Mathuras Elephant Whisperers Give New Lease on Life to Rescued Tuskers
Emma, Phoolkali and 29 other formerly captive elephants now live a life of leisure and care at a centre in Mathura.
Dalit groom allegedly assaulted by 'upper caste' men in Agra: Police
AGRA: A Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted by a group of upper caste men during a wedding procession in Agra's Nagla Talfi area, police said on Thursday. The incident also left several members of the wedding party injured, they said. According to the complaint lodged by Anita, a resident of Nagla Talfi, the incident took place on Wednesday evening when her daughter's wedding procession arrived from Mathura. The wedding was scheduled to take place later at a marriage home located a short distance from the village, it said. Thakur caste Hindu goons attacked a dalit wedding ceremony with sticks and other weapons in UP's Agra dist. Several dalits are seriously injured. Horrifying! Why are not they letting us celebrate our wedding peacefully and happily? Why? @UNHumanRights @ohchr @NCSC_GoI pic.twitter.com/D11YZSK3qJ Suraj Kumar Bauddh (@SurajKrBauddh) April 17, 2025 As the procession moved along the road accompanied by DJ music, a group of men from upper castes allegedly arrived with sticks and batons and attacked the groom and several others, the complaint said. The attackers beat up the groom and several members of the wedding party. Due to the assault, no rituals could be performed at the marriage venue. The entire ceremony had to be shifted and conducted at our home instead, Anita stated in her complaint. Assistant Commissioner of Police P K Rai said, Those injured in the assault are being treated. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. An FIR has been registered against nine named and 20 unidentified individuals in connection with the attack, he said.
Premanand Maharaj Misses Padyatra For 2nd Night Due To Illness, Devotees Seen In Tears
Premanand Maharaj missed his late-night 'padyatra' in Mathura-Vrindavan for a second consecutive night, citing health issues, leaving thousands of devotees disappointed.
Owaisi demands answers from PM Modi on whether Sambhal, Mathura and other Muslim would continue to be waqf
Brother's Tip-Off Busts Uttar Pradesh Man Who Killed Wife Buried Body In Field
A man in Mathura allegedly killed his wife following an argument in drunken condition and later buried her body in a field.
Drunk man kills wife in Mathura, buries body in field
Investigations revealed that Vijay was involved in an affair with a differently-abled woman, with whom he often chatted on the phone'. Rekha strongly opposed it. The couple had a heated argument over this on the night of the incident, which led to the fatal assault, the officer said.
Retired Army Colonel Rajneesh Soni from Gurgaon was assaulted, blackmailed, and robbed in Mathura after being lured by a woman he met on Jeevansathi.
SC to examine if worship Act applies to Shahi Idgah
SC will examine the different arguments from Hindu and Muslim sides on the applicability of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 to the Mathura Shahi Idgah-Srikrishna Janmasthan dispute. Muslim side claims the suits violate the PoW Act, while Hindus argue it's protected under the ASI Act.
Atishi requests PWD to let her retain current Mathura Road bungalow
Uttar Pradesh police remain vigil across state in wake of Waqf Amendment Bill
LUCKNOW: Amid the prevailing tension following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament on late Thursday night, security was tightened in all the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh amid fierce criticism of the Bill from various quarters of Muslim community. However, there was no incident of public protest reported from anywhere in the state. UP police in all the 75 districts held Flag March in the wake of the passage of the Bill with a strict monitoring of potential troublemakers. Moreover, the state police are keeping an eye on the situation through drones as well. Notably, UP DGP Prashant Kumar had cancelled the leave of all the police personnel calling them back to join duty with immediate effect on Wednesday when the Bill was tabled in Lok Sabha. While cautioning the officers to exercise utmost caution in their respective districts, the state police chief has directed the officers in the sensitive areas to remain mobile in the field and intensify the police patrolling in public places. The police chiefs of respective districts, including state capital Luckow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Sambhal, Aligarh, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Agra, Bulandshahr, Rampur, Jalaun, Moradabad and Mathura, remained on high alert and conducted flag march coupled with the monitoring of sensitive areas, shrines and dargahs through drone. Moreover, the vigilance was increased in Muslim dominated localities of the cities across the state. Congress to challenge Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Supreme Court In Lucknow, police surveillance was amplified especially in over a dozen localities across the old city area. Special security measures were taken to protect Vidhan Bhawan, Satkhanda, Roomi Gate and Chowk areas. Rapid Action Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and 10 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) conducted flag march. All the preventive measures have been put in place. Cops are aware of SOPs. People are urged not to have any misconception, said DCP (Central) Lucknow Ashish Srivastava. In the Taj city of Agra, police and PAC units were deployed around the Jama Masjid with barriers erected at various points to control the movement. Flag marches are being conducted since Wednesday morning, especially, in areas with diverse population. Additionally, the authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to prevent any attempt to spread misinformation. Uttar Pradesh: Waqf Board to be reconstituted and new guidelines implemented shortly However, numerous Muslim organisations denounced the Waqf Amendment Bill calling it an infringement of their religious freedom. The AIMPLB and other Muslim organisation have conveyed their concerns over the Bill to the JPC but they were not considered, said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a senior executive member of AIMPLB and chairman Islamic Centre of India. Maulana Fazlul Manna, cleric of famous Tilewali Masjid in Lucknow, said the waqf was owned by Allah. No one else can own the Waqf properties. Now the future course of action would be decided by All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Similarly, in Bareilly, while Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza claimed that the Bill would not be accepted by the Muslims at any cost, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, chairman, All India Muslim Jamat came out in support of the Bill saying it would be in the favour of Muslims if passed by the Parliament. In Saharanpur, Maulana Mahmood Madni, chairman, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind dubbed the Bill as anti-constitutional. He said it was brought by Modi government following its majoritarian approach against the democratic values. On the other, in Varanasi, Supreme Court advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain welcomed the bill saying it would curtail several 'unchecked' powers previously held by Waqf Boards. Former chief of UP Minority Commission, Ashfaq Saifi said that he was getting life threats for supporting the Bill. I am being intimidated through social media and Whatsapp calls. My brother-in-law Zahid Saifi, who lives in Gunnaur in Sambhal, was attacked by unidentified persons, said Saifi. At the same time, Sumaiyya Rana, daughter of late poet Munnawar Rana, was house arrested as a preventive measure in Lucknow. Waqf amendment bill 'Brazen assault' on Constitution, says Sonia Gandhi
SC adds Mathura Idgah dispute to petitions on Places of Worship Act
RSS wont block volunteers in Varanasi, Mathura temple efforts: Sangh's general secretary Hosabale
RSS will allow volunteers to work on the Kashi Vishwanath and Srikrishna Janmabhoomi temples but warns against uncovering temples beneath mosques. Hosabale highlights that focusing on these past issues could detract from urgent social reforms such as eradicating untouchability and managing contemporary societal concerns.
Hosabales remarks on Kashi and Mathura reflect the stirrings within the RSS
Two countervailing forces are at work in the Sangh universe that of drawing a line under the temple movements, and that of including two other disputes in the same pantheon as Ayodhya
Supreme Court to hear plea challenging validity of Places of Worship Act on April 1
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a new petition on Tuesday filed by law student Nitin Upadhyaya, challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This law prevents changing the religious character of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947. Upadhyaya argues that the government has exceeded its powers by blocking judicial remedies, which are a fundamental part of the Constitution. He has requested the court to allow legal proceedings to determine the original religious identity of places of worship. He is specifically challenging Section 4(2) of the Act, which stops any legal action to alter a place of worships status. Upadhyaya has also approached the Supreme Court against its previous order requiring fresh cases on the matter. The court had earlier allowed some petitioners to file intervention applications in ongoing cases by presenting new legal arguments. As per the Supreme Courts cause list, uploaded on March 31, Upadhyayas case is set to be heard by a two-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The law prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and ensures that their religious character remains the same as it was on August 15, 1947. 'Places of Worship Act 1991 essential to safeguard secularism in India': INC seeking direction to be intervenor During a hearing in February, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the rising number of intervention applications. Too many petitions filed. There is a limit to interventions being filed, the Chief Justice-led bench said. Apart from multiple petitions in court, the Indian National Congress (INC) has also approached the Supreme Court to oppose the challenges against the Places of Worship Act and to intervene in these cases. The INC has supported the law, arguing that it is essential for maintaining communal harmony in India. The court is expected to hear the related cases on February 17. The INC stated in its plea that the law does not violate religious freedom and is crucial for upholding secularism in the country. The POW Act is enacted by the Parliament, as it reflects the mandate of the Indian populace. In fact, the POW Act had been envisaged prior to the year 1991 and the same is made a part of the Applicant's then Election Manifesto for the Parliamentary elections. The POW Act is essential to safeguard secularism in India, and the present challenge appears to be a motivated and malicious attempt to undermine established principles of secularism, the INC said in its submission to the court. Some petitions have challenged the constitutional validity of the Act, while others have demanded its strict enforcement. Several political parties, including the CPI (M), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, MP Thol Thirumavalavan, and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have also sought to intervene in support of the law. The Supreme Court is handling multiple petitions, including one by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who has asked the court to strike down Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Places of Worship Act. Another petition was filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, who wants the court to modify certain provisions of the law to allow Hindus to claim ownership of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The law strictly prohibits changing the religious character of any place of worship and ensures that their status remains the same as it was on August 15, 1947.
