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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Kerala will be Muslim majority by 2040: How a claim got non-BJP parties sparring
In Kerala, the non-BJP parties seem to be engaging what they accuse the BJP of resorting to. This came after a claim by an influential community leader that "Muslims will become a majority in Kerala by 2040". The remarks by Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the social service body representing the politically influential Ezhava community, the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, sparked a fierce political row, pitting the non-BJP parties against each who also alleged that Muslim community leaders exert undue influence over Kerala's governance, drew widespread condemnation from the opposition Congress and its ally, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), reported news agency the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist), which is believed to have the backing of the SNDP, distanced itself from Natesan's remarks, and faced accusations of complicity. The Congress alleged that Natesan's statements align with Kerala Chief Minister and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan's political CPI(M)'s cautious approach to the row reflects its need to retain Ezhava support ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections while maintaining its secular image. In Kerala, where the Left and the Congress have alternated in power, the CPM-led LDF is facing a 10-year by the attacks from the Congress and IUML, Natesan stood his ground."Even if Kanthapuram (AP Aboobacker Musliyar, who reportedly got the Yemeni government to delay Nimisha Priya's death sentence) "hurls a spear" at me, I will not stop speaking out for social justice", The New Indian Express quoted Natesan as Kerala CM VS Achuthanandan, who passed away on Monday, had in 2022 claimed that Muslim extremist groups in the state were plotting to turn Kerala into a Muslim-majority state within 20 SNDP Yogam represents the Ezhava community, which constitutes approximately 25% of Kerala's population, and his son, Thushar Vellappally, leads the Bharat Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a political party part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Narayana Guru's reformist ideals led to the formation of the SNDP to uplift the Ezhava community, which is classified among the OBCs in WARNS OF KERALA TURNING MUSLIM-MAJORITY STATESpeaking at a state-level branch leadership meeting of SNDP Yogam in Kottayam on July 19, Natesan said that Kerala was on the path to becoming a Muslim-majority claimed, "Muslims will soon become the majority in Kerala," citing former CM VS Achuthanandan's alleged prediction about the demographic further asserted that Muslim leaders, including Sunni cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, wield significant influence over state current situation is such that the state government should just listen to Kanthapuram and govern," Natesan accused both the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) of pandering to Muslim interests, alleging that no government decision is implemented without Malappuram's endorsement, a Muslim-majority district, The New Indian Express also claimed that the IUML was eyeing the Kerala CM's post in the 2026 Assembly elections."Alappuzha lost two constituencies, while Malappuram gained four," Natesan said, suggesting a shift in political power towards Muslim-dominated areas. He argued that the Ezhava community had been IUML SLAM NATESAN'S MUSLIM-MAJORITY CLAIMThe Congress, which leads the opposing UDF, was swift to condemn Natesan's of the Opposition VD Satheesan accused Natesan of "acting at the behest of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan", alleging that his statements reflect the CPI(M)'s strategy to polarise voters."The SNDP Yogam general secretary has echoed what the CPI(M) leaders in Kerala speak against Malappuram and what the Chief Minister had stated in Delhi through public relations agencies. This hate speech is against the philosophy of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru," Satheesan Congress leader argued that Natesan's remarks aimed to create societal division. Satheesan further accused the CPI(M) of sacrificing secularism for political expediency, using Natesan to galvanise majority community votes by "othering minorities".The IUML, a key Congress ally in Kerala, reacted sharply to Natesan's allegations. IUML national general secretary PK Kunhalikutty labeled Natesan's comments as "brazen communal remarks" and accused the LDF government of complicity, stating, "It is the responsibility of the LDF government to act against individuals who exploit influential social organisations to cause communal divisions".IUML Malappuram general secretary Abdul Hameed MLA called for legal action against Natesan for inciting groups, including the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, also condemned Natesan's BALANCING ACT: SOCIAL BODIES FREE TO SPEAK, BUT MUST AVOID HATEThe CPI(M), which traditionally enjoys support from the Ezhava community, found itself in a precarious party's state secretariat urged the SNDP Yogam to adhere to the secular and progressive values of Sree Narayana Guru, the founder of the organisations are free to raise any issue concerning the people, but it should not create religious divisions and hate, reported The CM Pinarayi Vijayan's past defence of Natesan may offer some insight into the CPI(M)'s April, when Natesan described the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district as a "separate nation", Vijayan defended him, claiming his remarks were directed at "a political party" (implying the IUML) rather than a Natesan's claim that Kerala will become a Muslim-majority state by 2040 has ignited a political storm, which exposes tensions among non-BJP parties in a state showcased for non-communal politics. With the Congress and the IUML accusing the CPI(M) of tacitly endorsing Natesan's rhetoric, the ruling party's delicate balancing act, given the Ezhavas have of late drifted towards the BJP (a result of the alliance with BDJS), shows a complex interplay of caste, religion, and politics in Kerala now.- Ends
