Former JNU student leader Shehla Rashid reveals why she started supporting PM Modi; Here's why
New Delhi: Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Shehla Rashid expressed a shift in her perspective on Kashmir, stating that the region is not comparable to Gaza. She acknowledged changes in Jammu and Kashmir and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's policies for bringing about a bloodless political solution.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Rashid admitted to sympathizing with stone pelters in 2010 but indicated a change in her views. She emphasized that the current situation in Kashmir is distinct from Gaza, citing a reduction in protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency and infiltrations.
In 2010, yes," Shehla Rashid said. "But today, when I see it, I am much more grateful for today's situation. Kashmir is not Gaza, it has become clear that Kashmir is not Gaza, because Kashmir was just involved in these back-and-forth protests and sporadic incidents of insurgency and infiltrations," she said.
Rashid praised the present government, especially Modi and Shah, for breaking the ice and achieving a political solution without bloodshed. She previously commended the government's efforts to improve the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
"All of those things, somebody needed to break the ice, and for that, I would like to credit the present government, especially the Prime Minister and the Home Minister."
The former student leader acknowledged her struggles at JNU, particularly after the sedition charges against former research scholar Umar Khalid and then JNU Student Union president Kanhaiya Kumar in 2017. Rashid highlighted the backlash against JNU and emphasized that certain slogans, such as 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge' and 'Laal Salam,' were never raised at the university.
Umar Khalid, charged with sedition and criminal conspiracy, was arrested nearly two years ago in connection with the northeast Delhi riots. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for his alleged role in the incident.
Sharing the interview on social media, Rashid captioned it, “What caused my change of heart is the realisation that the Hon'ble PM @narendramodi is a selfless man who is taking radical decisions to transform India. He has braved intense criticism but remained steadfast to his vision of inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”
This was not the first time Rashid praised the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, in August this year, Rashid, who has been a vocal critic of the Modi government's decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status on August 5, 2019, as well as its subsequent division into two Union territories, praised the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for their efforts in improving the human rights situation in the Valley.
What caused my change of heart is the realisation that the Hon'ble PM @narendramodi is a selfless man who is taking radical decisions to transform India. He has braved intense criticism but remained steadfast to his vision of inclusive development that leaves no one behind. pic.twitter.com/s06cA2Q2ua
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) November 16, 2023
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Vijay unable to prove majority, not invited for CM oath ceremony: Sources
Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay has reportedly not been invited to take oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after failing to demonstrate support from the required number of MLAs, sources in Raj Bhavan said.
According to media reports that quoted sources in the office of R.N. Ravi Arlekar, Vijay could not prove the backing of 118 legislators, the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
Despite last-minute efforts to secure support from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam (AMMK), and an IUML legislator, Vijay reportedly managed support from only 116 MLAs, falling short by two members.
Sources said Vijay failed to submit letters of support from the VCK and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML).
Later, the IUML issued a statement clarifying that it was not part of the TVK-led alliance.
Meanwhile, AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran is also said to have informed the Governor that his party would support the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) instead.
Earlier in the evening, Vijay had met Governor Arlekar and staked claim to form the government, stating that he enjoyed the support of 118 MLAs.
