Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Extends Raksha Bandhan Greetings Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, describing the festival as a celebration of love, trust, tradition, and affection. In a post on X, Adityanath stated, “Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan, which embodies love, trust, traditions, and affection.” The Chief Minister emphasized that the festival symbolizes the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters, urging people to use the occasion to strengthen the country’s cultural heritage and family values. He said, “Let us, on this holy festival symbolizing the unbreakable bond of love between brother and sister, all resolve to strengthen our eternal cultural heritage and family values.” Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also extended his greetings, calling Raksha Bandhan a symbol of the sacred bond of love, affection, and trust between siblings. In a post on X, Rijiju wrote, “Heartfelt wishes to all on the sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan, symbolizing the holy bond of love, affection, and trust between brother and sister.” He added, “May God bless everyone’s life with happiness, prosperity, and joy.” Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari greeted people on the occasion, stating, “This sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan is a symbol of the love, affection, and commitment between brother and sister. Heartfelt wishes to all countrymen on this sacred festival of Raksha Bandhan.” Raksha Bandhan is traditionally celebrated with sisters tying a sacred thread, or Rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists.#uttar_pradesh #nitin_gadkari #yogi_adityanath #kiren_rijiju #raksha_bandhan
Kiren Rijiju Criticizes Opposition for Hindering Parliamentary Proceedings The opposition’s sole agenda, according to Kiren Rijiju, is to disrupt parliamentary sessions, a claim he made during a speech highlighting the challenges faced by the government in maintaining legislative functionality. Rijiju accused the opposition of using tactics such as blocking debates, refusing to engage in discussions, and undermining the democratic process by prioritizing disruptions over constructive dialogue. During the monsoon session, parliamentary proceedings were significantly hampered, with the Lok Sabha operating for only 15% of the scheduled time and the Rajya Sabha for 33%. Frequent interruptions led to sessions being cut short, often lasting mere minutes before being adjourned. Rijiju pointed to the opposition’s strategy of deliberately obstructing the agenda to create a pretext for criticizing the government’s performance. He argued that such tactics are akin to “setting fire to the debate room and then lamenting the smoke,” emphasizing that parliament is meant for dialogue, not for political blackmail. Rahul Gandhi, a prominent opposition leader, rejected a motion proposed by Home Minister Amit Shah to hold an extended debate on the Jantar Mantar protests. Gandhi claimed the motion was unnecessary, stating that the opposition had no interest in engaging with Shah’s “lecture” on the issue. This refusal to participate in the debate further fueled Rijiju’s criticism, as he argued that the opposition’s actions were designed to stifle parliamentary discourse. Rijiju also highlighted the opposition’s lack of participation in legislative processes. He cited Gandhi’s poor attendance record in the 17th Lok Sabha, noting that Gandhi participated in only eight debates compared to the national average of 46.#rahul_gandhi #lok_sabha #kiren_rijiju #rajya_sabha #amit_shah
P. Chidambaram Proud to Be 'Intellectual Naxal' Amid Modi's Remarks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to “intellectual naxals” during his Independence Day address sparked a sharp political reaction, with senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram publicly declaring pride in being labeled as such. The remark, which Modi described as a warning against ideological subversion, targeted individuals opposing the Indian Constitution and supporting separatist movements, according to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju clarified that Modi’s comments were not directed at legitimate opposition leaders but rather at those advocating for separatism and undermining the nation’s constitutional framework. Chidambaram, a veteran Congress leader, responded to Modi’s remarks by expressing pride in being an “intellectual naxal,” a term Modi used to describe individuals who seek to destabilize the country’s institutions. The Prime Minister’s statement, delivered during the 75th Independence Day celebrations, emphasized the need to identify and neutralize such groups, which he claimed had infiltrated the nation’s systems. Modi also highlighted that while armed naxals had been eradicated, their ideological counterparts had emerged, attempting to influence society through subversive means. Rijiju’s clarification drew criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the government of misrepresenting the intent of Modi’s remarks. Congress spokesperson Pavan Khaira mocked Rijiju’s assertion, sarcastically suggesting that the minister first verify the facts before making such claims. Khaira’s retort underscored the political tension surrounding Modi’s rhetoric, which many in the opposition viewed as an attempt to delegitimize dissenting voices.#kiren_rijiju #narendra_moddi #p_chidambaram #pavan_khaira #amit_mallavy
