News for 'Ayodhya'

First Look: Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum

First Look: Ayodhya Ram temple's sanctum sanctorum

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

The top of the sanctum sanctorum will be 161 feet from the ground floor and will be constructed with Rajasthan stone and marble.

Shah sounds poll bugle in Bihar, targets Lalu

Shah sounds poll bugle in Bihar, targets Lalu

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Shah pulled no punches in lambasting the RJD supremo for alleged nepotism, accusing him of making his wife the chief minister, getting his daughter elected to Parliament and "now both his sons want to become the CM".

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quotas. He also said that such reservations go against the wishes of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra, stating that people who went against the ethos of India were made icons. Hosabale lauded figures like Rajput king Maharana Pratap for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar and said those who resisted invaders were also "freedom fighters". He also spoke about the RSS's idea of 'One Nation, One Culture', stating that it draws inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and ethos.

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

'Some big, punitive action is being planned'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

'India today feels enough is enough and we need to teach Pakistan a lesson.' 'Unless compelled, Mr Modi will think 10 times before taking the extreme step.'

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Centre doesn't want to control Waqf Board, our plan is...: Nadda

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

BJP president JP Nadda said on Sunday that the party does not seek to control the Waqf Board but wants to ensure that those managing it operate within the bounds of law and adhere to established rules. He said the properties and funds of the Waqf Board should be dedicated to promoting education, providing healthcare and employment opportunities for the Muslim community. Nadda also highlighted the BJP's growth and achievements, emphasizing its commitment to national unity and cultural heritage.

Kejriwal offers prayers at Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya

Kejriwal offers prayers at Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya

Rediff.com26 Oct 2021

Delhi chief minister Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday offered prayers at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya, and said his government will include the temple town of Ayodhya in the Delhi government's free pilgrimage scheme.

PHOTOS: Ayodhya gears up for grand 'Deepotsav'

PHOTOS: Ayodhya gears up for grand 'Deepotsav'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2020

At the under-construction Ram Temple, around 21,000 diyas will be lit on Saturday.

Will reclaim every inch of land taken under pretext of waqf: Yogi

Will reclaim every inch of land taken under pretext of waqf: Yogi

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed to reclaim every inch of land taken under the pretext of Waqf, stating that the state government will actively investigate all "occupied" land. He also criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) and its leaders, alleging that they failed to uphold the principles of socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. Adityanath praised the Maha Kumbh, highlighting its significance as a symbol of India's spiritual heritage and national unity.

Ayodhya: Map of mosque, other buildings likely to be obtained in a month

Ayodhya: Map of mosque, other buildings likely to be obtained in a month

Rediff.com21 Aug 2022

The Indo Islamic Cultural Foundation, which has been set up for the construction of the mosque, will build a mosque along with a hospital, library, community kitchen and research institute, on the land.

Controversial HC judge to skip Ram Temple seminar at Kumbh

Controversial HC judge to skip Ram Temple seminar at Kumbh

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Yadav, who was embroiled in controversy for his speech at a VHP event in December, has opted out of a seminar on the Ram temple movement in the Kumbh Mela area on January 22. Yadav was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the seminar, which is being held to mark the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya temple.

Plinth work begins for Ram temple in Ayodhya

Plinth work begins for Ram temple in Ayodhya

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

The third phase of the construction of the Ram temple began at Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya on January 24 with the laying of the granite stones for the plinth.

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Cow Hospitals And Wah Taj! in Agra

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'Be it tourist guides, hotels, rickshaw drivers, all have a livelihood thanks to Shah Jahan.'

PHOTOS: Ayodhya holds its breath

PHOTOS: Ayodhya holds its breath

Rediff.com8 Nov 2019

Scenes from ground zero, Ayodhya.

The Famed Mashaal Raas Garba

The Famed Mashaal Raas Garba

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

This is how the residents of Jamnagar danced the Garba.

