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Research scholar arrested for raising slogans calling BJP govt fascist gets bail

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Research scholar arrested for raising slogans calling BJP govt fascist gets bail

A 28-year-old research scholar of Canada, Lois Sofia, arrested at the Tuticorin airport on Monday for shouting “fascist BJP government down down” on a flight, in the presence of Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan, has been released on bail.

The arrest had led to intense outrage against the police and the AIADMK government. Reacting to the arrest, DMK chief MK Stalin accused the Tamil Nadu government of stifling the right to free speech.

Targeting the AIADMK-led government in the state, Stalin also said that if it was going to imprison people voicing dissent, then he would repeat Sofia’s slogan. “The Tamil Nadu government’s anti-democratic actions, against the right to free speech, are highly condemnable. She must be released immediately. How many people will be imprisoned if you arrest everyone who says that? I will also say it. ‘BJP’s fascist government down, down’,” Stalin tweeted.

News agency ANI reported that BJP Tamil Nadu President Tamilisai Soundararajan got into an argument with a co-passenger at Tuticorin airport. The passenger who was detained had allegedly raised ‘Fascist BJP Govt down down’ slogan.

Sofia allegedly shouted the slogan when Soundararajan, seated in the front row, came near her to take her bag. Enraged by this, Tamilisai Soundararajan engaged in a verbal fight with the student and later with the police who were stationed in the airport and had tried to calm her down.

A video recorded at the airport shows the BJP leader asking angrily: “How can she shout like that? This is not a public forum.”

“When I am taking my bag, a customer shouts ‘BJP’s Fascist government down down’. Is that freedom of speech?” she is seen asking in the clip.

Soundararajan said later to reporters: “She was not an ordinary passenger, I suspect some extremist organization behind her.”

Sofia, who was travelling with her parents, was taken into custody after the BJP leader filed a complaint with the airport police.

Sofia was charged under IPC Sections 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 290 (public nuisance) and Section 75 of the Tamil Nadu City Police Act and the case was being handled by the All Women Police Station at Tuticorin.

A Thoothukudi court Tuesday granted bail to Lois Sofia, a 28-year-old studying in Canada, a day after her arrest at Tuticorin airport.

Sofia’s father Dr AA Sami, a retired government doctor, said the incident took place when the flight landed at Tuticorin.

Sami, the student’s father has also filed a police complaint against the Tamil Nadu BJP chief and a few others for “criminal intimidation”. That case has not been registered by the police yet.

Sami says he and his wife had received their daughter at the Chennai airport and were flying with her to Tuticorin. When they arrived at Tuticorin, he says, his daughter was surrounded by men and abuses were thrown at her. The family was reportedly kept in a room for safety.

“My wife Madhuri and I received our daughter at Chennai airport and we were flying from Chennai. After we landed at Tuticorin, she (Sofia) saw the BJP leader and said ‘fascist BJP government down, down’. She didn’t utter a word other than that. But when we reached the terminal, Tamilisai and some 10 men who received her at the airport surrounded us and bullied my daughter with abusive words. They issued death threats. Finally, the airport police came to our help and secured us in a room.”

“For more than 8 hours, police kept my daughter in station for inquiry. She didn’t use any derogatory remarks about Tamilisai or anyone. She just said “Fascist BJP Down down”, which is purely freedom of expression. Now, I have lodged complaint against Tamilisai and others for threatening us. So far, no action has been taken,” he said, according to media reports.

Sofia, a writer and a mathematician, had earlier participated in campaigns against the Sterlite Copper Plant in Tuticorin and the Chennai-Salem eight lane expressway, said media reports.

In a tweet before her arrest, Sofia had posted: “I am on a flight with Tamilisai Soundararajan and really want to shout out ‘Down with Modi – BJP – RSS fascist government’. Will I be kicked off the flight?”

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Sharbat jihad row: Delhi HC says Ramdev beyond anyone’s control, lives in his own world

Hamdard’s counsel alleged that while promoting Patanjali’s “gulab sharbat,” Ramdev claimed profits from Rooh Afza were funneled into constructing madrasas and mosques, a statement deemed derogatory and misleading.

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The Delhi High Court on Thursday sharply criticized yoga practitioner and entrepreneur Ramdev, declaring him “uncontrollable” and living “in his own world” after finding him in prima facie contempt of its earlier order.

The court’s ire stemmed from Ramdev’s controversial “sharbat jihad” remarks targeting Hamdard’s Rooh Afza, despite a prior directive on April 22 prohibiting him from making statements or sharing videos about Hamdard’s products.

Justice Amit Bansal, addressing the issue, stated, “His affidavit and the video clearly violate our order. This is prima facie contempt, and I will issue a notice summoning him.” The court was informed that Ramdev had posted a video with objectionable content, flouting its instructions. When Ramdev’s counsel requested a delay due to the unavailability of their lead lawyer, the court postponed the hearing briefly.

