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Our Main Intention To Protect Interest Of State, Kannadigas: Siddaramiah

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Amid the Karnataka Congress government’s protest against the Centre at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that their main intention is to protect the interests of the state and Kannadigas.

“We are staging this protest in New Delhi to make sure the central government has all the funds that it has to give to us. We expect the government will listen to our protest, and our main intention is to protect the interests of the state and Kannadigas,” the Chief Minister said.

“BJP MPs, MLAs, and leaders are invited for the protest. Join us to raise our voice for the state’s rights,” he added.

CM Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, arrived at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to participate in the protest against the central government.

The chief minister highlighted the statistics on the alleged injustice, treachery, and “step motherly” treatment meted out to the Karnataka State.

Speaking at a press conference, Siddaramaiah said, “It is our duty to do justice for the opportunity given to us by the people of the state. We were waiting patiently for the central government to provide justice in the federal system. We were waiting for them to act as they promised in last year’s budget. The state government is inviting all parties to join the protest and provide justice to Kannadigas. We are protesting to make the Union Government hear our vows.”

He said that the Union Government has declared to provide 5300 crores to the Upper Bhadra scheme in the last year’s budget, and they have not released a single rupee so far. There is no money for drought relief, either.

He said that this is not a political protest by the Congress Party against the BJP. We are organising the protest inevitably. The attention of the people of the country should be drawn. We are protesting about the stepmotherly attitude of the central government, the discrimination in financial distribution, and the stepmotherly treatment shown in drought relief. (ANI)

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Rahul Gandhi

Shinde Assures Maratha Quota Won’t Affect Other Communities

By LokMarg 29th January 2024

Amid the row over the Maratha quota that it will result in encroachment of other communities reservation, Maharashtra Cheif Minister Eknath Shinde claimed that his government will give the reservation to the Maratha community without making any kind of change in other communities reservation.

“While giving Maratha reservation, we will keep in mind that whether it is OBC community or any other community, without making any kind of change in their reservation, we will give the reservation to Maratha community. Our view from the beginning has been to provide such reservation which meets the criteria. I have said this openly as Chief Minister and both our Deputy Chief Ministers have also said the same,” Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said.

Meanwhile, Maharastra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday clarified that there will be no injustice done to any community.

“The government has taken a decision that is benefiting the Maratha community, but there will be no injustice to any community. There is nothing for anyone to worry about in this. Our government will not allow any injustice to the OBC community. Recently, the reservation given to the Maratha community was upheld in the High Court. However, due to some reasons, the Supreme Court rejected that reservation. We have also launched a survey to determine these reasons,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal struck a dissenting note when he appealed to OBC community to speak up against the ordinance.

“My request to all OBC brothers and sisters is that the time has come for all of us to come together on the streets. On February 1, go to the MLAs, MPs or Tehsildars of your respective areas and hand over the demands regarding OBC reservation protection. Everyone should come out in lakhs and raise this demand. All the MLAs and MPs should be made aware that OBCs, Bhatke Vimukts are also citizens and voters of this state and those who want to contest elections need them too ” Bhujbal said in a post on X.

“Also regarding this draft. Lakhs of objections will be filed till February 16. A huge Elgar Mela of OBCs has been organized at Ahmednagar on February 3, which should be attended by all the OBC brothers in large numbers. There are many intellectuals, writers, speakers, lawyers in the OBC, nomadic community. All of them should help us in this work in their own way. Lawyer brothers should convince the court of injustice against OBCs. Soon OBCs will be taking out a protest march across Maharashtra” Bhujbal added.

Earlier the Maharashtra government had accepted all demands of Maratha activist Manoj Jarange Patil and had issued an ordinance guranteeing reservations by issuing Kunbi certificated to the Marathas.

Maharashtra CM Shinde emphasised that Jarange Patil’s demand was not to take away the reservation for the OBC. “OBC and Marathas live together in villages. Manoj Jarange Patil is of the view that reservations for any community must not be taken,” he said.

Patil in his address to the gathering said, “This struggle was for reservation for Marathas. We came here to give 54 lakh Kunbi certificates. We have been struggling for the past four months. My generation struggled to get this reservation. More than 300 people killed themselves during the struggle.”

