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Home Ministry assures states of assistance in case of trouble over Padmavati screening

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Deepika-Padukone-Padmavati

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Narendra Modi government on Thursday came in support of screening of the movie Padmavati which has been facing protests and threats of violence if it is released from some Rajput groups.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday assured all the states that it would give “full consideration” to any request for assistance to handle any ongoing and potential public order issues because of the controversy surrounding the upcoming Bollywood movie ‘Padmavati’.

The MHA assurance came on the heels of Supreme Court upholding right to freedom of speech and expression while rejecting a plea to ban the movie ‘An Insignificant Man’ based on Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal. The film will be screened in cinema halls on Friday as scheduled.

Rejecting the plea by Nachiketa Walhakar seeking to restrain the release of the film, the bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud said, courts should be extremely slow in passing restrain order as there can’t be curbs on the freedom of speech and expression.

The court said that filmmakers and writers should be allowed to enjoy freedom of speech and expression, and that all creative people have the right to enjoy their works in production of films and dramas.

The release of the film Padmavati, scheduled for December 1, was in doldrums as fringe groups like Karni Sena issued threats of violence, claiming it portrayed queen Padmini in a way they found inappropriate. The film is based on a based on the legend of Rani Padmini, a Hindu Rajput queen, mentioned in Padmavat, an Avadhi poem written by Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540. It has little factual, historical basis.

This, however, did not prevent sentiments of extra-sensitive sections from getting hurt.

As the problem persisted, the MHA on Thursday assured state governments of all necessary assistance if required on account of law and order problem over the issue. “The first responder in relation to ongoing and potential public order issues are the district administration and state police under the overall guidance of the state government,” an MHA spokesperson told news agency ANI. “Any request for assistance, as and when received, will receive the fullest consideration of the ministry,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Sri Rajput Karni Sena said that they would gather in lakhs and call for a nation-wide shutdown on December 1, the release date of the movie. In Jaipur, Shri Rajput Karni Sena founder and patron Lokendra Singh Kalvi said: “Ahinsa bahut zaruri hai, hinsa toh majboori hai. Jauhar ki jwala hai, bahut kucch jalega. Rok sako toh is Padmavati ko rok lo (Non-violence is important but violence is the last resort. This is the fire of Jauhar, a lot will burn. Stop this Padmavati if you can).”

Giving the call for a nationwide strike on December 1, Kalvi said the Karni Sena will take the support of like-minded individuals and organisations. “We are not talking of a Rajasthan bandh, but a Bharat bandh on December 1,” he said.

One of Karni Sena members had, openly on TV, reportedly announced a reward of Rs 5 crore to anyone who beheads Bhansali. Police have tightened security for the filmmaker.

A Sena leader Mahipal Singh Makrana said if need be, action will be taken against Deepika Padukone, the female lead in the movie, threatening to chop off her nose and ears.

Typically wishy-washy in taking a firm stand, the Congress had said that if there are any scenes in Padmavati that hurt sentiments, they need to be reviewed.

The MHA statement becomes particularly significant in view of the fact that, in its threats of violence and free rein in multiple states, the Rajput group has been backed by many BJP leaders in senior, responsible positions.

Rajasthan Higher and Technical Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari also joined the chorus of protests , asserting that she strongly opposes the film “made purely for making money and entertainment”.

The Rajasthan Women’s Commission has also written to the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure that the honour of women “is not adversely affected” in the movie.

On Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and hardline BJP leader Yogi Adityanath said the release of Padmavati on December 1 will pose a “law and order problem” for his state. The UP government has sent a letter to the information and broadcasting ministry urging it to inform the censor board about the public sentiment against the film and defer its release.

Senior home department officials are of the view that the release would come as an additional burden on the police which will be hard-pressed to ensure free and fair civic polls and the counting of votes on December 1.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Padmavati’, starring Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Sultan Alauddin Khilji, is slated for release on December 1.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

PM Modi says decline in TB incidence outcome of India’s dedication, innovation efforts

He acknowledged the dedicated healthcare workers of the Health Ministry, recognising their crucial role and commitment in the ongoing battle against tuberculosis.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that the decrease in tuberculosis (TB) incidence is a result of India’s dedicated and innovative efforts, asserting that the nation will continue to strive for a TB-free India through collective action.

