Terror Accused Abdul Rehman Stabbed To Death After Brawl In Faridabad Jail
A 20-year-old terror accused, Abdul Rehman, who was lodged in Neemla Jail for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to carry out an explosion in Ayodhya, was murdered by a fellow inmate following a brawl inside the prison premises on Monday.
Terror accused Abdul Rehman stabbed to death in Faridabad jail; probe ordered
Terror accused Abdul Rehman was murdered in Neemla Jail by another inmate, Arun Chaudhary. Rehman was lodged for alleged involvement in an Ayodhya explosion conspiracy. The incident occurred during a brawl. Chaudhary, who has a history of serious charges, allegedly used a sharp weapon. A third inmate witnessed the event. The murder raises questions about prison security.
Uniform Civil Code Should Be Framed With Consensus, Shouldnt Create Divisions: Bhagwat
Mumbai, Feb 8: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be framed by taking everyone into confidence and must not lead to divisions. Asked whether achche din (good days) for the RSS came after the BJP came to power, Bhagwat said it was the other way round, noting the Sangh had remained committed to the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya and those who supported it benefitted. On the long-pending demand [] The post Uniform Civil Code Should Be Framed With Consensus, Shouldnt Create Divisions: Bhagwat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ayodhya jail escape: CCTV cameras were not working for 16 hours
Beyond Mumbai & Goa: How Indias tourism map is quietly changing
India's tourism landscape is rapidly evolving beyond beaches and hills. A new generation is flocking to spiritual and heritage sites like Ayodhya and Varanasi, driven by religious revival, infrastructure growth, and social media influence. These destinations are now vibrant, year-round hubs attracting diverse travellers seeking cultural immersion and authentic experiences.
Pawan Kalyan, Finance Minister, Madhav Say No CBI Clean Chit in Tirumala Ghee Case
Deputy CM says laddus prepared with adulterated ghee had even been sent for consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
India Map Will Be The Highlight At Rs 20-Lakh National Unity Square In Ayodhya
The existing Sardar Patel Nagar junction will be redeveloped as National Unity Square, creating an educational space highlighting Indias unity and diversity
In hiding for a decade, murder, robbery accused arrested in Ayodhya
Ram Temple Construction To End By April 30; Estimated Cost Rs 1,900 Crore
All construction work related to the Ram temple in Ayodhya is expected to be completed by April 30, with the overall cost of the project estimated at around Rs 1,900 crore, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said on Saturday.
Illegal plotting near mosque site in Ayodhya removed
Ayodhya officer who quit to back PM, CM withdraws resignation
Ayodhya jailbreak case: Three more suspended
Ayodhya Ram temple project nears completion, cost estimated at Rs 1,900 crore
Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by April 30, with the project cost estimated at Rs 1,900 crore, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said. Contractors L&T and Tata Consultancy will exit after completion, with maintenance teams staying on-site under a three year warranty
Ram temple construction expected to end by April 30; Overall estimated cost Rs 1,900 crore
Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is set for completion by April 30. The project's total cost is estimated at Rs 1,900 crore. Key construction firms Larsen & Toubro and Tata Consultancy will conclude their work by this date. All paperwork and payments will also be finalized.
Eco Hotels & Resorts signs strategic deal to develop new hotel in Ayodhya
New Delhi, Jan 30 : Eco Hotels & Resorts Limited on Friday said it has signed a strategic deal to develop a new hotel property in Ayodhya, in line with the companys expansion plans in high-potential religious and cultural tourism destinations. The upcoming property will feature 33 rooms and is strategically located with direct access to the main highway at a 7 km distance from the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The hotel is positioned to cater to the tourists and devotees [] The post Eco Hotels & Resorts signs strategic deal to develop new hotel in Ayodhya appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ayodhya rape case: 20 yrs jail term to accused servant
Blankets, mufflers & a tamarind tree: Howtwo undertrials escaped from Ayodhya jail
Two undertrial prisoners escape from Ayodhya district jail; searches on
A major security breach occurred at Ayodhya district jail. Two undertrial prisoners, Golu Agrahari and Sher Ali, escaped. They broke out of an isolation barrack and scaled the prison wall. Police and prison authorities have launched a massive manhunt. Alerts have been issued across Ayodhya and neighboring districts. Checkpoints are in place, and surveillance is intensified.
Ayodhya rape case: Main accused acquitted
Ayodhya GST Deputy Commissioner under probe over alleged fake disability certificate: Official
A GST Deputy Commissioner has resigned in protest against alleged remarks made by a Shankaracharya. The officer is now facing an investigation into his disability certificate. The probe began in 2021 after a complaint. The officer failed to appear for medical assessments. The Health Department is seeking guidance from higher authorities.
Uttar Pradesh weather update: Uttar Pradesh is bracing for more rainfall and thunderstorms this week due to an approaching Western Disturbance, according to the IMD. Lucknow and Ayodhya received rain overnight and the IMD has warned of rain and thunderstorms in many UP districts. Noida and Ghaziabad are likely to see mist and shallow fog today.
A senior UP tax officer resigned Tuesday, citing deep hurt over Swami Avimukteshwaranand's remarks against PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and CM Yogi Adityanath. This move counters a protest exit by another officer, sharpening a standoff linked to the seer's Magh Mela protest over alleged obstruction and a notice regarding his Shankaracharya claim.
U.P. official quits job to extend support to Yogi Adityanath in Shankaracharya row
Prashant Kumar Singh, posted as Deputy GST Commissioner in Ayodhya, sent his resignation to the Governor
GST officer resigns in support of Yogi over Shankaracharya issue
Ayodhya (UP): GST Deputy Commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh on Tuesday, January 27, resigned in protest against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranands objectionable remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Singh said he was deeply hurt by what he described as recent attempts to divide the country on the basis of caste and religion, allegedly emanating from the 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 .
We are also covering: Ayodhya GST Commissioner Resigns Over Shankaracharya Row, Will ICC Ban Mohsin Naqvi's PCB? and other top stories.
A Uttar Pradesh GST Deputy Commissioner in Ayodhya, Prashant Kumar Singh, has resigned citing moral reasons and support for CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Narendra Modi. Singh stated he was deeply hurt by allegations against the leaders and felt it was his duty to take a stand. He plans to engage in social work after his resignation is accepted.
Petbasheerabad police rescue man attempting suicide on railway tracks near Ayodhya Nagar
CNG, PNG price cuts ahead of Republic-Day in UP's 5 cities including Lucknow
Green Gas Limited is offering a Republic Day treat with reduced prices for CNG and domestic PNG across Lucknow, Agra, Unnao, Ayodhya, and Sultanpur. Effective January 26, CNG sees a 0.25 per kg drop, while PNG is down by 0.50 per SCM. This move aims to ease household budgets and promote eco-friendly fuel use.