Jaipur expands municipal boundaries for the first time in 30 years, incorporates 80 villages
JAIPUR: For the first time in 30 years, Jaipur's municipal boundaries have been expanded. The Department of Autonomous Governance released a notification on Thursday, officially extending the limits of both Jaipur Greater and Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporations. According to the 2011 census, this expansion brings an additional population of approximately 1.29 lakh into the Greater Municipal Corporation and around 25,000 into the Heritage Municipal Corporation. A total of 80 revenue villages are now part of the city's jurisdiction. The highest number of newly added 46 villages are from the Sanganer subdivision, while 26 belong to the Jaipur subdivision and 8 to Amer. A proposal for formal approval has been sent to the government. Currently, these villages fall within the ring road boundary. With this expansion, an estimated 1.75 lakh residents will now be under the urban municipal framework, increasing the reach and responsibilities of the municipal corporations. Evolution of Jaipur Municipal Corporation Boundaries Jaipur Municipal Corporation was established in 1994 after transitioning from the Jaipur Municipal Council. Despite ward restructuring over the years, the city's boundaries remained unchanged until now. 1994: The municipal corporation was divided into 70 wards. 2004: The first restructuring increased the wards from 70 to 77. 2014: Another reorganization raised the number from 77 to 91, but the city's territorial limits remained the same. 2019: The then Ashok Gehlot-led administration split the Jaipur Municipal Corporation into twoJaipur Greater and Jaipur Heritage. The number of wards in Jaipur Greater rose to 150, while Jaipur Heritage had 100, totaling 250 wards. Despite these administrative changes, the official boundary was not expanded until this latest development. The following revenue villages and Gram Panchayats have been officially incorporated into Jaipurs urban area: Sanganer Subdivision: Sarna Dungar, Bawdi, Mansharampura, Hathoj, Beed Hathoj, Nari Ka Bas, Machwa, Pithawas, Lalchandpura, Pindolai, Sabarampura, Niwaru, Boyatawala, Muhana, Madau, Badh Mohanpura, Jagatshravanpura, Peepla Bharat Singh, Mohanpura, and others. Jaipur Subdivision: Jagannathpura, Mahasinghpura, Ratlya, Manohariyawala, Vidhani, Mathurawala, Ramchandpura, Saligrampura, Shri Kishanpura, Vimalpura, Jaichandpura, Dantali, Chatarpura, Sisyawas, and others. Amer Subdivision: Goner, Bilchakla, Laxmipura, Prahladpura, Shriram Ki Nangal, Ashawala, Badsheopur, Jaisinghpura Bas-Bilwa, Khedi Gokulpura, Bakshawala, Sheosinghpura, and others.
'I will not apologise in this life': SP MP Ramji Lal Suman over remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga
LUCKNOW: A day after his residence was stormed by the Karni Sena activists in Agra, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, on Thursday, refused to apologise for his remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga saying one could not deny history. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers demonstrated against the attack on SP MPs house while the Karni Sena activists continued their protests against Suman at different places in UP. While talking on camera, Suman, during the ongoing parliament session, claimed that his house in Agra was attacked with the intention to harm his family. The SP MP had recently kicked up a row by saying that Rana Sanga was a raitor who was responsible for bringing Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Rana Sanga or Sangram Singh I was the ruler of Mewar from 1508 to 1528. I will not apologise in this life, I do not know about the next life, the SP MP said while talking to media persons. Explaining his stand on Rana Sanga, the SP MP said that the truth should be accepted. Babur was invited by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. He had the misconception that Babur was a robber, and that he would go back, and Rana Sanga would rule, but Babur declared himself the ruler of Hindustan and refused to leave, said Suman. Karni Sena chief Suraj Pal Singh Amu said the remarks insulted a hero who defeated the Mughals and demanded that Suman and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav tender an apology. Scores of activists from Karni Sena vandalised the SP MPs house located near Hariparvat Chauraha in Agra on Wednesday. Multiple cars parked outside the house were damaged, chairs were broken, and glass windows were shattered. Videos showed a handful of police personnel confronting the mob as it went on a rampage in the posh neighbourhood. A policeman got injured. I met the Rajya Sabah Chairman, informed him about the situation. I told him threats were being made since March 22 through social media, and yesterday they came to my house with a bulldozer, he said. There was a life-threatening attack, they broke all the glasses, destroying the cars in the colony... their intention was to destroy my family, he said. Agra police lodged an FIR against an unknown mob on Thursday. The incident took place on the day Chief Minister Adityanath was in the city for a public event. The SP MP, on March 21, had said in Rajya Sabha that Indian Muslims did not consider Babur their ideal. They follow Muhammad Saheb and the Sufi tradition. However, I want to ask, who brought Babur here? It was Rana Sanga who invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodhi. So, if thats the case, then Hindus must be descendants of the traitor Sanga. We criticize Babur, but why do we not criticize Rana Sanga?, the MP had asked the upper house. In reaction to his tirade against Rana Sanga, the SP MP has been facing backlash from right-wing Hindu groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Karni Sena following his controversial statement referring to Rana Sanga as a traitor. On the other hand, Agra Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Tyagi said that two FIRs were lodged in connection with the attack on SP MPs house. A total of 33 persons had been taken into custody and strict action would be taken against all the troublemakers. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers, on Thursday, protested against the attack on Ramji Lal Sumans house in Agra. While partys national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav called the attack on SP MPs house a pre-planned conspiracy hatched with the support of district administration, SP MLA Shavpal Yadav attributed the attack on SP MPs house to alleged BJP hooligans. Ramji Lal Sumans house was attacked as he hailed from the Dalit community, said Yadav. On the other hand, the activists of Karni Sena also demonstrated against Suman at various places across UP. While getting a case registered against Suman in MP/MLA court of Varanasi, the Karni Sena activists burnt an effigy of the SP MP in Mathura on Thursday.
Cutting large number of trees worse than killing human beings, says Supreme Court
NEW DELHI : Cutting a large number of trees is worse than killing human beings, the Supreme Court has said, while fining a man Rs 1 lakh for each illegally cut tree. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made the observation while rejecting the plea of a man who had chopped down 454 trees in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone. There should be no mercy in environmental case. Felling a large number of trees is worse than killing a human, the bench said. The top court said it will take at least 100 years minimum to again regenerate or recreate the green cover created by 454 trees which were blatantly cut without permission. The apex court accepted the report of the central empowered committee (CEC), which recommended a fine of Rs 1 lakh per tree for cutting 454 trees in Dalmia Farms in Mathura-Vrindavan by one Shiv Shankar Agarwal. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Agarwal, submitted that he has admitted the mistake but the court refused to reduce the fine amount . The court said Agarwal should be allowed to do plantations at a nearby site and said the contempt plea filed against him will be disposed only after compliance. The top court also recalled its 2019 order which had removed the requirement of obtaining prior permission to cut trees on non-forest and private lands within the Taj Trapezium Zone.
Used language they will understand: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on bulldozer actions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended his government's ulldozer action, emphasizing enforcing law and order against unlawful activities. He referenced ongoing disputes over religious sites in Mathura and Sambhal, citing adherence to court orders and Islamic principles. Adityanath stressed the importance of legal consequences for those taking justice into their own hands.
Man Killed By Daughter's In-laws Over Insurance Papers In UP's Mathura, Accused Arrested
Chandrapal had gone to his daughters in-laws house in Chhata on Thursday, about a month after her husband, Lokesh, died by suicide
A young man in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura took drastic measures to alleviate his abdominal pain by performing surgery on himself after watching YouTube tutorials. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he had to be hospitalized.
SHOCKING! Man performs surgery on himself watching YouTube video, says why he did it
Mathura man attempts self-surgery after failed medical consultations, following YouTube tutorials, and ends up hospitalized with severe complications.
A 32-year-old man in Mathura performed self-surgery after researching online, leading to critical complications and hospitalization. He made a 7-inch incision and attempted to stitch it, but severe bleeding ensued. He was transferred to a larger facility in Agra for advanced treatment.
