Mosques, churches in Kerala unfurl national flag to protest CAA
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 26: Latin churches and mosques under Wakf board in Kerala hoisted the national flag and read out the preamble to the Constitution on Sunday on the occasion of Republic day, in protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Priests of all Latin churches read out a pastoral letter against the law, saying it was "unconstitutional" and affects not just the Muslim community but the whole of the country.
Observing January 26 as the day to protect the Constitution, the letter said the biggest crime was to divide the people.
"Dividing the people is the biggest crime. It's happening here. The CAA is unconstitutional. It's also against the secular democratic values of the country... This is not just against the Muslims. But against the whole population of the country," the pastoral letter said.
It also said the interpretation of the Act and the explanation given by the authorities imply that one religion is going to get prominence in the country.
"As per the Constitution, India is a sovereign,socialist, secular, democratic republic. Everyone has a right to believe and practice in any religion as they like...
But in today's scenario, it seems like we are heading towards a one-religion based community," it said.
The believers were asked to take a pledge to protect the Constitution.
The letter was read out after the Sunday mass in the churches all over the state.
The National flag was also hoisted in the premises of the churches.
All mosques registered under the Wakf Board also unfurled the tricolour as part of the Republic Day celebrations and read out the preamble to the Constitution in protest against the CAA.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
