India Archive

On the 25th of December, a Monday that has now caught the attention of the nation, Kapil Sibal, a figure known for his past as the Former UPA Law Minister and a current Rajya Sabha MP, made a statement that has stirred a significant amount of controversy and discussion. Sibal, a name often intertwined with critical views on religious matters, particularly concerning Hinduism, has once again stepped into the spotlight with his latest remarks.

In a tragic turn of events in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, the community is mourning the loss of a dedicated young police officer, Constable Sachin Rathi. The incident, which has sent shockwaves throughout the region, occurred during a police operation aiming to capture a known criminal. Rathi, in the line of duty, sustained a grave gunshot wound that ultimately claimed his life.

The capital's civic landscape is poised for change, as the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) calls for public engagement regarding the future of a historic religious site. In a notice dated 24th December, the NDMC has opened the floor for public opinion on the proposed dismantling of the Sunehri Mosque, a decision that has not gone unnoticed by the city's residents. The Department of Architecture and Environment has put forward the call for suggestions and objections, inviting civic participation by the 1st of January 2024, as outlined under Clause 1.3(ii) of the bye-law.

Let's delve into a historical marvel intertwined with the captivating tale of the 'Ho Jamalo' song. We're talking about a bridge, not just any bridge, but a feat of engineering that has its roots deeply embedded in the pages of Sindhi folklore. This bridge is no ordinary structure; it's an iron giant known as the "Lansdowne Bridge." While the locals of Sukkur affectionately call it the “Ayub Bridge,” it stands majestically between the small cities of Sukkur and Rohri, with the mighty Indus River flowing gracefully underneath.

From Raipur: The current tussle between wrestling players and the Indian Wrestling Association has been capturing national attention. Amidst this, another incident related to sports in India has emerged, shedding light on a deeper systemic issue that hinders the country's success in international arenas like the Olympics.

The Indian Army has experienced a profound loss with the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Karanbir Singh Natt, a respected officer of 160 TA (JAKRIF) and a valiant recipient of the Sena Medal. This tragic event marks the end of a journey for a soldier who exemplified courage and dedication to his nation. Lieutenant Colonel Natt's passing is not just a loss to the military fraternity but to the nation he bravely served.

In a bold and ambitious declaration, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has made a statement that could potentially reshape the world's understanding of global timekeeping. CM Yadav, with a sense of national pride, asserted that India, about 300 years ago, was the originator of the global standard time. He pointed out that an instrument crucial for time determination, dating back to this era, still exists in the historical city of Ujjain.

In a recent development, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has called for a detailed investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into what appears to be a concerning issue involving the Delhi government-run hospitals. This request for a CBI probe stems from allegations of the use of counterfeit or substandard medicines in these hospitals.

In a chilling incident in Tamil Nadu, the police have arrested a 47-year-old man who portrayed himself as a practitioner of Siddha, a traditional form of medicine. Identified as T Kesavamoorthi, this individual is now at the center of a gruesome murder case involving two young men.

62 Villages in Western UP Ban Entry of Congress and TMC for Insulting Vice President, Decision Taken in Dhankhar Khap Panchayat

In a remarkable development that has stirred the political landscape, the Jat community in Western Uttar Pradesh has taken a bold stance. Specifically, the members of the Dhankhar gotra have collectively decided to prohibit the entry of Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into a significant number of villages under their influence. This move encompasses an impressive total of 62 villages in the region.

62 villages in Western UP ban entry of Congress and TMC for insulting Vice President, decision taken in Dhankhar Khap Panchayat. pic.twitter.com/GXLNUYY18s

The catalyst for this decision was an incident involving the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. On the 19th of December, an event took place on the premises of the Parliament that the community members perceived as a mimicry and insult directed towards the Vice President. The incident, which resonated deeply with the Jat community, particularly those from the Dhankhar gotra, prompted a swift and decisive response.

In response to this incident, a panchayat, which is a traditional assembly of elders and community leaders, was convened. This meeting was not an ordinary gathering but a significant event held in Baghpat district on Friday, the 22nd of December. The panchayat, representing the collective will and sentiment of the community, deliberated on the appropriate response to the perceived disrespect shown to the Vice President.

The outcome of this panchayat was the unprecedented decision to ban the entry of leaders from both the Congress and the Trinamool Congress into the 62 villages. This move by the Dhankhar Khap Panchayat signifies a strong message of disapproval and stands as a testament to the community's commitment to respecting high-ranking officials. It highlights the importance the community places on decorum and respect, especially towards national figures like the Vice President.

In Faizpur Ninana village, located in the Baghpat district, a significant gathering took place on the 22nd of December. This was not just a routine community meeting but a specially convened panchayat, a traditional forum where matters of importance to the community are discussed and decided. This particular meeting was significant, as it involved community leaders and local residents coming together to address a recent incident that had caused widespread displeasure.

During the panchayat, a strong sentiment was evident among the attendees. The community members collectively expressed their deep dissatisfaction and disapproval of the behavior exhibited towards the Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar. This incident, perceived as an insult, had resonated strongly with the community, prompting a need for an immediate and fitting response.

