‘Our Hindutva is different; we don't burn people over...’: Aaditya Thackeray hits out at BJP

News Network
April 12, 2023

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Hyderabad, Apr 12: Aaditya Thackeray, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, on Tuesday hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and alleged that the ally of ruling Shiv Sena is "inciting riots" in the State.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that their Hindutva is clearly defined and they do not believe in BJP's Hindutva.

"Our Hindutva is clearly defined. We don't burn people over what they eat. If that is the BJP's Hindutva, it is not acceptable to me, my father, my grandfather, and our people and not to Maharashtra," Mr Thackeray said while addressing a group of students at the Gitam University in Hyderabad today.

He said that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is not being built because of the Central government.

"If you think that the Ram Temple is being constructed because of the Central government it is wrong. The Supreme Court has given the decision and not the Centre," he said.

He further alleged that the BJP backstabbed the then Shiv Sena in 2014.

"I am a Hindu and was a Hindu when the BJP had broken alliance with the Shiv Sena in 2014. The BJP backstabbed us in 2014. We were Hindus then, we are Hindus now. The BJP is inciting riots in the State today. What about the Kashmiri pandits? Why isn't the world's largest pro-Hindutva party speaking about the Kashmiri Pandits? Who are asking for transfers from Kashmir to safer places when Kashmiri Pandits are even being killed today," he said further.

"If the BJP was so careful about my grandfather's ideology, they would have not tried to finish up the party my grandfather built," Mr Thackeray said.

Asked about, who among Eknath Shinde and BJP, is a bigger threat to his party, the former Maharashtra minister said, that he doesn't think that Eknath Shinde is a threat at all. "We do not have any personal issues with the BJP," he added.

Aaditya Thackeray was on a day-long visit to Hyderabad and was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi.

Earlier in the day, he also met Telangana minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA KT Rama Rao at T-hub.

Taking to Twitter, Mr Thackeray said, "Always fantastic and encouraging to meet @KTRBRS ji and connect over our common interests over sustainability, urbanism, technology and how it will help fuel India's growth. Visited the @THubHyd and witnessed the amazing work that's happened there for start-ups, innovators and ideators."

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News Network
November 19,2024

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The Karnataka Police’s Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) achieved a major breakthrough on Monday night by eliminating Vikram Gowda, one of Karnataka’s most wanted Naxal leaders for over two decades. The encounter occurred in the dense Kabbinale forest of Udupi district, marking a significant victory against Naxal insurgency in the region.

Who Was Vikram Gowda?

Hailing from Hebri in Udupi, Vikram Gowda, 44, was a prominent figure in the Naxal movement. He went underground in 2002, initially serving as a courier and fund collector before rising to lead a breakaway Naxal group. Despite having only a fourth-grade education, he was a staunch advocate for tribal rights and a key player in the movement’s survival in Karnataka.

Bounty: ₹3 lakh from Karnataka and ₹50,000 from Kerala.

Legacy: The last major Naxal leader in Karnataka after the 2021 arrest of B G Krishnamurthy.

The Encounter

Police revealed that Gowda and his team visited Kabbinale village to collect groceries on Monday night. Acting on a tip-off, ANF ambushed the group. When the Naxals opened fire, ANF responded, leading to Gowda's death.

Escapees: Three Naxals fled, including prominent members Latha (aka Mundgaru Latha) and Raju.

Significance: This was the first Naxal casualty in Karnataka in over two decades.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed the operation, stating, “Gowda was elusive for 20 years, escaping multiple encounters. His death is a critical step in dismantling Naxal operations in the region.”

The Decline of Naxal Activity in Karnataka

Karnataka's Naxal movement has been dwindling, with members seeking refuge in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The group’s strength had reduced to just 19 members by 2018, but recent sightings indicate attempts at revival:

2023 Activity: Reports of Gowda-led movements in the Kodagu and Hassan districts reignited concerns.

Political Heat: The BJP criticised the Congress government, alleging it created a “safe haven” for Naxals.

A Glimpse into Gowda’s Past

Personal Life: Gowda’s ex-wife, Savitri (alias Rajita), was arrested in 2021. She was a senior Naxal commander involved in insurgency since 2004.
Rehabilitation Efforts: Since 2013, Karnataka’s rehabilitation policy has seen 14 Naxals surrender and reintegrate into mainstream society.

A Milestone in Karnataka’s Fight Against Insurgency

The operation signifies a decisive blow to Naxal resurgence in the Western Ghats. While the ANF continues its search for escapees, the Karnataka government reaffirmed its commitment to offering rehabilitation to those willing to surrender.

As Karnataka celebrates this triumph, the message is clear: there is no room for insurgency in the state.

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