Video: Hindutva in the diaspora
How are Hindutva ideas are being promoted and normalised abroad, particularly through religious, cultural and political organisations? How does this affect diaspora communities and politics in India?
In this episode of the discussion series on the state of the republic, peace activist and author Harsh Mander explores these questions and more with historian Edward Anderson, and Sunita Vishwanath and Pranay Somayajula from the Hindus for Human Rights advocacy group.
The conversation also addresses whether sections of the diaspora are funding or supporting political and ideological campaigns in India, and how these networks operate. The guests reflect on how diaspora Hindutva aligns itself with local political parties in their respective countries, and how it intersects with lobbying, and community mobilisation.
They also discuss the challenges faced by those in the diaspora who oppose Hindutva and advocate for secularism and human rights.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
'An attempt to implicate leaders of Hindutva': Eknath Shinde backs Pragya Thakur; slams Rahul Gandhi for speaking Pakistan's language
N EW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday strongly defended former BJP MP Pragya Thakur after her controversial claim that she was tortured during the Malegaon blast probe, and accused the Congress-led UPA government of using the incident to frame prominent Hindutva leaders. S peaking in Thane, Shinde said: 'Even in the blasts that happened before the Malegaon bomb blast, it was said that this is 'saffron terrorism'. The then Congress and the UPA government gave it this form. This is an insult to Hindus... A retired police officer had said that RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat should also be implicated in this case... An attempt was made to implicate the prominent leaders of Hindutva in this case.' Shinde also backed Thakur's recent allegations that investigators pressured her to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name. 'Sadhvi Pragya said that she was tortured to take PM Modi's name in this case... How can anyone do such a disgusting act for votes and politics?' he asked, before launching a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi . 'Rahul Gandhi always speaks the language of Pakistan. He is famous in Pakistan... Is this patriotism? This is love for Pakistan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover the best investment opportunity. سالك Learn More Undo The politicians who pressured those conducting the investigation should be investigated, their narco tests should be performed, and strict action should be taken against them,' Shinde said. Thakur, who was acquitted this week in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case along with six others, had earlier told reporters that officers tried to force her to name top BJP and RSS leaders including PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. She alleged illegal detention and torture, although the court found no evidence to support these claims. 'I did not take anyone's name because I didn't want to lie,' Thakur said, adding that she is writing her story to reveal the full truth. The special NIA court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. All seven accused were acquitted and ordered to be compensated.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
'Coerced To Name PM Modi, Yogi Adityanath': Pragya Thakur's Big Claim In Malegaon Blast Case
Pragya Thakur, one of the seven accused persons in the 2008 Malegaon blasts case, was arrested in 2008 and granted bail in 2017, till she was acquitted on July 31. Former BJP MP Pragya Thakur, one of the accused persons who was recently acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, made a stunning claim as she accused investigators of coercing her into naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, among others, in the incident. A special NIA court on Thursday acquitted all seven accused, including Thakur, in connection with the 2008 Malegaon blasts, noting that the prosecution had failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had claimed that an explosive-laden motorcycle used in the blasts belonged to Thakur, and she was arrested in 2008. Despite spending nearly nine years in jail, Thakur maintained that she was falsely implicated, framed by the then Congress-led government, and subjected to custodial torture. Thakur said her acquittal was the victory of 'Sanatan Dharma" and Hindutva. 'Coerced To Implicate PM Modi' NDTV. 'They made me name several people, including (senior BJP leader) Ram Madhav. To do all of this, they tortured me." 'I lived in Gujarat, so they also asked me to take Prime Minister Modi's name. I did not take anyone's name because they were attempting to make me lie," Thakur said, adding that she was also asked to take the names of Yogi Aditynath, Mohan Bhagwat and Indresh Kumar. 'They said 'take these names and we won't beat you'," she alleged. Thakur had complained of poor health several times while she was lodged in Mumbai's Byculla Jail, but her bail pleas were repeatedly rejected until 2017. Orders To Arrest Mohan Bhagwat? This sensational claim came on the heels on the allegations made by a former ATS official that he had been ordered to arrest RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the case. Mehboob Mujawar, a former ATS officer, alleged that senior officers had directed him to detain Bhagwat, but he defied those orders. However, these claims were dismissed by the special NIA court that acquitted the seven persons. The court in its judgement said that it did not find any force in the contentions raised by the advocate for accused Sudhakar Dwivedi. The court dismissed the defense lawyer's argument, citing a statement from ACP Mohan Kulkarni, the then chief investigating officer, who clarified that Mujawar was never instructed to arrest any RSS member. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
10 hours ago
- Hans India
Originators of saffron terrorism jibe Cong, disgraced: Sadhvi Pragya after acquittal in Malegaon blast case
In her first reaction following the acquittal of all seven accused in the 2008 Malegaon Blast case in which 6 people were killed and over a 100 injured, BJP MP Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, one of the accused, stated that Congress, along with all other non-believers who were the originators of the 'saffron terrorism' tag, have been disgraced. Taking to social media platform X, she wrote: "The Congress, along with all other non-believers, who are the originators of 'saffron terrorism' and 'Hindu terrorism', have been disgraced.. The victory of saffron, Hindutva, and Sanatan has led to the triumph of all Sanatanis and patriots, heartfelt congratulations.... Jai Hindu Rashtra, Jai Shri Ram..." Nearly 17 years after a deadly blast rocked Malegaon in Maharashtra, a special NIA court in Mumbai on Thursday acquitted all seven accused, citing lack of evidence. The verdict marks the closure of a high-profile case that had long been a flashpoint in debates over so-called "saffron terror." The powerful explosion occurred on the night of September 29, 2008, near Bhikku Chowk in Malegaon, a communally-sensitive town approximately 200 kilometres from Mumbai. The blast, which took place during the holy month of Ramzan, killed 6 people and injured more than a 100 others. The court, presided over by Special Judge A.K. Lahoti, stated in its ruling that while the prosecution was able to establish that the bomb blast had occurred, it failed to prove that the explosive device was fitted on the motorcycle allegedly owned by Sadhvi Pragya. The judge specifically noted that the engine number was illegible, and the chassis number had been wiped off, weakening the prosecution's case substantially. The seven accused, including Sadhvi Pragya, were charged under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, promoting enmity between groups, and voluntarily causing hurt. The case was originally investigated by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), before being handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011. Over the years, the investigation and prosecution became mired in controversy, with allegations of political interference and changing narratives. Sadhvi Pragya was arrested in 2008 and later granted bail in 2017. She has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming that she was falsely implicated due to political motives.
