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Protest in Gujarat’s Kheda over housing project for Muslims in Matar taluka: Here’s what local Hindus are saying

ભાર્ગવ રાજ્યગુરુ
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Protest in Gujarat’s Kheda over housing project for Muslims in Matar taluka: Here’s what local Hindus are saying

Tensions have surfaced in parts of Gujarat’s Kheda district after several Hindu residents from villages in Matar taluka staged a protest and reached the Collector’s office demanding government intervention. The protesters urged the administration to declare their areas as “disturbed zones”, expressing concern over a large residential housing project being developed for members of the Muslim community.

Residents submitted a memorandum to the district administration claiming that a major housing project is being developed in villages, including Traj village in Matar taluka. They fear that under the pretext of this project, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be settled in the area and the demography will be changed. Local Hindu organisations are calling this incident ‘land jihad‘. 

However, the organisations have told OpIndia that they have received a positive response from the administration following this incident. The Collector has assured that the district administration team will complete all the necessary investigations in this matter and impose riot control in the area. Hindu organisations said that this issue is not limited to villages only; Muslim builders are setting up such projects in the entire district, and the Hindu population of the entire district is in a state of worry and fear. 

Large housing project being built on converted farmland

Villagers told OpIndia that agricultural land in the village boundary has been converted into non-agricultural land, and construction work for a large housing society consisting of around 200 to 300 houses is progressing rapidly. The project is reportedly being developed by Amjad Khan under the name “Ambar Courtyard”, with the slogan “One dream, our land, our home.”

Residents also said that the houses in the project are intended only for members of the Muslim community and that people belonging to other religions or communities are not being offered properties there. Locals have also questioned how such large pieces of agricultural land were converted for residential use and have demanded an investigation into the process.

“Not limited to one village,” say Hindu organisations

In a conversation with OpIndia, Bajrang Dal coordinator of Kheda-Andan division, Dhavalsinh Jhala, has said that this conspiracy is not limited to isolated villages. But this is being done in almost all the talukas and villages of Kheda. He has also said that large-scale construction of houses is going on in Kheda city, villages and cities of Matar taluka and Mehmedabad under a similar scheme. 

The Hindu organisation suspects that this scheme has been implemented to provide permanent residence to Bangladeshi infiltrators who were evicted from Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad. 

Residents raise concerns over demographic change

In the application, Hindu organisations have put forward three main issues before the administration, in which they have expressed concern about demographic changes. The first issue is the change in the population structure. Locals say that due to the settlement of people from outside, especially from Ahmedabad and surrounding areas, the population structure of the village may be disrupted, and Hindus may become a minority. 

While speaking to OpIndia, Jayrajbhai, a resident of Traj village, said that currently only around 100–150 houses in the village belong to the Muslim community. Despite this, he said, many Hindu residents already feel uneasy about security and social tensions.

He also mentioned an earlier incident in which a Hindu youth was attacked by a group of Muslims after he objected to abusive language being used by Muslims in public. According to residents, even for celebrating Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami and Rath Yatra, police protection has been required in the village for several years.

Villagers argue that if tensions already exist despite the Muslim community being in the minority, bringing a large number of new residents into the area could worsen the situation.

Fear of the settlement of illegal immigrants

The second concern raised by villagers relates to the possibility of illegal immigrants settling in the area. Residents said that people displaced during demolition drives in areas such as Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad might move into these new housing societies.

They expressed fears that some of these people could be illegal migrants from Bangladesh or individuals involved in criminal activities, which they believe could affect local law and order.

Villagers cite past incidents of violence

Residents also referred to past incidents in the region while raising their concerns. They claimed that maintaining peace during religious events has often required heavy police deployment.

In the Garmala village of Matar taluka, another housing project named “Aashiyana Residency” has also reportedly triggered protests. Villagers alleged that a Hindu resident was recently attacked by some Muslim individuals from Ahmedabad, and a police complaint was filed under Section 307 (attempt to murder) in connection with the incident.

Vishwa Hindu Parishad District General Secretary Haresh Patel has said that some anti-social elements gather near the dargah near the ancient temple near Bhalada village, and recently, one night, there was an incident of fire in this ancient temple, while the adjacent dargah is safe. Following this incident, Hindu organisations are opposing any other Muslim settlements. The video of the incident of arson in the temple is available on OpIndia. 

Memorandum sent to several authorities

Residents of villages including Traj, Koshiyal, Pipariya, Machhiyel and Khadiyapura have sent copies of their memorandum not only to the district administration but also to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, the Superintendent of Police and several religious and social organisations.

The villagers have demanded that the housing project be immediately stopped and that disturbed area provisions be imposed across the region.

Locals say the planned settlement of people from Ahmedabad

Some residents claim that Muslims from areas such as Juhapura and Chandlodia in Ahmedabad are being systematically brought to settle in Matar. They say this has created a climate of fear among local Hindus.

Bajrang Dal District Co-Convenor Ronaksinh Parmar, while talking to OpIndia, said that a conspiracy to change the demography is going on in this area as part of a well-planned conspiracy, and in that regard, the villagers have reported the incident by submitting a complaint to the administration. 

Along with this, he mentioned the incident of an attack on a Hindu youth and the setting of a temple on fire. He has demanded that the Disturbed Areas Act be implemented in the entire area to prevent such incidents and to prevent the settlement of Muslims. 

According to Hindu organisations, if local Muslims from the village construct houses, it may be understandable, but they question why people from outside the area are being brought in to settle there.

For now, the organisations say the district administration has assured them that the matter will be investigated and that appropriate action will be taken if required.

(This article is a translation of the original article published on OpIndia Gujarati.)

Pakistan faces economic crisis as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping through Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices surge 20% across country

Divya Bharti
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Pakistan faces economic crisis as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping through Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices surge 20% across country

Pakistan is facing a serious economic crisis as the ongoing Iran-US conflict is affecting oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the route through which Pakistan receives most of its fuel imports. With the reduction of oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to the attacks on the ships in the Persian Gulf, near the Karachi port, the fuel prices are now affecting daily lives across the country.

The government has already increased the fuel prices by 20% on 6th March to stop the panic buying of fuel. But the results of the increase in fuel prices are already affecting the citizens of the country.

Oil supply disruptions hit Pakistan hard

Pakistan depends heavily on imported energy. More than 85 % of its crude oil is imported from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and most of it is shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

The current conflict in the region has made that route extremely risky. Since late February, at least 16 ships, including oil tankers, have been attacked in the Persian Gulf. Because of these security risks, Oil tanker movement has slowed down, and several ships are waiting near Karachi, which is a major economic hub of Pakistan.

The disruption has quickly reduced fuel supplies inside the country. To manage the situation, authorities have taken several emergency steps, such as promoting remote work, transitioning some schools to online classes, reducing official travel, and even considering a four-day workweek.

Pakistan has also requested Saudi Arabia to ship oil through its Red Sea ports as an alternative route. On the other hand, the government is counting on local power sources such as solar power to help alleviate the problem caused by the shortage of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Rising fuel prices hit farmers and workers hard

The recent rise in fuel prices has had significant impacts on the lives of both rural and urban populations.

Agriculture forms the most important sector of the Pakistani economy, as the sector contributes more than 23% of the country’s GDP and employs 37% of the national labour force. Farmers plan to gear up for the spring harvest and claim that the rise in diesel fuel prices will add to the cost of operating tractors and other farming equipment, as well as the cost of transporting the crops to the markets.