The gravity of the situation was reflected in the decisions made during this panchayat. The community, speaking with one voice, resolved to take several measures in direct response to the disrespect shown to the Vice President. These measures were not just symbolic but had substantial implications.

The most notable decision made by the panchayat was the unanimous agreement to prohibit the entry of Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders into 62 villages in the western Uttar Pradesh region. This area is known for having a significant population belonging to the Dhankhar gotra, indicating that the decision would impact a considerable number of villages and potentially affect political activities in the region.

Furthermore, the community has put forth a demand directed specifically at Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure in the Congress party. They have asked for an apology from him, as he was involved in recording the episode of mimicry that led to this entire situation. This demand for an apology underlines the community's desire for acknowledgment and rectification of what they perceive as a serious disrespect towards a high-ranking official of the country.

The panchayat went beyond merely banning the entry of certain political leaders into their villages. The community leaders and residents, deeply affected by the incident, decided to escalate their response if their demands were not met.

A key decision that emerged from the panchayat was the contemplation of staging protests. One of the more striking forms of protest they considered was the encirclement, or 'gherao', of the Parliament. This is a significant form of protest in India, symbolizing the collective dissent of a group by surrounding a place of power or authority. The idea of potentially encircling the Parliament demonstrates the depth of the community's displeasure and their willingness to take substantial action to make their voices heard.

Furthermore, the attendees reached a consensus to boycott and oppose not only those directly involved in the insulting act but also anyone who supported it. This shows the community's commitment to stand firmly against what they perceive as disrespect, extending their disapproval to a wider group of individuals and not just the primary offenders.

Harendra Singh, the former Pradhan (village head) of Faizpur Ninana, articulated the sentiments of the community with clarity. He stated, “This panchayat was organised in protest against the insult of Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji in Parliament. We will always oppose those who have done this. This decision has been taken in the panchayat. We will not support such a party or someone who insults our community. There is deep resentment in the society. The insult of the Dhankhar gotra, the entire OBC, and farmer brothers will not be tolerated.”

His words underscore the community's stance on the issue. The panchayat, and by extension, the community, views the incident not just as an insult to an individual but as a broader affront to their gotra (clan), the Other Backward Class (OBC) community, and the farming community at large. The decision to oppose those responsible and the consideration of staging protests reflect the deep-seated resentment and the community's determination to safeguard their dignity and respect.

Singh pointed out, “People of Dhankhar Gotra are in Haryana and Rajasthan as well. These people will not tolerate insult at any cost. A meeting was also held there three to four days ago. There was also a demonstration. If they do not apologise, we will protest.” This statement brings to light the collective identity and solidarity among the Dhankhar gotra, which spans multiple states in India, including Haryana and Rajasthan. The fact that meetings and demonstrations had already been held in these regions indicates a broader sense of unity and shared purpose among the community members.

#WATCH | Haryana | A Khap Panchayat meeting called in Jhajjar, over mimicry row.

The Khap says, "...Kalyan Banerjee mocked him (Vice President & Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar) and the farmers of the country. A leader of an old party was shooting the video...Until both… pic.twitter.com/atTOA487NS

#MimicryRow: #Jat community holds #KhapPanchayat meeting in support of VP #Dhankhar, demands #apology | https://t.co/rK059ibVT4 pic.twitter.com/KxgoOpiz5G

The resolve of the community to not tolerate any form of insult was clear. Singh’s words suggest a readiness to escalate their response, with protests being a likely course of action if their demands for an apology are not met. This reflects a strong communal stand against disrespect and highlights the seriousness with which the community is addressing this issue.

Additionally, Netrapal Singh, another local who attended the panchayat, reinforced the community's stance. He said, “The Vice President was insulted in Parliament. We will hold a panchayat and go to Parliament House. Rahul Gandhi should apologise. If he doesn’t apologise, we will stage a protest and gherao Parliament. Everyone is unhappy about this. The Jat community will also oppose those who remain on Congress-TMC’s side and do not oppose it.”

The incident that sparked the strong reaction from the Dhankhar Khap Panchayat and the wider Jat community in Western Uttar Pradesh took place during a particularly tumultuous period in the Indian Parliament. The winter session was marked by significant discord, leading to the suspension of 141 Members of Parliament (MPs) due to what was described as disruptive behavior. This context sets the stage for understanding the gravity of the situation that unfolded on the 19th of December.

On this day, amidst the ongoing tensions, opposition MPs organized protests outside the Parliament House. It was during these protests that an incident occurred which would later cause widespread controversy and condemnation. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee was involved in an act of mimicry directed at the Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar. This act alone was enough to stir discontent, but what compounded the issue was the involvement of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. He was observed recording a video of Banerjee's demeaning act, a move that was perceived as not just endorsing but also documenting the disrespectful behavior.

The Vice President himself described the incident as "shameful", clearly indicating his personal feelings about the matter. He stated that it was "ridiculous and unacceptable" for one MP to mock him while another recorded it. This statement highlights the Vice President's perspective on the lack of decorum and respect in the situation, emphasizing how the actions of the MPs were not in line with the expected standards of conduct, especially within the realms of Parliament.