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
"Over 10.33 crore women got LPG connections under PM Ujjwala scheme": Hardeep Singh Puri
Durgapur (West Bengal) [India], July 19 (ANI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that over 10.33 crore women have been provided with free connections of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). He stated that there were 14 crore LPG connections in 2014, and the number of connections has increased to 33 crore as of 2025. 'LPG Connection: Year 2014 - 14 crore and Year 2025 - 33 crore,' Puri said while addressing the gathering here, adding, 'Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, the past 11 years have brought an LPG revolution that has ushered in a new wave of change in every sector.' The Union Minister stated that the cost of a cylinder in India was merely Rs 553, which was lower compared to other LPG-producing countries, such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 'As part of this, under the PM Ujjwala scheme, more than 10.33 crore women have been provided free connections. Even today, they get a cylinder for just Rs 553, which is lower than in other LPG-producing countries,' Puri said. 'In contrast, the same cylinder costs Rs 1,204 in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Rs 1,201 in Nepal, and Rs 1,000 in Pakistan,' he added. Puri said that the number of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana exceeds 1.25 crore. 'This revolution has not only improved women's health but has also become a significant means of job creation. Clean fuel is now present in almost every kitchen in every country,' he added. In a veiled attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Puri on Friday reiterated that petrol and diesel prices in non-BJP states are ruling above that of BJP-run states. Speaking in Durgapur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside on the dais, Minister Puri said petrol and diesel prices are Rs 7-8 per litre lower in BJP-ruled states. 'Our government under PM Modi did not allow fuel prices to rise. In November 2021, May 2022, and March 2024, the central government reduced cess on petrol and diesel, cumulatively by Rs 13 and Rs 16,' the minister said. 'On top of that, our BJP-ruled states also reduced VAT on fuel. In BJP states, petrol and diesel prices are ruling Rs 7-8 per litre lower than non-BJP states,' Minister Puri added. In a major boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers, and provide CNG at the retail outlets and also create employment opportunities in the region. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, which has been laid as a part of the ambitious Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. (ANI)
United News of India
14-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Shah's inaction against Pinarayi indicates a CPM-BJP deal: KPCC President
Thiruvananthapuram, July 14 (UNI) Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Sunny Joseph today alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has taken no action against the Pinarayi Vijayan led state Government despite calling the regime corrupt, indicating a political deal between the BJP and CPI(M). Though Amit Shah, during his visit to Kerala, listed several instances of corruption in the state government, the central investigation agencies under his ministry probing these cases do not appear sincere in proving his claims, the Congress leader claimed. "Amit Shah must now explain the status of investigations by central agencies into cases such as the Dollar Smuggling, Gold Smuggling, Exalogic, and LIFE Mission scams. These probes have virtually come to a standstill. Who gave the order to halt these investigations ? Wasn't it Amit Shah himself ? Instead of taking real action, he is now deceiving the public with mere political rhetoric," the KPCC President alleged. Pinarayi Vijayan, "who never dares to offend the RSS or BJP, is being kept in power to serve their interests," Sunny Joseph added. He claimed this is driven by Amit Shah's and BJP's blind opposition to the Congress. "While central agencies aggressively pursue non-BJP leaders over baseless allegations, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan - accused in multiple corruption cases - is being given complete protection" he opined. If Amit Shah is sincere in what he says, he must take action, Sunny Joseph demanded. UNI DS AAB RKM
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab minister: BJP patronising gangster Lawrence Bishnoi
Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday blamed the BJP for patronising gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is lodged in Sabarmati Jail of Ahmedabad since 2014. Punjab finance minister interacting with the media after the adjournment of the first sitting of the two-day special session of the Punjab assembly in Chandigarh on Thursday. (Ravi Kumar/HT) 'The recent murder of a businessman in Abohar was carried out by Bishnoi, who is in Gujarat jail. It is sad that he is targeting Punjab sitting in Gujarat,' Cheema told mediapersons after the adjournment of the first sitting of the two-day special session of the Punjab assembly. 'The BJP is protecting gangsters, and he (Bishnoi) is lodged in a jail in Gujarat, the state from which Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union home Amit Shah come. Why does the BJP protect him? The gangster is executing targeted killings in non-BJP ruled states. Why is he not sent to other states, where he has murdered people? We will now try to bring him to Punjab on a production warrant,' the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said. Bishnoi is the mastermind behind the killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala three years ago and he has been issuing threats to actor Salman Khan. He is also allegedly behind last year's killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. Commenting on the murder of businessman Sanjay Verma in Abohar on July 7 and the delay in arresting the three assailants, Cheema said: 'We will not allow anyone to vitiate the law and order situation. We will deal with anti-social elements with an iron fist.' 'Bishnoi takes responsibility for every murder sitting inside jail. What does this mean and why is he kept in Gujarat jail?' he said, demanding a reply from the Centre. He blamed the Congress for sheltering gangsters like Mukhtar Ansari while it was in power. The notorious gangster from Uttar Pradesh was brought to a jail in Punjab and given VIP facilities, Cheema said. Police records show the support of Shiromani Akali Dal leaders to anti-social elements, Cheema claimed, describing the opposition party as 'the root cause of the drug mafia in Punjab'. 'The opposition parties have patronised gangsters and the AAP government is cleaning the rot,' he added.
NDTV
10-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes Hot Topic During Punjab Assembly's Special Session
New Delhi: On the first day of the special session of the Punjab Assembly, political leaders across party lines addressed the alleged involvement of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in the murder of Abohar-based businessman Sanjay Verma. AAP ministers, particularly Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of shielding criminals for political benefit. The matter was not discussed on the floor of the House, but while coming out of it after the session was over. Fashion designer and showroom co-owner Sanjay Verma was shot dead during the day by three men outside his store in Punjab's Abohar city on Monday. "We have taken decisive action in the Abohar murder case. However, we observed BJP leaders reacting emotionally to the government's crackdown. Leaders from Punjab to Delhi appeared shaken by the strict action taken by the AAP-led government. It is clear that BJP leaders are supporting gangsters," Mr Cheema said. Mr Cheema further alleged that everyone knew Lawrence Bishnoi was being held in a Gujarat jail, and that it was the BJP - which has ruled Gujarat for the last 30 years - that had been protecting him. "Now, they are using Bishnoi to take revenge on others. Businessmen are being targeted and killed to create fear among the trading community across the country," he said. The AAP leader accused the BJP of using criminal elements in states where it is not in power. "Wherever the BJP is not in government - including Punjab and other opposition-ruled states - they are using these goons to create instability. Yesterday, a Delhi BJP minister claimed the encounter was fake. Today, another BJP leader also raised questions about it," he said. Mr Cheema maintained that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is taking strict action against those who threaten law and order. "The entire country knows that BJP protects criminals. It seems the BJP now intends to form a wing of gangsters within the party. They do not believe in democracy and are trying to disturb non-BJP ruled states to gain political mileage," he said. He added that the people of Punjab are well aware of the BJP's alleged bias against the state. "When Punjab took strong action by eliminating criminals involved in the Sanjay Verma murder case, BJP's demand for a CBI probe clearly indicated that they were protecting goons. They are only trying to score political points, but the AAP government in Punjab is firm in its resolve to maintain law and order," he said. Mr Cheema also said that the state government is ready to take Lawrence Bishnoi into its custody. "We are prepared to take Lawrence Bishnoi into our custody. BJP leaders should accompany us if they are serious about this. The BJP must explain why the Gujarat government is providing protection to Bishnoi," he added. BJP state working president Ashwani Sharma responded by saying that law and order had completely collapsed in Punjab. "Law and order is a state subject. When the AAP government fails to control the situation, it simply starts blaming others, particularly the BJP," he said. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, also weighed in by saying, "Law and order in Punjab has deteriorated badly."
