eNewsroom India Logo
Search here...

One after another setback to Modi’s politics

ScribeShah
-
0
One after another setback to Modi’s politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term has not been smooth, politically. He is receiving one setback after another, the latest being in Maharashtra where he had to cut a sorry figure within three days after surreptitiously installing the BJP-led government. His sinister design was spoiled by the intervention of the Supreme Court — in the first important decision by the apex Court after the retirement of CJI Ranjan Gogoi.

Modi’s popularity marked a perceptible decline in the Assembly elections held in Haryana and Maharashtra soon after his massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections. The results also showed that the voters in the two States had partially disapproved of the Centre’s Kashmir policy and revocation of Article 370 (granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir) which Modi and BJP president Amit Shah had made a major poll issue in the two States. Nor were the voters impressed by the promise of implementing National Register of Citizens (NRC) which not only the two top leaders of the party but the Chief Ministers of the two States, Manohar Lal Khattar and Devendra Fadnavis, respectively, had also trumpeted during the campaign.

Still, the BJP failed to get even a simple majority in Haryana even though Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had spent relatively more time in campaigning there than in Maharashtra. Shah had aimed his target at 75 plus seats in a 90-member Haryana Assembly, but the party got only 40 seats. That was in spite of fractured opposition.

Both Prime Minister Modi and Shah (who is also the Home Minister) had vigorously campaigned in the two States. Also were engaged in disguised campaigning for the ruling party the CBI, the ED and the Army top brass. Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat was conducting the briefings to the media about happenings on the border which should normally have been left to the party spokesmen.

Still, the BJP failed to get even a simple majority in Haryana even though Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had spent relatively more time in campaigning there than in Maharashtra. Shah had aimed his target at 75 plus seats in a 90-member Haryana Assembly, but the party got only 40 seats. That was in spite of fractured opposition. Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) had emerged as the second largest party in 2014 with 19 MLAs. Formed by former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, INLD had become a victim of family feuds, with Devi Lal’s great grandson Dushyant Chautala splitting the INLD and forming his Jannayak Janata Party (JJP). Most of the MLAs and prominent leaders of the INLD had joined the BJP. Whatever was left of the INLD could win only one seat this time. The breakaway group of Dushyant Chautala, JJP, was able to win ten seats which put him in a crucial role in forming the government in the State having a hung Assembly. The faction-ridden Congress was able to raise its tally from 15 seats in 2014 to 31 this time.

The situation in Maharashtra is more complex and more humiliating to the BJP top brass, especially to Prime Minister Modi. Shiv Sena was BJP’s oldest and most trusted ally. The two contested the Assembly elections after entering into a formal alliance; BJP got 105 and Shiv Sena 56 seats in a House of 288. After the results were announced on October 24, Shiv Sena said that the agreement between the two parties was that each would have its own Chief Minister for two and a half years and wanted the BJP to reaffirm it before taking steps to form the government. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray repeatedly said that this was decided during his talks with BJP chief Amit Shah. While other BJP leaders went on contradicting him, Modi and Shah kept quiet.

JJP of Dushyant Chautala had consistently attacked the BJP during the election campaign and alleged that the Khattar government was working against the interests of the people, particularly against the interests of the farmers. For forming the government, Khattar (or BJP) had to suffer the humiliation of approaching Chautala and accept his conditions. While Khattar was sworn in as Chief Minister, Chautala was appointed Deputy Chief Minister. After striking his deal with BJP whose election manifesto he had ridiculed and called it “Jumla Patra”, Dushyant Chautala went to Tihar Jail (in Delhi) to meet his father Ajay Chautala (undergoing a sentence of ten years’ imprisonment for his role in the teachers’ recruitment scam). Soon the BJP government at the Centre released Ajay Chautala on parole ostensively to allow him to attend his son’s swearing-in.

