RJD lost every time, will lose this year too: JD(U) Mokama candidate Anant Singh exudes confidence

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Patna, Oct 20 (IANS) Janata Dal (United) leader and candidate from Bihar’s Mokama Assembly constituency, Anant Kumar Singh, has exuded confidence in winning the polls, asserting that public support will once again ensure his win.

Issuing an open challenge to his rival from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Singh said he has been contesting elections for over two decades and remains confident of another victory.

In Mokama, a high-profile electoral battle is underway between the strongman Anant Singh and Veena Devi, wife of Suraj Bhan Singh.

Speaking to IANS, Anant Singh said, “You are throwing Suraj Bhan Singh a big challenge, but I have been fighting for 20–25 years. He has lost every time and will lose this time too.”

Rejecting any fear of violence or muscle power in the elections, Singh said, “In my view, there is no such thing”.

Taking a swipe at the ongoing tussle between the RJD and Congress over ticket distribution, he stated, “I’ve heard that both parties are fielding their own candidates in seven constituencies. Their partnership has broken.”

He also slammed the RJD for fielding Mohammad Shahabuddin’s son, Osama Shahab, as a candidate.

Accusing the RJD of trying to revive “jungle raj” in Bihar, Singh asserted, “They want jungle raj, but that will never happen.”

He also took a stinging jibe at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and said, “If Lalu Yadav were not here, no one would know Tejashwi. He has no personal qualities; he is known only for being Lalu’s son.”

Highlighting his “deep connection” with the people, Singh said, “We live with the public, which is why the public loves us so much.”

Speaking about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said, “Nitish Kumar previously wanted to make me a minister, but I said I only want what the public has given me. This time I’ll think about it. If the public says I should become a minister, then I will. The people love me, and we love the people.”

When asked about Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) president Mukesh Sahni, Singh said, “He should join my party. Our party respects everyone, and we will accept him.”

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said, “He is a good man and is developing Bihar. The state has changed significantly compared to before. Many roads and bridges have been built. Under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, Bihar is progressing on the path of development.”

–IANS

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Threat of burning down cinemas can’t prevent release of film: SC on ‘Thug Life’ row

New Delhi, June 17 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday made scathing remarks against Karnataka’s “extra-judicial ban” on the screening of ‘Thug Life’ — a film by veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and superstar Kamal Haasan.

“Rule of law demands that any film which has a CBFC certificate must be released, and the state government has to ensure its screening. It can’t be that, at the threat of burning down the cinemas, the film can’t be released. We are not passing an order that people come and watch the film. But the film must be released,” remarked a Bench headed by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.

The apex court was dealing with a writ petition filed by Bengaluru’s M. Mahesh Reddy, alleging that despite certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the Karnataka government has prevented Thug Life’s theatrical release through oral instructions and police interference.

“We cannot allow mobs and vigilante groups to take over the streets. The rule of law must prevail,” the Bench, also comprising Justice Manmohan, told the Karnataka government’s counsel.

“See, the issue concerns the rule of law. It concerns a fundamental right. The Supreme Court is meant to be a custodian of the rule of law as well as a fundamental right. It is not just a video or a film, but much bigger than that,” added the Justice Bhuyan-led Bench.

It asked the Karnataka government to file its counter-affidavit by Wednesday, and posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday (June 19).

When the counsel representing the Karnataka government stated that following the row over Haasan’s remarks on the origins of the Kannada language, the film’s producer had petitioned the Karnataka High Court seeking protection, the apex court directed the transfer of the pending petition to itself. Further, it expressed disapproval over the Karnataka High Court’s suggestion to Kamal Haasan to issue an apology.

During the film’s audio launch, Kamal Haasan claimed that “Kannada is born out of Tamil”, sparking strong reactions in Karnataka. After the actor’s refusal to issue an outright apology, the film’s release in Karnataka has been postponed indefinitely.

Last week, the Supreme Court had sought responses from Karnataka’s Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Home) and Director General of Police in the matter and posted the petition for further hearing on June 17.

