Latest news with #Hindutva
Hans India
an hour ago
- Politics
- Hans India
BJP core committee decides to fight against ‘goonda' Cong govt
Bengaluru: BJP president B Y Vijayendra on Thursday said that the party's state core committee has decided to fight against the 'goonda' Congress government and its policies vociferously on the streets, as he accused it of targeting party leaders and right wing activists. He said the party also discussed strengthening the organisation and the state-wide tour of leaders to prepare the ground for taluk and zilla panchayat polls. The state chief was briefing about the Karnataka BJP core committee meeting today that was attended by former Chief Ministers B S Yediyurappa, Sadananada Gowda, Basavaraj Bommai, party's state in-charge and Rajya Sabha MP Radhamohan Das Agrawal, co-in-charge Sudhakar Reddy, among others. 'The Congress government in Karnataka is intoxicated by power. BJP karyakartas are being targeted. Suhas Shetty (Hindutva activist) was murdered in Mangaluru. Also there was arrest of Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader as part of a conspiracy. The Congress goondas have shown their goonda behaviour against the Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council and the Dalit Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy in Kalaburagi,' Vijayendra said. Speaking to reporters here, he said despite BJP MLC and opposition chief whip N Ravikumar expressing regret over his certain remarks, a FIR has been registered against him, based on a complaint by a third party, aimed at defaming him at the behest of the Congress government. 'The BJP has decided that it will not budge to such things and to fight vociferously on the streets against the goonda Congress government, which is anti-poor, anti-farmer and corrupt, by instilling confidence among party workers and leaders,' he said, adding that the fight will happen on a continuous basis and announcements will be made accordingly in the days ahead. Responding to a question, the state president further said there is no confusion among leaders in the BJP and all are united in fighting against the corrupt Congress government. 'The goal ahead of us is to fight on the streets against this anti-people, corrupt, goonda Congress government,' he said. The core committee discussed organisational matters, how to strengthen it, and travel across the state in the wake of upcoming zilla and taluk panchayat polls and others, Vijayendra said. Noting that disciplinary action taken against MLAs Basangaouda Patil Yatnal, S T Somashekar and Shivaram Hebbar by expelling them from the party for six years based on the recommendation of the state core committee, he said, 'We thank the party's national leadership for it.' The core committee also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for the action against terrorists and Pakistan, following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 tourists were killed, he added. Vijayendra said on the advice of the core committee, a team composed of a few of its members, legislators, former legislators, will be sent to all divisions in view of organisation and upcoming local polls. Regarding constituting a coordination committee for proper coordination with alliance partner JD(S), Vijayendra said there is coordination already, and regarding formation of any committee for it, both party leaders will discuss and decide.
New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
The Dance Of Democracy
A victory felt like a defeat, and a defeat felt like a victory' is a line which spread like wildfire on social media among netizens after the outcome of India's 18th general elections. It summed up the experience of voters and also the political stakeholders. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emerged victorious with 293 seats, and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A), its main opposition, was confined to 235 seats. Although the NDA got the majority votes, the results were a shock for many political analysts who not only predicted an easy win to the NDA but also forecasted almost 400 seats to the NDA, with the BJP gaining 300-350 seats. Reclaiming Bharat: What Changed in 2024 and What Lies Ahead (Westland Books), by author and journalist Ashutosh, analyses what went wrong for the BJP and how the opposition parties turned the tables. Divided into 10 chapters, it covers Constitution debates, the politics of Mandalisation, and the temporary backlash against 'Hindutva' politics, among others. It also speaks about where the nation stands at this moment and where its key players stand. Excerpts from a conversation with the author. You considered the BJP's rise to power in 2014 a 'revolution' in your book based on '3Ds'—disconnection to the past, disruption in the present, and deconstruction of the future. Where does the 'revolution' stand now almost a year after the 2024 general elections? Yes, I indeed compared the BJP's rise to power to a revolution–and it offended many of my left-liberal friends. However, one must understand the ongoing deconstruction of India's socio-political and administrative systems. The country is chasing a utopia called the 'Hindu Rashtra,' backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). And, like every big corporation has a vertical, the BJP is also a vertical of the RSS. Hence, at this moment, the revolution is continuing. However, I must say that the government has got a little feeble as it does not have the complete majority on its own, and the RSS is also apprehensive a bit because of the negative portrayal of Hindutva by the international media and the threat of being discredited like political Islam. After the 2024 elections, it was expected that the I.N.D.I.A alliance would become a formidable option. However, the back-to-back debacle in the state assembly polls and bypolls, followed by the internal power tussle, has made them weak. Why? The I.N.D.I.A alliance, unlike other alliances in the past, is different. It was formed by parties that were worried about the Modi government's ideological dominance and hence, came together. They were not very friendly with each other, but came together, keeping the parliamentary elections in mind. At present, the alliance exists only on paper. Nevertheless, the alliance has