The project marks a significant step in expanding the country’s refining capabilities while encouraging regional industrial growth.

The refinery will have a capacity of 180,000 to 240,000 barrels per day, backed by essential statutory approvals and 6,000 acres of land provided by the state government.

Construction and pre-project groundwork are already in progress, signaling a new era of investment in India’s southern energy corridor.

BPCL Chairman Sanjay Khanna, speaking at an industry event in Hyderabad, confirmed that the company is seeking additional strategic partners for the venture.

Oil India, traditionally known for its upstream operations, is diversifying into downstream sectors and is likely to take a 10% to 20% stake in the upcoming refinery.

This collaboration underscores India’s growing ambition to position itself as a global refining and petrochemical hub.

With energy demand steadily rising and consumption patterns evolving, such initiatives are crucial for meeting the country’s long-term energy security goals while reducing dependence on imported fuels.

The proposed petrochemical complex will feature an advanced 1.5-million-tonne ethylene cracker, serving as the backbone for downstream industries including plastics, packaging, and textiles.

It is expected to commence commercial operations by the fiscal year 2030, generating substantial employment opportunities and attracting investments across related industries.

India, currently the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels to power its economic growth.

Projects like the BPCL-Oil India refinery reflect the nation’s strategic approach of expanding domestic production while simultaneously investing in cleaner, more efficient refining technologies.

Oil India is also accelerating its downstream expansion through its subsidiary, Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), which is increasing its capacity in Assam to 180,000 barrels per day by March 2027.

This integrated approach across refineries is expected to strengthen supply chains and ensure consistent energy distribution across regions.

The Andhra Pradesh project will further complement national infrastructure plans, with BPCL and Oil India partnering on a 700-kilometer multi-product pipeline connecting Siliguri to Mughalsarai.

This pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, and jet fuel, enhancing the logistics network across India’s energy heartland. BPCL will hold a 50% stake in the project, while Oil India and NRL will share the remaining equity.

In addition, BPCL is expanding its focus on sustainability. The company has partnered with Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) to market organic fertilizers produced from its Kochi biogas plant.

This collaboration reflects BPCL’s commitment to circular economy practices and renewable energy integration within its business model.

BPCL, India’s second-largest state-run refiner, currently operates three major refineries with a combined capacity of 706,000 barrels per day. With this new project, the company aims to consolidate its position as a leading force in South Asia’s refining and petrochemical sector.

Experts believe the refinery and petrochemical complex in Andhra Pradesh will play a pivotal role in driving industrialization, job creation, and export potential in southern India.

It will also support the government’s vision of transforming India into a global manufacturing and energy hub by the end of the decade.

By combining the expertise of BPCL and Oil India, the project not only strengthens India’s refining footprint but also reinforces the nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development.

As work begins on this transformative venture, it stands as a testament to India’s growing confidence in shaping its own energy future.

The National Advisory Committee serves as a key group of experts and community leaders who advise the President on critical policy matters. Under President Trump’s administration, the committee played an influential role in shaping initiatives on economic growth, healthcare, education, and national security by providing strategic counsel drawn from diverse professional backgrounds.

Farhan Malik, son of Dr. Imad Malik, expressed his honor at the appointment, stating, “I am proud to represent both my heritage and the values of service and leadership. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to the committee’s efforts.”

The National Advisory Committee is composed of appointed leaders across sectors such as business, healthcare, technology, and public policy. Members bring specialized expertise to advise the President and administration officials on important national and international issues. Their recommendations help inform policy decisions that impact millions.

Appointments to the National Advisory Committee are made directly by the sitting U.S. President or administration officials. Candidates are usually selected based on: Demonstrated leadership and professional excellence, Contributions to community or public service, Recognition as experts in their respective fields.

While there is no formal application process, individuals interested in serving are encouraged to build strong professional reputations, actively engage with their communities, and seek opportunities to contribute to public discourse.

