India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated on Monday a giant new Hindu temple, which is built on the site where a historic mosque was destroyed decades ago by radical Hindus, in the north Indian pilgrimage town of Ayodhya. The contentious place of worship in the state of Uttar Pradesh stands on the razed site of the 16th century Babri mosque which was pulled down by Hindu fanatics in 1992 sparking widespread riots in which more than 2,000 people died. The incident also boosted the politica
Frenzied preparations were underway Wednesday in India's northern holy city of Ayodhya to mark the opening of a grand temple for Lord Ram, Hinduism’s most revered deity. The Ram Mandir's opening Monday would fulfill a decadeslong Hindu nationalist pledge that is expected to resonate with voters during the upcoming national election expected in April or May. Dozens of private jets will fly India’s powerful elite, including top industrialists, movie stars and celebrities, to Ayodhya to see the ceremony.
Otaram Dewasi, mahant of Mundara Mata Temple, was the first minister for gopalan (cow husbandry) in the previous BJP government led by Vasundhara Raje but lost in the 2018 elections. He is now elected from Sirohi. The other three priests are new to the Assembly.
Guwahati: Congress MLA from Jaleswar in Assam’s Goalpara, Aftab Uddin Mollah, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly delivering a “hate speech” targe.