IRB Infra starts toll collection on sections of NH-27, NH-731
New Delhi, Jan 23 : IRB Infrastructure and Developers on Friday said it has commenced toll collection on the Lucknow-Ayodhya-Gorakhpur section of NH-27 and Lucknow-Sultanpur section of Lucknow-Varanasi NH-731. In a statement, IRB Infrastructure and Developers (IRB Infra) said that the toll collection started following the upfront concession fee payment of Rs 9,270 crore to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and after achieving financial closure. The company began toll collection through the project SPV, IRB Harihara Corridors, for [] The post IRB Infra starts toll collection on sections of NH-27, NH-731 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Ram temple trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das admitted in Lucknow hospital
AYODHYA (UP), Jan 21: Ram Temple Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das was referred to a private hospital in Lucknow after his health deteriorated on Wednesday, his associates said. The 87-year-old seer has not taken any food for the past 36 hours and is suffering from continuous vomiting and diarrhoea, said his personal physician Dr S K Pathak. A close associate of the priest, Mahant Kamal Nayan Das, said the seers condition worsened, prompting doctors to refer him to Medanta [] The post Ram temple trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das admitted in Lucknow hospital appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kashmiri man detained for trying to offer namaz at Ram temple
Ayodhya: Police on Sunday, January 11, handed over a Kashmiri man, who was detained for allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex, to his family members after they produced medical records showing he was mentally ill, officials said. Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, was detained on 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 .
Row erupted after a Kashmiri man allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. The UP police has detained the man, identified as Ahad Sheikh, who is also alleged to raise slogans, when security officers tried to stop him.
Man detained in Ayodhya for attempting to offer namaz inside Ram Temple complex
Family members of the individual claimed that he was mentally ill
Kashmiri man attempts to offer Namaz inside Ayodhyas Ram Mandir
Ayodhya: A man from Kashmir was taken into custody after he attempted to offerNamazinside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya and raised slogans when stopped, triggering concerns, officials said. According to sources, the individual has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Kashmir. Officials said the 55-year-old man entered the high-security [] The post Kashmiri man attempts to offer Namaz inside Ayodhyas Ram Mandir appeared first on Northlines .
Kashmiri Man Detained Over Attempt To Offer Namaz At Ayodhya Ram Mandir Complex
Ayodhya (UP), Jan 10: A 55-year-old man from Kashmir, said to be mentally ill, was detained here on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex and raised slogans when stopped, officials said. According to Superintendent of Police (Security) Balramchari Dubey, the man has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir. Police said Sheikhs family has claimed that he is mentally ill and has shared medical records from [] The post Kashmiri Man Detained Over Attempt To Offer Namaz At Ayodhya Ram Mandir Complex appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Non-vegetarian food banned from being served in hotels, restaurants in Ayodhya Dham
Non-vegetarian food is now banned in Ayodhya Dham hotels and restaurants, including online deliveries. Authorities will penalize violators. The ban aims to preserve the city's sanctity. A group of Ram devotees was also flagged off for Ayodhya.
Srinagar Man Held, Questioned Over Suspicious Activity In Ayodhya Ram Temple Complex
Officials are also probing his travel details, including why he came to Ayodhya and whether anyone else was involved.
The Ayodhya administration has banned the delivery of non-vegetarian food items within a 15-km radius of the Ram temple, and warned several homestays and hotels against serving non-veg food and alcoholic drinks to guests.
Ayodhya bans non-veg delivery within Ram temple's 15km radius
Delhi CM sends off devotees to Ayodhya Ram temple, calls pilgrimage a symbol of Sanatan faith
Modern police admin building near Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya nears completion
A modern administrative building and control room, costing over Rs 128 lakh, is nearing completion on police department land near the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This G+1 structure, equipped with advanced technology for security and emergency services, will be operated by the police to monitor activities around the complex.
Lies, half-truths: Congress slams BJP criticism of Nehru over Somnath temple issue
Piyush Babele said the BJP must explain why President Droupadi Murmu wasnt invited to the inauguration of Ram temple in Ayodhya while citing Rajendra Prasads participation in the rebuilt Somnath temple inauguration
UP CM Yogi Presents Gulabi Meenakari Ayodhya Temple Replica To PM Modi
CM Yogi Adityanath gifted PM Narendra Modi a pink enamel Shri Ram Temple replica, highlighting Kashi's Gulabi Meenakari, ODOP, and Vocal for Local.
Devotees gathered in large numbers across Uttar Pradesh for the first holy dip of the Magh Mela 2026 on Paush Purnima. Pilgrims performed the sacred bath at significant locations like Ayodhya and Prayagraj's Triveni Sangam. Authorities ensured smooth arrangements for the spiritual gathering.
Large turnout of Devotees marks first Snan of Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj
The Magh Mela 2026 has begun in Uttar Pradesh with a large number of devotees taking a holy dip on Paush Purnima. Pilgrims gathered at the Sarayu River in Ayodhya and the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Saints and seers highlighted the spiritual significance of the mela. Devotees expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security.
From Prayagraj to Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura: Faith corridors redrew tourism map of UP in 2025
Uttar Pradesh witnessed a massive surge in religious tourism. Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj drew crores of devotees. Development of sites like Ayodhya's Ram temple and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor further boosted visitor numbers. This influx significantly increased the state's share in national tourism and positively impacted its economy.
Pratishtha Dwadashi celebrated in Ayodhya as Ram temple consecration completes two years
Ayodhya celebrated the second anniversary of Lord Ram's idol consecration at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in attendance. Adityanath highlighted the transformation of Ayodhya, emphasizing improved infrastructure, security, and a significant increase in visitor numbers, attributing these changes to Prime Minister Modi's leadership.
New Year 2026: UP govt says youths turning to Kashi, Ayodhya, Mathura for celebrations
In Uttar Pradesh, a fascinating shift is taking place this New Year's Eve, with the enchanting destinations of Kashi, Mathura, and Vrindavan becoming the hot spots for celebratory gatherings. Thousands of energetic youths are trading in noisy nightclubs for serene spiritual experiences, as the allure of these culturally rich sites grows stronger.
Rajnath Hoists Flag at Ram Temple Complex on 2nd Anniversary of Pran Pratishtha
Ayodhya, Dec 31: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hoisted a flag at the Annapurna Temple within the Ram Temple complex and offered prayers to mark the second anniversary of the consecration of the idol of Ram Lalla. Singh was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The Annapurna Temple is among the seven [] The post Rajnath Hoists Flag at Ram Temple Complex on 2nd Anniversary of Pran Pratishtha appeared first on Northlines .
Ayodhya Temple Sees Surge Of Devotees, Rajnath Singh Offers Prayers
Defence Minister Rajanth Singh, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offered prayers at the Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya on the occassion of Pratishtha Dwadashi and the second anniversary of Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Marks Two Years Of Pran Pratishtha; Rajnath Singh, CM Yogi Offer Prayers
The celebrations marked two years since the idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated on January 22, 2024, in a ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rajnath Hoists Flag In Ram Temple Complex To Mark Second Year Of Idol Consecration
Ayodhya, Dec 31: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday hoisted a flag at the Annapurna Temple in the Ram Temple complex and joined prayers on the occasion of the second anniversary of Pran Pratishtha. The veteran BJP leader was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Annapurna Temple is one of the seven temples in the Ram Temple complex. The Wednesday event followed a programme on November 25, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a saffron flag atop the [] The post Rajnath Hoists Flag In Ram Temple Complex To Mark Second Year Of Idol Consecration appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rituals begin at Ram Temple complex on second anniversary of Pran Pratishtha
Religious rituals began at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya on Wednesday. This marks the second anniversary of the consecration of Ram Lalla's idol. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will attend the ceremony. The event commemorates a historic moment for devotees. Saints from Ayodhya have been invited to participate.
