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Karnataka anti-conversion law: Siddaramiah cabinet decides to withdraw BJP govt’s statute

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet approved the idea, and it would probably be brought into force soon.

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3 years ago

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Karnataka CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government today decided to repeal the anti-conversion law that was introduced by the previous BJP government. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his cabinet approved the idea, and it would probably be brought into force soon.

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the bill in December 2021 with the intent of protecting religious freedom and outlawing forcible conversion from one religion to another through deception, coercion, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or any other fraudulent means.

The government then took the decision to introduce a bill to carry out the measure. On May 17, 2022, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot approved the ordinance. The Assembly was then bound to approve it within six months, after which it would no longer be in force.

The contentious anti-conversion measure was approved by the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government in September  2022, despite being opposed by the Congress and JD(S). In order to put the bill into force while it was still pending in the Legislative Council, where the BJP, which was in power at the time, lacked a majority, the government promulgated an ordinance in May.

Araga Jnanendra, the state’s home minister at the time, highlighted that religious conversions had increased recently and claimed that large-scale conversions had occurred under pressure and by force, disrupting the peace and creating animosity between followers of various religions. According to Jnanendra, the measure does not restrict anyone’s right to practise their chosen religion, but they must do so free from pressure and enticement.

What does anti-conversion law say?

No one shall use or practise misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement, or by any other fraudulent means, nor shall anyone aid or abet such conversion, whether directly or indirectly, nor shall anyone attempt such conversion with respect to any other person. With the exception that returning to one’s immediate previous religion will not be deemed a conversion for the purposes of this Act.

Without affecting any civil prejudice, anyone who violates section 3 is subject to a fine of Rs 25,000 as well as imprisonment of three years in jail, which can be extended to five years.

If the conversion involved a minor, a person of unsound mind, a woman, or an individual of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, the offender would face a minimum sentence of three years in jail and a maximum of ten years in prison, as well as a fine of Rs 50,000.

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Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

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2 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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8 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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8 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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