Allegations of “Vote Chori”, Criticism of the Election Commission, and the Debate Around the SIR Exercise

 Allegations of “Vote Chori”, Criticism of the Election Commission, and the Debate Around the SIR Exercise

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India's Election Commission (ECI) has long been regarded as one of the country's most important democratic institutions. However, in recent years, opposition parties and several social activists have increasingly accused the Commission of acting in ways that allegedly benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These allegations have intensified around questions of voter list revisions, electoral transparency, and what critics describe as "vote chori" or "vote theft". At the same time, the ECI and the BJP have strongly rejected these accusations, maintaining that electoral processes remain impartial and lawful. [citation]

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The Emergence of the “Vote Chori” Narrative

The phrase "vote chori" has become a central slogan among several opposition leaders. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and other parties in the INDIA alliance have argued that electoral outcomes in certain states cannot be understood solely through campaigning and voter sentiment. Instead, they claim there are serious concerns regarding voter rolls, deletions of names, additions of questionable entries, and administrative decisions taken by election authorities. [citation]

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Unlike earlier opposition campaigns that focused heavily on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), some leaders have shifted their attention toward electoral rolls. TMC leaders have explicitly argued that alleged manipulation occurs not through EVMs but through voter registration and voter list management processes. [citation]

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Critics contend that voter list irregularities could have a significant impact in closely contested elections. They argue that the removal of legitimate voters, administrative hurdles in voter registration, or unexplained additions and deletions could affect electoral outcomes. [citation]

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Social Activists Join the Criticism

Several civil society groups and democracy activists have echoed concerns about the transparency of electoral roll revisions. Questions have been raised about why modern government databases, including birth and death registration systems, are not always more extensively integrated into voter roll management. Activists argue that greater transparency regarding voter deletions and corrections would help build public confidence in electoral processes. [citation]

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Some democracy advocates have also expressed concern that large-scale revision exercises can disproportionately affect marginalized communities, migrant workers, economically vulnerable citizens, and rural populations who may struggle to provide documentation within prescribed timelines. [citation]

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The Controversial SIR Exercise

A major focus of criticism has been the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted in states including Bihar and later West Bengal. Opposition parties argued that the exercise risked disenfranchising large numbers of genuine voters. They questioned both the timing and methodology of the revision process. [citation]

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In Bihar, opposition parties challenged aspects of the SIR exercise and welcomed Supreme Court interventions that called for greater transparency regarding deleted voter names and reasons for exclusion. Congress leaders described the court's observations as a victory for democratic accountability and linked the issue directly to their broader campaign against alleged "vote chori." [citation]

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The Election Commission, however, defended the exercise, stating that it is legally obligated to keep electoral rolls accurate and updated before elections. The Commission maintained that the revision process was transparent and conducted with participation from officials and political party representatives at the booth level. [citation]

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The West Bengal Battleground

The controversy became particularly intense in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress alleged that the SIR process was being used to selectively target sections of the electorate. Party leaders argued that significant discrepancies existed in the voter data and demanded fuller disclosure from the Election Commission regarding voters flagged during the exercise. [citation]

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TMC leaders claimed that millions of voters were being categorized as having "logical discrepancies" without sufficient explanation and accused the Commission of failing to provide detailed information to affected citizens. The party further alleged that the process could result in large-scale disenfranchisement if not subjected to rigorous scrutiny. [citation]

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Critics of the SIR in West Bengal also raised concerns about possible impacts on border districts and socially significant communities whose electoral participation carries substantial political weight. They argued that voter deletions in such areas require exceptional transparency and public accountability. [citation]

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The Election Commission's Response

The Election Commission has consistently rejected allegations of bias and electoral manipulation. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has stated that the Commission does not favor any political party and that claims of institutional bias are unsupported. The ECI maintains that all stakeholders, including opposition parties, are free to file objections and participate in the verification process. [citation]

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The Commission has also argued that large-scale revision exercises are necessary to remove duplicate, deceased, shifted, or otherwise ineligible voters from electoral rolls. According to the ECI, ensuring accurate voter lists strengthens rather than weakens democracy. [citation]