Security beefed up at Aurangzeb's grave amid calls for its removal by Hindu groups
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: As calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave intensify, the police administration has stepped up security, making it mandatory for visitors to furnish their identity cards before entering the site in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, an official said on Monday. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at various government offices during the day and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Khuldabad. Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his battles with the Marathas, who resisted his expansionist ambitions. Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was captured, tortured, and executed on his orders. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural police department has implemented multiple security posts from the entry point to Khuldabad town to the grave site. Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane stirs controversy with threat to remove Aurangzeb's tomb An official said a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) company of 50 policemen, 30 personnel from local police and 20 Home Guards have been deployed at various points and the grave site. Tourists visiting the grave now have to write their names in a visitors register kept with a team of Home Guards and have to furnish identity documents, he said. Parvez Kabeer Ahmed, the caretaker of the grave, said, The situation here is peaceful, and people should not believe in rumours. Footfall of visitors has gone down after the demands to demolish the grave have come up. The footfall is usually low during Ramzan. Nearly 100 people visit daily, but the number has gone down since the issue was raised. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at government offices in different parts of Maharashtra and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. In the memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the VHP stated that Aurangzeb had killed two sons of Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh because they refused to convert, tortured and killed Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and demolished temples in Kashi, Mathura, Somnath. Any memorial of Aurangzeb is a symbol of pain and slavery, so the grave should be demolished completely, it said. In case of government inaction, the VHP warned that it would march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and demolish the grave. The right-wing organisation held similar agitations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and suburban areas of Mumbai.
Violence mars Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh, over dozen injured
Lucknow: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and 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 .
Holi violence in Uttar Pradesh: Clashes over caste, music, and altercations leave several injured
LUCKNOW: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and Dalit residents in Bati village in Jait area of the district resulted in injuries to 8 to 10 people. Station House Officer (SHO) of Jait Police station, Ashwini Kumar said, Two men from an upper-caste community attempted to forcibly apply 'gulal' on people from Dalit community, leading to tensions and minor skirmishes. Eight people were injured and nine individuals have been arrested. Further investigation is underway. Internet suspended in Bengal's Birbhum till March 17 after Holi clash, BJP likens state to Bangladesh In Farrukhabad district, six people, including a woman, were injured after miscreants allegedly opened fire on Dalit people heading to perform Holi rituals. Additional Superintendent of Police Dr Sanjay Kumar told PTI on Saturday, citing the report filed, that Jitendra and Pappu came to Anil Kumar's house in Bibipur village in Kamalganj area on Friday and started abusing him. Later in the evening when Anil's family members were going to perform Holi rituals, Shivam Katiyar, Som Katiyar, Jitendra and Pappu open fired, the officer said. He said the injured have been admitted to a hospital and the accused have been arrested. A case has been lodged under relevant sections. In Kaushambi district, two sons of a local Nagar Panchayat chairman allegedly assaulted a sub-inspector and tore his uniform in an inebriated state. Circle Officer (CO) of the area, Awdhesh Kumar said, The incident occurred following an altercation between sub-inspector Anand Swarup Prajapati, Satyendra Kushwaha and Abhishek Kushwaha. The two accused have been arrested and investigation in the matter is underway, the CO said. In Sant Kabir Nagar district, several huts were burned to ashes in Kari village following a dispute over music played during Holi celebrations. Additional Superintendent of Police said, A clash erupted after a group demanded a change in the music, leading to a fire that consumed multiple huts. Four people were injured, and police have registered a case against the accused, though no arrests have been made so far, he said.
Vrindavans Banke Bihari temple rejects Hindutva groups Islamophobic demand
Mathura: Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasising that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by Dinesh Sharma, a leader of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Sangharsh Nyas, who urged 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 .
189 mosques in UP covered with tarpaulin on Holi eve as police tighten security
LUCKNOW: With Holi falling on Friday during the holy month of Ramzan and prominent Muslim clerics of Uttar Pradesh having already revised the timings for Friday prayers, postponing them after 2 pm, 189 mosques in at least four districts of the state were covered with tarpaulin ahead of the festival of colours. While Muslim clerics have adjusted the timing of Friday prayers across 18 districts of the state on Holi day, mosques in Bareilly, Sambhal, Shahjahanpur, and Aligarh in central-western UP were covered with tarpaulin to protect them from the splash of Holi colors. For the sake of maintaining peace, UP DGP Prashant Kumar sent a letter to all the district police chiefs, commissionerates, and heads of police zones and ranges with a 20-point directive to fortify the sensitive zones in their respective districts with adequate deployment of police and paramilitary forces. Besides holding direct interactions with top police officers of the state, the DGP personally met senior officers of sensitive districts and discussed police arrangement for the festival. In the hyper-sensitive Sambhal district, where Shahi Jama Masjid has been caught in a litigation for the past few months over the court-ordered survey, several mosques along with the Jama Masjid were already covered with tarpaulin sheets on Wednesday. As per the senior police officer of the district, additional paramilitary force for round-the-clock monitoring and vigilance were deployed in the town. In Sambhal, the Friday Namaz would be held at 2.30 pm due to Holi celebrations. Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid management committee chief Zafar Ali urged members of both communities to celebrate Holi and offer Friday prayers in a harmonious atmosphere. Regarding the administrations move to cover mosques with tarpaulin, Ali welcomed the decision, stating that it was a positive step. Maximum mosques 109-- were covered with tarpaulin in Bareilly where a Ram Barat was taken out on Holi eve with strict vigilance and deployment of over 5000 police personnel on all the mosques falling in the route of the Barat. In Shahjahanpur, 67 mosques were covered before the traditional Laat Sahab Juloos on Holi. Shahjahanpur is the only district where there is a tradition of playing Joota Maar Holi (playing Holi using shoes/slippers). A person is made to sit on a buffalo cart as laat sahab and is made to take the rounds of the city with people throwing colours, shoes and slippers at him. A senior officer, who is a part of the team monitoring security arrangements at DGP headquarters, said senior officers would escort the traditional procession of Laat Sahab. Around 1000 additional cops were called in from other districts for deployment at sensitive spots. The police contingent carried out a flag march on Holi eve in the district. Similarly, 10 mosques in Sambhal and three in Aligarh were also covered. The drone-equipped vigilance is on across the sensitive districts of the state. Barricades have been erected along the routes of Holi processions with the installation of several CCTV cameras by the respective local administration. As per Shahajhanpur SP Rajesh S, in all 18 Holi processions including the two major Laat Saheb processions, are taken put in the city. To ensure security, the larger procession was divided into three zones and eight sectors, with around 100 magistrates deployed. Moreover, police have taken preventive action against 2,423 people to deter potential troublemakers, he said. Similarly, in other districts including Mathura, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Rampur, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Gonda, Bahraich and Siddharthnagar, additional paramilitary forces have been deployed to avert any untoward incident. DGP Prashant Kumar said that officers were instructed to ensure that no group was allowed to perform any act or hold untraditional processions.
NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has said the Yamuna river's capacity to sustain life have been found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, noting that 23 out of the 33 monitored sites, including six in the national capital, failed to meet primary water quality standards. The Yamuna flows through a 40 km stretch in Delhi, entering at Palla from Haryana and exiting at Asgarpur into Uttar Pradesh. The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, which reflect the river's capacity to sustain life, were found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, the parliamentary standing committee on water resources said in its report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. In its report on the Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Project and river bed management in Delhi, the panel warned that despite the construction and upgrade of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, pollution levels remain alarmingly high. The Committee called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders to tackle pollution and restore the river's health. It added that out of the 33 monitored sites, only four in Uttarakhand and four in Himachal Pradesh met the primary water quality criteria. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed water quality at 33 locations between January 2021 and May 2023, with state pollution control boards. The assessment covered four key parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fecal Coliform (FC). The analysis showed that all four monitored sites in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh met the required standards, while all six sites in Haryana failed. In Delhi, none of the seven sites complied with the standards in 2021, although the Palla site showed improvement in 2022 and 2023. The panel raised particular concerns over encroachment along the Yamuna floodplains. While Delhi and Haryana provided information on encroachments, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are yet to furnish complete details. The floodplain zone of the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh remains undemarcated, despite its ecological importance in flood management. The Committee highlighted that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) retrieved approximately 477.79 hectares from encroachments along the floodplains. However, some parts of the floodplains remain occupied due to ongoing litigation. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation to work with the DDA and the state governments to expedite the removal of encroachments and ensure the restoration of the floodplain ecosystem. Legacy sludge in the Yamuna riverbed remains a major concern. A study conducted by the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department in collaboration with CSIR-NEERI found high levels of heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc in sludge samples collected from key sites like the Old Iron Bridge, Geeta Colony, and the upstream of the DND Bridge during the pre-monsoon period. The panel recommended controlled dredging to remove this toxic sludge, warning that it poses a serious health hazard and contributes to the river's deteriorating quality. However, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) raised concerns that large-scale dredging could destabilise the riverbed and cause further environmental degradation. The panel also flagged the failure to maintain environmental flow (E-flow) in the Yamuna. According to the 1994 MoU among Yamuna basin states, Haryana is required to release 10 cumecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage to maintain ecological balance. However, the Committee noted that this flow is insufficient, as much of it evaporates or percolates before reaching Delhi. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources to resolve these differences and increase the E-flow to sustain the river's ecosystem. The report also criticised the lack of data on unauthorised industries operating in Delhi. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) informed the panel that it only monitors 28 approved industrial areas, 17 of which are connected to 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). The remaining 11 are not classified as water-polluting industrial areas. However, the panel noted that no data is available on unauthorized industrial units that might be discharging untreated effluents into the Yamuna. It recommended that the Delhi government conduct a comprehensive study to identify such units and strengthen pollution control measures. The panel also pointed to the failure to treat domestic sewage. According to the report, nearly 22 major drains discharge untreated sewage directly into the Yamuna. Despite significant investments under the Namami Gange Programme, the sewage treatment gap remains at approximately 1,500 million litres per day (MLD). The panel highlighted the impact of pollution on the Yamuna's ecosystem, noting that the absence of dissolved oxygen has severely affected aquatic life. Incidents of dead fish being washed ashore have been reported in Agra and Mathura. The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conduct a study to assess the ecological damage. Moreover, the panel pointed out that bio-monitoring data from the CPCB shows that the biological water quality of the Yamuna is classified as moderate or poor in most parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Pollution from cremation activities along the riverbanks was another key concern. The panel noted that only one electric crematorium at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi is operational, while most cremations are conducted using wood, contributing to river pollution. The Committee recommended financial support for state governments to set up more electric and CNG-based crematoriums and to relocate existing cremation sites away from the immediate periphery of riverbanks to prevent contamination.
