eNewsroom India Logo
Search here...
Home Blog Page 181

Should BJP worry about #GoBackModi trending when PM visited Jharkhand?

ScribeShah
-
0
Should BJP worry about #GoBackModi trending when PM visited Jharkhand?

Ranchi: When Jharkhand, a small state having only 81 assembly seats had announced a five-phase poll, then many had anticipated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be visiting the state many times to woo the voters.

As anticipated, PM’s visit to Jharkhand began on Monday just ahead of the first phase voting at Daltonganj and Palamu.  However, surprisingly, #GoBackModi was trending on Twitter.

For the first time that Prime Minister received such a rude welcome on the social media platform during his Jharkhand visit.

Last time when Narendra Modi had visited the state, to inaugurate a scheme, even IAS officers had taken on the duty to help the social media team to make #JharkhandwithModi trend.

Twitter is a platform where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Information Technology (IT) cell has had a strong presence, hence making anything trend against Narendra Modi is not an easy task. Earlier during PM’s Tamil Nadu and Kerala tours similar hashtag had trended. But, BJP is the ruling party in Jharkhand, unlike Tamil Nadu or Kerala. This mineral-rich state is also a Hindi belt where BJP has strong supporters on Social Media.

However, surprising, #GoBackModi trending on the top for several hours on Monday during PM’s Jharkhand visit is significant, many believe.

Twitter is a platform where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Information Technology (IT) cell has had a strong presence, hence making anything trend against Narendra Modi is not an easy task. Earlier during PM’s Tamil Nadu and Kerala tours similar hashtag had trended. But, BJP is the ruling party in Jharkhand, unlike Tamil Nadu or Kerala. This mineral-rich state is also a Hindi belt where BJP has strong supporters on Social Media.

And as far as using Twitter is concerned, people of Jharkhand are way behind from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. So, it is a matter of concern when such hashtag trends just ahead of the PM’s visit.

Now, the big question is – Will it have any impact on the ground or other phases of Modi’s campaigning in Jharkhand?

Political analysts believe that it will have an impact. These days, social media build up the mood and enthusiasm of volunteers and voters to deliver on the ground.

But in the last three years of Raghubar Das led BJP government has witnessed at least 23 hunger deaths and 22 deaths due to mob lynching. Not only have these many incidents of lynching made the people of Jharkhand live in fear, but has also angered sensible citizens, especially when union minister Jayant Sinha had garlanded the killers of Ramgarh lynching victim.

Jharkhand, came into existence in 2000, and since then BJP has been in the power for over 14 years now. In the last five years, BJP has claimed of having given a stable government to the people of Jharkhand.

But in the last three years of Raghubar Das led BJP government has witnessed at least 23 hunger deaths and 22 deaths due to mob lynching. Not only have these many incidents of lynching made the people of Jharkhand live in fear, but has also angered sensible citizens, especially when union minister Jayant Sinha had garlanded the killers of Ramgarh lynching victim.

There is widespread anger among tribals for the government’s attempt to amend Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act (CNT) and Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, under which only a tribal can buy or sell lands in areas where this land law is functional. Tribals are also angry as they believe Raghubar government was hell-bent on weakening the fifth schedule. Also, the government has booked thousands of Tribals on the charge of sedition.

When assembly polls were announced, distribution of tickets in BJP too shocked many, right from party insiders to commoners as several contestants, despite hailing from a criminal background and having a history of being corrupt managed to get the ticket from BJP. Contestants like Bhanu Pratap Sahi and Dhullu Mahto got the symbol, but senior leaders like Saryu Roy were not considered worthy.

At present, the situation is so challenging for BJP, that even the Chamber of Commerce, which is considered to be a ruling government-friendly group, has also decided to field its candidate in Ranchi.

PM Modi is scheduled to address six more rallies during the election campaigning in Jharkhand.

Games that Team India Selection Committee play

Diganta Guha
-
0
Games that Team India Selection Committee play

Kolkata: Rishabh Pant seems to have earned the confidence of the Indian Team Management or Team India Selection committee. Despite being consistently inconsistent, he has a guaranteed place in the side and is a go-to man with an eye on the future.

But the question is: How long should we stay patient with him and give him a long rope? When was the last time he got a big one for the country? Can you recall? Most of you wouldn’t and we won’t chastise you for this lapse in memory. Seldom has he wielded magic with the willow of late and has also looked uncomfortable behind the stumps. Yet, he figures in the Indian Teams for the ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies at the expense of Sanju Samson who is ousted without getting a look in during the T20 series against Bangladesh.

Aren’t we being harsh on such a talent who has been in sublime form at the domestic level? The blind trust in Pant seems to be a protracted affair and more deserving ones are left to cool their heels outside. Is there any rational thought backing the decision to repose faith in the Delhi stumper who has been in dire straits across formats? There is none.

Well, let’s not doubt Pant’s talent and acumen. But if it is not reflected on his performance, efforts to get the best out of him come a cropper. The irony is that, our National Selectors have taken the adage, “Form is temporary and class is permanent,” too seriously. And out of a stern belief in the saying, they rally behind players who retain their places despite a series of dismal shows.

