Modi's Claims on RSS and Recent Arrests in India: Key Updates

Modi's Remarks on RSS and Independence

During a recent event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that several members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), including its founder KB Hedgewar, were imprisoned during India's fight for independence. The Congress party, however, countered these statements, alleging that the RSS had collaborated with the British during the Quit India movement.

At the centenary celebration of the RSS, Modi described its century-long journey as a remarkable testament to sacrifice, selfless service, nation-building, and discipline.

The RSS serves as the foundational organization for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics have accused it of fostering Hindu supremacy and exhibiting intolerance towards minority communities.

On the same day, Congress reiterated its stance, claiming that the RSS 'divides the country' and accusing it of having 'blood on its hands' from the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi in 1948, was previously associated with the RSS, although the organization maintains that he had distanced himself from it prior to the incident.

Arrests Following Zubeen Garg's Tragic Death

In a significant development, Assam Police apprehended Siddhartha Sharma, the manager of singer Zubeen Garg, along with Shyamkanu Mahanta, the organizer of the North East India Festival. This occurred more than ten days after Garg tragically drowned during a yacht excursion in Singapore.

Mahanta was taken into custody upon his arrival in New Delhi from Singapore, while Sharma was arrested at an apartment in Gurugram, Haryana.

Both individuals have been placed in police custody for 14 days.

Garg passed away on September 19, just a day before he was scheduled to perform at the North East India Festival, an event organized by the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Singapore, with support from local associations.

Following Garg's death, over 50 legal cases were filed against Mahanta and Sharma.

U.S. Government Shutdown Due to Funding Disagreement

The U.S. government has halted most of its operations after the White House and Congress failed to agree on federal funding. This shutdown is expected to affect over 750,000 federal employees, who may face furloughs or layoffs.

The deadlock began when the Senate rejected a short-term spending bill that would have sustained government services until November 21.

Democrats opposed the proposed legislation due to Republicans' refusal to extend health benefits for millions of Americans, which are set to expire at the year's end, potentially raising insurance costs.

Republicans argue that this issue should be addressed separately.

Bombay High Court Denies Travel Request for Anand Teltumbde

The Bombay High Court has denied a request from writer and activist Anand Teltumbde, one of the accused in the 2018 Bhima Koregaon case, to travel to Europe for a series of lectures and seminars. The court considered concerns from the National Investigation Agency regarding the possibility of Teltumbde absconding.

The court advised Teltumbde's counsel to either conduct virtual lectures or refrain from traveling.

This case pertains to the violence that erupted in Bhima Koregaon village near Pune on January 1, 2018, following the Elgar Parishad conclave commemorating the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima Koregaon, which resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

Teltumbde, a prominent Dalit rights activist and author of nearly 30 books, was named as an accused in August 2018, surrendered in April 2020, and was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in November 2022.

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