A Look At PM Modis 2025: A Year That Reflects Indias Spirit | In Pics
From Operation Sindoor to heartfelt moments with people, to historic acts of civilisational pride like the Dhwajarohan Utsav in Ayodhya: Here's how PM Modis 2025 looked.
UP's temple towns Ayodhya, Kashi, MathuraVrindavan and J&K's Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra are witnessing a sharp rise in devotees as the New Year approaches. Authorities from major pilgrimage centres have stepped up security, crowd management and traffic regulation to ensure smooth movement. From temple anniversaries and rituals to yatra-related advisories, officials are on alert to manage the festive surge while pilgrims begin the year on a spiritual note.
Ayodhya prepares for Shri Ram Lalla Pran Pratishthas second anniversary celebrations
World taking note of India due to yuva shakti: Modi
NEW DELHI: In this years last episode of Maan Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said 2025 was a year of achievements that made every Indian proud as he highlighted Operation Sindoor, saying it showed the world that the country does not compromise on its security. The year 2025 gave us many moments that made every Indian proud. From national security to the sports field, from science laboratories to the worlds biggest platforms, India left a strong mark everywhere, he said. The Prime Minister said, during Operation Sindoor, images of love and devotion toward Mother India emerged from every corner of the nation and people expressed their emotions and gratitude in their unique ways. Operation Sindoor became a symbol of pride for every Indian. The world witnessed clearly that todays India does not compromise on its security, he said. Today, the world is looking at India with great expectations. The biggest reason for this hope is our youth. In the field of science, our achievements, innovations, and technological advancements have impressed countries around the world, the PM said. He added that Indias youth have always been driven by a passion for innovation, while remaining connected with Indias culture and roots. The PM described 2025 as a landmark year In the fields of science and space, highlighting Shubhanshu Shuklas achievement as the first Indian to reach the International Space Station. Modi noted that 2025 has truly been a memorable year for sports, with the mens cricket team clinching the ICC Champions Trophy and the womens cricket team winning the World Cup for the first time. Besides, Indias daughters scripted history by winning the Womens Blind T20 World Cup. He said that in 2025, faith, culture, and Indias unique heritage came together. The Prayagraj Mahakumbh organised at the beginning of the year astonished the entire world. At the end of the year, the Dhwajarohan ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya filled every Indian with pride, he said. The PM said the excitement towards swadeshi was also evident among one and all and people are purchasing only those goods that bear the sweat of an Indian and the fragrance of Indian soil. Now, the country is ready to move forward in 2026 with new hopes and new resolutions, he added. Memorable year for sports and vocal for local Modi noted that 2025 has truly been a memorable year for sports, with the mens cricket team clinching the ICC Champions Trophy and the womens cricket team winning the World Cup for the first time. Besides, Indias daughters scripted history by winning the Womens Blind T20 World Cup. He said the excitement towards swadeshi was also evident among one and all and people are purchasing only those goods that bear the sweat of an Indian and the fragrance of Indian soil.
Ram Rajya is the benchmark for good governance, says Chandrababu Naidu
Lord Ramas values and ideals are timeless lessons, and may they continue to guide and inspire us always, says the Chief Minister after offering special prayers at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya
Andhra CM Naidu Leaves for Ayodhya to Visit Ram Temple
The chief minister is scheduled to have darshan at the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi complex during his visit
Demand surges for Ram Mandir flag in Ayodhya, shopkeepers give special orders
The saffron flag hoisted atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple has become a popular souvenir for tourists, with daily sales of 100-200 units. The 'Dharma Dhwaj', featuring Om, the Sun, and the Kovidara tree, is also couriered nationwide. Priced at Rs. 50 and Rs. 100, the flags symbolize the temple's completion.
Naidu to visit Ram temple in Ayodhya on December 28
Rituals for Ram temple's second anniversary begin
Rituals marking the second anniversary of the Ram temple's consecration ceremony have begun in Ayodhya. The main anniversary falls on December 31, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest. Special prayers and offerings are being conducted. VIP passes for darshan are fully booked until January 1, 2026, indicating a continuous increase in devotee numbers. General darshan remains efficient.
'No one family drove growth': PM Modi targets Congress with dynastic politics jibe
LUCKNOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the countrys growth can no longer be attributed to just one family, launching a veiled attack on Congress first family and dynastic politics. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Rashtra Prerna Sthal on 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said the BJP government has freed the country from the tradition of eulogising a single family for all good that had happened. He said the BJP government is honouring and acknowledging the contributions of everyone irrespective of political affiliations. Congress and its allies politically kept the BJP untouchable. The BJPs values teach us to respect everyone. (Former PM) Narasimha Rao and (former President) Pranab Mukherjee were awarded Bharat Ratna. Our government honoured Mulayam Singh Yadav and Tarun Gogoi with national awards, he said, adding that no one could expect such recognition from the Congress or the SP. He said the NDA government is working on Dr BR Ambedkars principles and taking them to people through Panchteerthas. The PM claimed that while previous Congress and SP governments tried to erase the legacy of Baba Saheb, BJP drew pride in shattering the wall of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by working towards realising his resolves. Modi referred to the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy PM and Union home minister of independent India, who completed the daunting task of integrating various states with India. He claimed that Patel was not given the stature in history which he deserved. The Statue of Unity built in Gujarat now stands as a reminder of his great contributions, the PM said. Modi said the dynastic politics now faces insecurity. Consequently, the dynasts tend to cut the line of their contemporaries short to keep their relevance intact, he added. Praising CM Yogi Adityanath for giving good governance to UP, Modi said BJPs double-engine government has greatly benefited the state. UP is carving out its own distinct identity in 21st-century India. I am fortunate to be an MP from Uttar Pradesh. The hardworking people of UP are writing a new future. Today, UP is discussed for its development unlike earlier when it was known for poor law and order, the PM said. The grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham are creating a new global identity for UP. Places like Rashtra Prerna Sthal are also becoming part of this new identity. The PM said a missile used in the Operation Sindoor is now being manufactured in Lucknows defence corridor. He added that that the 30-acre site, where the Rashtra Prerna Sthal was developed, used to be a garbage dump for decades before being cleared in the last three years. Rashtra Prerna Sthal features 65-feet bronze statues of BJP icons Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolising their contributions to Indias political thought, nation-building, and public life. Yogi said the legacy of Mookerjee, Upadhyaya and Vajpayee is being carried forward by PM Modi to create a self-reliant and developed nation.
