News for 'religious polarisation'

Himanta defends shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri amid communal tensions

Himanta defends shoot-at-sight order in Dhubri amid communal tensions

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Opposition parties, including the Congress, have criticised the government for issuing the order to control communal tension in Dhubri town.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

'Shivaji, Sambhaji Were Secular, Visionary Kings'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2025

'Shivaji and Sambhaji followed the gospel of humanity. 'They did not discriminate based on religion, caste, or colour.' 'That is the beauty of Shivaji and Sambhaji's Hindvi Swaraj.'

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.

Muzaffarnagar: Why This Minister Will Breathe Easy

Muzaffarnagar: Why This Minister Will Breathe Easy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

With the RLD part of the NDA now, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan would expect an easier contest than five years back when the RLD, SP and BSP had an alliance.

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'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.'

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

For Bengal violence, Mamata blames Centre, BJP, BSF

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the Border Security Force (BSF), central agencies, and the BJP of fanning tension in Murshidabad by allegedly facilitating cross-border influx from Bangladesh. She also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to keep the Union Home Ministry under control. Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of three people killed during the violence and directed the state chief secretary to initiate a probe into the role of the BSF.

'BJP may end up as largest beneficiary of polarisation'

'BJP may end up as largest beneficiary of polarisation'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2022

'In order to stop the BJP actually, you need a party that changes the discourse rather than positing another pole for polarising it further. The answer to this kind of politics lies in refocusing the agenda on development'

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

'It is important India to stay focussed on its primary national objectives: Combating terrorism; not losing sight of other security and strategic concerns (on the Sino-Indian front for instance); ensuring a strong economy and registering growth which includes improving the lot of common people; and finally making certain that the social fabric remains intact and harmony among people is not jeopardised, at least any further,' asserts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Poll tweets: HC rejects Delhi minister Kapil Mishra's plea to stay trial

Poll tweets: HC rejects Delhi minister Kapil Mishra's plea to stay trial

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the trial court proceedings against Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra for allegedly posting objectionable tweets during the 2020 assembly elections. The court rejected Mishra's plea challenging a sessions court order dismissing his petition against the summons of a magisterial court in the case. The court said there was no need to stay the trial court proceedings and that the trial court was at liberty to proceed further with the matter. The high court granted four weeks to the police to file its response to the petition and posted the hearing on May 19. The hearing is slated to come up in the trial court on March 20.

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the ruling NDA defending it as beneficial for minorities while the opposition called it "anti-Muslim". All amendments moved by the opposition were rejected and the bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India is the safest place in the world for minorities, refuting claims of their insecurity.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

Vijayan slams 'The Kerala Story' for depicting state as religiously extreme

Vijayan slams 'The Kerala Story' for depicting state as religiously extreme

Rediff.com30 Apr 2023

Vijayan said that the trailer of the Hindi film, at first glance, appears to be "deliberately produced" with the alleged aim of creating communal polarisation and spreading hate propaganda against the state.

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Parliament passes Waqf bill after RS nod by 128-95 votes

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha early Thursday, with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.

Hijab Row: Politics Of Communal Polarisation

Hijab Row: Politics Of Communal Polarisation

Rediff.com14 Feb 2022

Some important simple truths about the issue may be more helpful than high sounding debates, asserts Mohammad Sajjad.

'1,800 Mosques Are Disputed In This Country'

'1,800 Mosques Are Disputed In This Country'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

'Unless Justice Chandrachud's judgment is (over)turned, there is no end to it.'

'India Is Playing A Quiet Game'

'India Is Playing A Quiet Game'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

'India is using Hasina to warn the Yunus government because there is a ground support for the Awami League in Bangladesh.'

'If you polarise society by 80-20, BJP will benefit'

'If you polarise society by 80-20, BJP will benefit'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2022

'Segregation suits the BJP at the moment. It will not suit them forever.'

'Bommai will struggle to lead BJP to victory in Karnataka'

'Bommai will struggle to lead BJP to victory in Karnataka'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

'Some of his ministers have performed abysmally, and Bommai has faced an unwanted campaign of religious polarisation imposed by national BJP leaders.'

Watch LIVE! Parliament's Monsoon Session

Watch LIVE! Parliament's Monsoon Session

Rediff.com18 Jul 2018

The govt and the opposition appeared set for a showdown in Parliament's monsoon session.

BJP action against its leaders after threats from external powers: Cong

BJP action against its leaders after threats from external powers: Cong

Rediff.com5 Jun 2022

Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala accused the BJP of pushing India into a dark age of religious polarisation to "subserve its parochial political agenda in the short term".

