News for 'Samaj'

Ban non-Hindus from Kanwar Yatra: Seers to U'khand govt

Ban non-Hindus from Kanwar Yatra: Seers to U'khand govt

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Hindu seers in Uttarakhand have urged the state government to ban non-Hindus from participating in the Kanwar Yatra and operating businesses along the pilgrimage route.

Akhilesh expels MLA Pooja Pal for praising Yogi Adityanath

Akhilesh expels MLA Pooja Pal for praising Yogi Adityanath

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Samajwadi Party on Thursday expelled its MLA Pooja Pal, for alleged anti-party activities, hours after she praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the assembly for putting gangster-politician Atiq Ahmad to dust.

Owaisi writes to Lalu, seeks alliance in Bihar polls

Owaisi writes to Lalu, seeks alliance in Bihar polls

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

AIMIM's Bihar state president Akhtarul Iman, the party's lone MLA in the state, has written to RJD president Lalu Prasad, formally requesting inclusion in the grand alliance.

UP minister Rajbhar's son booked over Mau railway station chaos

UP minister Rajbhar's son booked over Mau railway station chaos

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party leader Arvind Rajbhar and his supporters have been booked for allegedly disrupting operations at the Mau Railway Station after Ghosi MP Rajeev Rai raised the issue.

BSP chief Mayawati refers to herself as 'iron lady'

BSP chief Mayawati refers to herself as 'iron lady'

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati paid tribute to the party founder, late Kanshi Ram, on his 91st birth anniversary. She emphasized the BSP's commitment to action over words, highlighting the party's focus on the upliftment of backward classes. Mayawati also referred to herself as the "iron lady" and emphasized the importance of understanding the power of one's vote.

IWT suspension puts Jhelum, Chenab in our control: J-K LG

IWT suspension puts Jhelum, Chenab in our control: J-K LG

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserts that the Indus Waters Treaty was a 'historic mistake' and its termination will greatly benefit Jammu and Kashmir by allowing it to harness its hydropower potential.

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

Dhadak 2 Review: Must Watch!

Dhadak 2 Review: Must Watch!

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

After a long time, here's a film that does justice to the people whose stories are never heard or written about, notes Divya Nair.

Bhagwant Mann In Tight Spot Over Urban Push

Bhagwant Mann In Tight Spot Over Urban Push

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The land pooling policy aims to kick-start a new wave of urbanisation in the predominantly rural state.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad launches Azad Samaj Party

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad launches Azad Samaj Party

Rediff.com15 Mar 2020

Azad said the Bhim Army will run parallel to the party and continue to fight for Dalit rights and enrol new members.

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) asserts that major political parties participated in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, deploying booth level agents despite opposing the exercise in the Supreme Court. The ECI defends its authority to conduct the revision to maintain the integrity of elections.

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Traders oppose changing Mount Abu's name to Aburaj Teerth

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A proposal to change the name of Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, to "Aburaj Teerth" and ban non-vegetarian food and alcohol consumption in public has sparked protests from local businesses, who fear severe economic consequences. They argue that the name change will cause confusion and the restrictions will drastically reduce tourist numbers, impacting livelihoods.

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

How BSP plans to regain OBC support ahead of UP polls in 2027

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh is reviving its 'brotherhood committees', a strategy used successfully in the 2007 elections, to bolster its support among Other Backward Castes (OBCs) ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections. These committees, to be formed in all 403 constituencies, aim to connect with 100 people from OBC communities in each village, acting as ambassadors of the party at the booth level. The BSP sees these committees as a counter to the Samajwadi Party's PDA pitch and a means to consolidate its scattered rural vote bank. The party is also highlighting the 'anti-Dalit' and 'anti-OBC' tactics of the Congress, BJP and SP, hoping to capitalize on perceived grievances and reposition itself as a champion of marginalized communities.

Hate speech costs Mukhtar Ansari's son Abbas his UP assembly seat

Hate speech costs Mukhtar Ansari's son Abbas his UP assembly seat

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Abbas Ansari, the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party MLA, was sentenced to two years imprisonment in a 2022 hate speech case by a special MP-MLA court on Saturday.

Mayawati's niece alleges dowry harassment; civic chief among 7 booked

Mayawati's niece alleges dowry harassment; civic chief among 7 booked

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

A woman, the niece of BSP chief Mayawati, has filed a complaint accusing the family of the Hapur Municipal Council chairperson of domestic violence, dowry harassment, and sexual assault. The complaint alleges that the woman's husband, son of the chairperson, used steroids, rendering him medically unfit for conjugal life, and the family demanded a dowry of Rs 50 lakh and a flat. The BSP has expelled the chairperson, her husband, and their son from the party for anti-party activities and indiscipline.

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet in which he said he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland. Utkarsh Mishra remembers Ram Prasad Bismil on the revolutionary leader's 128th birth anniversary.

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Shinde was speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Ami Shah at the inauguration ceremony of the 'Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre' built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune's Kondhwa.

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it,' recalls Aakar Patel.

One more chance: Mayawati forgives, reinstates nephew Akash in BSP

One more chance: Mayawati forgives, reinstates nephew Akash in BSP

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

BSP supremo Mayawati has given her nephew Akash Anand "one more chance" to work for the party, hours after he issued a public apology for his actions. Mayawati said she is healthy and will not announce any successor. Akash's father-in-law, Ashok Siddharth, will not be taken back into the party for his "unforgivable" acts.

