INTERVIEW| Muslims neednt be politically organised in name of religion

After the split in the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama in 1989, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar has been engaged in efforts to empower the community by establishing various institutions, almost single-handedly. His son, Muhammad Abdul Hakeem Azhari, the managing director of Knowledge City, is keeping that tradition alive. Though rooted deeply in religion, Azhari is of the view that there is no need for Muslims to be politically organised in the name of religion. Speaking to TNIE, he also dismissed the relevance of political Islamist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and underlined the importance of harmony and coexistence. Excerpts You have been elected the state president of the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS). And the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama is celebrating its centenary in 2026. What were the objectives of Samastha and how far has it succeeded in achieving the aims over the past century? Samastha was established to protect the beliefs and customs of Muslims in Kerala and to oppose deviant sects like the Wahhabis. By the grace of Allah, we could accomplish the task. The opponents activities couldnt win the support of even 5% of the Muslims in Kerala. But there have been instances of some people seeking fatwa from the Wahhabi scholars in Saudi Arabia? Sunnis in Kerala seek fatwa only from the Samastha. Only people who know the situation of society can issue a fatwa. Salafis in Kerala ask fatwa from the Salafi scholars. It isnt binding on Sunnis and Sunnis arent influenced. Theres an argument that Sunnis in Kerala are being influenced by Wahhabism, especially in matters like wearing purdah? Purdah and pants are changes that happen naturally with the changes in fashion. What is there in Islam is hijab, which means to cover. There are different hijabs in various parts of the country. Things are different in Kerala because of its affinity to the Gulf. Is there a need for Muslims to be politically united? We dont believe that Muslims should be politically organised in the name of religion. Samastha doesnt keep permanent ties with any political party. Theres a general belief that IUML represents the entire Muslim community in Kerala That too is just a perception. The IUML is a political party and a majority of its cadre are Muslims. There are Muslims in the Congress, communist parties, and even in the BJP. There was a time when IUML leaders would tell the community that they wouldnt go to heaven if they didnt vote for the ladder symbol of the IUML These are speeches of some people and not the official stand. There was no such belief. What should be counted is the stand of organisations like Samastha, Mujahid, or Jamaat. Theres a practice that the opinion of an individual in Islamic attire is taken as that of the community. That needs to be corrected. Jamaat-e-Islami is an organisation that had been sidelined by Kerala Muslims until recently. But Panakkad Syed Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal has said that Jamaat-e-Islami should also be included in the fight against fascism. Do you agree? I dont know whether Thangal has said so. Anyway, Samasthas stand is that Sunnis should stand separately. Around 90% of Kerala Muslims are Sunnis. Organisations like the Jamaat should be kept separate. It is dangerous to include them. Theres a perception that the Kanthapuram group is closer to the CPM There was a time when we were engaged in a fight with the other group. It may have created such a perception. We have given support to all parties. There was a controversy recently when a Muslim cleric criticised a woman over an Instagram post related to her Shimla trip... There was such an Instagram post and a person made a speech. We should address an idea rather than discussing a piece from the speech of a person. The discussion should be on what Islam says on the issue. Is there any ban on a woman travelling like that? That should be the question. There is no ban in Islam on travel. The stand that women shouldnt travel alone is not the position of Islam alone. Even the film artists association, AMMA, had said that women actors shouldnt travel alone. Such policies will be there considering security and there is a policy in Islam too. It says that it isnt safe for women to travel alone. We are discussing this issue at a time when Sunita Williams has undertaken a space journey Sunita Williams was not alone and she is not a Muslim. We should remember that security systems are not put in place anticipating that attacks will always happen. There are CCTV cameras here too. Nothing would have happened in the past hundred years. But they are installed because something may happen somewhere. But now many women are getting educated and working. Should they be barred from doing so? No. Who is barring them? Islam has laid down a policy and those who agree to it follow it. No one can insist that everybody should follow the rule. Such discussions have happened in the backdrop of a home birth in Malappuram. Whats your stand on the issue? Islam does not stipulate that delivery should be at home. It only states that delivery should happen in a safe environment. Theres a line of thinking in Europe that home is more hygienic compared to hospitals. Shouldnt a woman have a say in deciding where the delivery happens? Certainly, she has the right and I have no right to deny it. A woman can decide that she can have the delivery at home, but the family members can suggest that the hospital is a better place. It can be the other way round too. The husband can deny. A few recent cases have been like that... Such a thing shouldnt happen. The womans interest should get priority. Samastha had passed a resolution in the past that women need not learn to write... It was not confined to Samastha. At the time, the situation was the same with the Hindu and Christian communities. Muslims in Kerala had evolved an alphabet even before such a thing appeared in Malayalam. They wrote Malayalam using the Arabic alphabet. The British Library has more than a thousand books written in Arabic Malayalam. There are books on botany that run into around 6,000 pages in 12 volumes. Well-studied women were there at that time too. My mother and grandmother used to read books. So, there is no point in discussing one dictum that came out at a specific point in time. Muslim girls have scaled new heights in education and so have women from other communities. Mujahids claim that their efforts brought in a revolution in womens education and that the Sunnis have only imitated them... It was the Mujahids who stood in the way of Muslim womens education. It was Sheikh Zainudeen Makhdoom and his family that promoted education. And it was Samastha that carried the efforts forward. We have more than 300 schools and several colleges. Now, there is Knowledge City and various online platforms that promote education. Mujahids said they should only be worried about thouheed and shirk. Sunni women received education from their homes. But Mujahids said women should go to mosques instead of studying at home. Whats your stand on cooperating with those governing the country? Kanthapuram and yourself have visited Narendra Modi and Amit Shah We have visited Pinarayi Vijayan and Oommen Chandy too. Isnt there a difference in meeting Modi and Shah who are perceived as the enemies of Indian Muslims We dont consider anyone as enemies. The Islamic principle is to cooperate with the rulers. It is the Prime Minister who comes to inaugurate the metro in Kerala. Whats the link between CPM and BJP there? The ruler is the ruler of all the people. I cannot say I dont consider a person as the Prime Minister. Theres a narrative that BJP is isolating and torturing Muslims in India In politics, there will be a feeling that different communities are being isolated at different points in time. We have always opposed such tendencies. We never compromised with the politics of division and segregating people in the name of religion, culture, food, and dress. But we never said there shouldnt be any cooperation with governments. But the position of organisations such as Jamaat-e-Islami is totally different... Jamaat isnt a subject that needs to be discussed at great length. They constitute less than one percent of Muslims in Kerala. Jamaat-e-Islamis argument that Muslims should stand united at a time when theres an increasing attack on Muslims in India is getting wide currency We should examine whether the torture of Muslims started after the advent of organisations like the Jamaat or before that. Muslims lived here before that and there were no issues. Hindus and Muslims jointly fought against the Portuguese. There was no issue when we followed the Sunni line and mingled with people of other faiths. Non-Muslims embraced Islam in India through Ajmer Khwaja the most. No Hindu living around Ajmer has any grouse against Khwaja even now. They actively participate in the festivals there. Non-vegetarian food is not cooked in the vessels there, considering the sentiments of the Hindus. Mamburam Thangals secretary was Konthu Nair and Choyi was the secretary of Veliyamkode Umar Khazi. Islam envisages a culture of peaceful coexistence. Nerchas are examples of such a culture. The deviant sects (like the Jamaat and Mujahids) wanted to end the nerchas. The mutual distance began from there. Whats needed is the re-establishment of that coexistence. Are you saying that it was the emergence of political Islamists like Jamaat-e-Islami that led to the intensification of religious enmity? It is generally understood that those who are against pluralistic festivals are divisive. But it was Jamaat and other organisations that first stepped in to launch agitations on issues like the CAA or the Waqf Bill. Naturally, wont there be a feeling within the community that these organisations represent their sentiments? These organisations are trying to create an impression that the issues will be solved only through agitations and that the issue pertains only to Muslims. By doing so, they are trying to win the support of a few people. This is an issue concerning the nation and the Constitution. Our policy is that Muslims alone shouldnt stage an agitation. Carrying the photos of Hasan al Banna and Sayyid Qutb in these agitations is dangerous. That amounts to saying that their ideology is that of Muslim Brotherhood. Theres a perception that IUML is increasingly coming under the influence of political islamist groups like Jamaat... The EK Samastha knows IUML better. So, it would be better if you ask them. All four Sunni organisations have been working closely in recent times. Is there any possibility of a merger? It is not imperative but not impossible either. There may be differences in organisational or educational policies. Sunnis are working closely, as you said. There are no major issues among them, barring minor organisational problems. There was a joint conference of various Sunni organisations in Mangaluru recently and a similar meeting is going to be held in Kochi. You said nerchas are an assimilation of Indian culture. But some IUML ministers have shown reluctance to light the traditional lamp Muslims always follow the culture of the land they spread out to. But Muslims will never accept the practices of other religions nor would they ask others to follow Muslim practices. Mingling is possible in cultural programmes. Lighting of the traditional lamp is a Hindu practice, which I believe is related to Shiva and Parvathi. Communist ministers, who dont have faith, lighting the lamp is also improper. You said there are attempts to create a division between Muslims and Christians. There were discussions on narcotic jihad, love jihad, and halal... We understand that these discussions provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about Islam. Islam grows whenever there are controversies. More people embraced Islam in the year Babri Masjid was demolished and more people came to Islam in Europe when there was a controversy over a caricature in Denmark. Recently, after the incidents in Gaza, more and more people are getting converted to Islam. Controversies are good for Islam. You made a comment against giving 50% reservation to women in local bodies. You said men are actually ruling even when women are in the chair. But women have proved their calibre and efficiency in many fields... Recently, there was a discussion on giving 50% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha. When the BJP said it will be implemented in the next elections, the Congress said it should be implemented immediately. Why cant the Congress implement it immediately, at least internally. Is there enough representation for women in CPM committees? That was the situation prevalent in our society. Nobody was ready to educate women or to bring them forward. While it is true that such a situation existed in every community earlier, to give a religious base for discrimination is a different matter. For example, some quote the hadith that never shall a people prosper who make a woman their ruler... The reason behind this is that it will lead to a decrease in population. How can there be deliveries if women are given additional duties? Countries like Russia, North Korea and China are facing the problem of decreasing population. M K Stalin told the people of Tamil Nadu that they are moving towards a geriatric society. Islam stated this position much earlier. There are rare women like Indira Gandhi. There are women who can climb coconut palms or drive bulldozers. General policies are not based on rare individuals. I stated that there is a shadow rule in panchayats because I heard such things from politicians. A woman is the president in my panchayat, but it is her husband who is the de facto ruler. IUML hasnt been in power for the past nine years. Do you think there is any loss for the Muslim community because of IUMLs absence from power? The Muslim community in Kerala does not get much from any government. In states like Karnataka, the minority department and the Waqf Board are liberally sanctioning funds. Was it so even when IUML was in power? I think thats primarily because IUML was in power (smiles). In Andhra Pradesh, where Muslims constitute 11%, the community gets 10% representation in government jobs. In Kerala, though the Muslims are 30%, they dont have even half the due representation. There is no particular benefit for Muslims because of IUML. The educational developments in Kerala are the contributions of Samastha and MES. One of the reasons for the split in Samastha was Kanthapurams declaration that religious organisations neednt be subservient to political parties. Are the current problems in the EK Samastha due to political subservience? That needs to be studied in depth. It should be examined whether it is because of the IUML leaderships refusal to give importance to EK Samastha as it did earlier or because the Samastha started taking decisions independently. Anyway, it is not proper for a religious body to become the tail of a political party. Theres a discussion on social media that time has proved the decision Kanthapuram took in 1989 to be the correct one? Let the media other than social media say something about that. I dont want to comment on that. Samastha should stand apart because it is an organisation of religious scholars. All other organisations come under it. Earlier, people outside Malabar used to think IUML and Samastha are one. Now we know Samastha has an identity of its own That may be because there were more Sunnis in IUML and many of them worked for the party. IUML presidents were all Sunnis, barring a few in the beginning. There are allegations that the Wahhabi influence in IUML is increasing, which is said to be the reason for the IUML-Samastha rift... Wahhabis have been people of politics from the beginning. They will try to infiltrate politics in every place. This happened in Saudi Arabia. The Sunni community was disinterested in politics in the past, but now, they are showing deep interests in politics (not electoral politics). And the benefits are visible in society. How do you assess the LDF government? All governments in Kerala perform well compared to other states. At the same time, the allocation for the development of minorities is low here, maybe because of a lack of funds. We undertake our activities with donations from the public. During the run up to the 2021 assembly elections, you said the LDF government should continue because it was carrying out development work What I said was that continuity of government would be beneficial for development. Projects get struck halfway due to continuous changes in government. Continuity of government may have its demerits. Whats your assessment of Pinarayi Vijayan as the chief minister? He is a chief minister with good commanding power and a person with humility. There are some ex-Muslim groups operating in Kerala, which are very critical of Islam. How do you perceive them? If a sweeper is removed from his job, he will never call himself an ex-sweeper. But a former minister is fond of being called an ex-minister. The term ex-Islam is the greatest sign of the relevance of the religion. An ex-Muslim gets recognition because he is from a relevant religion. Otherwise, he shouldnt have used the term. Dont you think religion should welcome changes that happen with the development of science? Certainly. Samastha is an organisation that accepts it at the first instance. Samastha will never oppose science. It never opposed vaccines or medical treatment. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, M P Prashanth, Rajesh Ravi, Anna Jose, Abdul Nazer M A, Harikrishna B. A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)