The situation in Maharashtra is more complex and more humiliating to the BJP top brass, especially to Prime Minister Modi. Shiv Sena was BJP’s oldest and most trusted ally. The two contested the Assembly elections after entering into a formal alliance; BJP got 105 and Shiv Sena 56 seats in a House of 288. After the results were announced on October 24, Shiv Sena said that the agreement between the two parties was that each would have its own Chief Minister for two and a half years and wanted the BJP to reaffirm it before taking steps to form the government. Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray repeatedly said that this was decided during his talks with BJP chief Amit Shah. While other BJP leaders went on contradicting him, Modi and Shah kept quiet. Shah spoke for the first time nearly a fortnight later but he did not deny Thackeray’s claim categorically but made only vague observations. He also said that he could not divulge what was decided at a closed door meeting.

The BJP-Shiv Sena pact having broken, the latter started negotiations with Nationalist Congress Party (54 seats) and Congress (44). While Sharad Pawar’s NCP has more flexible attitude, an alliance with Congress was proving difficult because of the decades old differences on certain basis issues between the two parties. While their parleys were going on, Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari recommended President’ Rule in the State which was promptly imposed by the Centre. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress nearly finalised their agreement and announced on November 22 that they would form the government in a couple of days. As Modi saw Maharashtra with Mumbai, the financial capital of the country, slipping out of his hands, he set in motion his sinister design. In the dead of the night, Governor Koshyari sent his report for revoking President’s Rule, Modi forwarded it to the President by bypassing the cabinet, President Ram Nath Kovind promptly obliged and the Home Ministry issued the notification at 5-47 AM on November 23. Soon thereafter Koshyari called Devendra Fadnavis of BJP and Ajit Pawar of NCP who were sworn in as Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, respectively.

The Supreme Court held a special sitting on Sunday morning to hear a petition of the three aggrieved parties (Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress). On Tuesday (November 26), the three-judge Bench of the apex court directed holding of the Assembly session to complete oath-taking of the newly elected MLAs and trust vote by 5 PM on November 27. Soon thereafter, Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis resigned as Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister. Modi’s game was up. In the evening Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray was elected leader of the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance and thus the candidate for the post of Chief Minister.

As the things stand, the poll-bound Jharkhand is also going to give a big shock to Modi.

 

Views expressed here, are  author’s personal opinion.

Birthday boy Suresh Raina still hasn’t entered his twilight zone

Diganta Guha
-
0
Birthday boy Suresh Raina still hasn’t entered his twilight zone

Kolkata: Some people are innately gifted and coupled with dedication, they scale big heights in their respective fields.

There are others who may not have been born with a natural flair but it’s their perseverance and commitment that see them make the cut into the elite League. Our birthday boy Suresh Raina falls in the second category. Talented he has always been but it is his steadfast attitude and hunger for success that have earned him a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans.

Raina is more like a Mohinder Amarnath and Yashpal Sharma who have won India umpteen number of matches, yet have had to be content with the role of playing the ‘second fiddle.’ Somewhere down the line, the Uttar Pradesh cricketer has been overshadowed by the towering presence of Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. Sad, isn’t it?

But hasn’t it been a constant in the history of the game? Point taken! In the modified versions of the game, Raina has been a pivot down the order having played a role in a number of winning causes, yet his more illustrious teammates ran away with all the credit. But this deprivation has never bogged Raina down and he has been an asset for the Indian team not only with the bat but also with his agility on the field. It is beyond debate that Raina is still one of the swiftest movers on the ground in Indian cricket.
Unfortunately Raina has found himself out of favour with the national selectors of late and has hardly featured in an international outing.

One would have to hunt for logic to back Raina’s exclusion. It’s true he hasn’t been in the peak of his form of late even in the domestic circuit, but experience does count and it could be worth trying him out with an eye on the T20 World Cup, if not in the 50-over format. Being a southpaw, he can confuse the bowlers’ rythm if there is a right-left combination in the middle. And add to it, his ability to roll the arms if needed. A team has to have the perfect blend of exuberance and experience. And Raina despite being in his thirties, exudes zeal.

The Indian Team Management’s penchant for grooming new talent has got him the stick, though keeping in mind the inconsistent middle order, Raina’s experience will come to the Indian team’s aid.