Farhan Malik’s achievement is a testament to the growing presence and impact of the Indian diaspora in the United States. As more Indian-origin professionals enter influential advisory and leadership roles, they help bridge cultures and contribute to shaping policies that resonate globally.

A storm is brewing on social media following a fiery post by Brother Imran, also known officially as Mujtaba Hussain Siddiqui, a Indian-origin Islamic preacher based in the United States, lashed out at corrupt Muslim leaders and their supporters for the massive encroachment of Waqf properties in the Indian state of Telangana.

Waqf lands—charitable endowments meant to benefit the Muslim community, particularly the poor—have long been plagued by corruption and mismanagement. According to Imran’s post, a staggering 14,949 acres out of a total 16,570 acres of Waqf land in Hyderabad and Cyberabad (Ranga Reddy District) have been illegally occupied.

In language that was both impassioned and inflammatory, he condemned those responsible, calling them “bastards” and accusing them of nurturing “illegitimate generations” on stolen charity land. He alleged that these individuals have used embezzled Waqf properties to acquire luxurious assets and real estate not only across India but also abroad in cities such as London, Melbourne, Sydney, Chicago, and Rome.

“These criminals seized land meant for the poor Muslim community and turned it into personal wealth,” Imran wrote, adding a fierce prayer for divine justice—“May Allah destroy their generations before their eyes just as they destroyed the hopes of the poor.”

The remaining unencroached land, according to him, is only 1,621 acres—a fraction of what was originally intended for communal welfare.

His post has drawn both support and criticism. Some social media users praised his courage in speaking out against entrenched corruption, while others questioned his use of harsh language and called for more constructive forms of activism.

The issue of Waqf land encroachment is not new in India, and activists have long demanded stronger protections and transparency in its management. However, voices like Brother Imran’s bring renewed attention—albeit in polarizing fashion—to a deeply rooted problem.

As the debate intensifies, the question remains: will this spark meaningful reform, or simply add fuel to an already divided discourse?

Time and again, emotional appeals for street protests have been presented as the only recourse—akin to a one-size-fits-all remedy.

Last week, India’s Parliament passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, a piece of legislation aimed at reforming the management of Islamic charitable endowments known as Waqf properties. This move has sparked significant unease among Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and opposition political parties in the country. Despite appeals to India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, to withhold her approval, the bill has now been enacted into law.

Prominent political figures, including Muslim parliamentarians such as Asaduddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad Muslimeen, Mohammed Jawed of the Indian National Congress, and Amanatullah Khan, a Delhi legislator and chairman of the local Waqf Board from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have filed legal challenges in India’s Supreme Court, questioning the bill’s alignment with the nation’s constitution.

In contrast, Sanjay Raut, a member of parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT)—a regional political party—has indicated his party’s decision not to oppose the legislation, suggesting a divergence of views even among the government’s critics.

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government defends the bill, asserting it is in the nation’s best interest. Key officials, including Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Minority Affairs, and Amit Shah, the Minister of Home Affairs, have repeatedly emphasized that the law does not infringe on Muslim rights. Instead, they argue it seeks to improve the efficiency of Waqf Boards—bodies responsible for overseeing these endowments. The government has dismissed opposition claims that the bill undermines constitutional protections as baseless.

Nevertheless, a coalition of Muslim organizations, individuals, and opposition parties continues to argue that the legislation threatens the sanctity of mosques and graveyards managed under Waqf. Labeling it unconstitutional, these groups are mobilizing for nationwide protests, including large-scale sit-ins and street demonstrations, to demand the law’s repeal.

The Historical Context of Waqf Management

Before jumping to support calls for protests, it’s worth exploring the historical management of Waqf properties—endowments established under Islamic law for charitable purposes—since India’s independence in 1947. This moment of controversy offers a chance to reflect on how these assets, meant to serve religious and social welfare, have been handled over decades.