Delhi High Court rebukes CAG for issuing orders to audit Ajmer Sharif Dargah accounts

Coming down heavily on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) for issuing orders to audit the accounts of Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the Delhi High Court asked CAG to clarify by May 7, whether it was willing to stay its decision. The Bench, presided over by Justice Sachin Datta, recently passed the order on a petition [] The post Delhi High Court rebukes CAG for issuing orders to audit Ajmer Sharif Dargah accounts appeared first on India Legal .

Four die, seven injured in massive fire at hotel in Ajmer

A woman saved the life of her three-year-old son by tossing him from a window to a man standing in the lane

Ajmer hotel fire: 4 dead, guests jump from windows, woman throws child to escape flames, watch!

Four Dead in Hotel Fire in Ajmer, Guests Jump to Escape

Fire breaks out at five-storey hotel in Diggi Bazaar; short circuit suspected as cause

Massive Fire At Ajmer Hotel, Frantic Guests Jump From Windows To Escape Blaze | Video

Four people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Diggi Bazaar area of Rajasthan's Ajmer on Thursday, officials said.

Fire breaks out at paper factory in Rajasthan`s Ajmer; no casualties

No casualties were reported in the incident, but adjoining units of the factory suffered damage, they said

Massive fire breaks out in Ajmer factory - in video

Sex Assault, Blackmail: Bhopal Case Draws Parallels To 1992 Ajmer Scandal

Some victims recounted being raped inside moving vehicles and threatened with weapons, while others were forced into drug addiction to break their resistance.

RBSE 11th Class Time Table 2025 Out rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in Check Time Table Here

Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan, Ajmer has released the RBSE 11th Class. Students can access their RBSE Result 2025 using their registration number through the direct link here.

Salman Chishty condemns Pahalgam terrorist attack

New Delhi, Apr 24: In the wake of the ghastly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Haji Syed Salman Chishty of Dargah Ajmer Sharif has said that violence is an affront to humanity and the sanctity of life and is a stark reminder of the persistent threats posed by terrorism, which seeks to disrupt peace and harmony. []

Rajput woman in Ajmer takes up mission to end child marriages

Sonu Kanwar, herself married at the age of 12, has stopped about a dozen child marriages, and prevented hundreds of future child marriages by spreading awareness and seeking police intervention

Four new laws passed in Rajasthan after Governors approval

The Rajasthan government passed four bills during the recent budget session. The decisions came into immediate effect after the bills, tabled in the assembly last month, received approval from Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde. The bills passed are the Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024, Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025, Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act. Rajasthan Democracy Fighter Honor Bill 2024 Under this new law, democracy fighters will get a monthly pension of Rs 20,000. Along with this, a medical allowance of Rs 4,000 and a free travel facility will be available in roadways buses. This facility will also be available to their dependents. At present, there are 1,140 democracy fighters or their dependents in Rajasthan. After the death of a democracy fighter, their spouse will continue to get these facilities for life. They will also be invited to national festivals. The BJP government has implemented this again after it was stopped by the Congress government in 2019. Rajasthan University Laws Amendment Bill 2025 In the 33 state universities of the state, the name of the Vice Chancellor has now been changed to 'Kulguru' and the name of the Pro-Vice Chancellor has been changed to 'Prati-Kulguru'. The government argues that the Guru does the work of character building of the students, and the word Vice Chancellor gives a sense of administrative ownership. Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025 Under the Rajasthan Laws Amendment Act 2025, judges will not be appointed now in the Municipal Improvement Trustees and Authorities of Rajasthan. A bill has been passed to eliminate the requirement of judges in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur and Ajmer Development Authorities. This bill was brought after the interim decision of the Supreme Court. This will have no effect on the powers of the authorities, and the state government will be able to determine uniform service conditions. Rajasthan Laws Repeal Act Under this law, 45 obsolete and old laws of Rajasthan have been abolished. Most of these are related to the Panchayati Raj department, which are no longer useful. The government says that this will simplify administrative processes and eliminate unnecessary complexities. Apart from this, a new update in Food Security Scheme, names of 17 lakh ineligible people have been removed while 19 lakh new ones added.

Heard On The Street: Dealers Spot Action In Ajmera Realty, Havells, Infosys, IndusInd Bank And More

NDTV Profit picked up these signals from deal room chatter during Tuesday's trade.

Ajmera Realty Q4 Update: Sales Dip 13% To Rs 250 Crore

During the 2024-25 fiscal, the company's sale bookings grew 6% to Rs 1,080 crore from Rs 1,017 crore in the preceding year.

Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in West Bengal: CM Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act will not be implemented in the state. Addressing a programme of the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee said she will protect the minority people and their property. I know you are aggrieved because of the enactment of the Waqf Act. Have faith, nothing will happen in Bengal by which one can divide and rule. You send out a message that all have to stay together, she said. Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, appealed to the people not to pay heed to those who provoke them to launch a political movement. Apparently referring to the violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, she said, See the situation in the bordering areas of Bangladesh.This (Waqf Bill) should have not been passed now. We have 33 per cent of minorities in Bengal. What will I do with them? The Waqf (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3, and by the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of the next day after marathon debates in both Houses of Parliament. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on Saturday. History says that Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and India all were together. Partition took place later. And those are living here, it's our job to give them protection, she said. Banerjee said that if people are together, they can conquer the world. Some people will provoke you to assemble and launch a movement. I will appeal to all of you not to do it. Please remember when Didi (Banerjee) is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us have trust in each other, the chief minister said. At the Jain community programme, Banerjee said she visits places of all religions and will continue to do so. Even if you shoot me dead, you will not be able to separate me from (that) unity.Every religion, caste, creed. All of them pray for humanity and we love them, she said. Banerjee said she goes to Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jain and Buddhist temples, gurudwara, church and Guru Ravidas temple. In Rajasthan, I visited Ajmer Sharif as well as Brahma Temple in Pushkar, she said.

Shah dismisses Opposition claim that Waqf bill is a '4D assault' on Constitution; vote expected tonight