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The BJP has similarly dismissed accusations of "vote chori" and election rigging, describing them as political narratives advanced by parties that failed to win elections. BJP leaders have argued that opposition parties are attempting to undermine public trust in democratic institutions instead of accepting electoral defeats. [citation]

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A Debate with Major Democratic Implications

The dispute over the Election Commission, alleged electoral fraud, and the SIR process has become one of the most important institutional debates in contemporary Indian politics. Opposition parties and activists argue that transparency, voter protection, and public confidence require deeper scrutiny of electoral roll revisions and Commission decisions. Meanwhile, the ECI and the BJP insist that existing procedures are lawful, transparent, and essential for maintaining accurate voter records. [citation]

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Whether these allegations ultimately lead to institutional reforms, judicial interventions, or changes in election management practices remains to be seen. What is clear is that the controversy has broadened the national discussion from EVMs to the less visible but equally important question of who appears on India's voter rolls and how those lists are maintained. [citation]

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The Fraudulent and Bogus Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad Case

Grossly Mind-boggling Injustice: Framing & Arresting Innocent People to Protect the Guilty

The Elgar Parishad (or Bhima Koregaon-Elgar Parishad) case is claimed by its critics to be "fraudulent" primarily because of allegations that key electronic evidence used against several accused persons was planted on their computers through malware, and because of broader concerns about the investigation and prolonged incarceration of the accused. However, it is important to note that these are allegations and findings advanced by defense lawyers, independent forensic experts, and civil liberties groups, while the NIA and prosecution reject those claims and maintain that the case is genuine. 

How It All Started

A large number of Dalits came together at the Vijay Stambh memorial at Koregaon Bhima to commemorate the battle of 1828 where Mahar soldiers fighting under the British army vanquished the Peshwa forces.

Clashes broke out between the Dalit attendees and local right-wing groups of upper caste fascists carrying saffron flags, which led to stone-pelting, arson, murder, and statewide protests across Maharashtra.

The Dalit victims initially filed FIRs blaming Hindutva leaders Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide for their role in inciting the mob against the Dalit procession. While Ekbote was briefly arrested and subsequently released on bail, Bhide faced no immediate police action at all.

Here, it must be borne in mind that Ekbote and Bhide were blue-eyed boys of the fascist BJP regime in Maharashtra led by Devendra Fadnavis. In fact, Bhide was allegedly to be close to top BJP leaders including the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Arresting the "Usual Suspects"

Why critics call it fraudulent

1. Evidence-planting allegations

 •The strongest basis for the "fraudulent case" claim comes from reports by the U.S.-based digital forensics firm Arsenal Consulting.

 •Arsenal reported that activist Rona Wilson's computer had allegedly been compromised by malware and that several incriminating documents were planted remotely before his arrest. Those documents formed part of the prosecution's case. 

 •Arsenal later reported similar findings regarding other accused, including Surendra Gadling, concluding that incriminating files were allegedly inserted onto devices after cyber intrusions. 

2. Questions about the authenticity of key documents

 •The prosecution relied heavily on electronic letters allegedly showing links between the accused and the banned CPI (Maoist), including references to weapons procurement and an alleged plot against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Critics argue that if the forensic reports are correct, those documents cannot be treated as reliable evidence. 

3. Long detention and slow trial

 •Many accused spent years in jail before trial, and the proceedings have moved slowly. Civil liberties groups argue that this indicates misuse of anti-terror laws rather than a strong criminal case.

4. Shift in investigative narrative

 •Critics note that the original focus after the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence included allegations against certain Hindutva leaders, but the investigation later shifted toward an alleged Maoist conspiracy involving activists, academics, and lawyers. Opponents of the prosecution view this shift as politically motivated.

•The agency alleges that the accused were linked to the banned CPI (Maoist) and were involved in a broader conspiracy connected to unlawful and terrorist activities. [citatio

The Elgar Parishad case is called "fraudulent" by many activists, lawyers, and commentators because independent forensic reports have alleged that crucial digital evidence was planted on some accused persons' computers. [citation] However, those allegations have not resulted in a final judicial determination that the entire case was fabricated, and the NIA continues to reject them and pursue the prosecution.