A 2011 report by the Sachar Committee, a government-appointed panel studying the socio-economic conditions of Indian Muslims, alongside data from the Central Waqf Council, revealed that over 50% of Waqf land in India is either encroached upon or tangled in legal disputes—a striking indicator of systemic mismanagement across regions and political regimes.

In Telangana, a southern Indian state never governed by the BJP, approximately 75% of Waqf land is reportedly encroached upon, with the figure rising to 82% in its capital, Hyderabad. This underscores that the problem transcends any single political party or central policy. These statistics challenge the narrative that the current uproar is solely a result of the national government’s actions and prompt scrutiny of the role local Waqf Boards and regional leaders played in allowing such widespread losses to occur.

The Gap Between Rhetoric and Results

For decades, the administration of Waqf properties—intended to fund education, healthcare, and welfare initiatives—has failed to deliver on its charitable promise. Despite controlling vast assets, the benefits to India’s Muslim community remain limited. This raises pressing questions about who has truly profited from Waqf properties since India’s independence, who bears responsibility for the encroachments, mismanagement, and misuse of these lands, and how many schools, hospitals, or welfare centers have been established using Waqf resources.

Furthermore, what actions were taken against those who exploited these endowments, and in what measurable ways has Waqf contributed to the economic advancement of Muslims? Calls for accountability and reform in Waqf management should have surfaced long ago. Instead, the same organizations now rallying for protests—many of which oversaw this decline—are accused of stirring emotions for political leverage.

Critics argue these self-proclaimed “guardians” of the Muslim community have historically mismanaged Waqf resources, often prioritizing personal or political gain over communal welfare.

The Myth of Wake-Up Calls

Much has been said about “wake-up calls” to galvanize India’s Muslim community. Yet, the reality suggests that community leaders and Waqf custodians were never dormant—they were simply focused elsewhere.

Many Waqf properties have been illegally occupied, with rents kept artificially low, allowing beneficiaries to exploit them for decades without oversight or adjustment. This pattern of neglect raises doubts about the sincerity of those now decrying the new law.

The Pattern of Response to Legislation

A recurring trend emerges in how certain groups react to laws perceived to affect Muslim interests in India. When the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) were introduced—policies aimed at streamlining citizenship processes—similar fears were ignited, with claims that Muslims would be stripped of citizenship. Years after the CAA’s implementation, no widespread evidence of such disenfranchisement has emerged.

This history prompts questions about the opposition to the Waqf Amendment Bill: Are objections rooted in genuine threats to religious rights, or do they reflect an automatic resistance that ultimately serves political agendas rather than community well-being?

The Human Cost of Protest Without Protection

Time and again, emotional appeals for street protests have been presented as the only recourse—akin to a one-size-fits-all remedy.

During the CAA-NRC protests, fears of mass citizenship loss fueled widespread unrest. Yet, as Minister Kiren Rijiju noted during the Waqf bill debates, no Muslims have lost citizenship under CAA. Still, the fallout from such movements lingers: young Muslims arrested during protests against CAA, NRC, and earlier laws like the Triple Talaq ban often remain in jail, lacking legal or financial support from the groups that spurred them into action.

In Muzaffarnagar, a city in northern India, 24 Muslim youths faced legal notices simply for wearing black armbands as a symbolic dissent—not even a full protest—each required to post a ₹2 lakh (approximately $2,400 USD) bond. In Ahmedabad, a western Indian city, around 40 people were detained during demonstrations.

These cases highlight the risks to ordinary citizens when protests lack strategic planning, legal backing, or institutional support.

Before heeding new calls to protest, communities deserve to know whether organizers have secured proper permissions from authorities, are prepared to provide legal aid to those arrested, have a legal team in place, will accept responsibility for the outcomes, and will support the families of detainees financially and emotionally.

