News for 'Secular India'

SC questions immigrants' impact on Assam's demography, culture, seeks data

SC questions immigrants' impact on Assam's demography, culture, seeks data

Rediff.com5 Dec 2023

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought data on the beneficiaries of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act in Assam, saying there was no material before it which could indicate that the effect of granting Indian citizenship to Bangladeshi immigrants between 1966 and 1971 was so great that it impacted the demographic and cultural identity of the border state.

JD-S's lone MP and Deve Gowda grandson's election set aside

JD-S's lone MP and Deve Gowda grandson's election set aside

Rediff.com1 Sep 2023

Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of JD-S patriarch and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, and is the only candidate from the party to have won the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka in 2019.

'Democracy is at risk, its pillars are getting weakened'

'Democracy is at risk, its pillars are getting weakened'

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

'I wonder how people who come to power through democratic means turn out this way.' 'But people of India are strong, and those who think they can hoodwink people, are mistaken.' 'You can fool some people for some time, but not all people, all the time.'

Is India still a democracy? Oppn on Haridwar hate speeches

Is India still a democracy? Oppn on Haridwar hate speeches

Rediff.com23 Dec 2021

Held at Ved Niketan Dham in Haridwar from December 17-20, the Dharma Sansad was organised by Yati Narasimhanand Giri of the Juna Akhada, who is already under police scanner for making hate speeches and inciting violence against Muslims.

What had been the use of love?

What had been the use of love?

Rediff.com25 Dec 2023

It had meant nothing but moments of intimacy, sweet but transient moments. An intriguing excerpt from Manju Kapur's new novel The Gallery.

Will support any non-BJP govt in Bihar: Congress

Will support any non-BJP govt in Bihar: Congress

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

Sources said the Congress, which has 19 legislators in the Bihar assembly, will go by what the Rashtriya Janata Dal decides and its presence will help strengthen the coalition.

SC quashes criminal case against Parkash Singh Badal, his son

SC quashes criminal case against Parkash Singh Badal, his son

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

The Badals and Cheema had moved the top court challenging the August 2021 order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court refusing to quash the summons against them by additional chief judicial magistrate, Hoshiarpur in a private complaint filed by Social activist Balwant Singh Khera on the charges of forgery, cheating and concealing facts.

'Israel like James Bond has a licence to kill'

'Israel like James Bond has a licence to kill'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2023

'But unlike Bond who killed an individual, Israel is killing a nation.'

Had to bow down to Gandhi family, Kharge: Shivakumar

Had to bow down to Gandhi family, Kharge: Shivakumar

Rediff.com18 May 2023

"We have a commitment before the people of Karnataka. Parliament elections are ahead. So, I have to bow to the AICC president and the Gandhi family. In the larger interest of the party (I have agreed to the formula) and why not, because sometimes the ice should break. Ultimately, there is a responsibility towards what we have a commitment to the people of Karnataka and we have to deliver," he said.

Never thought I'd sit in new Parliament, did now at age 91:: Ex-PM

Never thought I'd sit in new Parliament, did now at age 91:: Ex-PM

Rediff.com28 May 2023

The 91-year-old expressed his joy, saying he never thought that he would sit in a new Parliament building in his lifetime.

Whatever happened in Delhi is a wake-up call: Mehbooba

Whatever happened in Delhi is a wake-up call: Mehbooba

Rediff.com21 May 2023

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who is visiting Karnataka, on Sunday appreciated the people for voting out a 'fascist' Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state, but also cautioned people about the recent developments in Delhi, saying it was a wake-up call for everyone as it can happen anywhere in the country.

Perverting secularism

Perverting secularism

Rediff.com5 Jul 2004

Pranab's son wants to live up to father's legacy in TMC

Pranab's son wants to live up to father's legacy in TMC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2021

Mukherjee, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from his father's pocket borough of Jangipur, said he joined the Mamata Banerjee-led party because she has taken a strong stand on this issue.

