Eminent Scholar, Lawyer A G Noorani passes away at 93
Mumbai: Eminent scholar, lawyer, and political commentator A G Noorani passed away on Thursday in Mumbai at the age of 93. Noorani, widely respected for his deep expertise in constitutional matters and incisive political analysis, left a significant mark on Indian scholarship and journalism.
Over his long and distinguished career, Noorani authored several influential books, including the well-known "The Kashmir Question," and contributed columns to major dailies across the country, including Greater Kashmir. His writings, particularly on issues related to Indian Muslims and constitutional law, were highly regarded for their depth and insight. He also presented numerous papers at seminars nationwide, educating audiences on a wide range of critical issues.
The news of Noorani’s passing has been met with widespread condolence messages from across the political and academic spectrum.
Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), paid tribute to Noorani on X, writing, "AG Noorani, a giant among scholars, has passed away. I learnt a great deal from him, from the constitution, to Kashmir, to China, & even the art of appreciating good food. May Allah grant him maghfirah."
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed his sorrow on X, stating, "Sorry to hear about the demise of A G Noorani Sb earlier today. Noorani Sb was a man of letters, an accomplished lawyer, a scholar & a political commentator. He wrote extensively on matters of law and on subjects like Kashmir, RSS, and the constitution. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat."
Journalist Iftikhar Gilani took to Facebook to share his thoughts, noting, "Just received news that distinguished scholar, lawyer, and political commentator A. G. Noorani is no more. He breathed his last a few minutes ago in Mumbai. His loss is a significant one for all who value rigorous, insightful analysis and thoughtful discourse. May his legacy endure and continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, A.G. Noorani."
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Misuse of power, money to control election mechanism seen during Maharashtra polls: Sharad Pawar
Pune (PTI): NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday claimed the misuse of power and money to control the entire election mechanism, which was never before seen in any state assembly or national polls, was witnessed in Maharashtra.
Pawar made the statement when he visited senior activist Dr Baba Adhav, who is protesting against the alleged "misuse of EVMs" in the recent state polls in Maharashtra.
Adhav, who is in his 90s, began his three-day protest at Phule Wada, the residence of social reformer Jyotiba Phule, in the city on Thursday.
The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies, the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), have been alleging manipulation of EVMs in the recently held Maharashtra Assembly elections, which saw a landslide victory by the Mahayuti.
The Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, won 230 out of 288 assembly seats in the November 20 polls, while the MVA managed just 46 seats.Talking to reporters, Pawar said elections were conducted recently in the country, and there is a restlessness among the people about these.
Baba Adhav's agitation represents this restlessness, he said.
He said, "There is a murmur among the people that the recent polls in Maharashtra saw 'misuse of power' and 'floods of money', which was never seen in the past. Such things are heard of in local-level polls, but taking over the entire election mechanism with the help of money and misuse of power was not seen before. However, we witnessed it in Maharashtra, and people are restless now."
He added that people were recalling late socialist ideologue Jaiprakash Narayan and felt somebody should take a step forward.
"I heard Baba Adhav has taken a lead into this issue and is agitating at Phule Wada. His protest gives hope to the people, but it is not enough. A mass revolt is necessary, as the danger of the parliamentary democracy getting destroyed looms," Pawar said.
The former Union minister said those who have reins of the country in their hands are least bothered about this.
"Despite widespread discussion over it (alleged misuse of EVMs) in the country, whenever the opposition tries to raise the issue in the Parliament, they are not allowed to speak. Opposition leaders have been seeking an opportunity to speak on these issues for six days, but their demands have not been accepted even once. It shows they want to attack parliamentary democracy," he claimed.
He said Dr Adhav's protest is a fine example of someone revolting against the issue and expressed confidence that his protest will create a ripple effect.