NGT halts Ayodhya bypass road project after large-scale tree removal in Bhopal
The order came on December 22 after petitioner and RTI activist Nitin Saxena approached the tribunal, alleging large-scale violations in the clearance process for the project being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Bhopal sees removal of 21 per cent voters from draft list after SIR first phase
BHOPAL: With the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Madhya Pradesh concluding on Tuesday, around 21% of voters have been removed from the draft electoral list in the state capital, Bhopal. Out of the 21.25 lakh-plus registered voters of the districts October 2025 voter list, around 4.38 lakh voters (20.63% or more) in seven assembly segments of Bhopal district, have been removed from the draft voter roll which was published on Tuesday. The highest number of deletions97,052 voterswas recorded in the Govindpura constituency, which has the states second-highest voter base after Indore-5. In contrast, the lowest number of removals, at 12,903 voters, was reported from Berasia-SC, the only largely rural constituency. In percentage terms, however, the maximum percentage of 27.55% voters have been removed from the Bhopal Central assembly segment, which has been won by Congresss Arif Masood since 2018. While Bhopal South West constituency saw the removal of 27.09% voters, Govindpura is third in the list of the seven assembly segments with 24.14% registered voters being dropped from the draft list published on Tuesday. Two other assembly segments, among them adjoining Narela and Bhopal North, have seen the removal of 22.80% and 20.44% voters respectively. Importantly, the Narela, seat which has been won four times in a row since 2008 by BJP legislator and Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Vishwas Sarang, has seen the removal of 80,935 voters from the list, which is more than three times greater than Sarangs winning margin of 24,569 votes in the 2023 assembly elections. Over 41.80 lakh voter names identified for deletion as first phase of SIR exercise ends in Madhya Pradesh In the adjoining Bhopal North assembly segment (which has been a Congress citadel since 1998) as many as 51,058 names have been removed from the list, which are nearly two times more than 26,987 votes victory margin of the first-time Congress MLA Atif Arif Aqeel in the last assembly polls. As many as 67,304 voters have been removed from the list in Bhopal Central seat, which is four times more than the 15,891 votes winning margin of the second time Congress MLA Arif Masood in the 2023 elections. Importantly, while the Bhopal North assembly segment houses a major population of the Muslim community, the bordering Bhopal Madhya and Narela constituencies too have a significant population of the minority community voters. The Bhopal South West constituency has seen the removal of 63,432 voters from the list, which is four times more than the first-time BJP legislator Bhagwandas Sabnanis 2023 elections victory margin of 15,833 votes. In only three out of the seven assembly segments of Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which form part of Bhopal district, are the number of voters removed from the list, lesser than the victory margin of 2023 election winners, all of whom were from BJP. In Govindpura, which is popular in political circles as BJPs Ayodhya in Bhopal (it has been the saffron citadel since 1980), though maximum 97,052 voters stand removed from the SIR draft list, the figure is lesser than the 2023 victory margin of 1.06 lakh-plus votes of second-time BJP MLA and present MP minister Krishna Gaur. Current MP minister Krishna Gaur, who was formerly the Bhopal mayor also, is the daughter-in-law of BJP veteran and former CM Late Babulal Gaur, who won from Govindpura record eight times in a row between 1980 and 2013. In Huzur assembly segment which has been BJPs stronghold since 2008, the third-time sitting MLA Rameshwar Sharmas 97,910 winning margin of 2023 elections is more than 65,891 voter names removed from the list after the first phase of the SIR. In the only largely rural assembly segment of Bhopal district, the Berasia-SC seat which has been won by BJPs Vishnu Khatri since 2013, Khatris 2023 polls 25,397 winning margin is two times more than the 12,903 voters removed from the list now. Importantly, the outcome of the first phase of SIR in Madhya Pradesh, put the state capital Bhopal on top when it came to removal of maximum number of shifted voters in the state. Bhopal topped the list of removal of shifted voters with 2.86 lakh-plus voters (who shifted elsewhere) among all the 55 districts of the state. Also, Bhopal with 1.16 lakh-plus unmapped voters is second in the state to Indore only which has 1.33 lakh-plus unmapped voters. Unmapped voters relate to those voters whose name figures in the October 2025 list of registered voters, but their names, parents names and grandparents names were missing from the SIR 2003 list.
Delhi's air quality remains poor despite clearer skies. The government has approved 100 crore rupees for rejuvenating water bodies. This initiative aims to reduce pollution and create a cleaner environment. Meanwhile, dense fog and cold waves continue to affect other North Indian cities like Ambala and Ayodhya.
Bengaluru man donates Thanjavur painting of Sri Ram to Ayodhya
Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir may face Speakers action after floating new party
KOLKATA: A day after floating his new political platform, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), the suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Humayun Kabir may face action from Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. On Tuesday, the Speaker said he may summon the rebel MLA to the Assembly to clarify his present political status as a legislator. Humayun has already been suspended by the leadership on charge of violating party discipline. Documents related to his suspension are lying with the Assembly. But he has announced the formation of his new political party from Murshidabad on Monday without informing anything about the move to the Assembly. He has to clarify with which party he is associated, Biman said. We will also look into the issue if any complaint related to the anti-defection law against him is lodged with us, the Speaker added. Humayun, the Trinamool Congress legislator from Bharatpur, was suspended by the party leadership on charges of anti-party activities, including allegedly making communal statements and laying the foundation stone of a mosque at Beldanga in Murshidabad district, modelled after the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya. 'Will be kingmaker in 2026', claims suspended MLA Humayun Kabir; TMC says 'daydreaming' On Monday, he announced the formation of his new party, JUP. Addressing a public meeting in Beldanga on Monday, he named eight candidates whom his new party would field in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. Significantly, he withdrew on Tuesday the name of Nisha Chatterjee, whom he had announced as the partys candidate from the Ballygunge Assembly constituency in south Kolkata for the forthcoming elections. He said he was unhappy after coming to know about her photographs that became viral on social media posts. He has decided to field a Muslim candidate from the Ballygunge seat, which is a minority-dominated belt. Humayun said he would contest the Assembly polls from two seats, Rejinagar and Beldanga in Murshidabad, and would release the names of other candidates of his party who would contest the forthcoming elections in the state. The JUP would field candidates in 90 Assembly constituencies across the state, and his party would be a decisive factor in the elections, he claimed. People have already dethroned the Congress. Now they will also bring the Trinamool Congress and the BJP down from power in the state and at the Centre respectively. My party will fight for the cause of the common people in the state, the JUP chairman said. He also said that table would be the symbol of his party and that he would apply to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking recognition for his new political platform. The rose may also be proposed as his party symbol as an option if the national poll body does not recognise the table. In the 2016 Assembly elections, he had contested as an Independent candidate using the same symbol.
Jammus Rujula shines at State Lawn Tennis Cship in UP
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 22: Lawn tennis sensation Rujula Dubey, daughter of Vishal Dubey and Sunita Goswami of Jammu, brought laurels to her family and school (Shiv Nadar School, Noida) by winning two gold medals at Uttar Pradesh State Lawn Tennis Championship held in Ayodhya. Representing the Meerut division, Rujula triumphed in both the singles and doubles categories. The championship took place at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar International Stadium from December 16-17, 2025. In the singles final, Rujula defeated Abir [] The post Jammus Rujula shines at State Lawn Tennis Cship in UP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
One cannot turn Thirupparankundram into another Ayodhya. Here, democratic forces are the majority. The VCK is only exposing the actions of the BJP and the RSS. It is revealing the act of deceiving Hindus, says Thirumavalavan
Talk of building Babri again not in Muslim or Hindu interest: Bhagwat
NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday described the new controversy in West Bengal over the use of the term Babri Masjid as a political plot aimed at reigniting an old dispute for electoral gains. Building a Babri Masjid again and restarting the dispute is a political conspiracy for votes. This is neither in the interest of Muslims nor of Hindus. The dispute was gradually coming to an end and a healthy sense of goodwill was developing, but now efforts are being made to widen the divide again, Bhagwat told the media in Kolkata on the sidelines of the RSS centenary celebrations. The controversy erupted after the foundation of a structure, named Babri Masjid, was recently laid by suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir in Beldanga. Bhagwat said such actions were being carried out for votes and should not happen. He said that as per norms, governments should not construct temples or any religious structures. He said Ram temple was built in Ayodhya following a Supreme Court judgment and after the formation of a trust. Government money was not used. The temple was built through donations, he added. Speaking on alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, Bhagwat said, Hindus in Bangladesh must remain united and Hindus across India should extend support to them. He added that if Hindu society remains united, a visible change will also be seen in Bengal. Responding to a question, he asserted that Hindustan is a Hindu nation. He rejected allegations that the RSS is anti-Muslim. The Sangh has no doors and works openly. Anyone can come and see how we function and then form their opinion, he said.
