News for 'religious leaders'

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

'We Are A Secular Party': I.S.L.A.M. Party Leader

'We Are A Secular Party': I.S.L.A.M. Party Leader

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'Of course, we are secular. Three of our Hindu brothers have won seats from our party. Tell me where AIMIM has managed that.'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

If Iran, Why Not Pakistan, Mr Trump?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

If the Iranian regime needs to be punished for promoting quasi-terrorist outfits like Hezbollah and Hamas, then what about Pakistan which has spent decades exporting terror around the world, killing thousands, particularly in Afghanistan and India? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A GST Deputy Commissioner, Prashant Kumar Singh, resigned in protest against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing attempts to divide the nation on caste and religious lines.

Court Allows Murder Accused to Attend Brother's Post-Death Rituals Under Police Escort

Court Allows Murder Accused to Attend Brother's Post-Death Rituals Under Police Escort

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

A court in Beed district, Maharashtra, has granted temporary release to Jairam Chate, an accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, to attend his brother's post-death rituals under police protection. The decision has sparked controversy and objections from the victim's family.

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of presenting a misleading picture of West Bengal's development and employment situation during a rally in Kolkata, alleging that he is acting more as a BJP campaigner than as the Prime Minister.

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan links the Uttarakhand disaster to the demolition of religious sites, claiming it angers God and disrupts spiritual balance. He also cites environmental destruction as a contributing factor to increasing natural disasters.

From calm prayers to chaos: Crowd surges again for Vijay at TVK Iftaar

From calm prayers to chaos: Crowd surges again for Vijay at TVK Iftaar

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Party cadres noted that the second iteration was significantly more organised than the Chennai debut, a shift partially attributed to the choice of venue and the ample parking space.

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Statues of Kakori martyrs razed in UP, FIR filed

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The demolition of statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked widespread outrage and political condemnation, leading to an FIR and government action.

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

An investigation has been launched into the authenticity of the disability certificate of Prashant Kumar Singh, who resigned as GST Deputy Commissioner in protest against remarks made against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The probe was initiated following a complaint filed in 2021.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, accused of sexual abuse, has filed a case against his accuser under the POCSO Act, claiming the law allows action against false accusations. He has also sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Tensions between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have drawn national attention in recent months.

Row heats up over non-Hindu entry into Badrinath, Kedarnath shrines

Row heats up over non-Hindu entry into Badrinath, Kedarnath shrines

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

He said that just as there are rules related to religious conduct in mosques and churches, there are also traditional rules in Hindu religious places.

Family Demands CBI Probe into Accused's Death in Gurdaspur Policemen Murder Case

Family Demands CBI Probe into Accused's Death in Gurdaspur Policemen Murder Case

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The family of Ranjit Singh, an accused in the murder of two policemen in Gurdaspur, who was killed in an encounter with police, staged a sit-in demanding a CBI probe into his death and a fresh autopsy.

Religious leaders in Punjab were on BKI member's hit-list

Religious leaders in Punjab were on BKI member's hit-list

Rediff.com23 Mar 2012

A suspected member of the banned Babbar Khalsa International, who was arrested on Monday in New Delhi, had been plotting with the outfit chief to target religious leaders in Punjab, police claimed on Friday.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Lucknow alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU), following the arrest of a KGMU intern in a rape and blackmail case. The VHP demanded swift action against those involved, claiming an organized attempt at religious conversion.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

'Pakistan Can Only Disintegrate If Any External Power Intervenes'

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

'If this region destabilises, then we are not far away. This region should not destabilise.'

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati protests a notice from the Magh Mela administration regarding his use of the 'Shankaracharya' title, alleging discrimination and questioning the presence of multiple Shankaracharyas from Puri at the event.

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

In the recent Bangladesh elections, four minority candidates, including two Hindus, secured parliamentary seats, highlighting the evolving political landscape and representation of minority communities within the BNP's victory.

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

'Our finest hour': J&K celebrates Ranji Trophy triumph

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Political parties and residents in Jammu and Kashmir celebrate the Union territory's Ranji team's first-ever title win, praising the team's resilience and unity.

Religious leaders slam Swamy for mosque remark

Religious leaders slam Swamy for mosque remark

Rediff.com15 Mar 2015

Muslim Personal Law Board has criticised Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy for his recent statement that mosque is not a religious place and can be demolished any time, saying it was intended to divert people's attention from "failures" of the Centre.

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video surfaced showing spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri arriving in a government aircraft and a police officer touching his feet. The Congress party has alleged misuse of public funds, while the BJP defends the officer's actions as personal faith.

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Attacks may soon target prayers inside, warns Kerala church head

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, condemns attacks against Christians in India and urges government authorities to control religious fanatics. He highlights the constitutional right to religious freedom and criticizes the silence of governing bodies in the face of increasing attacks.

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

'Child Marriage Is Nothing But Child Rape'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'People don't believe that a 15-year-old girl subjected to sexual intercourse within a marriage is a victim of rape.'

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Hindu trader hacked to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

A 62-year-old Hindu trader was hacked to death inside his shop in Bangladesh, raising concerns about violence against the minority community.

Gym owner Mohammed Deepak turns down Rs 2 lakh reward

Gym owner Mohammed Deepak turns down Rs 2 lakh reward

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

A gym owner in Kotdwar, India, unexpectedly gained national attention after standing up to Bajrang Dal activists who were pressuring a shopkeeper to change his store's name. He has since become a social media celebrity.

Vijayan Reflects on Life, Influences in Interview

Vijayan Reflects on Life, Influences in Interview

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reflects on his childhood, political journey, and personal influences in a recent interview, discussing his early reading habits, experiences with political violence, and his approach to governance.

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Hyderabad YouTuber booked for remarks against Hindu religion, deities

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A case has been registered against YouTuber Anvesh for allegedly making derogatory and provocative statements against Hindu society, religious beliefs, and deities, following a complaint by BJP leader Karate Kalyani.

Grammy for Dalai Lama makes China see red. Here's why

Grammy for Dalai Lama makes China see red. Here's why

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

China reacts: 'He is a political exile committed to anti-Chinese separatist activity under the disguise of religion.'

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

'Apologise to Hindus': Thakur Targets KKR, Mustafizur

'Apologise to Hindus': Thakur Targets KKR, Mustafizur

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur slams KKR for buying Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has filed a complaint seeking a ban on the film 'The Taj Story,' claiming it's based on his high court petition regarding the Taj Mahal.

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

BJP leader seeks ban on Paresh Rawal's 'The Taj Story'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A BJP leader from Ayodhya has filed a complaint seeking a ban on the film 'The Taj Story,' claiming it's based on his high court petition regarding the Taj Mahal.

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

'Glorification Of Demolitions Incentivises Leaders'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'The implementation of the judgment has largely been left to the discretion of the very executive authorities it sought to restrain.'