Aamer Hayat Bhandara, a farmer from the Pakpattan region of Punjab province, stated that most aspects of the cultivation process depend on the fuel required for the farming equipment. City workers are also facing similar problems. The taxi and rickshaw drivers claim that their daily earnings are reducing because the price of fuel is rising, while the demand is unpredictable.

Muhammad Roshan, a rickshaw driver in Rawalpindi, questioned the government’s approach and said Pakistan should have explored alternative oil supplies from countries like Russia.

Inflation and economic growth are under threat

Economists warn that if oil prices remain around $100 per barrel or higher, Pakistan’s economy could face serious consequences. Former finance minister Hafiz Pasha has estimated that Pakistan’s GDP could fall by 1 to 1.5 % if the conflict continues. The biggest pressure on the economy is likely to come from Pakistan’s external sector.

Petroleum imports could increase by 25 to 30 % as global oil prices rise. At the same time, shipping and insurance costs for cargo vessels have climbed sharply due to growing security risks in the region. Together, these factors could add between $12 billion and $14 billion to Pakistan’s external payments over the next year.

Higher oil prices also contribute to increasing inflation. Earlier this year, inflation was around 7%, but it has already crossed 10%. If oil prices go higher in the global market and reach $120 per barrel, as is expected, similar to when there was a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, inflation in Pakistan is expected to reach levels of 30%.

The three sectors that will be most affected by the crisis are transport, industry, and agriculture. Fuel prices will not only lower the demand for transport, but disruptions in LNG supplies will also affect industries such as fertiliser, cement, and textiles.

Pressure on Remittances and Foreign Reserves

Pakistan is also facing a risk of a decrease in remittances. As much as 55 % of remittances received by Pakistan from overseas Pakistanis is contributed by Pakistanis employed in the Middle East countries.

If the economies of countries in the Gulf, which are dependent on oil exports, experience a slowdown because of a decline in exports, overseas workers, including Pakistanis and Bangladeshi workers, are likely to lose jobs or be repatriated to their countries.

Economists believe that this would result in a decline of $2 billion to $4 billion in remittances to Pakistan.

As a result of an increase in import costs, Pakistan’s present deficit of $2 billion is likely to increase to between $6 billion and $7 billion during the next fiscal year. The scenario is likely to repeat itself as it was during the financial crisis of 2021-22, when foreign exchange reserves fell to nearly $4 billion.

Pakistan’s economic stability at present depends heavily on financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Economist Kaiser Bengali says even a $1 billion IMF instalment can make the difference between survival and economic collapse.

Daily life is becoming more expensive

The fuel shock is also affecting the daily life of the citizens of Pakistan.

Many workers who used to share rickshaw fares are now walking long distances to save money. Others who use motorcycles to go to work say the money they receive is no longer enough to cover the cost of petrol.

The retail markets are also experiencing the slowdown of the economy ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which is usually one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year.

According to Shabbir Ahmed, who owns a clothing store in Karachi, the festivities are yet to be seen in the markets.

Ali Akbar, an employee at a real estate company in Islamabad earning about $400 per month, said his family has already started cutting expenses. He plans to cancel his usual trip home for Eid and is considering shifting his children to a school closer to home because transportation costs have jumped from $36 to $48 per month within a week.

Online classes have also created problems for many families. Nearly half of Pakistan’s 250 million people live below the poverty line, and many households do not have laptops, tablets or reliable internet connections.

An energy crisis could force policy changes

Experts believe that the crisis may compel Pakistan to reconsider its long-term energy policies.

For every $10 hike in global oil prices, Pakistan’s import bill goes up by an additional $1.5 billion annually. As long as oil prices are higher than the previous rate of $80 per barrel by at least $20, Pakistan’s import bill will go up by an additional $3 billion.

Some economists recommend daily adjustment of fuel prices to respond to global market changes. This would also address the issue of hoarding. Another recommendation is to ration petrol or to increase rail transport to cut down on diesel consumption by as much as 20 %.

Pakistan might have to rely more on its own energy resources, which include hydropower, nuclear energy, local coal, local gas, wind, and solar energy. However, there is a lack of transmission infrastructure to support these resources.

Risk of a larger regional crisis

In addition to the economic concerns, there is also the fear of the larger conflict. Pakistan has defence ties with Saudi Arabia. This may force the country to take a stance if the relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran worsen.

On the other hand, there is the fear of the United States wanting to use the Pakistani bases to launch attacks on Iran. In such a case, the country would be at the mercy of Iran.

For now, the biggest problem is economic survival. With fuel prices on the rise, the already struggling economy of the country is facing one of its biggest challenges.

From coercion and fraud to inducement and threats: Maharashtra introduces anti conversion bill with strict punishments, here is what it says

Shriti Sagar
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From coercion and fraud to inducement and threats: Maharashtra introduces anti conversion bill with strict punishments, here is what it says

On Friday, 13th March, the Maharashtra government introduced the Dharma Swatantrya or Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, in the state Legislative Assembly. The proposed law aims to regulate religious conversions and provide strict punishment for conversions carried out through force, fraud, coercion or inducement. The Bill is expected to be discussed during the ongoing Budget Session of the state legislature.

The draft legislation was approved by the state Cabinet last week on 5th March, before being introduced in the Assembly by Minister of State for Rural Development Pankaj Bhoyar. The government has said that the proposed law is meant to address increasing instances of forced religious conversions and to protect citizens’ freedom of religion.

According to the Fadnavis government, conversions in some cases are being carried out in an organised manner by influencing people’s consent or targeting vulnerable individuals. In the “objects and reasons” section of the Bill, the government stated that such conversions are sometimes “forceful, involuntary or caused by influencing the free consent of the citizens”. It further says that these activities are often carried out against “gullible persons” and may lead to “disturbance to public order” while also “affecting social harmony”.

The government has argued that existing laws are not sufficient to address these issues. Because of this, a seven-member committee led by the Director General of Police (DGP) was formed to study legal provisions in other states and recommend a law for Maharashtra.

Definitions under the proposed law

According to the media reports, the Bill provides detailed definitions of what will be considered an “unlawful conversion”. As per the proposed bill, conversion from one religion to another using “allurement, coercion, deceit, force, misrepresentation, threat, undue influence or any other fraudulent step” will be treated as illegal.

It also specifically includes “brainwashing through the medium of education” as one of the methods through which unlawful conversion could occur.

The law also defines “mass conversion” as the forced conversion of two or more people at the same time.

The concept of “allurement” has been described broadly in the Bill. It includes offering gifts, money, material benefits, employment opportunities or free education in institutions run by religious organisations. It also includes promises of marriage, a better lifestyle or claims of divine healing.

The Maharashtra draft law expands the scope of allurement further than many other states. It states that attempts to influence someone by glorifying one religion over another, or by portraying the customs, rituals or practices of another religion negatively, may also fall under the category of inducement.

Similarly, the Bill defines “coercion” as forcing a person, family or group to act against their will through physical force or psychological pressure. It includes threats of bodily harm, threats against property, or even warnings of “divine displeasure” and “social ex-communication” or boycott.

Marriages and children’s rights under the proposed law

The proposed legislation also deals with marriages that involve religious conversion. According to the Bill, if a marriage has been carried out solely for the purpose of unlawful religious conversion, a competent court can declare that marriage null and void.

