MONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2026
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Christmas backlash: Arrest fringe elements


Disgruntled elements are bent on disrupting Christmas celebrations across the country. This knee-jerk reaction by negative religious forces has created a disruptive phase in what should otherwise be a peaceful festival, damaging harmony between communities. 

A Santa cap is simply a commercial item like any other hat, yet it is being given an unnecessary religious connotation, harming the festival and depriving many of their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at a church service in Delhi reflected solidarity and respect for all faiths”a positive and necessary gesture. It raises the question of why only a handful of individuals spread fear, intolerance, and economic loss in the name of religion, despite constitutional guarantees. Targeting a community that forms barely 2% of the population by sowing hatred must be addressed firmly.

Visitors from various states come to Goa to enjoy Christmas in a friendly atmosphere; similar goodwill should prevail everywhere, without harming the spirit of the festival or national unity.


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Solve grassroots issues to win public trust

RAJESH BANAULIKAR, Arpora
Published Dec 28, 2025, 11:44 PM IST
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New political parties must actively address house-to-house problems to demonstrate accountability and earn public trust. While governments manage formal grievance mechanisms, political parties act as the closest link between citizens and the state, making local issue resolution a core democratic responsibility.For parties with new ideologies, grievance redressal is essential to understand grassroots needs and build credible governance models. Addressing everyday…

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