News for 'Secular India'

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges.

'I'm Sure The Concept For INDIA Came From Him'

'I'm Sure The Concept For INDIA Came From Him'

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'In Parliament, he was the one person who stood for democracy and secularism even when the principal Opposition party was not very forthright in taking on the BJP and RSS.'

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

He was my friend, philosopher and guide: Sonia Gandhi on Manmohan Singh

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Sonia Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief, mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him a "friend, philosopher and guide." She described him as the epitome of wisdom, nobility and humility, whose contributions to India's progress and development are immeasurable. She also said that Singh's passing is a deeply personal loss and he was loved by the people of India for his pure heart and fine mind.

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

DMK secures big win in Erode East bypoll, boosts party for assembly polls

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has won the Erode East bypoll with a massive margin, defeating actor-politician Seeman's NTK. The victory is seen as a boost for the DMK ahead of next year's Assembly elections. DMK candidate V C Chandhirakumar trounced Naam Tamilar Katchi's (NTK) M K Seethalakshmi by a margin of 91,558 votes, leading to the NTK forfeiting its deposit. Chief Minister and DMK president Stalin attributed the win to the DMK government's good governance, while AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami termed it a "fake" victory. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of Congress MLA EVKS Elangovan last year.

Did India's secularism die on August 5?

Did India's secularism die on August 5?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2020

'Indian secularism doesn't deserve a tombstone. It needs a new shrine,' argues Shekhar Gupta.

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The 'deliberate attack' on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

'The government is saying 88 Hindus have been killed, but it could be much more.' 'Their properties are being looted, their businesses have been ransacked. I am getting distress calls from there.' 'Muslims who believe in the philosophy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are also under attack. Most of those who have fled Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's fall are Muslims.'

'Time To Play Tests Not T20s In Markets'

'Time To Play Tests Not T20s In Markets'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'2025 is the year to build a portfolio for the future. Focus this year should be on valuations and visible growth.'

LS poll results show India not 'Hindu Rashtra': Amartya Sen

LS poll results show India not 'Hindu Rashtra': Amartya Sen

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

"I do not think the idea of turning India into a 'Hindu Rashtra' is appropriate," Sen, 90, said.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

'The 2024 election results will lead to much intense targeting of Modi, more intense debates, many more breakdowns in Parliament and many more movements on the streets.' 'The results have hit Modi's standing, and the politics of the Opposition parties will be sharply focused to ensure that Modi doesn't get back his charisma of being 'invincible' with help of State power.' Sheela Bhatt looks at the political situation through the prism of 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

'Idiot' Trudeau empowered Khalistani extremists: Former Canada minister

'Idiot' Trudeau empowered Khalistani extremists: Former Canada minister

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is 'sociologically and politically' an 'idiot' who has never truly understood that the vast majority of Sikhs are quite secular in their outlook and want nothing to do with Khalistan, according to a former Canadian minister.

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) on Friday presented a report on the state of minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi was inaugurated on Wednesday, as the grand old party turned a page in its history after operating from its iconic 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'If the BJP detoxifies the nuclear liability law, it will bring economic, environmental and, most of all, strategic benefits.' 'Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that this Budget promise is met soon -- ideally, before Mr Modi heads to his first meeting with Trump 2.0,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Oppn moves notice in RS to impeach Allahabad HC judge

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Members of several opposition parties in India have initiated proceedings to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav for his alleged controversial remarks at a recent event. The impeachment motion, signed by 55 opposition MPs, cites the judge's speech at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, where he allegedly made provocative statements on a uniform civil code and the law working according to the majority. The Supreme Court has taken note of the controversy and sought details from the Allahabad High Court.

PFI involved in 'disturbing' India's secular fabric: Officials

PFI involved in 'disturbing' India's secular fabric: Officials

Rediff.com28 Sep 2022

The PFI is alleged to have been continuously involved in anti-government propaganda and spreading the narrative that Muslims were being persecuted in India.

We Won't See The Likes Of Him Again

We Won't See The Likes Of Him Again

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, the legal precedents he set, and the principles he upheld.

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'When voting clause by clause on Waqf came up in the JPC, the TDP and JD-U supported the BJP on each and every clause.'

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Ahead of the Maha Kumbh, a senior cleric has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressing fears that mass conversions of Muslims will take place during the event, while other community leaders have flagged the alleged demand raised by some Hindu seers' body to keep Muslims out of the mega gathering.

'India Must Not Give Sheikh Hasina Asylum'

'India Must Not Give Sheikh Hasina Asylum'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

'At this moment you cannot give her asylum because if you do, then you are directing public anger against India.'