The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill , 2024, in Parliament on Wednesday, triggering a heated clash between the Modi-led government and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. While the government is keen to pass the bill, the Opposition strongly opposed it, calling it unconstitutional. With 293 MPs, the NDA comfortably exceeds the required simple majority of 272 votes. The vote on the bill is expected later tonight. Ahead of the bills introduction, both the ruling BJP and the Congress party issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during the crucial debate and vote in the Lok Sabha. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena and LJP (Ram Vilas) - the four biggest constituents of the NDA after the BJP - also issued whips to their MPs asking them to support the government stand. Though BJP allies like the TDP, JD(U) and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) had expressed reservations over some aspects of the bill, they have become more agreeable after the parliamentary committee adopted a few of their suggestions, official sources have said. The contentious bill was first introduced in Parliament last year amid uproar from the Opposition and was subsequently sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament, headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, for scrutiny. The panel accepted 14 changes suggested by NDA MPs but rejected all 44 proposed by the Opposition members. On February 13, the House panel submitted its report, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 19. However, Opposition MPs in the panel raised concerns over their proposed amendments being dismissed and claimed their dissent notes were removed from the report without their knowledge. Political Debate in Lok Sabha Union Home Minister Amit Shah , defending the bill, asserted that fear is being spread that the Waqf bill interferes in religious matters, calling it a false narrative driven by vote bank politics. He emphasised that non-Muslims in Waqf councils and boards are included purely for administrative purposes, ensuring properties are managed according to their stated aims. Shah also underlined that Waqf is a charitable institution where a person donates property for social, religious, or public welfare purposes without the right to reclaim it. Participating in the debate, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the bill was aimed at polarisation and would damage Indias secular image. He alleged that the BJP introduced the bill to manage its diminishing vote bank and warned that it could backfire on the party. Yadav further claimed that the bill was a diversion tactic to shift focus from land capture by China. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi reiterated that the INDIA bloc would oppose the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitutions basic structure . Launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the bill was tabled, Gogoi accused the government of attempting to defame and disenfranchise minorities and staging what he described as a 4D assault on the Constitution - diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, disenfranchising them, and dividing Indian society. He accused the government of attempting to dilute Waqf provisions, disenfranchise minorities, and divide Indian society. Initiating the debate, Gogoi also accused the government of misleading Parliament by referencing past discussions on the matter. Hitting back, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the bill, arguing that numerous Waqf properties were being looted and misused. He insisted that the government had the authority to regulate Waqf matters and claimed that Gogoi failed to present a complete picture of constitutional provisions on the subject. BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the bill, stated that the amendments would benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) announced its opposition to the bill and confirmed that its MPs would vote against it. The partys stance comes amid protests from the Catholic Church, which criticised Kerala MPs for their position on the bill. Easy for family parties, we have 13 crore members: Amit Shah hits back at Akhilesh's BJP president election jibe What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill? The government argues that the bill aims to address inefficiencies in the existing Waqf Act by introducing administrative reforms and technology-driven improvements. A statement issued by the government in September 2024 highlighted key changes, including updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the property registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. These reforms, the government claims, will modernise the Waqf system and improve governance and transparency. However, since its introduction, the bill has faced widespread criticism, particularly from Muslim organisations. Religious and legal experts told TNIE that the bill targets Muslims and fuels Islamophobia. They argue that amendments, including the removal of the 'Waqf by user' provision, undermine the essence of Waqf. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, criticised the lack of consultation with community leaders or stakeholders, calling it a major shift in law without proper engagement. Professor G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy, described the bill as a violation of minority rights, saying it weakens the Muslim community and promotes Islamophobia. People stage a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Key controversial provisions One of the most debated provisions in the bill is the proposal to allow a non-Muslim to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Waqf board. This has raised concerns among Muslim leaders, who argue that it could interfere with the religious and cultural integrity of Waqf management. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be appointed to each states Waqf board by the respective state governments. Another contentious change grants the District Collector the power to determine whether a disputed property is Waqf or government-owned. The Opposition and Muslim organisations warn that this could lead to arbitrary decisions and misappropriation of Waqf properties. The bill also seeks to abolish the Waqf by user concept, which allows properties used as Waqf to retain their status even if not formally registered. Critics argue that this change could leave many Waqf properties vulnerable to legal challenges. Perhaps the most significant and controversial measure is the requirement that all Waqf properties be registered in a central database within six months of the laws commencement. (With inputs from Agencies) HIGHLIGHTS | Waqf Bill debate in LS: Claim that bill interferes in Muslim affairs is fear-mongering for vote bank : Shah

Security scare at Ajmer dargah

Rajasthan: Police detain youth for entering Ajmer Dargah with sword

Jaipur: A young man caused panic at the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz in Rajasthan on Tuesday when he entered the premises carrying a sword. The sight of him walking with the weapons alarmed the pilgrims, leading to chaos. Seizing an opportunity, another young man managed to snatch the swords from him, sustaining an injury Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ajmer dargah khadims condemn supporters of Waqf Amendment Bill

Jaipur: Anjuman, the principal body of khadims (caretakers) of Ajmer dargah, has issued a condemnation against its members who expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, labelling them as non-state actors acting against the interests of Muslims. The rebuke follows an article by Khadim Salman Chishti endorsing the bill as progressive for the Muslim Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gas leak at illegal chemical factory in residential area kills three including owner in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Three people died and over 50 others fell sick as toxic gas leaked from a tanker parked at a chemical factory in Beawar district of Rajasthan, an official said. He said the factory owner and two others have died. District collector Mahendra Khadgawat said nitric acid leak at an illegally operated factory in a residential area in Badiya locality led to 53 people falling sick late on Monday night. The situation was controlled in time, he said. According to Superintendent of Police Shyam Singh, several people in the vicinity fell sick and were admitted to different hospitals following after inhaling the gas. He said factory owner Sunil Singhal (47) died on Monday night, while local residents Dayaram (52) and Narendra Solanki (40) died on Tuesday. Another official also said people in the area were admitted to a local hospital after they complained of breathing problems, heaviness in chest and vomiting. VIDEO | Beawar, Rajasthan: Nitrogen gas leak in an acid factory kills at least three, over 60 people hospitalised. SDM Divyansh Singh says, Investigation is underway. A joint team will be formed to conduct a survey of such factories in Beawar and take actions against those pic.twitter.com/ySiVMcX17M Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2025 Two persons, who are in a critical condition, are undergoing treatment at JLN hospital in Ajmer. The official said people in the area around the factory has been evacuated. Collector Khadgawat has ordered formation of a committee of officials from Nagar Parishad, revenue department and police to survey factories operating without permit in the district.

Lamborghini driver who hit two pedestrians in Noida gets bail

NOIDA: A district court on Monday granted bail to a man accused of hitting two pedestrians with his Lamborghini sports car in Noida. Deepak Kumar, a resident of Ajmer in Rajasthan, was arrested on Sunday following the accident near an under-construction building in Sector 94 here, police said. The two labourers have been identified as Dijen Ravidas and Rambhu Kumar, both hailing from Chhattisgarh. They were admitted to a private hospital and have been operated upon, police said. The accused's advocate, Mayank Pachori, told reporters, The court has granted bail as the offence was available. The bail was granted without conditions. He said the accident happened when Kumar was out on a test drive of the vehicle. Kumar, a car dealer in Noida, was booked under section 281 (rash or negligent driving) and 125(B) (endangering life) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bhupendra Singh, in-charge of the Sector 126 Police Station, said. A purported video surfaced online on Sunday, showing that after the accident, a man was heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died there. To this, the accused asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?) and came out of the car. The injured labourers said the car came towards them at a very high speed giving them no time to escape. I have injuries on my legs and hands my whole body is paining, said one of the injured labourers. During questioning on Sunday, Kumar told police that the accident had happened due to a fault in the vehicle. The car is registered in Puducherry. What we know about YouTuber Mridul Tiwari whose Lamborghini was involved in a crash in Noida

Ajmer Dargah Chief Gives Thumbs Up To Waqf Amendment Bill, Calls It 'Crucial Reform'; Rijiju Reacts

Ajmer Sharif Dargah chief Salman Chishty has lauded the Waqf Amendment Bill and said that it seeks to create a more transparent system to better serve the Muslim community.

'Did anyone die?' asks Lamborghini driver after hitting two pedestrians in Noida, arrested

Two laborers from Chhattisgarh were injured after being hit by a Lamborghini on a footpath in Noida's Sector 94. The car driver, Deepak from Ajmer, alleged a vehicle fault caused the accident. He has been arrested and the car seized while the victims are out of danger, suffering leg fractures.

'Did anyone die here?': Lamborghini hits two pedestrians on Noida footpath, one held

NOIDA: A Lamborghini hit two pedestrians on a footpath adjacent to an under-construction building in sector 94 here on Sunday, police said. The injured, labourers from Chhatisgarh were rushed to a nearby hospital and are said to be out of danger. They have fractured their legs, police said. A purported video surfaced online showing that after the accident, the accused came out of his car and asked the locals koi mar gaya idhar? (did anyone die here?). In the video, a man was also heard asking the accused if he knew how many people died here. Following this, someone in the video could be heard saying, police ko bulao (call the police). Bhupendra Singh, In-charge at Sector 126 Police Station told PTI , In the car accident two labourers were injured and they were from Chhattisgarh. They are out of danger and have fractures in their legs. The accident happened adjacent to an under-construction building, he said. The car driver has been identified as Deepak, a resident of Ajmer and the car is registered with the Puducherry registration. He has been arrested and the car has been seized, he added. During questioning he told the police that the accident happened due to a fault. Further investigation is underway, Singh said.

Ajmer Dargah welcomes Saugat-e-Modi campaign for underprivileged Muslims

Jaipur: Haji Salman Chishti, Chairman of the Chishti Foundation, has welcomed the Saugat-e-Modi campaign, an initiative launched by the BJP Minority Morcha. Under this campaign, special kits will be distributed to 32 lakh underprivileged Muslims across India ahead of Eid, ensuring they can celebrate the festival without hardship. The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

CBI arrests senior GM of Power Grid Corporation of India for bribery

Uday Kumar, posted in Rajasthan's Ajmer, was arrested on Thursday along with Suman Singh of KEC International in Sikar where both had agreed to meet for alleged exchange of the bribe amount, said CBI

CBI nabs senior GM of Power Grid Corp, KEC executive during bribe exchange; company V-P named in FIR

New Delhi, Mar 21: The CBI has arrested Uday Kumar, senior GM of Power Grid Corporation of India, for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 2.4 lakh from an executive of Mumbai-based KEC International to extend favours to the company, officials said on Friday. Kumar, posted in Rajasthans Ajmer, was nabbed late on Wednesday along with Suman Singh of KEC International in Sikar where both had agreed to meet for alleged exchange of the bribe amount, they said. The bribe [] The post CBI nabs senior GM of Power Grid Corp, KEC executive during bribe exchange; company V-P named in FIR appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

SEBI Imposes Rs 40 Lakh Fine On Eight Entities For Disingenuous Trades On BSE

SEBI levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh each Utkal Automotive Pvt Ltd, Mrinal Verma, Sanjoy Kumar Gupta and Family, Meenu Ajmera, Advent Commosales, Manish Kumar Kanodia HUF, Nisha Pandey, and Viswaroop Marketing,

Punctuality on track as Vaishnaw tears into Opposition

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday dismissed Opposition allegations regarding train punctuality, informing the Lok Sabha that 32 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality while 17 out of 68 divisions maintain more than 80% punctuality. The Bhavnagar rail division under Western Railway holds the top position for punctuality, maintaining a rate of over 99.6%. Following closely are the Madurai division at 99.2%, Ratlam at 98.9%, Bikaner at 98.1%, Sealdah at 98%, Rajkot at 97.7%, Ajmer at 97.1%, and Jodhpur at 96.1%. Other divisions among the 32 that have surpassed 90% punctuality include Kota and Guntur, both with 95.7%, Ahmedabad at 95.1%, Bangalore and Alipur Duar at 94.4%, Guntakal at 94.3%, Mumbai Central at 92.9%, and Trivandrum at 91.3%, among others. The Vijayawada rail division, with 89.5% punctuality, leads the 17 divisions that have achieved over 80% punctuality. It is followed by Firozpur division at 89.2%, Sonpur at 88.6%, Agra at 88.3%, Rangiya at 88.3%, Malda at 88.1%, Nagpur at 87.8%, Ranchi at 87.7%, Bhusaval at 87.4%, and Samastipur at 86.7%. He said over 13,000 passenger trains are currently in operation, including 4,111 mail and express trains, 3,313 passenger trains, and 5,774 suburban trains. Vaishnaw stated 17,330 trains were operated during the Mahakumbh period. Additionally, 1,107 special trains were arranged to accommodate the Holi rush. The number of Holi special trains has consistently increased, from 604 in 2023-24 to 1,107 in 2024-25.

