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Saturday, February 21, 2026
TopicVHP

Topic: VHP

‘In census, all should write their religion as Hindu’—VHP president’s appeal

Alok Kumar claimed there was a campaign asking certain sections like Lingayats, SCs and STs to not identify themselves as Hindus. In 2011, 82 faiths identified themselves as 'Other'.

Telangana SI can’t wear civil dress for Deeksha, BJP asks ‘is police taking orders from AIMIM?’

Hyderabad SI sought dress code exemption to observe Ayyappa Deeksha. The police department denied permission. BJP has demanded revocation of ‘this biased directive’.

Pilibhit ADM transferred after filing case against local VHP functionary, day after he got bail

Transfer came after high drama as VHP functionaries took on local administration over arrest of regional in-charge Prince Gaur, for allegedly threatening ADM Ritu Punia.

Muslims at garba—whenever a festival becomes exclusionary, we lose a piece of India

Conservative clerics warned Muslims against garba as impermissible; now Hindu right-wing groups call their presence provocative—different reasons, same outcome.

Maharashtra BJP backs VHP’s ‘only Hindus at garba’ diktat— ‘why take part when you don’t do idol worship’

Maharashtra BJP spokesperson says Quran strictly prohibits idol worship. ‘So for such people participating in garba is an insult to their own faith’.  

VHP objects to Poonam Pandey playing Ravan’s wife in Delhi Ramlila—‘Mandodari represents virtue, dignity’

Organisers refuse to back down after picking actor who promised to strip if India won 2011 World Cup. Arya Babbar to play Ravan, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari will play Parashuram.

VHP, Bajrang Dal’s Garba action plan—women helpline to report harassment, prevent ‘love jihad’ 

In Surat, Bajrang Dal asked organisers to ensure those performing are not scantily clad. It said those attending should also refrain from wearing ‘backless’, ‘deep neck’ outfits.

‘Evil attempt’ to malign Hindus rejected: RSS, VHP welcome 2008 Malegaon blast verdict

RSS’s Sunil Ambekar says bid to link entire Hindu community with terrorism stands rejected; VHP’s Surendra Jain adds, ‘false story of saffron terrorism Congress created has been exposed’.

Miss World to proceed in Hyderabad without ‘over the top’ celebrations amid VHP’s continued objections

Amid India-Pakistan tensions and subsequent ceasefire violations, BRS & VHP have called for the pageant to be postponed or cancelled.

On Camera

Cautious optimism — India’s new relationship with Tarique Rahman’s Bangladesh

Both Bangladesh and India will have to work together to repair the damage done during the Yunus administration.

In the West, there’s anxiety. In India, optimism—Rishi Sunak says India poised to be leader in AI

On Wednesday, the former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was speaking in New Delhi at a Carnegie & Observer Research Foundation event on AI.

Embraer moves full throttle in pursuit of IAF contract, ties up with Hindalco after Adani

IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.

The new Great Game—Trump’s playing for time, China for leverage & India for wiggle room

This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.