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RSS-affiliate demands ban on Friday namaz at Taj Mahal

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File photo of Friday prayers being offered by Muslims at the Taj Mahal premises. Photo credit: Current

Akhil Bharatiya Itihaas Sankalan Samiti, the history wing of the RSS, reiterates Taj Mahal was a Shiva Temple, says its collecting evidence to prove theory

A day after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Taj Mahal and termed the 17th Century marble mausoleum as “India’s gem” and sought to end the row triggered by his party colleagues over the monument, an RSS-affiliate organisation, on Friday, demanded a ban on Friday prayers offered within the premises of the Mughal-era wonder by Muslims.

Akhil Bharatiya Itihaas Sankalan Samiti, the history wing of the BJP’s parent organisation – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – reiterated its already rebuffed theory of the Taj Mahal originally being a Shiva temple called ‘Tejo Mahalaya’, which it says was destroyed by the Mughals. The fringe outfit, like the Hindu Yuva Vahini – an organisation of right-wing radicals founded by UP chief minister Adityanath – demanded that Hindus should be allowed to offer prayers to Lord Shiva within the Taj Mahal premises if Fridayprayers by the Muslims are not banned at the monument.

The demand by the RSS-affiliate organisation comes days after members of the Hindu Yuva Vahini were detained by security personnel at the Taj Mahal after they tried to chant the Shiva Chalisa within the monument’s premises in violation of rules.

In an interview to a leading television news channel, Balmukund Pandey, national organization secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Itihaas Sankalan Samiti, said: “Taj is a national heritage… why allow Muslims to use it as a religious site? Permission to perform namaz at the Taj Mahal should be withdrawn.”

Pandey then said that if the ban on Friday prayers wasn’t implemented then authorities concerned must also concede to their demand for allowing Hindus to offer prayers to Lord Shiva at the Taj Mahal.

In what appears to be a concerted effort by Hindu right-wing organisations and radicals to stoke communal tensions over the Taj Mahal, Pandey insisted that: “There is ample evidence that Taj Mahal was a Shiva Temple constructed by a Hindu King” while adding that the RSS-affiliate was in the process of “collecting evidence” to prove its outlandish theory.

What makes the situation more worrisome, albeit predictable, is Pandey’s claim that: “Our organisation is compiling a list of all such monuments which were demolished by the Muslim rulers to construct mausoleums or other buildings.”

It is pertinent to recall that in the days that led up to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 and in the years that followed the shameful act that was executed by BJP-RSS workers, led by leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati, claims about Hindu right-wingers preparing such a list – as the one mentioned by Pandey – were made with alarming frequency.

Self-styled BJP-sympathizing historians like PN Oak had floated the absurd theory that the Mughal tomb was built atop a Shiva temple and was originally called Tejo Mahalaya. Oak’s petition to the Supreme Court, in which he had demanded excavation of the Taj Mahal’s foundation to support his theory had been summarily dismissed in 2007.

However, there seems to now be an effort by the BJP and RSS, despite Adityanath’s repeated assertions of the Taj Mahal being a “pride of India”, to revive the ‘Tejo Mahalaya’ theory. To what purpose this is being done – coinciding with the build-up for establishing a Ram Temple in Ayodhya – is not a difficult guess to make for those familiar with the events that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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