MPs need govt nod for accepting foreign hospitality: RS fresh guidelines

MPs need govt nod for accepting foreign hospitality: RS fresh guidelines

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

e of them requires MPs to follow the norms including the Code of Ethics, which mandates them not to take gifts that may interfere with honest and impartial discharge of their official duties.

Can Flyweight Kejriwal Be A Hindu Hriday Samrat?

Can Flyweight Kejriwal Be A Hindu Hriday Samrat?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2022

How did Arvind Kejriwal, a one-time votary of secularism, turn into a bargain-basement version of Narendra Modi, wonders Vir Sanghvi.

Leads point to comfortable Congress win in Karnataka

Leads point to comfortable Congress win in Karnataka

Rediff.com13 May 2023

The Opposition Congress on Saturday seemed to be on course to breach rival Bharatiya Janata Party's lone southern citadel Karnataka, inching towards the magic figure of 113 needed to form a government on its own.

Punjab court notice to Kharge in Bajrang Dal defamation case

Punjab court notice to Kharge in Bajrang Dal defamation case

Rediff.com15 May 2023

In its Karnataka assembly poll manifesto, which was released on May 2, the Congress said it is committed to take firm and decisive action against individuals and organisations such as the Bajrang Dal and the PFI "spreading hatred" among communities on the grounds of caste and religion.

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Mani Shankar Aiyar: The Lonely Eternal Maverick

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

Very few know of his scintillating mind, the outpouring of fresh ideas, the attention to detail in every endeavour, the extraordinary administrative and organisational skills, and a limitless stamina and energy with which he pursues every interest and commitment, notes Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad.

Did 'Modi Ki Guarantee' Work Its Magic?

Did 'Modi Ki Guarantee' Work Its Magic?

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

Narendra D Modi and his party campaigned in these elections uncharacteristically without any big ideas. Of course, winning each election at all costs could be a big idea as well, observes Shekhar Gupta.

RS polls: Siddaramaiah urges JD-S MLAs to vote for Cong nominee

RS polls: Siddaramaiah urges JD-S MLAs to vote for Cong nominee

Rediff.com9 Jun 2022

A day ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls for four seats from Karnataka, Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah on Thursday wrote an open letter to Janata Dal-Secular MLAs requesting them to cast their 'conscience vote' in favour of his party's second candidate Mansoor Ali Khan, stating that his win will be a victory of 'secular ideology' followed by both parties.

Punjab minister slams BCCI: Why exclude Mohali from WC?

Punjab minister slams BCCI: Why exclude Mohali from WC?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2023

What is criteria of excluding Mohali from list of World Cup venues? Punjab sports minister writes to Binny and Shah

Claims bogus, false, not a penny came from China, NewsClick editor tells HC

Claims bogus, false, not a penny came from China, NewsClick editor tells HC

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha, arrested in a case lodged under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda, told the Delhi high court on Monday that the allegations against him were "false" and "bogus", and "not a penny has come from China".

'Dilip Kumar loved India until his death'

'Dilip Kumar loved India until his death'

Rediff.com12 Jul 2021

'He was full of Hindustan, its tehzeeb and its culture.'

Cong trying to hide in the bunker of secularism: Modi

Cong trying to hide in the bunker of secularism: Modi

Rediff.com27 Apr 2014

Accusing Congress of "trying to hide in the bunker of secularism", Narendra Modi on Sunday said that it was fighting for its survival with even a 100-seat mark in the new Lok Sabha appearing "an uphill task for it".

NewClick editor, HR head sent to jail for 10 days

NewClick editor, HR head sent to jail for 10 days

Rediff.com10 Oct 2023

A Delhi court on Tuesday sent to 10-day judicial custody NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty, arrested in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA over allegations that the news portal received money to spread pro-China propaganda.

BJP, JD-S to take on Cong in K'taka in 2024 LS polls; seats after Dussehra

BJP, JD-S to take on Cong in K'taka in 2024 LS polls; seats after Dussehra

Rediff.com22 Sep 2023

Headed by former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, the JD-S has long been a strong third player in the southern state where the Congress and the BJP have been the two main parties.