On May 5, 2021, the Supreme Court struck down reservations for the Maratha community in colleges, higher educational institutions, and jobs, after noting that there was no valid ground to breach 50 per cent reservation while granting Maratha reservation. (ANI)

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Efforts Made To Enslave Students Of North East, India: Rahul

By LokMarg 23rd January 2024

Amid the rift with Assam Chief Minister, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that efforts are being made to enslave students of North East and India, adding “There is no need for any student to be afraid.”

He also alleged that the Home Minister of the country picked up the phone and called CM Himanta and said that Rahul Gandhi should not meet the students of Assam.

“We are being stopped everywhere. The Home Minister of the country picked up the phone and called CM Himanta and said that Rahul Gandhi should not meet the students of Assam. That’s not important whether Rahul Gandhi comes here or not. What’s important is that the students must be allowed to listen to whomever they want to. But it is not happening in any schools and colleges in Assam. You are being told that you cannot speak your language. You are being told that you cannot have your history,” he said.

He further said that efforts are being made to enslave the students of North East and India.

“Nobody can stop you from thinking about the India that you want. Nobody can stop you from reading or writing in the language you want. Nobody should stop you from believing in any religion you want. You have come here because you are not ready for what the Chief Minister wants you to follow. An attempt is being made to stop the student from thinking. If students are stopped from thinking then India will be destroyed, India will not survive,” Rahul Gandhi added.

“There is no need for any student to be afraid, you are the future of this country,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, As Bharat Jodo Yatra resumed its journey on the 10th day on Tuesday from Assam, heavy security was deployed at Khanapara Area, the entry point of Guwahati for the Yatra.

There was barricading and heavy deployment of police officials in the Khanapara Area, where Rahul Gandhi’s Yatra will reach today.

According to Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’s official handle on X, the Congress will hold a press conference later today. After that, the yatra will resume its journey and it will halt at Bishnupur in Assam.

Bhupen Kumar Borah, Assam Congress President said “Rahul ji’s name is not in any corruption case. Who is Raavan? Today, women in Assam are the most unsafe in the entire country. So wherever Ravana is, women will be unsafe.”

Rahul Gandhi on Monday who arrived at the Batadrava Than, the birthplace of revered Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardeva, in Assam, took a veiled dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he was denied permission to enter the shrine.

“We want to visit the temple (Batadrava Than). What crime have I committed that I cannot visit the temple?” Rahul Gandhi said.

“I want to go to the temple, what is wrong with this? Earlier we were invited but now the administration is saying that we cannot go. “Aaj sirf ek vyakti mandir mein ja sakta hain…”(Perhaps today only one person can go to the temple),” the Congress leader said in an apparent dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishta’ ceremony at Ayodhya Ram Temple. (ANI)

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Epic Tesla Musical light show in Maryland Ayodhya

US: Over 150 Cars Parked Strategically In ‘Ram’ Formation Hold Dazzling Light Show In Maryland

By LokMarg 14th January 2024

Amid the euphoria and growing anticipation in India around the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, later this month, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) of America organised an Epic Tesla Musical light show in Maryland state.

Videos captured by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and raising ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and ‘Ram Lakshman Janki, Jai Shri Hanuman Ki’ slogans.

The Tesla car light show was synchronised to the tunes of Jai Shri Ram and was organised by VHP, US chapter.

More than 150 cars, parked strategically in the ‘Ram’ formation, participated in the light show. Indian Americans from Washington, Virginia and Maryland beamed bright and colourful from Tesla bars.

The cars gathered at Sri Bhakta Anjaneya Temple in Maryland, which is situated on a street named the ‘Ayodhya Way’.

Tesla’s vehicles have the unique ability to put on synchronised light shows with other Teslas, which can be a particularly entertaining feature in large groups.

The Tesla light show organised by the Hindu community had 150 vehicles. All cars owned by the indian American community participated as they flashed and pulsed to the song of Jai shri Ram The light show is part of the celebration of the Rama Mandir opening in Ayodhya.

Teslas of all colours synchronised various colours from their headlights and taillights, all together displaying a colourful array.

