BJP minister calls for ban on hijab during examinations in Maharashtra

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister and anti-Muslim hatemonger Nitesh Rane has called for a ban on Muslim students wearing the hijab during upcoming exams in Maharashtra state, claiming that religious attires should be confined to homes and religious places.

The statement triggered criticism from opposition leaders and Muslim scholars, who argue that the proposal targets religious freedom. When asked about the criticism, Rane responded, “They should go to Pakistan if they want to take exams wearing a burqa.”

Draft constitution of “Hindu nation” unveiled, restricts elections to Hindus

A 501-page document outlining the blueprint of a “Unified Hindu Nation” was finalized and scheduled for unveiling during a Hindu pilgrimage festival before being submitted to the federal government. Leaders of the committee that drafted the document said that their target was to make India a Hindu nation by 2035. 

According to the document, only the followers of Hinduism would have the right to contest the elections and only the followers of the religions of the Indian subcontinent–Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism–would be allowed the right to vote. The head of the committee also mentioned that individuals engaged in “anti-national activities” would face stricter punishments under the new framework. 

Hindu extremists assault truck drivers over alleged cow smuggling

In BJP-ruled Haryana’s Gurugram, Hindu extremist cow vigilantes assaulted the drivers of a pickup truck transporting cattle, accusing them of cattle smuggling.

Hindu militant mobs regularly attack Muslims over baseless accusations of committing crimes. These mobs, also known as cow vigilantes, assault and often lynch Muslims accused of transporting cattle or consuming beef.