created an ideological paradigm against the BJP, partly because of Rahul Gandhi. As the leader of the opposition, he has understood where the core problem lies. It is not a fight against Narendra Modi, but a fight against Hindutva and the RSS. Without defeating the latter two, one can't defeat the first one. How do you read the political image of Rahul Gandhi from visiting temples in 2018 to talking about social justice in 2024? Is it a journey from soft Hindutva to social justice? See, it is not fashionable to talk about Rahul Gandhi's achievements. He is often considered playing the soft-Hindutva card if he visits temples. Gandhi's answer to the BJP blends three elements: secularism, constitutionalism, and social justice. Unlike previous times, his secularism does not disapprove of religion. Instead, it engages with it. He persistently calls out the BJP's effort to dismantle the constitutional values. The movement for social justice has changed India's political landscape since 1990. The OBCs and the Dalits play a significant role in states like Maharashtra and UP. In 2024, the results provided the BJP with a shock as the OBCs and Dalits largely voted for the I.N.D.I.A alliance. So, he identifies the right people and the right ingredients to put up a fight with the BJP. How do you see the implementation of the caste census by the BJP after all the comments they made against it? It can be considered an ideological retreat. The caste-based division is the biggest hindrance to the RSS's political strategy of uniting the Hindus. However, they cannot ignore the importance of caste-based reservation given the present political scenario. They had to take a middle path. The minorities played a significant role in the last general election. Where do they stand now in the light of developments like the WAQF Amendment Bill? The minorities, especially the Muslims, have suffered the most in the RSS-BJP regime. The 2024 election was a reflection of that suffering. As long as Hindutva remains a dominant ideology, their suffering will prevail.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Amid Fadnavis govt's Savarkar push, why a research Centre is in the spotlight
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced the establishment of the Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Study and Research Centre at Mumbai University's Kalina campus. While the Hindutva ideologue has been celebrated by the Maharashtra governments in the past, this is the first time that it is setting up a study and research Centre on him. The Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government has decided to sanction Rs 100 crore for this Centre project and has also declared its plan to build a Savarkar statue on Mumbai University's campus. Besides, Fadnavis asserted that the Maharashtra government would also start correspondence with the relevant authorities in the United Kingdom to get Savarkar's barrister degree restored. Savarkar had completed his law education from Gray's Inn in London. But he was denied the barrister degree as he refused to pledge his allegiance to the British crown – a mandatory requirement then to obtain it. Here is a look at various aspects of the proposed Savarkar Centre and its scope as compared to such initiatives in the past. The Centre will document, preserve and archive the biography of Savarkar and his works, exploring his writings, speeches, and other available material. It will also offer various courses including the certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes on Savarkar. Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, the Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, told The Indian Express: 'The Centre will enable students, educators, and researchers to study ideas related to social reform, freedom, and national thought. Through this, we will strive to establish a global intellectual platform by encouraging scholarly debates and discussions on similar ideas.' Savarkar was himself a student of Mumbai University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from here in 1906. While it was revoked by the British government in 1911 due to his participation in India's freedom struggle, it was restored posthumously in 1960. Prof Kulkarni said that in 2022, while researching on the distinguished alumnus of Mumbai University, the idea of a Centre on Savarkar began taking shape. Mumbai University has also other centres on different iconic figures. In 2020, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Research Centre for Social Justice was announced by Mumbai University with a budgetary allocation of Rs 1 crore. In 2019, a stone-laying event was inaugurated for the Professor Bal Apte Centre for Studies in Students and Youth Movements at Green Technology Building at Mumbai University by then Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. In 2006, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies was set up by the then Congress-NCP government. The Ambedkar International Research Centre for Social Justice remains on paper, even as a land has been identified for it at Mumbai University's Kalina campus. The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies has a building which offers a few programmes. However, some Mumbai University officials said it has not been running properly. The Bal Apte Centre for Studies in Students and Youth Movements, officials said, is however running smoothly, which recently issued advertisements for the recruitment of some teaching and non-teaching staff. While studying in the UK, Savarkar joined other Indians abroad who planned to fight the British rule back home. In March 1910, 27-year-old Savarkar was arrested over these activities. While being extradited back home, he escaped from a steamer near the coast of France, and swam ashore. As that episode made headlines, Savarkar was rearrested and handed over to the British. At the age of 28, Savarkar was sentenced to two life terms and sent to Cellular Jail in the Andamans. The prison was meant to break the most hardened of prisoners, and Savarkar also faced torture and brutality. He was released from the prison in 1924 following contested 'mercy petitions' and a promise to not participate in political activities. A new chapter in Savarkar's life started with his election as the president of the Hindu Mahasabha at Ahmedabad in 1937. He continued in this position until 1943. After Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, who was a member of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar was also tried as an accused, but was eventually acquitted by the court. He has continued to remain a major figure for the BJP. During the BJP-led NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a profile of Savarkar was published by the government in February 2003 to mark his death anniversary, and a portrait of his was installed in the Central Hall of Parliament by then President A P J Abdul Kalam on February 26, 2003. The Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Left had boycotted the function.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister Bawankule: BJP ready for upcominglocal body elections