Hindu groups clash in Shimla ashram over ownership row, cops among 7 hurt

Hindu groups clash in Shimla ashram over ownership row, cops among 7 hurt

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

A dispute between two Hindu groups, the Himalayan Brahmo Samaj and the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, in Shimla resulted in injuries to seven people, including three police personnel. The clash occurred after members of the Brahmo Samaj entered the ashram premises to perform prayers, which the ashram members objected to. The incident, which involved alleged stone-pelting, has led to the registration of FIRs against seven individuals, including an ABVP leader. The dispute centers around the ownership of the ashram property, which is reportedly worth crores. Both groups have accused each other of attempting to take possession of the property and have called for investigations into the incident.

Delhi poll: 2 national parties get less vote share than NOTA

Delhi poll: 2 national parties get less vote share than NOTA

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

As votes for the Delhi assembly polls were counted on Saturday, latest data of the Election Commission showed that NOTA option got 0.57 per cent vote share as compared to 0.55 pet cent of the Bahujan Samaj Party and 0.01 per cent of Communist Party of India-Marxist.

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Now, TN actor Vijay moves SC against Waqf Act

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights.

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

'Mayawati Is Afraid Of The BJP'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'She feels it will send her to jail.'

Ayodhya loss avenged? BJP defeats SP in Milkipur

Ayodhya loss avenged? BJP defeats SP in Milkipur

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Chandrabhanu Paswan was leading by 3,991 votes over the Samajwadi Party's (SP) Ajit Prasad after the first round of counting for the Milkipur assembly bypoll on Saturday, according to the Election Commission website.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

It this era of sensationalism, we should appreciate director Anant Mahadevan for treating Phule with calm and composure and not going overboard, notes Hemant Waje.

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Total assets of the 699 candidates are worth about Rs 3,952 crore...

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

SC slams NGO for opposing Jayakwadi Dam solar project

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by an NGO challenging the construction of a renewable energy project at the Jayakwadi Dam in Maharashtra. The court criticized the NGO for opposing the project, stating that it would be detrimental to the country's progress if every project was resisted. The court also raised questions about the NGO's bona fides and funding, suggesting that it may have been influenced by a company that lost the tender for the project. The project, a floating solar power plant, was approved by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The NGT had previously dismissed the NGO's plea, stating that it could not find any law prohibiting such activities in the eco-sensitive zone. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT's decision, finding no grounds to interfere.

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The minority front of the Uttar Pradesh BJP will distribute 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to 32 lakh poor Muslims on the occasion of Eid this year.

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The BJP received the highest amount in large donations among national parties in the financial year 2023-24, with over Rs 2,243 crore declared from 8,358 donations, according to a report by poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report, based on data submitted to the Election Commission, highlighted trends in political donations above Rs 20,000. The total declared donations to national parties stood at Rs 2,544.28 crore from 12,547 contributions - a sharp 199 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

'I Didn't Work Because Of Lack of Good Offers'

'I Didn't Work Because Of Lack of Good Offers'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'It's important to keep doing your work. Do what you understand and don't expect much.'

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Just Who Was Mahatma Phule?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The latest biopic on Jyotibai Phule has come at a time when the Department of Taking Offence is super-active. Utkarsh Mishra feels it will be interesting to see if it portrays his attack on Brahminism in the same 'no holds barred' manner-- and, if it does, what reaction it provokes.

Mayawati sacks nephew, rules out naming successor in her lifetime

Mayawati sacks nephew, rules out naming successor in her lifetime

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

BSP chief Mayawati removed her nephew Akash Anand from all party posts and said that she will not name her successor till she is alive. In a slew of other significant changes in the BSP leadership announced at a high-level meeting of the party's office-bearers from across the country, Mayawati appointed her brother Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as national coordinators. Mayawati also criticized the budgets of both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments, saying they were "unrealistic" and detached from ground realities.

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Farmer leader Dallewal ends 130-day hunger strike, says stir to continue

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has ended his hunger strike which he began on November 26, 2022, to press for various demands of agitating farmers including a legal guarantee on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The announcement came after appeals from Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu. Dallewal said he would continue to fight for the MSP guarantee and other demands.

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'Muslims in Bihar under Nitishji's rule are safest than anywhere else.'

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Ambedkar's legacy sparks fierce political clash on his birth anniversary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, whose political influence has surged with the passage of time, on Monday was marked by bitter trading of charges between the ruling BJP and opposition parties as they fought for his legacy.

Day after removing him from party posts, Mayawati expels nephew

Day after removing him from party posts, Mayawati expels nephew

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday said she has expelled her nephew Akash Anand from the party 'in the interest' of the party.

'Kumbh pilgrims dying of hunger': MPs spar in Parliament

'Kumbh pilgrims dying of hunger': MPs spar in Parliament

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A war of words erupted in the Indian Parliament on Tuesday between Samajwadi Party (SP) MPs and BJP MP Hema Malini over the alleged mismanagement at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. SP leaders accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to provide adequate food, water, and fuel, leading to the deaths of devotees. Hema Malini, however, defended the event's organization, claiming it was well-managed despite a stampede that occurred on January 29th.

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

While the results of the bypolls will not directly impact the composition of the 403-member state Assembly, the contest is being seen as a prestige fight between the BJP and opposition parties.