Either party in the marriage will have the right to approach the court and claim that the conversion was done illegally.

The Bill also introduces a specific provision related to children born out of such marriages. Section 5 states that if a child is born from a marriage that involved unlawful religious conversion, the child will be considered to belong to the religion that the mother followed before the marriage or relationship.

This provision is somewhat different from similar laws in other states. In places like Haryana, the focus has mainly been on the inheritance rights of children born from such marriages. However, the Maharashtra Bill clearly defines which religion the child will legally belong to.

The draft law also states that such children will be entitled to maintenance under Section 144 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). In addition, custody of the child will normally remain with the mother unless a court decides otherwise.

The Bill further states that victims of unlawful conversion may receive assistance from the state government for rehabilitation. They will also be entitled to maintenance and the custody of their children.

Procedure for lawful religious conversion

The proposed law outlines a process to be followed if an individual wishes to change his or her religion legally.

According to the Bill, if an individual wishes to convert to another religion, the individual has to give a prior declaration of intention at least 60 days in advance to the District Magistrate or any other authority appointed by the government.

Similarly, if an institution or a religious body wishes to conduct a conversion ceremony, it has to give a prior notice at least 60 days in advance.

Once the declaration is submitted, the competent authority will display the information about the proposed conversion on its notice board as well as on the notice board of the local authority. The purpose is to invite objections from the public.

The public has 30 days to raise objections to the conversion.

If there are any objections to the conversion, the authority may conduct an inquiry by the police. If the inquiry concludes that the conversion is violating the law, the police may take criminal action.

The law also requires that once the conversion has taken place, the converted individual or the individual who performed the ceremony has to make a declaration within 21 days.

If the individual fails to make the declaration, the law will consider the conversion not to have taken place.

Objections and complaints regarding conversion

The Bill has also specified the kind of individual who has the right to make a complaint if they suspect that an illegal conversion has taken place.

Any individual who has converted their parents, their siblings, or any other relative through blood, marriage, or adoption has the right to make a complaint. Once a complaint has been filed, it has to be registered by the officer in charge of the police station.

The case will then be investigated by a police officer of the rank of at least a Sub-Inspector.

The burden of proof rests on the individual who has performed the conversion. In other words, the individual has to prove that the conversion was done voluntarily.

All offences under the proposed law will be cognisable and non-bailable.

Another notable feature of the Bill is that it allows police officers to take action even without a formal complaint. The draft law grants police the power to take suo motu cognisance if they believe that a conversion has taken place in violation of the Act.

The Bill states: “If the police officer is satisfied that the conversion is made or is being made in contravention of the provisions of the Act, then he/she shall take suo motu cognisance of such contravention.”

The law also widens criminal liability. According to Section 12, individuals who execute, endorse or attest documents connected to an unlawful conversion can also be considered to have aided or abetted the offence and may face punishment.

‘Brainwashing through education’ clause

One of the controversial provisions in the Bill is the inclusion of the phrase “brainwashing through the medium of education”.

The proposed law states that conversions carried out through such means could also be treated as unlawful. This phrase does not appear in many similar laws enacted in other states and has therefore drawn attention.

The Bill also authorises the state government to frame detailed rules for implementing the Act. These rules would cover procedures, forms and administrative requirements related to notices, declarations and other aspects of religious conversion.

Any such rules would have to be placed before both Houses of the state legislature for a period of thirty days. The legislature would have the power to modify or cancel them if necessary.

Punishments and penalties under the law

The proposed legislation prescribes strict penalties for unlawful religious conversions. The key punishments mentioned in the Bill include:

  • Up to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh for carrying out unlawful religious conversion.
  • Up to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5 lakh if the offence is committed against vulnerable individuals such as minors, women, persons of unsound mind, or members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Mass conversions will also attract up to 7 years in prison and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
  • Repeat offenders, including individuals or organisations involved in such activities, may face up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹7 lakh.
  • If an organisation is found guilty, the government may cancel its registration, and the person in charge may face 7 years in jail and a fine of ₹5 lakh.
  • The government may also stop financial aid or grants to organisations involved in unlawful conversions.

Provision to address implementation issues

The Bill also includes a provision that allows the state government to issue orders if any difficulties arise while implementing the law.

According to the draft legislation, the government may issue directions through an order published in the Official Gazette to remove such difficulties, as long as the order does not contradict the provisions of the Act.

However, this power will only remain in effect for two years after the law comes into force. Any such order must also be placed before both Houses of the state legislature.

India Today, Laura Loomer and Rajdeep Sardesai: Was the Conclave confrontation a scripted spectacle?

Jinit Jain
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India Today, Laura Loomer and Rajdeep Sardesai: Was the Conclave confrontation a scripted spectacle?

When the India Today Group hosted the India Today Conclave 2026 this week, one particular name in the speaker lineup instantly set off a firestorm: Laura Loomer.

The American commentator, closely associated with the political orbit of Donald Trump and the broader MAGA ecosystem, is hardly an unknown quantity. Loomer has built her reputation on incendiary rhetoric and provocation. What made her invitation particularly controversial, however, was not merely her politics but her long record of racist remarks targeting Indians and Indian-origin individuals.

Once Loomer herself posted on X that she was heading to India to speak at the conclave, Indians quickly dug into her past posts. Screenshots began circulating widely. In those posts, Loomer had described Indians as “third-world invaders,” mocked India’s sanitation practices, and questioned the intellectual abilities of Indians. In another notorious episode, she launched a tirade against Indian-American technologist Sriram Krishnan after he was appointed Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House, questioning why immigrants should occupy influential positions in the United States.

She had also previously mocked the Indian heritage of Kamala Harris with a crude “curry” jibe that triggered widespread outrage. Beyond anti-India rhetoric, Loomer has also courted controversy for promoting conspiracy theories around the September 11 attacks and spreading misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even Republican Senator Thom Tillis once dismissed her as a “crazy conspiracy theorist.”

Given this background, the immediate question that dominated social media was obvious: why would a leading Indian media platform invite someone who had repeatedly insulted India and Indians?

The backlash was swift and intense. Social media users circulated screenshots of Loomer’s old posts mocking Indian sanitation practices, calling Indians “third-world invaders,” and ridiculing Indian immigrants as supposedly “high-skilled workers” from a country lacking basic infrastructure. Critics described the invitation as astonishing and self-defeating, arguing that providing a prestigious stage to someone with a documented history of anti-India rhetoric risked legitimising exactly the kind of hate speech Indian media houses frequently claim to oppose.

But then came the twist.

During the conclave session, senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai confronted Loomer over her past remarks. He cited several of her controversial tweets and asked whether she regretted them. “Your remarks are brazenly racist and Islamophobic,” Rajdeep said during his interaction with Loomer. 

Loomer responded by acknowledging that some of her earlier posts had indeed crossed the line.

“I should not have said some of the things I wrote in the other tweets,” she said, adding that she apologised if her remarks had offended Indians. Loomer also dropped a bombshell, stating that it was Twitter that deleted some of her tweets on Indians, and she had no choice but to accept it.

At the same time, she carefully held her ground on other issues. Loomer refused to apologise for her opposition to the H-1B visa programme, insisting that her job as an American activist was to defend American workers. She also tried to soften her stance by claiming she had no hatred toward Indians or Hindus and had spoken out against the persecution of Hindus by radical Islam.

The exchange quickly went viral.