Waqf Bill: A direct attack on India's secular structure, say religious and legal experts

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposed by the BJP-led Union government in August last year is set to be tabled again in the Parliament in the coming days in the second leg of the Budget Session. The bill, which sailed through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), evading all the changes and suggestions proposed by the Opposition MPs, is expected to spark fierce protests both inside and outside the Parliament. Announcing a protest against the bill on March 17, the leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which represents different organisations within the Muslim community, said in a press meet , The Muslim community views this Waqf Amendment Bill as a direct attack on the community. It is evident that the BJPs politics thrive on communal polarisation and the strategy of 'divide and rule.' However, its allied parties must decide how far they are willing to align with this divisive agenda. Introducing the bill in Parliament on August 8, 2024, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had claimed, With this bill, there is no interference in the freedom of any religious body....Forget about taking anyones rights, this bill has been brought to give rights to those who never got them.... However, Muslim organizations and legal experts feel that a closer look at the new amendments hints at a careful intrusion into the religious freedom of Muslims and therefore challenges the very structure of secularism. Let's dig in. What are the 2024 Amendments aimed at? According to the government, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the 1995 Act with the goal of enhancing the regulation and management of waqf properties across India. One of its key provisions is the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims in the management of Waqf affairs, particularly within the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards. The bill seeks to remove the 'waqf by user' provision, which allows a property to be treated as Waqf based on its long-term use for religious or charitable purposes, even without formal documentation. The bill also prevents a Muslim from giving Waqf before completing five years since embracing Islam. Other key provisions of the bill include replacing the Survey Commissioner with the Collector, who will now have the authority to conduct surveys of waqf properties. Additionally, the bill grants the Collector the power to seize properties from the waqf board if they are in dispute with the government, and to determine the ownership of such properties. The bill curbs the power of waqf tribunals and introduces provisions for appealing its orders to the High Court within 90 days. It also removes the Muslim law expert from the tribunal panel. The bill emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the registration of waqf properties and establishes separate waqf boards for minority sections within Muslims, such as the Aghakhani and Bohra communities. Waqf - a distinct form of charity Explaining 'Waqf' in the context of the proposed amendments, a September release by the PIB states that it (Waqf) refers to properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, and any other use or sale of the property is prohibited. Waqf means that the ownership of the property is now taken away from the person making Waqf and transferred and detained by Allah. Waqif is a person who creates a Waqf for the beneficiary. As waqf properties are bestowed upon Allah, in the absence of a physically tangible entity, a mutawalli is appointed by the waqif, or by a competent authority, to manage or administer a Waqf. Once designated as Waqf, the ownership is transferred from the person making the waqf (waqif) to Allah, making it irrevocable, explains the PIB release. According to Muslim scholars, the history of Waqf as a distinct and structured form of charity can be traced back to an advice given by Prophet Muhammed to his companion and the second caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, when asked about a piece of fertile land he owned in Khyber. The prophet advised Umar to preserve the land and make its yields useful for others. According to scholars, this became the basis of the definition of Waqf. Waqf law does not mandate Muslims to be its founders and beneficiaries and is not limited to just mosques, madrasas and graveyards. It could be anything that the person thinks will be useful for the society he is living in, considering it is allowed under the Islamic law, says Professor Abdulla Kottappalli, a notable scholar in waqf studies and Assistant Professor at the Centre for Indo-Arab Culture in Jamia Milia Islamia. An interesting story by explorer and scholar Ibn Battuta, in his book Rihla , paints a clear picture of the multidimensionality of the concept of Waqf. Battuta narrates the story of a Syrian merchant who happens to see children working in hotels, often being beaten up by the owners for carelessly handling Chinese pottery which was widely in use at the time. The merchant, according to Battuta, gives some of his property as Waqf, asking the owners to avail the damages from it and refrain from beating the children. In India, several institutions including schools, hospitals and universities were established using waqf funds and on waqf lands. History of Waqf boards The idea of waqf boards, as government-appointed supervisory bodies to oversee the functioning of waqf properties, emerged in the British era. Following the 1857 rebellion, the British decided to stay away from the responsibility of taking care of Hindu and Muslim religious structures and the respective communities were legally given the charge through the Religious Endowments Act of 1863. The British regime's decision of granting community autonomy over religious structures, according to Abdullah, was led by their idea of secularism, which required the state to refrain from interfering in religious matters. This idea of secularism was later adopted by India as one of its core constitutional values. The waqf boards came into existence post independence through the Waqf Act 1995 . According to the law, the waqf boards in each state will be headed by a chairperson and consists of one or two members elected from theelectoral colleges of a the state's Muslim parliamentarians, MLAs and Bar Council members. In case of non-availability of the above mentioned categories, the members can also be appointed from among Islamic scholars, social workers and other persons of eminence. The law also pushes for two of the members to be women, which has been in practice across various state waqf boards. Notably, the waqf board does not hold ownership rights over any of the waqf properties. It is only in charge of supervising the functioning of the properties and cannot benefit from it. The 1955 law authorises the state government to suspend or dissolve a committee or members if they are found unfit for the job or involved in corruption. Waqf Tribunals Tribunals in India are quasi-judicial bodies that were set up with the intention of reducing the burden of other courts and ensuring faster delivery of justice. Apart from waqf tribunals, there are corporate tribunals, like the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) which are entrusted to resolve disputes related to Indian companies. The waqf tribunals have been established according to section 83 of the 1995 Waqf Act, which allows state governments to constitute as many Tribunals as it may think fit, for the determination of any dispute, question or other matter relating to a Waqf or Waqf property. The three-member Tribunal consists of (1) a Judge of the rank equivalent to a Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge as Chairman, (2) a state officer equal to an Additional District Magistrate, and (iii) an expert in Muslim law and jurisprudence. The law grants the tribunal the power of a civil court and notes that its decision will be legally binding and final. However, like the decision of any other lower court, the decision of the Waqf Tribunal can be challenged in the higher courts. A High Court may, on its own motion or on the application of the Board or any person aggrieved, call for and examine the records relating to any dispute, question or other matter which has been determined by the Tribunal for the purpose of satisfying itself as to the correctness, legality or propriety of such determination and may confirm, reverse or modify such determination or pass such other order as it may think fit, the 1995 Act notes. 'Targeting Muslims, enhancing Islamophobia' For the first time, the government is making serious amendments to an important law concerning the faith of Muslims with zero consultations with the community leaders or stakeholders, said SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB. The government had claimed that the amendments were intended at uplifting the backward sections within the community and ensuring transparency. But none of the provisions in the proposed bill is intended for this purpose. The entire bill has been designed in such a way so as to facilitate the government to usurp the Waqf properties, Illyas said stressing that around five crore Muslims have submitted their disapproval via emails against the bill. Commenting on the amendment that prevents a Muslim from giving waqf before completing five years after embracing Islam, Ilyas said, This is against the shariah. According to Islam, any practising or non-practising Muslims can give Waqf. Why would the government prevent a person who has recently embraced Islam from exercising his religion? It is illogical. The attempt to target aqf property is a violation of minority rights. It is a part of the overall strategy to weaken the Muslim community and enhance Islamophobia, said Prof. G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy of the Supreme Court of India. Gopal highlighted the singling out of Waqf properties, when every other religion's right to community autonomy remains untouched. Devaswom Boards, which oversee the secular governance of public temples in Kerala can statutorily have only Hindus as members. The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Amendment Bill violates this norm by inserting non-Muslims into Waqf Boards which manage private property dedicated by Muslims as an inherent part of the practice of their religion while leaving undisturbed the prohibition against non-Hindus managing Hindu endowments and public temples, Gopal said. Interference with Waqf by non Muslims, against the teachings of Islam constitute a serious violation of the fundamental right of Muslims to practice their religion, he added. Gopal alleged that the hostile singling out of Islam is a constitutionally malafide action on the part of the government. It is inspired by the stated goal of the ruling partys ideology of converting India into a Hindu Rashtra. It has no Constitutional legitimacy, he stressed. According to Abdulla Kottapalli, the Bill is not just anti-Muslim but also challenges the very structure of Indian secularism. India has long followed a non-interventionist policy in the management of religious trusts, which is a crucial aspect of Indian secularism. If the Union Government imposes a Waqf regulatory mechanism without proper consultation and consent from the Muslim community, it would constitute an infringement of this long-standing secular tradition. Such an approach could undermine the legitimacy of the Waqf Board system among Muslims, he remarked. Calling the bill disastrous, former Maharashtra minister and Rajya Sabha MP Fauzia Khan noted that contrary to the claims of the government, the amendments are not intended at aiding the Waqf Boards. Instead of aiding the board to overcome its challenges, the government is snatching away everything from the Muslim community. Its like killing the patient, instead of treating them, she said. The whole law is going to be disastrous for the Muslim community, they will be losing their religious lands and other properties donated by their forefathers for the upliftment of the community, she added. Dr Khan emphasised that amendments like the removal of the 'waqf by user' provision are challenging the very spirit of Waqf. A large amount of properties under the Waqf are 'waqf by user.' Many properties do not have documentation. For instance the Taj Mahal, or the Ajmer Dargah. How can you bring documents for these? The new amendment is a big threat to the actual spirit of Waqf, she said. Illyas expressed concern that this amendment will affect the ongoing disputes regarding the ownership of mosques including Gyanvapi and Sambhal. It is a very serious issue. In UP itself, more than 70 percent mosques will be affected by the removal of this provision, he said. Noting that the removal of 'waqf by user' provision will result in large amounts of land transfer from the hands of the Muslim community, Gopal said; The blanket removal of user rights solely of Muslims is anti-constitutional and should be struck down. Even though the right to property is no longer a fundamental right, it is still a constitutional right. It is not possible to sweep away existing property rights in an arbitrary manner. Apart from the draconian amendments, concerns were also raised regarding the manner in which the bill was passed through the JPC, with opposition members raising serious allegations against the JPC chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal. Commenting on the alleged sabotaging of JPC proceedings, Dr Fauzia Khan called it a death blow to democracy. If this is how we are going to function in parliament, then it is setting a dangerous precedent. Tomorrow, any party with a majority can just crush the voices of the minority and finish off the later, she said. The Waqf Bill wil be tabled in the Lok Sabha in the coming days. Apart from a heated debate and a legal battle, the bill will also be a determining factor in the upcoming Bihar elections which is crucial for the NDA ally JDU headed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. If Nitish Kumar and his party go ahead with their support for the Bill, they will not get any support from the Muslim community for the upcoming elections. Our position is very clear. If this Bill is passed, we will consider it a direct attack on the community. Its consequences will have to borne by the two allies too. This is a matter of faith for the Muslim community, the AIMPLB has warned. With multiple players at stake, it remains to be seen how the Narendra Modi-led government will decide on the issue, which is of utmost importance to Indian Muslims.

