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Talaq-E-Hasan: Islamists Resort To New Way To Divorce Wife

Talaq-E-Hasan: Islamists Resort To New Way To Divorce Wife

The Supreme Court on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the validity and procedure of talaq-e-hasan, a form of triple talaq under which a Muslim man can divorce his wife by pronouncing “talaq” once every month for three months. A Bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and NK Singh made the observations while hearing multiple petitions challenging the practice.

The court, which had declared instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) “bad in law” eight years ago, revisited the broader issue of divorce among Muslims and questioned whether talaq-e-hasan could withstand constitutional scrutiny today.

“How is this allowed in modern society?” the Bench asked, seeking detailed submissions on all existing forms of divorce in Muslim personal law.

Case of Woman Denied Child’s School Admission

During the hearing, the court also took up the case of petitioner Benazir Heena, whose child’s school admission was delayed because her former husband did not sign the divorce documents. Her counsel told the court that her husband, Ghulam Akhtar, had divorced her through his advocate and subsequently remarried.

“She will indulge herself in polyandry because of her husband. In the 11-page talaq notice, the sign of the husband is missing. Talaq was pronounced by the husband’s advocate,” her counsel said.

Her husband’s lawyer argued that this was a common practice in Islam. In response, Justice Kant asked, “Can this be a practice? How are these new innovative ideas being invented?”

The Bench further criticised the practice of issuing divorce notices through lawyers instead of direct communication.

“What prevents the husband from directly communicating with her? He has such an ego that even for divorce, he cannot speak to her. How can you promote this in a modern society? It is the dignity of a woman,” the court remarked.

The judges added that if talaq is invoked under religious practice, procedures must be “followed as it is prescribed.”

Court Summons Husband, Seeks Details on School

The Bench also sought details of the school that denied admission to the child and expressed concern about the broader implications of such practices on Muslim women across the country.

“We salute this woman who has chosen to fight for her rights. But there may be a poor woman who does not have resources. If she remarries, her earlier husband comes and says she is indulging in (polyandry)? Should a civilised society allow this kind of practice?” the court observed.

The Supreme Court directed that the husband be present at the next hearing, stating, “Let him come here and unconditionally provide what she wants.”

The matter has been posted for further hearing, with the court seeking complete information on the various forms of divorce recognised in Muslim personal law.

(Source: NDTV)

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The DMK’s Manufactured Metro “Rejection” Lie – How A Shoddy Dravidian Model DPR Forced Centre To Seek Clarifications

A political firestorm erupted in Tamil Nadu after reports claimed the Union Government had “rejected” the metro rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai. In what seems like it was spearheaded by Chief Minister MK Stalin and amplified by a coordinated media and social media blitz, the narrative became clear: the BJP-led Centre was “punishing” Tamil Nadu for its democratic choice and “denying” development to its cities.

However, a thorough investigation and access to the full three-page letter sent by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to the Tamil Nadu government reveals a starkly different truth. The projects were not rejected; they were returned for revision due to a Detailed Project Report (DPR) filled with unrealistic data, unfeasible route alignments, and projections that defy logical and empirical evidence.

The Genesis Of The Disinformation Campaign

The sequence of events paints a picture of a pre-meditated political operation. The Central Government returned the metro approval applications for Coimbatore and Madurai, seeking further clarifications on specific, technical grounds. Within hours, mainstream media outlets citing unnamed “sources,” erroneously reported the projects as being “rejected.” This was immediately picked up by Dravidianist mouthpieces in the state – channels like Sun TV, which ran multiple infographics amplifying the false narrative.

Almost instantaneously, the DMK’s IT wing and its vast social media ecosystem of Dravidianists launched a full-scale anti-Centre propaganda campaign, with hashtags and posts accusing the BJP of being “anti-Tamil” and withholding Tamil Nadu’s tax money.

Crucially, this campaign was launched before the competent authority, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), could issue a clarification, which it did 90 minutes later. By then, the false narrative had already been cemented in the public discourse.

Deconstructing The Flawed DPR: The Centre’s Valid Queries

The central government’s letter highlights several critical flaws in the Coimbatore Metro DPR that make the project, as currently proposed, unviable.

#1 The Ridership Mirage: 6 Lakh Riders In Coimbatore?

The Claim: The TN government’s DPR projects a daily ridership of 6 lakh (600,000) passengers for the Coimbatore Metro.

