Kerala High Court Slams Centre Over Refusal To Waive Loans For 2024 Wayanad Landslide Victims

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday expressed strong disappointment with the Central government over its refusal to waive loans of people affected by the 2024 Wayanad landslides.

The disaster, which occurred on July 30, 2024, decimated four villages, injured hundreds, claimed over 200 lives, and left 32 people still missing.

A Division Bench of the High Court criticised the Union government for what it described as “bureaucratic babble” and a failure to stand by the citizens of Kerala in a time of crisis.

During the hearing, the Bench told the Central government’s counsel, “Please tell the Union Government it has failed the people of Kerala. We had made it very clear that it is not a situation where the Union is powerless to act. By this affidavit, you’ve again shown that you are hiding behind this argument of powerlessness. Why is that being done?”

The Bench was responding to the Centre’s contention that there is no legal provision for waiving bank loans for natural disaster victims.

“This is just bureaucratic babble. It is not about whether the Union can act, but whether they are willing to act. If you are unwilling, have the courage to say it. Who are you trying to fool?” they asked.

The Court further emphasised that the government should be transparent about its position.

“Please tell your government that these kinds of tactics are not going to carry the day. If they have the courage, let them say that they are not willing to help. At least the people should know that in moments like these, the Union government has failed them,” said the court.

“Having said all this, we can’t be behaving like them. Our sense of Constitutional morality requires us to respect in regard the principle of separation of powers and therefore, we will not issue directions to the Union government. That is because of our magnanimity and as a body, an integral part of the State, which respects the Constitution. Enough is enough. We don’t need the Union’s charity,” it remarked.

The Court thereafter asked for a list of banks and financial institutions controlled by the Union.

It also noted that, as far as some of the state government-controlled banks are concerned, the loans are waived off.

Noting banks such as Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and some others, the Bench orally observed that it would implead those banks and issue notices to them while staying the recovery action for the time being.

“We will give them the opportunity to seek a modification of this interim order after filing a counter-affidavit, where they will say whether or not they will waive or not the entire loan. If they are not going to waive the loan, either entirely or partially, then let them give reasons as to why they are insisting on this despite this calamitous situation,” the court added.

The case was posted for further hearing after two weeks.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kerala-high-court-slams-centre-over-refusal-to-waive-loans-for-2024-wayanad-landslide-victims

Prashant Kishor predicts poll results for NDA, Mahagathbandhan, his party

**Prashant Kishor Predicts Poll Results for NDA, Mahagathbandhan, and His Party**

*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 05:18 pm*

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has announced that his party will contest all 243 seats in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. He boldly predicted that the party would either finish first or last in the race.

“Jan Suraaj Party will either be first or last, but there is no middle ground in this election,” Kishor stated.

**Election Forecast**

Kishor also offered his predictions for other major political players in Bihar. He forecasted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would face notable setbacks in the elections.

Regarding the Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], led by Nitish Kumar, Kishor predicted a significant decline, expecting the party to secure less than 25 seats compared to its 43 seats in 2020.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), which emerged as the single-largest party in 2020 with 75 seats, is anticipated to finish third, according to Kishor’s analysis.

**Corruption Allegations**

Kishor took a sharp dig at JD(U) leader Ashok Choudhary, accusing him of corruption amounting to ₹200 crore. He questioned why Choudhary purchased land in his personal assistant’s name, implying wrongdoing.

“But Nitish Kumar is no longer able to control the state’s administration. Nitish Kumar may not be a bad person, but the leaders and officers around him are looting,” Kishor added.

**Election Strategy and Criticism of Government Schemes**

Kishor dismissed the Bihar government’s recently launched scheme that transfers ₹10,000 to women, calling it a “simple bribe” rather than a meaningful game-changer.

He accused Nitish Kumar of compromising with corruption and crime, citing that leaders like Samrat Chaudhary and Dilip Jaiswal face murder charges.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the *Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana* in Bihar, which aims to transfer ₹10,000 directly into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women across the state.

