Search results for ' Religion'

'Caste census' begins in Karnataka amid protests

'Caste census' begins in Karnataka amid protests

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as the 'caste census' in Karnataka, commenced on Monday, with enumerators going door-to-door to collect data.

VHP wants Hindu-only garba events, asks to check Aadhaar

VHP wants Hindu-only garba events, asks to check Aadhaar

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has stated that only Hindus should be allowed to participate in 'garba' events during Navratri and advised organizers to check Aadhaar cards for identification. This has sparked debate, with some supporting the right of organizers to set entry conditions and others criticizing the VHP for promoting division.

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accuses the NDA of plotting to steal the Bihar assembly elections, alleging collusion with the Election Commission and voter roll manipulation.

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'Without our support Nitish Kumar wouldn't have become chief minister.' 'After the government was formed we became ministers, but our agenda remained the same: Amit Shah had promised reservation for Nishads.' 'He wouldn't listen, so we went to UP and contested 52 seats in the 2022 elections. He didn't like the idea of rebellion.' 'He saw that this man, coming from Bombay, is very sharp. He's made four MLAs now, tomorrow he'll make 40. A time will come when they will make it 125.' 'They bought our MLAs and ousted us from the government.'

Important stanzas of Vande Mataram were dropped: Modi

Important stanzas of Vande Mataram were dropped: Modi

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party, alleging that the dropping of important stanzas from the national song 'Vande Mataram' in 1937 sowed the seeds of partition. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the year-long commemoration of 'Vande Mataram'.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

HC slams UP police for detaining interfaith couple

HC slams UP police for detaining interfaith couple

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

The Allahabad high court on Saturday pulled up the Uttar Pradesh Police for the 'illegally detention' of an interfaith couple without any direction/order for taking them into custody, and ordered their release.

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

Haq Review: An Important Watch

Haq Review: An Important Watch

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Made at a time when an insidious agenda can be read into it, Haq is an important film that deals with a contentious subject with maturity, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Op Sindoor case: Ashoka University prof moves SC for passport release

Op Sindoor case: Ashoka University prof moves SC for passport release

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, previously booked for social media posts, has petitioned the Supreme Court for the release of his passport, a condition of his bail. The court will consider the plea on November 18.

No place for Muslims: BJP's Alisha Abdullah slams own party

No place for Muslims: BJP's Alisha Abdullah slams own party

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

She had joined the BJP inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former state chief K Annamalai, whom she believed had a clear vision of "no religion, no caste and pure hard work."

New street name boards in Indore's Muslim area removed

New street name boards in Indore's Muslim area removed

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Former BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, son of MP Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, wrote to IMC commissioner Shivam Verma claiming some streets in Chandan Nagar had been renamed on the basis of a "particular religion".

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed a 'mushaira' featuring Javed Akhtar following protests by some Muslim groups who claim his comments hurt religious sentiments. Left student organizations condemn the postponement.

'Muslims Should Watch Haq'

'Muslims Should Watch Haq'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

'Some films are meant to more than just entertain you. They are meant to challenge, provoke, push you to think, instil change, and be in the public conversation.' 'That is Haq.'

Journalist booked for sedition over remarks on Centre, Assam govt

Journalist booked for sedition over remarks on Centre, Assam govt

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Guwahati police have registered an FIR against journalist and YouTuber Abhisar Sharma for allegedly ridiculing the Assam and Union governments and promoting religious enmity. The FIR invokes Sections 152, 196, and 197 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

BJP leader booked for inflammatory remarks at Ganesh visarjan

BJP leader booked for inflammatory remarks at Ganesh visarjan

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

A case has been registered against BJP leader and MLC C T Ravi for allegedly making inflammatory comments during a Ganesha idol immersion event in Maddur town. The charges stem from a speech targeting the minority community during a protest against stone pelting at a previous Ganesha procession.

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Anwar Qadri, a Congress councillor in Indore, India, has been removed from his position due to allegations of funding 'love jihad'. This action follows his arrest and accusations of providing funds to lure women into converting to Islam. The move has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party facing criticism and the BJP accused of engaging in communal politics.

SC notice to BJP's Assam unit over 'Muslim takeover' video on X

SC notice to BJP's Assam unit over 'Muslim takeover' video on X

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The application sought direction for 'X' to take down the video immediately to prevent further communal disharmony.

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Nitish thought that his stakes as chief minister were far greater than his stakes in protecting one of his party MLAs. He could not allow his rule-of-law train to be derailed by a small rock on the track. On the contrary, if he removed it to keep the train moving at a steady speed he would gain strong public admiration and sympathy that would help him take the masses along in carrying out other tasks. A fascinating excerpt from Arun Sinha's Nitish Kumar And The Rise Of Bihar.