One would have to hunt for logic to back Raina’s exclusion. It’s true he hasn’t been in the peak of his form of late even in the domestic circuit, but experience does count and it could be worth trying him out with an eye on the T20 World Cup, if not in the 50-over format. Being a southpaw, he can confuse the bowlers’ rythm if there is a right-left combination in the middle. And add to it, his ability to roll the arms if needed. A team has to have the perfect blend of exuberance and experience. And Raina despite being in his thirties, exudes zeal.

Captain Kohli who hates ending up on the losing side would do well to use Raina’s potential when the chips are down.

If we look at Raina’s career average in international cricket, it looks far from impressive but let’s not do away with the fact that most of his runs came down the order at Numbers 5 and 6. And in ODIs and T20s, you would be lucky to get a handsome number of overs to pile up big scores.

There is no denying that Raina still can be of utility for the Indian team especially in T20s, but he has to score heavily at the domestic levels to catch the selectors’ eyes. It’s commendable that Raina is in no mood to give up! He is training hard and still harbours dream of donning the national colours.

Batting down the order especially in T20s means by the time your turn comes, time runs out and you have to expedite the scoring rate. Half the time, the greatest of batsmen lose their wicket in pursuit of upping the ante, and Raina has been one such batsman. On the contrary, in the Indian Premier League, he has amassed runs at ease having had the advantage of coming in at Number 3 for the Chennai Super Kings.

There is no denying that Raina still can be of utility for the Indian team especially in T20s, but he has to score heavily at the domestic levels to catch the selectors’ eyes. It’s commendable that Raina is in no mood to give up! He is training hard and still harbours dream of donning the national colours.

It is sheer irony that his promise didn’t reflect on his Test record. Had he got going, he could have been the ideal replacement for Sourav Ganguly at Number 6. However Raina failed to cash in on the opportunities in the five-day version. But let’s not dwell upon it and instead look ahead.

On his birthday, here’s wishing all the luck to him and hoping that he gets to make a comeback into the Indian side soon. And that will only stand Indian cricket at an advantage, make no mistake. Fingers crossed!

The Greatest Folk Tales of Bihar revives childhood memories

ScribeShah
-
0
The Greatest Folk Tales of Bihar revives childhood memories

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s a kid I grew up listening to tales my maternal grandma would tell us at night as we slept under the open sky with the stars shining bright in the pollution free sky of our ancestral village in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The tales combined with the surreal beauty of nature would spin a yarn of such beauty and magic that I made sure my kid got to hear those tales from her maternal grandma, albeit in the confines of an air conditioned room in a cosmopolitan city. But such is the beauty of these folktales that all the kids in the house tend to retell the same to each other whenever they get the chance to gather together, fuelled by mirth and leg pulling if one got the line wrong or could not pronounce the word or phrase correctly. And the timeless ballads continue to enthral everyone, children in particular, due to their lyrical quality along with the simplicity of the tales that have hidden gems inside.

As a student of literature and closet writer I often thought of collecting these tales for future generations and also to connect with readers globally by translating them. There’s no iota of doubt that folklores across the globe have the common thread of lyricism and simplicity interwoven with everyday life and experiences common to man. What adds to the appeal is how animals and birds are used to convey deep messages to humans who are not always, much like in real life, as appealing a character as super humans, gods, goddesses, demons, fairies, ghosts, birds and animals can be. So kudos to the author, or rather the collector, of these timeless tales for painstakingly collecting them together and translating them for English readers. He has done a great service to literature as well as the great heritage of this nation and the region in particular. My heartfelt gratitude to him.

These folktales are popular and very appropriate for little children and young adults but some stories like The Rakshasi’s Sacrifice and Saranga and Sadabrij should be read under parental guidance. In fact these tales could well become an excuse to start the vital discussion most Indian parents refuse to indulge in, sex education. It’s time the subject was discussed under able guidance instead of prompting the young minds to discuss with equally ignorant minds or searching for it over the Internet and then getting lured into pornography.