Ravi unfit to be TN Governor, looks to topple govt: Stalin to Prez

Ravi unfit to be TN Governor, looks to topple govt: Stalin to Prez

Rediff.com9 Jul 2023

In a letter to Murmu, Stalin said that Ravi has violated the oath of office he took under Article 159 of the Constitution, the government said in an official release.

'PFI crackdown doesn't mean all Muslims are terrorists'

'PFI crackdown doesn't mean all Muslims are terrorists'

Rediff.com29 Sep 2022

'Now that an extremist organisation like the PFI has been banned, it is time for the leaders to reach out to the minority community.' 'You need to have co-ordination between the State and the social fabric to send out the message that it is not directed at the community, and they should not feel vulnerable.'

SC refuses to stop VHP, Bajrang rallies, but says strictly no hate speech

SC refuses to stop VHP, Bajrang rallies, but says strictly no hate speech

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

With communal clashes claiming six lives in parts of Haryana close to Delhi, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered enhanced deployment of security personnel in sensitive areas and a crackdown on hate speech, but refused to stop the proposed rallies by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal in the National Capital Region.

Delhi HC rejects NewsClick founder's plea against arrest

Delhi HC rejects NewsClick founder's plea against arrest

Rediff.com14 Oct 2023

The Delhi high court on Friday refused to interfere with the arrest and subsequent police remand of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and portal's human resources department head Amit Chakravarty in a case lodged under anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

SC's big order on hate speech: Book cases even without complaint

SC's big order on hate speech: Book cases even without complaint

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday directed all states and union territories(UTs) to register cases against those making hate speeches even without any complaint, terming these speeches as a 'serious offence' capable of affecting the secular fabric of the country.

'Hindu Rashtra won't keep India together'

'Hindu Rashtra won't keep India together'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2021

'Non-separation of religion from politics is India's most daunting challenge'

Only one exit poll got it right on Karnataka

Only one exit poll got it right on Karnataka

Rediff.com13 May 2023

In its exit poll released after the voting on May 10, India Today-Axis My India predicted a clear majority for the Congress with 122-140 seats and gave the BJP 62-80 seats. It gave 20-25 seats to the JD-S.

What's India Celebrating In Its Sanyasa?

What's India Celebrating In Its Sanyasa?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

One wonders what, given the recent past, the next quarter century holds in store for India, asks Aakar Patel.

SC to hear PIL on states checking lynching of Muslims

SC to hear PIL on states checking lynching of Muslims

Rediff.com28 Jul 2023

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea filed by a women's organisation seeking directions to states to take immediate action in consonance with a 2018 verdict of the apex court to effectively deal with incidents of lynching and mob violence against Muslims by cow vigilantes.

Plea in Delhi HC seeks recall of currency over Rs 100, curbing cash deals over Rs 10K

Plea in Delhi HC seeks recall of currency over Rs 100, curbing cash deals over Rs 10K

Rediff.com3 May 2023

The Delhi high court on Wednesday asked the Centre and the Delhi government to present their stand on a plea seeking recall of all currency notes above Rs 100, restricting cash transactions above Rs 10,000 and linking assets worth more than Rs 50,000 with Aadhaar to check corruption.

Why Anti-Defection Law Needs Scrutiny

Why Anti-Defection Law Needs Scrutiny

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

Should the anti-defection law in India exist only to prevent democratically elected governments from being toppled?

SC asks Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand to crack down on hate speech, warns of contempt

SC asks Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand to crack down on hate speech, warns of contempt

Rediff.com21 Oct 2022

Holding that the Constitution of India envisages a secular nation, the Supreme Court Friday directed the Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to come down hard on hate speeches, promptly registering criminal cases against the culprits without waiting for a complaint to be filed.

Joint resolution of 26 Opposition parties says...

Joint resolution of 26 Opposition parties says...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

The opposition alliance that will take on the ruling National Democratic Alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and an 11-member committee will be set up for coordination, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced after a meeting of the parties in Bengaluru.

MoSha Have Left Nothing To Chance

MoSha Have Left Nothing To Chance

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

The five-state assembly elections are seen as a now-or-never, no-holds battle for the Congress, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.