Mumbai, March 28: Senior Maharashtra Congress leader and former Member of Parliament, Husain Dalwai, strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government for its strict stance on ‘namaz (prayers)’ during Eid-ul-Fitr, claiming it reflects an underlying hatred towards Muslims.

This controversy follows the Uttar Pradesh Police’s decision to take a strict approach regarding congregational ‘namaz’ during Eid.

Meerut Police, in particular, have announced that offering ‘namaz’ on public roads will not be allowed this year. Those found praying on roads will face legal consequences, including the registration of an FIR and potential revocation of their passports and driving licences.

Speaking to IANS, Husain Dalwai stated, “On Eid, Muslims traditionally go to mosques to offer ‘namaz’, but due to limited space, many pray on the roads. I want to ask, is it only Muslims who pray on the roads? During the Maha Kumbh Mela, roads were completely blocked as people gathered in large numbers.

“Similarly, with the upcoming Navratri, crowds will gather on the streets to visit pandals. Why then is it wrong when Muslims pray on the streets? The way Muslims are being targeted is unfair, and it reflects deep-seated hatred. The RSS has instilled this hatred in people’s minds.”

Dalwai also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter, urging him to call Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and advise him to stop interfering in religious matters.

He said, “The way hatred is being spread, particularly with the ongoing Aurangzeb row, is troubling. There should be more focus on development and less on creating division. Politics around sensitive religious issues like Aurangzeb and cows must stop.”

Additionally, Dalwai called on Prime Minister Modi to halt any amendments to the Waqf Bill, which has sparked significant controversy in the country.

“Every religion has its own trusts or Boards. Why target the Muslim community in this manner? Muslims have donated their money and land for charitable purposes, to help those in need. Involving non-Muslims in the Waqf Board is wrong and undermines the purpose of these donations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged Muslims to wear a black armband on their right arm when they attend Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan as a form of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

Protests against the Waqf Bill erupted in Bihar on Wednesday, with political parties from across the state expressing solidarity with the AIMPLB.

The ‘maha dharna’ in Patna was attended by Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav, who joined the protest in support of the Muslim community’s stand against the Bill.

New Delhi, March 28: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing multiple criminal cases over the “traitor” jibe towards Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Friday petitioned the Madras High Court seeking transit anticipatory bail.

Kamra’s plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench of Justice Sunder Mohan, who assured to examine the matter later in the day.

Mumbai’s MIDC police station on Monday registered a Zero FIR against Kamra for cracking an allegedly objectionable joke during a stand-up comedy show.

The Khar Police booked Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.

They also detained 20 Sena activists. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 9, Dixit Gedam said two offences have been registered at Khar police station.

One is against Kamra for derogatory comments, while the other is against people who vandalised the Unicontinental hotel where the shoot of Kamra’s comedy show took place.

He further added that the investigation is underway. Shiv Sena has condemned the “distasteful and defamatory” remarks made by Kamra during his recent performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, where he performed a parody song targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Police have already booked Kamra under section 356(2) (defamation) of the BNS.

The Mumbai Police had served two summons to Kamra, who has not yet appeared to give his statement.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Thursday accepted a privilege notice against Kamra and forwarded it to the Privileges Committee.

“I have accepted the notice of breach of privilege against Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare and have sent it to Privilege Committee chairman Prasad Lad. The future course of action regarding the motion will be decided by the committee,” said Upper House Chairman Ram Shinde.

Chennai, March 28: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, held its first-ever general council meeting on Friday in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, where it demanded withdrawal of the Waqf Bill and continuation of the bilingual policy.

The meeting witnessed the participation of over 2,000 members and saw the adoption of 17 resolutions addressing various pressing issues at both the state and national levels.

A key resolution passed at the meeting was the party’s strong demand for the Union government to withdraw the Waqf Amendment Bill.

The TVK stated that while the Bill was presented as a measure to ensure transparency in managing Waqf properties, it would, in reality, undermine the rights of the Muslim community and impose restrictions that could further marginalise them.

The TVK also demanded the continuation of the bilingual policy and stiffly opposed the three language policy put forward by the Centre.

The party also reiterated its steadfast support for the fishermen of Tamil Nadu, who have long suffered due to frequent attacks and killings by the Sri Lankan Navy.

TVK demanded a permanent solution from the Union government to address the grievances of the fishing community and pledged to go to great lengths to safeguard their interests.

Other significant resolutions passed during the session reflected the TVK’s commitment to social justice, decentralisation of power, and good governance.

The party, in its resolution, also opposed the construction of a new airport in Parandur, citing environmental and displacement concerns.

It also demanded greater devolution of powers to state governments, ensuring more autonomy in regional governance.

The TVK also called for constitution of special fast-track courts to investigate cases of sexual assault, speeding up justice for victims.

The party resolution also condemned the DMK government for its failure to maintain law and order.

The TVK demanded a probe into the Rs 1,000 crore scam in TASMAC, the state-run liquor outlet chain.

The TVK resolution also supported a caste-wise Census to ensure equitable representation and policies aimed at social justice.

The party also urged the government not to deceive employees, teachers, and workers with false promises.

In a move to honour Tamil Nadu’s legacy of social reform, the party proposed naming the upcoming international convention centre on East Coast Road (ECR) in Chennai after Periyar, a revered social reformer.

TVK also voiced its continued support for a lasting solution to the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, advocating for a referendum as a democratic way forward.

The party reaffirmed its allegiance to the principles of its policy leaders and unanimously granted its leader, Vijay, full authority to steer the party’s future course.

Vijay officially launched TVK on February 2, 2024, positioning it as a platform against corruption and divisive politics.

While he chose not to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he has confirmed that TVK will actively participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Vijay has made it clear that TVK will align only with parties that accept his leadership, signaling his ambition to emerge as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post in 2026.