News for 'minority communities'

3 Pandits among 14 minorities killed in J-K so far in 2022, govt tells RS

3 Pandits among 14 minorities killed in J-K so far in 2022, govt tells RS

Rediff.com7 Dec 2022

Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said 180 terrorists, 31 security personnel and 31 civilians were also killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 123 terrorist incidents this year so far.

Centre seeks report on employment of minorities

Centre seeks report on employment of minorities

Rediff.com2 Jun 2015

The Centre has started a headcount of people of the minority community employed during the last one year in all its departments as part of review of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new 15-point programme for welfare of minorities.

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

'I Warned Christians That A Church Bill Would Come Soon'

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The Web portal of the Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece, published an article (withdrawn later) that the Christian community holds many acres of land, far more than Waqf property.'

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Identification of minorities: Govt gets 6 wks for talks with stake holders

Rediff.com30 Aug 2022

The apex court perused the status report filed by the ministry of minority affairs which said meetings were held with the states on the issue.

Kejriwal to tender resignation on Tuesday, AAP MLAs to pick new CM

Kejriwal to tender resignation on Tuesday, AAP MLAs to pick new CM

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

A meeting of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs will be held on Tuesday morning, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to tender his resignation after it, the party said.

'YNWA JOTA!!': Ronaldo, Salah, LeBron, lead tributes

'YNWA JOTA!!': Ronaldo, Salah, LeBron, lead tributes

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time,' former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard posted.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

Sidda, DKS back in Delhi as K'taka power struggle continues

Sidda, DKS back in Delhi as K'taka power struggle continues

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

There has been speculation within state's political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the CM change later this year, citing the power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Odisha girl set afire by 3 dies after fortnight-long battle for life

Odisha girl set afire by 3 dies after fortnight-long battle for life

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

A 15-year-old girl in Odisha, India, has died after allegedly being set on fire by unidentified assailants. The incident has sparked outrage and prompted investigations by local authorities.

'This is for people who look like me'

'This is for people who look like me'

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

Coco Gauff is the first Black American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.

In Kerala for 2 days, Modi meets state's top bishops in big minority push

In Kerala for 2 days, Modi meets state's top bishops in big minority push

Rediff.com24 Apr 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met the top priests of various churches in Kerala, giving a push to the Bharatiya Janata Party's efforts to reach out to the influential minority community in the southern state ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, sources said.

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.

HC order on St Stephen's College minority seat admissions to stay

HC order on St Stephen's College minority seat admissions to stay

Rediff.com21 Aug 2023

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with the Delhi high court interim order allowing St Stephen's College to conduct interviews for granting admission to students under the minority quota besides taking into consideration their common university entrance test (CUET) scores.

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Scholarships for minority students to go online

Rediff.com8 Apr 2011

Government to launch a new system to ensure better transparency in the implementation of plans to uplift students from minority communities

Statue of Pak's 1971 surrender vandalised in B'desh, Tharoor reacts

Statue of Pak's 1971 surrender vandalised in B'desh, Tharoor reacts

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

"This follows disgraceful attacks on the Indian cultural centre, temples and Hindu homes in several places, even as reports came in of Muslim civilians protecting other minority homes and places of worship," Tharoor said in a post on X.

Bangladesh Hindus likely to form political party, seek reservation

Bangladesh Hindus likely to form political party, seek reservation

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

Hindu community leaders in Bangladesh are advocating the formation of a dedicated political party, reflecting a call for political representation to protect their rights and ensure their safety. Hindu leaders from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) and other groups are now discussing the possibility of establishing a separate political party or demanding reserved parliamentary seats.

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Bengal minister Firhad Hakim defends Muslim population remarks

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Firhad Hakim, a senior minister in West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), has defended his remarks on the Muslim population in the state and India, saying he is a diehard secular and patriotic Indian. Hakim's comments, made at a minority students' event, have sparked controversy with the BJP, Congress, and Hindu monks accusing him of promoting communalism and advocating for a Muslim majority. Hakim, however, clarified that his remarks were taken out of context and that he was merely advocating for the empowerment of the Muslim community. He also highlighted the need for greater representation of Muslims in the judiciary.

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.

BJP minority morcha leader expelled for criticising Modi

BJP minority morcha leader expelled for criticising Modi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2024

Bikaner BJP minority morcha district president Usman Ghani, who expressed displeasure with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks in Rajasthan, was on Wednesday expelled from the party for 'tarnishing' its image.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi fear deportation

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila are experiencing anxiety over their visa status despite government clarifications regarding Long Term Visas (LTVs). The government's decision to revoke all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, has left many refugees worried about their future. While LTVs for Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid, the renewal process every two years and ongoing citizenship applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, have fueled concerns. The Delhi Police has initiated a verification drive, adding to the unease among the refugees, who fear being uprooted yet again. The article highlights the plight of these refugees, who have fled Pakistan seeking a better life in India, and the uncertainties they face in the current political climate.

