Urdu Press Condemns Supreme Court's Bail Denial to Activists, Calls It Justice Travesty
Urdu newspapers have strongly criticized the Supreme Court's recent decision to deny bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots case. The Mumbai-based Urdu Times, in its editorial, labeled the ruling as unfortunate and a travesty of justice. The court accepted prosecution claims that Khalid and Imam played central roles in the alleged conspiracy behind the riots.
Both individuals have been in jail since 2020. The court allowed them to renew bail pleas after protected witness examinations or one year from the order. Urdu Times argued this undermines the principle that bail should be the rule, not the exception. It noted the trial has not started even after five years, calling it punishment without trial.
Prosecution Claims Versus Track Records
The editorial pointed out that while Khalid and Imam are projected as masterminds, their track records show no terror links threatening national security. They delivered speeches against the CAA and NRC, but some BJP leaders made more inflammatory speeches before the riots. Delhi police never pursued these leaders, resorting to one-sided action.
Urdu Times highlighted that bail or parole is granted even in grave murder and rape cases. The top court's order sets a disquieting precedent. Khalid reacted by saying this is life now, though he expressed happiness for others granted bail.
ED Raids on I-PAC Sharpen Bengal Election Battle Lines
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Assembly elections, three months away, have already heated up. The Enforcement Directorate conducted unprecedented raids on Trinamool Congress poll consultant I-PAC and its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata. This move has intensified the conflict between Mamata Banerjee and the BJP-led Centre.
Hyderabad-based Siasat, in its editorial, noted the face-off between TMC and BJP has escalated. The TMC aims for a fourth consecutive term. Attempts are being made to create political chaos in Bengal. Central agencies have swung into action ahead of elections, targeting the opposition. I-PAC works as a poll manager for TMC.
Political Vendetta Allegations Fly
Buoyed by its Bihar triumph, the BJP has doubled efforts to oust TMC from power. TMC accused ED of raiding I-PAC to get election strategy details. ED denied the allegation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited I-PAC premises during searches. ED accused her of misusing her constitutional position to obstruct investigation.
Mamata alleged ED attempted to get TMC's internal information at BJP's behest. Both ED and TMC moved court as Mamata protested against political vendetta. The battle for Bengal has reached a flashpoint with both sides adopting a no-holds-barred approach.
Elections should be fought on people's issues based on party performance and roadmap. TMC and BJP must desist from misusing authority and agencies.
Maharashtra Civic Polls See Strange Alliances Reshape Politics
Siasat also focused on high-stakes civic body polls in Mumbai and other Maharashtra cities. These elections have turned into a free-for-all where allies become rivals and foes turn friends. Alliance lines are blurred.
All major parties have gone all out to gain upper hand in pockets of influence. The Opposition INDIA bloc outperformed ruling Mahayuti in 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mahayuti swept Assembly polls later that year. Upcoming civic elections will test this political balance.
Winnability Trumps Ideology
Winnability is the only concern among key contenders. Parties have joined hands with rivals to fight allies in multiple corporations, setting aside ideological differences. Pursuit of power has trumped ideology. The electoral landscape has become complex and confusing for Maharashtra people.
Electors find it difficult to determine contenders' positions on various issues, including alliances. Parties are united with allies in one corporation but slugging it out in another. Manifestos are just sops, betraying lack of ideas and vision.
Parties especially focused on Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls. Estranged Thackeray cousins, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray, have reunited. In Pune, Ajit Pawar's NCP and Sharad Pawar-led NCP(SP) have come together. Reunion of such political families will crucially bear on state politics, depending on poll outcomes.