Clips of Sardesai confronting Loomer flooded social media. A section of the online ecosystem cutting across ideological lines, from accounts sympathetic to the Indian National Congress to those who refer to themselves as non-Left, began celebrating the moment as a triumph of journalism. Sardesai was hailed as the journalist who “showed the courage” of “putting a racist in her place,” while Loomer’s partial apology was framed as a narrative victory.

There were others who “thanked” Rajdeep Sardesai for ‘confronting’ Laura Loomer for her disgusting remarks online. 

And just like that, the focus shifted.

The central controversy had originally been about why Loomer was invited at all. Yet within hours, the conversation had moved to how effectively she had been confronted on stage.

Why Rajdeep Sardesai didn’t outrage when India Today invited Laura Loomer for Conclave

One aspect of the episode that raises even more questions is the role played by Rajdeep Sardesai himself.

If Sardesai was genuinely outraged by the vile remarks Loomer had made about India and Indians, one would have expected that outrage to surface well before the cameras began rolling at the conclave.

After all, Sardesai is among the most active journalists on social media. On X, he regularly runs the popular “stories that caught my eye” thread, often amplifying issues he believes deserve public scrutiny. He has rarely hesitated to criticise politicians, institutions, or public figures when he believes something crosses a line.

Which makes his silence in the days leading up to the conclave rather striking.

Once Loomer announced she was travelling to India to speak at the conclave organised by the India Today Group, the backlash was immediate. Screenshots of her past tweets mocking Indians and questioning their place in the United States flooded social media timelines.

Yet Sardesai raised no visible public objection during that phase.

This was precisely the moment when he could have expressed shock or disapproval. As a senior editorial face of the network, he could easily have posted on X, questioning why a media organisation would invite someone with such a track record of insulting Indians.

Instead, Sardesai appeared at the conclave itself and confronted Loomer on stage about those remarks. The exchange unfolded almost like a neatly packaged segment, with questions about the offensive tweets, Loomer acknowledging some of them were inappropriate, and a partial apology delivered before a live audience.

The moment quickly went viral.

But viewed in hindsight, the sequence has the feel of something less spontaneous and more choreographed. The absence of any prior public objection, followed by a perfectly timed on-stage confrontation, raises the possibility that the exchange was always meant to unfold in front of cameras rather than in the messy unpredictability of public debate.

Which brings us back to the larger question.

Because the sequence of events almost reads like a carefully structured script: invite a controversial figure with a record of offensive remarks, allow outrage to build once those remarks resurface, and then stage a dramatic confrontation at the event itself. The confrontation produces viral content, the guest offers a partial apology, and the host network is suddenly repositioned, not as the platform that legitimised the controversial voice, but as the one that held it accountable.

The narrative transforms.

How ‘India Today platforms an anti-India racist commentator’ story was transformed into ‘Look how India Today confronted her’

Instead of “Why did India Today invite someone who repeatedly insulted Indians?” the story becomes “Look how India Today confronted her.”

In effect, the controversy is neutralised through spectacle.

It is therefore difficult not to wonder whether the entire episode, from the invitation to the confrontation and the apology, functioned as a form of narrative damage control, perhaps even narrative laundering.

After all, the outcome appears to have served everyone involved.

Loomer walked away having publicly toned down some of her remarks and projecting a less hostile image toward India. Sardesai enjoyed widespread applause on social media for confronting her. And the India Today Group successfully pivoted the conversation away from the uncomfortable question that had sparked the controversy in the first place.

In the age of viral media spectacles, what looked like a spontaneous clash between a journalist and a controversial commentator may well have been something else entirely, a convenient drama that transformed a reputational crisis into a carefully choreographed moment of accountability.

Why has Bihar’s Saran case turned into a ‘Rajput vs Paswan’ flashpoint? Here’s what has unfolded so far in the gang rape and killing of a minor who was thrown into a well

शिव
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Why has Bihar’s Saran case turned into a ‘Rajput vs Paswan’ flashpoint? Here’s what has unfolded so far in the gang rape and killing of a minor who was thrown into a well

A case of the gang rape and murder of a Class 10 student has come to light in Pattishital village of Saran district, Bihar. In this case, the victim’s mother has accused five youths from the same village, one of whom has already been arrested by the police. It is alleged that the five men gang-raped the girl and then threw her into a well, leading to her death. The incident has also triggered a narrative war on social media because the victim belonged to an upper-caste Rajput family, while the accused belonged to the Mahadalit (Paswan) community.

Police are facing allegations that the swift action expected in such a serious case has not been taken, as not all the accused have been arrested, even three days after the incident. The victim’s family and eyewitnesses have made serious claims, but the police are reportedly reluctant to accept these accounts at this stage. Here is a detailed look at what each side is claiming and the questions being raised about the police response.

What did the victim’s mother say in her complaint?

The victim’s mother filed a complaint at the Derni police station. In the complaint, she said: “My daughter often used to go to our old house to collect belongings. On Wednesday (March 11, 2026), she went there at around 3:00 pm. During that time, five people who were already lying in wait gang-raped her and dragged her to a well and threw her into it, which caused her death.”

Five people have been named as accused in the case: Sachin Kumar Manjhi, Yuvraj Manjhi, Chandan Manjhi, Ajay Manjhi and Vikas Manjhi. The complaint also states that Vikas Manjhi had earlier tried to enter the house and attempted to rape the girl. He allegedly abused the family and threatened them, saying that he would enter the house and kill everyone.

According to the complaint, when the family opposed him earlier, Vikas had warned that the consequences would be very bad. The mother alleges that he eventually carried out the threat on March 11, 2026. She further stated that after committing the crime, the accused abused the family and said that they could buy the police, administration and courts, and that no one would be able to harm them.

The victim’s mother has also accused the police of inaction, claiming that the police came to the spot but left without taking proper action.

What did an eyewitness claim?

According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, an eyewitness said that the girl was shouting loudly for help during the incident. Hearing her screams, nearby residents and family members rushed toward the spot. Her mother and elder sister were among the first to run there.

However, before they could reach, the accused allegedly covered the girl’s mouth and forcibly dragged her out of the house by her legs. The eyewitness claimed that the accused then took the girl to a well located about 10 meters away and pushed her into it. After committing the crime, they fled toward nearby fields. The eyewitness also said that the main accused had previously harassed and threatened the girl multiple times.

According to the eyewitness, after pushing the girl into the well, the main accused even posted a WhatsApp status lip-syncing to a Bhojpuri song with the line: “Rani hum bana lehab tohara ke dulhaniya… agar koi bola to ghar mein ghuskar sabko maar daalenge” (“I will make you my bride… if anyone speaks, I will enter the house and kill everyone”).

Police have not yet confirmed the gang rape claim

In a statement released on social media, Saran Police did not mention rape or gang rape. The police said that one accused, Yuvraj Manjhi, has been arrested.

According to the police statement, information was received about the suspicious death of a minor girl, after which the police reached the spot and initiated action. The SP and SDPO visited the location, and an FSL team collected evidence from the scene. Police said that raids are being conducted to arrest the other accused.

Saran SSP Vinit Kumar stated that the police were initially informed that the minor girl had died after jumping into a well. He added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed and that the police are waiting for the post-mortem report.

Meanwhile, Saran (Rural) SP Sanjay Kumar told OpIndia that the police are taking prompt action in the case and that the remaining accused will be arrested soon.

