Marvel: Reborn in 20th century India

Chapter 90: Ch.89: The Media's Inquisition



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In the weeks following the implementation of the Unified Accountability and Integrity Act (UAIA), Aryan, as the President of Bharat, along with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Attorney General, Ravi Verma, the Home Minister, and Sardar Patel, the Vice President, were engrossed in ensuring that corrupt officials and politicians were brought to justice. The Unified Accountability Commission (UAC) was in full swing, and the media was abuzz with questions about the new law and its implications.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, Bharat, June 21, 1946

The grand hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan was filled with journalists eager to question the leaders about the UAIA. Aryan, Dr. Ambedkar, Ravi Verma, and Sardar Patel took their seats at the front, ready to address the media.

Dharmesh Upadhyay, a senior journalist from All India Radio, rose from his seat first and respectfully questioned the President about his views on the recent events. "Mr. President, the opposition is making accusations and claims that the BVS is misusing its powers granted by the Constitution as the ruling party to target political rivals by passing the UAIA and forming the UAC. How do you respond to these allegations?"

Aryan smiled warmly and responded calmly. "I don't know why the opposition parties are making such a fuss about the UAIA, but in the elections and even before that, I had vowed before the people to bring down the rampant corruption in Bharat. The people, knowing full well about my promises and motivation, elected us with a special majority in both houses of Parliament and me as the President. So, I believe there is no misuse of Constitutional powers or wrong measures taken to pass the UAIA in Parliament, as we simply employed our rights given to us by the Constitution and the citizens of Bharat. And believe me when I say this, I, along with several people present alongside me, were members of the Constituent Assembly along with Jawaharlal Nehru and Mr. Gandhi, who are senior members of Congress, which is leading the opposition parties. We know full well about our responsibilities and duties that come with our positions in power. The UAIA was enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. The UAC operates independently, and its actions are based on irrefutable evidence. The law applies equally to everyone, regardless of their political affiliation. In fact, saying that this law is politically motivated is completely false, as several members of our own party were arrested on charges of corruption by the UAC."

Dharmesh sat down, satisfied with the response from the President, and looked at his subordinate, asking if he had documented and recorded the response properly. After his affirmation, he looked at the other journalists from leading newspaper agencies of Bharat, asking several questions from Dr. Ambedkar, Ravi Verma, and Sardar Patel.

A journalist from Times of India, a leading newspaper in Bharat, asked his question to Dr. Ambedkar. "Dr. Ambedkar, can you elaborate on the safeguards in place to prevent misuse of power by the UAC?"

Dr. Ambedkar responded in his usual serious manner and curt personality. "Certainly. The UAIA includes several checks and balances, such as executive oversight, impeachment safeguards, and judicial accountability. The UAC's independence is further ensured by its direct funding from a Constitutionally Protected Fund, preventing any external interference."

Meanwhile, another journalist from The Hindu questioned Ravi Verma. "Mr. Verma, the opposition argues that the UAC's actions are politically motivated, which the BVS counters with the presence of several incriminating pieces of evidence. Can you elaborate on what evidence you have to counter these claims?"

Ravi Verma calmly replied to the journalist. "The UAC's investigations are based on solid evidence gathered through intelligence agencies and investigations by the CBI and other central security departments. Each case is meticulously documented, and the anti-corruption courts expedite the adjudication process, ensuring swift justice."

Another journalist from The Statesman questioned Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. "Sardar Patel, how do you address concerns about the impact of the UAIA on the general populace and the private sector, especially those involved in government contracts?"

Sardar Patel responded with his usual pragmatic approach. "The inclusion of the private sector in the UAIA's jurisdiction is a significant step towards holistic accountability. It ensures that all entities involved in government contracts adhere to the highest standards of integrity. This will foster a culture of transparency and trust in both the public and private sectors."

The media personnel present continued to ask several questions, and then another journalist from Times of India asked Sardar Patel about his message to the general populace. "Sardar Patel, what message do you have for the citizens of Bharat regarding the UAIA and the fight against corruption?"

Sardar Patel immediately responded to the journalist about his message to the people of Bharat. "I would like every citizen of Bharat to know that the UAIA is a testament to our commitment to a corruption-free Bharat. We urge all citizens to support this initiative and come forward with any information about corrupt practices. Let's collectively build a transparent and accountable nation."

The media interaction concluded with the BVS expressing their clarity and determination about their responsibility to the people of Bharat. The leaders had effectively countered the opposition's accusations, leaving no room for doubt about the validity and necessity of the UAIA. The nation watched as the BVS, under Aryan's leadership, continued its relentless pursuit of a corruption-free Bharat.

Patal Lok, The Palace of Asura King Bhishanara

The dimly lit hall of the Asura King's palace was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional flicker of torches casting long shadows on the ancient stone walls. Chhaya, the high-ranking Asura scout, stood before the throne, her head bowed in deference. The Asura King, Bhishanara, sat imposingly on his throne, his eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Beside him stood Alakshmi, his wife, her presence as cold and intimidating as the void. Raktaksha, the general under whom Chhaya served, a towering figure with an aura of unyielding strength, observed the proceedings with a stern expression.

Chhaya began her report, her voice steady but tinged with the weight of her findings. "My King, I have observed the anomalous dimension for several months. Despite the advanced surveillance systems and their formidable detection network, I barely managed to bypass their detection using my mastery over mirror dimension, reflections and illusions. However, I must report that Andhankara was slain by a mortal, a being of immense power named Aryan."

Bhishanara's eyes narrowed, his voice a low growl. "A mortal, you say? And what of this Aryan? What have you learned about him and his allies?"

Chhaya hesitated, knowing the gravity of her next words. "Aryan and his close ones possess boundless powers, I couldn'tget measures of. Despite my efforts, I could not observe them directly or approach them without risking detection. They are protected by formidable defenses, and their abilities are beyond anything we have encountered. My intuition tells me that Aryan is a force to be reckoned with."

The Asura King leaned forward, his expression one of disdain. "Is that all you have to report, Chhaya? Mere intuition and vague observations? You were sent to gather detailed information, not to return with tales of your fears."

Alakshmi's cold voice cut through the tension. "Perhaps Chhaya is not as capable as we believed. If she cannot fulfill her duties, she has no place in our ranks."

Chhaya's heart pounded, but she stood her ground. "I… uh…. understand your disappointment, my King, and Lady Alakshmi. I will return to the dimension and gather the detailed reports you require. I will prove my worth and ensure that Patal Lok remains strong."

Raktaksha , who had remained silent until now, spoke with a voice of authority. "Chhaya, you have been given a second chance. Do not squander it. The strength of our army depends on the reliability of our scouts. Prove that you are worthy of your place among us."

Bhishanara's gaze bore into Chhaya, his voice final and commanding. "Go, Chhaya. Return with the information we need, or do not return at all. Patal Lok is no place for the weak."

Chhaya bowed deeply, her resolve hardening. "I will not fail you, my King. I will uncover the secrets of Aryan and his allies and bring back the knowledge that will ensure our victory."

As she left the hall, the weight of her mission pressed heavily upon her. The shadows of Patal Lok seemed to whisper of the challenges ahead, but Chhaya knew she had no choice but to succeed. The fate of her place in the Asura army—and perhaps the fate of Patal Lok itself—depended on it.

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