
‘Halal’ at the centre of a political controversy
The Hindu
BJP alleges ‘halal’ hotels fronts for radical Islamists
Halal hotels that primarily cater to the religious and dietary needs of observant Muslims are at the centre of a raging political controversy in Kerala.
The dispute erupted after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State president K. Surendran flagged the Travancore Devaswom Board’s purchase of ‘halal-certified’ jaggery to make prasadam at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.
He alleged that ‘halal’ hotels in the State were fronts for radical Islamists. He accused fundamentalists of incrementally imposing a ‘halal’ culture in the State.

The draft policy for “Responsible Digital Use Among Students”, released on Monday by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, has recommended that parents set structured routines with clear screen-time rules and prioritise privacy, safety, and open conversation with children on digital well-being.