The Reality Check: The Greater Chennai region, with a population of nearly 1 crore (10 million) people, has a current daily metro ridership of only 4 lakh (400,000) passengers after years of operation.

The Question: How can Coimbatore, with an estimated population of 20-25 lakh (2-2.5 million), possibly generate a daily ridership 50% higher than that of Chennai? The Centre has rightly questioned the methodology behind this inflated projection, which appears designed to artificially boost the project’s benefit-cost ratio.

#2 The “Right of Way” Roadblock: A Physically Impossible Plan

This is the most damning technical failure of the DPR. For an elevated metro, a minimum Right of Way (RoW) of 20-22 meters is essential for the construction of pillars and ensuring public safety.

The Shocking Revelation: The DPR submitted by the TN government proposes routes where, for 79% of the alignment, the RoW is less than the mandatory 20 meters.

Specific Examples: The central government’s letter points to specific corridors where construction is physically implausible:

  • On the Old Post Office Road (Coimbatore Junction to Ramakrishna Mills), the RoW is a mere 7 meters.
  • On Nawab Hakim Road, the RoW is between 10-12 meters.
  • On Big Bazaar Street and Oppanakara Street, the RoW varies from 12 to 22 meters.

The Implication: The state government has proposed a metro line through streets that are too narrow to build it. The Centre has essentially asked, “How do you plan to construct an elevated metro in a space where there is physically no room for it?”

#3 The Unrealistic Timeline: A Three-Year Fantasy

The Claim: The TN government claims it will complete the entire 34 km Coimbatore Metro project in just three years.

The Reality: Given that 79% of the route requires massive land acquisition from private and public entities, the process of acquisition alone would likely take longer than three years. The ongoing delays in land acquisition for projects like the Parandur Airport stand as a testament to this reality. The Centre has flagged this timeline as wholly unrealistic.

Countering the DMK’s Political Narrative

Let’s bust the lies one by one.

Lie #1: “Centre rejected metros because of low population.”

Truth: The population criterion was one of several points in a three-page letter dominated by more serious technical flaws. The primary reasons for returning the DPR were the inflated ridership figures and the unfeasible RoW.

Lie #2: “This is discrimination against non-BJP states.”

Truth: This is a standard procedure applied to all states, regardless of the ruling party. The Agra Metro project in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh was initially returned by the Centre in 2017 citing similar population concerns. The UP government revised and resubmitted the DPR, which was subsequently approved in 2019. Similarly, the Bengaluru Metro’s Phase 3A is currently under cost reassessment by the same Union Ministry. This is not discrimination; it is due diligence.

Lie #3: “The Centre is cheating Tamil Nadu.”

Truth: The Centre is asking legitimate questions to safeguard public funds. Approving a project with a wildly inflated ridership projection and an unbuildable route would be a colossal waste of taxpayer money. By demanding a realistic DPR, the Centre is acting as a responsible auditor, ensuring that the people of Coimbatore eventually get a metro that is practically feasible and financially viable.

A Failure Of Governance, Not A Conspiracy

The entire episode exposes a troubling lack of professionalism within the Tamil Nadu administration. Instead of preparing a thorough and realistic project report, the DMK government submitted a shoddy DPR that failed basic technical scrutiny. When caught out, their response was not to acknowledge the lapses and commit to revisions, but to launch a blistering disinformation campaign to hide their own incompetence and blame the Centre.

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“There Are Security Issues. How Can We Allow That?” Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Army, Rejects Plea For Civilian Access To Chennai Cantonment Mosque

"There Are Security Issues. How Can We Allow That?” Supreme Court Rejects Plea For Civilian Access to Masjid Inside Army Quarters

The Supreme Court on Monday, 17 November 2025, dismissed a petition seeking restoration of civilian access to the Masjid-E-Aalishaan, a mosque located within the military quarters in Chennai, ruling that security considerations outweigh the demand for public entry.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta refused to interfere with the April 2025 decision of a Madras High Court division bench, which had upheld the Army’s administrative order restricting civilians from entering the mosque.

“How can we allow that?” Supreme Court declines plea

During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner argued that civilians had been permitted to offer prayers at the mosque since 1877 and that restrictions were imposed only during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court was, however, unconvinced.

The Bench remarked, “There are security issues and so many things. How can we allow that?” while rejecting the special leave petition.