Senior leader Shashi Tharoor too expressed his disappointment on the dropping of Sanju Samson from West Indies squad. 

team india rishabh pant sanju samson Shikhar Dhawan west indies tour cricket
Shashi Tharoor  tweets about Sanju Samson being dropped from West Indies Tour

Shikhar Dhawan is another example. Of late, he has hardly shown any spark and his strike rate has been a liability on the team. Having been around for so many years, he still cuts a sorry figure when it comes to anchoring the innings. As somebody with experience in his bag, he is not the one to rely on if the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma do not get going. The occasional fifties do not count if one lacks consistency in the longer run. Yet, we show utmost empathy for both Dhawan and Pant hoping they will come good sooner. Now that’s a gamble which could cost the team dear.

Look, we are dealing with two crucial positions that cannot be brushed aside. In the truncated formats, starts dictate the direction of the game and it is unfair to expect the middle order to stem the rot and cover the openers’ failures over and over again. Dhawan is pale shadow of his usual self and his partnership with Rohit isn’t doing the team any good either. Dhawan’s flirtatious form gives Kohli headache, but he seems unperturbed. Similarly, Pant behind the stumps has been patchy and his judgments of the DRS are putting the team at risk. And with the bat too, as we have discussed, he isn’t living up to his team’s demands.

With the T20 World Cup slated for next year, it’s high time, India got their composition right and they should close in on a set of players at least six months before the coveted tournament. Hence it is a must to try out new talents before finally deciding on a combination. In view of this, Samson should have been given an opportunity and the series against West Indies would have been the perfect platform.

We may have put the MS Dhoni era behind and moved on but sturdy support for non-performers would deprive skilled players of their due. Well, cricket is a game of great uncertainties and if Pant and Dhawan prove their detractors wrong, their selection will be validated. But they would consider themselves lucky that ifs and buts have dispelled all threats to their places in the team. That’s the sad part!

Is Harsha Bhogle entitled to opine on cricket or not?

Diganta Guha
-
0
Is Harsha Bhogle entitled to opine on cricket or not?

Kolkata: First-hand experience does not qualify a person to rubbish opinions of lesser mortals and even take swipes at them on air. If you are wondering what we are delving into, it is with reference to the on-air verbal spat between Sanjay Manjrekar and Harsha Bhogle over the visibility factor of the pink-ball during India’s maiden Test under lights.

While Bhogle, with no ‘experience’ of playing even at the domestic level proposed a discussion with the Indian batsmen about whether they could see the pink-ball well enough, Manjrekar gloating about his stint with international cricket, disagreed. And what was somewhat disgraceful and disparaging was his arrogance that hasn’t gone down well with followers of the game.

Look around, some of the most successful coaches in soccer have hardly had an enviable repertoire as players to display. Sir Alex Ferguson, worshipped as one of the most successful soccer managers of all time, never ever played for his country Scotland. But was that a deterrent while he was coaching Manchester United? Carlos Bilardo and Sir Matt Busby were never legends during their playing days, but their records as football managers speak volumes of their concept about the game. Tennis benefitted manifold by the contributions of Brad Gilbert, Mike Estep, Robert Lansdorp and others.

Perhaps, Manjrekar was missing out on some pertinent points. Over the years, we have had successful coaches, selectors and commentators with minimum or zero experience of playing for their countries. And the trend is not confined just to cricket.

Look around, some of the most successful coaches in soccer have hardly had an enviable repertoire as players to display. Sir Alex Ferguson, worshipped as one of the most successful soccer managers of all time, never ever played for his country Scotland. But was that a deterrent while he was coaching Manchester United? Carlos Bilardo and Sir Matt Busby were never legends during their playing days, but their records as football managers speak volumes of their concept about the game. Tennis benefitted manifold by the contributions of Brad Gilbert, Mike Estep, Robert Lansdorp and others.

Closer home, how can we forget Ramakant Achrekar to whom we are indebted for giving us a cricketer called Sachin Tendulkar? Or what about, former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan, under whose coaching the Aussies had an invincible run? You have to literally struggle to trace his stats as a cricketer but not as a coach.

Neville Cardus was one cricket writer, whose opinions and observations were admired by even top-class cricketers. He didn’t have any international cap to his credit but is revered as arguably the best cricket writer ever. We have also had the privilege of listening to Narottam Puri and Henry Blofeld who never had the fortune of Manjrekar to have graced the game on the greens.

Bhogle has lived the game throughout. He breathes cricket and his credibility as an expert cannot be shrugged aside. It’s of little significance that he has not worn the Indian colours like Manjrekar. But he has been sharing the commentary box with the greats of the game for so many years and is held in high esteem. Nowhere does he look or sound out of place.

You need not be a megastar in your heydays to be taken seriously as an expert. How many international matches do the Indian bowling and batting coaches Bharat Arun and Vikram Rathore have in between them? Let’s not even get into figures, but the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, R Ashwin and others are under their tutelage. Arun deserves credit for unleashing a destructive seam attack which has the potential to wreak havoc anywhere in the world.