The Path Forward: Reform and Accountability

The current Waqf management system demands overhaul. Transparency, accountability, and effectiveness must take precedence over political maneuvering. Rather than blanket opposition, India’s Muslim community could benefit from demanding targeted amendments to problematic clauses in the bill instead of outright rejection, proposing governance models that balance religious autonomy with accountability, establishing independent oversight to track how Waqf resources serve the community, creating forums for community input into Waqf decisions, and developing long-term plans to leverage Waqf assets for education, healthcare, and economic growth.

From Reaction to Responsible Engagement

India’s Muslim community faces a pivotal choice. The current approach lacks strategy, unified leadership, negotiation, or internal reform—just a repetitive cycle of politicization until issues reach the courts. Continuing this pattern of protest and division is an option, but so is redirecting energy toward ensuring Waqf properties fulfill their charitable mission. The community must resist further manipulation.

For decades, Waqf assets have been plundered while leaders stood by. Now, as the government pushes for accountability, some of these same figures are accused of misleading the public once more.

True leadership goes beyond rallying crowds—it requires vision, strategy, and responsibility. By advocating for reforms that bring transparency and efficiency to Waqf management, the community can ensure these resources uplift its most vulnerable members and build enduring institutions for future generations.

The challenge is not merely whether to oppose a law, but how to ensure the sacred trust of Waqf serves its intended purpose: benefiting the community it was created to support.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

Shoeb Siddiqi

One alarming aspect of this cultural shift in Hyderabad, is the rise of the late-night culture and obsession with food among the city’s youth

Muslims have been an integral part of India for centuries, and their cuisine reflects the amalgamation of different cultures and influences. Food is an integral part of Indian culture, and the Muslim-dominated cities like Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Delhi, are also famous for their street food. From kebabs and rolls to biryani and chaat, the streets are lined with vendors selling a variety of delicious snacks late night.

Hyderabad, for instance, has long been revered for its rich heritage and regal history. It was a city that stood as a testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural opulence of the bygone era. Its legacy is engraved in the pages of history. The reign of the Nizams saw the city flourish as a centre of art, literature, and architecture. The Nizams were patrons of art, literature, and architecture, leading to the development of a vibrant cultural scene in Hyderabad.

However, lately there has been a noticeable shift in the focus of the city’s youth. The once-proud cultural capital has taken a backseat to the emerging obsession with food, leading to concerns about their future and the dilution of its vibrant heritage as well.

While Hyderabad’s culinary delights, such as haleem and biryani, have always been renowned, the recent food obsession has reached unprecedented heights. The city’s gastronomic reputation has overshadowed its other aspects. It is disheartening to witness a city that was once celebrated for its diverse heritage now being primarily known for its delectable dishes.

One alarming aspect of this cultural shift in Hyderabad, is the rise of the late-night culture and obsession with food among the city’s youth. Instead of engaging in productive activities, many young individuals are caught up in a nocturnal routine of sleeping during the day and indulging in excessive eating during the night. This lifestyle not only takes a toll on the health but also hampers personal growth and potential contributions to society.

All thanks to the food influencers, bloggers and instagrammers who have significantly contributed to the growing late night food culture. No doubt these influencers have played a role in promoting city’s culinary scene, but they have gained immense popularity by showcasing and reviewing the food establishments. The visually appealing posts, videos enticing description and their positive recommendations have influenced the youth so much so that they encourage and indulge in late night food adventures.

Another concerning aspect of this cultural shift is observed in Ramadan. Traditionally, this month holds great religious significance for Muslims, marked by increased spirituality, prayer, and communal activities. However, there has been a noticeable trend where the shopping and food exploration is prioritized over religious practices during the nights of Ramadan. This behaviour not only deviates from the essence of the holy month but also leads to traffic congestion and inconvenience for others.

As the government, led by influential figures like Minister KTR strives to promote a work-centric culture and propel Hyderabad into a modern metropolis by inviting foreign investments, it is disheartening to see a significant section of the youth disconnected from this vision, and youth from other states and cities are the show runners from these advancements of the city.

