what has been shown in the movie. She said: “After the screening everybody said there has been no misrepresentation of the Rajputs. The ‘aan, baan, shaan’ (pride) of the Rajputs have been aptly portrayed. I don’t understand why they are protesting. After the name was changed to Padmaavat, it has been made clear that the movie is based on an epic. As a law abiding citizen I think what is happening is wrong.”

JP Dhanda blamed the state governments for failing to maintain law and order. He said: “Every state government has the power and resources to stop such protests. They are choosing to be silent. The government should deal with it with a heavy hand and should not let it escalate. The story of queen Padmavati has been shown in good light. I request the Karni Sena to take the film in a happy spirit.”

Govind Pant Raju quoted reports that stated that no misrepresentation of the Rajputs have been done in the movie. He strongly criticised the BJP spokesperson for calling the public responsible for such vandalism.

-Compiled by Usha Rani Das

India News

Trouble for AAP Government in Punjab: Congress drops hints

Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa hints at the possible collapse of the AAP government in Punjab. With BJP’s alleged involvement and corruption claims, the political tension in the state is rising.

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Pratap Singh Bajwa, leader of the opposition in Punjab, has sparked major political speculation, hinting at a possible collapse of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Bajwa claimed that more than 32 MLAs of the AAP are in contact with him, and some may even be in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, he stressed that the Congress will not be responsible for toppling the government. Instead, he pointed fingers at the BJP, suggesting it would orchestrate the downfall.

In an exclusive interview, Bajwa made it clear that the Congress, despite its claims, will not take steps to destabilize the AAP government. He explained that Congress wants the AAP to complete its five-year term so that the public can judge its performance. “The BJP will handle the rest,” Bajwa said, distancing his party from any direct involvement in the collapse.

Bajwa also accused the AAP of being involved in corrupt practices, with allegations of money laundering through hawala channels. He claimed that crores of rupees have gone to foreign destinations such as Australia under the AAP’s rule. Additionally, the Congress leader alleged that the Delhi model employed by AAP encourages looting.

In a strong rebuttal, the AAP accused Bajwa of already securing a ticket to join the BJP. AAP leader Neel Garg alleged that Bajwa had met senior BJP leaders in Bengaluru and warned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to keep a close eye on him.

The AAP government has come under intense scrutiny since its defeat in Delhi earlier this month. Amidst this, the Punjab government has ramped up its anti-corruption initiatives, dismissing 52 police officers for corruption. Senior officers, including Varinder Kumar and Rajesh Tripathi, have also been suspended or reassigned as part of the government’s effort to clean up corruption in its ranks.

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A captivating evening of literature: Dr Karan Singh discusses his novel, The Temple of Shiva

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Dr Karan Singh book The Temple of Shiva

Parchment Publications hosted an engaging literary discussion on Saturday at Kunzum Bookstore, featuring Dr Karan Singh, statesman, scholar, and philosopher, as he delved into the themes and inspirations behind The Temple of Shiva, his first and only work of fiction.

In conversation with journalist and writer Sanjula Sharma, the evening offered profound insights into literature, philosophy, and storytelling. Published by Parchment Publications, The Temple of Shiva intricately blends history, mythology, and devotion, creating a rich narrative around faith and self-discovery.

During the discussion, Dr Singh shared a fascinating insight into his protagonist, Ashok, describing him as an alter ego—what he might have been, had he not been born into his current circumstances. “Your first novel,” he reflected, “always reflects the inner life of the author.”

Adding to the evening’s charm, when asked about the secret to his youth and energy, Dr Singh wittily held up the Shiva bracelet on his wrist, calling it his “secret weapon” that keeps him going. His deep spiritual connection was further reflected in his discussion of the novel’s characters, particularly Maharaj, the Mahant of the Temple of Shiva. Inspired by two real-life individuals whom Dr Singh had known, Maharaj serves as a conduit for many of Shiva’s teachings that resonate throughout the book.

Speaking on the occasion, Shubhi Arya, Founder of Parchment Publications, said, “Publishing The Temple of Shiva is a privilege and a deeply personal honour. Dr Karan Singh’s wisdom, depth, and storytelling deserve to reach younger generations, inspiring them to explore India’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.”

The event was made possible with the support of Ajay Jain, the owner of Kunzum Bookstore, and Shivam, the event manager at Kunzum, whose contributions helped create a welcoming space for literary discussions. Parchment Publications is committed to bringing thought-provoking literature to readers, and this event was yet another step in its journey of celebrating distinguished voices in writing.

The Temple of Shiva is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Overcrowding in Prayagraj: Locals urge devotees to halt their visits to Maha Kumbh

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Mahakumbh

As the Maha Kumbh draws to a close, Prayagraj residents are facing an overwhelming surge in crowds, and many are pleading for relief. In a public appeal posted on Reddit, a local resident expressed frustration at the massive influx of pilgrims, which has overwhelmed the city and disrupted everyday life. With only days remaining in the grand religious event, the plea for a break from the chaos is growing louder.

The resident shared their experience of the city’s transformation for the event, where major infrastructural upgrades such as new roads and flyovers were made to accommodate the crowds. However, what was once seen as an opportunity to showcase the city’s development has now turned into an exhausting ordeal.

Overcrowded roads and tensions rise

According to the post, the streets of Prayagraj are now so congested that even basic tasks like commuting have become nearly impossible. The city’s highways, public transport, and even narrow lanes are jammed with an unrelenting flow of people and vehicles. Locals are feeling trapped in their own city as they struggle to navigate through the chaos.

In an incident shared by the user, they recounted a moment when they were blamed for the congestion while trying to take a break from the chaos. “Aap logon ki wajah se jam lag raha hai!” (The traffic is because of you), they were yelled at by strangers, despite being residents of the city. The frustration and exhaustion are palpable in the community, with tensions running high as the local population feels the strain of hosting such a large gathering.

A desperate plea for mercy

In a heartfelt conclusion, the user made a desperate appeal to devotees: “Please, for the love of God, STOP COMING. Ganga ji aur Sangam kahin nahi ja rahe. (The Ganga and Sangam aren’t going anywhere). You can come peacefully later. Have some mercy on this city and its people. We are begging you.”

This plea underscores the toll that the Maha Kumbh is taking on the locals. Not only are the streets congested, but there are reports of pilgrims littering and disregarding basic civic norms. While Prayagraj welcomes visitors, the burden of such a massive gathering is beginning to feel unbearable for those who call the city home.

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, began on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 26. While the event is a spiritual and cultural highlight for millions, the ongoing surge in visitors is threatening to overwhelm the city’s infrastructure and residents.

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