Several rows of cars parked in a huge parking lot saw all of them go from moments of complete darkness to varying brightness levels. Because the vehicles were synchronised, they demonstrated interesting light patterns, like a few moments where only taillights were being used split-seconds apart to create the appearance of laser-like motion from aerial views. For creating this custom light show required a technical hand, as it was created by a young devotee.

“The show featuring all the 150 cars was performed using a software loaded via a USB flash drive. Each light is programmed differently to represent the devotion and enthusiasm towards Sri Ram Bhagawan ahead of the Ayodhya Mandir inauguration,” Satvik Gudipati, a young programmer from Maryland, told ANI.

Prashant, a resident from Virginia, said, “Its really inspiring to be here and be part of this tesla light show. Since 1992, I have been hearing that Ram Mandir will be built. However, it’s only now that it is close to becoming a reality. Shri Ram is arriving to take his thrown at his birthplace. I can now proudly say that Ram Mandir is set to be opened for devotees in Ayodhya.”

Meanwhile, Mahendra Sapa, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America Washington DC chapter President said, “As we joyously celebrate the inauguration of the Grand Mandir of Bhagwan Shri Ram, we reflect on over 20 generations of patience, perseverance, and sacrifices that led to this momentous occasion. This new Diwali holds a special significance as we honor the souls of countless karsevaks who made the ultimate sacrifice to bring us justice, including the Kothary Brothers.” “The Mandir stands as a symbol of faith and a tribute to the enduring spirit of our community. In this historic moment, we express gratitude to all contributors for realizing this cherished dream,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Indians in the United States organised a car rally in Edison, New Jersey.

More than 350 cars participated in the rally. Visuals accessed by ANI showed people from the Hindu community holding flags inscribed with images of Lord Ram and several cars lining up on the streets.

Amid ongoing events and celebrations across the globe ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, giant billboards of Lord Ram and the majestic shrine in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh have gone up in more than 10 states, thousands of miles away in the United States.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), US chapter, in association with Hindus from across the US, have put up more than 40 billboards in 10 states and more, displaying the message around the the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony at the birthplace of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on January 22.

The billboards have gone up in Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, among other states. Additionally, Arizona and the State of Missouri are set to join this visual celebration starting Monday, January 15, according to the VHP, American chapter.

“The resounding message conveyed by these billboards is that Hindu Americans are elated and joyously participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Their emotions overflow as they eagerly await the auspicious day of the consecration ceremony,” Amitabh VW Mittal, general secretary, Hindu Parishad of America, told ANI.

“The Hindu community in New Jersey is brimming with joy, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Car Rally, Exhibition, Curtain Raiser, Billboards across New York New Jersey, and the grand celebration slated for the 21st night. The enthusiasm is palpable, with members from Mandirs across NJ eagerly looking forward to this once-in-a-generation event,” Teja A Shah, joint general secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, America chapter, told ANI.

Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Hindu American community across the US has organised several car rallies and has planned many more events in the run-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ in Ayodhya.Meanwhile, President of the Mauritius Sanatan Dharm Temples Federation, Bhojraj Ghoorbin informed that all temples in Mauritius will organise Ramayan Chanting and celebrate on January 22, commemorating the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

He said, “In Mauritius, all our Hindu brothers and sisters are in a different mood nowadays. As from the Sankranti, on January 15, all our mandirs in Mauritius are doing the Ramayan chanting. And especially on the 22nd, we are having the same as we used to celebrate Diwali. In Mauritius, we are celebrating two Diwali.”

He added, “The first Diwali is on January 22, and the second Diwali is on October 31. We will do it the same as we all know: after 14 years of Vanwas (exile), Prabhu Shri Ram is coming to Ayodhya. So this time, not after 14 years, Prabhu Ram is coming after 500 years.”

President Ghoorbin also shared that a day before the inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a cultural programme will be held and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will attend the event as a chief guest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the ceremonial installation of the idol of Shri Ram Lalla inside the sanctum sanctorum of the grand temple on January 22.

A host of leaders and dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to the grand temple opening in Ayodhya. According to temple officials, the ceremony will be held over seven days starting January 16.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to enthrone Ram Lalla at the sanctum-sanctorum of the Ram Temple at noon on January 22.