Member of erstwhile royal family Arvind Singh Mewar passes away

JAIPUR: Arvind Singh Mewar, the member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the chairman of the HRH group of hotels died early Sunday in Udaipur after prolonged illness, family sources said. Mewar (81), a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, had been ill for a long time and was receiving treatment at his residence in Udaipur's City Palace. He is survived by his wife, Vijayraj Kumari, son Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, and daughters Bhargavi Kumari Mewar and Padmaja Kumari Parmar. His funeral will take place on Monday. As a mark of respect, the Udaipur City Palace will be closed for tourists on Sunday and Monday. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother, Mahendra Singh Mewar, died in November last year. Arvind Singh Mewar was educated at the prestigious Mayo College, Ajmer and pursued hotel management courses in the UK and US. He received training in various international hotels. He lived and worked in Chicago for many years before building the HRH group of hotels as a professionally-managed corporate organisation. An avid cricketer, Mewar made his Ranji Trophy debut as Rajasthan's captain in 1945-46 and enjoyed a successful career spanning nearly two decades. In the 1970s, he also played polo before retiring from the sport due to health reasons. To showcase his commitment to professional polo in the UK, he instituted 'The Udaipur Cup' at the Cambridge and Newmarket Polo Club. In Udaipur, Mewar Polo was formed as a polo team with professional players who had been handpicked and specially trained for Indian tournaments. The Mewar Polo team lifted the prestigious President's Cup defeating the 61st Cavalry players in 1991. He was also an avid pilot and has done solo flights across India in a microlite aircraft. Mewar was the Chairman and Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, Udaipur and also headed other trusts. Since the death of his father, Bhagwat Singh Mewar, there have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the house of Mewar and a property dispute. Bhagwant Singh willed his property through a trust to Arvind, named him his successor, and disinherited his eldest son, Mahendra Singh Mewar, because he had filed a lawsuit against him. After the death of his father in 1984, Arvind assumed the leadership of the house. At the same time, Mahendra Singh Mewar, being the elder son, was coronated as the titular head of the family. Mahendra Singh Mewar died in November last year and his son Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, also a BJP MLA, was made the titular head of the family. A controversy erupted when Vishvaraj Singh was not allowed to enter the City Palace of Udaipur by his cousin brother and Arvind Singh Mewar's son Lakshyaraj Singh to complete the rituals. However, the deadlock ended later after Vishwaraj Singh was allowed to enter the city Palace to visit 'dhuni' (sacred fire) to offer prayers to the deity.

Cricket Fans Pray For India's Victory In The Champions Trophy Final The Ajmer Sharif Dargah | N18S

Cricket fans from Rajasthan pray for India's victory in the Champions Trophy final clash against New Zealand at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah n18oc_shorts News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

Womens Day: Sufiya Khan, the runner who has conquered vast distances and heights

For Ajmer-born woman Sufiya Sufi Khan, creating Guinness Book records has become an annual affair. She has so far created five records and although she is now in her late 30s, she is showing no signs of slowing down. She belongs to that rare breed of ultramarathon runners who have the courage, determination and stamina Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

ED searches multiple states in 'illegal' foreign remittances case

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids across multiple states in connection to a money laundering probe involving illegal remittances from India through shell companies. The case, originating from a Customs complaint in Jaipur, targeted premises in Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Mumbai, Surat, and Noida, implicating several businessmen and associated individuals.

ED Searches Multiple States In Illegal Foreign Remittances Case

New Delhi, Mar 7: The Enforcement Directorate conducted multi-state searches on Friday as part of a money laundering investigation linked to alleged illegal remittances worth crores of rupees from India to some foreign shores using shell companies, official sources said. The case stems from a Customs department complaint against certain persons operating from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The raids are being conducted in Jaipur, Udaipur and Ajmer, Mumbai, Surat and Noida, the sources said. The premises of some businessmen and linked [] The post ED Searches Multiple States In Illegal Foreign Remittances Case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Meet man, who got into IIT Bombay with AIR 77, got job with Rs 100 crore salary package, fired within a year, has this Elon Musk connection...

Parag Agrawal was born in Rajasthan's Ajmer. His father was a senior official in the Indian Department of Atomic Energy and his mother is a retired economics professor.

Ajmer observes bandh in protest against Bijaynagar rape-blackmail case

Jaipur: Ajmer remained closed on Saturday in protest against the Bijaynagar rape-blackmail case, following a call for a bandh by the Sarva Hindu Samaj community. Members of various Hindu organisations took to the streets in groups, urging shopkeepers to shut their businesses. Some bandh supporters deflated the tires of vehicles on the road, while a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Byju Raveendran seeks probe into alleged EY-Glas Trust collusion

Byju Raveendran, CEO of Byju's, has called for an investigation into claims of collusion and fraud by Glas Trust, EY, and former resolution professional Pankaj Srivastava. This follows viral whistleblower allegations and the National Company Law Tribunal's approval of Shailendra Ajmera as the new resolution professional.

NCLT Appoints Shailendra Ajmera As Resolution Professional For Byju's

The order was confirmed in the open court and a detailed order is awaited.

Delhi CM Swearing-In On February 20: Check Traffic Advisory, Diversions And Routes To Avoid

Delhi CM Swearing-In Traffic Advisory: The restrictions will also be in place from Ranjeet Singh flyover to Turkman Gate and Ajmeri Gate to roundabout Kamla Market. Check complete traffic advisory in Delhi for February 20

Police arrest seven as minors blackmailed, sexually exploited in Rajasthan's Beawar

JAIPUR: Four to five minor girls have been sexually exploited in Vijay Nagar town in Rajasthans Beawar district, according to sources. According to the local police, a group of miscreants trapped and blackmailed girls from a private school, subjecting them to rape and allegedly even tried to force them into conversion. The Beawar police have arrested seven culprits and detained two other offenders who are themselves minors in this sordid case. Family members of the victims complained to the police and shared details that a gang was behind this heinous racket. The criminals targeted a girl by assaulting and blackmailing her and coerced her into befriending other schoolgirls and systematically entrapping multiple victims. The minor girls were lured through gifts of Chinese mobile phones and were even forced to make their underage friends chat with the offenders who would sexually exploit them. The victims on Monday revealed that the culprits, all labourers and belonging to one community, had taken obscene photos and videos of the girls and were blackmailing them. The victims have also alleged that the criminals were even pressurising them to recite Kalma, keep Rozas or fasts, and adopt Islam. The case in the Vijay Nagar police station area has sparked public outrage with angry residents surrounding the local police station, demanding strong and swift action. As people gheraoed the police station, demanding the arrest of the accused, additional cops were summoned from four nearby police stations. The situation in the town remains tense as public anger is mounting. The accused have been identified as Rihan Mohammad (20), Sohail Mansuri (19), Shoaib (20), Arman Pathan (19), and Sahil Qureshi (19) who are all from Vijaynagar and close by areas. Two juvenile offenders have also been detained by the local police. The incident has triggered a political storm, drawing comparisons to a similar case in Ajmer 33 years ago, where schoolgirls were victimized through vulgar pictures and then subjected to rape and blackmail. Authorities are under pressure to act decisively as investigations unfold.

BYJUS CoC Proposes Shailendra Ajmera As New Insolvency Resolution Professional

After months of drama surrounding BYJUS the then insolvency resolution professional (IRP) Pankaj Srivastava, the edtech companys committee of creditors

Gautam Adani faces backlash after visiting Ajmer Sharif Dargah, netizens say, 'Have you lost faith in...'

Billionaire Gautam Adani's visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan sparked mixed reactions on social media, highlighting religious harmony and criticism.

High-level committee begins probe into New Delhi railway station stampede that killed 18 people

NEW DELHI: The tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday, which claimed the lives of 18 passengers , including five children, has raised serious concerns about the railways' crowd management during peak travel times. Despite Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's continuous monitoring of live CCTV feeds from a war room at the ministry, ground officials failed to anticipate or control the overwhelming rush of passengers. The sharp surge in ticket sales for the February 15 journey, with 1,500 tickets sold within an hour, should have been an early warning. However, railway officials did not take preventive measures. A high-level meeting on safety was reportedly held at the ministry level on the day of the stampede, yet the chaos at the station remained unchecked. With the weekend coinciding with the Mahakumbh, large numbers of pilgrims had travelled to New Delhi, and last-minute announcements of special trains from other stations only added to the confusion. As passengers moved in a frantic scramble from platform 14 to platform 16, a stampede ensued. A railway staff member at the station confirmed, In the mad rush, passengers moved from platform 14 to platform 16 in a frantic scramble, ultimately leading to the stampede. Eyewitnesses recall Saturday night horror at New Delhi Railway Station post stampede What has shocked many is the silence from the railways regarding the casualties. The official death toll was not released until Sunday afternoon. Railway officials dodged crucial questions about who authorised the overcrowding, why the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was inadequately deployed, and why contingency plans were not put into action despite the evident surge in demand. On Sunday, frustrated passengers at the station demanded answers. How could such an incident happen despite live monitoring from the ministry? Were there failures in communication or in anticipating crowd behaviour? Why were contingency plans not implemented when ticket sales soared? By Sunday morning, crowds surged again at platforms 14 and 15 with the arrival of trains from Prayagraj and other locations between 10:45 am and 11:30 am, making it difficult for passengers to exit. This newspaper witnessed the chaotic scenes as pilgrims returning from Mahakumbh struggled to leave the station, all while being under the heavy glare of media cameras. On the footbridge near platforms 14 and 15 towards the Ajmeri side of the station, visibly panicked elderly passengers, especially women, were seen moving through the packed crowd. Many who had travelled for the Mahakumbh noted that while the crowd management at the event was well-organised, the conditions on trains and at the station were unbearable. Congress slams Modi government over New Delhi railway station stampede Devendra Singh Gujjar, a passenger from Delhi who had returned from Prayagraj by the Shiv Ganga Express, remarked, We never faced any problems while taking dips at Mahakumbh, but inside the trains, the crowd was overwhelming. Even going to attend natures call was difficult for elderly passengers. Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora visited the RPF office at New Delhi station to discuss the stampede. However, even after the tragedy, the deployment of RPF personnel remained inadequate until Sunday afternoon. Only two officersa man and a womanwere seen attempting to manage the massive crowd single-handedly. The Ministry of Railways has now constituted a two-member panel to probe the incident. Dileep Kumar, Executive Director (Information & Publicity), confirmed that Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Northern Railway, would lead the investigation. Meanwhile, railway authorities have begun reviewing CCTV footage from the station to understand the sequence of events. Eyewitnesses present at the station during the tragedy stated that they had never seen such an overwhelming crowd in the past 20 years. A senior railway official admitted that the sheer number of passengers on Saturday had not been anticipated. Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Himanshu Upadhyay, explained, At the time of the incident, the Patna-bound Magadh Express was stationed at platform 14, while the New Delhi-Jammu Uttar Sampark Kranti Express was at platform 15. Some people who were coming down from the footbridge towards platforms 14 and 15 using the stairs slipped and fell on others. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has continued to monitor the situation closely. On Sunday, he reviewed the developments with officials and also met with Home Minister Amit Shah. However, as investigations proceed, the key question remainscould this tragedy have been prevented?