8 best places to celebrate holi in Mathura & Vrindavan
Mathura Man Sets Married Lover On Fire At Her Home After She Refuses To Flee With Him
A man in UP's Mathura set his married lover on fire inside her house after she refused to leave with him. The incident took place when the victim was alone at her home watching television.
UP: Man sets married lover ablaze after she refuses to elope
Mathura: A man disguised as a woman set his married lover on fire inside her house here on Tuesday afternoon after she refused to leave with him, police said. As the womans neighbours rushed to her house after hearing her screams, the accused, Umesh (28), tried to escape by jumping from the terrace but sustained 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 .
17-Year-Old Dalit Girl Kidnapped, Raped By 4 In UP: Police
A 17-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly kidnapped by four people in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district who took her to Mathura and raped her, police said on Tuesday.
Lathmar Holi Begins In Mathura
Traditional Lathmar Holi festivities commenced in Nandagaon on Sunday, marking the beginning of the week-long Holi celebrations in Mathura.
Experience the divine celebration of Holi in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana by respecting its spiritual essence, participating in community seva, and honouring rituals. Avoid unruly behaviour, harmful chemical colours, and keep the area clean to contribute to the harmony and sanctity of these sacred towns.
A wanted criminal carrying a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh on his arrest was killed in an encounter with the police in Highway area of Mathura district here in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, police sources said.
'After Kashi and Ayodhya, its time for brijbhumi' UP CM Yogi at a public rally in Mathura
After Ayodhya and Prayagraj now it is turn of Mathura to witness development: CM Yogi ahead of Holi
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced plans to develop Mathura and Vrindavan, following the success in Ayodhya and Prayagraj. After inaugurating Rangotsav 2025 in Barsana, he emphasized the completion of development projects and cleaning of the Yamuna. Highlighting the festival of Holi as uniting people, he mentioned the positive impact of the double engine government.
Top 6 places to celebrate Holi in India 2025
Holi in India is a vibrant spectacle of colors, music, and traditions. From royal celebrations in Rajasthan to Krishnas land in Mathura, here are the top six places to experience Holi in 2025.
UP: Hindutva outfits seeks ban on other religious communities from Holi festivities
Mathura: The Dharam Raksha Sangh, a Hindu nationalist outfit based in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, urged Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to ban Muslims from participating in upcoming Holi celebrations. We have decided to prohibit the entry of Muslims in Holi celebrations at major pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul and Dauji, Dharam 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 .
UP jail inmates earn Rs 10 lakh at Mahakumbh through handcrafted products
LUCKNOW: Jail inmates from Uttar Pradesh actively participated in Mahakumbh, generating a revenue of Rs 10 lakh over the 45-day mega event through a stall showcasing their handmade products. The stall, set up in Sector-01, Triveni Road, exhibited and sold over 150 prison-made items, including paintings, footwear, deity attire, eco-friendly bags, carpets, wooden furniture, herbal products, artefacts, and bakery goods. These products were part of the state governments initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP), Local for Vocal, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The exhibition-cum-sale stall featured items crafted by inmates from over 25 jails across the state, reflecting their skill development and rehabilitation efforts. Showcasing a diverse range of handcrafted items, the stall drew significant attention for its quality and creative craftsmanship. According to DIG, Prisons Administration and Reform Services, R.B. Patel, the diligence of the inmates and the leadership of DG Prisons, P.V. Ramasastry, led the endeavour to success. The quality and creativity of these products drew widespread appreciation during Mahakumbh, Patel said. The stall featured a wide array of items, including wooden sofas, umbrellas, tea tables, wooden temples, leather shoes, bags, carpets, tablecloths, ladies purses, phenyl, soaps, pickles, envelopes, tools, utensils, candles, and decorative pieces. Bakery products from Varanasi Jail were particularly popular, doing brisk business during Mahakumbh. Wooden sofas are our top-selling item, followed by carpets and blankets engraved with Mahakumbh-2025 motifs, Patel added. Furniture made of pure sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) wood and footwear crafted by inmates of Agra Jail were among the bestsellers. The exhibition showcased products with prices ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 12,000. Carpets from Mirzapur-Bhadohi, handmade shoes from Agra Jail, deity outfits from Mathura, and decorative artefacts from Mainpuri gained significant traction among visitors. Inmates also produced household goods, kitchen essentials, and incense sticks, which were sold at competitive prices. Operational since 11th January, the stall was managed by a team of 10 jail employees, led by an officer of deputy jailor rank. Fatehpur District Jail inmates crafted eco-friendly cotton and denim bags, priced at Rs 10 and Rs 100, respectively. These bags, printed with Om Sarvasiddhiprada: Kumbh Mahakumbh Prayagraj 2025, were promoted to support cleanliness and environmental conservation under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Other popular items included folding chairs from Bareilly Jail, soft toys from Jhansi Jail, and amla-based food products from Pratapgarh Jail. An inlay painting by a Mainpuri jail inmate was priced at Rs 12,000, while a Sangam-themed painting by a Ghaziabad Jail inmate was priced at Rs 5,100. Incense sticks from Kannauj Jail were also in high demand. The stall also featured conch shells from Aligarh, Shiva idols from Varanasi, and wheat-straw Hanuman idols. Officials stated that these products were available at lower prices compared to the open market while maintaining high quality. A staff member confirmed that additional stock of shoes and wooden artefacts was ordered due to high demand. Visitors were impressed by the affordability and craftsmanship of the items. According to jail authorities, the strong sales reflected the inmates reintegration into society through vocational training programmes supported by the government and NGOs. Messages about the huge sales will be conveyed to the inmates to encourage them to stay connected with society, an officer added.
RSS-backed Muslim wing holds meeting on Waqf bill and UCC
NEW DELHI: The All India Executive Meeting of the Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM), held on Sunday, brought together over 100 office-bearers from across the country. The meeting, chaired by MRMs mentor Indresh Kumar, focused on promoting unity, brotherhood and greater participation of the community in nation-building. The RSS-affiliated group also passed significant resolutions on Waqf reforms, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), equal rights, de-addiction and an Imdad Fund for the underprivileged. Key figures at the meeting included former ministers Dr. Shahid Akhtar, Abu Bakar Naqvi, S.K. Muddin, Mazahir Khan, Bilal Ur Rahman, Dr Shalini Ali, Dr. Majid Talikoti, Hasan Noori and others. Speaking after the meeting, Shahid Sayeed, national convener and media in-charge, said, The meeting had serious deliberations on the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, communal harmony, equal civil rights for Muslims and the need for transparency in the use of Waqf properties. Discussions also touched on the resolution of disputed religious sites like Kashi and Mathura and the launch of a de-addiction campaign for Muslim youth. Indresh Kumar said, A Uniform Civil Code is necessary to ensure equality and justice for all communities. Different laws for different groups create discrimination and a single code will guarantee equal rights for everyone, including Muslim women. He added, Indias soul lies in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family), where every religion enjoys equal rights. On the Waqf properties, Kumar said, These assets should serve the public good and not be exploited for personal gains. He called for an end to illegal encroachments and corruption on Waqf land, advocating for their use in education, healthcare, and social services. Regarding religious site disputes, he said, The issues of Kashi and Mathura can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. Todays Muslims should not be burdened by historical actions. The meeting unanimously supported the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, the officials said. Former Jharkhand minister Dr Shahid Akhtar also emphasised that problems should be resolved through dialogue, not conflict.