Vedic rituals for the Pran-Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya will begin on January 16, a week before the main ceremony.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the Indian envoy to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu said Ramayan is a bridge across geographies and teaches people about the complexities of human relationships and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Speaking at an event at the US Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, titled ‘Ramayana across Asia and Beyond’, the Indian envoy said, “Ramayan and its shared heritage across the Indo-Pacific. The lessons and tales from Ramayan are passed down from generations, and it is hard to say exactly when one learns them. It’s as if one was born with them. The epic gives insights into the complexities of human relationships, governance and spirituality, dharma or duty, justice, sacrifice, loyalty, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. The Ramayan has something to teach us about each of these themes, among many other things.”

“The Ramayan is also a bridge across geographies. Stories from the epic are well known in many countries across Indo Pacific, from Cambodia to Indonesia, from Thailand to Laos. The epic has been reimagined, retold, included in the artistic, literary, and religious traditions of various societies incorporating their unique cultural nuances. I have been personally witness to this influence of Ramayan across boundaries,” Ambassador Sandhu added. (ANI)

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Let individuals make reasonable choice: Tharoor Amid Participation Of Oppn Leaders At Ram Temple

By LokMarg 28th December 2023

Amid the row over the Left skipping out of the grand consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 and doubts around the participation of other top Opposition leaders invited to the event, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said the invitees should be able to make their choice in the matter.

The senior Congress leader said the Opposition leaders should not be branded ‘anti-Hindu’ if they don’t attend the consecration of the Ram Temple and neither should they be seen to be “playing into BJP hands” if they do.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Thiruvananthapuram MP, taking a dig at a section of the media, said, “(There are attempts at) Putting the Congress leadership in a box and saying that if you go, that means you are playing into the hands of the BJP. If you don’t go, that means you are anti-Hindu. Let the individuals make a reasonable choice,” Tharoor said on Thursday.

On whether giving the consecration of the Ram Temple a miss could hurt the prospects of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha polls next year, Tharoor said, “People are trying to make it a political issue but is that fair?”

“Going to a temple is an individual decision. Individuals have been invited, let them make their own decisions. To my mind, a temple is absolutely not a political stage, it is a place for people to contemplate the divine and do their prayers and it is a personal choice. Individuals have been invited and letting individuals decide if they wish to go is my stand,” the Congress MP added.

Claiming that he was yet to receive a formal invite to attend the Ram Temple consecration, Tharoor said, “As far as I am concerned, I have not been invited, so I don’t have to make the decision. But my own view is that I don’t think of the temple as a political stage and if it is a political event, then it is not the same as going to the temple to pray. Going to the temple to pray to my mind is a different exercise. From going to the temple to attend a huge political gathering for political speeches led by political politicians, or for those reasons, I am not terribly inclined to see the issue in those terms.”

The MP informed further that three or four members of his party have been invited to the event.

“In my mind, let individuals make their own decision, as it is a personal choice. If the party takes a collective decision, they will let us know, but right now, three or four members have been invited from the party, and they will certainly be making the decisions,” Tharoor added.

Earlier, the chairman of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Construction Committee invited former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the party’s leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury for the consecration ceremony.

However, the attendance of senior Congress leaders has not yet been confirmed by the party.

The ceremony, scheduled for January 22, will witness the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla at the grand temple.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the grand temple opening, several dignitaries from all walks of life are also expected to attend the event.

The temple trust has also invited 4,000 saints of all sects for the ceremony.

The trust has decided to enthrone the idol of Lord Ram inside the sanctum sanctorum between noon and 12.45 pm on January 22.

Lakshmi Kant Dixit, a Vedic priest, is scheduled to perform the main rituals of the consecration ceremony on January 22. (ANI)

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India Calls For Immediate Release Of Israeli Hostages, De-Escalation: MEA

By LokMarg 9th November 2023

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, India on Thursday called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages while also urged to de-escalate the situation to resume direct peace negotiations towards a two state solution.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India has also shared its concern over the rising death toll of civilians during conflict.

“We (India) made our position very clear on multiple occasions during the UNGA debate. We have strongly condemned the horrific attack on Israel, urged the need for zero tolerance for terrorism and called for immediate and unconditional release of hostages,”he said while strongly condemning the barbaric Hamas attack on Israel on October 7.