Video: Indian billionaire Gautam Adani visits Ajmer Sharif Dargah

New Delhi/Ajmer: Indian billionaire and chairman of Adani Group, Gautam Adani, has visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan along with his family members. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote: Prayers for blessings and safety for all. He also posted pictures of his visit to the dargah. He was accompanied by his wife Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gautam Adani, His Wife Offer 'Chadar' At Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Adani Group Chairperson Gautam Adani, accompanied by his wife, Priti Adani, visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan.

Teen abducted, trafficked 9 mths ago reunited with kin as man posts 'wedding' pics online

A wedding photo posted online helped police rescue a 17-year-old girl from Mainpuri who was abducted, trafficked, and sold multiple times before ending up in Ajmer. The girl was subjected to rape and abuse for months. The accused have been arrested, and legal action is underway.

In a first, NWR set to deploy psychologists to help employees cope with increasing work pressure and stress

JAIPUR: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the North-Western Railway (NWR) is set to deploy psychologists to help employees cope with increasing work pressure and stress. This move makes NWR the first railway zone in the country to introduce such a program. Under the initiative, psychologists will interact with employees and provide counselling sessions every 15 days. According to railway sources, nearly 12,000 posts are currently vacant in the NWR, including 230 vacancies in the headquarters alone. This acute shortage of staff has significantly increased the workload on existing employees. Over the past two years, around 62 officers and employees from various departmentsincluding personnel, operations, commercial, and accountshave opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) due to stress. To counter this growing issue, psychologists are being appointed to assist officers and employees in managing their mental well-being. APO/T Amritlal Meena of the Railway Headquarters has issued an order regarding the deployment of psychologists. As per the order, psychologists will be stationed at key locations, including the headquarters in Jaipur, the DRM offices in Ajmer, Bikaner, and Jodhpur, as well as the Ajmer Workshop. These professionals will be hired on a contract basis. Notably, this initiative is being implemented on the recommendation of General Manager Amitabh. Instead of abolishing existing vacant Level-5 posts, these positions will be reallocated for the appointment of psychologists. Employees Union General Secretary Mukesh Mathur has praised the move, stating that the NWR is setting a precedent by prioritizing employee mental health. The decision to introduce psychologists comes in the wake of the recent suicide of Chief OS Narsilal Meena. According to railway sources, Meena had been struggling with work pressure and the inability to take leave for a long time. However, railway authorities have not officially confirmed any direct link between work stress and his death. Speaking on the matter, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway Shashi said, Workload will always be there, but employees should not feel stressed in the office environment. If any employee is facing personal issues affecting their mental health, counsellors will help address them. We will begin this initiative from the headquarters and four divisions, gradually expanding further. Employees from all departments will be mapped and counselled in batches. He further assured that the recruitment process for vacant positions is ongoing and that efforts are being made to fill them as soon as possible. For the first time, we are introducing psychologists and counselors at the headquarters and division levels. They will regularly interact with railway employees to identify any psychological issues or mental health concerns. The goal is to provide appropriate solutions to help employees overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. The official added, While workload cannot be eliminated, we want to ensure that employees do not feel overwhelmed due to work or personal issues. The North-Western Railway already has a positive work environment, and we aim to make it even more supportive and stress-free. With this initiative, the NWR is taking a progressive step toward addressing employee well-being, setting an example for other railway zones across the country.

Police pick up 20 suspected drug users in city

Shillong, Feb 5: The police of Cantonment Beat House on Wednesday detained 20 suspected drug users, who were found loitering and obstructing the footpath along the GS Road near Ajmera and Boucher Road. East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said that after preparing their profiles and considering their condition, they have been bound [] The post Police pick up 20 suspected drug users in city appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Hindu Sena supports Diwans demand to declare Ajmer Dargah a Jain pilgrimage site

Jaipur: The Hindu Sena said on Wednesday that they supported the Ajmer Dargah Diwan Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khans demand to declare the historic shrine as a Jain pilgrimage site At least he (Diwan) has acknowledged that this is a Jain pilgrimage site. He has also accepted that Jain temples once stood here, said Vishnu Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Fiscal 2026 Will Be Our Best Year Yet, Says Dhaval Ajmera

Ajmera Realty is on track to achieve its pre-sales target of 1,350 crore for first half of fiscal 2025, with confidence in its strong launch pipeline. Director Dhaval Ajmera shares insights on upcoming projects in Wadala and Vikhroli, where the market response has been positive. The company has acquired a prime land parcel in Ghatkopar East for Rs 51 crore, marking its entry into niche projects. With more acquisitions in the pipeline and projects nearing completion, Ajmera Realty expects a 25-30% revenue jump in the coming fiscal, making FY26 one of its best years yet. Watch the full video for more. . Read more on Business by NDTV Profit.

Rajasthan man saves mother, but loses grandfather in Maha Kumbh stampede

During a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, Vishambar Singh from Dholpur, Rajasthan, managed to pull his mother to safety but couldn't save his 71-year-old grandfather, Kishan Baldev, who was trampled. The family had traveled to the Kumbh for blessings, but Baldev, a farmer, was declared dead at the hospital. His body was returned after post-mortem, and his last rites were performed. A woman from Ajmer district was also killed in the stampede.

Petitioner who asserted existence of temple inside Ajmer dargah attacked; police yet to confirm

JAIPUR: Vishnu Gupta, who had filed a petition asserting the existence of a Shiva temple within the Ajmer dargah premises, was allegedly attacked on Saturday morning. Reports suggest that while Gupta was returning from Ajmer to Jaipur, his car was fired upon at around 6 am on Saturday. According to sources, two bike-borne assailants allegedly opened fire at his vehicle. However, the police have not yet confirmed the incident. Reacting to the alleged attack, Gupta stated that it was a well-planned conspiracy against him. Vishnu Gupta asserted, I had come to Ajmer for the hearing in the Dargah case. I stayed in a hotel in Ajmer overnight. I left for Delhi in a car at around 5:45 am in the morning. The driver was driving the car. Near Gaghwana culvert, unknown bike riders started following us. They opened fire on the car. After this, they asked the driver to speed up. About three months ago, Vishnu Gupta had reported a phone call at Ajmer's Christianganj police station. He claimed that the caller had threatened him to withdraw the Ajmer dargah case filed in court, saying, Withdraw the case, or you will be killed. It is noteworthy that Vishnu Gupta, the national president of Hindu Sena, had filed a petition in the civil court in November last year, claiming the presence of a Sankat Mochan Mahadev temple within the Ajmer Dargah premises. The petition, citing retired judge Harbilas Sarda's book titled Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive, written in 1911 claims that temple debris was used in the construction of the Dargah. It also mentioned that there was a Jain temple in the sanctum sanctorum and the premises. The civil court accepted the petition, and two hearings have been conducted so far, with the most recent one held on January 24. The incident has sparked concerns over Gupta's security, with his supporters demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. Further updates are awaited as the police continue their investigation into the alleged attack. Amid claims of temple inside Ajmer Dargah, PM Modi presents 'chadar' to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's shrine

OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year

NEW DELHI, Jan 22:Travel tech unicorn OYO on Wednesday said it is planning to add 500 hotels in religious hubs, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Puri, Haridwar, Mathura, Vrindavan, Amritsar, Ujjain, Ajmer, Nasik, and Tirupati, this year. The announcement comes at a time when religious tourism in the country is booming and the government has launched several initiatives that aim to improve infrastructure at tourist sites and develop tourist attractions, including the PRASHAD scheme, the Ramayana Circuit, and the Swadesh [] The post OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Dalit groom rides horse, with 200 policemen in 'baraat'

A Dalit groom's wedding procession was held under heavy police protection in Rajasthan's Ajmer district after the bride's family expressed concerns about potential opposition from upper castes. Around 200 police personnel ensured the safety of the traditional 'Bindoli' ceremony, where the groom Vijay Regar rode a mare to his bride Aruna Khorwal's village. The bride's family had approached the authorities after anticipating possible resistance from locals. The police presence prevented any incidents and ensured the wedding procession took place peacefully.

Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani admitted to IGIC in Patna

PATNA: Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, who is in the state capital to attend the 85th All India Presiding Officers' Conference (AIPOC), was rushed to Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC) in the early hours of Monday after he complained of uneasiness. Devnani is better now and has expressed his willingness to go back to Rajasthan, Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav said. The Rajasthan Assembly Speaker had complained of uneasiness in the morning after which he was immediately taken to a government hospital. He is fine now, Yadav told the media. He said arrangements are being made for Devnani to go back to Rajasthan, as per his wish. Later Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached IGIC to know the health condition of Rajasthan assembly Speaker. Yadav, however, refuted reports in a section of media that Devnani suffered a cardiac arrest. He has complained of some uneasiness and was subsequently admitted to a city based hospital for treatment, Bihar assembly Speaker said. Sources said that Devnani will be taken back to Rajasthan by an air ambulance. Devnani, the MLA from Ajmer North, is the first Sindhi to be appointed as Speaker. During the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the 85th All India Presiding Officers' Conference in the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises. The conference is being held on '75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State Legislative Bodies in strengthening constitutional values'. Presiding officers from across the country have come to Patna to attend the conference, which saw participation from deputy Speakers, Assembly Speakers of all states and Legislative Council Chairman.