Manjrekar was rooted as an extremely gifted batsman who would serve country for a long period. But his career ended without even a whimper. Tendulkar and he were foretold as the mainstays of Indian batting in the ’90s, but Manjrekar disappointed big time (37 Tests and 74 ODIs). But does his almost dismal record bar him from commentating? No, it doesn’t.

Bhogle has lived the game throughout. He breathes cricket and his credibility as an expert cannot be shrugged aside. It’s of little significance that he has not worn the Indian colours like Manjrekar. But he has been sharing the commentary box with the greats of the game for so many years and is held in high esteem. Nowhere does he look or sound out of place.

Let’s put it this way! It ultimately boils down to your observation power, which coupled with research can stand you in good stead. Manjrekar and Bhogle must have closed the chapter and moved on, but cricket lovers may not have been impressed at the verbal tussle that was in bad taste, courtesy Manjrekar’s implicit but deplorable tom-tomming.

Mr. Manjrekar, you may have had the distinction of playing for your country, but that doesn’t give you the leverage to show disdain towards others with lesser exposure. Read up to know the truth.

Abrogation of Article 370 is the Final and Last Betrayal with the people of Kashmir – Anuradha Bhasin

ScribeShah
-
0
Abrogation of Article 370 is the Final and Last Betrayal with the people of Kashmir – Anuradha Bhasin

Kolkata: “Abrogation of Article 370 from Kashmir is the final and last betrayal by Indian government with the people of Kashmir. There is little or no hope remaining in Kashmiris to think positive about India,” claimed Anuradha Bhasin, senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Times. 

A resident of Jammu, Anuradha has even petitioned at the Supreme Court regarding the suppression of Press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5. The editor told all this and more while attending a programme ovo88 organized by Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) at Kolkata to share the sufferings of people in the valley. She said, “I say that it is the final and last, because earlier, there was some trust left between the Indian government and people of Kashmir. But now that has been breached too.”

 

Anuradha began her speech by saying, “What the people of Jammu and Kashmir are going through for the last 112 days is unimaginable. Sadly enough, the ordeal of Kashmiris are not even being documented.”  

 

She further said, “It is very difficult to document, what exactly is happening in Kashmir. How many people are there in the jails? We are being told that many are in Five Star hotels like jails, but there is a terror of rat there. There is no information about number of prisoners and their well-beings.”

 

kashmir after abrogation of article 370 anuradha bhasin kashmiris Press Freedom Supreme Court
Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin

The audience listened to her 40-minute long narration of Kashmir and its present situation in pin-drop silence.

“And about the politicians who are detained? Sometimes they are being labeled as corrupt, sometimes as a threat to security and sometimes are being accused of being pro-separatist, to justify them being arrested. We need to understand one thing – till now if India’s flag was being hoisted in Kashmir, it was only because of mainstream political leaders of Kashmir,” she said.

Continuing to talk about the political leaders of Kashmir, all of whom have been detained, she said, “Common people think that if this is happening to the political leaders, then who are they? Deep rooted fear exists among the people of Kashmir. There is a background behind this deep rooted fear. And I am at present talking about the recent time only. Security forces have the freedom to conduct raids, crackdowns and arrests anybody.” 

She said, “These raids and torture are going on for the past one year. Several young men have told me that first they were picked up and when they were released from custody, then their brothers were picked up, and when they were released, their father was picked up. To be precise, this began with Mehbooba Mufti pulling out of the coalition government in July 2018. Whatever is happening in Kashmir seems to be premeditated.”

The senior journalist also talked about the sinister design under which Abrogation of Article 370 took place. She said, “These raids and torture are going on for the past one year. Several young men have told me that first they were picked up and when they were released from custody, then their brothers were picked up, and when they were released, their father was picked up. To be precise, this began with Mehbooba Mufti pulling out of the coalition government in July 2018. Whatever is happening in Kashmir seems to be premeditated.”

 

She pointed out, “Pulwama attack was used as a political tool to show that Kashmiris are villain.”

The petitioner in Supreme Court mentioned, “Kashmir has now become a very big prison. Kashmiris are under surveillance. The Valley has been isolated. Nobody can come to the valley, without taking permission from the Supreme Court. Only dubious people like the European Delegation can visit.”

The petitioner in Supreme Court mentioned, “Kashmir has now become a very big prison. Kashmiris are under surveillance. The Valley has been isolated. Nobody can come to the valley, without taking permission from the Supreme Court. Only dubious people like the European Delegation can visit.”

 

She further questioned, “Amid all, the government is claiming that whatever is happening, is for the development of Kashmir, but the question is when will the betterment take place, especially when the foundation of it on deceit and complete subversion of democratic values?” As she spoke, she even expressed her fear for the repetition of it in some other Indian state.

 

“If this model has been successfully implemented, it can be implemented anywhere with little modification,” she opined.

 

“Journalists have been arrested and killed, their works are being monitored. Media and journalism has become extinct in Kashmir,” added the senior journalist.  

 

However, when she was asked about her petition not being heard in Supreme Court for the past four months, and the message it was giving to the world about India – largest democracy in the world. Anuradha refused to comment on the same as the matter is sub-judice. However, she said, “It is up to people to think and decide.”

