New Delhi: This week, Urdu newspaper Inquilab criticised Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud for hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his private residence for Ganpati Puja celebrations, saying it undermines the separation of powers and compromises judicial authority.
Inquilab, Siasat, and Roznama Rashtriya Sahara also focused on Rahul Gandhi’s trip to the United States, with one editorial saying it has caused unease among leaders in the BJP because Rahul’s growing profile could strengthen Congress.
The Urdu newspapers also discussed the unrest in the Jammu and Kashmir BJP after the party released its candidate list with several leaders resigning in protest for being left off it, intensifying tensions within the party.
Here’s a wrap of the news and editorials in the Urdu press this week.
Separation of Powers
On 13 September, Sahara’s editorial criticised CJI Chandrachud for hosting PM Modi at his private residence, raising concerns about the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive.
The editorial said such actions undermine the judiciary’s independence and integrity, eroding public trust in justice.
“The Chief Justice’s actions undermine the separation of powers and compromise the judiciary’s authority, leading to diminished trust in justice and constitutional ethics. The judiciary’s role is to uphold the Constitution, not to engage in practices that blur the lines between judicial and executive powers,” it said.
Rahul Gandhi’s rising profile
On 12 September, Siasat’s editorial discussed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s reaction to Rahul Gandhi’s trip to the United States. On his trip, Rahul made remarks on various issues concerning India, mainly in meetings with the Indian diaspora.
Reacting to this, Shah posted on X: “Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.” His post further said that the Congress MP “has always threatened the nation’s security and hurt sentiments”.
Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 11, 2024
The newspaper posed the question of why, if Rahul’s statements were anti-national, as Shah had claimed, no legal action had been taken against him. Saying that it would be unfortunate if the home minister’s accusations were just for politics, the editorial added that political disagreements should not involve baseless claims about national security.
On 10 September, Inquilab’s editorial noted an unease Rahul’s visit caused among BJP leaders. The BJP, it claimed, is worried that Rahul’s rising profile could strengthen Congress’s political position and make its anti-Rahul Gandhi narratives less effective.
“Rahul Gandhi’s persistent efforts and public engagements, despite limited media support, have made some leaders uncomfortable, as they fear it will enhance his popularity and strengthen the Congress,” the editorial said.
This discomfort is compounded by Rahul’s domestic efforts to build his profile, like the Bharat Jodo Yatra, and his growing visibility through public engagements and social media despite limited mainstream coverage, it said. The shift in public sentiment highlighted Rahul’s increasing influence and raised questions over the strategies of his opponents, the editorial added.
Rape incidents and political motives
On 13 September, Siasat’s editorial said the rape and murder at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, was a heinous act and the actions taken in response to it demonstrate that political parties prioritise their benefits.
It claimed that similar crimes are being committed across the country, but the incidents are not being raised because of political motives. It cited the rape and murder of a nurse in Uttar Pradesh which occurred a few days after the Kolkata case. Neither the BJP nor the media paid attention, making their double standards and hypocrisy evident, the editorial said.
Similarly, the case of Army officers being attacked and their friend being raped in Madhya Pradesh did not cause political outcry because it took place in a BJP-ruled state.
“Similar incidents are happening across the country, but due to political motives, no one has spoken up. The double standards of both (the BJP and media) are clear evidence of their hypocrisy. The whole country has realised this injustice,” said the Siasat editorial.
Assembly elections and preparation
On 10 September, Siasat’s editorial took note of Rashtriya Janata Dal’s (RJD’s) election preparations in Bihar. The assembly elections are crucial particularly since Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) is a key coalition partner of the Modi government at the Centre, it said.
The RJD narrowly missed forming the government last time but is gearing up for a strong campaign this time around. Party chairman Tejashwi Yadav’s Aabhar Yatra (thanksgiving tour), starting from Samastipur on 10 September, it noted, aims to reconnect with voters and boost the party’s chances.
Siasat further discussed the complexities of the political situation in the state, highlighting specifically Nitish Kumar’s frequent party-switching with either the BJP or a Congress-led coalition alternatively backing him as chief minister.
It also noted that with the rising popularity of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan and political consultant Prashant Kishor considering entering politics, the situation could become even more complex.
In its editorial on 9 September, Siasat said the BJP was facing crucial challenges in J&K, where several senior leaders have resigned after being denied tickets for the upcoming elections—some opting to run as independents or join rival parties. The trend of switching parties for personal gain has become common in Indian politics, it remarked.
“For political leaders, personal power or success is the only priority, with no regard for ideology or responsibility,” wrote Siasat. Earlier, party-switching was based on principles or dissatisfaction, but now it has almost turned into a tradition, especially during the election season, it said.
The sole focus of political leaders has become staying in power and they have no genuine intention of public service, Siasat added. The people of the country need to vote and strengthen democracy to end this negative practice, the editorial concluded.
‘Shimla protests part of deliberate conspiracy’
Talking about the protests in Shimla against the alleged illegal construction at a mosque, Sahara’s editorial on 12 September claimed that the mistreatment of minorities by communal forces is part of a deliberate conspiracy. It stressed that, despite malicious intentions, minorities should remain patient.
The editorial urged for a peaceful resolution, warning against any unlawful actions.
“The mistreatment of minorities and legal entanglements are part of a coordinated conspiracy. The objections to mosque expansion continue past grievances, and the situation must be handled peacefully without allowing unlawful actions,” the editorial said.
‘Waqf Bill Was Unnecessary’
Inquilab’s editorial on 11 September said the introduction of the Waqf Amendment Bill, like the Triple Talaq Bill and the repeated discussions on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC), was unnecessary.
“The government’s goal appears to be creating confusion and concern in society, whether through unnecessary bills or hasty policies,” it said, criticising, what it said was, the government’s pattern of implementing policies quickly, like GST and demonetisation, despite the policies later needing to be amended or facing criticism.
US presidential elections
On 9 September, Inquilab’s editorial noted that US Vice-President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is currently leading in the presidential election race against former Republican president Donald Trump, and has the potential to become the first female US president.
However, this is not certain given Trump’s ability to disrupt elections and the controversies that emerged from his previous presidency.
According to the editorial, regardless of who wins, the powerful Jewish lobby that is affecting US policy on Palestine will attempt to influence them both. This gains importance when viewed in light of the importance of American democracy for global stability and the potential impact of US pro-democracy sentiments on future decisions, it said.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
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The same Urdu press would be dancing with glee if the CJI were to host an Iftar party and the PM were to attend it.
The Urdu press has been hijacked by Islamist radical elements. These people find common ground with Islamists and Jihadis of all shades and hues. They glorify Engineer Rashid while denigrating PM Modi. Their heart bleeds for Palestine but they simply don’t care about the
pogrom and exodus of Kashmiri Hindus in India.
The brotherhood they share with the jihadi elements of Gaza, Chechnya, Xinjiang, etc. is at a different level. In fact, their feelings of brotherhood and common cause extends to even Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. They were overjoyed that radical Islamic forces have been successful in ousting Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh.
They can never feel the same brotherhood for fellow Indians.