Even Christians unable to celebrate Christmas in BJP-ruled States: TN CM
Chennai (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday claimed that even Christians were not able to celebrate Christmas peacefully in BJP-ruled States.
Referring to a recent comment made by the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Muslims, Stalin said he did not want to lower the dignity of the Iftar function by recalling about the incident that occurred in the north eastern state.
"Not just Muslims, even Christians cannot celebrate Christmas peacefully in BJP-ruled states." Stalin alleged while taking part in an Iftar function here on Sunday.
Sarma had allegedly made some "anti-Muslim" remarks in February which was slammed by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which had urged the Supreme Court to take immediate cognisance of the matter.
Noting that a large number of Islamic organisations have gathered together to take part in the function, Stalin said, "(Today) all minority movements are on one stage. Has it ever been like this before. It was the DMK that created this integration."
"This unity is essential for Tamil Nadu, in fact, it is essential for the whole of India," he stressed.
Hitting out at rival AIADMK and its chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, the DMK chief sought to know whether the former has commented anything about the violence against minorities happening across the country.
"What we ask Palaniswami is that along with the AIADMK party, have you mortgaged your conscience to the BJP. That is what is painful," he alleged.
Stalin asked, "How can Palaniswami establish the rights and safety of minority communities, when their alliance partner BJP spreads hatred against them and seeks to benefit from it? It is not just Palaniswami, many in the country are like this who remain silent whenever trouble occurs to the Muslims through the BJP."
He underlined that it was the DMK which was the first to raise its voice for the rights of Muslims and had passed resolutions in the state Assembly. "That is why the minority community people always stand as a support to the DMK," he said.
Observing that the relationship between the DMK and the Muslims did not happen overnight, Stalin said, "It is a relationship that existed since this movement began. From the time of Quaid-e-Millat to Perarignar Anna (DMK founder CN Annadurai), to Kalaignar M Karunanidhi and now to me, this is a relationship that continues generation after generation."
"This bond is inseparable and will continue forever," he said.
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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