Suspected Bangladeshi sent to Bengal by Karnataka police without trial clueless about their future

ScribeShah
-
0
Suspected Bangladeshi sent to Bengal by Karnataka police without trial clueless about their future

Kolkata: At 3.30 pm when Howrah Express (22832) chugged into Howrah Station, a protest erupted in the station. Human Right Activists were seen holding placards stating – “Why is West Bengal Government supporting illegal push back?”; “Immediately stop the illegal and inhuman push back of Bangladeshi” and “Just because they are Bangladeshi, doesn’t mean that you can illegally pushback these people.”

The train in question has brought in 59 detainees, all allegedly Bangladeshis from Karnataka, escorted by 30 police officials, to be deported back to their country.

According to an India Today report, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, said, “We had confirmed data/information about the presence of these immigrants in the city. Hence, we followed up and conducted this operation, identified them and took them into custody. The police have decided not to file cases because then these illegal people will spend time in local jails in the city rather they are seeking deportation orders at the earliest.”

And it is this point – police not filing a case against the alleged illegal migrants, that the human right activists in Kolkata are objecting to.

He does, have a point, according to earlier media reports, 61 detainees were to reach Kolkata, however, only 59 reached. Some of the immigrants were seen raising questions about the two detainees, kept back in Karnataka – one a minor boy and the other a girl called Roshan Ara.

Speaking to eNewsroom, Altaf Ahmed, Assistant Secretary, Association for Protection of Democratic Rights, said, “The fact that these Bengali speaking people are being sent back to Bangladesh, without any legal work or documentation is illegal.” According to Human Right Activists, out of the 59 people, 15 are minors, while 25 are women and remaining men.

When asked, what would the legal procedure be, he replied, ” Going by what the Karnata Police is claiming that these 59 people who have been brought to Kolkata are Bangladeshi nationals, then a case should be registered against them and the entire procedure should be documented. This is needed to keep a total headcount of those being sent back. With no proper paperwork, there is a huge risk of trafficking involved.”

He does, have a point, according to earlier media reports, 61 detainees were to reach Kolkata, however, only 59 reached. Some of the immigrants were seen raising questions about the two detainees, kept back in Karnataka – one a minor boy and the other a girl called Roshan Ara.

Suspected Bangladeshi deportation illegal immigrants Karnataka Bangladesh Kolkata
Members of civil society protest at Howrah on the deportation of suspected Bangladeshi immigrants

Ahmed, claimed, “This deportation was clandestinely taking place. However, a tip-off made us come over here. We have even filed a proper FIR with the GRP demanding a proper procedure to access the nationality of these people, some of whom even have Adhaar cards. This needs to done so that these individuals are safely sent back to where ever they belong.”

Interestingly, the detainees along with Karnataka Police had to wait from 3:30 pm till 9:30 pm, to decide on the next move. According to a source, Howrah DM has taken the initiative to provide accommodation to these people, however, there is no clarity on where they would be housed in – a home or jail.

B.M Jamal Hossain, Head of Chancery, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission Kolkata to know about the same. Hossain, said, “We have no official communication on this case either by the Karnataka or West Bengal Government. However, we have come to know regarding this case from other sources.”

There seems to be a sense of fear among the 59 detainees, who are clueless of their immediate future – of being sent back to Bangladesh or detention centre.

Meanwhile, eNewsroom contacted B.M Jamal Hossain, Head of Chancery, Bangladesh Deputy High Commission Kolkata to know about the same. Hossain, said, “We have no official communication on this case either by the Karnataka or West Bengal Government. However, we have come to know regarding this case from other sources.”

On being asked if they would be doing anything to help the detainees, he said, “If the government of India officially contacts us regarding the same, then we will follow the prescribed procedure to have them verified. If we find that they indeed are Bangladeshi citizens, then we will have them sent back.”

He then added that this deportation or branding of people as Bangladeshi needs to be done officially and legally.

To shoot or not – That’s the question

Diganta Guha
-
0
To shoot or not – That’s the question

Kolkata: There are occasions when authorities in positions of power baffle you with actions that are bereft of sagacity. It may sound rude but the threat of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to not send the Indian contingent to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (2022) as a reaction to the organisers’ decision to exclude shooting, smacks of apathy towards other sports. The IOA has also threatened to withdraw from hosting the Games in 2026. You are left looking for any judicious reason to support this high-handedness that completely undermines the potential of other sportspersons. Let me explain why.

Even at the cost of incurring animosity, exclusion of one sport should not lead to complete withdrawal especially from a prestigious event like the CWC. If we go by rules then there is no loophole in the games committee’s decision. It is well within its jurisdiction to choose from a list of optional disciplines that also includes shooting.

According to CWC rules, 16 disciplines are a must at the games and entry of the rest (optional sports) is left to the discretion of the hosts. The Birmingham committee has included archery, women’s cricket, para table tennis and beach volleyball which have been approved by the executive board of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). According to reports, absence of infrastructure is the reason behind exclusion of shooting which has been part of the CWC since the Kingston Games in 1960 except at Edinburgh (1970).

