‘Adopt Islam if you admire Mughals’: BJP, VHP slam SP leader over remarks on Rana Sanga

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) The recent controversial remarks made by Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, who called 16th-century Rajput king Rana Sanga a “traitor,” have drawn strong rebukes from the BJP and VHP. They have demanded clarification from the SP leader and questioned his apparent admiration for the Mughals, suggesting he should embrace Islam if that is the case.

Speaking to IANS, Surendra Gupta, the VHP State President, expressed his dismay at Suman’s comments, saying, “Ramji Lal Suman claims to be a descendant of Rana Sanga, yet his words suggest otherwise. It’s baffling that he chooses to align himself with Babur, a Mughal invader, and makes disrespectful remarks about his own ancestors. This type of political rhetoric, aimed at distorting history, is unacceptable.”

BJP leader Ajay Alok also condemned Suman’s statement, calling it “highly condemnable.”

He emphasised the valour of Rana Sanga, a great warrior who fought fiercely against the Mughals and sustained 70 injuries in the process.

“Rana Sanga was a patriot who sacrificed his life defending the country. For anyone, especially a leader of a political party, to insult such a historical figure is shameful. If they truly admire the Mughals, they should consider joining Islam,” Alok added.

The controversy erupted after Ramji Lal Suman defended his statement about Rana Sanga during a debate in the Rajya Sabha on Friday. He said that his statement was based on historical facts documented in Baburnama, the memoir of Mughal emperor Babur. He also pointed out that Muslims of India do not consider Babur as their leader.

His remarks, made during a debate in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, have sparked sharp criticism from multiple political quarters.

Suman made the controversial statement while addressing the BJP’s frequent comments about the historical lineage of Indian Muslims. Participating in a discussion on the functioning of the Home Ministry on Friday, he referred to Rana Sanga’s role in inviting Babur to India, which he claimed led to the establishment of Mughal rule and called the Rajput ruler a “traitor.”

Suman stood by his statement, stating, “It is a historical fact. Nowadays, it has become common to claim that Indian Muslims have the DNA of Babur. But the truth is that the Muslims of India do not consider Babur as their leader. Babur did not come with religion; he came with a sword. The ideals of Indian Muslims are rooted in the tradition of Sufi saints.”

–IANS

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Bengal farmers’ body rejects MSP of Rs 900 a quintal for potatoes as inadequate

Kolkata, Feb 28 (IANS) The recent announcement by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for potatoes in West Bengal at Rs 900 per quintal has been rejected by a leading farmers’ body in the state, Pradeshik Krishak Sabha.

The Pradeshik Krishak Sabha is the state unit of the CPI(M)’s peasants’ wing All India Kisan Sabha.

The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha also organised protests in different districts of West Bengal throughout Friday demanding that the MSP of potatoes should be fixed at Rs 1,300 a quintal at least.

Besides resorting to road blockades in the districts, the farmers also protested in certain areas by scattering potatoes on the roads.

In several places, the National Highways were also blocked resulting in traffic congestion there.

The districts that witnessed the maximum protests by the farmers’ body in the matter were Bankura, Purulia, and Jalpaiguri.

The protesting farmers accused that the state government’s newly-fixed MSP of Rs 900 a quintal will not even help them recover the cost of production.

“The proposed minimum support price of potato at Rs 900 a quintal works out to Rs 9 a kilogram. But on the contrary at the retail markets potatoes are being sold between Rs 30 to Rs 40 a kilogram depending on varieties almost the entire year.

“This is because of the two factors of middlemen chains in the entire supply system and hoarding by a section of the potato traders. The state government is reluctant to take concrete actions on these two factors.

“Had it done that, the farmers would have the right price for their products without pinching the pockets of the retail consumers,” said a Pradeshik Krishak Sabha representative.

The association is also objecting to the ceiling of a maximum 35 quintals of potatoes that the state government would directly purchase from the farmers.

Besides the demand for fixing the MSP of potatoes at Rs 1,300 a quintal, the other demand of the protesting farmers was increasing the quantum of subsidy on fertilisers.

Earlier this week, while announcing the new MSP for potatoes in the state, the chief minister said that the decision would help the farmers growing the staple vegetable and ensure that they do not have to resort to distress sale of their farm produce.

CM Banerjee also said that the West Bengal government has created a corpus of Rs 321 crore for providing crop insurance to the farmers.

–IANS

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India’s fruit and vegetable exports surge 47.3 pc in last 5 years

New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) The financial assistance schemes of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) have helped India’s fruit and vegetable exports surge by 47.3 per cent in the last five years, according to the government.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the exports of fresh fruits and vegetables reached 123 countries in FY2023-24.

In the last three years, Indian fresh produce entered 17 new markets, some of which are Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Uganda and Ghana, etc.

This has been achieved through a host of measures such as participation in international trade fairs, actively pursuing market access negotiations and organising buyer seller meets, etc, according to the ministry.

The Department of Commerce, through APEDA, provides financial assistance to its member exporters of APEDA from across the country, for export promotion of its Scheduled products, including for fruits and vegetables, under Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

“As a result of these initiatives, there has been a growth of 47.3 per cent in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24,” the ministry informed.

The growth in terms of value in the last five years stands at 41.50 per cent.

The major states producing fruits and vegetables are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Karnataka.