‘Mahadalit vs Savarna’ narrative emerging on social media

After the incident surfaced, social media has also seen a narrative battle framing the case as Rajput vs Paswan. Many people have questioned the police response and said that the lack of swift action is contributing to rising tensions.

Social media influencer Rana Deepu Singh told OpIndia that he visited Pattishital village with his associates and spoke to locals. According to him, villagers said that five accused were seen at the spot. He alleged that the police response has been indifferent and that only one accused has been arrested while the main accused and others are still absconding.

Rana Deepu Singh visited the village along with his associates.

RJD MLA Karishma Rai from Parsa also visited the site, though she has not issued an official statement about the incident. When asked about the caste narrative, she said the matter should not be seen through a caste lens but that strict action must be taken against the culprits.

Speaking to OpIndia, Rai said the incident was extremely horrific and the accused should receive the strictest punishment. She added that brutality remains brutality regardless of the caste of the perpetrator and that the law must act firmly.

Questions raised by the case

The case has raised several serious questions. On one hand, the victim’s family and eyewitnesses claim that it was a brutal gang rape followed by murder. On the other hand, the police are currently treating it as a suspicious death and are waiting for the post-mortem and forensic evidence before confirming the nature of the crime.

Ultimately, the truth will become clear only after the investigation and medical reports are completed. However, in sensitive cases like this, the speed and transparency of police action become crucial. When the victim’s family and local residents are making serious allegations and all named accused have not yet been arrested, it naturally raises concerns about the administration’s response. This is also why caste-based narratives have begun to spread rapidly on social media following the incident.

The crisis of illegal hoarding? Read how LPG concerns are being fanned while miscreants are hoarding cylinders to sell for high profit

Aditi
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The crisis of illegal hoarding? Read how LPG concerns are being fanned while miscreants are hoarding cylinders to sell for high profit

Hoarders and black-marketers are not only fanning the rumours of an LPG shortage but also creating an artificial shortage of the domestic and commercial cooking gas across the country. Feeding on the fears of India’s fuel supply being disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, these hoarders and black-marketers have found an opportunity to make undue profits. As consumers are panic-buying LPG cylinders amid rumours of shortage, these hoarders are making huge money by selling the cylinders at double the price.

Many incidents of large numbers of hoarded LPG cylinders being seized by authorities have been reported from across the country in the past several days. This is despite the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, assuring people on Thursday (March 12, 2026) that India’s fuel supply is entirely protected.

Here is a look at some incidents where local authorities busted the hoarding of LPG cylinders in various states of the country:

1,483 locations raided, 20 FIRs lodged against LPG hoarders in Uttar Pradesh

During an action against illegal stockpiling of LPG cylinders in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, the authorities recently seized 55 filled LPG cylinders from a premises belonging to Abdul Rehan, who is said to be a member of the Samajwadi Party. On receiving inputs about hoarding of LPG cylinders, the local authorities raided the house of Rehan, located in Asaura village in the Hapur district.

Intensifying action against the black-marketing of LPG cylinders, the enforcement teams on Friday (March 13, 2026) conducted surprise inspections and raids at 1,483 locations in Uttar Pradesh. During the raids, the authorities lodged 4 FIRs against LPG distributors and 20 FIR against individuals found engaged in the black-marketing LPG cylinders. Besides, 6 persons were arrested by the police on the spot.

To allay the fears regarding the shortage of LPG supply and to prevent panic buying, the state government assured that delivery of LPG refills will be ensured to consumers through 4,108 LPG gas distributors in the state.

Around 100 LPG cylinders seized during raids at various locations in Punjab

Teams of the District Food and Civil Supplies (DFCS) Department, District Food Supply Officers, Assistant Food Supply Officers and Food Supply Inspectors conducted raids at 42 locations in Punjab on Friday (March 13, 2026). The raids were conducted in towns including Patiala, Nabha, Rajpura, Samana, Devigarh and Patran. During the raids, the authorities seized over 100 illegally stored domestic cylinders being used in commercial establishments.

Over 200 LPG cylinders confiscated in Araria, Bihar

On Thursday evening (March 12, 2026), the district administration officials conducted a raid and found a large quantity of cooking gas cylinders stored illegally in Pokhar Basti (Ward No. 15) of Forbesganj city in the Araria district of Bihar. The Sub-Divisional Administration led by SDO Abhay Kumar raised the house and the shop belonging to one Sabir Ansari and his son Imran Ansari, where a total of 250 LPG cylinders, some filled and others empty, were seized. Around 150 of these cylinders were found inside the house and the remaining were found in the shop.

Over 200 LPG cylinders seized by authorities in Mumbai and Nagpur

In a major crackdown on the illegal stockpiling of cooking gas, the Food Distribution Department recently seized over 100 LPG cylinders from the ‘Suraj Vallabhdas Chawl’ area on Ganpatrao Kadam Road near Worli Naka in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Authorities seized 64 filled 4-kg and 19 filled 12-kg cylinders of Super Gas Company, and 58 empty 5-kg cylinders of HP Gas Company. Additionally, the officials confiscated 25 empty cylinders of different sizes, including 2kg, 4kg and 12 kg.

The Food and Civil Supplies Department launched raids at establishments of 163 gas distributors the Nagpur division. The locations included Gadchiroli (70 distributors inspected), Bhandara (37 distributors), Gondia (17 distributors), Nagpur (19 by district supply officers and three by food distribution officers), Wardha (15 distributors), and Chandrapur (2 distributors). The authorities seized 110 LPG cylinders from the loctions costing around ₹1 lakh.

400 LPG cylinders confiscated near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh

In a raid conducted by the civil supplies officials in a godown on the outskirts of Tirupati, Adhra Pradesh on Friday (March 13, 2026), nearly 400 LPG cylinders stocked illegally were seized. A team led by Tirupati District Supplies Officer Seshachala Raju raided the premises located in Avilala Panchayat, which was once used as a stock point for a private gas supplier, but its license expired in 2019.

Two arrested under the Goonda Act in Madurai for hoarding 398 LPG cylinders

In the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, the police on Friday (March 13, 2026) arrested two persons under the Goonda Act for hoarding 398 LPG cylinders for black marketing. The action followed after the police received a tip-off by the Civil Supplies Criminal Investigation Department (CS-CID) about the illegal diversion of subsidised domestic gas cylinders for commercial use. A special team of police raided an open plot in the Kovilpappakudi area, where it seized 100 subsidised domestic cylinders and 109 commercial cylinders. In a separate raid in Anandam Nagar, the officials confiscated 189 cylinders, including 126 commercial units.

381 domestic LPG cylinders seized in Hyderabad, Telangana

The district authorities in Hyderabad, Telangana, confiscated 381 domestic LPG cylinders during raids on commercial establishments across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The cylinders were stocked for illegal sale. According to a statement issued by Chief Rationing Officer Raji Reddy on Friday (March 13, 2026), the enforcement teams have been conducting raids since March 11, 2026 to prevent the diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use.

In addition to that, authorities seized around 300 domestic LPG cylinders during raids at various hotels and restaurants in different districts of Telangana, including Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Karimnagar. The culprits have been booked under Section 6A of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Authorities confiscated around 100 domestic LPG cylinders in Madhya Pradesh

In the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, 38 domestic LPG cylinders were confiscated as confirmed by the authorities on Thursday (March 12, 2026). The illegally stockpiled cooking gas cylinders were seized during a raid conducted by the authorities as part of efforts to curb hoarding and black-marketing of LPG.