Prashant Kishor’s predictions and accusations have set the stage for a highly charged election season in Bihar, with his party positioning itself as a major contender in the political landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/prashant-kishor-predicts-jan-suraaj-first-or-last-in-bihar/story

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested by the police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police, had recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with the SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood has sparked political controversy after photos of the duo went viral on social media.

**What Sparked the Controversy?**

The incident traces back to September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur, where a banner displaying the slogan “I Love Muhammad” was unveiled. Several Hindu groups opposed the banner, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

While no FIR was filed against the slogan itself, 24 people were charged with disturbing communal harmony after they relocated a traditional tent and installed the banner at another location, escalating tensions.

**Political and Social Escalation**

The issue gained further momentum on September 15, when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi spoke out, asserting that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He stated on social media platform X, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet.”

Since then, the controversy has spread beyond Kanpur to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

**Protests and Law Enforcement Responses**

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners led to clashes with the police.
– **Kaushambi:** A viral video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans resulted in multiple detentions.
– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.
– **Maharajganj and Kashipur:** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against numerous individuals.
– **Nagpur:** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

**Political Reactions**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for allegedly mishandling the situation and has stood in defense of free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have vowed strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent religious figures, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, representatives of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have called for calm and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.

The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row continues to evoke strong reactions across India, highlighting the sensitive nature of communal sentiments and the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and religious respect.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**
*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested by police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police force, recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood gained widespread attention after their photos went viral on social media, sparking political controversy.

**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, where a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups objected to the slogan, alleging that it introduced a new tradition to religious processions.

Although no FIR was filed directly against the slogan, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner elsewhere. This incident triggered tensions within the community.

**Political Escalation**

The situation intensified after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi publicly stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He further asserted, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Since then, the controversy has spread to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

**Protests and Reactions**

In neighboring regions, the issue has sparked diverse reactions:

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners resulted in clashes with police.
– **Kaushambi:** A viral video showing youths raising objectionable slogans led to arrests.
– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.
– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against numerous individuals.
– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

**Political and Social Responses**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for their handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have promised strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent Islamic clerics, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have appealed for calm and called for respect for constitutional freedoms.

The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy highlights deep-rooted communal sensitivities and the challenge of maintaining peace amid political and social tensions. Authorities and community leaders continue to seek ways to defuse the situation and promote harmony.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested in Kanpur for allegedly inciting violence in the Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police force, recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood stirred controversy after their photos went viral on social media.

**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, when a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups opposed the slogan, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

No FIR was filed against the slogan itself; however, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner in a different location.

**Political Escalation and Spread**

The situation escalated when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet is not a crime. Owaisi further declared, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet,” in a post on X.

Since then, the controversy has spread beyond Kanpur to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

**Protests and Law Enforcement Actions**

– **Unnao:** Processions carrying “I Love Muhammad” banners clashed with police forces.

– **Kaushambi:** A video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans went viral, resulting in several detentions.

– **Lucknow:** Muslim women staged peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.

– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions and registered cases against dozens of individuals.

– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups protested, demanding respect for religious freedom.

**Responses from Political and Religious Leaders**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for mishandling the situation while defending the right to free expression. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons emphasized that those breaking the law will face strict action.

Prominent religious clerics—including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum—have condemned the violence and urged calm, calling for respect for constitutional freedoms.

**Conclusion**

The “I Love Muhammad” controversy continues to stir communal tensions across multiple regions, with protests, police action, and political statements shaping the unfolding events. Authorities and community leaders alike have called for peace and adherence to constitutional rights as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

A hard-hitting thriller

Written by GEO News anchor Shahzeb Khanzada and directed by Syed Wajahat Hussain, the new play *Case No. 9* has already caused quite a stir despite only two episodes having aired to date. Boasting a stellar supporting cast and a gripping plot, the series promises to raise the bar for future productions.

Featuring accomplished actors like Faysal Qureshi and Saba Qamar, and with Syed Wajahat Hussain at the helm, it is hard for the production to go wrong. Saba Qamar plays Sehar Moazzam, the head of sales and marketing at KKR—a company owned by Kamran Haider, portrayed by Faysal Qureshi.

