Latest news with #Khanam
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
My husband is Indian; we know justice will prevail: Wife of Assam man deported to Bangladesh
For Rita Khanam, faith in God remains her final refuge as she waits anxiously for news of her husband, whom she last saw in a video earlier this week. The footage, reportedly shot in the 'no man's land' along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam's South Salmara Mankachar district, has left her distraught and searching for answers. Speaking to PTI over the phone from her home at Khandapukhuri in Morigaon district, Khanam said her family is in touch with the authorities and has submitted documents to prove her husband Khairul Islam's Indian nationality. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo She remains hopeful that "justice will prevail." Islam was among nine persons arrested by Morigaon police on May 24 in a crackdown on illegal immigrants declared by the Foreigners' Tribunal (FT), but who had been evading deportation. Live Events Along with his three siblings, Islam was declared a foreigner by the FT in 2016, a decision he challenged in the Gauhati High Court . The High Court upheld the FT's ruling, leading to his detention in 2018. He was set free in 2020 following a Supreme Court general order to release all detainees who had spent more than two years in jail. "My husband is a former school teacher and a law-abiding citizen. On May 23, personnel from Mikirbheta police station came to our house and took him away, saying they had a few questions and he could return home after that," Khanam said. Khanam said she had a gut feeling that the situation was more serious, as police came at a late hour. "And the next thing we know, he was taken to Morigaon SP's office and from there, to the detention camp at Matia (in Goalpara district). And then, the video emerged where we found that he had been deported to Bangladesh ," she claimed. Islam is believed to be among 14 illegal Bangladeshi nationals who were sent back to their country by the BSF through the South Salmara Mankachar border on Tuesday. Though a BSF officer, who refused to be identified, had confirmed deporting the persons, an official statement by the force said a "large group of Bangladeshis" had attempted to infiltrate, which was successfully thwarted by the border guards. Khanam claimed that her husband's appeal against the FT decision is pending before the Supreme Court, though local police maintained that they had the necessary clearance for his deportation. "In the case of Khairul Islam, we had the necessary clearance to deport him. But for his two brothers and a sister, who were also declared foreigners by the FT, we are awaiting legal formalities. Hence, we have not detained them," a local police officer told PTI. Khanam is confident of her husband's Indian nationality, and their family members are already in touch with the authorities to present necessary documents. "Our relatives are pursuing the matter. We know that he is an Indian and I have full faith in 'Ishwar and Allah' that he will return," she said, as she waited at their residence with her two teenaged children for Islam.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
My husband is Indian; we know justice will prevail: Wife of Assam man deported to Bangladesh
Morigaon , For Rita Khanam, faith in God remains her final refuge as she waits anxiously for news of her husband, whom she last saw in a video earlier this week. The footage, reportedly shot in the 'no man's land' along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam's South Salmara Mankachar district, has left her distraught and searching for answers. Speaking to PTI over the phone from her home at Khandapukhuri in Morigaon district, Khanam said her family is in touch with the authorities and has submitted documents to prove her husband Khairul Islam's Indian nationality. She remains hopeful that "justice will prevail." Islam was among nine persons arrested by Morigaon police on May 24 in a crackdown on illegal immigrants declared by the Foreigners' Tribunal , but who had been evading deportation. Along with his three siblings, Islam was declared a foreigner by the FT in 2016, a decision he challenged in the Gauhati High Court. The High Court upheld the FT's ruling, leading to his detention in 2018. He was set free in 2020 following a Supreme Court general order to release all detainees who had spent more than two years in jail. "My husband is a former school teacher and a law-abiding citizen. On May 23, personnel from Mikirbheta police station came to our house and took him away, saying they had a few questions and he could return home after that," Khanam said. Khanam said she had a gut feeling that the situation was more serious, as police came at a late hour. "And the next thing we know, he was taken to Morigaon SP's office and from there, to the detention camp at Matia . And then, the video emerged where we found that he had been deported to Bangladesh," she claimed. Islam is believed to be among 14 illegal Bangladeshi nationals who were sent back to their country by the BSF through the South Salmara Mankachar border on Tuesday. Though a BSF officer, who refused to be identified, had confirmed deporting the persons, an official statement by the force said a "large group of Bangladeshis" had attempted to infiltrate, which was successfully thwarted by the border guards. Khanam claimed that her