Army’s decision upheld by High Court earlier

Before the High Court, the petitioner had contended that the Army abruptly discontinued civilian access without valid justification. The division bench, however, pointed to the Station Commander’s communication in June 2021, where the request for entry was verbally declined and it was clarified that:

  • The mosque is primarily meant for Army personnel
  • Outsiders cannot be allowed inside under the Cantonment Land Administration Rules, 1937

The High Court held that decisions concerning access to a sensitive Defence installation fall squarely within the Army administration’s discretion and refused to intervene.

Supreme Court affirms the High Court’s reasoning

Agreeing with this view, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea and reaffirmed that security concerns govern entry into cantonment spaces.

The ruling effectively maintains the Army’s restrictions on civilian entry to Masjid-E-Aalishaan, bringing an end to the petitioner’s challenge.

(Source: LawBeat)

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott Designates CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist And Criminal Organizations

Texas Governor Greg Abbott Designates CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood As Terrorist And Criminal Organizations

Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, formally designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, a move that immediately drew strong pushback from Muslim civil rights groups and raised questions about enforcement authority.

Under the declaration, the two groups are prohibited from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas, and state agencies have been instructed to apply “increased enforcement” measures against them. The governor described the action as a response to what he called threats to public safety and national security.

“The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world’,” Abbott said in the proclamation letter. He accused the Muslim Brotherhood of supporting terrorism globally and alleged that CAIR has worked to “subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment.”

The Muslim Brotherhood is an international Islamist movement that has advocated for Sharia-based governance in Muslim-majority countries. U.S. intelligence assessments over the years have found no evidence of an organized Brotherhood presence inside the United States, though the group has remained the subject of political controversy.

Abbott Cites Claims Linking CAIR to Hamas

In the declaration, Abbott referred to longstanding allegations that CAIR was founded as a “front group” for Hamas, along with claims that the organization had “employed, affiliated with, and supported individuals promoting terrorism-related activities.”

CAIR, founded in 1994, maintains that its mission is to defend civil rights and combat anti-Muslim discrimination. The organization has consistently denied any connection to Hamas.

Responding to Abbott’s announcement, CAIR dismissed the proclamation as politically motivated.

“Although we are flattered by Greg Abbott’s obsession with our civil rights organization, his publicity stunt masquerading as a proclamation has no basis in fact or law,” a CAIR spokesperson said, adding that the governor was promoting “debunked conspiracy theories and made-up quotes.”

CAIR also said it was prepared to file a legal challenge. “We have successfully sued Greg Abbott three different times for shredding the First Amendment for the benefit of the Israeli government, and we are ready to do so again if he attempts to turn this publicity stunt into actual policy.”

Questions Over Legal Authority

Designating a foreign terrorist organization is a power held exclusively by the U.S. Secretary of State, raising questions about how Abbott’s proclamation could be implemented. The governor did not specify how Texas would enforce the designations or what penalties might apply.

The announcement comes months after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz introduced the “Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025,” the latest in a series of attempts since 2015 to formally label the organization as a terrorist group at the federal level.

Context of Rising Tensions in Texas

CAIR-Texas chapters have been actively involved in reporting suspected anti-Muslim hate incidents in recent months. The group recently urged investigations into the alleged assault of Muslim teenagers and an incident at the University of Houston in which a man reportedly shouted anti-Muslim slogans and burned a Quran.

“Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here and abroad,” CAIR-Texas said, adding that it would continue advocating on issues of civil rights, free speech, and religious freedom.

EPIC City Dispute and Religious Discrimination Claims

Abbott’s declaration also referenced House Bill 4211, passed earlier this year to restrict certain property developments by religious organizations. During its signing, the governor specifically mentioned “EPIC City” (now renamed The Meadow), a 402-acre residential and institutional project planned by the East Plano Islamic Center.

The governor has accused the developers of attempting to impose Sharia law through the project. He has also initiated four state investigations, alleging discrimination against non-Muslims, potential financial harm to investors, violations of consumer protection laws, and illegal funeral services.

Federal authorities previously opened a criminal investigation into the project over alleged religious discrimination but closed the case in June. The Texas Workforce Commission also dismissed all fair housing allegations in September.

Multiple religious groups including CAIR-DFW have criticized the investigations as politically motivated and an abuse of power.

