Ex-prez’s tightrope walk that wasn’t
The entry of RSS into mainstream politics in India, using the window created by JP movement is part of history now. RSS was tainted with the accusations of having killed Gandhi. This organization was banned and rejected by people, for not having participated in the freedom movement and subsequently having killed the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. But the same RSS used the phase of emergency very effectively to stage a comeback into the mainstream politics. It’s rather a joke that RSS and Hindu Mahasabha that rests on the dictatorial mode of functioning working on the Hindutva agenda alone, would unite against ‘emergency’ imposed by Indira Gandhi. If leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan had any vision and maintained distance from RSS, the organization would not have been part of mainstream politics now. Owing to JP’s ‘mistake’, RSS has spread in the country like a creeper and the country is paying a price for the soft approach some leaders adapted towards this organisation.
Now, the discussion is raging on the appropriateness of former President Pranab Mukherjee’s participation in RSS event. Some argue this upholds his ‘soft hindutva’ approach that he nurses as a Brahmin. But there are others who believe he gave some strong messages to the organization through his speech emphasizing on tolerance and plurality of the country.
A prominent member of Congress, former Prime Minister who was a Brahmin too P V Narasimha Rao contributed to the growth of RSS by silently concurring the razing of Babri Masjid during his tenure. Now Congress is trying to save face saying Pranab Mukherjee made some very strong points about the strength of this nation, democracy and constitution in his speech at the RSS HQ. Mukherjee’s daughter condemned his decision to be at RSS Hq in the strongest of her words.
Pranab Mukherjee is someone who has maintained his distance from the core values of Congress. He is his own man most times. Though he enjoyed every benefit of office Congress offered to him in terms of plum posts, he always nursed some sort of a silent animosity towards the party that never made him the Prime Minister. He is also a deeply religious person, owing to his Bengali Brahmin roots. He would make regular visits to Tirupati temple even when he was in the office of the President, giving ample opportunity for the media to cover his visits. A person in high office can be religious for sure but then he should not act in a way that puts a question on his religious leanings while in public office. But Pranab Mukherjee would do this more often than not. And it is evident that even BJP nurses soft approach towards him. Now, Mukherjee thinks it is an honour that has been bestowed upon him that RSS invited him to speak at their HQ.
The question here is not whether one should or not participate in the events of a particular organization that has views that are contrary to the one his party holds. The whole issue here is about the invitee organization holding ideals that are totally against the spirit of democracy and constitution of this country. It is no secret what RSS has never accepted this country’s democracy. The founder RSS Hedgewar never approved of secular India and has rejected the Indian flag as categorically as possible. He wanted India to be a ‘Hindu nation’. RSS stands in the position of ‘accused’ in the murder of Mahatma Gandhi. In the recent communal clashes and blasts that were staged in some parts of the country, RSS Chief Indresh Kumar’s name had figured. With all this, Pranab Mukherjee as an astute statesman and former President of India, had a bounden duty to understand the implications of his acceptance. This was not a public programme organized by RSS but a closed event only for its significant members. They already have Golwalkar occupying every bit of their ideology. They want to reject the democracy, change it and turn the country into a Hindu nation. The organization invited Mukherjee in full awareness of what he would address when he speaks here. And looks like Mukherjee was totally fine with the fact. Congress is celebrating his speech stating he celebrated tolerance and plurality in his speech. Mukherjee has also heaped praised on Hedgewar during his speech, despite knowing his opinions about democracy and Indian flag. This was an unnecessary tightrope walk Mukherjee has risked. He wants to be relevant to both sides, and a hero at that. Looks like he silently approves of this whole plot of getting acceptance for Hedgewar. He has joined hands with anti-Democracy forces. With this, he has further damaged the prospects of Congress in the country.
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Kancha Gachibowli: Police impose entry restrictions on 400-acre parcel land near varsity
Hyderabad (PTI): The Cyberabad Police has imposed restrictions on the entry of people into a 400-acre land parcel in Kancha Gachibowli, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad (UoH), citing the prevailing law and order situation and the need to maintain public tranquility.
The Telangana government’s plan to auction this ecologically sensitive land for the construction of urban infrastructure and an IT Park has triggered protests by the UoH Students’ Union.
The matter is currently being heard in both the Telangana High Court and the Supreme Court.
In view of the Supreme Court's orders, the directions of the Central Empowered Committee, and the prevailing law and order situation, DCP (Madhapur Zone) Vineeth G issued an order prohibiting people who do not ordinarily have work in the area from entering it for any purpose other than their bona fide duties.
The order aims to prevent danger to human life and safety, maintain public tranquility, and avert the possibility of riots, affray, or obstruction to any person lawfully discharging their duties.
The order was issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restricts unauthorised gatherings.
According to a notification, the order will remain in force from 6 am on Friday until April 16, covering the 400-acre area that is currently the subject of litigation in both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the UoHSU held a rally on campus late Friday evening, demanding the removal of police camps from the premises and the fulfillment of their other demands, including the revocation of FIRs against students, civil society groups, and other activists.
They also demanded that the UoH administration file a petition in the High Court asserting ownership of the land.
On Thursday, the Telangana High Court posted the case for hearing on April 7.
The Supreme Court, also on Thursday, asked the Telangana government to explain the "compelling urgency" behind clearing a large tree cover on the land parcel next to the university and stayed any further activity until further orders.
The court inquired about the status of the felled trees and directed the Central Empowered Committee to visit the site and submit a report before April 16, when the matter will be heard again.
Following the Apex Court’s directive, the Telangana government has decided to form a committee of ministers to hold discussions with the UoH executive committee, civil society groups, students, and other stakeholders to address concerns over the land parcel adjacent to the university.
Responding to the Supreme Court's order to stay any further activity until further notice, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu said in a joint statement on Thursday that the government would abide by the apex court's directives.
They said the government would submit the information sought by the Supreme Court within the stipulated timeframe.
The state government has full confidence in the Supreme Court, and justice will prevail, they added. The government has also directed police officials not to act harshly towards the students.
Earlier police said that when the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC) began development work at the site on March 30, as per a government order, a group comprising UoH students and others gathered there and attempted to forcibly halt the work. They allegedly attacked officials and workers with sticks and stones.
Following the incident, 53 individuals were taken into preventive custody and later released on personal bonds.
Based on a complaint from the TGIIC, a case was registered at the Gachibowli Police Station for various offences, including unlawful assembly, rioting, and assault on public servants, under relevant sections of the BNS, police said.
Police also said that two individuals were arrested and clarified that they are no longer students of the university.
The Telangana government had earlier stated that the 400-acre land in Kancha Gachibowli belongs to the state.