In a separate action, authorities seized around 45 LPG cylinders from two vehicles in Lalghati and Kolar areas of the Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh. The authorities found the cylinders in a truck belonging to Mamata Gas Agency and an SUV. Apart from this, the authorities also conducted a suprise inspection of gas agency’s godown near Jamboree Maidan in BHEL. During the inspection, the officials found that the number of cylinders in the godown did not match the stock records maintained by the gas agency.

741 LPG cylinders seized from 102 different locations in Chhattisgarh

In a major action against the black-marketing of LPG, authorities in Chhattisgarh seized 741 cylinders from 102 different locations across the state. “So far, 741 cylinders have been seized from 102 places across the state. Raipur district recorded the highest number of seizures with 392 domestic LPG cylinders confiscated, followed by Bilaspur district, where 130 cylinders were seized,” stated an official release on Friday (March 13, 2026).

The state Food Department in coordination in the local district administration has been conducting surprise inspections at suspected locations to curb hoarding of domestic LPG cylinders.

34 domestic LPG cylinders found illegally stockpiled in Visakhapatnam

In a special drive conducted across Visakhapatnam Circle-II areas, including MVP Colony on Thursday (March 12, 2026), the District Civil Supply Department seized 34 domestic LPG cylinders from 14 different commercial establishments.

Apart from the incidents of hoarding of LPG cylinders, some incidents of theft of cylinders have also come to light. In the Chala market area in Keralam’s Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, a man stole a 19-kg commercial cooking gas cylinder from a hotel in the wee hours of Friday (March 13, 2026). In a separate incident in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru, two persons, riding a two-wheeler, stole an LPG cylinder from a residential area.

LPG-loaded tankers cross Strait of Hormuz to come to India: PM Modi’s diplomatic outreach in West Asia secures Indian interests, again

OpIndia Staff
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LPG-loaded tankers cross Strait of Hormuz to come to India: PM Modi’s diplomatic outreach in West Asia secures Indian interests, again

On March 14, it was reported that the two Indian flagged LPG-loaded tankers, Shivalik and Nandadevi, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz after PM Modi’s conversation with Iranian Masoud Pezeshkian on March 12. 

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran will grant safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the longstanding friendship and shared interests between the two countries amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

This is a significant development after the reports of two oil tankers also crossing the Strait, carrying oil from Saudi Arabia and Iraq and reaching Indian ports.

The passage of the ships once again asserts that, despite strategic relations with all sides, PM Modi’s government prioritises the interests of the 1.4 billion people of India and pursues diplomatic and strategic manoeuvres to secure the interests of India even in critical situations like wars.

What the government of India under PM Modi has managed to achieve for India is in sharp contrast to what the leaders of other global powers have done in recent years. Instead of irresponsible leadership that believes in undefined goals and optics to prove in distant wars, jeopardising the interests of its own citizens and triggering economic chaos, the Indian government has pursued a path of astute diplomacy and stable relationships in the world.

The USA, for example, is fighting a war in West Asia where the objective is not clearly defined, the scale and magnitude of the war remain unclear, and there is no exit strategy in sight. The war has resulted in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens the global economies, from South Korea to Europe, and from Japan to China, including India. 

While starting a war in the Persian Gulf, the USA has not only put its own allies in the Arab nations under peril, making them the target of Iranian missiles every single day, it has also caused the endangerment and choking of crucial global trade routes, risking far greater economic woes in the future that may affect billions in Asia and the world.

Asian economies like India, China, Singapore, Japan, and others that need the oil and gas from the Persian Gulf routes are under stress due to Trump’s war with Iran.

In the middle of a critical military and trade crisis, PM Modi’s carefully crafted foreign policy is what is preventing panic and scarcity in the nation. For the Modi government, engaging with partners in West Asia, closer to home, supersedes the game of optics that the Trump administration is currently engaged in. 

Since the war began, PM Modi has spoken to the leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and, most recently, the President of Iran. Peace in West Asia remains India’s top priority. 

The Modi government also did not care for American diktats when it was about purchasing Russian Crude in 2022. Despite sermons from the Biden administration, India ramped up its crude imports from 0 per cent to more than 40 per cent (of its total imports).

The priorities for the Indian government, under the leadership of PM Modi and EAM S Jaishankar, are not guided by theatrics and optics but pragmatism and the pursuit of peace. Securing the economic interests of 1.4 billion Indians is the top objective.

Anti-Indian hate surged on X during US immigration debates, small network amplified racist narratives against Indians: Report

Dhruv Mishra
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Anti-Indian hate surged on X during US immigration debates, small network amplified racist narratives against Indians: Report

A new report analysing online discourse in the United States has claimed that Anti-Indian rhetoric and anti-Indian attacks against Indians and Indian-origin individuals went up sharply on the social media platform X. Particularly in 2025, during the heated debates in the United States surrounding immigration and the H-1 B visa programme. 

The Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) has put out a research report titled “From Policy Drift to Purity Grift: How a Small Network Hijacked the Immigration Debate.” It has analysed thousands of posts on X to study the rise of anti-Indian narrative. 

According to the study,  anti-Indian posts on X generated more than 300 million views in 2025. Moreover, this content has tripled over the year. The institute’s researchers analysed that 24,674 posts came from 14,000 accounts, which collectively received over 8.5 million likes and around 9 lakh retweets, indicating the massive reach of such hostile narratives. According to the report, these posts frequently portrayed  Indians as “invaders”, “job stealers” or demographic “replacers”, particularly in the context of  discussions around the H-1 B visa programme and immigration policies in the United States.  

Indian-Americans’ contribution

The report highlights the economic and social contributions of Indian-Americans in the United States. It is important to note that the community plays a significant role in the country’s technology, business, and academic sectors. According to the report, Indian-Americans number around 5.2 million in the US and have the highest median household income among major Asian-origin groups, with 77% holding at least a bachelor’s degree, far higher than the national average. The study also notes that Indian-origin entrepreneurs represent the largest national-origin group among immigrant founders of billion-dollar startups in the US, highlighting the community’s economic contribution even as online hostility against Indians has grown. 

Report analysed thousands of posts using keyword-based data collection

The researchers used a structured query system to collect posts containing explicit racial slurs or those combining Indian identity markers with negative or exclusionary language. Keywords included derogatory terms and markers such as “India,” “Indian,” “Indians,” “Hindu,” and “H-1B,” paired with terms like “deport,” “ban,” “replace,” “invasion,” “fraud,” and “scam.”
In the report, the dataset is limited to posts published in 2025 with more than 10 likes, ensuring the analysis focuses on content that achieved some level of engagement.  The study also excluded posts originating from India to concentrate on hostility directed at Indians in external discourse. 

Immigration policy debates triggered online hate campaigns.

The report noted that spikes in anti-Indian narrative on social media frequently increased during the debates, mainly on immigration policy developments in the United States in 2025. According to the study, some policy announcements sparked angry online conversations about Indians. These included the US Department of Homeland Security’s new H-1B modernisation rule, visa restrictions on some Indian travel agencies that were thought to be helping people move to the US illegally, and the idea of charging employers $100,000 to file new H-1B visa applications. The report says that after these events, online conversations about immigration moved away from criticising policies and toward more general attacks on Indians as a group. Many posts made Indians look like economic rivals or demographic “replacers.” Some even called for limits on Indian immigration or deportation measures. The study also says that stories about immigration made up most of the dataset. Almost half of the posts were about topics like deportation, immigration restrictions, or “replacement” rhetoric, which together got a lot of engagement.

