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India for Hindus first, others later: says Shiv Sena in Saamana editorial

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Uddhav-Thackeray

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Statement comes days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat claimed that Hindustan is a country of Hindus but belongs to others too if they adopt Indian culture

Days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat reiterated his ‘Hindustan is for Hindus’ remark and asserted that “others” who adopt Indian culture are also welcome in the country, the Shiv Sena decided to qualify the Sangh chief’s remark, on Monday, by stating that Hindus have the first claim to India and “others” must be stacked lower in the pecking order.

“The RSS chief says like Hindus, India belongs to others as well. The Shiv Sena chief says India belongs to Hindus first and others later, because there are more than 50 countries for Muslims,” the Sena said in an editorial that appeared in the party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had, on Friday, said in Indore that ‘Hindustan’ is a country of Hindus, but it does not mean that it does not belong to “others”.

The Saamana editorial comes at a time when the alliance between the Shiv Sena and RSS progeny – the BJP – is on shaky ground with the leadership of both sides acknowledging, albeit unofficially, of an increasing trust deficit in the decades-old coalition.

In recent months, the Shiv Sena has become openly critical of the BJP and its leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his close aide Sanjay Raut have openly hit out at Modi on key decisions taken by the central government – demonetisation and GST being just two of them – and talking of the Prime Minister’s waning popularity.

However, the Saamana editorial – seen in political circles as an official view of the Shiv Sena on critical issues – now seeks to hit out not just at the BJP but even the RSS and its chief, a move that can be perceived as the Maharashtra-based parties attempt at testing how far it can flex its muscles with the senior alliance partner.

Taking on Bhagwat, the Saamana editorial states: “Christians have countries like America and (in) Europe. Buddhists have China, Japan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Hindus do not have any country except this.”

The editorial also makes a point to criticise the Modi government over its attempts – or as the Sena thinks, the lack of them – to implement the communally divisive Hindutva agenda – an ideological thread that had brought the BJP and Shiv Sena together nearly three decades ago.

“Today there is a pro-Hindutva majority government in power. Yet, it is not willing to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya and has left its future in the hands of the court,” the Saamana editorial says, adding: “Despite a pro-Hindutva government, the ghar wapsi of Kashmiri Pandits hasn’t taken place.”

The construction of a Ram Temple at the site where the Babri Masjid stood in Ayodhya before its demolition by RSS-BJP workers in 1992 has been a common agenda of the BJP and Shiv Sena, much like the politically and communally sensitive issue of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir valley.

Ever since the Modi government came to power in May 2014, the pro-Hindutva forces – BJP and Shiv Sena, among others – have revived the issue of construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, since the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi title suit is pending before the Supreme Court (scheduled to be heard from December 5 onwards), the political claims of getting the temple built have been restricted to rhetoric and not actual implementation of the ground.

The Saamana editorial also touched upon another contentious issue – the ongoing debate over playing Vande Mataram and the national anthem in public places.

“A stubborn attitude prevails towards singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ despite the president and the prime minister belonging to the “thought process of the RSS”, and some also do not find it appropriate to stand up while the national anthem is being played,” the Sena editorial said.

“If these ‘others’ are insulting the national anthem by not standing up, the RSS chief should guide the pro-Hindutva government on what stand it should take against them,” the editorial said further.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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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