Wedding Called Off After Clash Over Minor Accident in Mathura
Two sisters' wedding canceled after violent altercation; several injured, five arrested
UP: 2 Dalit sisters weddings cancelled after traffic accident escalates into violence
Mathura: A minor traffic accident in the Refinery area of this Uttar Pradesh district escalated into a violent clash, leading to the wedding ceremonies of two sisters from a Dalit family being called off and injuries to several guests. Police said the two sisters, accompanied by their relatives, were returning from the beauty parlour when 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 .
The Uttar Pradesh Government led by Yogi Adityanath has presented its budget for the financial year 2025-26 this Thursday, which is a nonth consecutive budget of the administration. An INR 8,08,736 crore budget that allocates 22% of its funds for development, 13% for education, 11% for agriculture and related purposes, 6% for healthcare and 4% for social security programs. UP Finance Minister states that the budget primarily focuses on research and development and Information Technology, targeting for a $1 trillion economy. The Uttar Pradesh budget is the highest ever, more than any other states budget in the country. Moreover, if we talk about UP alone, this years presented budget is 9.8% more than the budget of the year 2024-26. this years budget comes amid the grand Mahakumbh and also when the state is witnessing a growth in various sectors. But it is not the amount or the percentage that really sets Uttar Pradeshs budget apart. But the interesting schemes that you will find in the declaration. Here is an insight: Ujjwala scheme The Ujjwala scheme aims to attract households at large, especially the women. The government has announced to provide two free cylinders from now on, to provide the eligible families an access to clean cooking fuel. The skyhigh solar plans UP Government is ensuring the utmost use of solar energy in the state. This includes: The plan to create a solar city in Ayodhya. The city has also been provided a separate Rs.150 crore to develop the tourism infrastructure in the city. 3000 Surya Mitras will be trained under the solar policy. The stae aims to generate 22,000 megawatts of solar power. Construction of four new expressways A whopping Rs.900 crores has been allocated for the construction of four new expressways in the state that will ensure smooth connectivity, both inter-state and intra-state as well as generate economic activities. This includes a greenfield expressway that will connect Agra-Lucknow expressway to Ganga expressway, the Vindhya expressway, Ganga expressway extension and the Bundelkhand Rewa expressway. It also includes the Baake Bihari ji Maharaj temple corridor (Mathura Vrindavan) that will promote religious tourism. From municipalities to smart cities There is a plan for converting 58 municipalities of the state to model smart cities, a key priority of the Uttar Pradesh Government for urban development. The Budget 2025-26 provides Rs.145 crore for this project. Farmer welfare fund Rs. 1,050 to be provided under the farmer welfare fund as a financial assistance to the farmers in a case of accidental death or disability. Five agriculture universities will also be established in the state to promote education and research in the field, generating curiosity among the learners. Development of an artificial intelligence city The government has allocated a sum of 5 crores for the development of an artificial city in Lucknow to establish Uttar Pradesh as a hub of AI driven research and development. An additional Technology Research Translation park will be established for technological research and innovation in cyber security. Not only this, Science city, Science parks and Planetariums will be revamped for the students and researchers, keeping them engaged with scientific curiosity. The government also plans to establish eight data parks in the state. Rs. 400 crores for Yogi Government has declared allocation of Rs. 400 crores for the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooter Yojana that will distribute scooters eligible girls pursuing higher education. This will promote higher education among young women in merit, encouraging them to study further building a future for themselves. Moreover, Rs.900 crore will be provided for pre and post 10 th scholarships for general category students. From outdated to smart UP Government will allocate Rs.300 crores for the primary schools to turn them into smart schools, providing them an access to a digital and modernized learning. For this, schools will have ICT labs, digital libraries and smart classrooms, further ensuring an industry relevant training for the young learners. It also plans to set up a Center of Excellence for AI and emerging technologies, to facilitate innovation. Zero poverty scheme The Zero Poverty Abhiyan was launched by the government on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti in 2024. For the successful campaign, the Government has allocated a separate Rs.250 crores under the Zero Poverty scheme. Under the campaign, the government is taking action to identify poorest of families from each Gram Panchayat, helping them meet their basic needs, bringing their annual income to at least Rs.1,25,000. This will economically uplift the poorest and marginalized. For the workers, the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will set up Labor bases that will be equipped with canteens, drinking water and sanitation facilities in order to improve the working conditions of the laborers. Smart devices for the revenue personnel A separate sum of Rs.24 crores is set aside in the budget to provide laptops, smart phones and other electronic devices for the revenue personnel of the state for all the online and digital work. This will facilitate digital governance in the state. CMs mass marriage scheme The government provides for Rs.550 crores for the CM Mass marriage scheme that provides grant for the daughters belonging to all classes and sections of the society. Needy and underprivileged women will be ensured financial support under the Destitute Woman Pension scheme which is allocated with Rs.2,980 crore. For the differently abled individuals, Rs.1,424 crore has been allocated towards the Disabled maintenance Grant scheme. The state legislative assembly will also undergo modernization, upgrading to IT infrastructure, advancing in governance. The budget also proposes Rs27 crore for autonomous medical college in Ballia and RS25 crore for another one in Balrampur. Six new forensic science laboratories will also be established in Ayodhya, Basti, Banda, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, and Sahranpur. This will broaden and strengthen forensic capabilities of the state. Jal Jeevan mission is allocated Rs4500 crore for availability of water in the rural areas and Mukhyamantri Green Road scheme with Rs800 crore. Yogis Double engine Government envisions on Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas. Opposition has its own stand to the budget, further realities will be revealedwhen the ambitions get fulfilled.
Speeding Car Rams Into Woman In Maharashtra's Badlapur, Disturbing Video Emerges
A 59-year-old woman, Mathura Rama Irle, was killed by a speeding car during a morning walk in Badlapur, Thane district. The incident was captured on CCTV. The driver has been arrested.
SC bench defers hearing new pleas in Places of Worship act case to April, says Impossible to deal
The Supreme Court of India has refused to hearing of any pleas relating to Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 until April first week on Monday. The bench comprising of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said that the matter will be heard by a three-judge bench. The highest court expressed displeasure over the filing of any fresh pleas in a case related to the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. The act states to maintain the religious character of a place as it existed on August 15, 1947. When Senior advocate Indira Jaising, while appearing for a litigant mentioned for a fresh plea for hearing during the day, the CJI said, We might not be able to take it up. It is a three-judge matter. List sometime in March. There is a limit to interventions being filed. The matter was mentioned by the senior advocate at the beginning of the proceedings. The bench said, We are constrained to pass this order after taking note of the number of fresh petitions filed. The pending writ petitions, which have no notices, stand dismissed with liberty to file an application raising additional grounds, if any. The new IA will only be allowed if there is any new point or new legal issue that has not been raised in the pending petitions. Last month, the Indian National Congress (INC) had moved to the Supreme Court opposing the pleas that are challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. It supports the POW Act and defends it stating that it does not violates the freedom of religion and is essential for the communal harmony of the country. The court will hear the plea filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay directing that Section 2,3 and 4 of the POW Act be set aside. Another plea by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy against certain provisions of the POW Act will be considered. He had sought for directions to read down the law so that the Hindus could claim over the Gyanvapi mosque (Varanasi) and Shahi Idgah mosque (Mathura). The court had already stalled over proceedings in nearly 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties in its December 12, 2024 order. They were seeking for a survey to ascertain the original religious character of over 10 mosques.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure over the filing of several fresh pleas in a case related to validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 which mandates the religious character of a place to be maintained as it existed on August 15, 1947. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges. We might not be able to take it up, the CJI said when senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for a litigant, mentioned a fresh plea for hearing during the day. At the outset of the day's proceedings, the senior advocate mentioned the matter. There is a limit to which petitions can be filed. So many IAs (interim applications) have been filed...we might not be able to take it up, the CJI said, adding that a date may be given in March. The top court, through its December 12, 2024 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain the 'original religious character' of 10 mosques, including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where five Muslim youth including a minor was killed in alleged police firing during a court-ordered survey. It had then listed all the petitions for an effective hearing on February 17. Post December 12, several petitions have been filed, including by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary and the Congress Party seeking effective implementation of the 1991 law. Choudhary, the Lok Sabha MP from UP's Kairana, on February 14 sought to curb the increasing trend of legal actions targeting mosques and dargahs, which he submitted threaten communal harmony and the secular fabric of the country. The top court previously agreed to examine a separate plea of Owaisi with a similar prayer. The Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu outfit, had moved the top court seeking to intervene in cases filed against the validity of provisions of the 1991 law. Earlier, the bench was hearing about six petitions, including the lead one filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the 1991 law. The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. 'Places of Worship Act 1991 essential to safeguard secularism in India': INC seeking direction to be intervenor However, the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. Muslim bodies like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind seek strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus claiming that they were temples before invaders razed them. On the other hand, petitioners like Updhyay have sought setting aside of Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Act. Among the reasons was also the contention that these provisions took away the right of judicial remedy to reclaim a place of worship of any person or a religious group. Ultimately, we will have to hear the arguments, the bench had said, observing the primary issue was with regard to Section 3 and 4 of the 1991 law. While Section 3 deals with the bar of conversion of places of worship, Section 4 pertains to declarations as to the religious character of certain places of worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc. The Gyanvapi Mosque management committee, in its intervention plea, opposed several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. The mosque committee listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs (shrines), including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque near Delhi's Qutub Minar, the Kamal Maula Mosque in Madhya Pradesh, and others. It, therefore, said the petitions challenging the Act were filed with mischievous intent to facilitate lawsuits against these religious sites, which the 1991 Act currently protected.