'A Tsunami is coming on April 2': Oppn on Trump's tariff war

'A Tsunami is coming on April 2': Oppn on Trump's tariff war

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Opposition MPs in India's Rajya Sabha raised concerns about US President Donald Trump's tariff threats, demanding the government clarify its response and engage in discussions with opposition parties. Leaders like P Chidambaram and Sagarika Ghose warned of potential economic repercussions, including depressed exports, lower FDI, and a significant tariff burden. The debate also touched on other issues such as the government's economic policies, demonetization, and the impact of GST on common citizens.

Build Ram temple in K'taka on lines of Ayodhya, minister urges Bommai

Build Ram temple in K'taka on lines of Ayodhya, minister urges Bommai

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

Narayan said that Sri Ram temple should be built using 19 acres of space which belong to the Department of Muzrai at Ramadevarabetta.

Yogi Adityanath to contest from Ayodhya? BJP brass to decide

Yogi Adityanath to contest from Ayodhya? BJP brass to decide

Rediff.com12 Jan 2022

The Bharatiya Janata Party is considering fielding Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Ayodhya as its senior leaders meet to finalise candidates for the assembly polls starting from February 10.

Ayodhya visits, chanting prayers priority of Centre: Pawar

Ayodhya visits, chanting prayers priority of Centre: Pawar

Rediff.com10 May 2022

While the common man is facing all these issues, those in power at the Centre are not ready to pay attention to these issues

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are facing transportation challenges, with many forced to walk long distances in search of transport. Thousands of pilgrims returning from the event are stranded at Varanasi Cantt and Banaras railway stations, with some missing their trains due to the rush and others stuck because of cancellations. Officials say the traffic situation in the district has returned to normal, but some pilgrims report difficulties in finding transport and reaching their destinations.

CJI Bobde wanted Shahrukh Khan for Ayodhya mediation

CJI Bobde wanted Shahrukh Khan for Ayodhya mediation

Rediff.com23 Apr 2021

The interesting fact was revealed to public for the first time by the Supreme Court Bar Association president and senior advocate Vikas Singh during his address on occasion of the farewell ceremony for the CJI.

Apologise or won't allow to enter Ayodhya: BJP MP to Raj Thackeray

Apologise or won't allow to enter Ayodhya: BJP MP to Raj Thackeray

Rediff.com5 May 2022

Raj Thackeray should apologise to all North Indians with folded hands, MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said.

Wamiqa-Varun Can't Wait For Christmas

Wamiqa-Varun Can't Wait For Christmas

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Bhumi feels pretty... Jackie Shroff with the 'asli' Bidhu...Huma-Saqib go to a wedding...

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

'BJP Is Setting A Narrative That Gandhis Are Corrupt'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'They want to keep the pot boiling all the time.' 'The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.'

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Can ordinary citizens counter this backward march? Can peace activists ensure that the two communities retain their bonds? Do they have a choice, asks Jyoti Punwani.

PHOTOS: Ayodhya's Ram temple foundation is complete

PHOTOS: Ayodhya's Ram temple foundation is complete

Rediff.com16 Sep 2021

The foundation for the temple has now been filled with the final, 48th layer of roller-compacted concrete, temple trust members told reporters on Thursday.

Ayodhya land scam: Priyanka Gandhi, Mayawati seek SC probe

Ayodhya land scam: Priyanka Gandhi, Mayawati seek SC probe

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

Gandhi dismissed as an "eyewash" the probe into what she called as Ayodhya land 'scam' in areas around the proposed Ram temple while Mayawati demanded that the state government cancel the land deals if the allegations in a media report on the issue are true.

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the Narendra Modi government has "almost all" completed its ideological tasks, including the abrogation of Article 370, and will continue on the same path in its third tenure. Shah, a senior BJP leader, was speaking at the Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair in Gujarat, where he highlighted the government's achievements in areas such as the Ram Temple construction, abolition of triple talaq, and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand. He also emphasized the government's success in promoting Yoga internationally and repatriating stolen idols of Hindu deities. Shah lauded Hindu temples and organizations for their service to society, especially their contributions to education and healthcare for the poor.

MNS hints at Sharad Pawar's role in opposition to Raj Thackeray's Ayodhya visit

MNS hints at Sharad Pawar's role in opposition to Raj Thackeray's Ayodhya visit

Rediff.com24 May 2022

Thackeray on Sunday said he had deferred his visit to Ayodhya in UP as there was ploy to "trap" his party workers into legal issues.

