Latest news with #Brittas
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CPI(M) MP opposes railways' move to surrender funds for projects in Kerala
New Delhi, Communist Party of India MP John Brittas has written to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and the Railway Board, requesting them to reject the Southern Railway's move to surrender funds allocated for projects in Kerala in the 2025-26 budget. In separate letters addressed to Vaishnaw and the Railway Board chairman, Brittas has expressed strong objection to a proposal submitted by the Southern Railway through a letter dated May 14 to surrender a substantial portion of the funds allocated in the budget for the Financial Year 2025-26 for the Angamali-Sabarimala and Tirunavaya-Guruvayur railway lines. He has urged for immediate intervention to discard the Southern Railway's recommendation and ensure continued financial support for these crucial projects in the southern state. "These projects, envisaged decades ago, remain unfinished due to persistent institutional apathy, despite their strategic, economic, and socio-cultural significance," Brittas said in his letter addressed to Vaishnaw. He termed the move a blatant continuation of the long-standing neglect of Kerala's railway infrastructure and emphasised that the Angamali-Sabarimala line is of national significance given the magnitude of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, while the Tirunavaya-Guruvayur line is vital for improving connectivity in northern Kerala. He pointed out that the Southern Railway has also proposed surrendering funds for projects in Tamil Nadu, revealing a broader pattern of bureaucratic disregard for long-standing railway demands in south India. "The decision to surrender funds, ironically justified by citing a 'frozen' status, amounts to a perpetuation of neglect rather than an attempt at rectification. It is pertinent to note that the very status of these projects as 'frozen' is symptomatic of the broader pattern of railway discrimination against Kerala, where critical demands are either delayed or denied," the Left leader said. He requested the minister to issue directions to the board to reject the Southern Railway's recommendations in this regard and instruct the authorities concerned to ensure the continuation, acceleration and proper funding of these long-pending projects. "Kerala cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for basic rail infrastructure," he said.
Malaysia Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
"Purpose of mission has been accomplished:" All-Party Delegation member Brittas in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], June 1 (ANI): All-Party Delegation Member and CPI-M MP John Brittas, who is part of the JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha-led delegation visiting Malaysia on Sunday, said that they have successfully conveyed India's message that all countries should unite against terrorism. Brittas, while talking to ANI, said that the delegation has held several meetings and also addressed the Indian community here. 'We have a comprehensive strategic friendship with had a couple of meetings and also addressed the Indian feel that the purpose of the mission has been accomplished. We successfully conveyed the message of India that all the countries have to unite in the fight against terrorism,' Brittas said. While interacting with the Indian diaspora here, he pointed out that Pakistan is a rogue nation, which has now become a military-controlled nation. 'Pakistan has plummeted to a military-controlled nation. Their military leader, Asim Munir, has self-declared himself the Field Marshal. This happens only in a banana republic or a rogue nation,' Brittas said, referring to Munir's comments on two-nation policy and his promotion despite Pakistan's embarrassing failure in the face of Operation Sindoor. Brittas appealed to Malaysia that a country must not stay silent when another faces terror attacks stating that terrorism catches up with those who stay silent. 'A significant distinction between Indian and Pakistan is that we are a secular nation and Pakistan is a theocratic nation... Pakistan doesn't even have a civil administration... That is one message we wanted to convey to all the nations- You shouldn't be neutral or silent when terror inflicts India, because terror always turns around and catches up with those who helped it,' he said. Brittas said that India has a no first use policy, as all Indian Prime Ministers have tried to co-exist with Pakistan. 'India is the one country that has taken a decision that we will never use nuclear weapons as a first resort against any country... We have tried to co-exist with Pakistan. All the Prime Ministers, all the governments of India have tried their level best to extend their hand for friendship towards Pakistan... Our message is that no nation should be neutral or silent on this cardinal aspect of terrorism.' The delegation to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore is led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. It includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. (ANI)
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Purpose of mission has been accomplished:" All-Party Delegation member Brittas in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], June 1 (ANI): All-Party Delegation Member and CPI-M MP John Brittas, who is part of the JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha-led delegation visiting Malaysia on Sunday, said that they have successfully conveyed India's message that all countries should unite against terrorism. Brittas, while talking to ANI, said that the delegation has held several meetings and also addressed the Indian community here. 'We have a comprehensive strategic friendship with had a couple of meetings and also addressed the Indian feel that the purpose of the mission has been accomplished. We successfully conveyed the message of India that all the countries have to unite in the fight against terrorism,' Brittas said. While interacting with the Indian diaspora here, he pointed out that Pakistan is a rogue nation, which has now become a military-controlled nation. 'Pakistan has plummeted to a military-controlled nation. Their military leader, Asim Munir, has self-declared himself the Field Marshal. This happens only in a banana republic or a rogue nation,' Brittas said, referring to Munir's comments on two-nation policy and his promotion despite Pakistan's embarrassing failure in the face of Operation Sindoor. Brittas appealed to Malaysia that a country must not stay silent when another faces terror attacks stating that terrorism catches up with those who stay silent. 