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Dares Rahul, Mallikarjun To Take Holy Dip in Maha Kumbh
Addressing the Lodhi community here, Mr Yadav said that the Congress leaders used to go all out to flaunt themselves as Hindus by visiting temples during the election time, but never bothered to visit the prominent Hindu shrines in Mathura and Ayodhya (Ram temple).
NEW DELHI: As the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a batch of pleas related to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, on February 17, the Congress party has sought direction to be an intervenor in pleas challenging the provisions of the Act. The INC in its intervention application (IA) supported the 1991 Act stating that it is essential for communal harmony, adding that the Act does not violate freedom of religion. ThePoWAct is enacted by the Parliament, as it reflects the mandate of the Indian populace. In fact, thePoWAct had been envisaged prior to the year 1991 and the same is made a partofthe Applicant's then Election Manifesto for the Parliamentary elections, the INC stated in its plea filed before the SC. ThePoWAct is essential to safeguard secularism in India and the present challenge appears to be a motivated and malicious attempt to undermine established principles of secularism, the INC added. On December 12 last year, a bench headed by the chief justice, while acting on a batch of pleas relating to the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The Act prohibits conversionofreligious character of places of worship from their status as of August 15, 1947. Many political leaders including NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, VCK MP Thol Thirumavalan, AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi along with leaders from CPI (M) and IUML have openly supported the PoW Act and sought to intervene. The SC will hear the plea filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking a direction that Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the PoW Act be set aside. The court will also consider a plea filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy against certain provisions of the 1991 law. Swamy had sought directions to 'read down' the law so Hindus could stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. SC to hear pleas concerning Places of Worship Act 1991 on February 17
SC to hear pleas concerning Places of Worship Act 1991 on February 17
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a batch of pleas relating to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, on February 17. As per the causelist for February 17 uploaded on the apex court's website, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan is slated to hear the matter. The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. However, the dispute relating to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue in Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. Some of the pleas filed in the apex court have challenged the validity of certain provisions of the 1991 law. On January 2, the top court agreed to examine a plea filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking effective implementation of the places of worship law. On December 12 last year, a bench headed by the chief justice, while acting on a batch of pleas relating to the 1991 law, restrained all courts from entertaining fresh suits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places, particularly mosques and dargahs. The bench was hearing petitions, including the lead plea filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, challenging various provisions of the 1991 law. The top court through its December 12 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi in Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes last year. As the matter is sub judice before this court, we deem it appropriate to direct that, though fresh suits may be filed, no suits would be registered and no proceedings shall be undertaken therein till further orders of this court, it had said. The top court also said the primary issue that arises for consideration was with regard to Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act and its contours, as well as the width and expanse of the said provisions. While Section 3 deals with barring conversion of places of worship, Section 4 pertains to declaration as to the religious character of certain places of worship and bar of jurisdiction of courts, etc. There are several cross petitions which seek strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus on the ground that they were temples before invaders razed them. Various Muslim parties, including the Gyanvapi mosque management committee, moved the apex court to oppose several pending petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the 1991 law. The mosque committee listed a series of contentious claims made over the years concerning various mosques and dargahs (shrines), including the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid near Delhi's Qutub Minar, and the Kamal Maula mosque in Madhya Pradesh, among others.
Stampede Happened But...: Hema Malini On Kumbh
Hema Malini, the BJP's MP from Mathura, today doubled down on the comment on Kumbh that had sparked a huge controversy.
Why has Premanand Maharaj stopped his morning yatras at 2 am?
Every day, thousands of devotees visit the holy city of Vrindavan in Mathura, seeking blessings from temples during the day and waiting for Premanand Maharaj's darshan at night.
Why Are Mathura Residents Angry With Premanand Maharaj?
Residents have accused Saint Premanands followers of late-night processions, causing disturbances that disrupt the sleep of the sick, elderly, and schoolchildren, affecting the communitys well-being
Who is Kiran Chaudhury? PCS officer caught in bribe case, just 4 years after posting
Kiran was recently posted as the District Panchayati Raj Officer (DPRO) in Mathura district. During this time, she was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of 70,000 rupees.
Northern Command of Indian Army to hold investiture ceremony at Mathura on Feb 12
The Northern Command of the Indian Army will honor officers and soldiers for their bravery and distinguished service at a ceremony on February 12 at Mathura Military Station. Lieutenant General M V Suchindra Kumar will present the awards, recognizing the exceptional courage and dedication of the personnel in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty.
Class 10 Student Kidnapped, Strangled By Four Friends In Mathura
Tarun Kumar, a class 10 student, was reported missing by his father Yogesh Kumar on Monday evening.
Numerous akharas and seers from all over the nation, who convened a Dharam Sansad (religious assembly) at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Monday (27 January), demanded the abolition of the Places of Worship Act and the dissolution of the Waqf Board. A resolution for the formation of a Sanatan Hindu Board 2025 was also Continue reading Form Sanatan Board, Repeal Places Of Worship Act: Seers Demand Freeing Kashi, Mathura And Sambhal At Dharam Sansad The post Form Sanatan Board, Repeal Places Of Worship Act: Seers Demand Freeing Kashi, Mathura And Sambhal At Dharam Sansad appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
From Somnath To Sambhal: CM Yogi Calls For Unveiling the Truth | Yogi Adityanath Interview | N18K
| From Somnath till Sambhal, it is a journey to find the truth. Everything should not be turned into an issue unnecessarily. The truth of Sambhal, Mathura and Kashi should come out: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_shorts Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtubeWatch Full Interview: https://www.youtube.com/live/nBSSBW_rWzA?si=rjTCO7bvijhSPboW
Yogi Adityanath Interview | From Somnath To Sambhal: CM Yogi Calls For Unveiling the Truth | N18K
| From Somnath till Sambhal, it is a journey to find the truth. Everything should not be turned into an issue unnecessarily. The truth of Sambhal, Mathura and Kashi should come out: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_politics Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
Yogi Adityanath Interview | UP CM Yogi: Revenue Records Expose False Claims Of WAQF | N18K
| There were claims regarding Sambhal, Mathura, Kashi by Waqf board. All their claims have been proven wrong based on the revenue records of Uttar Pradesh: UP CM Yogi Adityanath speaks with Rahul Joshi n18oc_india Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
PRAYAGRAJ: Taking their endeavour against government control over temples across the country forward, the saints and seers gathered to attend Kendriya Margdarshak Mandal meeting at VHP camp on Maha Kumbh mela campus, on late Friday. Advocating the lifting of government control over the temples, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri said donations worth Rs 1.86 lakh crore from temples were going to government coffers. Prominent seers from the country held deliberations on various issues pertaining to the Hindu community. Expressing concern over the declining birth rate among Hindus, the seers said it was imperative for every use Hindu family to have at least three children. There is a need to increase the birth rate among Hindus to keep the population balanced, said a senior VHP functionary. He added that seers associated with the organisation had launched an awareness campaign across the nation to free Hindu temples from government control. The call for the campaign was given from the Bada Sabha in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh recently. The seers and saints have urged that all temples be freed from government control. They want scrapping of laws that give government control and the management of temples and the same should be handed over to the faithful, he said. The seers at the meeting welcomed the Union government's move to bring a waqf law to control the unfettered powers of the Waqf Board asserting that this law should be passed unanimously by all MPs. From the Dharma Sansad of 1984 onwards, the seer community, Hindu society, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Sangh, have been committed to getting the three key temples of Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi, the VHP functionary said. He noted that For the uplift of the country, social harmony, environment protection, inculcation of Hindu values through family enlightenment and eradication of social evils, self-awareness is a must. Flaying the candle march groups, seers questioned why were they silent when Hindus were targeted in Bangladesh recently. VHP said it would keep on raising voice to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. VHP functionaries said they would demand return of the religious sites to Hindus where evidences of temples have been found.