husband's appeal against the FT decision is pending before the Supreme Court, though local police maintained that they had the necessary clearance for his deportation. "In the case of Khairul Islam, we had the necessary clearance to deport him. But for his two brothers and a sister, who were also declared foreigners by the FT, we are awaiting legal formalities. Hence, we have not detained them," a local police officer told PTI. Khanam is confident of her husband's Indian nationality, and their family members are already in touch with the authorities to present necessary documents. "Our relatives are pursuing the matter. We know that he is an Indian and I have full faith in 'Ishwar and Allah' that he will return," she said, as she waited at their residence with her two teenaged children for Islam. PTI SSG COR SSG MNB
The Print
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Zakia Khanam, ex-MLC booked for selling Tirupati VIP tickets in black, jumps ship from YSRCP to BJP
Last year, Khanam was booked in a case of illegally selling Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple VIP break darshan tickets to a family from Bengaluru, allegedly for Rs 65,000. Ministers and legislators in AP are entitled to a monthly quota of the much sought after early morning VIP break darshan tickets, given on their recommendation for Rs 500 per head. Khanam, a Muslim leader from Rayachoti in Rayalaseema, resigned from the Council membership, chairmanship and also Jagan Mohan Reddy's party earlier. Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council former deputy chairman and YSRCP MLC Zakia Khanam joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of state unit chief D. Purandeswari and minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Acting on a complaint from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) vigilance wing, the police registered a case against Khanam, her PRO Krishna Teja and another person, in October. BJP leaders including Bhanu Prakash Reddy, a TTD board member, had sought her arrest at that time. The YSRCP had then disassociated from the controversy, with Botcha Satyanarayana, the opposition leader in the Council, saying that Khanam was no longer with the party. Like several other YSRCP leaders and legislators, Khanam was keeping away from the party affairs since its humiliating defeat in the 2024 general and assembly elections. She joins the likes of MLCs Karri Padma Sree (nominated), Jayamangala Venkata Ramana, Pothula Suneetha, Balli Kalyanchakravarthy, and Marri Raja Sekhar who resigned from the YSRCP. 'Our leader Jagan Mohan Reddy, out of sympathy after her husband Afzal Ali Khan death, not only made her an MLC but also placed her in the deputy chairman seat. But lacking an iota of gratitude, Khanam ditched the party in its hard times, when it's out of power,' YSRCP's Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy told ThePrint. A homemaker till then, Khanam was nominated by the Jagan government to the Council under the Governor's quota in July 2020. On the BJP accepting Khanam, who was accused in Tirupati temple darshan tickets black marketing, Maddila said, 'I leave it to their wisdom.' YSRCP sources said that she had earlier attempted to join the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) but was rejected because of the temple tickets episode. On Wednesday, while joining the BJP party at Vijayawada office, Khanam said that she was inspired by PM Narendra Modi's strong leadership, impartial approach, 'implementing equal rights for everyone.' 'Modi is the only PM who gave a bharosa to Muslim women. I have joined the BJP to send out a strong message from our community,' Khanam told reporters. Purandeswari said that there is no place for 'caste-religion' in their party and reiterated that the Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas continues to be their motto. 'The trust, affection the minorities have towards BJP is yet again proved by Khanam's joining us,' the Rajahmundry MP said. However, a senior BJP leader expressed his dismay over Khanam's inclusion in the party. 'She was accused in the Tirumala temple tickets sale for profit. The benefit Khanam, a nominated MLC, brings to the party is also doubtful,' the BJP functionary told ThePrint Nevertheless, Khanam's exit delivers another blow to Jagan's party suffering defections since its massive defeat last summer. Though its strength fell from 151 to 11 in the assembly, the YSRCP retains domination in the Council. The party's official strength in the House is 32 out of 58, as chairman Moshenu Raju sits on the resignation letters of several YSRCP MLCs. The BJP welcomed Khanam at a time when the YSRCP has been rallying in support of Muslims, its strong vote base in Andhra Pradesh, over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In April, the YSRCP approached the Supreme Court challenging the Waqf Act on the grounds that its contents violate the provisions under the Constitution. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: 'Christian CM' taunt not forgotten, YSRCP goes full tilt to attack Naidu after temple wall collapse
Indian Express
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Blow to YSRCP, boost for BJP as Andhra's first woman Muslim MLC switches sides
