BJP drops sitting MLA from candidate list from Udupi, epicenter of Hijab row
Fields controversial, emerging Hindutva leader Yashpal Suvarna from constituency
Udupi: In a surprising move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dropped Raghupathi Bhat, a prominent leader in Coastal Karnataka, from its list of candidates for the upcoming Karnataka elections. Bhat, who is the MLA for the Udupi constituency, had played a key role in the controversial Hijab row in his constituency.
The decision to drop Bhat from the list of candidates has surprised many, as he was seen as one of the contenders for the party’s ticket from the constituency. Bhat's removal has also raised questions about the party's strategy and approach toward the upcoming elections.
While Bhat's role in the Hijab row has been a topic of discussion. The BJP has not given any official reason for his removal.
Bhat's involvement in the Hijab row had sparked widespread protests in the Udupi region. Bhat, who was the President of the college development committee at the Women’s Government PU College, Udupi where the Hijab issue first began, had sought the case to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the protests.
It is worth noting that Bhat has been replaced by Yashpal Suvarna as the BJP candidate in the Udupi constituency.
Yashpal Suvarna is one of the staunchest supporters of Hindutva ideology and had made controversial remarks against protesters in the Hijab row. He went on to call the protesters and petitioners of the Hijab row ‘terrorists’. He was also the vice president of the college committee at the Women’s Government PU College during the Hijab row.
Apart from his role in the Hijab issue, Suvarna was also one of the main accused in the infamous 2005 Adiudupi lynching of a father-son duo alleging cattle transport. He was later acquitted in the case.
Suvarna belongs to the Mogaveera community which holds a major vote share in the district. He has emerged as one of the staunchest supporters of Hindutva in Coastal Karnataka. The move of the BJP is being seen as an attempt to further its Hindutva agenda by fielding supporters of Hindutva.
The Karnataka elections are expected to be closely contested, with the BJP and the opposition parties vying for the support of the voters.
The BJP is hoping to win a majority of the seats in the region and form the next government in Karnataka. Bhat's removal from the list of candidates has thrown a curveball in the party's election strategy, and it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the party's prospects in the upcoming elections.
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Eminent writer Vinod Kumar Shukla's last rites performed with full state honours in Raipur
Raipur (PTI): The last rites of renowned Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Award recipient Vinod Kumar Shukla were performed with full state honours in state capital Raipur on Wednesday.
The last rites of the 88-year-old writer were held at Marwadi Shamshan Ghat in Budha Talab area here this afternoon where senior officials, litterateur, journalists and people from other walks of life bid an emotional farewell to him. His son Shashwat Shukla lit the funeral pyre.
Prior to that, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of the late litterateur at Shailendra Nagar here and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.
Talking to reporters, Sai said the demise of Vinod Kumar Shukla has caused an irreparable loss to Hindi literature.
"Born in the soil of Chhattisgarh, Shukla's writings are a unique blend of sensitivity, human values and simple yet profound expression. His literary contribution took Hindi literature to new heights," the CM said.
"His works not only deeply touch readers but will continue to inspire and guide future generations. His contribution to the literary world will always be remembered," Sai added.
The CM offered a wreath on Shukla's mortal remains and prayed for peace to the departed soul. He also lent his shoulder to Shukla's mortal remains and joined the funeral procession, bidding an emotional farewell to the renowned writer.
Talking to reporters after visiting Shukla's residence, noted poet Dr Kumar Vishwas said his death marks the end of an era in Indian poetry.
Recalling his association with the writer, Vishwas said that for those born in the 1970s and whose literary consciousness developed in the 1980s, reading and listening to Vinod Kumar Shukla was an experience in itself.
Indian and Hindi poetry have suffered a major loss with his passing, he said.
He remained away from publicity and lived like a quiet seeker, and departed in the same serene manner. Indian poetry will always remember him for his immense contribution. I have come to pay my final respects, Dr Vishwas said.
Shukla died on Tuesday evening due to age-related ailments at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur.
Born on January 1, 1937, in Rajnandgaon (now in Chhattisgarh), Vinod Kumar Shukla is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature. He authored acclaimed novels such as "Naukar Ki Kameez", "Khilega To Dekhenge", "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" and "Ek Chuppi Jagah".
His work captures the emotions of ordinary people, portraying everyday life, and exploring the intricate realities of society. He was widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in Hindi literature, known for his unique, simple, and deeply evocative writing style.
Shukla received both of India's most prestigious literary honours: The Sahitya Akademi Award for "Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi" in 1999, and the 59th Jnanpith Award in November this year, becoming only the 12th Hindi author to earn this distinguished recognition.
The Jnanpith award was presented to him on November 21 at a small ceremony held at his residence. He was the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive the prestigious award.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on November 1, spoke to the family members of the acclaimed writer and enquired about his health and well-being.
Shukla's novel "Naukar Ki Kameez" was adapted into a film of the same name by filmmaker Mani Kaul.
