Vishva Hindu Parishad chief Alok Kumar defends the controversial remarks made by Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Yadav at a VHP event in Prayagraj, where he spoke on Uniform Civil Code and majority's influence on laws. Kumar explains that they had invited the judge to speak on the UCC, but he was not aware of the exact nature of his comments on majority. However, he stands firm on the idea of mutual respect and tolerance for sensitivities of all groups for a harmonious society.
Judge's Controversial Remarks Defended by VHP Leader
Background:
The recent remarks made by Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Yadav have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from various quarters. Speaking at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Prayagraj, Yadav suggested that the majority population should have a greater influence on the laws of the country and advocated for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
VHP's Defense:
Following the backlash, Alok Kumar, the chief of VHP, has defended Yadav's remarks. Kumar explained that the judge was invited to speak specifically about the UCC but that he was not aware of the exact nature of his comments on the majority.
Kumar emphasized the VHP's commitment to mutual respect and tolerance for the sensitivities of all groups in society. He believes that a harmonious society can only be achieved through dialogue and understanding.
Top 5 FAQs:
Yadav suggested that the majority population should have a greater influence on the laws of the country and advocated for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Critics argue that Yadav's comments could inflame communal tensions and undermine India's secular constitution, which guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion.
The VHP has defended Yadav's right to express his views but has distanced itself from his specific comments on the majority's influence on laws.
A UCC is a set of common laws that would govern personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Supporters argue that a UCC would promote gender equality and reduce religious discrimination. Opponents contend that it would infringe on the rights of religious minorities and undermine cultural diversity.
Amidst the ongoing controversy over the assault of a shopkeeper by MNS workers, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde caused a stir with his concluding speech at an event in Pune, where he raised the slogans "Jai Gujarat" and "Jai Maharashtra". While the opposition accused Shinde of being "greedy for power", CM Devendra Fadnavis defended him, stating that it was a customary practice to hail the state where an event is being held. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate on Marathi language and pride, ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra.
At a recent political event, Indian Union minister Amit Shah addressed the crowd in Gujarati language, highlighting the importance of connecting with regional languages in India. Maharashtra politician Eknath Shinde also addressed the gathering, exclaiming "Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra, Jai Gujarat." The event served as a platform for politicians to express their opinions and connect with their audiences in regional languages, showcasing the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of the country.
In an effort to prevent the division of secular votes and counter communal forces, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has expressed its willingness to join the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar ahead of the 2025 assembly elections. The party's letter to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav highlights their intention and also mentions previous failed attempts. The party has also conveyed this to other senior leaders of RJD, including Tejashwi Yadav, with the hope to “contest the Bihar assembly elections together."
On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of revered Jain spiritual leader Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the inaugural ceremony of the year-long centenary celebrations. In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the eternal nature of Indian civilization and praised Acharya Vidyanand Ji Maharaj as a symbol of this timeless philosophy. The event served as a reminder of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of India.
The Indian Prime Minister, currently on a five-nation tour, took to social media to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on the revered monk's death anniversary. PM Modi highlighted Swami Vivekananda's enduring influence on Indian society and his emphasis on serving others and embracing India's rich heritage. Even after a century since his passing, Swami Vivekananda's teachings continue to inspire generations, promoting unity and compassion in a divided world.
In the midst of a controversial video surfacing showing a shopkeeper being assaulted for not speaking Marathi, Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam spoke out in defense of the state's official language and condemned acts of vigilantism. The incident has sparked a larger debate over linguistic identity and regional pride in Maharashtra. While emphasizing the importance of cultural and linguistic respect, Kadam also denounced the manner in which the situation escalated and called for individuals to not take the law into their own hands. A police investigation is currently ongoing.
Karnataka, known for its thriving tech industry, is proposing a bill that aims to address the spread of fake news and misinformation online. However, free speech activists are raising concerns about potential censorship and selective enforcement. The bill has not yet defined what constitutes as "fake news" or "anti-feminist" content, raising fears of potential misuse. The state government has stated that the bill will be open for public opinion before implementation.
Pope Leo XIV took time out of his busy schedule to visit children at the Vatican's summer camp and share some inspirational words. He emphasized themes of diversity, acceptance, and building bridges of friendship. The pontiff also encouraged the children to be advocates for peace and to see everyone as equals.
At the Saryu Jayanti Mahotsav in Ayodhya, CM Yogi Adityanath announced a plan to revive rivers by preventing sewage, drain discharge, and animal waste. He stressed the importance of rivers for the environment and agriculture and highlighted the economic benefits of clean rivers for tourism and local economies. The CM urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure the success of this initiative, emphasizing the link between river health and the well-being of communities.
The cyber crime division of Bengaluru South has registered a case against Ateeq Shariff and the administrator of 'Mangalore Muslims' for posting derogatory content against one of the judges of the Karnataka High Court hearing the hijab case. The judge in question is part of a three-judge bench formed after Muslim girls were denied entry to college for wearing hijab. This comes amidst tension and communal strife over the government order banning certain clothing on educational campuses.