September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: politics

ED Raids Properties Linked to DMK Minister KN Nehru’s Family Across Tamil Nadu

Chennai/Tiruchy/Coimbatore, April 8: In a significant move, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations across Chennai, Tiruchy, and Coimbatore as part of an ongoing probe into financial irregularities involving the TVH Group, a real estate company allegedly promoted by KN Ravichandran, brother of senior DMK leader and State Minister KN Nehru. According to official sources, the searches were connected to banking transactions by the TVH Group, with raids conducted at over 10 locations, including high-profile neighborhoods in Chennai like Adyar, Teynampet, Alwarpet, CIT Colony, Besant Nagar, and MRC Nagar. Key Highlights: Political Reactions: Amid rising political temperatures, Law Minister S Regupathy slammed the ED, calling it a “non-political ally of the BJP.” Drawing parallels with other opposition leaders facing similar action, he said the agency functions as “an extended arm of the BJP.” In a late evening press conference, DMK MP and legal wing head NR Elango described the raids as politically motivated and retaliatory, stating: “These delayed and unlawful raids target DMK leaders whenever our Chief Minister MK Stalin raises constitutional issues. The case in question appears to be related to a 2013 bank transaction, already charge-sheeted by the CBI in 2021. There is no indication that it involves any new corruption charge.” Minister’s Response: Despite the tense atmosphere as DMK cadres assembled near the raid locations, Minister KN Nehru was seen urging his supporters to leave and not interfere with the ED’s actions. This helped defuse the situation, avoiding any confrontation.

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Farmer Leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal Ends 131-Day Hunger Strike, But Protest Continues

Sirhind, Fatehgarh Sahib | April 6, 2025 — Senior farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his indefinite hunger strike on Sunday after 131 days, asserting that while his personal fast has concluded, the farmers’ agitation will continue until their demands, especially a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP), are met. “I Accept Your Sentiments”: Dallewal to Fellow Protesters The decision was announced at a Kisan Mahapanchayat held in Sirhind, Punjab, where Dallewal said, “You all have asked me to end the fast unto death. I am indebted to you for taking care of the agitation. I respect your sentiments. I accept your order.” He reiterated that the farmers’ protest has not been withdrawn: “Several farmers and leaders of the morcha requested me to end the indefinite hunger strike… The protest has not been taken back, it is still on.” Ministers Appeal for End to Fast, Promise Dialogue Dallewal’s decision came after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union MoS for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu personally appealed to him on Saturday to end the fast due to concerns over his deteriorating health. Chouhan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Farmer leader Shri Jagjit Singh Dallewal has now returned from hospital… We request him to end his hunger strike. Talks with farmer representatives are scheduled for May 4.” Bittu added: “Your health is more important, and your life is precious for the people of Punjab, as your leadership will always be needed.” Hunger Strike Began on November 26, 2024 Dallewal, who represents the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), launched his fast on November 26, 2024, pressing for: In January, he began receiving medical care at the Khanauri protest site, but had refused to break his fast despite ongoing talks with the Centre. Next Round of Talks on May 4 The government has confirmed that the next meeting with farmer representatives will be held on May 4, as previously scheduled, to continue discussions on the charter of demands. As Dallewal ends his fast, farmer unions remain steadfast, signalling that while one battle may have paused, the larger war for agrarian rights continues.

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Kunal Kamra Moves Bombay High Court to Quash FIR Over ‘Gaddar’ Remark Allegedly Aimed at Eknath Shinde

Comedian and political satirist Kunal Kamra approached the Bombay High Court on Monday, April 7, 2025, seeking an urgent hearing on his plea to quash an FIR filed against him for allegedly making a controversial remark during a recent stand-up performance. Kamra’s show featured the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) in a context that was interpreted by some as a veiled reference to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, prompting outrage and legal action. Urgency Cited Amid Death Threats, Lapsed Protection The plea was mentioned before a Division Bench of Justices Sarang Kotwal and S.M. Modak by senior advocate Navroz Seervai, who emphasized the urgent nature of the case. Seervai told the court that Kamra is facing numerous death threats following the controversy and added that the interim protection granted by the Madras High Court — which had previously offered him legal respite — was set to expire on April 7, making the matter one of grave concern. Taking note of the urgency, the High Court agreed to hear the petition on Tuesday, April 8. Background of the Controversy The FIR against Kamra stems from allegations that his joke, delivered during a recent performance, was defamatory and incited unrest by insinuating that a political leader — allegedly Eknath Shinde — was a “traitor.” While Kamra did not name anyone explicitly, political groups sympathetic to Shinde lodged complaints claiming the remarks were targeted and disrespectful. Kamra has maintained that his work falls under freedom of expression and satire, and has previously faced legal challenges and criticism for his bold political commentary. Free Speech vs. Offence: A Broader Debate This case once again brings into focus the delicate balance between freedom of expression and defamation laws in India. Kamra’s legal team is expected to argue that satirical speech, especially by a comedian, is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression. The outcome of the hearing on April 8 will be closely watched by free speech advocates, artists, and the political establishment alike.