EPIC later filed a lawsuit of its own after the Texas Funeral Service Commission ordered the mosque to stop performing burial rites, arguing the directive violated religious freedom.

(Source: KERA News)

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Kerala BJP Hands Over New Home To Family Of Slain RSS Worker Baiju After Alleged Denial Of PMAY Support By Communist Govt

Kerala BJP Hands Over New Home To Family Of Slain RSS Worker Baiju After Alleged Denial Of PMAY Support By Communist Govt

In Thrissur, BJP leaders have handed over a newly constructed house to the family of RSS karyakarta Baiju, who was killed as a result of radical Islamic violence.

The announcement was made by BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who shared details of the initiative on his social media handles.

According to Chandrasekhar, Baiju’s family had repeatedly requested assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to build a new home, but their applications were allegedly denied for years by the CPI(M)-controlled Pavaratty panchayat in Thrissur. He alleged that this reflected a deliberate neglect of the family and an effort to block central welfare schemes.

Chandrasekhar said the BJP subsequently intervened and constructed a house for the family. He stated that the party would “stand with every karyakarta and their families” and extend support to Malayalees facing hardship.

BJP leaders formally handed over the house keys to Baiju’s family during a small ceremony.

RSS karyakarta Baiju was a victim of radical Islamic violence, and his family was left helpless and victims of @pinarayivijayan’s deliberate targeted negligence.

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Delhi Blast Was Just The Beginning: NIA Reveals Terrorists’ Plans For Hamas-Inspired Drone Assault

Delhi Blast Was Just The Beginning: NIA Reveals Terrorists' Plans For Hamas-Inspired Drone Assault

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday revealed that the terror module responsible for the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort had been preparing for a much larger series of attacks, including Hamas-style drone strikes and rocket-based explosions. The agency also arrested another Kashmiri resident allegedly linked to the conspiracy.

The blast on November 10 in the old quarters of Delhi has so far claimed at least 15 lives.

NIA: Module Was Building Rockets, Weaponised Drones

According to the NIA, the Jaish-linked module was in the process of manufacturing small rockets intended for serial blasts across multiple locations. The group allegedly drew inspiration from Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel, in which drones and aerial weapons were used for large-scale disruption.

Investigators said the Delhi module planned to deploy similar tactics, modifying drones to carry cameras, batteries, and small but high-impact explosives capable of causing mass casualties in crowded areas.

The weaponised drones were to be flown over densely populated zones to trigger blasts remotely, the NIA said. Such tactics have been widely used by Hamas and armed militias in conflict zones like Syria.

Second Arrest From Kashmir: Wani Provided Technical Support

The NIA confirmed the arrest of Jasir Bilal Wani, also known as Danish, from Kashmir. He is the second person taken into custody after suicide bomber Umar Nabi, who drove the explosive-laden vehicle that detonated near the Red Fort.

Wani allegedly provided technical assistance to the terror module, including modifying drones for attack missions and experimenting with rocket-making.

“NIA’s investigation has revealed that Wani had provided technical support for carrying out terror attacks by modifying drones and attempting to make rockets ahead of the deadly car bomb blast,” the agency said in a statement.

The NIA also stated that Nabi had instructed Wani to prepare for a fidayeen (suicide) attack, and that the two had first met at a mosque in Kashmir, where Nabi allegedly radicalised him.

Plot Foiled After Module Busted

Investigators said the planned drone attacks were thwarted after the module was exposed and its key operatives arrested. The agency believes the cells were working toward launching a multi-stage attack designed to create widespread panic and destruction similar to high-profile attacks carried out by global terror organisations.

The probe continues, with the NIA tracking additional leads related to drone procurement, digital radicalisation, and cross-border handlers.

(Source: Firstpost)

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Cong MP Karti Chidambaram Says TVK Chief Vijay Spoke To Rahul Gandhi; Jothimani Says “Not An Alliance Signal”

Cong MP Karti Chidambaram Says TVK Chief Vijay Spoke To Rahul Gandhi; Jothimani Says “Not An Alliance Signal”

A fresh political debate has erupted in Tamil Nadu after conflicting statements from senior Congress leaders regarding actor-politician Vijay’s recent interaction with the party high command.