In view of this, you cannot pillory the Birmingham Games committee for leaving out shooting. But the IOA seems firm on its threat and hasn’t shown any signs to soften the stance.

Though Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed confidence that the CWC members have taken their concern seriously, it remains to be seen how things unfold in the days to come. The CGF meanwhile issued a statement, “The CGF appreciates the concerns expressed by India about the non-inclusion of shooting as a competitive event at Birmingham 2022 and we are committed to working together for finding a solution to this.”

The recent meeting between CWC delegates (CGF head Louise Martin and CEO David Grevemberg) and IOA members hasn’t set the ball rolling as Narinder Batra, president, IOA is in no mood to budge. Interestingly, not just India, according to BBC, some 30,000 shooting fans have requested the CGF to have a re-look at the decision of leaving out shooting.

Though Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju has expressed confidence that the CWC members have taken their concern seriously, it remains to be seen how things unfold in the days to come. The CGF meanwhile issued a statement, “The CGF appreciates the concerns expressed by India about the non-inclusion of shooting as a competitive event at Birmingham 2022 and we are committed to working together for finding a solution to this.”

It is true that shooting has been a lucrative discipline for India at the CWC. The last games at Gold Coast had our shooters bagging 16 medals. But are non-shooters so incapable of winning laurels that earth crumbles if shooting does not make the cut in one edition of the games? The IOA’s stance is a blatant expression of lack or absence of trust and confidence in representatives of other disciplines. It also amounts to depriving the rest of an attempt to glory. It is sheer obstinacy that does not augur well for the future of sports in our country.

At the Gold Coast Games last year, India ranked third with 66 medals (including 16 in shooting). So, the majority have been bagged by our non-shooters. Indian cricketers have been at the receiving end for enjoying a demi-God status while other sporting personalities are relegated to the background. If ignoring our non-cricketing stars is not condoned, neither should be the obsession with one sport at the expense of several others in which our country has had commendable performances.

However, Olympic bronze-winner Gagan Narang doesn’t see any rationale behind the hue and cry over the removal of shooting. “I don’t see it as a setback, it’s not a negative thing. If you look at cricket, it’s not there in the Olympics, not even in the Commonwealth Games, but the sport is thriving on its own. Even squash, for that matter, that is also doing well on its own,” Narang was quoted by Sportstar.

Batra doesn’t endorse the word boycott though. He is keen on complete withdrawal. “I’m not in favour of the word boycott. In sports, you never use the word boycott. My fundamental principle is either we withdraw permanently or go and compete,” Batra was quoted in the media. According to him, CWC overall is a waste of money also questioning the standards of CWC.

Reactions in general have been of pique and disappointment. For example, shooter Anjum Modgil expressing her dismay, told IANS, “This issue has been going on for quite some time. It is not good because this is a very big event for Indian shooting. We have no choice but to go with (the CGF’s) decision. The NRAI (National Rifle Association of India) did whatever they could to prevent this but there is little one can do once the higher authorities have made their minds. They have their reasons which is why this decision has been made.”

However, Olympic bronze-winner Gagan Narang doesn’t see any rationale behind the hue and cry over the removal of shooting. “I don’t see it as a setback, it’s not a negative thing. If you look at cricket, it’s not there in the Olympics, not even in the Commonwealth Games, but the sport is thriving on its own. Even squash, for that matter, that is also doing well on its own,” Narang was quoted by Sportstar.

The executive committee meeting of the IOA on November 23 is crucial where the withdrawal will be discussed and debated. But the final call rests with the Union government. Hopefully, our powers that be would respect the sentiments of all sides before giving their verdict and that should be in favour of India’s participation at the Birmingham Games. Won’t that be a cogent one?

Hotel Mumbai, narrates the fight India put up against its worst terrorist attack

ScribeShah
-
0
Hotel Mumbai, narrates the fight India put up against its worst terrorist attack

Kolkata: The two-hour-three-minute long docu-drama of debutant director Anthony Maras is strong, subdued, nerve-wrecking thriller that keeps the audience at the edge of the seat. The film begins with a British-Muslim heiress Zahara (Nazanain Bonaidi), her American husband David (Armie Hammer), child Cameroon and his nanny Sally (Tilda Cobham) arriving at the Hotel, where every hotel staff believes – Guest is God.

The couple opts for a romantic dinner, leaving the child under the guardianship of Sally. Seated next to the couple is an obnoxiously sleazy Russian businessman played by Jason Isaacs. Unknown to the elite guests of the hotel, already two spots (CST and Leopold Cafe) have already been attacked by terrorists and their sub-group comprising four members have already entered the hotel along with those have escaped the Leopold Cafe.

The film, throughout the narration, never discloses the identity of the terrorists as members of the Lashkar-e-Toiba group, till the end credits rolls in. The director, who is also the co-screenplay writer of the film, uses his character, many of which he has claimed to be fictionalised ones, inspired by real people, barring Anupam Kher’s character – Chef Hemant Oberoi, who along with Arjun (Dev Patel), one of the hotel servers, plays a pivotal role to save a large number of their guests.

