FREE PRESS The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms VOL. 13 NO. 82 | BHOPAL | TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 5, 2023 | PAGES 16 `3 - r Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2021-2023; Sanatan Dharma row: BJP slams INDIA as anti-Hindu RAJNATH BYTE: MISSION ‘CHANDRAYAAN’ SUCCESSFUL Pg-7 News Brief Omkar Markam is CEC member BHOPAL: Former minister Omkar Singh Markam was appointed member of the Central Election Committee of the AICC on Monday. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge constituted the party's CEC with 16 members including himself and former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The development comes ahead of assembly elections in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The panel also discussed and finalised the list of candidates. SC lists on Oct 3 FIR on hate speech by Thakur NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned to October 3 a hearing on a plea filed by CPI-M leader Brinda Karat against the Delhi High Court order which had dismissed a petition challenging the trial court’s refusal for an FIR against Union I &B Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Pravesh Verma for allegedly giving hate speeches over anti-CAA protests. A bench comprising of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Pankaj Mithal fixed the hearing on Oct 3 and clarified that no further adjournments would be granted in the matter. CWC in Hyderabad on Sept 16-17 NEW DELHI: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has convened the first meeting of the newly constituted CWC meeeting on Sept 16 in Hyderabad. On September 17, there will be an extended Working Committee meeting. All CWC members, PCC Presidents, CLP leaders and Parliamentary Party officebearers will attend, Congress gen secy K C Venugopal disclosed on Monday.The meeting will be followed by a massive Congress rally near Hyderabad, where the 'Five Guarantees' will be announced for T elangana. pg 7 Terrorist killed in encounter at Reasi JAMMU:One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter between terrorists and security forces at Gali Sohab in Tuli area of Chassana in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. "One terrorist ahs been killed so far while one police personnel has also suffered injuries," police said. He said that it is a joint operation carried out by the police and army. The firefight started after a joint team of police and security forces got an input about the presence of terrorists in that area. After security forces cordoned off the area, hiding terrorists started firing drawing retaliation by the security forces. Shinde promises Maratha quota MUMBAI: Belying expectations, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on Monday reiterated that the govt is committed to giving reservations to the Marathas, but did not spell out the exact quota that is being planned. Apparently disappointed by the outcomes, the Maratha leaders agitating in Jalna announced that they would continue their protests till "the GOs are dispatched". Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Shinde said that he presided over a highlevel meeting on the quotas issue that was held on Monday. pg 7 EDITIONS: INDORE, BHOPAL, UJJAIN, MUMBAI, PUNE EDIT FPJ: www.freepressjournal.in for 24x7 updates DIVINE INTERVENTION SOUGHT FOR RAIN Amid the raging controversy over Udayanidhi Stalin's controversial remarks against Sanatan Dharma, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Monday said no one should not be involved in any matter which might hurt people. Karandlaje: Sack Stalin jr for remarks BJP supporters stage a protest against Tamil Nadu Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalins remarks on Sanatan Dharma, in Patna on Monday. Union Minister and BJP leader Shobha Karandlaje on Monday demanded that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin should immediately sack state minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his allegation that Sanatan Dharma is against social justice and it should be eradicated Attacking the opposition bloc INDIA, the BJP questioned the silence of its leaders on the issue and accused the alliance of being against the Hindu religion. Also, a petition was filed by Muzaffarpur-based advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha before a court in Bihar against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and his son Udayanidhi, alleging that the remarks have hurt Hindu sentiments. Ojha, known for his petitions against political big- Sambhav' (equal respect to all religions) is the Congress ideology. But, you have to understand that every political party has its own freedom to tell their views," he said. "We are respecting everybody's beliefs," the Congress leader said. Reacting to the controversy , Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge said any religion that does not give equal rights is not a religion and "is as good as a disease". CONTD. ON P6 wigs and other celebrities, has sought the trial of the Tamil Nadu CM and his son, who is also a cabinet minister, under sections of the Indian Penal Code. The matter has been posted for hearing on September 14. Responding to a query on the row at a press conference here, Venugopal said while the Congress' stand is clear, every other political party has the freedom to express its own view. "Actually, our view is very clear - 'Sarvadharma Jan Aashirwad Yatra: Shivraj is Dhoni of politics: Rajnath Amit Shah to flag off Jan Aashirwad Yatras from two places today Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan offers prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple, in Ujjain on Monday 'Drought-like situation, power crisis in MP' Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain for good rain in the state. CM Chouhan worshipped Baba Mahakal (Lord Shiva) in the sanctum sanctorum and also chanted mantras by sitting in Nandihal of the temple. During this, the priest of the temple performed the rituals and it lasted for about two hours. Mahakal