Sehar, a star employee, is invited to dinner by Kamran. However, upon arrival, she is surprised to find that she is alone. Suspecting something terribly wrong, she tries to escape but is sexually assaulted by her boss, who is frustrated by her repeated rejection of his advances. Kamran’s wife, Kiran, is away at her parents’ house and is soon due to have a baby.

Junaid Khan plays Rohit, Kamran’s friend. After receiving a text from Sehar inquiring about Kamran’s whereabouts, Rohit grows concerned. Following a conversation with Kamran, he rushes to the location, only to find Sehar lying in a distressed state on the powder room floor. It appears she has been sexually assaulted. Sehar is traumatized and leaves, while Rohit, enraged at Kamran’s actions, later agrees to hush things up under pressure.

After nearly a week, Sehar finds the courage to file an FIR against her boss. Mirza Gohar Rasheed appears as Shafique, the police inspector assigned to the case. Under the supervision of the SP, he investigates Sehar’s complaint. Sehar undergoes invasive questioning at the police station and is sent for a medical examination.

Kamran, with the help of his company lawyer, obtains bail before arrest and hires a powerful lawyer to defend him. The unfolding of the play brings forth several pressing questions: Will Sehar get justice? Will Kamran be convicted?

*Case No. 9* highlights numerous social issues. For example, Saba’s character, Sehar, is a divorcee—an aspect exploited by misogynists around her who view it as justification for Kamran’s advances. When she rejects him, Kamran’s attempt to retaliate leads to the assault. Rohit, as a witness, is torn between loyalty to his friend and the truth.

The supporting cast delivers excellent performances, effectively propelling the narrative. Faysal Qureshi excels as the arrogant and supercilious boss. Junaid Khan is an on-screen revelation, having developed into a fine actor. However, it is Saba Qamar who steals the show. She portrays a survivor with incredible conviction and maturity, continuing to raise the bar with every performance. Her previous roles in productions like *Cheekh* and *Baaghi* cemented her reputation as one of television’s finest actresses, and she has only improved since.

The play boasts a big-budget production with a slick look, complemented by great acting and excellent dialogues. With a masterful director leading the charge, the audience is in for a treat.

Far removed from the usual fare, *Case No. 9* aims to raise awareness about a crime that occurs every day worldwide—sexual assault—wherein the conviction rate remains abysmally low in Pakistan, at a mere 3 percent. This low rate is partly due to delayed reporting and societal pressure on survivors to remain silent.

As the story progresses, viewers will be eager to find out whether Sehar obtains justice, if Kamran will be held accountable, and whether Rohit will protect Kamran or reveal what he witnessed.

**Verdict:**
A hard-hitting and powerful production, *Case No. 9* is definitely one to watch out for. Tune in to GEO every Wednesday and Thursday to see how the plot unfolds.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346824-a-hard-hitting-thriller

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav Says Caste Is Emotional Connect, Accuses BJP Of Fearing PDA Unity – VIDEO

**Akhilesh Yadav Emphasizes Caste as Emotional Connect, Criticizes BJP Government in Uttar Pradesh**

*Lucknow:* Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday underscored caste as an emotional connection for backward communities, highlighting that reservation was granted on this basis. Referring to the Mandal Commission, he noted that it clearly stated backward classes are entitled to reservation due to caste-based discrimination.

Addressing a press conference at the SP office in Lucknow, Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath government’s recent order that caste should not be mentioned in FIRs, arrest warrants, or any official documents. He remarked, “The Harijan Act itself is based on caste. Action should be taken against those who purified houses with Ganga water because Dalits had entered them. I went to a temple where the priest allowed me, but BJP people still got the temple washed. They should explain why.”

Yadav claimed that the BJP is unsettled by the growing unity of PDA (Pichhde, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) communities. “Ever since we released data on the representation of PDA in different departments, BJP has panicked and started humiliating people. Today, PDA trusts the Samajwadi Party,” he added.

