Civil services coaching teacher Avadh Ojha joins AAP
New Delhi, Dec 2: Civil services coaching teacher and motivational speaker Avadh Ojha joined the Aam Aadmi Party on Monday in the presence of party chief Arvind Kejriwal and senior leader Manish Sisodia.
Ojha said he is aligned with the party's ideology focused on the future of children and termed the development of education his biggest ambition.
"Education is a medium that forms the soul of our families, the fabric of our society, and the bedrock of our nation. All great nations across the world have had education as a cornerstone of their progress," Ojha said after joining the party.
"I want to thank Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia for giving me a chance to work in the field of education in politics," he added.
AAP chief Kejriwal said that Ojha's joining the party will strengthen its efforts to improve the education system.
“Whenever we welcome a new leader into the AAP, we often say that their presence will strengthen the party. Today, I would like to say that Avadh Ojha’s entry into politics will strengthen the entire education system in the country," Kejriwal said.
The AAP has been at the forefront of revolutionary work in the education sector, and through this platform, Ojha’s contribution to education will further empower the nation, and together, we will work to fulfil Baba Saheb’s dreams, the former Delhi chief minister added.
Speaking on the occasion, Sisodia said it was a special day as Ojha, who has been doing good work in education, joined the AAP.
"He has not only inspired millions of youth but has also transformed their lives through his efforts. Additionally, the impactful work he has done through various mediums reflects his stature as a great teacher," Sisodia said.
Ojha began his teaching career in 2005, specializing in History, and holds an array of academic qualifications, including MA in Hindi Literature, LLB, MPhil, and PhD in Hindi Literature, an official statement of AAP said.
Delhi assembly elections are likely to be held in February next year. The ruling AAP, which won 62 of 70 seats in 2020, is eyeing a third consecutive term.
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Centre targeting Muslims with Waqf (Amendment) Bill, lacks majority to pass it in Parliament: Mamata
Kolkata, Dec 2: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday slammed the BJP-led central government over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing it of targeting Muslims and expressing doubts on its passage in Parliament.
Touching upon the reduction of the minority Hindu population in Bangladesh and the ongoing unrest in the neighbouring country, she questioned the Centre's alleged inaction in the matter.
The chief minister, during a debate in the West Bengal assembly on a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of "fostering divisiveness, neglecting Constitutional norms, and mishandling issues like Bangladesh's minorities, the NRC, UCC, and CAA".
Banerjee alleged that the Centre had "bypassed" state governments over the matter and criticised the "lack of dialogue" on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024.
“The Centre did not consult us on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill,” she claimed.
Banerjee also questioned the timing and process of the proposed legislation, stating, "The budget session is in February. Will you not discuss this Bill with the state before that? Is there no time for it? Will you not consult the state? We raised objections after noticing an advertisement."
Apparently referring to her letter to the Centre on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, she said, "I don’t know if they even acknowledged it."
She accused the Centre of pushing a "divisive agenda" by singling out Muslims.
"Why is a single religion being targeted in the name of this Waqf (Amendment) Bill? Why are Muslims being targeted? Would you dare to do the same with the properties of various Hindu temple trusts or churches? The answer is no. But, targeting a specific community suits your divisive agenda,” Banerjee claimed.
“Will the BJP be able to pass this Bill in Parliament as it lacks a two-thirds majority?” she asked.
Banerjee made the remarks during the first day of a two-day discussion on a resolution opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, moved under Rule 169 by state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.
Banerjee criticised what she termed "misleading narratives around Waqf properties", calling these baseless allegations.
"Religion is personal, but festivals are for everyone. Those who are suddenly changing their stance now used to say one thing yesterday, and today they say something completely different. It's all misleading and distorting. They're saying that wherever you touch, it becomes Waqf. They claimed that even our MPs have said this. Such are baseless remarks,” she claimed.
The Trinamool Congress chief criticised the BJP for "making opposition members silent" during the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) deliberations on the Bill.
“In the JPC, opposition members are not allowed to speak. That is why they have boycotted it,” Banerjee claimed.
She claimed that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was formed because of public pressure and alleged that her party’s MPs were excluded from discussions.
"Their visits were cancelled. They were supposed to come to Kolkata. Why are they afraid of Kolkata? Surely, there’s something fishy about this," she claimed.
Banerjee emphasised that constitutional norms must be respected.
"We cannot interfere with others’ independence. The Constitution does not give us that right. Do you (BJP) have a majority? First, it has to be passed in Lok Sabha, then Rajya Sabha. You will need a two-thirds majority to pass this," she remarked.
On the situation in Bangladesh, the CM said the Union government should take steps to protect Hindus in the neighbouring country.
"If the minority population in Bangladesh has decreased, is that our fault? Why didn’t the central government address this issue? Were they sitting idle? We tried to bring many from there but couldn’t. Many Hindus wanted to come here. We provided food for them, but you don’t know that. Many Muslims also came here," she claimed.
Banerjee pointed out the alleged communal undertones in political rhetoric by the BJP leaders, saying, "Are Muslims living only in this country? Don’t they live in other countries? Then why do you target Bengal? Whether fortunate or unfortunate, this country got divided into three parts."
She recounted the Beldanga incident, where communal tensions flared a few weeks back.
"During the Kartik Puja, abusive remarks were made against me in lighting displays. In another place, there were abusive remarks about a specific community in the lighting. Despite multiple warnings, they didn’t listen, leading to clashes. I stayed awake the entire night, along with the DGP and the chief secretary."
"A few mischievous people indulge in riots, and the common people suffer," she added.