It took me a while to get my hand on a copy of The Greatest Folk Tales of Bihar, by Nalin Verma, but it was worth the wait. When my 14 going on 15 year old daughter western music lover flipped through the pages of the book she jumped up in surprise at the very first story, The Sparrow and Her Crumbs, an eternal favourite, and began singing the song the bird (sparrow) sang to get the crumb (half grain of dal) stuck in the wooden handle of the grinding stone used traditionally across the villages of India, in her broken Bhojpuri dialect. Such is the appeal of our folktales. Our childhood memories are the ones we cherish the most and The Greatest Folk Tales from Bihar is a front runner in reviving those memories of happy, carefree days.

These folktales are popular and very appropriate for little children and young adults but some stories like The Rakshasi’s Sacrifice and Saranga and Sadabrij should be read under parental guidance. In fact these tales could well become an excuse to start the vital discussion most Indian parents refuse to indulge in, sex education. It’s time the subject was discussed under able guidance instead of prompting the young minds to discuss with equally ignorant minds or searching for it over the Internet and then getting lured into pornography.

Parents and guardians could do well to pick up a copy of How I Got My Belly Button written by Anju Kish which is the most subtle and informative way sex education can be imparted to children. And it’s all about science and everyday life. Even grown ups can learn a thing or two from that book. But then let’s focus on the folktales for now.

It is rather unfair to criticise such an effort but to be fair to the folktales the translation has somehow failed to capture its most appealing quality, lyricism. There are some YouTube channels where these folktales are being shared in their original form. I’d suggest as well as request the author of the translations that his mammoth effort would get a fillip if the publishers added a CD of the tales retold in the original fashion. That way not only can we preserve these folktales but can also preserve the language in which they were originally told or sung.

To sum up the experience of reading this book in between the unending demands on our time I can only say this, thank you Mr Verma for bringing back those memories. I sent a silent prayer to all those long gone who regaled me with such tales, including my paternal grandfather’s friends, about whom I haven’t thought of in decades. The memories tugged at my heart. But that’s the beauty of memories, especially of childhood and bedtime stories.

Welcome to Bengal, where there is not one or two, but thirty Muslim Professors who teach Sanskrit

ScribeShah
-
0
Welcome to Bengal, where there is not one or two, but thirty Muslim Professors who teach Sanskrit

Kolkata: At a time when faculty members both present and past have even written to the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, requesting him to intervene and stall the appointment of Dr Feroze Khan in Banaras Hindu University (BHU)’s Sanskrit Dharam Vidya Vigyaan department, West Bengal seems to embracing its Sanskrit professors hailing from the ‘other’ community, comfortably.

Going by a loose headcount there are at least 30 Muslim professors in West Bengal, teaching Sanskrit. Around 14 were recruited last year through College Service Commission and 12 this year. The most recent recruitment being of Ramzal Ali at the Sanskrit department of Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandir, Belur. Speaking to eNewsroom, regarding his recruitment, he said, “I am in a state of shock with so many calls being made to me, seeking my comment. A Muslim learning Sanskrit is nothing new. There is a history to it. In every Sanskrit department across the state, you will find at least one Muslim student. Muslim Sanskrit teachers in Bengal, is also not rare.”

Perhaps Ali has a point. For, Dr Shaikh Sabir Ali, a gold medalist in Sanskrit from the University of Calcutta has been teaching the language for almost a decade now. Dr Ali, at present, teaches Sanskrit at the West Bengal State University, Barasat. According to him, Sanskrit, as a language is beyond Vedas and Upanishads.

Speaking from experience Ali said, “Every batch has at least one Muslim student in the Department of Sanskrit. In Kolkata, I presume, Rabindra Bharati University has a huge number of Sanskrit students.”  Dr Ali is also a topper from Ramkrisha Mission Vidyamandir.

He said, “There is more to this language, apart from the Vedas, Purans and Upanishads. This language has a rich literature and grammar too. It was these two that attracted me as a child. Luckily, my teachers encouraged me to take up this language for my higher studies. You, see one can’t make people take up a language simply based on one’s religion. History is a witness to many Muslims mastering this language.”