Retierating India’s stand for supporting two-state solution for resolving the Isreal-Palestine issuse, Bagchi said,”We have also conveyed our deep concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the increasing civilian toll and welcomed efforts to de-escalate the situation and provide humanitarian assistance. We have also urged the parties to de-escalate violence and work towards creating conditions for early resumption of direct peace negotiations towards a two state solution.”

While addressing the MEA weekly press briefing, he also went on to mention the humanitarian assistance provided by India to the war-torn Gaza and shared that India has also requested both the sides engaged in war to de-escalate the situation.

MEA spokesperson said, “India has also sent 38 tonnes of humanitarian relief material. We have emphasised strict observance of international humanitarian law”.

Notably, the medical supplies were sent by India for the people of Palestine included essential life-saving medicines and protective and surgical items aimed at handling emergency medical conditions. While arranging the medical supply, wound care was also taken into consideration.

Fluids and painkillers have been included in humanitarian aid for immediate relief. The disaster relief material weighing approximately 32 tons includes tents, sleeping bags, tarpaulins, basic sanitary utilities, water purification tablets etc.

Bagchi, in a response to the question on reports of India workers’ replacement in Israel, he informed that they are working to ensure the safety of Indians working in the world and shared that a lot of Indians have been working as caregivers in Israel .

He added, “We have been working towards giving our citizens access to a global workplace. We are in discussion to try and get into mobility agreements with a number of countries. In Israel, already a number of workers are employed there, especially in the caregiver sector. We have been discussing a bilateral framework in the construction and caregiver sectors. But this is a long-term initiative, I’m not as I said aware of the specific requests are numbers that are floating….”

Meanwhile, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) Spokeswoman Shani Sasson on Thursday highlighted that 665 trucks have entered Gaza through Rafah as of Wednesday, stressing that, the trucks contain food, medicine, tents and water for the Gazans.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) shared the video message of COGAT spokesperson Sasson on X, emphasizing that the IDF is facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians through COGAT.

International organizations and several countries have been providing humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza where the ongoing Israel-Hamas war entered a new phase after the Israel Defence Force entered Gaza City to eliminate Hamas operatives. (ANI)

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Muntashir Gets Police Security Amid ‘Adipurush’ Backlash

By LokMarg 19th June 2023

After facing backlash for the dialogues in ‘Adipurush’, writer Manoj Muntashir has requested protection, citing a threat to his life. Mumbai Police has provided him security and said that they are investigating the matter.

Earlier, Manoj along with the directors and producers of the film decided to make specific changes in the dialogue of the movie.
During a conversation with ANI, he said, “Our aim was to present the true heroes of Sanatan to our younger generation. There is an objection to 5 dialogues and they will be changed. If people are not liking some parts, then it’s our responsibility to fix them.”

He also took to his Twitter handle and wrote a long post that why he has been questioned and abused for his dialogues in the film. “It is possible that in a 3-hour film, I have written something different from your imagination for 3 minutes, but I could not know why you were in such a hurry to write Sanatan-Drohi on my forehead. Have you not heard the song ‘Jai Shri Ram’, Didn’t hear ‘Shivoham’, Haven’t heard ‘Ram Siya Ram’? These praises of Sanatan in Adipurush are also born from my pen. I have also written ‘Teri Mitti’ and ‘Desh Mere’.”

He further mentioned, “We have created Adipurush for Sanatan Seva, which you are seeing in large numbers and I am sure you will see in future as well.”

Manoj also shared, “Why this post? Because for me there is nothing greater than your feeling. I can give countless arguments in favour of my dialogues, but this will not reduce your pain. Me and the producer-director of the film have decided that some of the dialogues which are hurting you, we’ll revise them, and they’ll be added to the film this week.”

As many opposed the controversial dialogues used in the film, a group of people protested, expressing their displeasure over the film. They were later detained by Hazratganj Police.

Directed by Om Raut, ‘Adipurush’ stars Prabhas as Lord Ram, Kriti Sanon as Goddess Sita, Sunny Singh as Laxman and Saif Ali Khan as Ravan. (ANI)