Dense Fog Delays Around 200 Flights, Disrupts Air Travel Across North India
Officials said two scheduled commercial flights were cancelled at Maharishi Valmiki International Airport in Ayodhya.
VB-G RAM G Bill: Why does Rams name irritate Congress, asks Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has questioned the Congress party's stance on Lord Ram's name. He criticized their opposition to the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. This new bill replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Yadav pointed out the Congress's past actions regarding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
This Isn't Ayodhya. Nobody Can Touch Babri Here: Humayun Kabir To NDTV
Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has said that a mosque named the Babri Masjid will be constructed in West Bengal's Murshidabad district within three years, and that no authority or political force will be able to prevent it.
Ace sculptor Ram V Sutar, creator of Statue of Unity, passes away at 100
Lucknow: Legendary sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, best known as the designer of the Statue of Unity , the worlds tallest statue, passed away at his Noida residence late on Wednesday night. He was 100 and had been suffering from age-related ailments. Sutars son, Anil, confirmed his demise in a note shared with the media, stating that the renowned sculptor passed away peacefully at home around midnight on December 17. A gold medallist from Sir J J School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai, Sutar was born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district in present-day Maharashtra. Despite coming from a humble background, he began showing a strong inclination towards sculpting from a young age. His career spanned several decades, earning him global recognition for his expertise in creating realistic sculptures. Among his most celebrated works is the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat, the 182-metre tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Other notable creations include the seated meditative statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament complex, each reflecting exemplary artistry. Sutar was also associated with major upcoming projects, including the statue of Lord Ram being developed in Ayodhya and that of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Mumbai. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Recently, he was conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar. Expressing grief over his demise, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath termed it an irreparable loss to the art world. Taking to X, the Chief Minister posted, he demise of the great sculptor, the artisan of world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, Padma Bhushan Shri Ram V Sutar ji is extremely sorrowful and an irreparable loss to the world of art... Om Shanti.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed a sharp debate on the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025 (SHANTI) on Thursday, with several Opposition members raising concerns over safety and liability of privatising nuclear energy. During the discussion, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh recalled India's rich history in atomic energy and emphasised that key developments in the sector began decades before 2014. Taking a dig at the BJP-led Union Government's penchant for acronyms and flashy legislative titles, he said scientific and institutional progress in the sector predates the current administration. Ramesh noted that the first atomic energy legislation was passed on April 6, 1948, followed by the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission on August 15, 1948, with Dr Homi Bhabha as chairman and K S Krishnan and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar as members reporting directly to the Prime Minister. He highlighted the creation of Indian Rare Earths Limited in 1950 and the Department of Atomic Energy in 1954, alongside the National Symposium on the Peaceful Application of Nuclear Energy, where Bhabha outlined the three-phase nuclear power programme. Dr. Homi Bhabha outlined three phases: uranium, plutonium-thorium, and thorium-uranium. Today, we have mastered the first phase, but we are stuck in the second phase...We have a fourth of the worlds thorium reserves, we are a uranium-deficient, thorium-rich country, the Congress MP said. He further quoted Dr Anil Kakodkar to note that India should use thorium in the first phase as well, to leapfrog to the third phase. If we want energy security, we should use thorium reserves...We should take into account what our scientists are saying, instead of relying on what private companies from outside say, he said. Describing the bill as the oligarchisation of India's nuclear energy system, TMC MP Sagatika Ghose argued that the legislation opens the sector to private control without adequate safeguards. Echoing similar concerns, DMK MP P Wilson said the Bill fails to address serious safety issues and instead weakens supplier liability. He warned that nuclear installations remain unsafe, particularly in the context of climate change. In a volatile environment, with increasing cyclones, floods, heatwaves and rising sea levels, expanding nuclear power, especially under private control is a gamble with national security and human life, he said. Wilson also pointed to the long-term dangers of radioactive waste, noting that India still lacks a proven, fail-safe disposal mechanism. The Bill proposes expansion without first resolving this historic injustice, he said, adding that it undermines decades of safeguards and threatens the countrys energy sovereignty. LIVE | Winter Session Day 14: LS adjourned after passing VB-G RAM G Bill amid Opposition uproar; RS debates SHANTI Bill Highlighting liability limits under the proposed law, Wilson further said, Under the Bill, the operator liability for a central nuclear installation about 3600 MW is capped at a mere Rs 3000 crores, while for smaller reactors it is even worse, as low as Rs 100 crores. The total maximum liability for nuclear accidents is fixed at Rs 300 billion, and any costs beyond that has to be borne by the government, meaning that the taxpayer has to shoulder the cost for the negligence of private players. He argued that this effectively allows private operators to exit after limited compensation, while the long-term burden falls on farmers, fishermen, workers, future generations and taxpayers. Meanwhile, AAP MP Sandeep Kumar Pathak said the Bill imports a private nuclear model from abroad without adopting their regulatory systems. Questioning India's preparedness, he said the country has struggled to build strong oversight even for coal plants. We havent been able to bring in an institutional framework for coal plants, which is a mature technology, so will we be able to do so for nuclear energy, he asked. Pathak also stressed that nuclear regulators must be accountable to Parliament. In India, the operators, regulators and promoters are the same people. Those doing the policing should be an independent statutory body, he said. YSRCP MP Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla raised concerns over the lack of clear benefits for States and local communities from the proposed law. The Bill is largely silent on guaranteed local employment, priority power allocation or community development, he said, adding that it does not spell out how affected communities will be informed, represented or compensated. BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy flagged safety risks, environmental liability gaps and issues linked to nuclear mining. He suggested that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee or placed under constant monitoring by the Environment Committee. CPI(M) MP AA Rahim opposed the Bill, alleging that it was introduced primarily to benefit nuclear suppliers, while BSP MP Ramji also voiced his objections. In contrast, independent MP Sudha Murthy supported the Bill, claiming the privatisation of the sector would create jobs and help reduce poverty. Nuclear energy is always associated with Hiroshima or Nagasaki, but nuclear energy can be used in peaceful means. Thats why this Bill is called SHANTI Bill, she said. Murthy added that nuclear power could play a key role in meeting Indias growing energy needs. Rajya Sabha took up the discussion on the SHANTI Bill after it was passed in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. NDA members strongly support nuclear bill; Opposition seeks examination by JPC
UP CM orders authorities to step up road safety measures following several crashes due to dense fog