The case originates from a plea by Hamdard National Foundation India against Ramdev and Patanjali Foods Ltd., challenging his inflammatory remarks. On the previous hearing, the court had condemned Ramdev’s “sharbat jihad” comment as “indefensible” and conscience-shocking, prompting him to promise the immediate removal of related videos and social media posts.

Hamdard’s counsel alleged that while promoting Patanjali’s “gulab sharbat,” Ramdev claimed profits from Rooh Afza were funneled into constructing madrasas and mosques, a statement deemed derogatory and misleading.

The court’s strong remarks underscore its frustration with Ramdev’s defiance, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle as it seeks to enforce compliance and address the fallout from his provocative statements.

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Congress says Modi govt gave headline without deadline on caste census

Gandhi credited the Congress’s persistent campaign for pressuring the government, saying, “Our push for a caste census has clearly worked.”

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The Congress sharply criticized the government on Thursday, May 1, following its announcement to include caste enumeration in the upcoming census, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making grand promises without clear timelines.

Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh, speaking at the party’s headquarters in New Delhi, questioned the government’s sincerity and demanded an immediate roadmap for the census, emphasizing the need for transparency and urgency.

Ramesh took a dig at Modi, calling him a “master of crafting headlines without deadlines.” He reiterated the Congress’s long-standing demand for a constitutional amendment to lift the 50% reservation cap, arguing that a caste census would only be meaningful if this barrier is removed.

“What’s stopping the Modi government from abolishing the cap?” he asked, challenging the administration’s commitment to social justice.

Highlighting past delays, Ramesh recalled a December 2019 Cabinet press release approving the 2021 census with a budget of ₹8,254 crore, which made no mention of caste enumeration. “Six years later, the census remains undone.

The government now makes this sudden announcement, but what’s the plan?” he questioned. He pointed out the meager ₹575 crore allocated to the census commissioner’s office in the 2025-26 Budget, casting doubt on the feasibility of conducting a comprehensive census. “Is this just another headline, or is there a genuine intent? The public deserves answers,” he said.

Ramesh dismissed the government’s COVID-19 excuse for delaying the census, noting that over 50 countries conducted theirs during the pandemic. “There was no pandemic in 2023 or 2024, yet the census wasn’t held,” he said.

He also referenced Modi’s 2024 remarks labeling caste census advocates as “urban naxals,” sarcastically asking, “Since when did the PM and Home Minister Amit Shah become urban naxals?”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi welcomed the government’s “abrupt” decision to include caste enumeration, a first since Independence, but demanded a specific timeline, suspecting delays akin to the women’s reservation bill.

Gandhi credited the Congress’s persistent campaign for pressuring the government, saying, “Our push for a caste census has clearly worked.”

The announcement, made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs meeting, acknowledged state-led caste surveys in Bihar, Telangana, and Karnataka but criticized their lack of transparency.

The opposition, particularly the Congress, has made the caste census a key electoral issue, arguing it’s essential for equitable policy-making.

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PM Modi extends wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on Statehood Day, highlights their rich legacies

PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar extended warm wishes to Maharashtra and Gujarat on their state formation day, acknowledging their vital role in India’s development.

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On the occasion of the State Formation Day of Maharashtra and Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conveyed heartfelt greetings to the citizens of the two states. The leaders lauded the states for their significant contributions to India’s development and for preserving their unique cultural heritage.

Maharashtra and Gujarat, both carved out of the former Bombay state in 1960, are now among the country’s most industrially advanced and prosperous regions.

Maharashtra praised for resilience and heritage

In a social media post, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Maharashtra’s enduring contribution to India’s progress. “Maharashtra has always played a vital role in India’s development,” he said. He added that the state’s glorious past and the bravery of its people are a source of pride and inspiration.

Modi described Maharashtra as a pillar of national progress that remains firmly rooted in its cultural traditions. “My best wishes for the state’s progress,” he added, affirming his hopes for continued growth and development.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also recognized Maharashtra’s legacy of social reform, cultural richness, and economic influence, calling it a symbol of national pride.

Gujarat hailed for innovation and enterprise

Extending greetings to his home state, Prime Minister Modi praised Gujarat’s dynamism and spirit of enterprise. He emphasized the state’s achievements across diverse sectors and its growing reputation for innovation. “The people of Gujarat have excelled in various fields. May the state keep attaining new heights of progress,” he noted.

The vice president echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Gujarat’s association with national icons like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He noted that the state’s tradition of leadership and resilience continues to shape the nation’s path forward.

As both Maharashtra and Gujarat observe their 64th Foundation Day, the leaders’ messages serve as a reminder of the states’ enduring impact on India’s political, social, and economic landscape.

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