Latest news with #Brittas
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Rahul Gandhi should unite secular forces instead of creating divisions: John Brittas
'The sole purpose of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi should be to unite 'secular forces' and not create 'confusion and division' among them,' CPI(M) leader John Brittas said on Saturday (July 19, 2025.) Mr. Brittas was reacting to the Congress leader's remarks in Kerala, where he equated the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The CPI(M) Rajya Sabha leader however added that it would not impact the Opposition's unity in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi accuses RSS, CPI(M) of lacking empathy for the people Mr. Gandhi, speaking in Kerala's Kottayam on Friday (July 18, 2025), said that he fights the RSS and the CPI(M) ideologically, but his biggest complaint about them was their lack of feelings for the people. Asked his view on Mr. Gandhi's remark, Mr. Brittas said, "It's ridiculous, preposterous." "Whenever he goes to Kerala, there is a penchant for him to speak such rubbish things. And I think the Kerala Congress Party is responsible for that. He chose Kerala as the battleground to take on RSS. Whereas, it was actually a fight between the Left and the Congress there," Mr. Brittas told PTI. "I would earnestly wish that leaders like Rahul Gandhi, who is Opposition leader, his sole purpose should be to unite the secular forces, instead of creating confusion, division amongst the rank and file of the secular parties. He doesn't need to give lessons to CPI(M) on how to take on RSS," he said. Baby hits out at Rahul Gandhi for equating CPI(M) with RSS He pointed out that the Left parties supported the Congress-led UPA in 2004 only to keep the BJP out of power. He also questioned the role of the Congress during the demolition of Babri Masjid and the Ram Janmbhoomi movement. "We had supported the Congress Party in 2004, just to keep BJP away from power. And we know the vacillations of the Congress Party, and how it cost the country very, very dearly," said Mr. Brittas. "The way in which they dealt with the Ram Janmbhoomi Movement, how the locks of Babri Masjid were opened … how Congress presided over the demolition. We all know that. So, let us not bring in topics which create division amongst the secular forces," he said. "And as the Opposition leader, he has the bounden responsibility to make sure that the focus is on BJP," he added. Asked if Mr. Gandhi's remark may impact the Opposition unity in the upcoming Monsoon Session, Mr. Brittas said, "We are confident that we will overcome all these issues... I am very optimistic about the days to come." He added, "But I would rather expect leaders like Rahul Gandhi to be much more mature and responsible … And we are for an united opposition in the parliament." Mr. Brittas also took to X to attack the LOP over his remarks. "The Congress party in Kerala seems determined to keep Rahul Gandhi politically naïve. He and his sister chose Kerala as their staging ground for their so-called full-frontal attack on the RSS – launched from the safe zone of Wayanad, a bastion of their coalition partner Indian Union Muslim League. No risks, all gain," he said. Mr. Brittas said what Rahul Gandhi knows about the RSS may "well have come from our late leader, Sitaram Yechury."
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rahul Gandhi should unite secular forces instead of creating divisions: John Brittas
NEW DELHI: The sole purpose of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi should be to unite "secular forces" and not create "confusion and division" among them, CPI(M) leader John Brittas said on Saturday. Brittas was reacting to the Congress leader's remarks in Kerala, where he equated the Communist Party of India (Marxist) with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The CPI(M) Rajya Sabha leader however added that it would not impact the opposition's unity in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Gandhi, speaking in Kerala's Kottayam on Friday, said that he fights the RSS and the CPI(M) ideologically, but his biggest complaint about them was their lack of feelings for the people. Asked his view on Gandhi's remark, Brittas said, "It's ridiculous, preposterous." "Whenever he goes to Kerala, there is a penchant for him to speak such rubbish things. And I think the Kerala Congress Party is responsible for that. He chose Kerala as the battleground to take on RSS. Whereas, it was actually a fight between the Left and the Congress there," Brittas told PTI. "I would earnestly wish that leaders like Rahul Gandhi, who is opposition leader, his sole purpose should be to unite the secular forces, instead of creating confusion, division amongst the rank and file of the secular parties. He doesn't need to give lessons to CPI(M) on how to take on RSS," he said.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CPI(M) seeks EAM Jaishankar's intervention to stop Indian nurse's execution in Yemen
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Wednesday wrote to external affairs minister S Jaishankar for his intervention and urging him to reach out to the highest level authorities in Yemen to halt the execution of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya. In 2020, a Yemeni court handed her the death sentence. (File photo) Brittas asked for the government's help in resolving the murder case against Nimisha by paying blood money to the deceased's family. 'With barely days left, I fervently appeal your good self to personally intervene at the highest levels with the authorities in Yemen to immediately halt the execution reportedly scheduled for July 16, 2025, and further to facilitate and mediate negotiations with the family of the deceased, tribal leaders, and local stakeholders to secure a pardon through diya , using diplomatic channels and local interlocutors', wrote Dr. Brittas. Also Read: Who is Nimisha Priya, and how did a Kerala nurse end up on Yemen's death row? Diya refers to the practice of paying blood money to the victim's family to commute the accused's punishment - this is allowed under Yemeni law. A nurse from Palakkad in Kerala, Nimisha Priya had gone to Yemen in 2011. In 2017, she was charged with murdering her Yemeni partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi. According to Priya, Mahdi physically abused her and confiscated her passport to prevent her from leaving. When the local authorities refused to take any action, she drugged him so she could escape. However, she miscalculated the dose, and Mahdi died. In 2020, she was sentenced to death. Brittas added that the government itself would not have to pay any of the blood money, since the Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council was willing to bear the full cost. The MEA's assistance is requested only in facilitating the negotiations.