Highlighting corruption, the SP president alleged that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has broken all records. “Even legislators are admitting on stage that there is a ten percent commission, but they do not speak further. Instead, they are distracting people with talk of cream, powder, and shampoo. We will also go to the market. The truth is that discussions are only with those making huge profits,” Yadav said.

On the occasion, Yadav welcomed several leaders into the Samajwadi Party, including Sudhir Chauhan, former MLA Chaudhary Amar Singh, Vidyasagar, and Lalji Bharti, who joined after leaving the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).

Further, Yadav accused the BJP of conspiring against farmers by forcibly acquiring their land. “This government grabs land by ignoring laws, creating pressure, filing false cases, and cheating farmers. Development cannot come at the cost of injustice to farmers. When our government comes, compensation will be given by increasing the circle rate,” he declared.

Yadav’s sharp remarks come at a time when the Samajwadi Party is seeking to build momentum for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. By repeatedly invoking PDA, he is positioning himself as the political voice of backward castes, Dalits, and minorities, aiming to counter the BJP’s consolidation of upper castes and non-Yadav OBCs.

Analysts say Yadav’s emphasis on caste as an “emotional connect” signals a return to Mandal-era politics, which could energize the SP’s traditional base. His criticism of corruption and land acquisition is also aimed at appealing to farmers and small traders, sections that have shown signs of discontent with the ruling BJP.

With new leaders from the BSP joining the SP, Yadav is also attempting to broaden his party’s social coalition. The challenge, however, remains whether the SP can translate this strategy into a statewide narrative that resonates beyond its core support base.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/samajwadi-party-chief-akhilesh-yadav-says-caste-is-emotional-connect-accuses-bjp-of-fearing-pda-unity-video

JD Vance Trolls Joy Reid’s DEI Rant with A Meme That Goes Mega Viral [WATCH]

Vice President JD Vance responded Wednesday to a viral segment featuring former MSNBC host Joy Reid by posting a lighthearted meme mocking her remarks about his background and education.

Reid, who was dismissed from MSNBC in February, made her comments during an interview with former CNN anchor Don Lemon. The conversation drew attention online as she linked Vance’s academic career to affirmative action policies and criticized his public stance on the issue.

The discussion began with Reid reflecting on the recent death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk before turning to criticism of Vance. She accused him of benefiting from affirmative action in the same way that she claimed women and minorities have historically relied on such programs. Reid singled out Vance’s admission to Yale Law School, suggesting it was not based solely on merit.

“Maybe the way that JD Vance got into Yale is because they were tired of just letting in White men from New York, from all the elite schools, and they wanted an Appalachian White. That’s how that man got into Yale, I promise you,” Reid said.

The former television host argued that affirmative action policies have empowered individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including racial minorities, people with disabilities, military veterans, and those from rural regions. She claimed these programs helped place people in spaces they might not otherwise reach.

Reid also cited herself as a personal example, arguing that affirmative action contributed to her own visibility in media. “Right-wingers, you have the ability to know who I am when I don’t know who most of y’all are, but you know me because affirmative action brought me your way,” she said. “Tell the Lord, thank you. Be grateful for all that God has given you. God knows what God is doing. She’s a smart, smart lady.”

Reid has previously criticized prominent White public figures. In recent commentary, she described Elvis Presley as a mediocre White man, a remark that also drew widespread online debate.

In response to the interview clip circulating on X, Vance posted a meme of himself, appearing to downplay Reid’s criticisms. The image quickly spread across social media, with his supporters creating and sharing memes of their own in solidarity.

The exchange highlighted ongoing debates about affirmative action and its role in shaping opportunities for individuals across different backgrounds. Reid framed her comments as part of a broader argument that such policies have benefited people beyond traditional categories, while Vance and his allies brushed aside her attack with humor online.

Neither Lemon nor Reid issued additional public statements following the viral spread of the interview. The Vice President’s meme response, however, ensured that the back-and-forth remained a trending topic on social media throughout the day.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/09/jd-vance-trolls-joy-reids-dei-rant-with-a-meme-that-goes-mega-viral-watch/