Temple Management Committee member Ram Pujari said that the Maharudra was performed with the wish of good rains in the state and about 66 priests of the temple were reciting Maha Rudra path together. Later, CM Chouhan told reporters, “Today, I visited Mahakal Temple and worshipped from the heart to Baba Mahakal. I prayed that due to scanty rains in the state, there has been drought in August and now a drought situation is arising in Madhya Pradesh and the crops are also in danger, may lord shower blessings on us so that it rains well in the state and crops are saved.” RS 81 CR to be spent Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Monday likened Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan with former Team India captain and declared, "Chouhan is the Dhoni of politics." On reaching Neemuch, Singh along with Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav and CM Chouhan paid obeisance at Kileshwar Mahadev temple and flagged off BJP's Jan Ashirwad Jan Ashirwad Yatra. Addressing the gathering, the defence minister said, "I call him the Dhoni of politics because I have known him for the last 30 Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan performed bhoomi pujan and laid the foundation stone for Shri Ramraja Lok in Shri Ramraja temple complex in Orchha in Niwari district on Monday . Shri Ram Raja Lok will be built on a grand scale and will cost Rs 81 crore. The temple was built by Bundela rulers. Orchha has been included in the list of World Heritage. Shri Ramaraja temple complex is spread over 2.86 acres. Shri Ramraja Lok will be developed on 12 acres of land OUR STAFF REPORTER city.bhopal@fpj.co.in Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags off BJPs Jan Ashirwad Yatra, in Nimuch on Monday. years. No matter how the start is, he wins the match through his good finish." Singh then enumerated achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nine years at the helm. He said that GDP was an apt achievement of the Modi At Rs 6,046 cr, BJP has highest assets among top 8 parties CONG HAS assets of Rs 691.11 cr: ADR AGENCIES New Delhi The total assets declared by the eight national parties increased to Rs 8,829.158 crore during financial year 2021-22, of which the highest assets were declared by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at Rs 6,046.81 crore during FY 2021-22, a report said on Monday. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in its report said that the total assets declared by the eight national parties during FY 2020-21 amounted to Rs 7,297.61 crore which increased to Rs 8,829.15 crore during FY 2021-22. The report stated that during 2020-21, the declared assets of BJP totalled Rs 4,990.19 crore which increased by 21.17 per cent to Rs 6,046.81 crore during FY 2021-22. The report further said that for 2020-21, the declared assets of Congress totalled Rs 691.11 crore which increased by 16.58 per cent to Rs 805.68 crore during 2021-22. Total assets declared by the 8 national parties during FY 2020-21 amounted to Rs 7,297.61 cr which increased to Rs 8,829.15 cr during FY 2021-22 The report also pointed out that the Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is the only national party to show a decrease in its annual declared assets. "The total assets of BSP between FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 decreased by 5.74 per cent from Rs 732.79 crore to Rs 690.71 crore," the report said. The report highlighted that the Trinamool Congress witnessed the massive growth in its asset during 2021-22. "The total assets of Trinamool Congress increased from Rs 182.001 crore during FY 2020-21 to Rs 458.10 crore, an increase of 151.70 per cent," the report said. CONTD. ON P6 government. Mentioning substantial hike in state's per capital income and success of PDS as state government's contribution to people's welfare, he hit out at former CM Kamal Nath and said. CONTD. ON P6 Lander successfully undergoes hop test, says ISRO BENGALURU: ISRO on Monday said the Vikram lander successfully underwent a hop test when it made the soft-landing again on the lunar surface. On command it (Vikram lander) fired the engines, elevated itself by about 40 cm as expected and landed safely at a distance of 30 to 40 cm away ISRO said in an update , on 'X'. Noting that the Vikram lander exceeded its mission objectives, ISRO said the importance of the exercise was that this 'kick-start' enthuses future sample return and human missions. "Vikram soft-landed on the moon, again! Vikram Lander exceeded its mission objectives. It successfully underwent a hop experiment. IMPORTANT MONUMENTS A sum of Rs 19.72 cr has been sanctioned for carrying out development of important monuments to provide facilities to visitiors. It is spread across 70 acres with monuments around Chaturbhuj Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Chhatris, Tulsighat and making them useful by providing public facilities. Other works Q Rs 1.05 cr: For development of Tulsi Ghat, boat club, changing rooms, lockers, public facilities. Q Rs 4.07 cr: For internal roads, pathways near Q Q Q Q monuments, walk paths around fort, public facilities, signage and boat club near ghat. Rs 1.5 cr: For beautification near fort complex Rs. 5.75 cr: On lighting near monuments Rs. 1 cr: For interpretation centre near Chaturbhaj temple, upgradation of kanchana ghat/chhatris, public facilities, signage for food stall and craft market. Rs 1 cr: On development of public facilities, signage and interpretation centre near Lakshmi temple. Rs 3.95 cr will be spent on other works. MP POLLS TO SEE FOUR INNOVATIONS l There will be wave casting at 50% of booths l Youth completing 18 years on October 1 will be allowed to vote l EC will watch state borders through cameras l The citizens above 80 years and the physically challenged will get the facility to vote from their homes NITENDRA SHARMA BHOPAL The Election Commission will do four types of innovations for the first time in the assembly election. Some of the innovations were made in the by-elections. The most important of all innovations is that polls will be conducted at Q around temple. Its construction will begin from ELDERLY CAN VOTE FROM HOME: RAJAN According to chief election officer of Madhya Pradesh Anupam Rajan, several innovations are being done in the ensuing election. It is happening for the first time that the elderly can vote from their homes, besides there will be wave casting at 50 per cent of booths, so that the EC can keep an eye on any abnormal situation prevailing in any booth. 