So, whether the case is "fraudulent" remains a matter of intense legal and political dispute rather than an established legal fact.

My Patriotic Poem: Dream Future of India

Coming Soon: My Workplace Guide "How Not To Roast in Hell"

HOW NOT TO ROAST IN HELL

MY HUMOROUS AND INSIGHTFUL CAREER GUIDE 

The modern workplace is changing faster than ever before. Artificial Intelligence is rewriting job descriptions, automation is transforming industries, and the rules of career success are being rewritten almost every day. In the midst of all this uncertainty, I felt compelled to write a book that speaks honestly, practically, and humorously about what it takes to survive and thrive in this new world.

Today, I am delighted to announce the soft launch of my new self-help workplace guide:

How Not To Roast in Hell

Before you start wondering whether this is a book about the afterlife, let me clarify. The "hell" in the title refers to something many of us know all too well: unrealistic deadlines, endless meetings, office politics, shrinking attention spans, rapidly changing technologies, and the constant pressure to remain relevant in a world driven by AI and data.

This book is written for everyone trying to make a living in these challenging times.

Whether you are:

•A full-time employee

•A part-time worker

•A factory worker

•A gig economy professional

•A business owner

•An artist

•A writer

•An engineer

•A consultant

•A student preparing for work

•Or simply someone trying to build a meaningful career

This book has something valuable for you.

A Blend of Humour and Hard Truths

The idea behind How Not To Roast in Hell is simple.

People learn better when they laugh.

Rather than presenting another dry career manual filled with buzzwords, I chose to mix humour with candid, in-your-face observations about the realities of modern work life. The book tackles uncomfortable truths about careers, skills, employability, and professional growth while keeping readers entertained along the way.

Some chapters may make you laugh.

Others may make you uncomfortable.

A few may even inspire you to reinvent yourself.

That is exactly the point.

Navigating the AI Revolution

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Big Data are no longer futuristic concepts. They are the engines driving today's economy.

One of the key focuses of this book is helping readers understand:

•Core AI and Machine Learning concepts

•The impact of Big Data on industries

•Popular AI tools currently being used across the world

•How automation is reshaping jobs

•Which skills are becoming more valuable

•Which career pathways are opening up

The goal is not to turn everyone into a data scientist overnight. Instead, the book helps readers understand the opportunities available and equips them to make informed career decisions.

Opportunities for New Entrants and Experienced Professionals

One question I hear repeatedly is:

"What should I do to stay relevant?"

This book attempts to answer that question.

It explores emerging roles and opportunities for:

•Fresh graduates

•Career changers

•Mid-career professionals

•Managers and leaders

•Entrepreneurs

•Independent workers and freelancers

In a world where traditional career ladders are disappearing, understanding the evolving job landscape has never been more important.

A Gift for the Next Generation

I firmly believe that How Not To Roast in Hell can serve as a practical career companion for young people entering the workforce.

It is particularly relevant for:

•Gen Z

•Gen Alpha

•Gen Beta

•Early-career professionals

•Students preparing for employment

•Lifelong learners seeking new opportunities

The future belongs to those who can adapt, learn continuously, and embrace change rather than fear it.

More Than a Career Guide

At its heart, this book is about resilience.

It is about understanding the realities of the modern workplace without losing your sense of humour.

It is about embracing technology without surrendering your humanity.

And it is about finding ways to grow, contribute, and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

If this book helps even one reader avoid professional stagnation, discover a new opportunity, or navigate the AI-driven future with greater confidence, I will consider the effort worthwhile.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey.

Welcome to the future.

And remember:

The objective isn't merely to survive the workplace. It's to learn how not to roast in it.

— Vivek Pereira

Faith, Law, and Public Policy: Understanding the Challenges Facing Christians in India and Maharashtra

India is home to one of the world's most diverse religious landscapes, where multiple faith communities have coexisted for centuries. Christians constitute a relatively small minority, accounting for approximately 2.3% of India's population, yet they operate thousands of schools, hospitals, social service institutions, and charitable organizations across the country. In recent years, however, several legal and policy developments have generated intense debate among policymakers, civil society groups, religious organizations, and human rights advocates.