According to a Thanthi TV report, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram confirmed that TVK president Vijay recently spoke to Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, adding fuel to growing speculation about political realignments ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Karti also claimed that Vijay’s engagement with the Congress dates back more than a decade. As per the report, Karti reportedly said that some years ago, Vijay wanted to become the president of the Congress youth wing suggesting that the actor’s political ambitions were long-standing.

Karti’s remarks were interpreted as an indication of possible outreach between the Congress and TVK.

Jothimani Counters: “Meeting Not New… But Not a Basis for Alliance”

Hours later, Congress MP Jothimani issued a contrasting statement, downplaying the political significance of Vijay’s interactions with senior Congress leaders.

She said Vijay was “not new” to the party and had even met Rahul Gandhi in 2010 to explore joining the Congress, though it did not materialise.

However, she cautioned against drawing political conclusions from recent meetings. According to her, conversations during personal or tragic moments such as the Karur stampede incident where leaders met Vijay “cannot be taken as the foundation for an election alliance.”

Jothimani stressed that the Congress remains firmly aligned with the DMK. She reiterated that the alliance is strong and longstanding, adding that social media speculation should not be mistaken for political signalling.

She said there was still considerable time for the 2026 election and that party decisions are “not made on the basis of online chatter.”

Alliance Signalling or Noise?

The contradictory remarks – Karti confirming the meeting and past interest, and Jothimani dismissing political implications come at a time when the Congress in Tamil Nadu is believed to be eyeing Vijay’s influence in Kerala and Puducherry.

In recent weeks, several state-level Congress leaders have reportedly urged the party high command to deepen engagement with TVK.

The DMK, meanwhile, has taken note of these developments. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent remark about the Congress’s “hand leaving” appeared to hint at unease within the alliance.

(Source: India Today)

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Kerala: Was Kannur BLO Driven To Suicide By CPI(M) Threats? Congress Says Yes

Kerala: Was Kannur BLO Driven To Suicide By CPI(M) Threats? Congress Says Yes

The death of 41-year-old booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George in Kannur’s Ettukudukka has triggered widespread protests across Kerala, with government employees’ unions and political parties alleging extreme pressure linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. Aneesh, who worked as a school attendant and BLO for Booth No. 18 in the Payyannur constituency, was found hanging at his home on November 16.

Family and Neighbours Cite Severe Work Stress

Residents said that Aneesh appeared distressed due to the workload. Neighbour Shyju V K said Aneesh had taken his family to church in the morning and returned home before taking the extreme step, and that although he had struggled to identify a few houses during his BLO work, he managed with help from others. Family members said he left behind his wife and two children.

A case of unnatural death under BNSS 194 was registered at Peringome Police Station. His brother-in-law Saiju said Aneesh had not been getting enough time to eat or sleep properly and had been under significant strain to complete SIR-related tasks. He also alleged that senior officers had frequently contacted Aneesh for updates, adding that Aneesh’s father had even advised him not to worry about losing his job due to the workload. His body was handed over to the family after post-mortem.

Collector Says No Evidence of Work-Related Pressure

Kannur District Collector Arun K Vijayan, IAS, said that a preliminary inquiry had shown no indication that Aneesh was under work pressure. He stated that Aneesh had been performing well as a BLO and had completed over 77% of the first phase of the SIR exercise. The Collector added that the Chief Electoral Officer had sought a detailed report and that a consolidated version would be sent after combining inputs from the Electoral Registration Officer and the police.

The CEO’s office also said there was no established link between the suicide and SIR duties, noting that all necessary support had been provided.

Statewide Boycott by BLOs; Protests at Collectorates

The incident prompted BLOs across the state to boycott SIR duties on Monday. Government employees’ unions, including the Action Council of State Government Employees and Teachers and the Joint Committee of Teacher Service Organisations, held protests at district collectorates demanding that excessive pressure be stopped and that the SIR schedule be reconsidered.

The Kerala NGO Association also staged statewide protests calling for the suspension of SIR activities to prevent further tragedies.

Despite the boycott call, many BLOs reportedly continued their duties due to the pending workload ahead of the December 4 deadline set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Congress Alleges CPI(M) Pressure on BLO

The Congress claimed that Aneesh had also faced political intimidation from CPI(M) workers in his area. Kannur DCC member Rajith Narath said the CPI(M) local leadership had reportedly objected to a Congress booth-level agent accompanying Aneesh during house visits for enumeration. He alleged that the intention was to retain invalid names, including those of deceased voters, those who had shifted residences, and duplicate entries on the electoral rolls.