The Department of Commerce is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in prioritising agriculture products for market access negotiations to reach new markets. As a result, India has achieved new market access in several commodities in the last three years.

There are Indian potatoes and onions in Serbia; baby corn and fresh banana in Canada; pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia and New Zealand; and whole pomegranates in Australia via irradiation treatment.

—IANS

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Indian Army soldiers awarded for courageous acts in high-risk operations

New Delhi, Jan 25 (IANS) In recognition of their exemplary bravery, extraordinary leadership, and selfless sacrifice in the face of extreme conditions, several soldiers and officers of the Indian Army have been honoured with esteemed awards on 76th Republic Day. Their remarkable acts of heroism, ranging from counter-terrorism missions to various challenges, have earned them recognition as the nation’s most fearless warriors.

Major Manjit – Kirti Chakra

One of the most notable commendations comes in the form of the Kirti Chakra awarded to Major Manjit of the Punjab Regiment/22nd Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles. Major Manjit had led a daring operation in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir on April 25, 2024. He set up a cordon around the hideout of two foreign terrorists. Braving heavy fire, Major Manjit first evacuated civilians trapped in a cowshed and crawled through difficult terrain to eliminate one of the terrorists following a fierce firefight. Kirti Chakra has been conferred upon him for this extraordinary act of bravery.

Naik Dilwar Khan – Kirti Chakra (Posthumous)

Naik Dilwar Khan of the 28th Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his actions during an ambush in the Lolab Valley, Kupwara district, on July 23, 2024. In an act of supreme bravery, Naik Khan charged at a terrorist closing in on his team, and engaging him in hand-to-hand combat despite being under heavy fire. Tragically, Naik Khan succumbed to his injuries, but not before neutralising the terrorist. His unwavering courage and sacrifice in the line of duty will forever be remembered.

Major Ashish Dahiya – Shaurya Chakra

Major Ashish Dahiya of the Corps of Engineers/50th Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, has been recommended for the Shaurya Chakra for his outstanding leadership during a critical operation in Pulwama district on 2nd June 2024. In the face of intense enemy fire, Major Dahiya not only neutralised a high-value terrorist but also saved the life of his injured buddy. His audacious planning, bravery, and commitment to his team make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious honour.

Major Kunal – Shaurya Chakra

Major Kunal of the Army Service Corps/1st Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, displayed exceptional tactical skill during a Cordon and Search operation in Kulgam on 6th May 2024. With extreme courage, he neutralised a Category A++ terrorist during close-quarter combat, even as he led his team under direct fire. His leadership and presence of mind under pressure exemplified the finest qualities of a military officer, earning him the Shaurya Chakra.

Major Satender Dhankar – Shaurya Chakra

Major Satender Dhankar of the Armoured Corps/4th Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his bravery during a counter-terrorist operation in Doda District on 26th June 2024. Despite being under heavy fire, Major Dhankar eliminated multiple terrorists, including one who had a rocket launcher. His selfless dedication to his team and his bold actions under extreme conditions make him a hero among his peers.

Captain Deepak Singh – Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)

Captain Deepak Singh of the Corps of Signals/48th Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, tragically made the ultimate sacrifice on 13th August 2024 while pursuing terrorists in difficult terrain. Even after sustaining severe injuries, Captain Singh continued to fight with remarkable courage, neutralising one terrorist before succumbing to his wounds. His bravery and devotion to duty have earned him the Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon – Shaurya Chakra

Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon of the 4th Assam Rifles was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his brave actions on 5th August 2024 in Manipur. Leading a column to intercept armed miscreants, Kikon demonstrated remarkable professionalism, neutralising a threat and ensuring the safe evacuation of apprehended militants. His quick thinking and leadership under duress were instrumental in preventing further escalation.

Subedar Vikas Tomar – Shaurya Chakra

Subedar Vikas Tomar of the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), was recommended for the Shaurya Chakra after exhibiting exceptional leadership and bravery on 11th September 2024 in Dhagri Forest. Despite being under heavy fire, he eliminated one terrorist and ensured his team’s safety, showcasing his unflinching courage and tactical genius.

Subedar Mohan Ram – Shaurya Chakra

Subedar Mohan Ram of the 20th Battalion, The Jat Regiment, displayed unparalleled bravery during a rescue operation in Manipur on 13th February 2024. Despite sustaining a gunshot wound, he continued to lead his team, saving 38 innocent villagers from a coordinated attack. His courage and selflessness under fire make him a deserving recipient of the Shaurya Chakra.

Havildar Rohit Kumar – Shaurya Chakra (Posthumous)

Havildar Rohit Kumar, posted at the High-Altitude Warfare School, is posthumously recommended for the Shaurya Chakra for his heroic efforts on Mount Kun in October 2023. Leading a mountaineering team in avalanche-prone conditions, Havildar Kumar tragically lost his life while opening the route for his team. His courage in the face of extreme conditions serves as a legacy.

Havildar Prakash Tamang – Shaurya Chakra

Havildar Prakash Tamang of the 9th Gorkha Rifles/32nd Battalion, Rashtriya Rifles, was recommended for the Shaurya Chakra after displaying extraordinary leadership during a firefight with terrorists in June 2024. Despite being injured, he continued to lead his team with exemplary courage, killing one terrorist in close combat.

–IANS

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