50% of booths through wave casting. There are more than 64,000 polling booths in the state, and the EC will directly keep an eye on these booths. Simi- larly, the EC will watch through electronic cameras whether the security men deployed on the borders are properly working or not. CONTD. ON P6 File affidavit pledging allegiance to Constitution, SC tells Lone AGENCIES/ NEW DELHI The Central government on Monday expressed displeasure before the Supreme Court and demanded an affidavit from National Conference leader Mohammad Akbar Lone, one of the petitioners challenging the abrogation of Article 370, who had allegedly raised 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogan in J&K Assembly . At the outset of the hearing in a batch of pleas challenging abroga- In an yet another brazen attack on freedom of press, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that his government has filed an FIR against the president and three members of the Editors Guild of India (EGI), and accused them of trying to provoke clashes in the state. Leading from the front, the Manipur Chief Minister told a press conference in Imphal that at a time when many have been killed and left homeless, the EGI published a “totally one-sided” report without understanding the complexity of the crisis faced by Manipur, the background and the history of the state. Sources said that the action by the state government was taken after extensive consultation between top policy makers of the Modi government and the state chief minister. Action is an attempt to send a stern message to that section of media that is still working independently and has refused to bow down to the dictates of the powers that be. The Editors Guild in a report published last week had critiqued media coverage out of Manipur, a state which has seen ethnic clashes for the last four months. CM lays foundation stone for Shri Ramraja Lok in Orchha FP NEWS SERVICE NEEMUCH OUR STAFF REPORTER BHOPAL Union Home Minister Amit Shah is going to flag off Janashirwad Yatras from Mandla and Sheopur districts on Tuesday . Shah who is arriving at Jabalpur in the morning will leave for Mandla. He will flag off another Janashirwad Yatra at Sheopur and leave for Delhi. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and BJP's state president VD Sharma will be with Shah. EDITORS GUILD IN THE DOCK FOR MANIPUR REPORT OUR BUREAU NEW DELHI: None should be involved in matter that hurts people: Mamata NEW DELHI 32.90c. 22.10c Sunrise : 06.10 Sunset : 06.43 SACHIN WELCOMES JASPRIT-SANJANA’S “YOUNG CHAMP” Pg-15 CALL FOR GENOCIDE OR OVERREACTION? CONGRESS says it respects all religions The row over Udhayanidhi Stalin's "eradicate Sanatan Dharma" remark escalated on Monday with the senior BJP leaders and Union ministers intensifying its attack against the opposition bloc INDIA, asking it if the recent Mumbai meeting was to target the Hindu religion and the Congress saying that it respects all religions but others have the freedom to express their views. In his address at a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai on Saturday, DMK leader Udhayanidhi likened Sanatan Dharma to coronavirus, malaria and dengue and said such things should not be opposed but destroyed. While AICC general secretary K C Venugopal asserted that the party ideology of respecting all religions was very clear, some other Congress leaders expressed different views with Karan Singh condemning Udhayanidhi's comments. QUALITY AT VALUE r RNI No. mpeng/2010/35815 WEATHER FP tion of Article 370, an advocate appearing for NGO 'Roots in Kashmir', a Kashmiri Pandit group, raised the issue before a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud saying he has filed an affidavit about a "startling fact" which came to his knowledge. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for Centre urged the top court that Lone should file an affidavit asserting that he owed allegiance to the Constitution of India and oppose terrorism and secessionist forces by Pakistan in J&K. He must come on record. He is the petitioner in the lead petition. He is not an ordinary man. He is a member of Parliament. Despite it being brought to the notice of the court if he does nothing it might encourage others. The efforts of the nation to bring in normalcy which is substantially successful might be affected. Coming from responsible leaders it has its own seriousness, the Solicitor General said. CONTD. ON P6 grand Darbar corridor at the entrance. CONTD. ON P6 Row erupts over UP minister washing hands near Shivling LUCKNOW: The Congress on Monday released a purported video of UP minister Satish Sharma who is seen washing his hands near a Shivling at the Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki. The video has gone viral on social media and has sparked criticism. In the viral video, UP ministers Satish Sharma and Jitin Prasad can be seen standing near the temple with folded hands. Satish Sharma then gestures and communicates with the priest, after which he assists in pouring water. Subsequently, Satish Sharma is seen washing his hands near the Shivling. Sharing the video, the Congress said, "UP minister Satish Sharma is washing hands near Shivling. On the side, another minister, Jitin Prasad, is standing and watching. These low-minded individuals, who use religion and deities for politics and sit on chairs, do not even have the basic intelligence to not wash their hands near the Shivling. For them, our faith, our belief in God, and our deities are only a means to fulfil political objectives. They neither have faith in God nor trust in the people's faith." CONTD. ON P6