The Parsi Community Is Facing Severe Existential Crisis The Parsi community in India is confronting an alarming demographic crisis, with projections suggesting its population could drop below 10,000 by 2101. A recent report presented at the National Commission on Minorities conference, attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, highlighted the accelerating decline, attributing it to low birth rates, an aging population, and social isolation. Despite government initiatives like the Jiyo Parsi programme, the community continues to grapple with existential threats to its survival. Historically, Parsis migrated to India between the 8th and 10th centuries to escape persecution following the Arab-Islamic invasion of Persia. They initially settled in Diu before establishing roots in Gujarat’s Sanjan, Navsari, and Udvada. The community thrived in Bombay, which the British developed into a trade hub, and later generations expanded their influence through business and philanthropy. Over centuries, they adopted Gujarati as their primary language but maintained distinct settlements called baugs, preserving traditions through endogamous marriages and excluding mixed-race children. These practices, while fostering cultural cohesion, have inadvertently contributed to the current demographic crisis by limiting population growth. The decline is stark. In 1891, the Parsi population numbered 89,490, but by the 2011 census, it had dwindled to 57,264—nearly half the 1941 figure of 115,000. The trend has accelerated in recent decades, with the community’s death rate far outpacing its birth rate. In 2010 alone, Mumbai recorded 210 births against 933 deaths, underscoring the severity of the issue. The Jiyo Parsi programme, launched in 2013-14 to reverse the decline, has yielded minimal results.#mumbai #kiren_rijiju #parsis #national_commission_on_minorities #jiyo_parsis
Muslim Population in India May Match Indonesia's After Census: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that the Muslim population in India is projected to reach nearly the same level as Indonesia’s following the upcoming Census. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Rijiju emphasized that the data from the Census, which has been delayed since the last decennial count in 2011, would reveal this demographic shift. He noted that the population growth since 2011, combined with the skipped 2021 census, would lead to significant changes in the country’s religious demographics. Rijiju highlighted that while the exact figures remain pending, the trend suggests the Muslim community’s numbers could align with Indonesia’s, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. He reiterated that all communities, regardless of religion, are integral to India’s identity, stating, “Whatever the numbers of whichever community are, all are Indians.” This remark was framed as a response to concerns about minority representation and security. The minister also addressed the declining population of the Parsi community, a small but historically significant minority in India. He reported that their numbers currently range between 52,000 and 55,000, calling them the smallest minority group in the country. Rijiju stated that the government is actively working to protect the Parsi population and prevent further demographic decline, underscoring the state’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious diversity. In addition to demographic discussions, Rijiju dismissed claims that minorities in India face systemic threats, attributing such narratives to political groups seeking to stoke fear among Muslim and Christian communities.#mumbai #india #kiren_rijiju #indonesia #union_minister
India’s Muslim Population May Match Indonesia’s After Census: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju announced on Saturday that India’s Muslim population is projected to align closely with Indonesia’s once the upcoming census data is released. The minister made these remarks during a National Seminar on “Parsis in Modern India: Navigating Cultural and Socio-Economic Pathways,” organized by the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in Mumbai. Rijiju emphasized that the last census was conducted in 2011, and the delayed 2021 exercise has led to significant population growth in the intervening years. He noted that the updated figures will provide a clearer picture of demographic shifts. Rijiju underscored the importance of national unity, stating, “Whatever the numbers of whichever community are, all are Indians.” He addressed concerns about the treatment of minority communities, highlighting that the Parsi population currently stands at approximately 52,000 to 55,000, making them India’s smallest minority group. The minister reiterated the government’s efforts to safeguard the Parsi community and prevent further demographic decline. He also dismissed allegations that minorities in India face systemic threats, accusing certain political groups of stoking fear among Muslims and Christians. “All citizens are equal before the Constitution, and no one is treated differently on the basis of religion or caste,” Rijiju asserted. Turning to political developments, Rijiju praised the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) victory in West Bengal, calling it a significant step for national security. He pointed to the state’s shared border with Bangladesh, where illegal migration remains a critical issue.#mumbai #west_bengal #kiren_rijiju #bharatiya_janata_party #national_commission_for_minorities