This article examines three issues that have become particularly significant for Christian communities in India and Maharashtra: the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) amendments, anti-conversion legislation, and Maharashtra's recent decision to investigate church and missionary-owned properties. The aim is not to take sides, but to understand the legal, social, and constitutional questions at the heart of these debates.

The Changing Landscape for Christians in India

The challenges facing Christians in India today are often discussed within a broader framework of religious freedom, minority rights, national security, governance, and transparency. Supporters of government reforms argue that stronger regulations are necessary to prevent misuse of foreign funds, fraudulent conversions, and irregular property transactions. Critics, however, contend that some of these measures disproportionately affect religious minorities and could create barriers to legitimate charitable and religious activities.

Understanding this debate requires examining the specific policies involved.

1. The FCRA Amendments: Regulating Foreign Funding

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) governs how Indian organizations receive and use foreign donations. The law was significantly amended in 2020 with the stated objective of improving transparency, accountability, and compliance in the use of overseas funding. 

Key Changes Introduced

The amendments included:

•A prohibition on transferring foreign contributions from one NGO to another. 

•A reduction in the allowable administrative expense cap from 50% to 20%. 

•mandatory use of a designated SBI FCRA account in New Delhi for receiving foreign contributions. 

•Enhanced government powers relating to suspension, investigation, and renewal of registrations.

•Mandatory identity documentation requirements for office bearers. 

Why It Matters to Christian Organizations

Many Christian churches, charities, educational institutions, and humanitarian organizations depend partly on international donations. These funds often support:

•Rural education programs

•Healthcare services

•Tribal welfare initiatives

•Disaster relief efforts

•Community development projects

Critics of the amendments argue that restrictions on transferring funds particularly affect smaller grassroots organizations that previously partnered with larger NGOs capable of receiving foreign contributions. They contend that smaller charities may struggle to access funding streams that once supported local development projects. 

Supporters of the amendments argue that tighter controls help prevent misuse of foreign funds and strengthen financial transparency across the nonprofit sector. 

The Broader Debate

The central question remains whether the regulations strike the right balance between national oversight and the freedom of civil society organizations to operate effectively.

For Christian institutions, the issue is not merely regulatory but operational, affecting their ability to sustain longstanding educational, medical, and social welfare services.

2. Anti-Conversion Laws and Their Impact

Anti-conversion legislation has become one of the most contentious topics in India's religious and political discourse.

As of recent years, several Indian states have enacted "Freedom of Religion" laws intended to prohibit religious conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion, or inducement. Maharashtra became one of the latest states to introduce such legislation through the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act. 

Key Provisions of the Maharashtra Law

According to the legislation:

•Individuals seeking religious conversion must provide advance notice to authorities.

•Authorities are empowered to verify whether a conversion is voluntary.

•Complaints may be filed by relatives alleging unlawful conversion.

•Violations can attract substantial fines and prison terms.

•Certain offenses are categorized as cognizable and non-bailable. 

Similar Laws Across India

States such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and others have adopted variations of anti-conversion laws.

Although the details vary, most prohibit conversions achieved through:

•Force

•Fraud

•Misrepresentation

•Undue influence

•Material inducements

Concerns Raised by Christian Groups

Many Christian leaders and civil liberties organizations argue that such laws may have unintended consequences.

Their concerns include:

1. Increased Administrative Scrutiny

Religious activities, prayer meetings, charitable services, and evangelistic outreach may become subject to heightened scrutiny if conversion allegations arise.

2. Burden on Personal Choice

Critics argue that requiring prior notification to government authorities may create procedural obstacles for individuals wishing to change their religion voluntarily. [citation]

3. Chilling Effect

Some observers fear that even lawful religious activity could become vulnerable to complaints, investigations, or social tensions.

Government Perspective

Supporters maintain that the purpose of these laws is not to prohibit conversion itself but to ensure that conversion occurs as a genuine exercise of personal freedom rather than through coercion or deception. 

The tension between preventing coercion and preserving religious liberty remains one of the most important constitutional questions arising from these laws.