LUCKNOW: Following the Yamuna Expressway accident, which claimed 13 lives in the Mathura stretch, UP CM Yogi Adityanath reviewed expressway safety with NHAI and state highway officials on Wednesday. He ordered stricter measures to avert any such incident in future under foggy conditions. CM directed the authorities concerned to increase patrolling, field inspections, deployment of teams at all black spots, installation of reflectors, and 247 availability of cranes and ambulances on expressways. The highway authorities in the state intensified safety measures on expressways and national highways to prevent road accidents amid dense fog conditions during the winter season. As per the senior officials, a day after multiple fog-linked crashes leading to the loss of multiple lives, across the state, the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA), the nodal authority operating key access-controlled highways including the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway, moved to put enhanced precautions in place. At least 25 people were killed and 59 were injured in a series of accidents attributed to poor visibility, with the worst incident reported from the Yamuna Expressway in Mathura, where a multi-vehicle pile-up claimed 13 lives. Four people each were killed in Basti and Unnao, while two fatalities were reported each from Meerut and Barabanki, said the officials on Wednesday. According to UPEIDA Nodal Officer Rajesh Pandey, fog-related accidents this season began on Tuesday. Most of the accidents, including those on the Purvanchal and Lucknow-Agra Expressways, were rear-end collisions caused by poor visibility. Pandey said UPEIDA was set to send a proposal to the state government soon to reduce the maximum speed limit on expressways from the current 120 kmph to 80 kmph during the fog period, which generally lasted until February 15. He said special advisories were being issued for two-wheeler riders, allowed on expressways. During fog, we request motorcyclists to halt at toll plazas. We are making arrangements for blankets and basic facilities for them, Pandey, a former IPS officer and SSP Lucknow, said. UPEIDA has also activated public address systems at all toll plazas to make real-time announcements about fog conditions ahead based on inputs from patrol teams, he said. Pamphlets containing safety guidelines, do's and don'ts, and emergency helpline numbers, including 14449, are also being distributed among commuters. Pandey reiterated that parking on expressways is strictly prohibited. Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also launched a statewide drive to improve visibility and awareness among road users during winter fog. Officials said the speed limit on highways under NHAI is 100 kmph and stressed that besides fog, wrong-side driving and unauthorised entry and exit through highway cuts remain major causes of accidents. Authorities have urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances and strictly follow advisories as dense fog conditions are expected to persist across the state in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, CM Yogi ordered the authorities to ensure safe traffic management on expressways during poor visibility. Proper arrangements should be ensured in dense fog. Street and lane lighting should be checked continuously. If any light is faulty, it should be fixed immediately. Officers should inspect to ensure no person is found sleeping in the open, the CM directed the officials at the review meeting. He also asked the local administrations to make proper arrangements for the homeless during the cold wave. The homeless should be taken to rain shelters. Blankets should be continuously distributed to the needy. Bonfires should be arranged at public places. Meanwhile, an intense cold wave is sweeping the state. The conditions are such that dew drops are falling like drizzle in the foggy weather with zero visibility. On Wednesday, 50 districts including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Prayagraj were in the grip of fog. Zero visibility was recorded in many places. Due to fog, more than 30 accidents have occurred in the last four days in the state. During this period, more than 150 vehicles collided.
Ram Vilas Vedanti, Key Leader Of Ram Janmabhoomi Movement, Dies Of Heart Attack
Ram Vilas Vedanti, Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader, died at 67 in Rewa. His last rites will be in Ayodhya. Leaders mourn his loss to Sanatan Dharma and spiritual world.
Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader Dr Ramvilas Vedanti passes away at 67
LUCKNOW: Former BJP MP and senior saint Dr Ram Vilas Das Vedanti (67), a prominent figure of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Madhya Pradeshs Rewa district early on Monday. Dr Vedanti had been admitted to Rewas Super Speciality Hospital for the past two days. On Sunday, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla had planned to airlift him to AIIMS, Bhopal, for advanced treatment, but the air ambulance could not be deployed due to adverse weather conditions. His health deteriorated subsequently, and he passed away at 12.20 am on Monday. Earlier, Dr Vedanti had travelled from Ayodhya to Delhi on December 7 and attended a meeting of the VHPs Central Margdarshak Mandal on December 10. From Delhi, he reached Rewa, where a Ramkatha discourse by him was underway at Bhatwa village near Lalgaon. The programme had been scheduled to continue till December 17. His successor, Mahant Raghavesh Das Vedanti, said the mortal remains were being taken to Ayodhya, where the last rites would be performed with full religious rituals. Born on October 7, 1958, Dr Ramvilas Das Vedanti was a disciple of Mahant Abhiram Das of Hanumangarhi. He resided at Hindu Dham, Naya Ghat, in Ayodhya, and also headed an ashram known as Vashishth Bhawan. For several decades, he recited Ramkatha before Ramlala and at Hanumangarhi, and was widely regarded as a distinguished Sanskrit scholar and a leading saint associated with Ayodhya. Dr Vedanti played a significant role in the Ram temple movement. He was a member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and later served as its Executive President. He was also a two-time Member of Parliament on a BJP ticket, having represented Machhlishahr in Jaunpur district in 1996 and Pratapgarh in the 12th Lok Sabha. In the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, he won the Pratapgarh seat by a large margin, defeating Congress candidate Ratna Singh. A native of Gudhwa village in Rewa district, Dr Vedanti lost his mother at the age of two. His father, Ram Suman Tripathi, was a priest and guru of former Union Minister Arjun Singh. Dr Vedanti arrived in Ayodhya at the age of 12 and devoted his life to religious and social service. His role in the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 1992, remained controversial, as he had publicly admitted to ordering the demolition and was named as an accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. However, his statement was widely seen as an attempt to shield senior BJP leaders. In 2020, a special CBI court acquitted him, ruling that there was no conspiracy behind the demolition. , . ! , Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 15, 2025 Condoling his death, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath wrote on X: The passing of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan's key pillar, former MP, and revered saint of Vashishtha Ashram at Shri Ayodhya Dham, Dr Ramvilas Vedanti Ji Maharaj, to Goloka is an irreparable loss to the spiritual world and Sanatan culture. Humble tribute to him! His departure marks the end of an era. His life of sacrifice, dedicated to the service of religion, society, and nation, is an inspiration to us all. We pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant the departed soul a place at His divine feet and bestow strength upon the grief-stricken disciples and followers to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti! he added. According to his disciples, Dr Vedanti regarded the consecration of the Ram temple by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the fulfilment of two major resolutions of his life. Political observers note that he significantly altered the political landscape of Pratapgarh district, becoming the first BJP leader to win the seat by mobilising support around the Ram temple movement.
Ram Vilas Vedanti dies: Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader passes away at 67; last rites in Ayodhya
Ram Janmabhoomi movement leader and former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti passed away at the age of 67 in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, due to a heart attack. He was admitted to the hospital with severe blood poisoning and kidney failure. Efforts to transfer him to AIIMS Bhopal by air ambulance were unsuccessful due to poor visibility.
Services in Delhi, Ayodhya, Varanasi May Be Affected Due to Bad Weather: Spicejet
The SpiceJet asked passengers to check their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status
Vizag steels latest tenders raise fears among workforce
The 132-crore bids for the Operations & Maintenance works of Steel Melting Shop-1 and showing a loss of 284 crore in November 2025 point to an ulterior motive, alleges Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee convener Ayodhya Ramu
Thiruparankundram, a hill in Tamil Nadu with a history of religious coexistence, is now a flashpoint for political and legal battles. A dispute over lighting a sacred lamp during the Karthigai deepam festival has escalated, pitting the DMK against the BJP and raising questions about judicial authority and communal harmony.
Ram Temple Trust makes extensive preparations to manage large pilgrim influx in Ayodhya
With the festive season stirring excitement among devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is undertaking extensive preparations for the anticipated crowd at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Innovative crowd control strategies, including shoe storage for thousands, are set to enhance the experience.
