News for '-congress'

'Cleared exam but no job': Admitted to ICU, Jharkhand protester refuses to end fast

'Cleared exam but no job': Admitted to ICU, Jharkhand protester refuses to end fast

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Rahul Kranti, a 40-year-old protester, is on a hunger strike in Jharkhand, demanding the cancellation of all state-level recruitment exams conducted by JPSC and JSSC since 2019 and a CBI and ED probe into alleged irregularities. He claims to have cleared several exams but remains jobless due to corruption.

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Gandhis have served both the Congress and India. But it has been 12 years since the 2014 verdict, and the returns have been diminishing. It is time for them to step aside, let the party find its own footing, and allow someone else to make the hard calls. That is what the Congress needs. And frankly, it is what India needs too, points out Harishchandra.

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Trump's New Tariffs Face Legal Heat

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'Tariff action relating to the excess-capacity investigation will be even more susceptible to judicial overturn.'

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

'Rate cards' to poems: Jharkhand protesters get creative

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Jharkhand students are protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities with creative and non-violent methods, including mock job "rate cards," satirical posters, and recitations from the Mahabharata. Their agitation, spearheaded by the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, focuses on demanding reforms, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent probe, while adhering to a strict code of conduct against abusive language.

At presser, Rahul Gandhi demands Amit Shah's sacking, SC-monitored probe

At presser, Rahul Gandhi demands Amit Shah's sacking, SC-monitored probe

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticised the government over alleged police excesses against students, demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack Home Minister Amit Shah. Gandhi also called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the "brutalities" and accused the Lok Sabha of silencing him when he tried to speak on the issue.

My mother was abused, but we must forgive 'misguided' youth: Modi in new video

My mother was abused, but we must forgive 'misguided' youth: Modi in new video

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for forgiveness and guidance for students involved in NEET irregularity protests at Jantar Mantar, despite facing abusive language, stressing the importance of steering the youth towards the right path.

'Are they terrorists?': Cong blasts BJP for deploying AK-47 at Bihar protests

'Are they terrorists?': Cong blasts BJP for deploying AK-47 at Bihar protests

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticised the BJP government following allegations that AK-47 rifles were used against protesting students in Bihar, with Rahul Gandhi demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology and action against those responsible for the 'deadly attacks and brutality'.

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Finance Minister Explains MDR Impact On Digital Payments

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital transactions applies to merchants, not customers, and aims to support banks and fintech in infrastructure investment. She countered Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claims, stating that a committee will decide on MDR only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, a process currently stalled by parliamentary disruptions.

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

NEET row: Mumbai cop shunted after drug threat to student protesters

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Mumbai police on Thursday ordered a probe and removed a police driver from the duty roster after a viral video purportedly showed him threatening student protesters with false narcotics charges if they returned to demonstrate.

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Cong Shifts Strategy, Challenges PM's Authority

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Mamata's convoy attacked with mud, stones, slippers in Bengal

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's vehicle was surrounded by protesters, who allegedly hurled mud, slippers, and stones, while shouting 'chor' (thief) and 'dakait rani' (queen of thieves) slogans during her visit to Halisahar.

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Payments Council Confirms UPI Will Remain Free For Consumers And Small Merchants

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Payments Council of India has confirmed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services will continue to be free for consumers and small merchants, despite a recent Lok Sabha Bill. This clarification addresses concerns about potential charges, emphasising that while a sustainable financial model for UPI infrastructure is being developed, transaction charges will not be passed on to users or small businesses.

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Jharkhand paper leak protests continue as talks with govt fail

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Protesting aspirants in Jharkhand have vowed to continue their agitation over alleged paper leaks in recruitment exams, despite talks with a five-member government panel. The protesters, including JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto who is on a fast, demand the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into irregularities.

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Hiroshima Day: 6 Facts You Need To Know

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Hiroshima Day is observed on August 6. On that day, the United States B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb over the city of Hiroshima on May 6, 1945 changing the course of history.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Opposition to corner govt in Parl on 'police brutality' against students

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Congress-led Opposition is set to keep the pressure on the government in Parliament over the alleged police brutality against protesting students, demanding action against those responsible for the assault and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said on Sunday.

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

'Desperate' Modi, 'pathetic' video: Cong slams PM over midnight address to nation

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent video message on paper leaks as an 'eyewash', demanding the sacking of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the alleged brutality against student protestors. The party highlighted the government's initial denial of the NEET-UG 2026 leak and its perceived failure to address widespread irregularities.

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

'Too little, too late': Cong on PM's announcements to check paper leaks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of fast-track courts for paper leak cases, calling it "too little, too late" and a "deceptive" measure. The party demands accountability from the Modi government for its alleged failures in preventing and investigating paper leaks, specifically citing issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET investigations.

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

'Gaslighting': Oppn slams Modi's 'forgiveness' call to protesters

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to 'forgive' young protesters who used abusive language, accusing him of deflecting from issues of alleged police action and a 'broken education system'.

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Did Mohan Bhagwat Sync With Gen Z?

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

All's well with the State; it's the citizens who have to really buck up, was the sum and substance of Mohan Bhagwat's message to Gen Z.

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Jharkhand job exam row escalates; CM offers talks to students

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse.