According to him, the area had a history of blocking non-CPI(M) booth agents during elections, and he cited concerns that votes were often cast in the names of those who were dead or no longer residing in the area. He also said that although the SIR process would help remove such names, CPI(M) workers were reluctant because it would reduce their vote base.

He added that Aneesh had filed a complaint with the District Collector days before his death but that no action had been taken.

Leaked Phone Call Fuels Controversy

A recorded phone conversation, released by the Kannur District Congress Committee, purportedly between Aneesh and a Congress booth agent Vysakh, indicated that Aneesh had told him he was under pressure not to allow the Congress agent to accompany him.

Kannur District Congress Committee president Martin George alleged that threats from CPI(M) workers had contributed to Aneesh’s suicide and that workload alone could not explain the incident. He claimed the conversation supported these allegations.

According to him, CPI(M) booth-level agent Rafeek had threatened Aneesh, and instead of allowing the officially designated BLA to accompany the BLO, a former CPI(M) branch secretary and other party workers had been accompanying him during the SIR enumeration. Martin George said the CPI(M) was attempting to retain bogus voters in the Alappadamba panchayat and that identifying such entries through the revised electoral roll could have placed Aneesh in a difficult position.

As reported in Mathrubhumi English, in the audio clip, Aneesh was heard telling Vysakh not to accompany him from the next day, reportedly saying that some individuals were strongly opposing it and intended to block his presence. When Vysakh asked who was creating the obstruction, Aneesh replied that he would explain it in person. Vysakh was heard advising him to report the matter to senior officials, arguing that he was accompanying the BLO as per Election Commission guidelines. Aneesh responded that Vysakh could file a complaint stating that he was not being allowed to join the enumeration and that the situation was difficult because the area was dominated by certain groups.

Congress leaders argued that the call reflected the political pressure Aneesh had been facing.

CPI(M) Kannur district secretary KK Ragesh dismissed these allegations, saying the incident was being misinterpreted for political gain.

Opposition Demands Accountability

Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan said initial information suggested that CPI(M) interference should be investigated and alleged that both the CPI(M) and BJP were attempting to manipulate the electoral roll. He urged the state government and the ECI to ensure the safety of BLOs and stated that the short deadline placed excessive burden on officers, most of whom were women.

KPCC president Sunny Joseph said a phone call indicated that CPI(M) workers had allegedly threatened Aneesh with a false complaint. He argued that such political pressure, combined with work strain, pushed Aneesh to suicide. Joseph also criticised the ECI for implementing SIR after local body election announcements and said the Congress would approach the Supreme Court against the process.

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Two Kerala Schools Bar Students Wearing Sabarimala Vratham Attire; Parents, Hindu Groups Protest

Two Kerala Schools Bar Students Wearing Sabarimala Vratham Attire; Parents, Hindu Groups Protest

Two separate incidents in Kerala have triggered controversy and protests after students observing the Sabarimala vratham were reportedly denied entry to classrooms for wearing black clothes, a traditional practice during the 41-day austerity period.

Guruvayoor School Bars Class 3 Student; Child Absent for 11 Days

About a week ago, on 12 November 2025, a dispute emerged at Sree Gokulam Public School in Guruvayoor, Thrissur, where a Class 3 student was reportedly barred earlier this month for wearing black as part of the vratham, as reported in India Today. The school reiterated that only the official uniform is allowed on campus.

Speaking to reporters, school principal Latha Manjo said that the school follows a strict uniform policy and that every student admitted is required to adhere to it. She said the management is obligated to take action if the policy is violated.

According to the parents, the boy has been observing the vratham since 1 November 2025 and has not attended school for 11 days following the incident. The school said the uniform policy is clarified during admissions.

Hindu Aikyavedi Holds Protest Outside School

Members of the Hindu Aikyavedi held a Namajapa Prathishedham (prayer protest) outside Sree Gokulam Public School on 11 November 2025, accusing the institution of showing insensitivity toward Hindu religious practices.

Protesters carried a banner that read: “Faith and education are rights of the students guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. What authority does Gokulam School have to deny that?”

 

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BJP Pavaratty–Guruvayoor mandalam general secretary Ginish PG, who joined the protest, said schools in the region had previously allowed black attire during Mandala season. He added that a decade ago, the same school faced a similar issue which was resolved after intervention.

