News for 'secular'

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

RSS-linked magazine contradicts Bhagwat on Sambhal dispute

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The latest issue of "Organiser", an RSS-linked magazine, has argued that the ongoing dispute over the Shri Harihar Mandir in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is not about religious supremacy but about seeking "civilisational justice" by uncovering historical truth. The editorial, penned by Prafulla Ketkar, editor of "Organiser", contends that the debate should not be limited to a Hindu-Muslim perspective but should encompass a wider discussion on historical truths and social justice. The magazine further criticizes the Congress's handling of caste and religious issues, accusing it of whitewashing historical injustices and promoting a false narrative about Mughal rulers.

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court has sought details from the Allahabad High Court regarding controversial statements made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav at a VHP function. The development comes amid calls for action against the judge for his remarks, which have been labeled as hate speech by some. The judge's statements were made at a VHP function on December 8, where he spoke about the Uniform Civil Code and the law working according to the majority. Several individuals and organizations, including lawyer Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, have called for an inquiry into the judge's conduct and for his removal from judicial duties.

Tripura hotels ban Bangladeshi citizens amid attacks on Hindus

Tripura hotels ban Bangladeshi citizens amid attacks on Hindus

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The decision was taken as a strong response to the growing unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Congress has tried to inflict capital punishment on true secularism, he claimed, asserting that the Waqf law has no place in the Constitution.

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Three things that could curb bank credit growth this year

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Bank credit growth is expected to moderate this financial year after a robust 16 per cent estimated for last financial year, driven by strong economic activity and retail credit demand. There are three reasons for this: a statistical high-base effect given the strong growth seen last financial year, revision in risk weights by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and relatively slower economic activity.

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.

'Central BJP Is Ignorant Of Kerala Politics'

'Central BJP Is Ignorant Of Kerala Politics'

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

'The Kerala BJP leadership is doing the job of clerical staff. What the boss orders, they just follow them.'

'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.

Ratan Tata left an indelible mark on our society: Sitharaman

Ratan Tata left an indelible mark on our society: Sitharaman

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Expressing condolences on the demise of the doyen of Indian industry and Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said he has left an indelible mark on society. "Saddened by the passing away of Shri Ratan Tata, a leader par excellence, visionary industrialist, and philanthropist whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our society," Sitharaman said in a post on X.

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Unprecedented bribery charges, farewells, separation, failed union, monumental mergers and record-breaking IPOs, along with a healthy dose of online happenings in the form of spat and lessons in customer care, corporate India saw it all in 2024.

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.

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.

HDK's son Nikhil steps into Channapatna bypoll fray

HDK's son Nikhil steps into Channapatna bypoll fray

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

It is said that Kumaraswamy was in a dilemma, as Nikhil was not keen on contesting but buckled under pressure from party workers.

'Divisive agenda': Oppn slams Modi's 'communal civil code' remark

'Divisive agenda': Oppn slams Modi's 'communal civil code' remark

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

'The non-biological PM's capacity for malice, mischief, and maligning of history knows no bounds. It was on full display today from the Red Fort'

Mixed bag for MVA, Mahayuti in Muslim-dominated seats in Maha

Mixed bag for MVA, Mahayuti in Muslim-dominated seats in Maha

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

It was a mixed bag for 11 seats with more than 35 percent Muslim voters, where six candidates of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi emerged victorious in the Maharashtra assembly polls on Saturday, while four seats went to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance.

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court's 2023 order refusing to stay a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex has sparked claims over several other disputed places of worship across India. This has led to several court cases, including one in Mathura where a survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex was ordered, and another in Ajmer where a claim was made that a Shiva temple existed within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The article also highlights a dispute over the Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh, which Hindus consider a temple and Muslims consider a mosque. The Supreme Court's order has reignited debates about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the change of character of religious places as they existed on August 15, 1947.

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.

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.

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.

Uddhav senses 'something fishy' as challenges mount

Uddhav senses 'something fishy' as challenges mount

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Uddhav Thackeray, who played the bold gambit of taking on the ally Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019 and forged an unlikely alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party, was on Saturday left struggling to make sense of his party's rout in the Maharashtra assembly elections.

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'All the big things happening today in economic development have their beginning in Dr Manmohan Singh's ideas.'