3. Maharashtra's Investigation of Church Properties

In 2026, the Maharashtra government announced a statewide audit and investigation of land owned by churches, Christian missionary institutions, and related organizations. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the exercise was intended to identify disputed ownership, encroachments, and irregular land transactions. 

What the Government Announced

The proposed review includes:

•Examination of church and missionary-owned land across Maharashtra.

•Verification of historical ownership records.

•Investigation of British-era and post-Independence land transfers.

•Formation of committees involving revenue, police, and registration officials. 

According to government statements, legally documented properties would have nothing to fear, while irregular transactions would face legal review. 

Why the Move Became Controversial

The controversy emerged largely because the announced exercise initially focused specifically on churches and Christian missionary institutions.

Critics raised several questions:

•Why target one religious community first?

•Shouldn't audits apply uniformly to all religious institutions?

•Could selective scrutiny create perceptions of discrimination?

•Does equal treatment under the law require identical investigative standards across faith communities?

These concerns were echoed by some Christian groups and commentators who argued that transparency initiatives should apply equally to all religious trusts, regardless of faith affiliation. 

Government's Position

Government representatives have maintained that the review stems from complaints and specific land disputes and is intended to improve transparency in land records. Some statements indicated that audits of other religious institutions may also be undertaken in future phases. 

Nevertheless, the initial focus on church properties has continued to generate public debate.

A Delicate Constitutional Balance

India's Constitution guarantees both freedom of religion and equality before the law. The current debates surrounding Christians in India are therefore not simply religious questions. They are fundamentally constitutional questions.

They involve balancing:

•Religious liberty and public accountability

•National security and civil society freedom

•Prevention of coercion and protection of individual choice

•Property oversight and non-discriminatory governance

Supporters and critics of recent measures approach these questions from different perspectives, yet both often invoke constitutional values to support their arguments.

Looking Ahead

The future relationship between religious minorities and state institutions in India will likely depend on whether policymakers can maintain public confidence that laws are being applied fairly, uniformly, and transparently.

For Christians in Maharashtra and across India, concerns are not limited to individual policies. Rather, they revolve around a broader question: can regulatory oversight coexist with full protection of minority rights and religious freedom?

The answer will shape not only the experience of India's Christian community, but also the country's evolving understanding of pluralism, democracy, and constitutional governance in the twenty-first century.

Student Protest at Jantar Mantar: Examining the Response and Public Concerns

 Public demonstrations have long been an important feature of democratic societies, providing citizens with a platform to express their concerns and engage in civic participation. A recent student protest at Jantar Mantar, supported by members of civil society organizations including the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), has drawn attention not only to the issues being raised by protesters but also to the response of law enforcement agencies.

According to participants and civil society observers, students gathered to voice concerns on matters affecting educational institutions and democratic freedoms. Organizers described the protest as peaceful and intended to facilitate dialogue on issues impacting young people across the country.

However, tensions reportedly emerged during crowd-control operations. Videos and eyewitness accounts circulated on social media appeared to show confrontations between protesters and police personnel. Some protesters alleged the use of excessive force during efforts to disperse the gathering, while authorities maintained that their actions were taken in accordance with security requirements and crowd-management protocols.

The incident has generated a broader conversation about the challenges of balancing public safety with the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Human rights advocates have argued that any use of force during demonstrations should be proportionate, transparent, and subject to scrutiny. At the same time, law enforcement agencies often face the difficult responsibility of ensuring public order and compliance with regulations governing public assemblies.

Legal experts note that peaceful dissent remains a fundamental democratic principle. They emphasize that allegations of excessive force should be independently assessed through established institutional mechanisms, ensuring accountability for all parties involved. Likewise, organizers bear responsibility for conducting demonstrations in a lawful and peaceful manner.

The events at Jantar Mantar highlight the importance of open communication between authorities and demonstrators. Constructive engagement can help prevent escalation, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.

As discussions continue, many observers believe the incident serves as a reminder that democratic societies must continually strive to safeguard both public order and civil liberties. The ultimate goal should be to create an environment where citizens can express their views freely while ensuring the safety and rights of everyone involved.