Would you dare sip water from Yamuna in UP': Akhilesh's dig at Yogi over his remarks on Kejriwal
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday took a veiled jibe at Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who slammed AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal for the state of Yamuna's cleanliness during a campaign for the upcoming polls in Delhi. Yadav asked if Adityanath could sip water from the Yamuna in his own state in Mathura. While campaigning for the BJP for the Delhi assembly polls on Thursday, Adityanath alleged Kejriwal, the former chief minister of Delhi, has committed a sin by turning the Yamuna into a dirty drain. The UP chief minister, whose cabinet took a dip in the Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday, asked if Kejriwal and his ministers could take a bath in the Yamuna. He should answer if he has any moral courage, Adityanath said. In a seeming response to Yogi's remarks, Yadav wrote a post on X but did not name anyone. Before challenging others, people should dare sip water from the Yamuna which flows through Mathura in their state, the SP chief said in a Hindi post. Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) January 24, 2025 In his campaign speech in Delhi's Kirari, Adityanath had said devotees and saints in Mathura-Vrindavan are victims of AAP's sins as Yamuna water reaches the state as a dirty drain. He accused the AAP and Arvind Kejriwal of never cooperating for the Yamuna's cleanliness with the central government under the Namami Gange project. Yadav's Samajwadi Party and Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party are constituents of the INDIA bloc which was formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to counter the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
SP Chief Akhikesh Yadav Takes A Jibe At UP CM Yogi Adityanath | Delhi Election 2025 | News18
| SP Chief Akhikesh Yadav takes a jibe at UP CM Yogi Adityanath'Those who challenge others should demonstrate by sipping water from Yamuna river which flows through Mathura in their state.' -newsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
'Can You Take A Dip In Yamuna': Yogi Adityanath's Dare To Arvind Kejriwal
Yogi Adityanath alleged that the devotees and saints in holy Mathura-Vrindavan are victims of AAP's sins of AAP as Mother Yamuna reaches there in the form of a dirty drain.
Stray dogs maul 3-year-old boy to death in Mathura
Mathura: A three-year-old boy was mauled to death by stray dogs while playing outside his house in the Kosi Kalan town of the district, police said. Ashish Sharma, Circle Officer (CO) of Chhata, said, The incident occurred around 3 pm on Wednesday when the boy, identified as Sofiyan, was playing outside his home (in the Eidgah Colony). A pack of six stray dogs surrounded him, attacked, and dragged him, leaving him grievously injured. Other children who witnessed the attack informed the boy's family, Sharma added. The family members rushed to the spot, used sticks to drive the dogs away, and rescued the child. But by then, he had suffered severe injuries, with bite and claw marks all over his body, Sharma said. The boy was initially taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors referred him to a district hospital due to the severity of his injuries. However, Sofiyan succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital, officials said. The death of Sofiyan, the youngest of three brothers, leaves his family in deep shock and mourning. The local municipal administration has been informed of the incident and urged to implement effective measures to control stray dogs and prevent such tragedies, police officials said.
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 .
SC extends stay on survey of Mathura mosque
The Supreme Court of India has extended its stay on a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura, which is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple. The court deferred the hearing on a plea against the survey to April 1, while the interim order staying the survey will continue to operate. The Hindu side claims that the mosque complex holds signs of a temple that once existed at the site, while the Muslim side contends that the lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants violate the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991.
Supreme Court extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura
The CJI said three issues were pending now with the apex court and they are the issue of an intra-court appeal (against consolidation of lawsuits filed by the Hindu litigants), the other one is the Act (challenge to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991) itself. List in the week commencing April 1.
SC extends stay on court-monitored survey of Shahi Idgah mosque complex in Mathura
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday extended its stay on the Allahabad High Courts order that permitted a court-monitored survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex in Mathura. The complex is located adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, a site of significant religious importance for Hindus. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and 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 .
Places of Worship Act: Mathura Shahi Masjid committee moves SC to close Centre's right to file reply
The Mathura Shahi Masjid Eidgah Committee moves the Supreme Court to close the Centre's right to reply on a plea challenging the Places of Worship Act. The committee accuses the BJP-led Centre of deliberate delays, impacting the hearing of petitions against the 1991 law.
Man gets life term for brutal stabbing of neighbour over affair
A 35-year-old man in Mathura received a life sentence for stabbing and killing a villager on November 24, 2023, due to an alleged affair. The court also fined him Rs 15,000. Although the victim's brother lodged a complaint, the convict's wife did not testify. The court found him guilty under IPC sections 506 and 302.
Telangana bus travelling to Maha Kumbh catches fire, one dead
Hyderabad: An elderly person died after a bus from Telanganas Nirmal district travelling to the ongoing Prayagrajs Maha Kumbh Mela caught fire in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura city. According to police, around 50 pilgrims were travelling in the bus when it stopped at Vridhavan Tourist Center for a break. An elderly person died after a bus 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 .
Mathura Shahi Idgah row: SC defers hearing on mosque panel's plea to March
The Supreme Court postponed its hearing to March 2025 on the Shahi Idgah mosque committee's plea in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The committee argues the lawsuits violate the Places of Worship Act, which prohibits changes to religious character post-Independence. Allahabad High Court had rejected the committee's plea, stating the religious character needed determination.
Elderly Passenger Killed as Pilgrims Bus Catches Fire in Mathura
Mathura (UP): An elderly passenger lost his life when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh caught fire on Tuesday, police said. The incident occurred at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre, where the bus was parked. According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus was carrying around 50 pilgrims en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh. The group had stopped at Vrindavan on Tuesday evening, and while some pilgrims visited nearby temples, others stayed back to prepare food. Amid this, sparks were noticed coming from the bus, which quickly escalated into a massive fire. Emergency services, including police and fire teams, were immediately alerted. One of the pilgrims raised an alarm, pointing out that an elderly man, identified as Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. Tragically, the fire engulfed the vehicle before he could be rescued, and he was found dead. A fellow passenger claimed that Dhrupati was smoking a beedi and had chosen to stay in the bus while others stepped out. It is suspected that the lit beedi might have caused the fire, although investigations are ongoing. Senior police officials arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue and investigation efforts. The body has been sent for post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death, Kumar said.
Bus carrying pilgrims to Maha Kumbh catches fire in UP, 1 killed
Mathura: An elderly passenger was killed when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh caught fire on Tuesday, police said.Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which created chaos at the tourist facility in Vrindavan where the bus was parked, they said. According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus had around 50 pilgrims and arrived at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre on Tuesday evening. The group was en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh later in the night. While some pilgrims ventured out to visit temples, others stayed back to prepare food. Amid this, sparks emerged from the bus, quickly escalating into a massive fire. Police and fire services were alerted immediately. One of the pilgrims raised an alarm and pointed out that an elderly man, identified as Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. However, by the time fire teams arrived, the blaze had engulfed the vehicle, and Dhrupati was found dead. A fellow passenger who had been sitting near Dhrupati alleged that the deceased was smoking a beedi and chose to remain in the bus while others stepped out to visit temples. He speculated that the fire might have started due to the lit beedi. Senior police officials reached the site and are investigating the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, Kumar said.
SC to hear Mathura's Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday
The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the mosque management committee challenging an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on January 15. The Allahabad High Court had rejected the mosque committee's plea, stating that the religious character of the Shahi Idgah mosque needed to be determined. The case involves claims that the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple, a claim disputed by the mosque committee. The Supreme Court will now decide on the maintainability of the mosque committee's plea.
Mathura Shahi Idgah row: SC to hear mosque committees plea on Jan 15
New Delhi: The Supreme Court would on January 15 hear a plea of the mosque management committee against an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, UP. A single judge bench of the Allahabad High Court on August 1, last year, rejected the plea of the Committee of Management, Trust 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 .
The Supreme Court has upheld the Allahabad High Court's decision to merge 15 lawsuits regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute. The court noted that consolidation benefits all parties by preventing multiple proceedings. The issue is set to be revisited in April, with further clarifications allowed if necessary.
Plea against combining multiple lawsuits in Mathura temple-mosque dispute may be raised later: SC
A lawyer, appearing for the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Idgah, said the lawsuits were not similar in nature and yet have been consolidated by the High Court
School Winter Vacation 2025: School Holidays Extended In These States
Cities in Uttar Pradesh including Ghaziabad, Agra, Mathura and Lucknow have declared holidays in their schools until January 11-14, 2025.