With a taut plot, which grips the audience, the narrative is both hard-hitting and nerve-wreaking for the Indian audience, who have witnessed the horror in 2008, by seeing the live news updates of the three-day-long battle that ensue between the terrorists holed up in the hotel and Mumbai police force along with the Indian armed forces.

The merciless voice of the commander-in-chief of the terrorist attack, addressed as the Bull, is seen as the main orchestrator of the attack, continually directing the brainwashed terrorist to execute the attack. The attackers are continually reminded of their good deed and how the world is watching them wreak havoc, live.

The film inspired by 52-minute long documentary Surviving Mumbai, directed and co-scripted by Australian filmmaker Anthony Maras, recounts the pain, trauma and fight put up by tourists and staffs of luxury hotel Taj Mahal when terrorist attacked the hotel along with 11 other spots in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The film briefly touches upon terrorist attacks that took place in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Leopold Cafe, which also happened on the same night.

The film becomes a bit difficult to watch for even the bravest person watching the film. The subdued, yet near-perfect performances of the character impact the audience, who not just witnesses, but after a certain becomes part of the journey of the characters, some of whom get slain and some rescued.

The film captures it all, right from the helplessness of the not-well equipped Mumbai Police, who despite all enter the hotel to gain access to the hotel’s CCTV room to get details of the terrorists, which later helped the Special forces that arrived from Delhi for their rescue. The anger of the public for delayed army operation and the horror of the 72-hour-long siege is well augmented with the judicious use of the real news footages.

However, stands out among all is the emergence of extraordinary humans from ordinary men. Patel and Kher deliver their performances with deft perfection, while Hammer, Bonaidi, Cobham relay the panic, pain, confusion and fear among the guests with perfection.

The filmmaker through his terrorist character Imran played by Indian actor Amardeep Singh, shows, how poor youths are brainwashed to execute these act of terror. The scene, where Imran, who has been hit on his leg by a police bullet, on realising that his end is close, calls up his parents to ask if they had received the promised money for him doing his act or when Imran refuses to kill Zahra, while she is offering Salah, despite Bull clearly saying that it doesn’t matter if he kills a fellow Muslim. The scene thereby clearly stating that terrorism has no religion.

The film will hit you hard and will have a lingering effect on your mind. The filmmaker and actors along with the background score composers have put in an earnest effort to deliver a near-real experience of the 72-hour-long siege of the luxury hotel.

ovo88 slot

Given that the film will be releasing at a time that coincides with the 11th anniversary of the dastardly terror attack, it becomes a must-watch to salute the bravery of ordinary people during the attack. A word of caution, be prepared for the film to touch upon the raw nerve of every Indian, who has stoically watched the chaos wreaked upon India and chose to be resilient.

Mark Taylor is the best captain I have seen: Simon Taufel

Diganta Guha
-
0
Mark Taylor is the best captain I have seen: Simon Taufel

Kolkata: He needs no introduction, does he? As part of the ICC Elite Umpire Panel, his record stands impeccable. And a five-time winner of the ICC Umpire of the Year Award, Australian Simon Taufel is revered and acclaimed as one of the best the game of cricket has ever seen.

And the man showed his erudite side during an interactive session at the Techno India University on Thursday evening. He spoke extensively about leadership and what it means to him. But who according to him is the best leader of the lot he has seen? It might sound surprising but he has his reasons to validate. “In my view Mark Taylor was an outstanding leader, who always put his team’s interest ahead even at the cost of his own milestones,” said the former umpire from Sydney who has officiated in 74 Tests, 174 ODIs and 34 T20Is.

As an anecdote, he talked about the 1998 Peshawar Test (between Australia and Pakistan) when Taylor unbeaten on 334 having equalled Sir Don Bradman’s record, refused to take guard the next day to give his bowlers a chance to have a go at the opponents. “That’s too me is leadership,” he said adding that he also held former Sri Lankan star Mahela Jayawardene in the highest esteem as a captain. “If the team failed, he would take the onus, but if his team won, he would give credit to his players. To me that was incredible,” said Taufel who has recently launched his book Finding the Gaps the foreward of which has been written by Sachin Tendulkar.

Coming back to captaincy, Taufel is in awe of current Indian skipper Virat Kohli. “He is somebody who would never ask his teammates to do something he wouldn’t or can’t do. Now, that’s the mark of a great leader who calls the shots from the front,” said Taufel amid applause from the audiences.

Elaborating on his experience as an umpire, Taufel said he always ensured that his co-umpire at the other end felt at home. And he has fond memories of Kiwi umpire Billy Bowden. “He would always come into my room and see how it was. He had the best hotel, best rooms always,” Taufel informed the gathering that included a mix of students and teachers from the University.

Coming back to captaincy, Taufel is in awe of current Indian skipper Virat Kohli. “He is somebody who would never ask his teammates to do something he wouldn’t or can’t do. Now, that’s the mark of a great leader who calls the shots from the front,” said Taufel amid applause from the audiences.

