News for 'Tamil and Muslim'

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

No quota benefits for backward class converts to Islam: SC

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that social backwardness is not transferable from a Hindu social order to a non-Hindu social order upon religious conversion, meaning individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely due to conversion.

Vijay's Tamil Nadu Attracts Rs 1 Trillion In Investment Commitment

Vijay's Tamil Nadu Attracts Rs 1 Trillion In Investment Commitment

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

'If investors are trusting a new establishment in Tamil Nadu, it speaks a lot of the state's investment climate.'

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Why India Is Wooing Sri Lanka's JVP

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively courting Sri Lanka's Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a Marxist party with strong Sinhalese nationalist roots, marking a significant shift in bilateral relations despite ideological differences. This engagement, highlighted by a recent high-profile visit by JVP leader Tilvin Silva, aims to foster cooperation on economic projects and address New Delhi's concerns over slow progress in India-aided initiatives in the island nation.

Protests at Kerala Central University over RSS-linked speaker

Protests at Kerala Central University over RSS-linked speaker

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Student organisations at the Central University of Kerala staged protests against the participation of RSS-linked J Nandakumar at a Vande Mataram seminar.

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Will Vijay's Magic Work In TN Bypolls?

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Assembly by-elections in Madurantakam and Dharapuram will offer an early measure of the TVK's electoral strength and put the dynamics of its new alliance in focus.

'We Prevented President's Rule in Tamil Nadu'

'We Prevented President's Rule in Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The Dravidian parties wanted to prevent the TVK from forming a government.'

OTT Releases This Week: Nayanthara's Hi, Baby Do Die Do

OTT Releases This Week: Nayanthara's Hi, Baby Do Die Do

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

This week's OTT releases feature a diverse range of films and series, including Huma Qureshi's Baby Do Die Do, Aneet Padda's Hunkaar: The Roar, Parineeti Chopra's OTT debut in Shaque: Trust No One, Nayanthara's romcom Hi, and the animated Toy Story 5.

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises to Rs 22,974 cr

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs informed a Joint Committee of Parliament that the number of active NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has halved over the last decade, even as foreign funds received by them have significantly increased. Christian associations received the largest share of these funds in 2024-25. The report comes amidst discussions on a contentious FCRA amendment bill aimed at tighter government oversight.

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rahul vs Vijay: TN ruling allies at war over 2029 PM candidate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Ruling TVK legislators are advocating for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as their Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, a move dismissed by the Congress party which insists on Rahul Gandhi as their choice. This internal conflict within the alliance highlights a growing divide over national political ambitions.

After decades, Cong MLAs set to join Tamil Nadu cabinet

After decades, Cong MLAs set to join Tamil Nadu cabinet

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu cabinet will be expanded with the inclusion of two Congress MLAs in the C Joseph Vijay-led ministry, marking the national party's return to government in Tamil Nadu after decades.

Former Tamil Nadu CMs skip Vijay's swearing-in ceremony

Former Tamil Nadu CMs skip Vijay's swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com10 May 2026

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at a gala event attended by prominent personalities including Rahul Gandhi. The swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of Vijay's parents and actress Trisha, while former CMs M K Stalin and Edappadi K Palaniswami were absent.

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

TN govt moves SC over reservation for converts to Islam

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to the Supreme Court against a Madras High Court judgment. The High Court ruled that individuals converting to Islam cannot claim reservation under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on conversion, striking down a state Government Order that allowed such benefits.

Jai Jai Ram: A R Rahman's Next Devotional Hit?

Jai Jai Ram: A R Rahman's Next Devotional Hit?

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Jai Jai Ram may not have the lyrical punch of A R Rahman's earlier devotional tracks, but Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh's vocals give this Ramayana anthem the spiritual grandeur it needs.

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

12 women, six minorities in Team Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's new national team integrates women, minority leaders, and regional representatives to strengthen its organisational structure and national appeal.

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a notable victory in its debut election, ending the dominance of DMK and AIADMK.

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan announced that his party has decided to join the TVK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu, with Vanni Arasu nominated for induction. The decision follows an invitation from TVK and reflects VCK's long-standing philosophy of sharing power.

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

The Long Road To Viksit Bharat

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

The question for the next 20 years is not whether India can become a $5 trillion or $10 trillion economy. Those are attractive targets, but the real question is whether India can create enough productive jobs, educate its children properly, make its cities liveable, and give hundreds of millions of people a substantially better life, asserts Ramesh Menon.

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

10 Must Watch Taapsee Pannu Films

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

From Pink and Thappad to Aadukalam and Game Over, these 10 films showcase Taapsee Pannu at her most powerful and versatile.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

CM Vijay promises to be the only power centre in Tamil Nadu

CM Vijay promises to be the only power centre in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, marking the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the state in 60 years. The ceremony was attended by Rahul Gandhi, and Vijay promised transparent governance and asserted his sole authority. He signed files to implement key promises, including free power for domestic consumers.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Tamil Nadu Elections: 'Vijay Has Been Campaigning Very Intensely As A Christian'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Before Toxic, 15 Films That Broke Their Directors' Moulds

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

From Sanjay Leela Bhansali and S S Rajamouli to Sundar C and Ayan Mukerji, these 15 filmmakers took a wild detour from their comfort zones, with wildly different results.

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Why Malaysia Is Winning Indian Tourists

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Tamil Nadu Election 2026: 'Vijay Is A Stooge Of The BJP'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'The AIADMK and DMK have 75% of the total votes. 25% of the voters do not support the two majors,' says DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai.

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Ahmedabad blasts an attack on India's sovereignty, meant to topple govt: HC

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Gujarat high court has characterised the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts as a direct assault on India's sovereignty and democratic governance.

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The precedence given to 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' over the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' has triggered a controversy in Tamil Nadu, with political parties condemning the decision to relegate the Tamil invocation to third place at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay.

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet, inducting 23 more legislators as ministers, including two from the Congress party, marking their return to governance in the state after nearly 60 years.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com20 May 2026

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

Buzz over AIADMK, DMK joining hands to stop Vijay

Buzz over AIADMK, DMK joining hands to stop Vijay

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Political circles in Tamil Nadu are rife with speculation about a potential alliance between rivals DMK and AIADMK to prevent the TVK from forming a government. This comes after the Congress party joined forces with TVK, further complicating the political landscape.

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met with his predecessor, DMK President MK Stalin, at his residence in Alwarpet, Chennai, ahead of a crucial floor test for the government. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, occurred after Vijay's criticism of the previous DMK regime's debt burden.