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Adityanath backs HC judge whose speech at VHP event triggered row

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has hit out at the Opposition for initiating impeachment notices against Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Allahabad high court's Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, saying 'whoever speaks the truth' is threatened in this way.

Large number of CRPF companies sent to Poonch, Rajouri

Large number of CRPF companies sent to Poonch, Rajouri

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

The development comes in view of twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district in which six people of a minority community including two children were killed and 11 others were injured.

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Consult states, says SC as Centre changes stance on identifying minorities

Rediff.com10 May 2022

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and MM Sundresh said in a matter like this an affidavit is filed that Centre and state both have powers.

Muslims should get reservations, but...: Lalu

Muslims should get reservations, but...: Lalu

Rediff.com7 May 2024

Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday said he was in favour of extending reservation benefits to Muslims but emphasised that it should be based on social backwardness and 'not on the basis of religion'.

SC 7-judge bench grappled with AMU minority status for 8 days

SC 7-judge bench grappled with AMU minority status for 8 days

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

Grappling with the intractable issue of Aligarh Muslim University's minority status, the Supreme Court said on Thursday the 1981 amendment to the AMU Act, which effectively accorded it a minority status, only did a "half-hearted job" and not restore to the institution the position it had prior to 1951.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

Bangladesh unrest: Temples, houses attacked; 2 Hindu leaders killed

Bangladesh unrest: Temples, houses attacked; 2 Hindu leaders killed

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

According to the available information, two Hindu leaders, who were incidentally leaders of Hasina's Awami League party, were killed in north-western Sirajganj and Rangpur, Debnath said, adding that the Council was still gathering more information.

Regulation doesn't take away minority status: SC on AMU

Regulation doesn't take away minority status: SC on AMU

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

Merely because an educational institution is regulated by a statute does not take away from it the character of a minority institution, the Supreme Court observed on Tuesday as it commenced hearing the vexed question of minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.

Yunus reaches out to Bangladeshi Hindus, assures action

Yunus reaches out to Bangladeshi Hindus, assures action

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

Muhammad Yunus urged the people to "exercise patience" before judging his government's role.

Cracks in Bengal BJP over Suvendu Adhikari's remark

Cracks in Bengal BJP over Suvendu Adhikari's remark

Rediff.com19 Jul 2024

Adhikari asserted that 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' was unnecessary and questioned the need for the Minority Morcha within the party.

Govt approves scholarship scheme for minorities

Govt approves scholarship scheme for minorities

Rediff.com30 Jan 2008

Finance Minister announced the approval of the scholarship scheme for students of minority communities. The scheme will be effective during 11th Five Year Plan.

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

India lodges strong protest with Pak over remarks against Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over recent objectionable remarks made against Bhagat Singh, the government said in Lok Sabha. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, stated that India has been raising concerns about attacks on cultural heritage, growing intolerance, and lack of respect for minority communities in Pakistan. Singh also highlighted the strong ties between India and Bangladesh, emphasizing that their relationship is independent of Bangladesh's relations with other countries. The government closely monitors developments impacting India's national interests and takes necessary measures to protect them. Singh also provided information about the deportation of Indian nationals from the US, citing data from the US government.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Chhattisgarh to bring stringent law to prevent tribal conversion

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that his government will introduce a new stringent law to prevent religious conversion of tribal people, and possibly others. He also advocated for the delisting of tribals, removing them from the Scheduled Tribe category if they convert to another religion, saying it will prevent proselytisation.

No difference between India and Bangladesh if...: Mehbooba

No difference between India and Bangladesh if...: Mehbooba

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti drew comparisons between the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh and minorities in India, sparking criticism from the BJP. Mufti expressed concerns about the alleged oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh and criticized recent surveys of mosques in India. She called for a united front against forces dividing people on religious lines and warned of a potential repeat of 1947-like riots.

Trump Taunts Modi, But India, US Still Do Business

Trump Taunts Modi, But India, US Still Do Business

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

India and the US have collaborated through the past one month on launching a powerful satellite; are commencing joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 jet engines in India; India is participating in a massive three week-long military exercise in the Western Pacific, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

India lambasts US report on religious freedom

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

In an unusually hard-hitting response to criticism against it in a United States government report on religious freedom, India on Friday described the findings as 'deeply biased', visibly driven by 'votebank' considerations and a mix of imputations and selective usage of facts.

Can Jains seek relief under Hindu Marriage Act? HC to decide

Can Jains seek relief under Hindu Marriage Act? HC to decide

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court will decide whether Jain individuals can seek relief under the Hindu Marriage Act, including divorce by mutual consent. This decision stems from a family court's refusal to accept a divorce petition from a Jain software engineer, citing the community's minority status. The high court appointed an amicus curiae to assist in the case, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 18.