Shift from explicit slurs to policy-framed hostility.

One of the shocking trends identified from the report is the shift in the nature of the rhetoric over the years. In early 2025, many of the hateful posts relied on explicit racial slurs targeting Indians. However, from mid-2025, this  rhetoric increasingly shifted toward policy-framed narratives related to immigration, labour competition, and alleged abuse of the visa system, which also shows the intensity of hate towards Indians. The researchers suggest that this shift may reflect attempts to avoid content moderation while still promoting hostile narratives, allowing such posts to achieve broader reach on social media. A small network of highly active accounts drove amplification, another finding from the report. A relatively small number of accounts played a disproportionate role in amplifying anti-Indian content. The analysis found that three highly active accounts alone accounted for over 10% of the total likes and nearly 20% of the retweets in the dataset. The accounts are named “NeonWhiteCat”, “MattForney”, and “TheBrancaShow”
According to the report, this suggests that anti-Indian narratives online were significantly shaped by a concentrated group of users rather than representing purely organic discussion across the platform. The study also notes that some of the accounts amplifying anti-Indian rhetoric were associated with extremist or white nationalist online ecosystems, which have previously been linked to other forms of ethnic hostility.

Indian-origin public figures are frequently targeted
 

Further, the report notes that several Indian-origin public figures in the United States were repeatedly targeted in hostile posts. Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and lawmakers Shri Thanedar and Pramila Jayapal are among the most frequently mentioned and referenced in discussions surrounding immigration policy.  According to the researchers, individuals associated with immigration debates often became focal points for broader attacks against Indians as a community. It suggested that posts referencing these figures often moved beyond policy criticism and instead included ethnic generalisations about Indians or Indian-origin professionals in the United States. In several cases, this ecosystem framed their positions on immigration policies as part of a larger narrative portraying Indians as responsible for alleged job displacement or immigration-related issues in the US.

Racist attacks on Usha Vance triggered a major spike in hostility.

It also examines the narrative war surrounding Usha Vance, the Indian-origin wife of US Vice President JD Vance. According to the researchers, it is found that hostile posts about Usha Vance remained relatively limited for most of 2025 but spiked sharply toward the end of the year following racially charged remarks by controversial online influencers such as Nick Fuentes and Sneako. According to the study, these remarks spread widely through reposts and reactions on social media, significantly amplifying racist narratives targeting her and her family. 

Report warns against conflating policy debate with ethnic hostility.

While acknowledging that concerns regarding immigration policies and potential misuse of visa programmes constitute legitimate areas of policy debate, the report warns that such discussions often devolve into collective blame directed at Indians. researchers, criticism crosses the line into ethnic hostility when it involves dehumanising stereotypes, sweeping generalisations about Indians, or calls for exclusion based on ethnicity rather than policy considerations. The study concludes that monitoring such online narratives is important, as large surges in ethnic hostility on social media have historically sometimes preceded real-world harassment or discrimination.

Conclusion

The findings of the report highlight how policy debates around immigration in the United States are increasing generalisations and racist stereotypes against Indians and Indian-origin professionals.

It also concludes that the growth of such narratives on social media requires closer monitoring, particularly as online hostility can sometimes translate into real-world targeting of communities. It also calls for greater awareness among platforms and policymakers to distinguish between legitimate policy criticism and narratives that promote ethnic hostility or collective blame against immigrant communities.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Swami Avimukteshwaranand: Read how Mulayam’s police attacked him during a protest and the anti-Hindu history of his family, Samajwadi Party

OpIndia Staff
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Akhilesh Yadav meets Swami Avimukteshwaranand: Read how Mulayam’s police attacked him during a protest and the anti-Hindu history of his family, Samajwadi Party

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav had a meeting with Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, which lasted approximately one hour, in Lucknow on 12th March (Thursday). Afterwards, Akhilesh Yadav addressed the media and expressed that it was an honour for him to receive the blessings of the religious figure.

He declared that the period of fraudulent saints in the nation is nearing its end, and true saints lead society towards the correct path. Nevertheless, this event has also acted as a reminder of previous decisions and statements made by his organisation and family. Notably, the Samajwadi Party has historically been accused of disrespecting Hindu beliefs, temples and saints.

The decision to fire upon Karsevaks in Ayodhya under late Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government, alongside provocative comments of Akhilesh Yadav about temples, monks and Hindu traditions, continues to be a part of political dialogue to this day.

Controversial remarks on Deepotsav, temples and Hindu customs

Akhilesh Yadav has repeatedly found himself at the centre of controversies due to his statements on various occasions in the past. He has raised inquiries about the spending on lighting lamps and candles during the Deepotsav celebrations in Ayodhya. He alleged that cities worldwide are adorned with lights for months during the Christmas season, indicating that the government should take inspiration from them regarding the considerable funds allocated for diyas (earthen lamps) and candles.

He claimed that merely placing a stone and hoisting a red flag anywhere is sufficient to constitute a temple while discussing Hinduism at the same time. This remark drew severe backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and many Hindu groups, who condemned it as an affront to religious sentiments. Additionally, he also insisted that, at one time, idols had been covertly placed there under the cover of darkness while reacting to the dispute surrounding Shri Ram Janmbhoomi in Ayodhya.

Consistently question saints and saffron robes

Akhilesh Yadav, targeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, once commented that simply donning saffron robes does not make one a “Baba” (ascetic). He cited an example from the Ramayana, where even Ravana approached Goddess Sita while pretending to be a “Sadhu” (holy man). Afterwards, several outfits charged that such a comparison was an insult to the legacy of saints and sages.

When blood flew from Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s head

A protest by saints in Varanasi concerning the immersion of Ganesh idols led to the police, under Akhilesh Yadav’s rule, to execute a lathi-charge (baton charge), resulting in injuries to numerous demonstrators, including Swami Avimukteshwaranand. Afterwards, Akhilesh Yadav apologised, accepting that it was a mistake made by his government, during a meeting with saints in Haridwar.

Throughout the period of his party’s governance, instances of conflict involving Hindu religious leaders and saints surfaced regularly. Moreover, concerns were repeatedly raised about the administration’s conduct, with allegations indicating that efforts were made to stifle them rather than treat them with respect.

Mulayam Singh’s background of shedding the blood of karsevaks

The most significant controversy in the history of the Samajwadi Party is widely regarded as being associated with the deadly occurrences of 1990, when directives were given to open fire on Karsevaks during the Ram Mandir movement. Mulayam Singh Yadav served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh at the time.

On 30th October and 2nd November 1990, a substantial number of Karsevaks assembled in Ayodhya to advocate for the temple when confrontations transpired between them and the authorities, resulting in police gunfire. Official reports mentioned 17 fatalities, although groups linked to the movement asserted that the true number was considerably higher.

Opponents complained that Mulayam Singh Yadav acted against the devotees of Lord Ram in the wake of the incident. This led to him being commonly known as “Mullah Mulayam” for a significant duration. He likewise encountered criticism due to his contentious remarks. He stated that “boys make mistakes” and argued against the imposition of the death penalty in cases of rape during a rally. He even announced that the notion of four men sexually violating a woman did not appear to be “practical” in a separate statement.