His comments followed a statement from Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged India’s “remarkable” progress, noting a 17.7% reduction in TB cases from 2015 to 2023—more than double the global decrease of 8.3%.

In a post on X, Modi praised the achievements by stating, “Commendable progress! The decline in TB incidence is an outcome of India’s dedicated and innovative efforts.” He reiterated the commitment to pursuing a TB-free India with a united approach.

BJP president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also mentioned on Saturday that, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our government has expanded and strengthened the National TB Elimination Programme,” mentioning initiatives like the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana, which provides essential nutritional support to TB patients, as well as the introduction of the BPALM regimen, a new treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis.

He acknowledged the dedicated healthcare workers of the Health Ministry, recognising their crucial role and commitment in the ongoing battle against tuberculosis.

“I also acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Health Ministry’s dedicated healthcare workers, whose unwavering commitment and hard work play a crucial role in this fight against tuberculosis,” Nadda said.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has recorded a decline of 17.7 percent in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023. This rate is more than double the global decline of 8.3 per cent.

In a post on X on Saturday, Nadda emphasised that ṭhis acknowledgment reflects India’s transformative approach to TB care and control. He mentioned that the government has expanded and strengthened the National TB Elimination Programme by taking key initiatives such as the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana to provide essential nutritional support to TB patients.

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In Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi says protecting Constitution is India’s primary battle

He emphasised that such a mindset represents the kind of politics needed in India—not one of animosity but one of love and kindness.

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Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted on Sunday that the primary struggle in the country today is to safeguard and preserve the Constitution. He emphasised that the Constitution was crafted not from hatred but with humility and affection.

“The primary struggle taking place is for our Constitution. The greatness and protection we enjoy stem from it,” he stated during a corner meeting in Mananthavady, part of the campaign for his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll.

Rahul explained that the Constitution was not born from anger or animosity but enacted by those who battled colonial rule, endured suffering, and spent many years in prison. They created the Constitution with love and humility, he added.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha emphasised that this struggle represents a fight between love and hatred. “It is a fight between confidence and insecurity. To prevail in this battle, we must eliminate anger and hatred from our hearts and replace them with love, humility, and compassion,” he added.

The former Congress president also reflected on his sister’s compassionate actions, sharing a poignant memory. “She is someone who embraced the girl implicated in my father’s assassination. When she returned from meeting Nalini, she expressed her sorrow for her,” he recalled.

He emphasised that such a mindset represents the kind of politics needed in India—not one of animosity but one of love and kindness.

During her campaign, Priyanka Gandhi took the opportunity to criticise the central government, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is solely serving the interests of large business magnates.

“The Modi government prioritises his wealthy friends. Its agenda does not focus on improving your quality of life, creating jobs for educated youth, or enhancing healthcare and education,” she contended.

Priyanka continued her campaign activities by engaging in public and corner meetings alongside Rahul in the hilly constituency.

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Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah condemns grenade attack near Sunday market in Srinagar

According to reports, at least six people were injured when terrorists threw a grenade in a crowded flea market in the heart of the city.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on November 3 condemned the grenade attack near a busy Sunday market in Srinagar and said there could be no justification for targeting innocent civilians.

According to reports, at least six people were injured when terrorists threw a grenade in a crowded flea market in the heart of the city. The injured have been shifted to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS).

In a post on X, Abdullah said the last few days have been dominated by headlines of attacks and encounters in parts of the valley. “Today’s news of a grenade attack on innocent shoppers at the ‘Sunday market’ in Srinagar is deeply disturbing,” he added.

The security apparatus must do everything possible to end this spurt of attacks at the earliest so that people can go about their lives without any fear, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said.

The incident took place near the heavily guarded Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), occurring one day following the elimination of a top Pakistani commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) by security forces in the Khanyar locality of downtown Srinagar.

Authorities have dispatched police and paramilitary forces to the scene to evacuate the injured and initiate a search operation for the terrorists. The explosion triggered panic in the area, causing shoppers to scramble for cover.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Ravinder Sharma said that this was a conspiracy to disturb the atmosphere in the valley. Such incidents have increased ever since elections have been held and the new government has been formed, he claimed. He prayed for the well-being of those injured in the attack.

Calling for strict actions, the Congress leader said such attacks prove that the militancy is still there in the valley, adding the central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand.

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