News for 'secular government'

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

35 Years After IPKF's Return, Tamil Politics Has Changed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Since the IPKF's withdrawal from Sri Lanka in March 1990, the LTTE's once-powerful influence in Tamil Nadu has faded.

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.

Fighting like KG kids: Vijay on DMK-BJP clash over Hindi

Fighting like KG kids: Vijay on DMK-BJP clash over Hindi

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

Vijay said the TVK respected all languages but would not give up its self respect for another language.

Won't escape responsibility if...: Muslim body warns JD-U, TDP on waqf bill

Won't escape responsibility if...: Muslim body warns JD-U, TDP on waqf bill

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

It also cautioned that if the legislation is passed, the "two crutches" on which the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government is running at the Centre would not be able to escape responsibility.

'Saugat e Modi Is Not Muslim Appeasement'

'Saugat e Modi Is Not Muslim Appeasement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'During Eid Muslims get Eidi, but Opposition parties never gave that to them.' 'When PM Modi is giving Eidi to Muslims Opposition leaders are getting upset.'

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

'Nitish, Naidu Cheated Muslims On Waqf'

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

'When voting clause by clause on Waqf came up in the JPC, the TDP and JD-U supported the BJP on each and every clause.'

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Jamaat-e-Islami supports Priyanka in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Kerala Chief Minister and veteran Marxist leader Pinarayi Vijayan intensified his attack on the Congress, alleging that its general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, is contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election with the backing of Jamaat-e-Islami.

How Modi Bounced Back From Lok Sabha Setback

How Modi Bounced Back From Lok Sabha Setback

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

A new kind of history has been created in Maharashtra. Accept it. We need to give credit where it's due. Modi led this change... from the setback of June 4 to November 23, notes Sheela Bhatt.

'Why can't the Modi government answer questions?'

'Why can't the Modi government answer questions?'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

'Till today, we don't know how many people died of Covid in India.' 'How many migrated from cities to villages during the Covid pandemic?' 'How many corporates contributed to PM Cares?'

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Over 2,000 cases of attack against Hindus in Bangladesh: Report

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

The Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights (CDPHR) on Friday presented a report on the state of minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Nirmalaji Releases The Nuclear Genie

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

'If the BJP detoxifies the nuclear liability law, it will bring economic, environmental and, most of all, strategic benefits.' 'Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that this Budget promise is met soon -- ideally, before Mr Modi heads to his first meeting with Trump 2.0,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

'Time To Play Tests Not T20s In Markets'

'Time To Play Tests Not T20s In Markets'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'2025 is the year to build a portfolio for the future. Focus this year should be on valuations and visible growth.'

Did India's secularism die on August 5?

Did India's secularism die on August 5?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2020

'Indian secularism doesn't deserve a tombstone. It needs a new shrine,' argues Shekhar Gupta.

Student police cadets wearing hijab will affect secularism: Kerala govt

Student police cadets wearing hijab will affect secularism: Kerala govt

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

The Kerala government has dismissed a plea by a Muslim girl student seeking permission to wear hijab (head scarf) and full sleeve dress in the Student Police Cadet project as per her religious obligation, saying such a waiver in the state police's programme will significantly affect secularism in the state.

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi was inaugurated on Wednesday, as the grand old party turned a page in its history after operating from its iconic 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Why is Uddhav Sena reviving its hardcore Hindutva stance?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has shifted its focus back to Hindutva after suffering significant losses in the recent Maharashtra assembly elections. The party has been vocal about attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and has taken a stance to "protect" a Hanuman Temple in Mumbai. Observers say this move is an attempt to regain its core voter base and counter the BJP's narrative on Hindutva, ahead of the upcoming civic polls. Analysts believe the party's "secular" stand may not be effective in the BMC elections and that its return to Hindutva is a sign of frustration from electoral setbacks.

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Can ordinary citizens counter this backward march? Can peace activists ensure that the two communities retain their bonds? Do they have a choice, asks Jyoti Punwani.

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.

Is Sena turning secular? Watch Uddhav's reply

Is Sena turning secular? Watch Uddhav's reply

Rediff.com29 Nov 2019

"First you tell me what is the meaning of secular. What does secular mean?" he asked the media.

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Our identity is...: TVK leader Vijay slams DMK in maiden speech; flays NEET

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

In his maiden public speech eight months after announcing the launch of TVK, Vijay said the late veterans MG Ramachandran and NT Ramarao were ridiculed as mere cinema actors when they made their political plunge "but they continue to remain in the hearts of the people" of the respective states, i.e Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Proposal to rename Mysuru road after Siddaramaiah sparks outrage

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A proposal by the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to rename a stretch of road in the city after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked strong objections from the opposition JD(S) and citizens. The proposal, which calls for naming a stretch of KRS Road as 'Siddaramaiah Arogya Marga', has been met with criticism, with the JD(S) calling it a "betrayal and insult" to the city's history and the state. The proposal has also drawn ire from RTI activist Snehamayi Krishna, who alleges that the road holds historical significance and that Siddaramaiah is an accused in the MUDA site allotment case. Citizens have also voiced their objections to the proposal, and Krishna has announced her intention to challenge it legally.