Towards the end of session, Taufel had to face a barrage of questions that were expected to be answered in one lines or in other words a rapid fire round at the behest of jewellery designer Nilanjana Chakraborty. “Why are my answers too long?” he asked, but was at his wittiest best while facing the rapid fire.

“Like Virat, Sourav is a passionate man, he is passionate about the game and I hope he can take his passion to BCCI. He is also a decision maker and will make decisions to get things done,” said Taufel.

Rahul Dravid to him was stubborn with the bat. Anil Kumble was foul mouthed. MS Dhoni was all about composure. Steve Waugh was one of the toughest cricketers on the field, but one of the most generous off it. “Sachin to me is not the God of Indian cricket, but he deserves respect for his longevity, capability and humility,” he said adding that Virat to him is a complex personality, but he is always driven by the passion to prove something.

Taufel was in Kolkata, a day before history will be scripted at the Eden Gardens tomorrow with India’s inaugural day-night Test and one couldn’t let him go without seeking his views on the Prince of Calcutta, Sourav Ganguly, who deserves kudos for taking this initiative to bolster the spirit of the five-day format by getting India to agree to play under the lights.

“Like Virat, Sourav is a passionate man, he is passionate about the game and I hope he can take his passion to BCCI. He is also a decision maker and will make decisions to get things done,” said Taufel whose first international match as an official was an ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka way back in 1999 at Sydney and his debut in Test was the Boxing Day match involving Australia and West Indies at Melbourne in 2000.

And before winding up the session, he put it honestly. “As BCCI president, Sourav will be judged by his actions.” And we couldn’t agree more.

Let Test Cricket be the ultimate winner

Diganta Guha
-
0
Let Test Cricket be the ultimate winner

Kolkata: The stage is all set. It’s just hours before Eden Gardens, Kolkata once again etches its name in history. Come November 22, the Mecca of Indian cricket will host the maiden Test match in the country under lights with the pink ball. It will be game on between India and Bangladesh albeit with a huge twist. The red ball makes way for its pink counterpart that will ask quite a few questions to cricketers.

At a time, when the oldest format of the game was in dire need of redemption, Test matches (11 have been played so far) with the pink ball, have come to its rescue. India though took some time before agreeing to this format, but all’s well that ends well.

Amid the glitz and pomp, the real charm of Test cricket should not get a beating. It’s after all serious business and by no means can we repudiate that. In this context, it is pertinent to mention how the Indian Premier League (IPL) is castigated and doubts are raised on the motive behind the cash-rich tournament. “It’s a circus, by the way,” that’s the common view.

Will Day-Night Test cricket go the IPL way? It would be a shame if the game is compromised for commercial purposes and alluring people to the ground. A cricketer is not held in the highest esteem, if he is a failure in the five-day format. And there are plenty of examples in Indian cricket itself – Yuvraj Singh, Mohd Kaif, Suresh Raina and even Shikhar Dhawan. In fact, greatness is measured in terms of one’s achievements in Test matches despite the advent of the truncated versions of the game.

Well, you can’t blame the critics since the event despite being a happy-hunting ground to spot talents, has had its share of controversies. Be it the after-match parties, presence of DJs on the ground or cheerleaders bringing the oomph factor or the inter-mingling of cricket and Bollywood, the real sufferer is the game of cricket, as anti-IPL factions are of the view. And add to them, the ghost of match fixing that has blemished the credibility of the tournament.

Will Day-Night Test cricket go the IPL way? It would be a shame if the game is compromised for commercial purposes and alluring people to the ground. A cricketer is not held in the highest esteem, if he is a failure in the five-day format. And there are plenty of examples in Indian cricket itself – Yuvraj Singh, Mohd Kaif, Suresh Raina and even Shikhar Dhawan. In fact, greatness is measured in terms of one’s achievements in Test matches despite the advent of the truncated versions of the game.

Batsmen are not pampered with field restrictions in Tests and the real battle starts then and there. Bat against three slips and a gully as the bowlers runs fast and pitches it hard. The pitches outside the sub continent are hard and bouncy and to stand up to such adversities takes a sound temperament and determination. It’s not a gamble like in the ODIs and T20s.

Keeping the tradition of Test cricket in mind, there could be a fright that the paraphernalia may overshadow the game. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) has big plans to mark the historic occasion. The august presence of political leaders, former cricketers and renowned Indian sporting personalities means the inauguration will be an unforgettable affair. The sentiment and euphoria are understandable since it is going to be the first Test under lights in the country, but if you are an avid follower of the game especially the longest format, you would be keener to see how the two teams handle the conditions that were alien to them all this while. All eyes will be on the middle eventually.

Pink-ball cricket is different business as the batters would have to adjust to the movement of the ball which will be sharper than that of the red cherry. Watching the ball till the end and not committing early would make the difference. Similarly, bowlers would take time to acclimatise to the pink ball and spinners could find going tough to spin it around because of the extra lacquer applied to keep the ball visible under the lights. For pacers though, the swing will last for a longer period.

It is imperative that off-field activities are restricted and the game of cricket remains the real focus not just at the Eden Gardens but any venue that hosts a Test match under lights. We Indians have a tendency to get swayed by profligacy – the IPL being a glaring example. To put it succinctly, let the game be the real winner. A strict vigilance to not let notorious elements cast a slur on the game is a must, in other words, precautionary measures should be taken to avert any untoward incident i.e. match-fixing.