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

BJP-AIADMK Tieup: Who Wins, Who Loses

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Over the medium and long term, the BJP hopes to devour the AIADMK, they having identified the party as 'ideologically not as sound as the DMK', predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Himanta says Muslims causing veggie prices to soar

Himanta says Muslims causing veggie prices to soar

Rediff.com16 Jul 2023

Sarma, while responding to reporters' questions on high price of veggies in Guwahati, had said, "Vegetables are not priced so high in villages. Here the Miya vendors charge us more. Had it been Assamese vendors selling vegetables, they wouldn't have fleeced their own people."

Assam govt tables compulsory Muslim marriage, divorce registration bill

Assam govt tables compulsory Muslim marriage, divorce registration bill

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

Last month, the Cabinet had approved the Repealing Bill to abolish the Assam Muslim Marriages and Divorce Registration Act and Rules of 1935, which permitted underage marriages under specific conditions.

Assam passes bill to abolish Muslim marriages, divorce act

Assam passes bill to abolish Muslim marriages, divorce act

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan had on August 22 tabled The Assam Repealing Bill, 2024 in the Assembly to abolish The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935 and the Assam Repealing Ordinance 2024.

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

'India Must Not Support Nepal's Ex-King'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

DD airs The Kerala Story despite protest by CPM, Congress

DD airs The Kerala Story despite protest by CPM, Congress

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

The Congress in Kerala on Friday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the decision of Doordarshan to telecast the controversial movie The Kerala Story, saying it was a 'tacit effort' to divide society on religious grounds to further the electoral prospects of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are taking place today, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance seeking to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) hoping for a comeback. The campaign saw prominent leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra crisscrossing the state to garner votes. The Mahayuti is banking on popular schemes while the MVA focuses on issues like caste-based census and social justice. The elections have also seen a significant rise in the number of candidates and voters.

I am among senior leaders in MVA after...: Thorat signals CM ambitions

I am among senior leaders in MVA after...: Thorat signals CM ambitions

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Senior Congress leader and Maharashtra assembly poll candidate Balasaheb Thorat has asserted that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will win a clear majority and also indicated his chief ministerial aspirations. Thorat, who is among the senior leaders in the MVA after NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar, said he enjoys cordial relations with leaders of the alliance. He also criticized the ruling Mahayuti coalition, accusing it of corruption and communal politics.

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

BJP MP wants MHA to probe if ISI, China prompting massive feedback to Waqf bill

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Raising concern over the nearly 1.25 crore feedback submissions received by the parliamentary committee scrutinising the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Bharatiya Janata Party member Nishikant Dubey has called for a probe into their sources, including in the possible role of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence and China.

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

'Pakistan Is Very Active In Bangladesh'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

'The government is saying 88 Hindus have been killed, but it could be much more.' 'Their properties are being looted, their businesses have been ransacked. I am getting distress calls from there.' 'Muslims who believe in the philosophy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are also under attack. Most of those who have fled Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina's fall are Muslims.'

One in two Indian Americans face discrimination: Survey

One in two Indian Americans face discrimination: Survey

Rediff.com9 Jun 2021

"Somewhat surprisingly, Indian-Americans born in the United States are much more likely to report being victims of discrimination than their foreign-born counterparts," said the report.

Sikh man attacked in Haryana, alleges he was called 'Khalistani'

Sikh man attacked in Haryana, alleges he was called 'Khalistani'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2024

The matter is being investigated, they said and added that so far, there is no evidence that the "Khalistani" slur was used.

Sonia to convene CWC meet to discuss poll defeat: Surjewala

Sonia to convene CWC meet to discuss poll defeat: Surjewala

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

After its resounding defeat in the assembly polls in five states, the Congress on Thursday said the results are contrary to its expectations, but it accepts the people's mandate.

Congress chief Kharge seeks appointment with Modi to...

Congress chief Kharge seeks appointment with Modi to...

Rediff.com22 Apr 2024

Launching a strong campaign over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks against its manifesto, the Congress said on Monday that party chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sought an appointment with Narendra Modi to "educate him" about its poll promise document.

Won't allow CAA, NRC, Uniform Civil Code: Mamata at Eid-ul-Fitr event

Won't allow CAA, NRC, Uniform Civil Code: Mamata at Eid-ul-Fitr event

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Banerjee claimed that some people will try to "engineer riots" during elections and urged everyone "not to fall prey to the plot".

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

'One of the principles of the MCC that you should not make hate speeches and create hatred between communities on the basis of religion was violated on a scale that was never seen before.' 'Religious symbols were very liberally used and speeches were made to polarise people on the basis of religion.'

Owaisi emerges as winner in Hyderabad for the 5th time

Owaisi emerges as winner in Hyderabad for the 5th time

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Asaduddin Owaisi, who was once the leader of a little-known outfit confined to the old city of Hyderabad, has emerged as a powerful voice of Muslims in the country in recent years.