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Editor03 mins

Fake UK Cardiologist Impersonator Booked After 7 Deaths in Madhya Pradesh Hospital

In a shocking case of medical fraud, Madhya Pradesh Police have registered a case against a man who allegedly posed as a British-trained cardiologist and caused the deaths of seven patients at a missionary hospital in Damoh. The accused, who went by the name Dr Narendra John Camm, is suspected to be Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, and is believed to have impersonated renowned UK-based cardiologist Professor John Camm. Impersonation and Unauthorised Surgeries According to officials, the accused conducted unauthorised angiographies and angioplasties without valid credentials at the Mission Hospital. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed late Sunday based on a complaint by Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) MK Jain, who stated that the individual lacked registration with the Madhya Pradesh Medical Council (MPMC). The FIR also noted discrepancies in the documents presented by the hospital, which claimed that the accused was registered with the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council. However, no such record existed on the official portal. Sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Invoked The police have invoked multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including 315(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2), and 3(5) — all related to fraud, forgery, misappropriation, and criminal conspiracy. Investigators revealed that the accused fabricated documents and used the identity of the real Prof. John Camm to deceive both patients and hospital authorities. Hospital Manager Also Under Scanner The hospital’s management has come under intense scrutiny. The manager of the Mission Hospital is being investigated for presenting unverified degree certificates and registration documents without proper authentication from any recognised medical body. NHRC Team to Probe Deaths and Ayushman Bharat Misuse Amid public outrage, a team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), led by member Priyank Kanoongo, has begun an on-ground probe in Damoh from April 7 to 9. The NHRC team will investigate the circumstances around the seven patient deaths, as well as the misuse of funds under the Ayushman Bharat health scheme. “This case involves grave human rights violations and potential systemic negligence,” Kanoongo posted on social media platform X, urging families of victims and others with information to meet the team during their visit. Hospital Tenure and Death Timeline Under Lens Sources revealed that the impersonator had worked in the cardiology department from January to February 2025, during which multiple deaths occurred, reportedly due to incorrect or unsafe cardiac procedures. The Damoh District Collector Sudhir Kochar confirmed that a formal complaint had been received and investigations into the role of hospital management in shielding the fake doctor were ongoing. This disturbing incident has raised serious concerns over hospital accountability, patient safety, and verification mechanisms in India’s healthcare system.

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Editor04 mins

India Focuses on Trade Talks Over Retaliation Amid US Tariff Shock

India is unlikely to impose counter-tariffs on the United States despite the recent imposition of a 26% duty on Indian exports by the Donald Trump administration. Instead, the Indian government is prioritising the finalisation of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US as swiftly as possible, a senior official told Reuters. The move by Washington has sent ripples through global markets, with India’s Sensex falling by 1.6% since Wednesday, reflecting investor concerns. India Banks on Clause in Trump’s Executive Order According to government sources, India is drawing hope from a key clause in the executive order signed by Trump, which provides relief to nations that undertake “significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements”. India is hopeful that its proactive engagement in trade talks with the US will help it avoid long-term consequences. Notably, India was one of the first nations to initiate discussions on a trade deal with the US, placing it ahead of many Asian counterparts in seeking resolution. Asian Neighbours React Differently to US Tariffs The US tariffs have hit other Asian nations harder—China faces a 34% tariff, Vietnam 46%, and Indonesia 32%. In response, China has vowed to impose reciprocal tariffs starting April 10, while Indonesia has opted not to retaliate. Vietnam, keen to position itself as a manufacturing alternative to China, has reportedly agreed to reduce its tariffs to zero in a potential trade deal with the US. Selective Exemptions Offer Partial Relief Despite the tariff blow, India has found some relief in the exemption of key sectors such as semiconductors, copper, and pharmaceuticals. Given that India supplies nearly 50% of generic medicines used in the US, the pharmaceutical sector is expected to remain relatively unscathed. However, sectors like electronics, auto parts, and gems and jewellery could see a significant impact on exports. Domestic Political Criticism Grows Back home, the opposition has criticised the Modi government’s handling of the situation. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, warned that the new tariffs could “completely devastate” the Indian economy. Critics argue that despite Prime Minister Modi’s warm ties with Trump—who recently referred to Modi as a “great friend”—the government has failed to secure a meaningful exemption. India’s Concessions to Ease Tensions In a bid to ease trade tensions, India has made several concessions. These include lowering import duties on iconic American goods such as Harley-Davidson motorcycles—from 50% to 40%—and bourbon whisky. Additionally, India has withdrawn its controversial digital services tax, also known as the ‘Google Tax’, which had drawn criticism from US tech companies. Progress in Bilateral Trade Agreement Despite the current tensions, progress on the Bilateral Trade Agreement continues. Last month, India and the US agreed on the terms of reference for the BTA, marking a significant step forward. The Indian government remains hopeful that ongoing negotiations will lead to a balanced and mutually beneficial trade deal that mitigates the fallout from the recent tariff hike. 4o