Pink-ball cricket is different business as the batters would have to adjust to the movement of the ball which will be sharper than that of the red cherry. Watching the ball till the end and not committing early would make the difference. Similarly, bowlers would take time to acclimatise to the pink ball and spinners could find going tough to spin it around because of the extra lacquer applied to keep the ball visible under the lights. For pacers though, the swing will last for a longer period.

The reason for delving into the technical aspect is to bring to light the fact that it’s not going to be a cakewalk for either side. With the game evenly poised, Test cricket will produce results as we have seen in the 11 Test matches played under lights so far. However, officials should ensure that in a bid to up the exhilaration level, the game of cricket does not take a backseat. Let’s hope that pink-ball Test matches become a regular affair and redefines Test cricket. Let’s pray that Test cricket doesn’t fall prey to the rising demand of the consumer. Let’s wish that Test cricket does not submit before superficialities.

At the end of the day, the stature of the five-day format should not be left languishing in the dumps as extravagance takes over.

Black marketers arrested selling India-Bangladesh first day-night test match tickets

ScribeShah
-
0
Black marketers arrested selling India-Bangladesh first day-night test match tickets

Kolkata: On the eve of historic first-ever Day-Night Test cricket to be played in India at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkatans seems to have gone back to Seventies and Eighties. Yes, you heard that right. Like the gone era, when test cricket tickets used to be in high demands and often tickets would even be sold at exorbitant rates to the cricket lovers.


With the advent of the shorter format of cricket- One Day International (ODI) and Twenty-Twenty (T20) overs match, there was a visible decline in the interest for test cricket. However, with former Captain of Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly donning the role of Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) President, agreed to have the first pink-ball day-night test match in India.

On November 20, an Anti-Rowdy Squad and Detective Department (ARS and DD) team, arrested around six people from the area surrounding Eden Gardens. The accused were black marketing India-Bangladesh Test Match. When arrested, they had around 38 tickets in possession.

The Joint CP (crime) Murlidhar Sharma informed, “Our team had been keeping a watch around Eden Gardens to conduct its drive against black marketing of tickets of the Test match between India and Bangladesh. During the drive, a total six(6) persons were arrested for ticket blacking and thirty-eight (38) tickets were seized from their possession. All of them were taken to Maidan P.S. for prosecution.”

While Honorary Joint Secretary of Cricket Association of Bengal, Debarata Das told eNewsroom, “There has been a phenomenal sale in the Test Cricket Ticket after a long time. As per official data from the box office, the tickets for the first three days have been completely sold out.” On being asked, about the black marketing of the ticket, he said, “We are not aware of this (blacking of ticket). However, we have asked the box office to be careful about not selling tickets to black marketers.”

He added, “We have taken care to ensure that the ticket is distributed carefully. We first gave tickets to the life members, then associate members, then clubs and universities. As for the sale, we can’t monitor the online or box office sale. But it feels good to see so much interest in test cricket once again.”

Recalling the bygone era, when Test Cricket was very much in vogue, former Bengal Captain Sambaran Banerjee, said, “In the Seventies and Eighties when there was no T20, IPL and limited ODI matches, people of Kolkata wait for December for the Test matches to be played. Back then, people used to buy tickets in black. So, if I am being told that tickets are being blacked, it means the interest is back, may be because of the new format. But, it would be interesting to watch whether the match between India and Bangladesh played beyond three days.”

1...180181182...255Page 181 of 255

Follow us

Company

We are an independent, non-profit news website based out of Kolkata. We believe in an India that is liberal, secular and democratic and our aim is to help preserve these essential values that make India great! Our endeavour is to bring you stories that need to be told but may not necessarily make it to the headlines elsewhere.

Latest News

Worst Loss in 93 Years: 408-Run Hammering Amplifies Demands for Gambhir and Agarkar’s Resignations

Play On 0
India’s 408-run loss to South Africa marks the heaviest Test defeat in its history, exposing deep flaws in selection and coaching. Constant chopping, favoritism, and neglect of proven performers have pushed the team into crisis. The humiliating whitewash has intensified calls for major leadership and structural changes.

The Taj Story: Why Myth-Led Cinema Is Harming Public Understanding of History

CinemaScope 0
When a film chooses to revisit a contested piece...

Dharmendra Remembered: How Bollywood’s Most Human Superstar Became India’s Favourite Hero

CinemaScope 0
Film star Dharmendra lived a full and complete life....

Popular News

Four Indian Photojournalists Win Pulitzer Prize For Covid-19 Photography

Live Frame 0
Amid the controversy about the exact figures of Covid-19...

Magical world of Harry Potter recreated at Jadavpur University

Bengal 0
Kolkata: The two-day Harry Potter extravaganza - Alohomora kicked...

Watch Madhya Pradesh MLAs entering Assembly on day one

Live Frame 0
Bhopal: On January 8, when the MLAs entered the...

© 2021 enewsroom India . All Rights Reserved.