Speaking from experience Ali said, “Every batch has at least one Muslim student in the Department of Sanskrit. In Kolkata, I presume, Rabindra Bharati University has a huge number of Sanskrit students.”  Dr Ali is also a topper from Ramkrisha Mission Vidyamandir.

Rakibul Sk, assistant professor at SBS government college said, “I have never been discriminated on the basis of my religion, neither while I was mastering Sanskrit, nor while teaching it. I would like to add that while I hail from a small place like Jangipur, my place of birth has taught me that there is no religious attachment to any language. Hence, when I took up Sanskrit for my higher education, the Hindu neighbours of mine never raised an eyebrow. On the contrary, they were quite happy. The teachers who guided me to reach this position are all Hindus. It’s sad that today, we are discussing all this from a religious perspective.”

Adding to the experiences of Muslim Sanskrit teachers in Bengal, Rakibul Sk, assistant professor at SBS government college said, “I have never been discriminated on the basis of my religion, neither while I was mastering Sanskrit, nor while teaching it. I would like to add that while I hail from a small place like Jangipur, my place of birth has taught me that there is no religious attachment to any language. Hence, when I took up Sanskrit for my higher education, the Hindu neighbours of mine never raised an eyebrow. On the contrary, they were quite happy. The teachers who guided me to reach this position are all Hindus. It’s sad that today, we are discussing all this from a religious perspective.”

However, on being asked about the faculty members writing to the President of India, Ali, said, “I don’t want to open up a new controversy. But let me be very clear, there is a particular department of Sanskrit, which is accessible only to the Brahmin. Even Hindus from other sect are not allowed to enter that domain, so the question of a Muslim being appointed in that domain can be quite challenging. As per my knowledge, Dr Feroze Khan has been appointed in the Sanskrit Dharam Vidya Vigyaan department, which is the domain that I just talked about. I don’t want to get into a further debate, but I guess, his recruitment in the literature department wouldn’t have caused this huge controversy.”

Given the new twist in the story, it would be interesting to see President Kovind’s call on the letter written by the faculty members of BHU, seeking his intervention to stall Khan‘s recruitment, especially when earlier this year, he had awarded Padma Sri for Literature and Education to Sanskrit Scholar Mohammad Hanif Khan Shastri.

Sharad Pawar, the Grand Old Man of Indian Politics is the Man of the Moment

ScribeShah
-
0
Sharad Pawar, the Grand Old Man of Indian Politics is the Man of the Moment

The stratagem that yielded results in Goa, Manipur and Karnataka, has failed to reap benefits in Maharashtra. The ‘invincible’ combination of Narendra Modi-Amit Shah has failed to hoist a BJP government by hook or crook in one of India’s richest states. The Supreme Court’s intervention asking for a floor test by 5 pm on Wednesday has perhaps put the death knell on the Gujarati brothers’ ambitions for the time being.

The clandestine swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis with support from turncoat Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) caught us unaware at a time when the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress alliance with the numbers had ensured government formation in the state with the BJP pushed out of the scene. But as has been the BJP’s forte, behind-the-scene machinations riding on the luxury of being in power at the Centre, gave a jolt to the three-party alliance.

But with the Supreme Court stepping in, the game is over it seems for the saffron party (unless last-minute shockers turn the tables). Well, anything is possible in the murky world of politics.

And this is where experience comes into play. Pawar is a master strategist and his over 50-year experience of tackling inclemency and unpredictability has scored over the guileful Modi and Shah. In other words, the BJP chariot has been ‘held in captive’ in Maharashtra by the diligence of a man who has been a witness to several ups and downs on the Indian political map.

The Man of the Match as things stand now, is the Grand Old Man of Indian Politics – Sharad Pawar. Despite his nephew Ajit Pawar’s perfidy, he held his own and has managed to cobble up the numbers and is set to pave the way for a non-BJP government in the state.