Opposition Seeks Discussion on Impact of West Asia Crisis The Lok Sabha on March 30, 2026, experienced a brief adjournment after opposition members demanded a discussion on the escalating West Asia crisis and its implications for India. The issue was raised during Zero Hour, as Congress member Manish Tewari urged the Speaker to allow a debate on the conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance. Tewari highlighted concerns over the crisis’s effects on essential resources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), crude oil, and fertilizer production. He emphasized that the Business Advisory Committee had already addressed the matter, underscoring the need for a parliamentary discussion to assess the situation. Following the laying of daily papers on the House’s Table, opposition members renewed their demand, leading to disruptive scenes in the chamber. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded by stating the government was open to dialogue with the opposition. However, he redirected the focus to the issue of left-wing extremism (LWE), citing Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration that Maoist activities would be eradicated by March 31, 2026. Rijiju noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already addressed the West Asia crisis in both Houses of Parliament, urging all parties to unite and avoid politicizing the issue. He reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate with the opposition on matters of national importance. Despite the minister’s assurances, the protests persisted, prompting Speaker Om Birla to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking to reporters within Parliament, reiterated the opposition’s call for a discussion.#lok_sabha #kiren_rijiju #west_asia_crisis #manish_tewari #priyanka_gandhi_vadra
Arbitrary shift in Haj embarkation points leaves Nagpur pilgrims distressed Nagpur: An alleged arbitrary and last-minute shift in Haj embarkation points has left several pilgrims from Nagpur and surrounding regions distressed, after many were moved to the Mumbai departure list without prior notice. The sudden change disrupted travel plans for pilgrims who had been preparing for months to depart from Nagpur. Many now face logistical challenges, additional travel costs, and uncertainty. Sources said that in several cases, members of the same family have been assigned to different departure centres, forcing them to travel separately. Former Maharashtra cabinet minister Anees Ahmed termed the move "insensitive" and "poorly planned." He said the abrupt change has caused confusion and emotional distress among pilgrims, many of whom are elderly or require assistance during the journey. "Haj is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. Pilgrims prepare well in advance — financially and emotionally. Such sudden changes not only disturb their plans but also impose an unfair financial burden," he said. Ahmed also flagged the lack of transparency, stating that such decisions weaken trust in the system. He emphasised that Nagpur is a crucial embarkation point for pilgrims from Vidarbha and nearby regions, and any changes affecting it must be handled with fairness. A formal deputation has been submitted through the Maharashtra State Haj Committee to the Haj Committee of India and Union minister of minority affairs, Kiren Rijiju, seeking immediate intervention. With the Haj season approaching, affected pilgrims have urged authorities to resolve the issue at the earliest, ensuring that their journey begins without further stress or uncertainty.#nagpur #kiren_rijiju #maharashtra_state_haj_committee #maharashtra_cabinet_minister #haj_committee_of_india
Opposition Moves Resolution to Remove Om Birla as Lok Sabha Speaker The Lok Sabha has scheduled a session on Monday to address a resolution aimed at removing Om Birla as the Speaker of the House. The resolution, initiated by Opposition members, will be considered after 50 members stand up in support upon being called by the Chair. Once the notice is admitted, the resolution will proceed to discussion and voting. If fewer than 50 members support the notice, the resolution will not be moved. The agenda for Monday lists the resolution as the sole item for the day’s business. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had previously stated that the resolution would be debated in the House on March 9. The notice will be moved by three Congress members—Mohamed Jawed, K Suresh, and Mallu Ravi. The proposed resolution criticizes Birla’s conduct, including his refusal to allow the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition leaders to speak. It also highlights allegations of unwarranted accusations against women MPs from the Opposition. The resolution further points to the suspension of Opposition MPs for an entire session for raising issues of public concern, arguing that this action was taken despite their efforts to address matters unrelated to rebuking ruling party members for derogatory remarks against former PMs. It accuses Birla of abandoning an impartial stance necessary to maintain the confidence of all House members. The resolution claims his partisan behavior disregards the rights of members and involves rulings intended to undermine their privileges. Additionally, the resolution alleges that Birla openly supports the ruling party’s position on contentious issues, which is described as a threat to the House’s proper functioning.#congress #lok_sabha #om_birla #kiren_rijiju #parliamentary_affairs_minister