Rs 1,800 cr: Construction cost of Ayodhya's Ram Temple

Rs 1,800 cr: Construction cost of Ayodhya's Ram Temple

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

The construction of the temple is expected to be completed by December 2023 and Lord Ram is expected to be seated in the sanctum sanctorum by the Makar Sankranti festival in January 2024.

After Ayodhya and Kashi, BJP eyes Mathura for electoral gain

After Ayodhya and Kashi, BJP eyes Mathura for electoral gain

Rediff.com27 Feb 2022

A magnificent Krishna Janambhoomi temple in Mathura was a recurrent theme for the ruling BJP in the run-up to the assembly polls, reports Nitin Kumar.

What delays construction of mosque in Ayodhya even after SC order in 2019

What delays construction of mosque in Ayodhya even after SC order in 2019

Rediff.com6 Dec 2022

But three years after the apex court settled the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, there are no signs of any building activity on the proposed mosque site.

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Maha Kumbh set for auspicious start on 'Paush Purnima' on Monday

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025, billed as the world's largest gathering of humans, began on Monday with the first major bathing ritual or 'Shahi Snan' at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, India. This edition of the Kumbh is being held after 12 years, with the Uttar Pradesh government expecting over 35 crore devotees to visit. The event is being touted as a 'Digi-Kumbh' with Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used for various aspects, including security and cleanliness. The Maha Kumbh will be held from January 13 to February 26, and is expected to transform the area into the world's largest temporary city. Thirteen Akharas of seers from different sects are participating in the event, attracting attention from those seeking to learn about Indian spiritual beliefs.

'Modi is the political product of the Ayodhya agitation'

'Modi is the political product of the Ayodhya agitation'

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

'Although Narendra Modi had no direct participation in the Ayodhya agitation, he would not have been in the dominant position he is now had it not been for the Ram Janambhoomi agitation.'

Zakia Jafri, wife of ex-Cong MP killed in 2002 Gujarat riots, dies

Zakia Jafri, wife of ex-Cong MP killed in 2002 Gujarat riots, dies

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Zakia Jafri, the wife of former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri who was killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots, died on Saturday in Ahmedabad at the age of 86. Ehsan Jafri was among 69 persons who were killed inside Gulbarg Society, a Muslim neighbourhood in Ahmedabad, on February 28, 2002, a day after coaches of the Sabarmati Express train were burnt in Godhra, resulting in the deaths of 59 'karsevaks' returning from Ayodhya. The incident triggered horrific rioting across the state. Zakia Jafri hit the national headlines as she waged a legal battle all the way to the Supreme Court in a bid to hold top political leaders accountable for the large conspiracy for the riots post the Godhra train burning episode. Her son Tanveer Jafri said that his mother was visiting his sister's house in Ahmedabad when she complained of feeling uneasy. The doctor who was called in declared her dead at around 11:30 am. Social activist Teesta Setalvad, who was co-complainant in Jafri's protest petition in the Supreme Court, posted on X that Zakia Jafri was a compassionate leader of the human rights community.

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary has moved the Supreme Court seeking effective implementation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This move comes amidst several petitions challenging the law's validity, including those filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay. The Supreme Court, in December 2022, had restrained all courts from examining fresh suits and passing interim orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places. The Act aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, but the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. The court has listed Choudhary's plea with other pending pleas for February 17.

Yogi would have faced lot of opposition in Ayodhya: Ram Temple priest

Yogi would have faced lot of opposition in Ayodhya: Ram Temple priest

Rediff.com24 Jan 2022

'I speak after asking Ram Lalla. I spoke with Ram Lalla's inspiration'

Ram temple one of the poll issues in Ayodhya, voters want jobs, development

Ram temple one of the poll issues in Ayodhya, voters want jobs, development

Rediff.com25 Feb 2022

The Bharatiya Janata Party, for whom the temple town sharpened its Hindutva plank, is facing a challenge particularly from the Samajwadi Party in the ongoing state polls.