Modi critic Bhagawan praises PM for Govt's Kashmir move
Bengaluru: Litterateur and historian K S Bhagawan, a staunch critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has heaped praise on him for government's move to revoke Article 370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The decision has rid the people of Kashmir of their sufferings and brought happiness to the country, Bhagawan said.
"I am proud and happy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave a permanent mark in the history of the country. Jai Narendra Modi," he said in a hand-written press release.
The move has brought the the entire nation under one constitution, Bhagawan said, adding, the entire country was "desperately" waiting for it.
Without elaborating, the rationalist said at least Rs seven crore to Rs eight crore was being "wasted" per day in Kashmir, which can now be utilised for the people's welfare.
Later speaking to PTI, Bhagawan said: "There was a distinction between rest of the country and Kashmir. Modi erased that dichotomy in one go."
Justifying applauding Modi on the issue, Bhagawan said whatever is good for the country should be appreciated. "What former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not do, was made possible by Modi, which everyone should welcome," he said.
The controversial author was reportedly in the hit list of a "right wing gang", which was allegedly behind the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh and rationalist M M Kalburgi, following which his security was strengthened.
Bhagawan had drawn flak in February 2015 when he allegedly stated that certain stanzas of the Bhagavad Gita should be burnt as they promote caste-based discrimination against the "Shudras" or the lowest strata of Hindu society.
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MEA reports more than 200 Indians enlisted in Russian military since 2022; 26 deaths confirmed
More than 200 Indian nationals have joined the Russian armed forces since 2022, with 26 are confirmed dead, MEA—The Ministry of External Affairs have informed the Upper house of the Parliament: Rajya Sabha.
In a written response, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, has stated that at least 202 Indians are reported to have joined the Russian army. Among these recruited personnels, 26 have lost their lives; while, seven individuals have been reported missing by Russian authorities. He added that the remains of two deceased Indian nationals were cremated in Russia.
Singh noted that the sustained diplomatic efforts by the Indian government have led to the early discharge of 119 individuals. He further added that the discussions are going smoothly with the Russians to secure the release of the remaining personnel, with efforts underway to facilitate the early discharge of 50 more Indian nationals.
According to the minister, the Union government is in contact with Russian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt return of Indian citizens serving in the Russian army. The issue, he said, is being addressed at multiple levels, including interactions between senior leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
The said disclosure was made in response to queries raised by Saket Gokhale, the MP of Trinamool Congress, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, the MP of INC, regarding the number of Indians allegedly recruited into the military service in Russia; Along with the details of deaths and missing persons reported since 2022.