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Pran-Pratishtha's 2nd Anniversary Will Be Celebrated On This Date
Ram Mandir Second Anniversary: Rituals for the celebration will begin on December 27, including the worship of the flags to be hoisted.
Mandir-Masjid: How competitive faith politics is recasting Bengal's 2026 poll battle
KOLKATA: As West Bengal heads into an election year, a spate of templemosque announcements, scripture spectacles and date-sensitive symbolism is pushing the states politics into unfamiliar territory, sharpening communal polarisation in a borderland shaped by Partition memories, demographic anxieties and a coexistence periodically tested by political mobilisation. From the bordering Murshidabad district to the planned township of Salt Lake on the eastern fringes of Kolkata, faith has emerged as the most audible idiom of political mobilisation, often drowning out conversations on migration, jobs, prices and governance, as rival players test how far religious assertion can stretch Bengals electoral grammar ahead of the Assembly polls. The immediate spark came on December 6, which marks the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir pressed ahead with laying the foundation stone of a mosque modelled on the original Babri structure in Murshidabads Rejinagar, under unprecedented security cover. Kabir argued that the political moment itself had shifted. People are trying to pretend that faith has no place in Bengals politics. That phase is over. Whether one likes it or not, questions of identity, dignity and religious rights will shape the next election. The next elections will be fought on questions of honour and belonging. Anyone denying that is not reading the ground, Kabir told PTI. In nearby Banjatiya in Murshidabad, BJP leaders also conducted groundwork rituals for a Ram temple, framing it as resistance to what they called minority appeasement. Elsewhere, the saffron party sharpened its pitch around cultural assertion, while the TMC moved quickly to distance itself from Kabirs actions. Bengals culture has never supported competitive religious politics. The party believes faith is personal and politics must remain inclusive. We will not allow Bengal to be converted into a laboratory for polarisation experiments borrowed from elsewhere, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said. The response underlined the partys political tightrope managing a minority base that accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the electorate, while arresting signs of Hindu drift amid intensifying identity politics. On December 7, Kolkatas Brigade Parade Grounds, the most politically loaded public stage, hosted a massive Bhagavad Gita recital projected as five lakh voices chanting together. Senior BJP leaders and nationally known monks filled the dais, even as organisers insisted the event was spiritual rather than political. Kabir was quick to announce a similar Quran recital event in Murshidabad district. Political scientist Maidul Islam said this is a very new phenomenon in Bengal politics. Leaders like Humayun Kabir and parties like the BJP and AIMIM are consciously trying to import Hindi heartland narratives into Bengal. Dates, symbols and mass religious performances these are not accidental, he told PTI. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said that when one side uses religious symbolism to consolidate its vote bank, the other cannot be expected to remain silent. The politics of selective secularism will no longer work in Bengal. For decades, Hindu sentiments were pushed to the margins of the states political discourse. This is about to change, he claimed. For decades, Bengals political mobilisation rested largely on class, language and welfare, with religion operating as a secondary identity marker. Even during earlier communal flare-ups, mainstream parties avoided sustained, competitive religious symbolism. However, Murshidabad, where Muslims form a numerical majority and memories of Partition displacement remain alive, has emerged as the epicentre, with mandirmasjid politics increasingly dominating public conversation. In Salt Lake, posters appeared announcing an Ayodhya-style Ram temple complex with a hospital, school and old-age home. The proposed foundation ceremony is slated for Ram Navami next year, signalling how religious symbolism is now being projected deep into spaces associated with governance and power. When templemosque politics moves from border districts to planned urban centres, it signals ambition, not spontaneity, political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said, adding that it reflects an attempt to normalise religious assertion as mainstream electoral language. The Congress and the Left, reduced to the margins in Bengal, have warned of historical repetition. We know where competitive communalism leads, state Congress chief Subhankar Sarkar said, recalling the countrywide violence that followed the Babri demolition in the 1990s. Bengal is a border state born of Partition, its social fabric shaped by refugee influx, demographic churn and episodic violence. While it never fully followed the Hindi heartlands template of sustained religious polarisation, the scars remain real and politically exploitable. When economic distress dominates daily life, sudden mandirmasjid politics signals a deliberate narrative shift, political scientist Subhomoy Moitra said. With the Assembly elections months away, Bengal appears headed into a season of competitive symbolism, where mosques and temples are no longer merely places of faith but strategic markers on a polarised political map. Whether this moment hardens into lasting division or recedes under electoral pragmatism may shape not just individual political fortunes but the future trajectory of Bengals political culture itself.
Second Anniversary Of Ram Temples Consecration To Be Celebrated On Dec 31, Says Trust
Ayodhya, Dec 12: The second anniversary of the consecration of the Ram temple will be celebrated on December 31, with flag hoisting ceremonies planned on the spires of seven sub-temples in the temple complex, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said on Friday. According to the Trust, this years anniversary will be marked as Pratishtha Dwadashi. A meeting scheduled for Saturday will finalise the framework for the celebration. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath [] The post Second Anniversary Of Ram Temples Consecration To Be Celebrated On Dec 31, Says Trust appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Will be kingmaker in 2026', claims suspended MLA Humayun Kabir; TMC says 'daydreaming'
KOLKATA: Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir asserted that he would emerge as a kingmaker after the 2026 assembly elections in West Bengal, claiming that no government could be formed without the support of his proposed new political outfit. Claiming that neither the ruling TMC nor the BJP would be able to touch the majority mark on their own in 2026, Kabir said his estimate suggested that no party would cross the 148-seat mark in the 294-member assembly. I will be kingmaker after the elections. No one can form a government without my support, Kabir told reporters on Tuesday, while indicating that the formal announcement of his new party would be made on December 22. I have said that I will contest in 135 seats. You will see that the party I form will win so many seats that whoever goes to take oath as the chief minister will need the support of my party's MLAs, he said. Asked whether his outfit would be called the 'National Conservative Party', Kabir declined a direct reply, smiling and saying, I will reveal everything later. You will know after December 22. He also claimed that the new party would be launched at a massive public meeting. On December 22, I will announce my party by gathering one lakh people. The launch will take place at Berhampore Textile More, the suspended legislator said. Kabir's rift with the TMC widened following his controversial role in laying the foundation for a proposed mosque modelled on Babri Masjid in Murshidabad district on December 6, the anniversary of the mosque's demolition in UP's Ayodhya. The TMC, last week, suspended him for repeatedly defying party discipline and making provocative statements linked to the project. Earlier, Kabir had indicated that he would resign as an MLA following the suspension, but on Monday made a sharp U-turn, stating that he would not quit the assembly. Despite choosing to remain a legislator, Kabir reiterated that he would go ahead with his plans to float a new political outfit later this month and explore electoral alliances. I have not yet spoken to the Congress. CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim has taken responsibility for talks with them. There is a strong possibility of seat-sharing with the Congress and the Left in Murshidabad for the next assembly polls, he claimed. Kabir further asserted that two more MLAs would join his proposed party, though he declined to disclose their identities. The TMC, however, mocked his claim and said he is daydreaming. Humayun Kabir is daydreaming. First, he should try to save his security deposit before discussing the creation of government. Such baseless claims only expose his political desperation, TMC state general secretary Arup Chakraborty said. The Bharatiya Janata Party, the Left and the Congress are the principal opposition forces in the state, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, has also recently expanded its footprint in West Bengal. Kabir has earlier indicated that his future electoral strategy could involve understanding with the Left, Congress and the AIMIM. The AIMIM on Monday ruled out any electoral understanding with suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, dismissing his overtures as politically suspect and ideologically incompatible, days after his controversial mosque foundation ceremony in Murshidabad district. Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir to float new party in alliance with AIMIM