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Editor05 mins

Kunal Kamra Seeks Clarity from BookMyShow Amid Allegations of Blacklisting by Shiv Sena

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Sunday reached out to ticketing platform BookMyShow via social media, seeking clarity on whether he is still permitted to list his shows on the platform. This comes after Shiv Sena functionary Rahool Kanal claimed that the comedian had been blacklisted from the platform. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kamra wrote: “Hello @bookmyshow, can you please confirm if I have your platform to list my shows? If not, it’s fine. I understand…” The controversy began after Kanal, the social media in-charge of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, announced that BookMyShow had removed Kamra from its artists and events list. He thanked the platform’s CEO, Ashish Hemrajani, for “keeping the portal clean” and excluding an artist who, according to him, did not align with the platform’s idea of “pure entertainment.” In response to Kamra’s post, writer and fellow comedian Varun Grover expressed outrage over the reported move, stating, “Kaahe itna dare huye ho @bookmyshow? Spineless kenchua mat bano,” calling the platform out for what he perceived as cowardice. The situation escalated after Kamra allegedly made a jibe at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during one of his recent performances in Mumbai. Following this, Shiv Sena members reportedly vandalised the venue where the show was held. Kanal, along with several Shiv Sainiks, has been booked by Mumbai Police in connection with the incident. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police have issued three notices to Kamra, believed to be staying in Puducherry, asking him to appear in person in connection with the case. Kamra has so far skipped all three summons. The incident has sparked widespread conversation around freedom of expression, censorship in entertainment, and political interference in the arts.

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Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 Receives Presidential Assent Amid Controversy and Legal Challenge

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, officially received the assent of the President on April 5, 2025, and has now been published for general information, according to a government notification reported by PTI. The legislation, which has stirred significant political and legal debate, comes into force just days after being passed by both Houses of Parliament following extended and heated discussions. The bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha in the early hours of Thursday, and subsequently by the Rajya Sabha on Friday after a marathon 17-hour session. In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the Upper House also passed the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024—another contentious piece of legislation—marking an intense week in Parliament. Legal challenges have already emerged, with Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi filing separate petitions in the Supreme Court questioning the constitutional validity of the Act. They argue that the legislation undermines minority rights and goes against constitutional principles. Despite the opposition’s strong protests, the central government has maintained that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill does not infringe upon the rights of any community. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who introduced the bill in both Houses, stated during the debates that the amendments were aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to the administration of waqf properties. PM Modi Hails the Passage as a ‘Watershed Moment’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill as a landmark development. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he described it as a “watershed moment” in India’s pursuit of socio-economic justice and inclusive growth. “The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill by both Houses of Parliament marks a watershed moment in our collective quest for socio-economic justice, transparency, and inclusive growth. This will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity,” the Prime Minister stated. Modi also extended his appreciation to members of Parliament and citizens who contributed inputs to the Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the bill. The development is expected to have far-reaching implications, both politically and socially, as debates continue around the management of religious endowments and the balancing of community rights with state oversight. 4o

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Tajinder Bagga Targets Rahul Gandhi Over Telangana Deforestation Row

BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has stirred controversy after putting up hoardings across Delhi that target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, a 400-acre green area in Hyderabad, Telangana. The hoardings, visible at multiple locations across the national capital, bear the message: “Rahul Gandhi ji, please stop cutting down our jungles in Telangana.” This political move follows a recent Supreme Court stay on the deforestation drive, ordered on April 3. A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih took suo motu cognisance of the tree-cutting operation after reviewing an interim report from the Telangana High Court, which painted an “alarming picture” of deforestation in the area adjoining the University of Hyderabad. Congress Government Faces Heat The Congress-led Telangana government has come under heavy criticism for launching a development project on the green land, with opposition leaders accusing it of deploying hundreds of bulldozers to clear trees and wildlife. BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao questioned the need to convert a natural habitat into a ₹30,000 crore real estate project, highlighting the city’s ongoing battle with rapid urbanisation. Student-Led Protests and Legal Intervention The issue sparked a wave of student activism. On April 3, University of Hyderabad students began an indefinite relay hunger strike, demanding the withdrawal of bulldozers and a halt to tree felling. Over 50 students participated in the hunger strike, with around 200 others joining the protest on campus. The protest gained support from the Workers’ Union and non-teaching staff. Following the Supreme Court’s intervention, the students ended their hunger strike. “We have called off the protest and hunger strike as the Supreme Court has ordered a stay on the activities,” said Anamika, a student leader, as quoted by The New Indian Express. The students have since announced a victory rally to celebrate what they called a major win for environmental justice.