Watch: Beggar in Ajmer buys iPhone 16 Pro Max, internet shocked

Hard work is often seen as the way to success, but one young beggar in Ajmer Sharif, Uttar Pradesh, took a very different route. He managed to buy an iPhone 16 Pro Max entirely through begging. Identified as Sheikh, a video of him has gone viral on the internet with many questioning his chosen path Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Special prayers held for Saif Ali Khan at Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Ajmer: Special prayers were offered at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti in Ajmer for the health and well-being of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Devotees and fans of the actor gathered to pray for his long life and also offered prayers at the sacred Jannati gate, seeking blessings for his speedy recovery. Khadim Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Farooq Abdullah's convoy car accident: Head constable part of security team injured

The accident occurred on Delhi-Mumbai expressway on Friday when the National Conference leader was en route to Ajmer.

Farooq Abdullahs Convoy Car Crashes Into Cow On Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

The accident took place when Farooq Abdullah was visiting Ajmer to pray at Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's dargah.

Farooq escapes unhurt

Excelsior Correspondent JAIPUR, Jan 17: A car in the convoy of former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah crashed into a cow on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on Friday, police said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The National Conference leader was on his way to Ajmer from Delhi. No one was injured in the accident, police said. Click here to watch video Deputy Superintendent of Police Ravi Prakash Sharma said the car collided with a cow near Bhandarej. Abdullahs vehicle was [] The post Farooq escapes unhurt appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Farooq Abdullah visits Ajmer Sharif Dargah, prays for peace & brotherhood

Jaipur: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Friday evening and prayed for peace and brotherhood across the country. He shared his joy in visiting the shrine and expressed hopes for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to overcome the challenges of the past decade. He said he Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ajmer dargahs fakir predicted SRKs stardom: Youll earn 500 crore

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan, known as King Khan, is not just loved for his acting but also for his humility and kindness. One of his most touching stories comes from his childhood, during a visit to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah with his mother. SRK shared how, during this visit, his mother gave him Rs. 5,000 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Huge rush to Ajmer Dargah, locals step in as all hotel rooms booked

JAIPUR: Amid the controversy over the claims that the Ajmer Dargah is built over a Hindu temple, a record number of pilgrims attended the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The turnout this year was double that of the previous year, dargah committee sources said. The rituals of Bade Kul and Jumme ki Namaz were observed with fervor. Pilgrims from many countries, including 89 from Pakistan, thronged the dargah to seek the blessings of the Sufi saint. The rooms of over 6,000 hotels in Ajmer proved insufficient for the pilgrims. Locals opened their homes as makeshift guesthouses to accommodate the devotees. The Anjuman Committee revealed that while no official record of chaadar offerings is maintained, an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 chaadar were presented daily during the Urs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma, and Delhi former CM Arvind Kejriwal also sent chaadar. A delegation of pilgrims from Pakistan, led by second Secretary of the Pakistan high commission Tariq Masroof, offered a chaadar on behalf of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The delegation later returned to Pakistan via a special train under tight security. Speaking to the media, one pilgrim expressed prayers for peace and prosperity. Amid claims of temple inside Ajmer Dargah, PM Modi presents 'chadar' to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's shrine We all came to pray for peace and brotherhood. May Allah bless everyone, fill everyones bags, and bring peace to both India and Pakistan, he said. Syed Sarwar Chishti, Secretary of the Dargahs Anjuman Committee, dismissed concerns about the controversys impact, stating that pilgrim numbers only increased. This year, we have witnessed a larger turnout than before, he said. Traditionally, the crowds begin to thin after the Chhathi ritual, but this year, even after the Bade Kul ceremony, hotels remained fully booked, and pilgrims continued to arrive. The last time such a large crowd was witnessed was during the 786th Urs. On September 25, 2024, Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta filed a petition claiming that the dargah site was originally a Sankatmochan Mahadev temple. The petition cited a 114-year-old book, Ajmer Historical and Descriptive, by retired judge Harbilas Sarda. A chapter of the book asserts that a Lord Shiva temple once stood at the dargahs location.

Amidst controversy over Ajmer Dargah, 813th Urs celebrated with grandeur

JAIPUR: Amid the controversy claiming that the Ajmer Dargah was built over a Hindu temple, the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was celebrated with great fervor and devotion. The rituals of Bade Kul and Jumme ki Namaz on Friday attracted a record-breaking number of pilgrims. Despite the controversy, the turnout this year was reportedly double that of the previous year. Pilgrims from around the globe, including 89 people from Pakistan, thronged the dargah to seek the blessings of the Sufi saint. The influx was so overwhelming that when the rooms in over 6,000 hotels in Ajmer proved insufficient, locals opened their homes as makeshift guest houses to accommodate the devotees. The Anjuman Committee revealed that while no official record of chaadar offerings is maintained, an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 chaadars were presented daily during the Urs. Notable figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, also sent chaadars as a mark of respect. A delegation of pilgrims from Pakistan, led by the Second Secretary of the Pakistan High Commission, Tariq Masroof, offered a chaadar on behalf of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The delegation later returned to Pakistan via a special train under tight security. Speaking to the media, one pilgrim expressed heartfelt prayers for peace and prosperity, stating, We all came to pray for peace and brotherhood. May Allah bless everyone, fill everyones bags, and bring peace to both India and Pakistan. Syed Sarwar Chishti, Secretary of the Dargahs Anjuman Committee, dismissed concerns about the controversys impact, stating that pilgrim numbers had only increased. This year, we have witnessed a larger turnout than before, he said. Traditionally, the crowds begin to thin after the Chhathi ritual, but this year, even after the Bade Kul ceremony, hotels remained fully booked, and pilgrims continued to arrive. The last time such a large crowd was witnessed was during the 786th Urs. The Urs celebrations were held under the shadow of a legal dispute. On September 25, 2024, Advocate Vishnu Gupta, President of the Hindu Sena, filed a petition claiming that the site of the dargah was originally a Sankatmochan Mahadev temple. The petition cited a 114-year-old book, Ajmer Historical and Descriptive, by retired judge Harbilas Sarda. An entire chapter of the book asserts that a Lord Shiva temple once stood at the dargahs location.

Talk of Town: Shah Rukh Khans visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, has always been synonymous with unmatched stardom and a fan following that crosses borders. Wherever the superstar goes, his presence often sparks a frenzy, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of him. This admiration, though heartwarming, sometimes leads to challenging situations. Renowned celebrity security consultant Yusuf Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Pakistani pilgrims arrive in Ajmer for Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

Approximately 100 pilgrims from Pakistan arrived in Rajasthans Ajmer to participate in the ongoing 813th Urs of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Urs marks the death anniversary of the 13th-century saint also Known as Garib Nazaw. The pilgrims reached Ajmer after a well-planned journey, entered India through the Attari Wagah Border (Amritsar, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ajmera Realty & Infra sale bookings rise 7 pc to Rs 270 cr in Dec quarter

MUMBAI, Jan 9:Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd on Thursday reported a 7 per cent growth in sale bookings to Rs 270 crore in the December quarter on better housing demand. Its sale bookings or pre-sales stood at Rs 253 crore in the year-ago period. During the April-Decrmber period of 2024-25 fiscal, the companys sale bookings were up 14 per cent to Rs 830 crore from Rs 730 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year, according to [] The post Ajmera Realty & Infra sale bookings rise 7 pc to Rs 270 cr in Dec quarter appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Three killed, four injured as car crashes into truck in Gujarat's Bharuch

Three people were killed and four injured when a car collided with a truck on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Bharuch, Gujarat, early Wednesday morning. The victims were returning to Surat after attending a festival in Ajmer. The car was hit by a trailing truck, causing it to crash into another truck ahead.

Chadar to be presented in Ajmer Dargah on behalf of Rajasthan CM

Jaipur: To mark the auspicious occasion of the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a chadar will be offered at the world-famous Ajmer Dargah on behalf of Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday. The BJPs Minority Morcha state President Hamid Khan Mewati has been entrusted with the duty of presenting the chadar at Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Aakar Patel | Places of Worship Act, 1991: What stand will Centre take at SC hearing?

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 is a law to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947. This is an unusually phrased law which says that temples, mosques, churches, stupas, gurdwaras and so on will remain as they were in 1947. Meaning that the religion that was practised in that structure would continue to be practised. Why was it legislated? To prevent more incidents like the Babri Masjid demolition. It could not be more clear in phrasing or in intent. However, laws have rarely stopped things from happening in India, even in the courts. In 2019, after the Supreme Courts verdict handing over the Babri Masjid site to a temple, a petition was taken up in an Uttar Pradesh court regarding the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. The court directed the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct a survey, though historians have clearly recorded that the mosque was built over an existing temple razed by Aurangzeb in 1669. The Places of Worship Act was meant to avoid precisely such medieval history from becoming current affairs. The matter went to the Supreme Court in 2022. Here, D.Y. Chandrachud, who had authored the Babri judgment, made an observation that would prove to be devastating. He said that the ascertainment of the religious character of a place was not prohibited by the Places of Worship Act. Presumably meaning that people were free to bring to court suits to that effect. He allowed the continuing of the survey, which came to be centred around a fountain which the Hindu side claimed was a shivling. In 2023, the Varanasi district court asked the ASI to ascertain whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. Predictably, these events have led to a number of judges in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and elsewhere admitting petitions that sought to ascertain the religious character of mosques built in medieval India and ordering surveys. Demands for surveys in places include the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra mosque in Ajmer, built in 1199 by Qutubuddin Aibak (who also built the Qutab Minar in Delhi) and the Ajmer Dargah of Moinuddin Chishti, who died in 1236. The mosque is already an ASI-protected site for its historical value, but was now subject to demands from the BJPs Speaker in the state Assembly who wanted an ASI survey to find out if the claim was true that it had been a Sanskrit college earlier. The dispute over Lucknows largest mosque, Teelewali Masjid, was centred around a claim that it was built by Shah Jahans governor over a platform named after Lakshman. In Badaun the Jama Masjid Shamsi, built under Iltutmish (who also died in 1236) was claimed by the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha. The Atala Masjid in Jaunpur is, according to the governments tourism website, the ideal for the construction of the other mosques of Jaunpur. A group named Swaraj Vahini Association has moved the court demanding the right to worship inside it. In March 2024, the 13th century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar district became the latest site for a scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India after an order from the Madhya Pradesh high court. In November last year, a court in western UP heard a petition on the Sambhal Jama Masjid. The court ordered a survey of the mosque premises, which took place on the same day. The team returned for a second visit early on a Sunday and a rumour spread that it was digging under the mosque. A crowd of protesters gathered there and the police shot dead five of them. We can attribute this tragedy directly to that remark made in the court. The really unusual thing is that those remarks made in the Supreme Court have no binding authority, as experts have noted. Those words have not been recorded in the order and exist merely because they were reported at the moment they were uttered. The Supreme Court did not stay or undo the Places of Worship Act. It remains in force and unless a structure has been actively used by multiple faiths on August 15, 1947, it cannot be brought to court in a dispute. And yet, as we can see, the number of cases is rising with structures that are seven centuries old being claimed as property disputes. For those who like the writer were adults when the Ayodhya dispute began to bubble, and then burst, and then remain as the core issue of politics for three decades, these events are alarming. Too much national energy and blood has been expended over that. Last month, the Supreme Court stopped all courts across the country from registering new suits. It also said no interim or final orders could be passed in the pending suits till it decided on the validity of the Places of Worship Act. The court will hear the matter again soon, when we may learn what the Narendra Modi governments position on the law is. All governments are expected to defend the laws, but it is unclear what the stand of this government is, headed by the party that benefited from the movement that led to the legislation of the Places of Worship Act.

