Descendants of Razakars, how can they talk to us?: BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis slams AIMIM chief Owaisi
Mumbai: As Maharashtra’s Assembly elections draw near, a heated war of words broke out between Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. Fadnavis hit out at Owaisi, saying 'they are descendants of 'Razakars'.
Speaking to media persons during his election rally in Nagpur on Monday, Fadnavis said, “They are descendants of 'Razakars'. The 'Razakars' tortured the people of Marathwada, looted their lands, tried to rape women, and destroyed families. How can they talk to us?”
His remarks come after Owaisi earlier claimed that while his ancestors did jihad against the British, Fadnavis' ancestors were busy writing love letters.
The term 'Razakar', meaning ‘volunteer’ or ‘helper’ in Persian and Urdu, is back in spotlight after the recent conflict in Bangladesh, where now-ousted Sheikh Hasina had referred to the protesting students as 'razakars' or those who had sided with Pakistan during Bangladesh's freedom struggle.
Polling for Maharashtra's 288 assembly seats is set for November 20, with results to be announced on November 23.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