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Over 73,000 Waqf Properties Under Dispute Amid Changes in Governance Structure

With Parliament passing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, significant changes are expected in the governance and regulation of Waqf properties across India. Data from the Ministry of Minority Affairs reveals that out of the 8.8 lakh Waqf assets spread across 30 states and Union Territories, over 73,000 are currently under dispute and could be directly affected by the new legal provisions. A Waqf is a piece of personal property voluntarily dedicated by a Muslim for a specific religious, charitable, or sometimes private purpose. Though the beneficiaries may vary, the ownership is considered to be vested with God. The Waqf Assets Management System of India (WAMSI) database, maintained by the central government, records details of all Waqf properties, including their type, management, and status. According to WAMSI, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Waqf assets at 2.4 lakh, managed across both Sunni and Shia boards. It is followed by West Bengal (80,480), Punjab (75,511), Tamil Nadu (66,092), and Karnataka (65,242). Bihar is the only other state besides UP that has separate Waqf boards for Sunni and Shia communities; other states operate with unified boards. Of the total 8.8 lakh Waqf properties, around 6.2 lakh fall under five major categories: graveyards, agricultural land, mosques, shops, and houses. Notably, graveyards alone constitute 17.3%, while agricultural land and mosques account for 16% and 14%, respectively. Amid opposition criticism, the NDA government had referred the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, which accepted 14 amendments proposed by NDA MPs while rejecting all 44 suggestions from the Opposition. The final Bill redefines how Waqf properties are to be administered, including changing the composition of state Waqf boards and enhancing the state government’s role in dispute resolution. Disputed Waqf properties are classified under three main categories: encroached, under litigation, and alienated. Litigation can be external (civil suits involving individuals) or internal (disputes within the Waqf Board). Alienated properties are those involved in illegal transfers and are subject to civil suits, while encroached properties refer to those allegedly built on government land. These disputes, under the new Bill, may be resolved by a tribunal comprising a District Judge and a state government officer of Joint Secretary rank. One of the most high-profile Waqf disputes in India’s history was over the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, demolished in 1992. The case was heard across various judicial levels before the Supreme Court delivered its verdict in 2019, allowing for the construction of the Ram Temple at the site. Among the states, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh report the highest number of disputed Waqf properties. Punjab has the highest proportion of encroached properties, with 56.5% of its 75,511 assets under encroachment. In comparison, UP, despite having the most Waqf properties, has just 3,044 under dispute, while West Bengal reports 3,742 disputed properties, placing it second in volume.

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The Waqf Bill is now being presented in the Rajya Sabha, and the BJD (Biju Janata Dal) has revealed cracks within the opposition’s unity.

After the government successfully passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha through a midnight vote, it was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with officials emphasizing that the Bill does not seek to undermine the rights of Muslims. While the Opposition parties accused the government of targeting the Muslim community, a fissure appeared within the ranks of the opposition. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which had initially stated its intention to oppose the Bill, chose not to issue a party whip, allowing its members the freedom to vote according to their individual beliefs just hours before the vote. Presenting the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju clarified that the “inclusive” legislation was designed to empower Muslim women and safeguard the rights of all Muslim sects. He reassured that the management and creation of Waqf properties would be handled by Muslims, with only Muslims as beneficiaries, waqifs, and mutawallis. He stressed that there was no intention of involving non-Muslims in these matters. Rijiju also emphasized that the Bill seeks to bring “transparency, accountability, and efficiency” and does not have any religious agenda. He added that concerns regarding the ‘Waqf by user’ issue would not affect properties already properly registered, as there would be no retrospective actions. However, any disputes or sub-judice matters would still be subject to court decisions. Leader of the House J.P. Nadda, supporting the Bill, rejected claims that the government was rushing the legislation through without due process. He pointed out that the Joint Parliamentary Committee formed in 2013 under the previous UPA government had only 13 members, while the committee under the Modi administration had 31 members, demonstrating a more democratic approach. Nadda argued that the Bill was merely designed to introduce “checks and balances” in the management of Waqf properties, similar to practices in Muslim-majority countries globally. He also reiterated the government’s position that amendments made to the Waqf Act in 2013 had led to negative consequences for Muslims, benefiting land mafias instead. In response, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain from Karnataka initiated the debate on behalf of the Opposition, criticizing the Bill for allegedly treating Muslims as second-class citizens. He questioned the government’s claim that people could not appeal Waqf tribunal decisions in court, pointing out the high number of cases still pending in the High Court and Supreme Court. Hussain, who had served on the Waqf board in Karnataka, argued that the assertion was misleading.

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