Ajmer Sharif deewan hails PM Modi for sending chadar for shrine

Jaipur: Ajmer Sharif dargah Deewan Zainul Abedin Ali Khan on Monday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending a ceremonial chadar for the shrine, saying that his gesture symbolised respect for all communities in the country. Addressing an annual gathering of sufi leaders and custodians of major dargahs at the Ajmer Sharif during the ongoing Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Sub Inspector exam paper leak case: 9 more trainee SIs suspended in Rajasthan

JAIPUR:In a significant development in the Sub Inspector 2021 paper leak case, nine more trainee Sub-Inspectors (SIs) have been suspended, bringing the total number of suspended officers to 20. The SOG has arrested 45 trainee SIs in connection with the paper leak case. Of these, 25 accused have been granted bail. The suspensions follow a series of actions initiated by the authorities. On December 31, 2024, the Police Headquarters issued orders for field training for trainee SIs. However, these orders were seen as an attempt to facilitate the appointment of the accused officers. The new suspension orders have effectively reversed the situation. On Sunday, Bikaner Range Inspector General (IG) Omprakash suspended eight trainee SIs, including Karanpal Godara, Jairam, Manish Beniwal, Shravan Kumar, Manisha, Ankita Godara, Manju Vishnoi, and Manju Devi. Of these, Manju Vishnoi was allotted Bikaner, Manju Devi Hanumangarh, and the rest were assigned to Sri Ganganagar district. Additionally, Ajmer Range IG Omprakash suspended one trainee SI, Subhash Vishnoi. This follows the suspension of 11 trainee SIs from the Jaipur and Udaipur ranges on January 3, 2025. All the suspended officers had been sent to their respective districts on December 31, 2024, despite being under investigation. According to the Rajasthan Civil Service (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1958, any government employee taken into police custody for more than 48 hours is subject to suspension. The current actions are based on this regulation, as all the accused had been in custody. Six individuals who were selected in the recruitment process but did not join have also been arrested. In May, the Police Headquarters directed all districts and ranges to initiate departmental action against the accused.The Police Headquarters decision to send the accused SIs for field training has been legally challenged in the High Court. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for January 6, 2025. Meanwhile, BJP Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, who had been vocal about cancelling the Sub Inspector-2021 recruitment process, has recently refrained from making further statements. On Sunday, he met BJP state president Madan Rathore at the partys state office but avoided questions regarding the recruitments cancellation. When asked if the governments recent actions, including the suspension of SIs on bail, were influenced by his protests, Meena declined to comment. His sudden silence has sparked speculation about possible instructions from the partys central leadership to avoid conflicting with the governments stance. Notably, Meena recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. On December 30, 2024, Meena had publicly demanded the cancellation of the recruitment process and criticized the SOGs handling of the investigation. As the High Court prepares to hear the case, the outcome could have significant implications for the accused officers and the future of the recruitment process. The evolving political and legal landscape surrounding the Sub Inspector-2021 paper leak case continues to draw attention, with further developments anticipated in the coming days.

'Chadar' offered at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on behalf of Rajnath Singh

On Saturday, a chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was offered at the dargah by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju

Telangana govts failure to construct rubat in Ajmer Sharif disappoints pilgrims

Hyderabad: Thousands of people from the city visiting the holy shrine of Persian Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti in Ajmer in view of the 813 Urs celebration in Ajmer will have to check-in themselves at private accommodations. This is because the Telangana government, for the last 10 years, failed to make any progress in its Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

PM Modi sends 'chaadar' to Ajmer Dargah amid fresh controversy

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modis ceremonial chaadar was formally offered at the Ajmer Dargah on the occasion of the 813th Urs of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on Saturday. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju attended the event to present the sacred offering on behalf of the Prime Minister. At the dargah, Rijiju prayed for peace and harmony in the country. Following the offering, Prime Minister Modis message was read out, calling on people of all religions to work together in unity. In his message, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt greetings to followers of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti worldwide and to the devotees gathered at Ajmer Sharif. He praised the saints contributions to humanity, stressing the enduring relevance of his teachings. Saints, pirs, faqirs, and great men have illuminated lives with their welfare ideas. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishtis messages of public welfare and humanity have left an indelible mark. His life and ideals, dedicated to promoting love and harmony in society, will continue to inspire generations, the Prime Minister wrote. He further said, Every sect and every religion should come together and work for the country and for world peace. BJP has polarised Ajmer Dargah row: Former Rajasthan CM Gehlot The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Urs celebrations would strengthen mutual bonds among people and inspire efforts for the betterment of society and the nation. Concluding his message, Modi prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the people and bowed to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. As part of the occasion, the Minister also launched a web portal of the dargah, the Garib Nawaz app for pilgrims, and an operations manual for the conduct of the annual Urs. The Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is also known as Garib Nawaz or the Protector of the Poor. However, the offering of the chaadar has sparked fresh controversy. Hindu Senas national president, Vishnu Gupta, has filed a petition in the Ajmer Civil Court, seeking to prevent Prime Minister Modi from presenting the chaadar. Gupta argued that the act could influence an ongoing legal case concerning the site of the dargah. Days after Sambhal violence, court agrees to hear petition on Ajmer Dargah; summons committee In November last year, the Hindu Sena filed a petition alleging that Khwaja Moinuddin Chishtis dargah was built on the ruins of a Shiva temple. Gupta maintained that the Prime Ministers participation in the religious ceremony could undermine the court proceedings. Vijay Sharma, a local lawyer representing Gupta, has submitted an application to the court. Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel has registered the petition and scheduled the next hearing for 24th January. On the same day, the court will also hear arguments regarding the claim that the dargah was constructed on a temple site. The controversy has added a new dimension to debates surrounding the historic dargah and its significance.

After Modi, Rajnath to offer chadar at Ajmer sharif

JAIPUR, Jan 4: A chadar on behalf of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be offered at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Sunday during the Urs. Former dargah committee vice president Munavvar Khan will present the chadar on behalf of the minister. Munavvar Khan will leave from his Jaipur residence at Sunday noon and reach Ajmer at 2 pm. After presenting the chadar, Rajnath Singhs message will be read out, a BJP spokesperson said. On Saturday, a chadar on behalf of Prime [] The post After Modi, Rajnath to offer chadar at Ajmer sharif appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Rajnath Singh to present chadar at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Jan 5

Jaipur: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will offer a chadar at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Sunday to mark the auspicious occasion of the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the revered Sufi saint. The chadar, sent by the Defence Minister, will be presented at the Ajmer Sharif by former Vice President of the Dargah Committee, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Ajmer Sharif official slams Owaisi for comments on PM Modis chadar offering

Ajmer: A top Ajmer shrine official has slammed AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi over his remarks that Prime Minister Narendra Modis sending of a chadar there would not suffice and he should address issues such as people filing court cases against mosques and dargahs. PM Modi should stop those who are going to court against mosques Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Telangana CM Revanth sends chadar to Ajmer Dargah

Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy along with IT&EC minister D Sridhar Babu presented the annual customary chadar to be sent to Ajmer Sharif Dargah for theurscelebrations on Saturday, January 4. An eight-member delegation would present the chadar in Ajmer on behalf of the Telangana government. It is a blessed opportunity to hand over a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

No benefit with PM Modi sending chadar to Ajmer Dargah: Owaisi

Hyderabad, Jan 4 (PTI) AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday alleged that there is no benefit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a chadar to Ajmer Dargah and that the government should take steps to stop claims being filed in courts disputing the existing mosques or Dargahs. The message behind sending the chadar is that the government takes care of those who keep faith in the mosques. However, the BJP and Sangh Parivar people are going to courts stating that Khwaja Ajmeri Dargah is not a Dargah as was their argument with some mosques, he told reporters here. The real

'Marham bhi lagaya toh kaanto ki nokh se': Owaisi's shayari jab on PM Modis 'chadar' for Ajmer Dargah

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes PM Modi for sending a ceremonial chadar to Ajmer Sharif Dargah, calling it insincere amid disputes over mosques and dargahs. He highlights discrimination against Muslims in housing schemes and urges the government to protect religious sites integrity. Union Minister Rijiju delivers the chadar emphasizing peace and harmony without addressing legal disputes.

Nothing is going to happen by sending a chadar: Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticizes PM Modi's gesture of presenting a chadar for Ajmer Sharif Dargah, highlighting the BJP's involvement in legal disputes over mosques and dargahs. Owaisi also comments on the administration's treatment of a particular community in Sambhal and the government's stance on China.

Kiren Rijiju Offers Sacred 'Chadar' At Ajmer Sharif Dargah On PM Modi's Behalf

PM Modi had handed over a ceremonial 'chadar' to Rijiju to be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a 13th-century Sufi saint.

Rijiju offers 'chadar' at Ajmer dargah sent by Modi

Be it a Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Parsi, Buddhist or Jain, everyone is welcome at the dargah, Rijiju said.

PM Modi's message of peace: Kiren Rijiju presents 'chadar' at Ajmer Sharif Dargah

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Ajmer Sharif Dargah to present a chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the message of peace and unity. The gesture marked the 11th time PM Modi participated in the Urs celebration, focusing on fostering a harmonious and inclusive society.

Going to Ajmer Dargah with PM Modi's message of brotherhood: Kiren Rijiju

On this auspicious occasion of Urs, we want that a good atmosphere should be created in the country. No one should do anything that can affect the harmony of our country, Kiren Rijiju said

Going to Ajmer Dargah with PMs message of brotherhood: Rijiju

JAIPUR, Jan 4: Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Saturday left for the Ajmer Dargah from Jaipur to offer a ceremonial chadar sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Urs of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The prime ministers message is of brotherhood and that the country should stay united I am going to Ajmer Dargah with this message, Rijiju told reporters at the airport here before leaving for Ajmer by road. He was received by the [] The post Going to Ajmer Dargah with PMs message of brotherhood: Rijiju appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: PM Modi sends chadar to Ajmer Sharif

The ceremonial chadar sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah marking the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the revered Sufi saint, will reach the dargah on Saturday. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju will present the chadar at the shrine during a ceremony at 11 am.