Lakshadweep is a gaggle of about 35 lovely islands, solely 10 of that are inhabited, within the Arabian Sea, one hour’s flight from Cochin, Kerala. Its 65 thousand inhabitants is nearly solely Muslim. The capital is an island known as Kavaratti.
Lakshadweep is a union territory, with an Administrator as its head, who was earlier at all times an IAS officer. Nonetheless, in December 2020 Praful Khoda Patel, a BJP politician was appointed because the Administrator, and he has been on that place since then.
Patel has grow to be very controversial of late by his autocratic habits, like Muhammad bin Tughlaq.[ref 1] [ref 2]
Amongst Patel’s acts and proposals to which there’s robust opposition are the next :
- He has proposed ban on the slaughter of cows, bulls and bullocks. However virtually all islanders are Muslims, who’ve been consuming beef for hundreds of years, and it’s a part of their weight-reduction plan, being a supply of low cost protein
- He has proposed the opening of liquor bars, to advertise tourism. However until now no alcohol was ever permitted within the islands, and the folks, who’re virtually all Muslims, strongly oppose the transfer
- The proposed Lakshadweep Growth Authority Laws, 2021 allow taking away anybody’s land for ‘growth function’. Native individuals are apprehensive that their land could also be taken away underneath this legislation
- These having greater than 2 youngsters will probably be ineligible for contesting panchayat elections. However as it’s the fertility price within the islands is low.
- An anti gunda legislation is proposed, although there may be little crime within the islands
- There’s additionally criticism of the best way covid was dealt with, leading to many deaths.[ref 3]
The democratic means is that earlier than such vital modifications are made there needs to be huge session and discussions with the native folks, and their opinion be obtained.
However Patel is using roughshod over the folks of Lakshadweep, caring little for his or her views, like a whimsical autocrat.
No marvel he has been named the Muhammad bin Tughlaq of Lakshadweep
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Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge, Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman, Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own.
