News for 'religious leaders'

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Kerala BJP has contradicted the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's justification of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns, stating they were not involved in human trafficking or forced conversion attempts and promising to help them.

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Arundhati Roy is like a ballerina performing on a high wire, cool, supremely at ease but conscious of all the adoring eyes on her,' notes P Vijaya Kumar.

FIR against Hindu seer for remarks on Prophet

FIR against Hindu seer for remarks on Prophet

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Maharaj allegedly commented on Islam and Prophet Mohammad during a religious event in Nashik district, police had said.

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The convoy of West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, was allegedly attacked by TMC workers during a protest in Cooch Behar. Bulletproof glasses of Adhikari's vehicle were smashed. TMC denies involvement, calling it a 'well-scripted drama'.

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The incident has brought back into focus the controversy that erupted last year when BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand directed food outlets along the Kanwar route to display the names of their owners and staff.

Kuldeep Seeks Blessings For Lanka ODIs

Kuldeep Seeks Blessings For Lanka ODIs

Rediff.com24 Jul 2024

Kuldeep Yadav paid a visit to the Bageshwar Dham temple in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, before departing for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

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.

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rajasthan under Maratha Empire? NCERT book sparks row

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted after an NCERT Class 8 textbook depicted present-day Rajasthan as part of the Maratha Empire, drawing criticism from royal families and political leaders who call the depiction factually incorrect and misleading.

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

Row erupts over Muslim cleric's remark on Dimple; NDA questions Akhilesh

Row erupts over Muslim cleric's remark on Dimple; NDA questions Akhilesh

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

A Muslim cleric has been booked for allegedly making objectionable and inflammatory remarks against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav during a televised debate.

FIR against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for 'Jaat' movie scene

FIR against Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda for 'Jaat' movie scene

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

An FIR has been filed against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and three others following a complaint that a scene in the movie 'Jaat' has "hurt sentiments" of the Christian community. The complaint filed by a Christian community leader has alleged the movie, which was released on April 10, contains scenes that disrespect Jesus Christ and Christian religious practices.

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for calling Kerala a "mini Pakistan", saying the remark is "highly provocative and condemnable". Vijayan said Rane's comments expose the Sangh Parivar's approach towards Kerala, which he said involves alienating and spreading hate campaigns against the state. He also criticised the leadership of the ruling party for not reacting to Rane's "serious breach of oath". Vijayan called for all democratic and secular forces to unite against the Sangh Parivar's "hateful propaganda".

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Some British Hindus have taken to social media to voice their objections over a lack of proper consultation ahead of a Diwali reception hosted by Prime Minister Keir Stramer at 10 Downing Street in London, where reportedly non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol were included on the menu.

Want A Brahmos Rakhi?

Want A Brahmos Rakhi?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around India that will make you smile and cry.

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Malegaon case verdict likely on Thursday; Pragya's fate in balance

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

A special NIA court is likely to deliver its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six persons and injured over 100. Seven accused, including Pragya Thakur and Prasad Purohit, face charges under UAPA and IPC.

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'The Election Commission's involvement in the avoidable SIR controversy has carried a message down to the last voter -- who just does not like it,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Police conduct raids at bookshops in Kashmir to seize banned books promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism, following a government order. The ban and subsequent raids have drawn criticism from authors and political leaders.

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'In my 26 years at Raj Bhavan, working with more than ten governors, I can tell you C P Radhakrishnan Sir stands out.'

Which football club does Pope Leo support?

Which football club does Pope Leo support?

Rediff.com10 May 2025

The club did not directly confirm it, but welcomed the new pontiff after his election on Thursday.

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'The people of Gujarat are more religious than people of other states, this gives the BJP an advantage.'

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Plea filed in SC for nationwide revision of all electoral rolls

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly before parliamentary, state assembly and local body elections. The court has agreed to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to undertake special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

'China Is Competing In A Space Where India Was Dominant'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'These efforts by Beijing can be weaponised one day with economic, security and political implications for India.'

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

This was probably the largest such gathering in the country to protest the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Each Of These Pictures Tell A Story

Each Of These Pictures Tell A Story

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

Pro-Khalistan slogans raised at Akal Takht on Bluestar anniversary

Pro-Khalistan slogans raised at Akal Takht on Bluestar anniversary

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Pro-Khalistan slogans were on Friday raised by supporters and activists of radical Sikh outfits at the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of Sikhs, while a peaceful bandh was observed around the Golden Temple and interior walled city on the 41st anniversary of Operation Bluestar.

Whose Blessing Is The Army Chief Seeking?

Whose Blessing Is The Army Chief Seeking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2024

General Upendra Dwivedi touches the feet of his elder brother before the inspection of the Guard of Honour.

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 62-year-old former deputy chief minister was first elected the party president in 2008. His re-election at the outfit's general delegate session in Amritsar comes barely four months after he quit after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government from 2007 to 2017.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

SEE: Modi-Shah versus Gandhi siblings in LS debate

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The highlight of Tuesday's debate on Operation Sindoor was the speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the rebuttal by Congress's Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi coming a close second.

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rath Yatra peaceful in Ahmedabad despite elephant scare; 1 hurt

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

One person was injured on Friday during the Rath Yatra procession in Ahmedabad, when a male elephant, agitated by excessive noise, broke a barricade and rushed into a narrow lane, officials said.

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Security Concerns May Scrap India's Bangladesh Tour

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India last travelled to Bangladesh in 2014 when they played three ODIs.

BJP takes 'selfie' jibe at K'taka govt over B'luru stampede

BJP takes 'selfie' jibe at K'taka govt over B'luru stampede

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

As many as 11 people died and 33 injured following a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru, where a large number of people had thronged to participate in the RCB team's IPL victory celebrations on Wednesday.

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

'China, Pakistan Will Try To Turn Bangladesh Against India'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'Pakistan will also try to turn Bangladesh into a base for terrorist attacks on India.'

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

'Modi ke saath Musalman': BJP's Muslim outreach in UP

'Modi ke saath Musalman': BJP's Muslim outreach in UP

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The party is slated to organise yoga events in 403 madrasas of UP on International Yoga Day (June 21).

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.