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

Asia Cup: 'I bowled a lot to Shubman Gill when he was 11-12'

Asia Cup: 'I bowled a lot to Shubman Gill when he was 11-12'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Simranjeet Singh, the left-arm spinner from UAE, distinctly remembers bowling to a talented 12-year-old Shubman Gill at the nets in Mohali.

Ranchi Durga Puja pandal drops Jesus Christ's image after VHP protest

Ranchi Durga Puja pandal drops Jesus Christ's image after VHP protest

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

A Durga Puja committee in Ranchi modified its Vatican City-themed marquee after objections from a Hindu group. The image of Jesus Christ was replaced with Lord Krishna.

Dream On... Viksit Bharat

Dream On... Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Can change happen? Not unless the changemakers themselves want it since they benefit the most from the status quo, warns Biswajit Dasgupta.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

Hopes fading for J-K's statehoood: Omar Abdullah

Hopes fading for J-K's statehoood: Omar Abdullah

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expresses dwindling hope for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, citing delays and governance challenges in the Union Territory setup.

Sarfaraz: 'Selectors Will Always Have A Plan'

Sarfaraz: 'Selectors Will Always Have A Plan'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

'Sometimes it might look wrong in the fans' eyes, but please don't twist things or create narratives that aren't even close to the truth.'

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Seers in Ayodhya announce a boycott of the upcoming Ram Leela, objecting to its 'unrestrained' and 'cinematic' presentation, citing concerns about the actors' lifestyles and the sanctity of the epic.

Yogi threatening Muslims, will quit, warns BJP leader

Yogi threatening Muslims, will quit, warns BJP leader

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal threatened to resign from the party, citing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "unacceptable" remarks and the state police's "vindictive" attitude against the Muslim community.

RPF constable shot 'bearded' man twice: Witness

RPF constable shot 'bearded' man twice: Witness

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

A witness in the July 2023 train shooting incident, where an RPF constable allegedly killed four people, testified in a Mumbai court, describing the events.

Marriage to minor no shield from rape charges under POCSO Act: HC

Marriage to minor no shield from rape charges under POCSO Act: HC

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Justices Urmila Joshi Phalke and Nandesh Deshpande of the HC's Nagpur bench, in the order passed on September 26, refused to accept the man's contention that he was in a consensual relationship with the 17-year-old girl and had registered the marriage only when she turned 18.

Marriage becomes invalid if conversion is found illegal: HC

Marriage becomes invalid if conversion is found illegal: HC

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that a marriage based on an illegal religious conversion is invalid under the law. The court made the observation while hearing a petition from a couple seeking protection of their marital life.

Now, Karnataka Cong MLA praises RSS anthem as 'very good song'

Now, Karnataka Cong MLA praises RSS anthem as 'very good song'

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Congress MLA H D Ranganath praised the RSS anthem after Deputy CM D K Shivakumar sang it in the Assembly. Ranganath called the anthem a "very good song" and said it promotes saluting the land where one is born.

EC books Tejasvi Surya for seeking votes on grounds of religion

EC books Tejasvi Surya for seeking votes on grounds of religion

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

A case was booked against Bharatiya Janata Party MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said on Friday.

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Bihar SIR 'accurate', not a single appeal from voter: EC to SC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise for Bihar's voter list in the Supreme Court, calling it accurate and dismissing allegations of impropriety by political parties and NGOs.

No regrets, support Yogi: Lawyer who hurled shoe at CJI

No regrets, support Yogi: Lawyer who hurled shoe at CJI

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Rakesh Kishore said that he was hurt by the CJI's remarks while dismissing a plea seeking restoration of the structure of Lord Vishnu in the Javari temple in Khajuraho.

'Irreparable Harm If Govt Takes Over Waqf Properties'

'Irreparable Harm If Govt Takes Over Waqf Properties'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'Only because of the absence of a dedication record in writing, how can such properties be treated as located on misappropriated government land?'

All 3 Pahalgam terrorists shot in the head: Amit Shah in RS

All 3 Pahalgam terrorists shot in the head: Amit Shah in RS

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah stated in the Rajya Sabha that the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack were killed in Operation Mahadev. He also criticized the Congress party's stance on national security.

Whenever foreign ideologies came to India...: RSS chief

Whenever foreign ideologies came to India...: RSS chief

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

He said terrorists crossed the border and killed 26 Indians after checking their religion in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which drew a fitting response from the country, referring to Operation Sindoor.

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

On October 14, 1956, Dr B R Ambedkar, fulfilling his long-held vow to renounce Hinduism, embraced Buddhism along with over 500,000 followers at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi, marking a new era of social and spiritual liberation for India's Dalits.

Paint thrown on Meenatai Thackeray statue in Mumbai sparks outrage

Paint thrown on Meenatai Thackeray statue in Mumbai sparks outrage

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

As the news spread, workers of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray rushed to the spot and cleaned the premises.