'He Will Always Be Gafoormama, The Indulgent Uncle'

'He Will Always Be Gafoormama, The Indulgent Uncle'

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

'The intellectual A G Noorani and A G Noorani the family man sound like a contradiction in terms, but both aspects were integral parts of the individual.'

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.

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Bangladesh summons Indian envoy, suspends visa services in Agartala

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Tripura's capital Agartala on Tuesday announced the suspension of all visa and consular services with immediate effect until further notice because of 'security reasons', a day after the mission's premises was breached by a group of people protesting against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Dhaka.

Denied bypoll ticket, Karnataka BJP leader joins Cong

Denied bypoll ticket, Karnataka BJP leader joins Cong

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

In a dramatic development, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Minister C P Yogeeshwara on Wednesday quit his party and joined the Congress, which is now expected to field him in the November 13 assembly bypolls from Channapatna.

INDIA bloc faces uncertainty amid rising discord

INDIA bloc faces uncertainty amid rising discord

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Questions are being raised on the future of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) as differences among its constituents come to the fore and several parties call for serious introspection by the Congress after a string of debilitating electoral losses.

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.

'I Was Fated To Play Jinnah'

'I Was Fated To Play Jinnah'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

'I have no idea why I was so many film-makers' choice for Jinnah. I assume it is because I was born and bred in Mumbai and speak English.' 'There's also my name, people tend to believe that a Muslim character can best be played by a Muslim actor.'

Bypolls: BJP wins big in UP; Trinamool sweeps Bengal

Bypolls: BJP wins big in UP; Trinamool sweeps Bengal

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Ruling parties held sway in most of the 13 states in the assembly byelection results declared on Saturday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies wresting seats in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan and the Trinamool Congress sweeping West Bengal.

Counting for bypolls today: Will Priyanka win in Wayanad

Counting for bypolls today: Will Priyanka win in Wayanad

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The counting of votes for the bypolls to 46 assembly seats in 13 states and in the Lok Sabha segments of Nanded in Maharashtra and Wayanad in Kerala, a crucial electoral exercise since the parliamentary polls in April-May, will begin at 8 am on Saturday.

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.

TMC worker killed as incidents of violence mar bypolls in Bengal

TMC worker killed as incidents of violence mar bypolls in Bengal

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Sporadic incidents of unrest marred the West Bengal bypolls, with a local Trinamool Congress worker Ashok Shaw dying following a crude bomb attack in Bhatpara, an area adjoining Naihati assembly constituency where voting was underway.

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The juggernaut of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, which triumphed in three of the four east and north-eastern states that went for assembly bypolls on Saturday, was halted yet again in West Bengal where Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress registered a six-on-six clean sweep.

RG Kar fails to sway voters as TMC makes clean sweep in Bengal bypolls

RG Kar fails to sway voters as TMC makes clean sweep in Bengal bypolls

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The bypolls were held in six constituencies - Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur, Taldangra, Sitai (SC), and Madarihat (ST) - following the resignation of MLAs who had vacated their assembly seats after securing victories in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

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.

'I'm Sure The Concept For INDIA Came From Him'

'I'm Sure The Concept For INDIA Came From Him'

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'In Parliament, he was the one person who stood for democracy and secularism even when the principal Opposition party was not very forthright in taking on the BJP and RSS.'

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.

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Why I Mourn Sitaram Yechury

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

There are few leaders in the Opposition line up who can claim a path to party leadership like Sitaram Yechury and certainly, very few who blended that ascent through student politics with awareness about non-elite real India, urban India and liberal politics, as he did, notes Shyam G Menon.

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Bypolls will be held on Wednesday in 31 assembly seats spread across 10 states and Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, from where Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut. Though these bye-elections are not going to have any bearing on the governments, they are seen as a big test for the Congress and the INDIA bloc which failed to put up a united show in the recent Haryana assembly polls. Most of these seats fell vacant after the sitting MLAs contested the Lok Sabha elections and won while in some constituencies, the bypolls are being held due to death of the representatives. The Wayanad seat was vacated by Rahul Gandhi, who also won from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency which he kept. Voting will be held in seven seats in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, five in Assam, four seats in Bihar, three in Karnataka, two seats in Madhya Pradesh, and one seat each in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala and Meghalaya. Votes will be counted on November 23.