And this is where experience comes into play. Pawar is a master strategist and his over 50-year experience of tackling inclemency and unpredictability has scored over the guileful Modi and Shah. In other words, the BJP chariot has been ‘held in captive’ in Maharashtra by the diligence of a man who has been a witness to several ups and downs on the Indian political map.

The last few days since the declaration of the results in Maharashtra have been hectic for Pawar. With the BJP and Shiv Sena falling out over the 50-50 arrangement despite winning the people’s verdict, the champion politician adept at catching opponents on the wrong foot, has had too many hurdles to clear. If the idea of joining hands with an ideologically-different Shiv Sena was a predicament, Pawar had the arduous task of bringing his ally Congress on board. And in the process, he defied his age to travel between Mumbai and Delhi to give solidity to the three-party alliance. And he also had to assuage any iota of doubt in his allies’ minds that the ED case against him could be a stumbling block for the Sena-NCP-Congress trio to come under the same roof. There were speculations that the meeting between Modi and Pawar in Delhi might just see Pawar reneging on his stance, but that was not to be.

Well, Pawar may have scotched all rumours of giving in to the Centre’s threat and even the provocations of being backed as the next President, but the acid test starts now. If he has defused the moves of Modi and Shah, the Maratha strongman from Baramati will now have to be on the money to ensure smooth functioning of the government that comprises allies who cross swords ideologically. And trust us, it is Pawar who will be the go-to man if a crisis arises. And let’s not overlook the fact that amid this quandary (in the last 20-25 days), Pawar may have settled all scores to consecrate his daughter Supriya Sule as his successor.

The defection of his nephew Ajit who claimed that he had the numbers did place the senior Pawar on a sticky wicket, but he was quick to clarify that he had nothing to do with Ajit’s support to Fadnavis. And since Saturday (when the hush-hush oath took place), Pawar has had to use all his experience to set his house in order and make sure that he is not seen with suspicion by his partners. The end result has gone in his favour as he has managed to snub all impediments to show the BJP the exit door.

As things stand now, the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress has the numbers and it is a given that they will win the floor test handsomely tomorrow. With Fadnavis having conceded defeat and Ajit too stepping down from the post of the Deputy Chief Minister, the decks are cleared – Uddhav Thackeray will lead the Maharashtra Development Alliance and is on the verge of scripting history – the first from the Thackeray family to head the state – a promise that Uddhav had made to his father – the indomitable Bal Thackeray.

Well, Pawar may have scotched all rumours of giving in to the Centre’s threat and even the provocations of being backed as the next President, but the acid test starts now. If he has defused the moves of Modi and Shah, the Maratha strongman from Baramati will now have to be on the money to ensure smooth functioning of the government that comprises allies who cross swords ideologically. And trust us, it is Pawar who will be the go-to man if a crisis arises. And let’s not overlook the fact that amid this quandary (in the last 20-25 days), Pawar may have settled all scores to consecrate his daughter Supriya Sule as his successor.

Pawar may not hold any official position in the government, but he will have to essay the role of a troubleshooter, if he is to prevent the resurgence of BJP in Maharashtra.

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.

1...189190191...264Page 190 of 264

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

“Bengal Won’t Accept Imposed Rule”: Jawhar Sircar’s Strong Message to Voters

Audio/Video 0
Jawhar Sircar warns BJP threatens Bengal’s pluralism and India’s democracy, calls SIR illegal, criticizes Mamata Banerjee, and urges voters to reject divisive politics ahead of crucial elections.

Eight Years, Two Names: The Bangladeshi National Who Fooled India

Combating Hate 0
Sunnyur Rahman lived under a fake Hindu identity for nearly nine years before his arrest during Bengal elections, raising serious questions about surveillance failures, delayed action, and conflicting narratives.

Women, Identity, Change: The Three Forces Driving Bengal’s Electoral Verdict

Bengal 0
Welfare, minority consolidation, and women voters boost TMC, while BJP banks on anti-incumbency, urban discontent, and Hindi-speaking voters, making Bengal’s electoral outcome a complex and closely watched contest.

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...

© 2021-2026 enewsroom India . All Rights Reserved.