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 9: BJP today organized the Sangathan Parv election for BJP Sangathan district Jammu South and Jammu district. The significant political event was attended by Shri Kant Sharma, MLA Mathura, (UP), Sangathan Parv election observer BJP Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Narinder Singh Raina BJP national, secretary and MLA RS Pura -Jammu South, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal, general secretary BJP Jammu & Kashmir and MLA Ramgarh and Rakesh Mahajan State Returning Officer and State incharge all cells The [] The post BJP organises Sangathan Parv appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MP CM Mohan Yadav Visits Mathura: Urges Sanatan Culture in Education Policy
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Mathura on Thursday, where he paid homage to the Yamuna River and visited the Brahmand Ghat in Gokul. He also offered his respects at the ashram of Sant Guru Sharnanand. Speaking to reporters after his prayers, CM Yadav emphasized his government's commitment to integrating Sanatan culture into Madhya Pradesh's education policy. Mathura, recognized as the sacred birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna, carries its own distinctive significance, Yadav remarked. Madhya Pradesh education system incorporates several elements of Sanatan culture, along with teachings connected to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. I came to Mathura to seek blessings from Guruji and to pay homage to the Lord, particularly before taking part in our Kumbh. Focus on Youth and Religious Infrastructure Earlier, CM Yadav chaired a Cabinet meeting in Bhopal that granted in-principle approval for the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission, set to launch on January 12, 2025, commemorating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. The initiative aims to create a unified platform for youth-oriented activities, fostering socio-economic development among the youth of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, Yadav convened a Cabinet Committee meeting on preparations for Simhastha-2028, a grand Hindu religious festival held every 12 years in Ujjain. He directed regular reviews of infrastructure progress in Ujjain and Indore divisions every 15 days. Highlighting the significance of these regions, he noted the presence of two Jyotirlingas, which will draw numerous devotees during the event. Reverence for Sanatan Values -Yadav's Mathura visit followed his participation in the Bhojpal Mahotsav Mela in December, an event dedicated to honoring Raja Bhoj. During the Mahotsav, he expressed his profound respect for Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, emphasizing his dedication to the Sanatan order. We hold no malice against anyone, he added. However, we will never compromise on matters related to Sanatan Dharma. After Lord Rama, it feels like Krishna Kanhaiya of Yamuna is calling me. CM Yadavs remarks underscored his vision of upholding traditional values while fostering modern initiatives for youth and religious infrastructure development.
How many residences does Atishi want? BJP's Virendraa Sachdeva asks
Delhi BJP and Congress have targeted the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the 'Sheesh Mahal' controversy. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized Delhi CM Atishi, questioning her refusal to reside at 6 Flagstaff Road amid the ongoing investigation, and her demand for multiple residences including AB 17 Mathura Road and her Kalkaji constituency home.
Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!
Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!
Hindu outfit seeks to intervene in 1991 places of worship row in SC
New Delhi: The Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu outfit, moved the Supreme Court on Monday seeking to intervene in cases filed against the validity of provisions of the 1991 law that asks to maintain the religious character of places as it existed on August 15, 1947. The outfit's plea, filed through lawyer Atulesh Kumar, challenges Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act, arguing they violated several fundamental rights including right to equality and freedom to practice religion. The 1991 law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947. However, the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. A bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, on December 12, 2024, restrained till further directions the courts in the country from examining fresh lawsuits and passing any effective interim or final orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs (a muslim shrine). The top court is hearing about six petitions challenging various provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. There are also several pleas of intervention by some Muslim bodies seeking effective implementation of the law. The Hindu body, in its fresh plea, challenges the validity of Sections 3 and 4 of the 1991 Act on various grounds. Section 3 of the Act prohibits the conversion of places of worship, while Section 4 bars courts from entertaining disputes regarding the religious character of such places. The application alleged these provisions validated places of worship established by arbaric invaders while infringing upon the rights of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs for reclaiming and restoring their sacred sites. The samiti, headquartered at Vrindavan and Varanasi, said the 1991 law undermined judicial authority by barring the courts from reviewing disputes which was in violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. The Act prevents judicial review which is one of the fundamental aspects of the Constitution therefore violates the basic structure of the Constitution of India, it said. The law's retrospective cutoff August 15, 1947 date, disregards historical injustices and denies communities the right to seek redress, it said. The plea said the law restricted Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs from reclaiming places of worship, and consequently infringed their constitutional right to freedom of religion. On January 2, the top court agreed to examine a fresh plea of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi seeking effective implementation of the 1991 places of worship law and ordered it to be tagged with the pending cases on the issue while posting the hearing on February 17. The top court, through its December 12, 2024 order, effectively stalled proceedings in about 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu parties seeking survey to ascertain original religious character of 10 mosques including Gyanvapi at Varanasi, Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal where four persons' lives were snuffed out in clashes. Muslim bodies like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have sought the strict implementation of the 1991 law to maintain communal harmony and to preserve the present status of mosques, sought to be reclaimed by Hindus on the ground that they were temples before invaders razed them.
Fresh petitions in Supreme Court seek vacation of stay on places of worship case
NEW DELHI: A fresh batch of petitions has been filed before the Supreme Court, seeking the vacation of its earlier order that stayed the filing of new suits against places of worship and the conducting of surveys in pending mandir-masjid cases. The fresh batch of pleas has been filed by various individuals challenging the Supreme Court's December 12 order, which suspended said that no orders would be passed by any court in the country, including surveys, on places of worship until the case is heard again after four weeks. The petitions seek modification of this order. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on February 17, 2025. The interim order was passed on December 12 by a special bench of the apex court, led by the Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan while hearing a batch of petitions relating to the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 Act, which prohibits the conversion of the religious character of places of worship from their status as of August 15, 1947. It is to be noted that some petitions challenged the constitutionality of the Act, whereas, some others sought its strict implementation. Many Political parties such as CPI (M), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) MP (Member of Parliament) Manoj Kumar Jha, MP Thol Thirumavalan, and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi have sought to intervene in the matter, supporting the Places of Worship Act. The top court is seized of many pleas, including the one filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and lawyer, Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, seeking a direction that Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, be set aside. Another plea was filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, against the provisions of the 1991 law. Swamy wanted the apex court to ead down certain provisions to enable Hindus to stake claim over the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura.
ISKCON Mathura's Employee Flees With Lakhs Of Donation Money, Receipt Book
According to the FIR, Murlidhar Das, son of Nimai Chand Yadav, is a resident of Sriram Colony, Rauganj Vasa in MPs Indore.
Silver idols, plates stolen from temple at BJP leader's house in Mathura
Mathura: An unidentified person allegedly stole valuable items, including idols and plates made of silver, from a temple built on the ground floor of a BJP leader's house in the Govind Nagar area here, police said on Sunday. According to Devpal Singh Pundir, the SHO of Govind Nagar police station, the incident occurred on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. Pradeep Goswami, the general secretary of the city unit of the BJP, was sleeping with his family in their room on the upper floor of their house in Chowk Bazar. Around dawn, a thief broke into the temple on the ground floor and stole silver idols of various gods and goddesses, including those of Lord Shiv, five silver cows, four Sriyantras, 11 plates and other items, the SHO said. Goswami discovered the theft when he came downstairs to the temple and subsequently filed a complaint, based on which a case was registered, the SHO added. CCTV footage was reviewed, showing the thief taking the items, he said, adding that the police are working to identify and locate him.
Senior Congress leaders join BJP ahead of civic polls in Uttarakhand
DEHRADUN: In a setback to the Congress ahead of the urban local body polls in Uttarakhand, several senior party leaders, including state unit vice-president Mathura Dutt Joshi, joined the BJP. Joshi was said to be sulking after the party's high command denied ticket for the mayoral seat in Pithoragarh to his wife the. Joshi said that he joined the BJP as there was no appreciation for honest party workers in the Congress. I worked with full honesty and ability in the Congress but there is no appreciation for all this. So I have taken membership in the BJP. I will continue to serve the party with full dedication for the rest of my life, he added. Other leaders who crossed over to the BJP are former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) vice-president Bittu Karnataka and two-time former district panchayat president Jagat Singh Khati. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Pradesh BJP president Mahendra Bhatt welcomed the leaders into the saffron fold at the party's state office here on Saturday. Describing the leaders who crossed over as hardworking and capable people, Dhami expressed confidence that the BJP would benefit from their energy and experience in the civic elections. There is no value for capable and good people in the Congress, the chief minister said. @narendramodi , pic.twitter.com/YwzKPFn303 Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) January 4, 2025 Bhatt said that the BJP would take care of the new leader's self-respect. The common reason offered by the leaders who crossed over was the Congress' inability to give due respect to dedicated party workers. Urban local body polls in Uttarakhand are scheduled for January 23.