News18
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Mammootty's Latest Photo Has Fans Saying ‘Return Of The King'
Sitting on a chair and casually looking at his phone, Mammootty rocked a green shirt, white trousers and matching sneakers, exuding laid back charm. Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty was in the headlines for his health-related rumours last week. The speculation about his ill health sparked concern among fans across the country, with many wondering whether he is doing well. Amid the buzz, a new photo of the star has emerged online, leaving fans mesmerised. Shared by George Sebastian, a close associate of Mammootty, the picture showcases Mammootty's effortless style. Sitting on a chair and casually looking at his phone, Mammootty rocked a green shirt, white trousers and matching sneakers, exuding laid-back charm. The candid photo was clicked by photographer Nazir Mohammed and a side note read, 'Nothing serious, it's just a chat time." In no time, the comment section was flooded with reactions filled with admiration. A fan wrote, 'What is Malayalam cinema without you brother. The boss is coming." Another die-hard admirer joined in to add, 'Expecting a mass entry." Excited, one of them also said, 'The waiting period is over. It's time! The Return of the King." Earlier last month, Rajya Sabha MP and Mammootty's close friend John Brittas shared the actor's health update in a conversation with Reporter TV. He said, 'Mammootty is suffering from a minor health complication and is currently receiving treatment. He is okay, and I just had a phone conversation with him." In the same chat, Brittas also opened up on the nature of their friendship. Offering an insight into their bond, he added they have been close for years, but avoid discussions about personal matters. 'In recent days, we have been sharing such details as well," he shared. Before Brittas came out to clear the air around Mammootty's health, the actor's team had already clarified that the cancer rumours were 'fake news." The team noted, 'He is on vacation because he is fasting for Ramzan. He is on a break from his shoot schedule as well because of that." On the film front, Mammootty was last seen in Bazooka. The action thriller also featured Gautham Vasudev Menon in the lead role. It is directed by Deeno Dennis. Looking ahead, he is set to win hearts with his role in the Malayalam crime thriller Kalamkaval, helmed by Jithin K Jose. Starring Mammootty alongside Vinayakan in the lead roles, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on 1 August. First Published:
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
CPI (M) MP Brittas objects to exclusion of Mahal, Arabic in Lakshadweep schools under 3-language formula
New Delhi, Communist Party of India MP John Brittas on Thursday wrote to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan objecting to the exclusion of Mahal and Arabic in Lakshadweep schools under the three-language formula. In his letter, the Rajya Sabha member expressed deep concern over the move to implement the three-language formula under the National Education Policy 2020, which led to exclusion of Mahal and Arabic. He said the two languages are integral to the socio-cultural and educational fabric of the Lakshadweep archipelago as well as against the strategies adopted by the Union government for unilateral nationwide implementation of NEP 2020. "The exclusion of the above-mentioned languages from Lakshadweep schools - each intrinsically tied to the identity, heritage, and future aspirations of the island's people - is not only unjust but also emblematic of the broader flaws inherent in the top-down imposition of the NEP," Brittas said. The Lakshadweep administration had issued an order last month that sought to replace Mahal and Arabic with Hindi under the National Curriculum Framework. Malayalam and English are to be taught as first and second languages in schools, the order also said. However, the Kerala High Court, earlier this month, ordered a stay on the order "till further orders". Brittas said Mahal is not merely a dialect, but a distinct language with its own script and literary heritage, deeply embedded in the lives of the Minicoy community, and Arabic holds profound religious, academic, and occupational significance, particularly in a region where a considerable number of residents are expatriates. "Lakshadweep follows the Kerala state syllabus, which includes Arabic - but also strikes at the heart of a linguistic and cultural ecosystem nurtured over generations. Such selective imposition is indicative of a broader disregard for minority identities," he said. He demanded that the government direct the authorities concerned to reconsider the exclusion of Mahal and Arabic from the curriculum in Lakshadweep, but also to put the nationwide implementation of NEP 2020 on hold until proper consultations are undertaken with all relevant stakeholders, including state governments, students, teachers, local bodies, and elected representatives." "Any curricular or linguistic restructuring must be democratic, inclusive, and rooted in the lived realities of the people," he added.