The Adani Mega Scam: A Brief Summary

Don't get brainwashed by the propaganda around the recent US indictment of Adani and his accomplices. Just go through the following facts:

1) Adani was first arrested for fraud in 2002 by the Delhi govt directly under Vajpayee, a Non-Soros influenced, non-deepstate BJP Prime Minister.

2) The over-invoicing and over-pricing scams of Adani on equipment, coal, etc through global proxies and coercion tactics of Modi Sarkar make Indian consumers pay huge power bills due to inflated costs of acquisition.

3) The govt sets agencies like ED, IT, and CBI to target dozens of Indian businesses which result in the ownership of these businesses ending up in Adani's hands.

4) There is a set pattern and strong correlation between Modi's visits to multiple nations and Adani getting huge contracts by these governments a few weeks later.

5) Adani has got large amounts of land and infrastructure at throwaway prices by governments all over the country. Even the manner in which he got the Dharavi project in Mumbai has raised eyebrows.

6) Hindenburg, a US short seller revealed nearly 2 years ago that Adani group was indulging in financial malpractices and large-scale stock manipulation through a global structure of shell entities based in Mauritius, Singapore and other countries.

7) SEBI claimed to draw a blank in investigating Hindenburg's allegations despite strong evidence and money trails provided by international entities. Later, it was found that the SEBI chief herself was involved with the fraudulent Adani shell network and  that she may have been derailing the investigation.

8) Not a single Indian investigation agency such as ED, IT, SEBI, CBI and the Lokpal are likely to investigate further into the Adani scam despite the large-scale evidence being shared by Hindenburg, the US courts,  and stock market regulator, and internationally reputed journalists.

9) Whenever top Indian politicians like Mahua Moitra, Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Singh of different political parties first raised their voices against the Adani scam, they were immediately slapped with serious legal charges (and even faced lengthy jail terms) on different issues raised by the BJP, almost as if they were being blackmailed into silence.

10) The US indictment is about serious allegations of corruption by government officials and possibly ministers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Chattisgarh, and J&K, but the central and state governments, courts, investigation agencies and sold out mainstream media are still sleeping and complicit in this crony capitalistic mega fraud.

11) The indictment of Adani in the US for fraud and misrepresentation to investors is based on the evidence of fraud provided by multiple whistleblowers who are/were insiders within Adani's own business network.

12) Ajit Pawar, a partner of Modi's BJP government in Maharashtra has claimed that Adani, an Indian businessman was present at a political discussion to decide government formation in the state along with other BJP leaders and representatives of their political allies.

The fact is that for the past few decades none of the above agencies have ever completed a thorough investigation into the list of wrong-doings of the conglomerate, the individual and his crony capitalistic dealings with political masters. The facts are often drowned in misplaced patriotism and nefarious spin doctoring.

So Little Humanity

         -   by Vivek Pereira

So many humans

But so little humanity

Amidst the great rally

For one man’s vanity.

So much passion,

But so little empathy;

No expression of remorse

Not even thru’ telepathy.

Such a lot of promises,

But most remain unfulfilled;

All they want is power

No matter who gets killed.

So large a nation,

But so few citizens,

Daring to take on evil,

And preventing all these sins.

Such a small mindset,

But an even narrower vision

That’s taking us all backwards

Thru’ the politics of religion

So little time,

But still a lot to do;

Let’s work even harder

And make our dreams come true.

For the Glory of India

                   - By Vivek Pereira

India is my nation
As much as it’s yours;
Should a difference in ideologies
Lead to rioting and wars?

Having opposing views
Is certainly not sedition;
Too much of brainwashing
Has led to this condition.

All should come together:
The left and the right;
For the glory of India
We must all fight.

For our enemies desire
To see our country divided;
And this is being accomplished
By citizens who are misguided.

Never fear or envy
Folks different from you;
All colours are wonderful,
especially saffron, green and blue.

Don’t fall for political rhetoric
That’s intolerant and cheap;
Just for the sake of power,
A divisive agenda they’ll keep.

So let’s take a pledge
to counter such seeds of hate;
And strive for peace and unity;
That’ll make India ever so great.

