News for '-bharatiya-janata'

'Nitinji, We Have Left AAP, Want To Join BJP'

'Nitinji, We Have Left AAP, Want To Join BJP'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

In a dramatic development on Friday, April 24, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal resigned from the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Delhi High Court Allows Vinesh Phogat To Participate In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has allowed wrestler Vinesh Phogat to participate in the upcoming Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's selection policy for lacking discretion regarding iconic players returning from maternity leave.

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Why Vinesh Phogat Can Compete In Asian Games Trials

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has approved wrestler Vinesh Phogat's participation in the Asian Games trials, criticising the Wrestling Federation of India's exclusionary selection policy.

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Petrol tops Rs 100 across most cities, diesel nears Rs 100 as prices raised for 4th time

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have seen their fourth increase in less than two weeks, pushing cumulative hikes to nearly Rs 7.5 per litre since May 15, reaching their highest levels since May 2022. This surge, driven by global crude oil costs and the Iran conflict, is expected to exacerbate inflationary pressures and raise transportation costs across the economy.

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The AINRC-led NDA has won the Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to form the government. Chief Minister N Rangasamy won both seats he contested.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Banerjee reached the venue in the evening, ignoring torrential rains in Kolkata and was still seated inside till reports last received.

Five workers killed in MP firecracker factory blast; owner held

Five workers killed in MP firecracker factory blast; owner held

Rediff.com15 May 2026

An explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting investigations and government action.

BJP MLA In Madhya Pradesh Embroiled In Controversy After Son's Accident

BJP MLA In Madhya Pradesh Embroiled In Controversy After Son's Accident

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh is facing criticism after his son was accused of injuring five people in a car accident. The MLA allegedly made disparaging remarks against an IPS officer who took action in the case, further escalating the controversy.

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Parl panel grills NTA officials over NEET-UG paper leak

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Members of Parliament questioned top National Testing Agency (NTA) officials about the NEET-UG paper leak, with the NTA stating the CBI is investigating the matter. The parliamentary panel also discussed measures to prevent future leaks and reforms within the NTA.

North 24 Parganas tense after Suvendu aide's murder

North 24 Parganas tense after Suvendu aide's murder

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tension prevailed in parts of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district after a BJP leader's close aide was shot dead, prompting increased security measures and protests.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

NEET paper leak: CBI arrests 5; TN CM Vijay calls for abolishing test

NEET paper leak: CBI arrests 5; TN CM Vijay calls for abolishing test

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The CBI has arrested five individuals and conducted searches across India in connection with the NEET UG paper leak case. Protests have intensified, and calls for the Education Minister's resignation have grown louder. Political parties are trading blame, and the Supreme Court is considering a plea for an overhaul of the National Testing Agency.

Bishnoi gang claims firing outside home of Punjabi actor Dosanjh's manager

Bishnoi gang claims firing outside home of Punjabi actor Dosanjh's manager

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Police are investigating claims of a firing incident outside the residence of Diljit Dosanjh's manager in Karnal, allegedly at the behest of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's aides. The incident has sparked a political row, with AAP accusing BJP of intimidation tactics after Dosanjh declined to join the party.

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Petrol, diesel prices hiked again within a week, up by 90 paise

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased for the second time in a week, following a long freeze on revisions. The increase comes as global crude prices surge and state-run oil firms look to recoup losses.

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have been fiscally stressed for a considerable period of time, and there are no easy ways to mobilise revenues to meet the cost of the promised freebies, particularly in the prevailing difficult economic scenario, points out M Govinda Rao.

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

MP Sandeep Pathak booked in two cases days after BJP switch, row erupts

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Punjab police registered two FIRs under sections for non-bailable offences against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. Both FIRs were filed in different districts of Punjab.

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Punjab police withdraw Harbhajan Singh's security after BJP switch

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Punjab Police has reportedly withdrawn the security cover for Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh after he switched from AAP to BJP. This follows protests by AAP workers outside the residences of Singh and other defectors.

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In Puducherry, where constituencies have fewer than 30,000 electors on average, it is usual for N Rangaswamy to call out people he knows by name during his roadside election meetings.

Nishant Kumar Set To Join Bihar Government on Thursday

Nishant Kumar Set To Join Bihar Government on Thursday

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, is poised to enter Bihar politics by joining the Samrat Choudhary government, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape.

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Cockroach Janata Party swings into action, demands Modi Minister's resignation

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The CJP's rapid rise on social media reflects growing digital dissent and youth frustration with issues like unemployment and exam-paper leaks.

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has directed the police to take strict action regarding an objectionable social media post allegedly targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Modi's Austerity Push Faces Reality Test

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Following through announcements with enforcement of measures is key, as a run through recent Indian economic history shows, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Vijay visits Lok Bhavan again, no word on govt formation

Vijay visits Lok Bhavan again, no word on govt formation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

TVK chief Vijay has arrived at the Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, a day after he staked claim to form the government with the support of the Congress party.

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led government in West Bengal will take oath on May 9, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, according to West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya. He also addressed post-election incidents and urged party workers to celebrate responsibly.

TMC moves EC over unauthorised postal ballot sorting at EVM strongroom

TMC moves EC over unauthorised postal ballot sorting at EVM strongroom

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The TMC has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at an EVM strongroom in Kolkata. TMC workers protested outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, claiming that postal ballots were taken to a room without CCTV coverage. Similar protests occurred at a strongroom in North 24 Parganas, while the BJP shared a video from Purba Bardhaman district.

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Bengal govt to probe Messi event chaos at Salt Lake Stadium

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The West Bengal government is set to investigate the chaotic scenes that marred Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata last year, with concerns raised over ticket sales, security, and administrative lapses.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee shared a poem titled 'Brave' after her party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls. The poem invokes courage, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a message to the TMC cadre.

Adhikari Or Ghosh: Who Will Be West Bengal Chief Minister?

Adhikari Or Ghosh: Who Will Be West Bengal Chief Minister?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari and Dilip Ghosh are the top contenders for West Bengal Chief Minister.

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

The Suvendu Adhikari You Must Know

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'When I asked Suvendu about the news that Didi was going to fight in his constituency, he said, 'Aami okhaney lorbo aar okhaney okey harabo (I will contest from there and defeat her there)' This was his comment while we were standing on the truck doing our roadshow.'

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Noida impact? BJP MLA urges Yogi govt to formulate labour welfare policy

Noida impact? BJP MLA urges Yogi govt to formulate labour welfare policy

Rediff.com1 May 2026

BJP MLA Dhirendra Singh has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to formulate a comprehensive policy covering education, healthcare, housing and social security for labourers.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a potential split after post-election disagreements, with one faction voting against the government and another defying party orders. Key leaders have been removed from their posts, and accusations are flying between the opposing sides.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Women voters in West Bengal appear to be shifting their priorities beyond financial assistance, placing greater emphasis on governance and accountability, according to post-election analysis. This shift may have contributed to the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) losses in the recent assembly election, as the BJP's promises and other factors influenced voter sentiment.

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.

Bengal polls: BJP heavyweights shine, a few big names stumble

Bengal polls: BJP heavyweights shine, a few big names stumble

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP experienced a mixed bag of results in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with several heavyweight candidates securing victories while others faced defeat. Key wins included Dilip Ghosh, Suvendu Adhikari, and others, but some prominent faces failed to win.