Kolhapur: Maharashtra's revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also the state BJP chief, on Thursday confirmed his party's readiness for the upcoming local body polls. Speaking in Solapur, Bawankule said, "The elections are likely to be held in Sept and Oct. Govt is ready to give administrative machinery to the state election commission to hold the elections. BJP is ready to contest at any time. The directions are for fighting the elections as Mahayuti. We will try our best to continue with the alliance. However, at some places, if it is not possible, then we will have a friendly match, and later, after the polls, we can come together. " The BJP state president also seconded chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's positive comments about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar during a private channel interview. Bawankule noted that Maharashtra's culture encourages recognition of good work, even from opposition politicians. He acknowledged Sharad Pawar's lifelong dedication to Maharashtra and his achievements, stating it was appropriate to commend such contributions. Taking exception to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on Hindutva figure Vinayak Savarkar, Bawankule called the Congress politician "mad" and said no one should pay any attention to him. When questioned about Gandhi's statement in a Pune court affidavit regarding blood relations between Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, Bawankule said: "The entire country knows how 'mad' Rahul Gandhi has become. He even raised questions about Operation Sindoor. He humiliated Savarkar thrice after coming to Maharashtra. The court reprimanded him. He has gone mad, and no one should listen to him." Bawankule also observed that Shiv Sena (UBT) politicians Sanjay Raut had lost touch with this Maharashtra tradition. Kolhapur: Maharashtra's revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who is also the state BJP chief, on Thursday confirmed his party's readiness for the upcoming local body polls. Speaking in Solapur, Bawankule said, "The elections are likely to be held in Sept and Oct. Govt is ready to give administrative machinery to the state election commission to hold the elections. BJP is ready to contest at any time. The directions are for fighting the elections as Mahayuti. We will try our best to continue with the alliance. However, at some places, if it is not possible, then we will have a friendly match, and later, after the polls, we can come together. " The BJP state president also seconded chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's positive comments about NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar during a private channel interview. Bawankule noted that Maharashtra's culture encourages recognition of good work, even from opposition politicians. He acknowledged Sharad Pawar's lifelong dedication to Maharashtra and his achievements, stating it was appropriate to commend such contributions. Taking exception to opposition leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on Hindutva figure Vinayak Savarkar, Bawankule called the Congress politician "mad" and said no one should pay any attention to him. When questioned about Gandhi's statement in a Pune court affidavit regarding blood relations between Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, Bawankule said: "The entire country knows how 'mad' Rahul Gandhi has become. He even raised questions about Operation Sindoor. He humiliated Savarkar thrice after coming to Maharashtra. The court reprimanded him. He has gone mad, and no one should listen to him." Bawankule also observed that Shiv Sena (UBT) politicians Sanjay Raut had lost touch with this Maharashtra tradition.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bantwal murder case: Forum demands police action against Hindutva activists
Mangaluru: Muslim Samaja Bantwal has urged the police to book Hindutva activists Bharat Kumdel, Sharan Pumpwell, Srikant Shetty and Shivananda Mendon in the brutal murder of Abdul Rahiman. KH Aboobakker, president of the Muslim Samaja Bantwal, and general secretary Haneef Khan told reporters here on Thursday, that these activists were instigating youths to murder Muslims by delivering provocative speeches at 'Bajpe Chalo' and various other occasions, after the murder of Suhas Shetty. Hence, their names should also be added to the FIR. There are more perpetrators behind the murder of Rahiman. The case should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or a probe should be conducted through a special investigation team, they demanded. They also demanded that the accused should be booked under appropriate sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA). Aboobakker said that the family of Rahiman, who left behind two children, a wife, and elderly parents, is in distress. "Rahiman, who was very friendly with everyone in the village, has no criminal background. A hardworking pick-up vehicle driver, who was lending a helping hand to needy people without considering their religion and caste, was murdered by fundamentalist forces based on the directions of Sangh Parivar. It is the responsibility of the govt to provide compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family. The govt should also bear the medical expenses of seriously injured Kalandar Shafi, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital," he said.