Advocate A. Velan, representing the petitioner, contended that Karnataka’s “extra-judicial ban” amounted to an unconstitutional restriction on free speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

The Karnataka government has completely “capitulated” to extremist elements, who were attacking linguistic minorities and calling for the burning of theatres, submitted Velan.

As per the petition, the ban stems from a deliberate campaign of terror, including explicit threats of arson against cinema halls, incitement to large-scale communal violence targeting linguistic minorities, and a chilling call for a repeat of past anti-Tamil riots.

“This reign of intimidation is a direct, flagrant violation of the Fundamental Rights to Freedom of Speech and Expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and to Practice any Profession (Article 19(1)(g)). More seriously, it is a calculated attack on the secular fabric and public order of the state,” stated the petition.

–IANS

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This is politics, not devotion: Dilip Ghosh slams CM Banerjee over Digha Rath Yatra

New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool over the Rath Yatra celebrations in Digha.

Accusing the Trinamool of politicising religion, Ghosh dismissed the event as a “political gathering disguised as a religious ceremony.”

Dilip Ghosh said, “The Rath Yatra taking place in Digha is not a religious event, it’s a political gathering with a clear political agenda.”

“Otherwise, without any proper system, devotion, or true faith, why would lakhs of people rush to touch the Lord’s chariot or offerings, as if their lives would be redeemed? Here, police are seen trampling people underfoot, and Madam is riding over them on the chariot,” he claimed.

Ghosh alleged that Trinamool treats religion as a mere tool for vote-bank politics. “The party here has no real regard for religion, they treat it as just a tool for their political journey. Today, leaders are wearing skull caps and offering namaz; tomorrow, they’re putting on tilak and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ or joining Ram Mandir processions. It’s all pretence,” he remarked.

He further accused the TMC of hypocrisy, claiming they were “building a Jagannath temple just to make people believe they’re Hindu and win Hindu votes,” while the real plight of Hindus in rural Bengal is ignored.

“The Hindu community, especially in villages, is facing harassment and oppression. The incidents in Murshidabad and Malda are not forgotten,” he added.

The comments come a day after Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Rath Yatra from the newly-constructed Jagannath Dham temple in Digha’s Purba Medinipur district.

The Chief Minister, along with several Cabinet ministers, participated in the traditional rituals, including sweeping the road before the chariots with a golden broom, performing ‘aarti’, and ceremonially pulling the ropes of the three chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

–IANS

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MP: Another tiger found dead in Umaria forest area

Bhopal, Feb 22 (IANS) A tiger’s body was discovered under questionable circumstances in the Karakati area, situated within the Pali range of Umaria district’s forest division in Madhya Pradesh. This is the third death of a member of the majestic cat family in the state within a fortnight.

This tragic scene unfolded in the revenue sector of Karakati beat in Beli forest circle.

An official said that the Forest Department and staff responded to the information and reached the spot and found the carcass of a male tiger.

The officer further said fresh pugmarks of another tiger heightened suspicions of a possible clash between the two majestic creatures in the forest.

The definitive cause of death, however, awaits revelation through the forthcoming post-mortem report, the government officials said adding that the Forest Department summoned a medical team to examine if all body parts of the tiger are intact before the post-mortem is performed.

He added that the forensic experts delve into the investigation, aiming to exclude any foul play, such as hunting or poisoning.

Recently a tigress was found dead in Kanha Kisli National Park in the Mandla district while another tigress was found dead in the same park a week ago.

These puzzling tiger deaths underscore a growing concern for wildlife preservation.

Umaria district, proximate to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, is a vital sanctuary for tigers. This incident has, naturally, put the forest department on high alert.

Given the gravity of the situation, a dog squad has been deployed, intensifying the ongoing investigation.

While the pugmarks of another tiger close by raise questions of a conflict, the true cause behind the tiger’s death will only come to light post the post-mortem findings, the official said.

The Forest Department has appealed to the local people to immediately inform the authorities if they see any suspicious activity in the surrounding areas. At present, the Forest Department and a team of doctors are working together to solve the mystery of the tiger’s death.

–IANS

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