My Experience As A Defender In An Exciting Inter Class Soccer Tournament

Watching the heavy rains and soccer world cup matches this year often reminded me of great soccer moments of my wonder years – some excellent goals and some near misses – especially a powerful header that hit a coconut tree less than a meter from the goal. But my favourite memories are from the Eight Standard Inter-Class Football
Tournament in which I was lucky to have participated in, all thanks to my dear friend and a truly wonderful sportsperson, Rayboy Fernandes who left our world at a very young age. Rest in peace, dear friend. In fact, our batch must have been jinxed as we were unfortunate to have lost many of our classmates soon after we left school. RIP.

St. Stanislaus High School, our Alma Mater, boasted of some of India’s greatest sportsmen including some Olympic greats in hockey. We were brilliant in soccer too and that’s why even interclass matches were highly competitive and fascinating. I was hoping to be a forward in the team, but Rayboy, our captain, insisted that I become a defender if I wished to play at all. Disappointed, I agreed to play in that position. Rayboy instructed me to remain near the goalkeeper and kick the ball as far as possible into the centre of the field whenever possible. Little did I know then that defenders could even score goals – as we see so often nowadays!

First Match 8D Vs 8A

We were then in Teacher Sushma Bhatia’s 8D class. Many of our players were prominent sport stars of our school and we really fancied our chances in this tournament. In the first game, our opponent was an extremely weak team – Class 8 A. The format we adopted is more commonly used in hockey than soccer with just two defenders, putting
even more responsibility on someone like me who had never been positioned at the rear before. But I remember kicking the ball right into the centre of play during the match a couple of times, and winning some praise and encouragement from my team mates. We won the
match easily, about 8-0 I think. The goals were simply amazing, including some brilliant ones from Rayboy himself.

Second Match 8D Vs 8B

I think our team had peaked too early in the tournament as we seemed to be getting worse with every match we played. We did win the next match against 8B but it was with great difficulty that we managed to accomplish this feat. I didn’t do any noteworthy defending in this game. The victory margin must have been something like 2-0.

Third Match 8D Vs 8C

It was a very rainy day when we played 8C and water was everywhere. The field was soggy and tiny pools of muddy water surrounded us. The goalkeeper didn’t show up and I was coerced into being the guardian at the goal. It was my worst nightmare ever. I stood like a statue as the ball went past me from every possible angle. There was too much muddy water around for a first-time goalkeeper to think about diving and stopping the flood of goals. ‘Daag Achhe hain’ was not cool then, it was more like ‘Daag, my mother will kill me’. I think at least six goals were scored by our opponents.

Semi Final Match: 8D Vs 7 B

The worst possible feeling for a sportsman is probably to lose to a lower ranked player or a younger competitor or, in our case, a junior team. When 8D played 7B in the semi-finals, we were hopelessly outplayed by a much talented bunch of players. Their two wingers on either side created havoc in our camp. Both players were tall, lanky and could kick the ball hard and far. The winger near me was Kevin and I tried to mark him as best as I could. I bravely placed my body in the way of his powerful kicks and seemed to
win some admiration from him. I was a chintu as compared to him although he belonged to a junior class. It wasn’t a David-Goliath type of situation but we did manage to restrict the defeat to 0-2. Our dreams of being inter-class champions had been shattered.

Third Place Play-Off: 8D Vs 8C

When we played 8C the next time round – in the third place play-off match, it was bright and sunny, and a different ball game altogether. We dominated the match completely and scored a 3-1 victory. It was sweet revenge. I was not included in the playing XI but I supported my team enthusiastically from the school shed and the sidelines. Our team finally got some solace from this tournament.

I must place a disclaimer here that since these matches were held a long time ago, the scorelines (and not the results) may vary a bit from the actual ones. I have never been a defender or goalkeeper since then – in fact, I have not played in many matches after that experience. But the takeaway for me from this tournament was that you
can surprise yourself and others no matter in which role you play. Just give it your best shot and the results are bound to follow. And, I also learned that defending is not at all a trivial task - in fact, defenders such as the defenders of citizens’ rights play a vital role in every nation and in the entire world. Yes, being a defender can be cool too!