The youths from other cities are actively engaging in professional development and representing their respective cities in various fields, it is disheartening to see the youth of Hyderabad predominantly associated with food culture.

In today’s competitive world, it is essential for young individuals to contribute to their city’s growth and showcase its diverse talents and accomplishments. By focusing solely on food and neglecting other avenues of personal and professional growth, the youth of Hyderabad are missing out on opportunities to represent their city in a more holistic and impactful manner.

The vibrancy of Hyderabad’s culture and its potential for growth are at risk of being overshadowed by an excessive preoccupation with food and nocturnal pursuits. Hyderabad’s cultural transformation from a city steeped in history, heritage, arts and education to one fixated on food and late-night indulgence is a cause for concern. There is a need to recognize the balance by embracing the opportunities presented by the modern world.

Furthermore, community leaders also play a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Hyderabad. It is imperative that they take a proactive stance in addressing this issue and encourage a more well-rounded approach in encouraging the youth to explore beyond the realm of food and late-night indulgence.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

Members of the pro-Salafi organization Ashaab-Ul-Yameen — ‘People of the Right-Side’ invited the scholars and preachers from the Ahle-Hadees school-of-thought to address the dangers and threats of the extremist organizations who exploit the emotionally charged-up youth for their ulterior agenda.

For the first time in the city, the scholars at the ‘Ashaab-Ul-Yameen Conference-2’ were very vocal and upfront to publicly mention the names of the radical groups who work under the pretention of Islamic awakening.

Shaykh Hussain Madani, vice president of the Telangana’s Jamiat Ahle-Hadees, congratulated the organizers of the conference and said, “Conferences like these should be held at the national and international levels in order to present the true understanding of Islam”.

Shaykh Hussain recalled his treatise, which he wrote in 2014 against ISIS, in Urdu and English, to expose the dangers of the terrorist organization. It was a peak time when the majority of the Muslims were sympathizing the organization for its so-called ‘Jihad’ against the west.

Shaykh Hussain said that being nationalistic and loving one’s nation is part of the innate human nature. He quoted traditional Muslim scholar Ibn Hajar to support his claim.

He said, “the love of nation made the Indian freedom fighters like Moulana Azad to oppose the partition of India and Pakistan”.

Shaykh Abdus-Salam Madani, vice president of the Chennai’s Jamiat Ahle-Hadees, spoke about the fraud and exploitation of the caliphate ‘Khilafah’ calls.

He said, “It’s day-dreaming and ignorance to think that all the current issues of the Muslims will disappear overnight by the arrival of caliphate”.

Shaykh Abdus-Salam warned against the Khomeini-influenced extremist organization Jamat-e-Islami, who doesn’t consider the fundamental and spiritual aspects of Islam as essential, who urge the youth to run after the so-called caliphate.

He held the Muslim-Brotherhood ideology responsible for the destruction of Syria, Libya and other parts of Middle-East.

“The proper methodology of Islam is to connect with the Rulers and the governments and advise them, instead of uprisings and protests to dethrone them and occupy their seats. Prophets never came to grab the governments; rather they came to call people to God’s path”, he added.

Shaykh Wajid Hasan, vice president of the Hyderabad’s Jamiat Ahle-Hadees, spoke about the life and teachings of the 18th century revivalist Imam Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab, and his alliance with Imam Mohammed Bin Saud to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He explained that the reason to choose the topic was to clear the cobwebs about the term ‘Wahabi’, which is often seen as a synonym to terrorism.

Shaykh Wajid said that most people confuse the African Wahabi-cult started by Abdulwahab Bin Abdurrahman Al-Rustam with the pristine movement of Imam Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab of Saudi Arabia. Rustam’s Khawarij-cult was all about bloodshed and terrorism, while Imam Bin Abdulwahab’s teachings are otherwise.