In what is being seen as a rude shock to the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), MLC and Deputy Chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Mayana Zakia Khanam on Wednesday quit the party and joined the BJP. While her move surprised many in the YSRCP, the Andhra BJP unit was present in full strength to welcome Khanam to the party, including state president and Rajahmundry MP Daggubati Purandeswari, state Health Minister and BJP MLA Y Satya Kumar, and other party leaders. Claiming that Khanam joined the BJP as she was inspired by the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Purandeswari reiterated the BJP slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. 'We deliver welfare beyond caste and religion and focus on the underprivileged and marginalised sections. Khanam's induction reflects a major shift and strengthens our commitment to inclusive leadership, while signaling a growing trust for the party among minorities,' she said. Seen as a popular Muslim face of the YSRCP, Khanam joins a list of high-profile leaders who have quit the party following the drubbing received by it in last year's simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, where it was reduced to four and 11 seats respectively. Since its defeat, the YSRCP has been stung by the exits of several leaders, including Jagan's long-time aide and former Rajya Sabha MP V Vijayasai Reddy, and Rajya Sabha MPs Mopidevi Venkataramana, Beedha Mastan Rao and R Krishnaiah. While Rao is now a TDP Rajya Sabha MP, Krishnaiah was nominated to the Upper House by the BJP. Khanam had become the first Muslim wwoman member of the Andhra Legislative Council in July 2020. She was nominated by then Governor Biswabhushan Harichandran under the Governor's quota. In November 2021, she was elevated to the post of Deputy Chairperson. Khanam's resignation further reduces the YSRCP's tally in the 58-member Upper House, though the party still enjoys majority in the Council, as it comes close on the heels of MLCs Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, Karri Padmasri, Pothla Suneetha, Marri Rajasekhar and Jayamangala Venkataramana quitting the party. With none of the resignations accepted yet, the YSRCP's tally in the House still stands at 32. The ruling TDP-BJP-Jana Sena Party (JSP) have 10, one and two members respectively, while the Council has five Independents and eight nominated members. Sources said all the MLCs who resigned had issues with the party leadership. 'Khanam also expressed disappointment but still holds Jagan (the YSRCP chief) in high regard,' a source said.
Hans India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Andhra Legislative Council deputy chairperson quits YSRCP, joins BJP
Amaravati: Hours after her resignation as deputy chairperson of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and from the YSR Congress Party, Mayana Zakia Khanam joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). State BJP President and Member of Parliament P. D. Purandeswari welcomed her into the party in the presence of state Health Minister Sathya Kumar Yadav and party legislators. Purandeswari offered the BJP's scarf to Zakia Khanam, who earlier sent her resignation as MLC to Council chairperson Koyye Moshen Raju. Welcoming Khanam into the party, Purandeswary said that this reflects a major shift and strengthens the BJP's commitment to inclusive leadership. Stating that the BJP believes in the slogan of 'Sabha ka saath, sabka vikas', she claimed that minorities' trust in the BJP is growing. The MP said that the BJP delivers welfare beyond caste and religion, especially focusing on the underprivileged and marginalised sections. Nominated to the Council under the governor's quota in July 2020, Zakia Khanam was the first Muslim woman to become the MLC. In November 2021, she was elected unopposed to the post of deputy chairperson. She was the first woman to hold the post. Khanam, a homemaker, comes from Rayachoti in Annamayya district. She is the sixth MLC to quit YSRCP since the party lost power to the TDP-led NDA in June last year. Earlier, Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, Karri Padmasri, Pothula Suneetha, Marri Rajasekhar and Jayamangala Venkataramana resigned from the Council. They all cited dissatisfaction with the party's functioning as the reason for their resignation. Council chairman Moshen Raju has yet to accept any of the resignations. They repeatedly urged the chairman to accept their resignations and even staged protests over the delay in accepting their resignations. With Zakia Khanam's exit, YSRCP's strength in the 57-member Council has decreased further, even though it still enjoys a majority. The resigning leaders claim they are leaving due to disagreements with Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership and policies. YSRCP has 31 members in the Council even after the resignation of six MLCs. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has 10 members, while its coalition partners BJP and Jana Sena, have one member each. Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) has four MLCs. A spate of resignations has hit Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP since its crushing defeat in the Assembly elections. The party, which had won 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly in 2019, was reduced to just 11 seats in the elections held in May last year. Several leaders have quit the YSRCP. These include four Rajya Sabha members. In January, Jagan Mohan Reddy's close aide and Rajya Sabha member Vijaya Sai Reddy resigned from both the Upper House of the Parliament and the party.
