As the year 2025 drew to a close, prominent Urdu-language newspapers turned their editorial focus to a series of significant judicial pronouncements and political developments that captured the nation's attention. The editorials provided in-depth commentary on issues ranging from internal Congress dynamics to long-pending justice in a high-profile lynching case and shifting political winds in neighboring Bangladesh.
Digvijaya Singh's RSS Remarks: A Call for Reform or Mere Controversy?
The Hyderabad-based daily Siasat, in its editorial dated December 30, 2025, addressed the controversy stirred by veteran Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. The row erupted after Singh publicly admired the organizational structure of the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), while simultaneously calling for "decentralization" within his own party.
The editorial noted the irony of the situation, pointing out that Singh has historically been known for his sharp and open criticism of the Sangh Parivar. His recent comments, made during a post on social media platform X, highlighted how grassroots RSS and BJP workers, who sit at the feet of their leaders, can rise to become chief ministers and even the Prime Minister. He presented this as a testament to the organization's strength.
Siasat observed that while the Congress party prudently chose not to react officially, the BJP seized the opportunity to amplify the remarks, aiming to expose and widen existing divisions within the opposition party. The editorial argued that Singh's actions should not be construed as anti-party activity. Instead, it suggested his intent was to spotlight organizational deficiencies within the Congress and push for corrective measures to ensure its revival.
The paper stated, "While Congress leaders should ideally raise such issues within internal party forums, and Singh's choice to use the Sangh as an example may be questionable, he cannot be accused of malice or rebellion." It concluded that his going public likely stemmed from a concern for the party's future and a desire to see it consolidate its strengths.
Court Rejects UP Govt Plea, Upholds Hope in Akhlaq Lynching Case
In a significant ruling, a court in Surajpur rejected the Uttar Pradesh government's application to withdraw all charges against the accused in the 2015 lynching case of Mohammad Akhlaq. The Hyderabad-based daily Munsif, in its December 25 editorial, hailed this decision as a victory for justice and a strong message to the state administration.
The editorial recounted the horrific incident where Akhlaq was beaten to death by a mob in his village in Greater Noida over baseless rumors of cow slaughter and beef storage. The murder had triggered national and international outrage and became a focal point for debates on communal violence and cow vigilantism.
Munsif criticized both the UP and central BJP-led governments for "failing" Akhlaq's family, as the case lingered in the courts for nearly a decade. It highlighted the state government's "disgraceful" plea for withdrawal, which cited reasons like the non-recovery of firearms and a lack of prior enmity between the accused and the victim.
The court not only dismissed this plea but also directed that the trial be conducted on a daily basis to ensure a speedy conclusion, setting the next hearing for January 6. The editorial stated, "The court's ruling has given a new hope for justice to Akhlaq's family." However, it expressed deep concern over the apparent bias of a state government, which has a constitutional duty to secure justice for every citizen irrespective of religion.
Tarique Rahman's Homecoming and Bangladesh's Political Crossroads
Siasat, in another editorial on December 27, commented on the return of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman to Dhaka after 17 years of self-exile in the United Kingdom. Rahman, the son of late former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, received a rousing welcome from tens of thousands of supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Rahman invoked Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech, outlining his vision and plan for rebuilding a strife-torn Bangladesh. The editorial noted that Rahman is a frontrunner for the prime minister's post as the BNP emerges as a leading contender in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.
The daily analyzed the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, referencing the July-August 2024 student uprising that led to the ouster of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after her 15-year rule, forcing her to flee to India. It noted that even the subsequent interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, had failed to stabilize the country, leading to widespread chaos.
"The people of Bangladesh have pinned their hopes on Rahman's leadership," the edit stated, adding that they look to him to steer the nation out of unrest and back onto a path of peace and development. It urged Rahman to detail his plans for an inclusive and safe Bangladesh so that voters could make an informed choice in the pivotal elections ahead.
These editorials collectively underscore a week where judicial integrity, political introspection, and regional geopolitics dominated the discourse in India's Urdu press as the year ended.