Ginish said discussions with the school management this time failed, and the parents have decided to transfer the child to another school. The organisation is also considering approaching the court.

Students in Thrissur Sent Out of Class for Wearing Black

On 18 November 2025, at the Alagappa Nagar Panchayat Government Higher Secondary School in Thrissur, two Plus Two science students were asked to leave the classroom after they attended school wearing black attire as part of their Sabarimala vratham, as reported in Kerala Kaumudi.

Teachers reportedly told the students they could only attend class in the prescribed uniform. The issue surfaced after the students informed their parents, prompting BJP, Congress, CPM workers and panchayat officials to reach the campus.

BJP members demanded an apology from the teachers involved. The situation was resolved after a discussion led by Puthukkad SHO Adam Khan, where school authorities agreed to allow students to wear black clothing during the vratham period.

Religious Practice and School Rules Clash

During the Sabarimala vratham, devotees traditionally wear black or dark blue as a marker of simplicity and detachment. The austerity period begins in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam and continues until the Mandala Pooja in December.

While schools insist on uniform enforcement, Hindu groups argue that temporary accommodations during the 41-day vratham are reasonable and have been previously practiced.

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India’s Most-Wanted Maoist Commander Hidma Neutralised 12 Days Before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Deadline

India’s Most-Wanted Maoist Commander Hidma Neutralised 12 Days Before Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Deadline

In a major breakthrough in India’s long fight against Left-wing extremism, security forces have killed top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in the dense Pullagandi forests at the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. The 44-year-old Maoist, considered one of the most dangerous Maoist commanders, was neutralised just 12 days before a deadline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his elimination.

Home Minister’s Target Achieved Ahead of Time

According to sources present during high-level security review meetings, Shah had instructed anti-Naxal forces to eliminate Hidma before 30 November 2025. The Home Minister has also set a national deadline of 31 March 2026, for making India completely free of Maoist insurgency.

A senior official privy to the directive said: “The Union Home Minister told security agencies to eliminate Hidma before November 30. He was killed 12 days before this deadline.”

Officials added that, given the current pace of counter-insurgency operations, Left-wing extremism is likely to collapse even before the March 2026 target.

Who Was Madvi Hidma?

Born in Sukma in 1981, Hidma rose through Maoist ranks to become the commander of PLGA Battalion No. 1 and a member of the powerful Maoist Central Committee. He was the only tribal leader from Bastar to reach this top echelon.

Hidma’s name has been linked to more than 26 major Naxal attacks, making him one of the most feared insurgents in the country. He was widely described by security agencies as the “Osama of Maoist terror.”

A 29-Year Manhunt Ends

Hidma had evaded capture for nearly three decades, often disappearing into the forests moments before security forces closed in. The Bastar region, where he operated, has long been considered India’s most violent Maoist stronghold.

His death is being hailed by officials as a watershed moment.
Bastar IG Sundarraj P called it a “historic milestone in the fight against Left-wing extremism,” noting that the Maoist leadership is now reduced to a handful of senior figures.

Signals of Surrender That Never Materialised

Recent developments suggested Hidma was considering giving up arms. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma met his mother last week, urging him to surrender.

Telangana police claimed Hidma had sent “hints” of surrender. A Bastar-based journalist said Hidma contacted him to explore negotiation options. However, any such talks ended before they could begin.

A Shrinking Maoist Leadership

The year 2025 has seen record attrition at the top levels of the CPI (Maoist):

Killed:

  • Nambala Keshav Rao (General Secretary)
  • Thentu Laxmi
  • Kadari Satyanarayan Reddy
  • Katta Ramchandra Reddy
  • Chalapati

Surrendered:

  • Mallujola Venugopal Rao alias Sonu (Politburo)
  • Sujata
  • Chandranna
  • Rupesh

Those still active include Ganesh Uikey, Anal Da, Malla Raji Reddy (alias Sangram), and Ramder.

With leaders ageing, cadre strength dwindling, and movement restricted due to intense surveillance, officials believe Maoism may be approaching its “final death knell.”

A Turning Point in Counter-Insurgency?

Hidma’s killing, coming ahead of Shah’s deadline, is being viewed as one of the most significant counter-insurgency successes in recent years. Security officials say it could accelerate India’s march toward a “Maoist-mukt Bharat” well before 2026.

(Source: The Print)

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