Hindus, women real victims of right-wing's politics: Sasikanth Senthil
'Manava Ratna' Award to Senthil, 'Seva Ratna' to K S Nisar Ahmed, 'Souharda Ratna' to Fr. Martis
Udupi, November 10: Thiruvallur MP and former IAS officer Sasikant Senthil has voiced concerns that Hindus and women are among the most affected by the rise of right-wing politics in India. He made these remarks while receiving the 'Manava Ratna' award at a ceremony organized by the Udupi District Muslim Okkuta on Sunday, held at the Basel Mission Memorial Auditorium.
In his address, Senthil argued that although Muslims are often seen as targets of right-wing politics, Hindus and women face serious consequences as well. "Eighty percent of Hindus have enjoyed respect and rights after the constitution came into effect," he stated. He added that the objectives of right-wing forces include undermining the Constitution and dividing the country through fear-based politics. According to Senthil, a minority of 20% seeks to control and diminish equality in society, contrasting with 80% of Hindus who have traditionally benefitted from constitutional rights and access to education.
Senthil warned that right-wing politics operates not on hate alone but primarily through fear, manipulating insecurities to sway voters. "This fear-driven approach fuels societal conflicts, which eventually become dangerous for everyone," he said, adding that it is the responsibility of all, especially the majority community, to oppose such divisive politics by upholding constitutional values. He emphasized that the silence of the majority is a significant factor in the growth of right-wing politics, which must be confronted to protect India’s unity.
Dr. Purushottama Bilidmale, President of the Kannada Development Authority, spoke at the event, acknowledging the longstanding contributions of Muslims in fostering communal harmony in India. He noted that a lack of awareness about India’s inclusive culture has led to the spread of misconceptions. "Our history has a strong foundation in unity," he stated, urging society to collectively work towards preserving harmony.
Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor of Yenepoya University, inaugurated the event, emphasizing the significance of inter-community relationships in building a strong, harmonious society. He stressed that caste, religion, and language should not hinder friendship among communities, which is essential for sustaining national unity.
Yasin Malpe, President of the Udupi District Muslim Okkuta, expressed concern about the systematic spread of hatred in society, particularly against Muslims. He argued that media platforms are being used to sow religious discord among youth and school children. "An entire community is being targeted for the wrongs of individuals, which hinders the potential success of such friendly gatherings," he said, advocating for initiatives that foster community connections and mutual understanding.
The conference recognized distinguished activists and leaders for their contributions. Sasikant Senthil was awarded the 'Manava Ratna' award, K S Nisar Ahmed, a prominent NRI businessman and well known philanthropist from Karkala, received the 'Seva Ratna' award, and Udupi priest Fr. William Martis was presented with the 'Souharda Ratna' award.
Other notable individuals honored at the event included Dr. Gananath Ekkar for his contributions to literature, former Udupi JPM President Sarasu D. Bangera, Udupi District Women's Union's former President Sarla Kanchan, Dalit leader Annappanakre, and social workers Nithyananda Ukkadu and Hasinar Kodi Kundapura.
The award recipients—Senthil, Ahmed, and Fr. Martis—each donated their award funds to local activists. Senthil’s amount was directed to social activist Nithyananda Ukkadu, Ahmed’s to Annappa Nakre, and Fr. Martis’s to social worker Hasinar Kodi.
During his speech, Senthil urged the community to defend the Constitution as a means to counter right-wing agendas. "The fight isn’t between Hindus and Muslims; it’s about those who believe in the Constitution and those who don’t," he remarked. He underscored that the survival of citizens’ rights depends on the protection of constitutional principles, which he believes will empower a majority of Indians.
The event also featured a Quran recitation by Hafiz Yunus, a friendship song by Shankar Das and his band, and a prayer song by teachers from Hude Salihat School. The Union District General Secretary Idrees Hoode delivered a vote of thanks, while Dr. Jamaluddin Hindi welcomed attendees and narrated the program.
Bilidmale closed the event by stating that forces disrupting harmony are true "traitors," urging citizens to protect the cultural heritage of unity. "Friendship is not imported but is an intrinsic part of our land," he said, calling for a collective effort to rebuild and secure the future of the country and its children.
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Allahabad HC grants bail to 12 accused in Lakhimpur Kheri case
Lucknow (PTI): The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday granted regular bail to 12 accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence which claimed at least eight lives, and in which former Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son Ashish is the main accused.
While approving the release of the accused on bail on Tuesday, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court asked them to cooperate in the trial or their bail would be revoked.
Prime accused Ashish Mishra was already granted regular bail by the Supreme Court in the case earlier this year.
The Allahabad HC bench that granted the bail to the 12 co-accused was presided over by Justice Krishna Pahal.
It approved separate bail petitions filed by Ankit Das, Nandan Singh Bisht, Latif alias Kale, Satyam Tripathi alias Satya Prakash Tripathi, Shekhar Bharti, Dharmendra Singh Banjara, Ashish Pandey, Rinku Rana, Ullas Kumar Trivedi alias Mohit Trivedi, Lavkush, Sumit Jaiswal and Shishupal.
The court had reserved its decision on October 18 after hearing the case in full and pronounced it on Tuesday via video conferencing from the Court.
In the court, the defense counsel argued that the case involves 114 witnesses, yet only seven have testified so far. It also argued the Supreme Court has already granted regular bail to prime accused Ashish Mishra.
The state government and the complainant's counsel opposed the bail petitions.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court noted that completing the trial might take time, and with the prime accused now out on bail and no complaints filed against the other accused during their interim release, the petitions for regular bail were granted.
On October 3, 2021, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri district's Tikunia where violence erupted when farmers were protesting against the then deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area.
According to the Uttar Pradesh Police FIR in the case, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in which Ashish was seated.
Following the incident, the driver of the SUV and two BJP workers were allegedly lynched by angry farmers. A journalist also died in the violence.
In its order, the apex court said Ashish shall surrender his passport to the trial court within one week of his release on interim bail and not enter Uttar Pradesh except to attend the trial proceedings.