Won't escape responsibility if...: Muslim body warns JD-U, TDP on waqf bill

Won't escape responsibility if...: Muslim body warns JD-U, TDP on waqf bill

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

It also cautioned that if the legislation is passed, the "two crutches" on which the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is running at the Centre would not be able to escape responsibility.

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Marxist leader Pinarayi Vijayan intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that its general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

AAP, Cong or Owaisi: How will Delhi Muslims vote?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The broom, the hand or the kite, listen to the mind or the heart, 'tunnel vision voting' to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party or electing the 'right party'. With only two days to go for polling, the choice is anything but clear for Delhi's Muslims, say many voters.

Time We Understood America's Game

Time We Understood America's Game

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Sections of our media and elites take Western reports/judgements at face value and are ready to condemn the targets without understanding the deeper power linkages behind such actions, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The latest issue of "Organiser", an RSS-linked magazine, has argued that the ongoing dispute over the Shri Harihar Mandir in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is not about religious supremacy but about seeking "civilisational justice" by uncovering historical truth. The editorial, penned by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of "Organiser", contends that the debate should not be limited to a Hindu-Muslim perspective but should encompass a wider discussion on historical truths and social justice. The magazine further criticizes the Congress's handling of caste and religious issues, accusing it of whitewashing historical injustices and promoting a false narrative about Mughal rulers.

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Unprecedented bribery charges, farewells, separation, failed union, monumental mergers and record-breaking IPOs, along with a healthy dose of online happenings in the form of spat and lessons in customer care, corporate India saw it all in 2024.

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has shifted its focus back to Hindutva after suffering significant losses in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. The party has been vocal about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and has taken a stance to "protect" a Hanuman Temple in Mumbai. Observers say this move is an attempt to regain its core voter base and counter the BJP's narrative on Hindutva, ahead of the upcoming civic polls. Analysts believe the party's "secular" stand may not be effective in the BMC elections and that its return to Hindutva is a sign of frustration from electoral setbacks.

Contests That Startled India

Contests That Startled India

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Lok Sabha constituencies that sprung a surprise in the 2024 polls.

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Congress has tried to inflict capital punishment on true secularism, he claimed, asserting that the Waqf law has no place in the Constitution.

It's Family Time For Assembly Bypolls

It's Family Time For Assembly Bypolls

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Political parties have fielded sons, wives and daughters-in-law of legislators who quit after being elected to the Lok Sabha.

'Central BJP Is Ignorant Of Kerala Politics'

'Central BJP Is Ignorant Of Kerala Politics'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

'The Kerala BJP leadership is doing the job of clerical staff. What the boss orders, they just follow them.'

'Nitish Could Come Back To INDIA'

'Nitish Could Come Back To INDIA'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

'Nitish may take such a decision because he was the first person who was with the INDIA front.' 'He went back only because he did not get proper encouragement from the Congress.' 'Nitish will take a decision provided there is a strong alternative.' 'If he feels ours is a weak coalition, he will not come.' 'Then, this government will continue for five years.'

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court has sought details from the Allahabad High Court regarding controversial statements made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav at a VHP function. The development comes amid calls for action against the judge for his remarks, which have been labeled as hate speech by some. The judge's statements were made at a VHP function on December 8, where he spoke about the Uniform Civil Code and the law working according to the majority. Several individuals and organizations, including lawyer Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, have called for an inquiry into the judge's conduct and for his removal from judicial duties.

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits lawsuits to reclaim a place of worship or change its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, argue that these provisions violate the right to judicial remedy and create an arbitrary cut-off date. The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several ongoing cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The Muslim side has cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable. The Supreme Court had previously sought the Centre's response to Upadhyay's petition, which alleged that the law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" for maintaining the character of places of worship.

Sheikh Hasina's India stay will not hurt bilateral ties: Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina's India stay will not hurt bilateral ties: Bangladesh

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Hossain said they will "always try to maintain good relations" with India.

The Great Indian Family Review: Vicky Bats For Secularism

The Great Indian Family Review: Vicky Bats For Secularism

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

The Great Indian Family, observes Sukanya Verma, is a cheerful fable that points out the absurdity of discrimination as a tool employed by power hungry opportunists.

Secular? That's a laugh

Secular? That's a laugh

Rediff.com9 May 2005

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Bank credit growth is expected to moderate this financial year after a robust 16 per cent estimated for last financial year, driven by strong economic activity and retail credit demand. There are three reasons for this: a statistical high-base effect given the strong growth seen last financial year, revision in risk weights by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and relatively slower economic activity.