He said, the term ‘Wahabi’ was deliberately coined by Ottoman Turks to defame the movement of the revivalist, at a time when they were losing grip over the two holy cities of Makkah and Madina.

Shaykh Wajid praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the peace and stability it holds in the Middle-East region, while he attributed the success graph of the kingdom to the foundations laid by Imam Mohammed Bin Saud.

Shaykh Dr. Ajmal Manzoor Madani, lecturer at Mumbai’s Jamia-ut-Tawheed institute, spoke about the qualities and patterns of Khawarij terrorists, while exposing the double-standards of Islamist preachers like Yusuf Qardawi, Hasan Banna, Syed Qutb and Abul-Ala Maududi.

He said, “Muslims have always suffered due to the actions of Khawarij groups. Their emergence took place after Prophet Mohammed’s death, during the battles of Siffin and Nahrawan. And today, they brought destruction in Syria and Libya”.

Dr. Madani added, “Our youth work with emotions, not with their intellect, and due to this, they are hasty in calling Muslims as Kaafir, and waging war against them”.

He said that, youth are mostly oblivious to the Islamic Shariah, that’s the reason they resort to suicide bombing and bloodshed.

While exposing the double-standards of Islamist preachers, he said, “Look at the lifestyle of Qardawi, Banna, Qutb and Maududi. Their children are well-settled in the western countries, while they exploit your children for their goals”.

Director of IPlus TV, Shaykh Kifayatullah Sanabili explained how modern-day youth get misguided due to their abandoning of traditional scholars, and picking up the tools of self-study.

Shaykh Sanabili said that, correct and sound understanding of Islam comes through methodology of Prophet and his companions, while misguidance comes through self-amazement.

Eventually, Delhi-based Shaykh Mohammed Rehmani, president of Jamia Islamia Sanabil, warned against the self-professed preachers and callers of Islam.

Shaykh Rehmani said, “Islam is learnt while sitting at the doorsteps of real scholars, not through YouTube and social media celebrities. Unfortunately, today, we gauge a person’s knowledge of Islam based on the hits and views he gets on the YouTube videos, and this is a problematic situation”.

Shaykh Rehmani urged the Muslims to obey the law of the land, and never rebel against the establishment. He also asked them to stay away from the radical groups that promote the anti-state sentiments.

During a QA session, Shaykh Rehmani was asked about the extremist Islamist organization, Popular Front of India (PFI). Upon which, he expounded PFI’s affair, and called a spade a spade in terming the organization as an extremist cult that derives it methodology from the global Muslim Brotherhood’s militant outfit ‘Hamas’.

He quoted PFI’s chairman and said, “PFI follows Hamas model, not the Tablighi or Salafi model. Which indeed is a threat to the society”.

Shaykh Rehmani said that PFI works under different banners like Indian Fraternity Forum (IFF) and Indian Social Forum (ISF) in the Middle-East, while they have 16 different shades throughout India.

He urged the Ahle-Hadees followers and their chiefs to safeguard themselves against the PFI’s infiltration, and to warn against the influence of Muslim Brotherhood’s splinter groups like Jamat-e-Islami.

Further, Shaykh Rehmani awarded a memento to the organizers, and appreciated their efforts. Imam Khaled Basheer Mohammedi delivered the vote of thanks.

Around 900-1000 audiences showed up at the conference.

Milli Chronicle Media England, Ezal Magazine Saudi Arabia, Miftah Educational and Welfare Society, Azwa-Us-Salaf Educational and Welfare Society, and Ashaabul-Yameen Team sponsored the conference.

According to a survey titled “Dealing with Debt: How India plans to pay EMIs”, which was carried out on approximately 8,500 consumers belonging to the age group of 24-57, from around 35 cities, mentioned that over 63% Hyderabadi residents who partook in the survey stated that their income is badly hit due to COVID-19. While 20% of them lost their income completely.

Moreover, around 80% self-employed section and 58% salaried section from the city suffered a full income loss.

