Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had in August made a strong pitch for national unity as he cited the turmoil in Bangladesh to warn against the consequences of divisions in society.
Amid the row, the mela administration issued a notice asking Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to explain how he was using the title of Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth.
Adityanath, who had in the past lashed out at a section of Muslims for terming the practice of 'surya namaskar' as un-Islamic, said the sun salutation was a beautiful example of religious harmony. "The namaz offered by Muslims resembles different postures and asanas of surya namaskar including pranayam.
The Uttar Pradesh government's 'One District One Cuisine' initiative, aimed at promoting local delicacies, has drawn criticism for omitting several iconic non-vegetarian dishes closely associated with the state's districts.
Notwithstanding controversy over the conversion issue, Bharatiya Janata Party MP Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday justified such programmes saying it is an ongoing process and will continue to happen.
"You have seen that in Islam, it is said that they oppose 'bootparastee' (idol worship). It is their matter and their philosophy. We perform idol worship. We worship the 'saakaar brahma' and the 'niraakaar brahma', which is allowed by the Sanatan Dharma.... Some are saying 'I Love Mohammad' and indulging in arson and vandalism." "They know that this is Sharadiya Navratra, the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. If they spread chaos during the Sharadiya Navratra, work like 'Chundd' and 'Mundd', then Goddess Bhagwati is not going to tolerate it. Goddess Bhagwati crushes such 'Chundd' and 'Mundd'," Adityanath said.
A downsizing in the prime minister's convoy was implemented in his recent domestic visits, official sources said.
Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna announced a conviction rate of over 93 per cent due to the state's 'zero tolerance' policy against crime. Authorities seized properties worth nearly Rs 788.38 crore linked to criminal activities.
Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar has alleged a 'well-planned conspiracy' behind the recent violent protests by workers in Noida, suggesting a possible link to Pakistan in light of recent terror arrests.
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir has initiated the construction of a mosque modeled after the Babri Masjid in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, sparking political reactions and debate.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called for a high-level investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a girl in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, demanding immediate justice and protection for the victim's family.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav visited BJP MLA Anupama Jaiswal in hospital after she sustained burn injuries during a protest. The incident occurred while she was setting fire to an effigy during a demonstration in support of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'.
Adityanath alleged that illegal mining, including rampant extraction of sand, coal and forest resources, was flourishing under the protection of the ruling coalition, leaving Jharkhand hollowed out by mafia activities.
The woman, identified as Fatima Khan, who has done B.Sc in Information Technology, resided in Ulhasnagar area of neighbouring Thane district of Maharashtra with her family members.
Several parts of India are experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 44 degrees Celsius. States are issuing alerts and taking measures to protect people and animals from the extreme conditions.
Neither Mohammed Shami nor Mohammed Kaif traveled to the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The BJP firebrand also suggested that the actor should go to Pakistan.
The situation in the town has also improved and curfew has been partially relaxed.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has condemned the killing of Tarun Khatik during a Holi clash in Delhi and demanded strict action against the culprits, invoking the 'Yogi model' of justice.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deepti said it was a matter of great pride to address the gathering at the Police Headquarters.
Ram Vilas Vedanti, a prominent leader in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and former Bharatiya Janata Party MP, died of a heart attack at the age of 67 in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. His last rites will be performed in Ayodhya.
A tragic house fire in Meerut, India, caused by a suspected electrical short circuit, has resulted in the death of six people, including five children, prompting an investigation and condolences from the chief minister.
Yogi said Waqf boards have become a den of selfish interests as well as loot khasot (property grabbing), and have done little for the welfare of Muslims.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Opposition parties of trying to divide society, drawing a parallel between the violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and historical events in Ayodhya and Sambhal. He criticized those who indulge in caste-based politics and said they are responsible for the current situation. Adityanath's comments come amid widespread violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh following the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government.
The Hindutva poster boy has lost his sheen following the BJP's poll reverses in Hindi heartland states and his style of governance, reports Virendra Singh Rawat.
The Delhi Police have arrested a 54-year-old man in connection with a 1995 kidnapping and murder case. The accused had been living under a false identity as a social activist and YouTuber.
YouTuber Salim Wastik, known as 'Ex-Muslim' on social media, has been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with a 31-year-old kidnapping and murder case from 1995. Wastik, who had been evading arrest for over two decades, was apprehended in Loni, Uttar Pradesh.
Statues of freedom fighters demolished in Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, have been reinstalled within 24 hours following the Chief Minister's orders, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The action was taken after a woman made a complaint to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath through IGRS.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appointed cricketer Rinku Singh as a Regional Sports Officer, recognising his achievements in cricket, including his IPL success and contributions to the Indian national team.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the violence during protests against the Waqf law, accusing her of remaining silent while "Bengal is burning." He also said that the only treatment for rioters is stick, as "Those who respond only to thrashing don't understand words."
Prateek Yadav, the younger son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, has died at the age of 38 due to cardiac-lung complications. The news has prompted condolences from across the political spectrum in Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering at the programme in Agra, Adityanath said, "There can be nothing bigger than the nation, and when will a nation be strong, when we are united and good."
The family of Harish Rana, who was granted permission for passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court, immersed his ashes in the Ganga River, marking the end of a 13-year ordeal following a tragic accident.
According to the police, a Philippine national stayed at the Nadwa Darul Uloom hostel, but no information about his stay was shared with the local police.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has called for Aligarh to be renamed 'Harigarh', drawing parallels with the renaming of Ayodhya and Prayagraj. He also paid tribute to former CM Kalyan Singh and criticized the Samajwadi Party.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a scathing attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that the latter purposely keeps mum on the tragic death of his mother and sister in an attack by Razakars in order to avoid losing Muslim votes. Adityanath claimed that Kharge's village, Varawatti, was burned down by Razakars and that his mother, aunt, and sister died in the attacks. He accused Kharge of suppressing this painful personal memory for political expediency and for fear of losing Muslim votes. Adityanath also alleged that Congress ignores historical atrocities for the sake of vote bank politics and conveniently forgets the history of the Razakars.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav likened Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to an infiltrator, saying he is from Uttarakhand and should be sent back to the state. Yadav also criticized the BJP's governance and alleged injustices against Dalits and backward communities.
Chail MLA Pooja Pal, recently expelled from the Samajwadi Party, met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Pal praised Adityanath's actions against gangster Atiq Ahmed, who was accused of murdering her husband. She also addressed comments about her personal life and political career.
'With young and energetic SKY (Mr. 360) at official residence, Lucknow,' Yogi tweeted.'