'A significant distinction between Indian and Pakistan is that we are a secular nation and Pakistan is a theocratic nation... Pakistan doesn't even have a civil administration... That is one message we wanted to convey to all the nations- You shouldn't be neutral or silent when terror inflicts India, because terror always turns around and catches up with those who helped it,' he said. Brittas said that India has a no first use policy, as all Indian Prime Ministers have tried to co-exist with Pakistan. 'India is the one country that has taken a decision that we will never use nuclear weapons as a first resort against any country... We have tried to co-exist with Pakistan. All the Prime Ministers, all the governments of India have tried their level best to extend their hand for friendship towards Pakistan... Our message is that no nation should be neutral or silent on this cardinal aspect of terrorism.' The delegation to Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore is led by JD-U MP Sanjay Kumar Jha. It includes Aparajita Sarangi (BJP), Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress), Brij Lal (BJP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Hemang Joshi (BJP), Salman Khurshid and Mohan Kumar. (ANI)
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
CPM MP John Brittas cites Salman Khurshid to highlight India's secular fabric, slams Pakistan army chief in Jakarta
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas delivered a strongly worded address in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday, where he criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for remarks allegedly suggesting fundamental differences between Hindus and Muslims. Speaking to the Indian diaspora as part of an all-party delegation, Brittas used the platform to underscore India's pluralistic and secular ethos. Referring to Munir's reported comments, Brittas asked: 'Can you ever vouch for that? And Salman Khurshid is here… We are all together. I am from Kerala… I am a Christian. In Kerala, we have three major religions. We coexist in harmony. That is the message of India.' Brittas highlighted Kerala's communal harmony as an example of India's inclusive character, contrasting it with Pakistan's record. He went on to reference a past interview with Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in which Asif allegedly admitted that Pakistan had long supported and harbored terrorist organizations: 'Pakistan has been asking for evidence. Khawaja Asif, the defence minister of Pakistan, had said in an interview that they have been indulging in this dirty job of nurturing and harbouring terrorist organisations for three decades...' The remarks signal a pointed critique not just of General Munir, but also of Pakistan's long-standing policies, while simultaneously promoting India's image as a country rooted in religious harmony and democratic values.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
In Indonesia, CPI(M) MP cites Salman Khurshid to counter Asim Munir's ‘Hindus and Muslims are different' remark
CPI(M) MP John Brittas took a sharp aim at Pakistan Army chief general Asim Munir during an interaction with the Indian community in Jakarta on Friday. Brittas questioned Asim Munir's claim that Hindus and Muslims are inherently different in a way that justifies division or conflict. 'Asim Munir said something about Hindus and Muslims are different. Can you ever vouch for that?' Brittas asked, challenging the idea head-on. Standing alongside senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, Brittas pointed to India's diversity as its strength. 'Salman Khurshid is here. We are all together. I am from Kerala... I am a Christian. In Kerala, we have three major religions. We coexist in harmony. That is the message of India,' he said. John Brittas added that such a statement does not reflect the reality of India, where people from different religions, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians, live together peacefully. The MP didn't hold back when speaking about terrorism and India-Pakistan relations. 'Khwaja Asif... said that they have been indulging in this dirty job of nurturing and harbouring terrorist organisations for three decades. We don't require any more evidence. It's for all of us to see who is nurturing and harbouring terrorism,' Brittas added. He was referring to an April 25 interview with Sky News, in which Asif appeared to admit Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism while also accusing Western countries of conveniently targeting Pakistan. Brittas went on to highlight New Delhi's long-standing efforts for peace despite repeated provocations. 'India wants peace... The Indus Waters Treaty gave 80% of the water to Pakistan. We had been cooperative with them... Still, Pakistan continued with the trajectory of sending across terrorists," he said. "That's why India decided that enough is enough. We want peace, but it shouldn't be at the cost of our precious lives,' the CPI (M) MP added. He also underlined the contrast between India and Pakistan, saying, 'Pakistan is a theocratic state... They chose to be a nation in the name of a religion, and they are triggered by hate. India decided on its path. Two hundred million Muslims are in India, the second-largest Muslim community after Indonesia. This reflects the real character of India,' he said. He pointed out the diversity within the Indian delegation as a reflection of India's democratic values. 'The unique nature of this delegation is that out of five political parties, three are against the ruling party, but we are here together for a mission. This represents the real culture of India,' he said. Brittas was part of an all-party delegation visiting Indonesia as part of a broader diplomatic tour of Southeast and East Asia to deliver India's side to the world in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack. The group is visiting Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. The delegation is led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and includes members from the BJP, Congress, CPI(M), and Trinamool Congress, such as Aparajita Sarangi, Abhishek Banerjee, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, Hemang Joshi, Salman Khurshid, and Mohan Kumar.