CEO of Paisabazaar.com Naveen Kukreja said that, “While there was widespread impact on consumers in the first two-three months of the pandemic, we believe there has been a steady recovery since July. Incomes of customer segments employed in Travel, Aviation, Hospitality etc. should start getting restored gradually. However, supply of loans to self-employed and low-income segments would take longer to recover”.

The survey also revealed that over 86% self-employed customers all over India reported a loss in income due to lockdowns and COVID-led restrictions.

Why the Ottoman-family built such a great lodge and what’s their connection with Freemasons…

I wasn’t surprised when I heard that “Turkey’s Erdogan is a Freemason belonging to Dömneh secret society”, claimed by Serbian-Yugoslavian Researcher Dejan Lučić.

I have been quite fascinated by these topics for the past 20 years, and in fact I visited the grand Masonic lodge in Hyderabad in 2003, built by the Nizam, father of son-in-law of last Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid II.

Inside the lodge, I saw David-Stars all over the walls, and various writings in Hebrew, Urdu and Persian languages.

After witnessing the lodge, I was quite inquisitive why the Ottoman-family built such a great lodge and what’s their connection with Freemasons.

After few days, I visited Salarjung Museum of Hyderabad to find some content for the research, and the “Founder’s Gallery” is as clear as the sky that—Nizam was 33rd Degree Freemason. All his attires, special ritualistic swords, and pictures are on public display.

Coincidentally, Adnan Oktar aka Harun Yahya was quite famous those days, and I got my new multimedia computer the same year. So to enjoy the new machine, I used to watch his documentaries and read his books.

There were two books on this subject—”Global Freemasonry” and “The Knight Templars”.

Oktar, who is now a top freemason, dedicated third chapter of the book Global Freemasonry about the rampant masonic presence in Turkey in every system of the society.

In 2015, a video clip of Dr. Raslan of Egypt was viral, where he read official documents in public to expose the connections between Freemasons and Muslim Brotherhood or Ikhwanul-Muslimeen.

He quoted Tharwat Kharbawi, former freemason and brotherhood member—who wrote about how the formation and working pattern of MB was laid by Freemasons.

The famous Rabia hand-symbol glorified by Erdogan during 2013 Egypt protests, flashed my mind. Interestingly, the hand symbol was claimed by Masonic groups.

Further, the deception and fraud by MB and Erdogan is quite known to the Muslim world, how MB collaborated with the Obama regime to engineer the so-called “Arab Spring” in Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Yemen, and tried their hands to mess-up with Saudi Arabia as well, however they lost to the Saudi Security forces and its backing in Bahrain and Egypt.

Erdogan’s deception is evident. On one hand he criticizes Israel, but on the other hand he venerates the grave of Theodore Herzel, founder of modern Zionism.

He calls for Israel’s destruction, and keeps Israeli embassy open in Istanbul.

He calls for the rights of Palestinians, but allows Israelis to get a “free” on-arrival visa, and stay in Turkey for 90-days, while Palestinians have to pay.

He calls for Israel’s destruction, but sends them medical aid and permits their cargo planes.

The list of Erdogan’s deceptions can continue.

The major sign of “Dajjal” is deception, since his name is derived from Dajal which means to fake-up and hide the reality, and this is one of the signs of Dajjalian forces—they work under the facáde. They keep the people busy with their outward claims and work keenly on their sinister agendas.

It seriously upsets me, when I see  people getting easily swayed away by Erdogan and his deceptive agenda, and the kids getting overtly excited by the “return of Ottoman Caliphate in 2023”.

Wake-up from the slumber and see yourself, the real enemy is presented to you as Messiah, and the real friends are character-assasinated day-in and day-out, and don’t fall for the ulterior motives of deceptive forces. Wake up!

58-years-old, Bala Sai Baba, was popular as “Magic Baba” for performing miracles of spitting out Shivalingam during Shivaratri every year and for creating jewelry out of nowhere.