From Pakistan to Vietnam: How the Strait of Hormuz crisis is triggering an energy shock across Asia

Dhruv Mishra
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From Pakistan to Vietnam: How the Strait of Hormuz crisis is triggering an energy shock across Asia

The global energy market has been shaken by a rapid geopolitical escalation in West Asia, disrupting one of the world’s most vital energy chokepoints. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel conducted combined airstrikes against Iran, which is known as Operation Epic Fury. The strikes led to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resulting in swift retribution from Tehran and sending shockwaves through global supply systems.

In the immediate aftermath of the strikes, Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and a significant share of global LPG and LNG shipments pass. With the strait shut for nearly two weeks, tankers carrying oil, LPG and LNG from Gulf producers have been unable to move through one of the world’s busiest energy routes, triggering a major supply disruption.

The world’s largest LNG export facility, Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, was attacked by Iranian drones. The plant, which produced roughly 300,000 barrels per day of LPG in 2025, was forced to halt operations after the attack, removing a substantial portion of global LPG supply from the market at a time when shipping routes were already blocked. As these twin shocks of disrupted shipping and halted production ripple through global markets, countries across Asia and beyond are scrambling to manage fuel shortages, activate emergency reserves and stabilise domestic energy supplies. This growing strain underscores how deeply many nations remain dependent on energy flows passing through a single strategic waterway.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important energy chokepoints in the world. It is Located between Iran and Oman. The narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes and serves as the primary export corridor for oil and gas produced in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Iraq. An estimated 20% of the World’s oil supply passes through the Strait every day. In addition to crude oil, the route also carries a significant share of global LPG and LNG shipments, particularly from major Gulf exporters like Qatar.

In 2025 alone, Gulf producers exported roughly 1.5 million barrels per day of LPG along with millions of barrels of refined petroleum products through this route. With Iran effectively closing the Strait following the recent escalation, oil and LPG tanker traffic has been severely disrupted. The sudden halt in shipments has triggered supply concerns across several import-dependent economies, particularly in South and Southeast Asia, where many countries rely heavily on energy imports from the Gulf.

Countries Facing Severe Energy Stress

Energy supplies from the Gulf are slowing, and this is already causing major problems in some countries in South and Southeast Asia. Many countries depend on imported LPG and LNG, particularly given limited strategic reserves. As the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, it is now the most vulnerable.

India is one of the world’s largest LPG consumers and is facing disruptions that are putting pressure on its LPG market. India imports nearly two-thirds of its LPG requirements, and nearly 90% of those imports usually go through the Strait of Hormuz. There are concerns about the stability of supply nationwide because tanker movements have been disrupted. The reports say that India’s underground strategic storage facilities have enough supplies for about nine days. There are also extra supplies stored at refineries and distribution centres.

In response, the government has directed oil refineries to maximise LPG production for domestic cooking gas while also releasing additional kerosene supplies to states as an alternative fuel. The crisis has also begun affecting businesses that rely heavily on LPG cylinders, particularly restaurants and small food establishments.

Pakistan is facing one of the most immediate impacts of disruption. The country depends heavily on LNG imports from Gulf producers, with Qatar and the UAE accounting for nearly 99% of its LNG supply. With shipments disrupted and energy shortages looming, the government has introduced emergency measures to reduce fuel consumption. These include implementing a four-day workweek, work-from-home policies for government offices and a 50% reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles.

Nearly 60% of government vehicles will remain off the roads for two months, while federal and provincial cabinet members have agreed to forgo their salaries and allowances during this period. In addition, lawmakers will face salary cuts of up to 25%, and the government has imposed restrictions on non-essential spending and foreign travel. The education sector is also being affected, with universities shifting to online classes and schools closing for two weeks as part of broader energy-saving measures. Pakistan’s finance minister has warned that rising crude prices could push the country’s oil import bill to around $600 million per month, underscoring the economic pressure caused by the ongoing crisis.

Bangladesh is also feeling the heat. It is also struggling to maintain energy supplies amid the conflict in the Middle East, which disrupts LNG shipments. Bangladesh also relies on imports for around 95% of its energy needs. It has to force the purchase of several spot LNG cargoes at significantly higher prices to stabilise domestic supply. Petrobangla, a government-run energy company, has purchased multiple LNG shipments from international traders after some suppliers suspended deliveries amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.

The situation has already triggered fuel rationing for vehicles and restrictions on diesel sales. Several universities have been shut down as the government attempts to reduce energy consumption. Bangladeshi Officials have also warned that if the disruption continues, the country may have to rely even more heavily on the expensive spot LNG market, increasing its import burden and placing additional pressure on power generation and industry.

While Vietnam is not facing an immediate fuel shortage, it is already experiencing the ripple effects of the global energy disruption triggered by the Middle East. Authorities in Hà Nội have said that petrol and LPG supplies in the capital remain largely stable for now, but that market surveillance teams are deployed to prevent hoarding and ensure availability at retail outlets. However, Vietnam has announced plans to procure 4 million barrels of crude oil from non-Middle Eastern sources, but analysts say that the volume covers only about three-sixths of a day’s consumption, while existing reserves are estimated to last around 20 days.

Global price volatility is beginning to affect domestic markets, with fuel prices rising significantly and LPG becoming costlier due to higher transportation and import costs. The government has been closely monitoring supply conditions and encouraging energy-saving measures, including remote work arrangements, to reduce fuel consumption. At the same time, state-run energy company PV Gas has moved to secure additional LNG cargoes to stabilise power generation and industrial supply. Officials have also warned that if disruptions in Middle East shipping continue, sectors such as aviation could face fuel shortages in the coming months, highlighting Vietnam’s vulnerability to prolonged energy supply disruptions.

Across Southeast Asia, disruptions to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz are exposing the region’s limited strategic reserves. Many countries in the region maintain relatively small fuel buffers, making them vulnerable if the shipping blockade continues. Despite being an oil-producing country, Indonesia still imports more than one-third of its crude and maintains reserves of only 21–23 days. Thailand has somewhat larger reserves of about 65 days, and the government is attempting to secure an additional month of supply, while the Philippines holds around 50–60 days of reserves, mostly in privately held inventories.

Experts warn that if disruptions persist, countries across the region will struggle to replace Middle Eastern supplies because refinery configurations, shipping distances and limited alternative crude sources make rapid adjustments difficult. The crisis has already forced governments to explore emergency measures, including restricting fuel exports, increasing imports from alternative suppliers, and imposing energy-saving policies to prevent shortages. 

Conclusion

The ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has once again highlighted how deeply global energy markets remain tied to a handful of strategic chokepoints. For many countries across South and Southeast Asia, the crisis has exposed structural vulnerabilities where heavy dependence on imported fuel, limited strategic reserves, and few short-term alternatives are needed when supply routes are disrupted. Governments from Pakistan to Thailand have already been forced to impose fuel-saving measures, ration supplies, or seek costly imports from alternative markets.

While some larger economies such as Japan, China and South Korea possess extensive reserves that can cushion the impact for months, many developing Asian economies have far smaller buffers. If the disruption continues, these countries could face rising energy prices, supply shortages and broader economic strain.

The situation underscores a broader lesson for energy-importing nations: geopolitical conflicts far from their borders can quickly translate into domestic economic pressure. As governments scramble to stabilise fuel supplies and protect consumers, the unfolding crisis is also likely to renew calls for stronger energy security strategies, diversified supply chains and greater investment in alternative energy sources.

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