National Herald case: HC gives Sonia, Rahul 3 weeks to reply on ED plea

National Herald case: HC gives Sonia, Rahul 3 weeks to reply on ED plea

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Delhi high court on Monday granted three weeks to Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and others to respond to a plea by the Enforcement Directorate challenging a trial court order that refused to take cognisance of its chargesheet against them in the National Herald-linked money laundering case.

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

'Don't intimidate me': History-sheeter dares Kerala home minister

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

History-sheeter Arjun Ayanki has publicly challenged Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, daring him to reinvestigate a case and warning him against intimidation. This comes as police intensify their search for Ayanki in connection with allegedly threatening a police officer. Ayanki, known for his involvement in a gold smuggling network, has multiple cases against him, including a recent one for his social media post against the minister.

India's youngest municipal chairperson ousted in trust vote

India's youngest municipal chairperson ousted in trust vote

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India's youngest municipal chairperson, Diya Binu, on Tuesday lost office after a no-confidence motion moved by the Left Democratic Front was passed in Kerala's Pala Municipality with the support of rebel Congress councillors, ending the United Democratic Front's rule in the civic body.

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Pradhan hits back at Rahul over NEET, says govt ready for Parliament debate

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for staging a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence regarding the NEET paper-leak issue. Pradhan accused Gandhi of using students as "political tools" to disrupt Parliament, while asserting the government's commitment to discussing NEET concerns in the House. The incident involved Gandhi and other opposition leaders being detained after refusing to end their sit-in.

BJP Leader Threatened Over Alleged Plot Against Congress Leaders

BJP Leader Threatened Over Alleged Plot Against Congress Leaders

Rediff.com29 May 2026

A BJP Minority Morcha leader in Nagpur, Jamal Anwarul Haq Siddiqui, reported receiving threatening WhatsApp messages demanding money for a conspiracy to target top Congress leaders.

Vande Mataram bill is first to be passed by both houses in this session

Vande Mataram bill is first to be passed by both houses in this session

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Parliament has passed The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making any insult to the national song Vande Mataram a criminal offence, punishable with imprisonment up to three years or a fine.

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

RS okays bill to make insulting Vande Mataram a criminal offence

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insult to the national song 'Vande Mataram' a criminal offence. The bill, which also covers other national symbols, was passed amidst protests from opposition parties regarding the NEET paper leak. Union Minister Nityanand Rai criticised the opposition's stance, emphasising the song's historical significance and its role in national unity.

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

They're India's future, Modi is past: Rahul meets protesting students

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has voiced strong support for protesting students, asserting that their demand for the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is non-negotiable. He contrasted the students as India's future with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the past, encouraging the students to continue their agitation at Jantar Mantar.

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

BJP launches extortion culture clean-up in Bengal; suspends 22 leaders

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

The ruling BJP in West Bengal has suspended 22 functionaries, including several mandal presidents, over allegations of extortion and indiscipline. This action follows public warnings from the party leadership against adopting an 'extortion culture' and comes ahead of a visit by BJP's central in-charge for West Bengal, Sunil Bansal, to review the party's organisation and the new government's functioning.

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has urged the Congress and CPI(M) to set aside their differences and unite under the INDIA bloc to fight the BJP in West Bengal. This marks a significant shift in the TMC's stance, which has historically been a bitter rival to the Congress and Left in the state.

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Modi present, NDA meeting showcases India's employment surge, sports boost

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders reviewed India's progress in international sports and significant growth in youth employment opportunities at their weekly parliamentary meeting.

'Delulu', 'clock it: Gen-Z lingo echoes in Parl during paper leak bill debate

'Delulu', 'clock it: Gen-Z lingo echoes in Parl during paper leak bill debate

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Parliament embraced Gen Z lingo during a Lok Sabha debate on the crucial anti-paper leak amendment bill.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

BJP greets Pradhan with 'zindabad' slogans at Parl, Cong fumes

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly criticised the BJP for felicitating former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned following student protests over the NEET exam controversy. They have also dismissed the government's proposed anti-paper leak legislation as a 'cosmetic Bill' and questioned the sincerity of education reforms.

Rahul brings protester 'injured by pellet gun' before media

Rahul brings protester 'injured by pellet gun' before media

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has intensified his criticism of the government, demanding the immediate removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi following alleged pellet gun injuries to student protesters.

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Kerala CM Deadlock Exposes Congress Weakness

Rediff.com13 May 2026

In a state known for high political literacy and ideological mobilisation, the Congress' inability to quickly settle on a leader after securing a massive mandate has fed a narrative that the party remains excessively dependent on Delhi, deeply faction-ridden and vulnerable to internal sabotage

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Next agitation to be 10 times bigger: Rahul's warning to BJP-RSS

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation amidst widespread student protests over the NEET paper leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi congratulated the youth, calling it a crucial step for education reform, and urged broader public action to hold the government accountable, demanding an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thieves Burgle Chhattisgarh Congress Office, Steal Taps

Thieves Burgle Chhattisgarh Congress Office, Steal Taps

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Unidentified thieves broke into the district Congress office in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, for the third time in recent months, stealing 73 water taps and leaving a mocking note for the police.

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.