Rational thinkers have exposed his tricks in fooling masses. He was also accused of illegally encroaching lands and cheque bounce cases.

Baba established two Ashrams or hermitage in Kurnool and Hyderabad respectively. His devotees believe that Baba has had huge following from Western countries.

His funeral will take place at Balasai International School in Kurnool.

His death has exposed the reality of the “miraculous” godmen who claim to protect their devotees from troubles while they die helplessly due to mere diseases, rational thinkers said.

They have urged such devotees to realize the supreme power is with “One God” in the heavens, while these “miraculous” men are mere helpless human beings.

For the last half-a-century, the Charminar Assembly segment in the southern part of the city has not only been a strong bastion of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), but has also turned out to be a stepping stone to the Indian Parliament for two generations of the Owaisi family.

The party won the Charminar seat for the first time in 1967 and since then, it sort of became an AIMIM citadel which opponents, despite best efforts and trying out various strategies, have failed to breach.

This time around, senior party leader Mumtaz Ahmed Khan is testing his luck from the seat.

AIMIM leader the late Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi bagged the seat in 1967 and made his debut as a legislator. He won the seat then by defeating Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS) candidate CL Meghraj by a margin of 7,500 votes. Since then, the party’s firm grip on the constituency ensured its victory even in the toughest of times.

The Charminar seat was a launch pad for party president Asaduddin Owaisi too. In fact, Asaduddin made his debut in full-fledged politics after he contested and won the Charminar seat in 1994. He defeated MBT candidate Hussain Shaheed by a margin of 40,544 votes in an election which had a total of 19 candidates and 17 of them forfeiting their deposits. Asaduddin contested from the seat again in 1999 and won.

Interestingly, after representing the Charminar assembly constituency, both Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi and Asaduddin Owaisi moved over to the Parliament.

During the delimitation of constituencies in 2009, Charminar was bifurcated with a part of it transferred to the newly carved out Bahadurpura assembly constituency. After the delimitation, Ahmed Pasha Quadri won the seat defeating TDP candidate Ali Bin Ibrahim Masqati by 10,695 votes and in 2014, he defeated TDP candidate MA Basith.

The highest polling percentage in Charminar Assembly constituency recorded so far was in the year 1983 at 81.37 percent.

This time around, AIMIM leader Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, who previously successfully held the Yakutpura seat is contesting from here and his close rival is expected to be Congress candidate Mohammed Ghouse, who quit from AIMIM and joined Congress a few years ago.

Salar and the revival of AIMIM

Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi, popularly known as Salar, meaning commander or leader, was the man who restructured and shaped the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen as a full-fledged and effective political party.

Lead actively by him, the party first won a seat in the municipal election from Mallepally in 1960. In the next two years, it contested Assembly elections and won the Pathergatti Assembly seat in 1962.

SS Owaisi, after the victory, gathered together eminent members of the community and the party started contesting from multiple seats.

In 1962, Salahuddin won from the Pathergatti Assembly seat as an independent candidate and later won from the Charminar constituency in 1967 which he represented till 1984. He then entered the Parliament winning the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat in 1984 and setting a record of sorts with six straight terms.
The AIMIM suffered a setback in 1993 when its legislator Amanullah Khan ‘revolted’ against the party, charging it of adopting a weak stand on the Babri Masjid demolition issue. He was suspended by the party.

Khan took away Yakutpura legislator Mumtaz Ahmed Khan and floated the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT). In the elections held in 1994, the strength of AIMIM slipped from the earlier 4 seats to just one i.e., Charminar, while two seats it earlier held were won by MBT candidates, Amanullah Khan and Mumtaz Ahmed Khan.

Salar did pull the party strength back into shape soon. He died in 2008 and since then, his son Asaduddin Owaisi is the president of the AIMIM.

Article first published on TelanganaPost.

Asif Yar Khan is a senior journalist and writer.