Sangh stirring communal tensions in TN: Left parties on Thiruparankundram row
NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other organisations are stirring communal tensions in Tamil Nadu by manufacturing a controversy around the religious sites situated on Thiruparankundram Hill in Madurai district, alleged a coalition of Left parties in a statement issued on Tuesday. The joint statement issued by the Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI-Marxist (CPM), CPI-Marxist-Leninist (CPML)-Liberation, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) and All India Forward Bloc (AIFB), said that they condemn the attempts by the BJP and other Hindutva forces to whip up communal tensions in Tamil Nadu, with a sinister eye on political gain. The Left combine further stated that Thiruparankundram Hill is home to three temples, a dargah, and several ancient Jain caves and for centuries, this hill has stood as a symbol of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence. However, seeking to extract political benefit in Tamil Nadu, BJP leaders, in February this year, labelled the site as the Ayodhya of the South, brought in people from outside, and attempted to provoke an incident. They also used social media to vitiate the atmosphere and sow discord, read the statement jointly signed by the general secretaries of five parties. The signatories are MA Baby (CPM), D Raja (CPI), Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPIML-Liberation), Manoj Bhattacharya (RSP) and G Devarajan (AIFB). Thiruparankundram row: CPI(M) to approach CJI against Justice Swaminathan In December, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court -- while hearing a petition on the issue-- has unfortunately ignored earlier court rulings, historical records and the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the parties also added. By allowing the petitioner to light the Karthigai Deepam atop a British-era survey pillar adjacent to the Sikandar Badusha Dargah, the court has provided a handle to communal forces, the statement said. The single-judge bench, overruling the objections of the state government, and the temple administration even permitted the petitioner to seek CISF protection for this act. These pronouncements not only disregard past judgements but also undermine the federal spirit of the Constitution by bypassing the State Governments authority on matters of law and order, the statement further said. Thiruparankundram row: Madras HC directs Chief Secretary, ADGP L&O to appear at next hearing TNIE reported that several caste-based and Hindu religious outfits on Monday submitted a petition to Collector KJ Praveen Kumar, urging him to implement the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Courts order permitting the lighting of Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hill. They also appealed for necessary arrangements to be made so that the ritual can be carried out in accordance with the courts directive. The Left parties commend the people of Madurai and Tamil Nadu for standing in harmony against communal hate politics and for upholding the pluralistic traditions of the state by refusing to join the protests orchestrated by communal elements. The approach of the DMK government in the state, in handling this issue firmly, has been exemplary. It must be criticised that parties like the AIADMK are supporting the communal elements in this regard, read the statement. The parties also condemned the targeting of Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan and the death threats issued by Hindutva groups. Further, the Left parties called upon all democratic and secular-minded people of India to firmly reject the communal politics of the Sangh Parivar, which seeks to divert public attention from the Modi Governments ongoing assault on peoples livelihoods and constitutional rights.
RU BA RU, an award-winning 29-minute short film exploring sisterhood, caste and female agency in rural Rajasthan, was screened yesterday at the India Habitat Centre. The exclusive showcase drew members of the press, film enthusiasts, cultural voices and representatives from women-focused organisations. Award-winning short film RU BA RU Hosted by Anita and CP Gurnani and the entire team of RU BA RU, the screening follows the films growing international momentum. The filmmakers debut venture has shown remarkable promise, earning multiple Best Short Film awards across prominent Indian and global festivals. Among its major recognitions, the film received an enthusiastic response at the Indian Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, the 56th International Film Festival of India (Indian Panorama Non-Feature), Kolkata International Film Festival, and the International Film Festival of Shimla. Featuring Indira Tiwari, Richa Meena and Lokesh Mittal, RU BA RU is led by an all-women producing team, Anvita Gupta, Anita Gurnani and Priyanka Chopra. Directed by Kapil Tanwar who co-wrote the film with Farauq Malik, its story traces a deeply emotional journey of two sistersone a rudaali (professional mourner) and the other a nachaniya (folk dancer), as their intertwined lives confront questions of caste, class, desire, and the burdens placed on women. With its evocative use of folk music, dance traditions, and raw emotional storytelling, the film has been widely praised for bringing an underrepresented Rajasthani cultural world to the global cinematic landscape. The post-screening interaction featured the films director, producers and leading cast members, who engaged with eminent personalities, attending journalists and spoke about the films journey, creative choices and the larger social themes it confronts. Anita Gurnani, Co-Producer, RU BA RU said, Watching RU BA RU spark such heartfelt conversations in this intimate Delhi screening has been incredibly meaningful. This film was always meant to hold space for women whose realities are rarely shown with honesty and seeing the audience engage with that truth validates everything we hoped to achieve. Each screening reinforces that stories rooted in lived experience resonate deeply, no matter where theyre told . Sharing his thoughts, Kapil Tanwar, Director said, To share RU BA RU with a Delhi audience today felt like bringing the story home in a new way. This film began with a quiet question about dignity and survival, and every screening shows me how universal those questions truly are. Listening to the reflections in the room reminded me why I made this film, to honour the emotional world of women we often look at but rarely see. Im grateful for the conversations it continues to ignite . Each time RU BA RU meets a new audience, it reveals another layer of what women endure and overcome. Todays screening reaffirmed my belief that stories shaped by authenticity and cultural memory hold immense power. Seeing the film resonate so deeply in Delhi strengthens our commitment to bringing such voices to the forefront, one honest story at a time , added Anvita Gupta, Producer, Ru Ba Ru . As the film continues its festival journey through 2025, RU BA RU stands poised as a powerful voice within independent Indian cinema, offering a deeply local story with universal emotional reach, while amplifying stories of communities whose realities often remain invisible. About the Film RU BA RU is a powerful short film that brings womens stories to the forefront through the journey of two sisters, one a rudaali (professional mourner), the other a dancer, fighting against caste, class and gender barriers. Set in Rajasthan and marking the directorial debut of Kapil Tanwar, the film blends rich cultural roots with emotional depth, telling a story that is both specific in its setting and deeply relatable across contexts. RU BA RU has been recognised through multiple awards, including Best Short Film at the ImagineIndia Film Festival Madrid 2025, Best Cinematography (Short) at the Atlanta Indian Film Festival, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, and Second Best Short Film at the Ayodhya International Film Festival, as well as Best Director at Goa Short Film Festival 2025. The film was additionally selected among the Top 21 Shorts at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF) and was In Competition at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025, Europes biggest Indian film showcase. Following the successful private screening, the team announced their plans to develop a full-length cinematic version of the film. While the short explores themes of power and empowerment, the expanded feature will deepen this narrative with child education at its heart. The makers emphasized that the story is not limited to rural Indiaits themes resonate equally across middle-class families and communities where education for girls is still not given the attention it deserves. They are now seeking support from government agencies, media organizations, NGOs, and socially committed companies to bring this vision to life. The upcoming film aims to spark meaningful conversations on womens empowerment and the transformative role of child education, creating an emotional and lasting impact across diverse sections of society.