Time We Understood America's Game

Time We Understood America's Game

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Sections of our media and elites take Western reports/judgements at face value and are ready to condemn the targets without understanding the deeper power linkages behind such actions, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (Retd).

Wearing hijab to secular school not a matter of right: SC judge

Wearing hijab to secular school not a matter of right: SC judge

Rediff.com13 Oct 2022

A student cannot wear hijab to a secular school as a matter of right, Supreme Court judge Justice Hemant Gupta said on Thursday, insisting that they are required to follow the discipline of the school in the matter of uniform.

CAA against Tamil race and secularism, is unconstitutional, DMK tells SC

CAA against Tamil race and secularism, is unconstitutional, DMK tells SC

Rediff.com30 Nov 2022

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has submitted before the Supreme Court that it is discriminatory to exclude Tamil refugees from the purview of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and prayed that the legislation be declared null and void as it is unconstitutional and "destroys the basic fabric of secularism."

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Why do Bengal parties clash over attacks on Bangladesh Hindus?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have ignited political debate in West Bengal, with the ruling TMC and opposition BJP utilizing the issue to advance their respective agendas. While the TMC emphasizes communal harmony and calls for international intervention, the BJP criticizes the TMC's inaction and links the situation to its push for the Citizenship Amendment Act. The issue has also brought other opposition parties into the fray, with all sides highlighting the interconnectedness of the region's socio-political fabric.

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.

Forces outside, urban Naxals trying to break India: PM

Forces outside, urban Naxals trying to break India: PM

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said some forces in and outside India are trying to destabilise the country and spread anarchy to create a negative image of the nation in the world.

HC to UP: Is it secular to fund religious institutions?

HC to UP: Is it secular to fund religious institutions?

Rediff.com1 Sep 2021

The Allahabad High Court has sought details from the Uttar Pradesh government on funding of religious institutions like madrasas recognised and aided by it, and asked whether the policy to provide financial aid to such institutions is consistent with the secular scheme of the Constitution.

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Modi, Ambani, Shah Rukh, Salman attend star-studded Maha swearing-in

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh, chief ministers of Nationalist Democratic Alliance-ruled states and prominent personalities from industry and Bollywood on Thursday attended the grand swearing-in of Devendra Fadnavis as Maharashtra Chief Minister in Mumbai.

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials on Saturday to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers regarding Waqf land.

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Maha Kumbh: Cleric fears mass conversions of Muslims

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Ahead of the Maha Kumbh, a senior cleric has written to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressing fears that mass conversions of Muslims will take place during the event, while other community leaders have flagged the alleged demand raised by some Hindu seers' body to keep Muslims out of the mega gathering.

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

At a time when none in Kerala's Left politics questioned the chief minister's authority, MLA P V Anvar hurled a series of accusations against Pinarayi Vijayan's government, notes Shyam G Menon.

Day after chaos at Waqf panel meet, JPC member slams BJP MP

Day after chaos at Waqf panel meet, JPC member slams BJP MP

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

A Raja said panel's chairman Jagdambika Pal has been conducting the panel's meetings in haste, raising doubts that it will not be able to serve justice.

'There is no specific time frame for the government to restore statehood'

'There is no specific time frame for the government to restore statehood'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

'This verdict means that if there is presidential rule anywhere in any state of India, that state can be dismembered and from a state can be downgraded to a Union territory.'

No scope for hate crimes on basis of religion in secular India: SC

No scope for hate crimes on basis of religion in secular India: SC

Rediff.com6 Feb 2023

The top court was hearing a plea of a Muslim man who has alleged that he was assaulted and abused in the name of religion on July 4, 2021, by a "screwdriver gang" of criminals as he had boarded a car to go to Aligarh from Noida, and that the police has not bothered to register any complaint of hate crime.

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.

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna passes away

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna passed away at his residence in Bengaluru early Tuesday morning, his family said.

'Kalia Kumaraswamy': K'taka minister's racial slur against HDK

'Kalia Kumaraswamy': K'taka minister's racial slur against HDK

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

The Janata Dal-Secular demanded that the Congress government should sack Khan from the Cabinet for his racist slur.

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The BJP may be in the Opposition in many states, but nowhere is it as divided as it is in Karnataka, points out Aditi Phadnis.