News for '-former-union'

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune following a prolonged illness. He was 81 and had served as Union Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Supreme Court lifts Anurag Thakur's BCCI ban

Supreme Court lifts Anurag Thakur's BCCI ban

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

In a relief to former BCCI president Anurag Thakur, the Supreme Court on Thursday cleared decks for his association with the board by modifying its January 2017 order.

Sharad Pawar hospitalised in Pune with chest infection; stable

Sharad Pawar hospitalised in Pune with chest infection; stable

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar was admitted to a private hospital in Pune after experiencing cough and breathing difficulties. Doctors are evaluating his condition.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Despite Cong flak, Aiyar sticks to claim of Vijayan's return

Rediff.com4 days ago

Aiyar's endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp rebukes from his own party.

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'President's Rule has already been extended twice and one cannot keep the assembly in suspension for much longer.'

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were held with full state honors in Baramati. Prominent leaders and thousands of mourners attended the funeral.

'He has no right': Pawar slams Fadnavis on NCP merger talks

'He has no right': Pawar slams Fadnavis on NCP merger talks

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

After his death, Sharad Pawar and other leaders of his party claimed that merger talks were in advanced stages and Ajit Pawar had finalised February 12 as the date to announce reunification between the rival factions.

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Biren Singh relinquished the post on February 9 last year amid rumblings within the state BJP seeking a change of leadership in strife-torn Manipur.

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The process to merge the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.

Consensus in NCP to make Sunetra Pawar deputy CM: Praful Patel

Consensus in NCP to make Sunetra Pawar deputy CM: Praful Patel

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Nationalist Congress Party considers Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, for the position of NCP legislature leader, emphasizing the importance of family consent in the decision-making process.

Anil Ambani, ADAG slapped fresh notices on PIL over fraud

Anil Ambani, ADAG slapped fresh notices on PIL over fraud

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court on Friday issued fresh notices to Anil Ambani and the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) on a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged massive banking and corporate fraud involving the firm and its group companies.

Jalna: Gauri Lankesh murder accused wins amid BJP sweep

Jalna: Gauri Lankesh murder accused wins amid BJP sweep

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Pangarkar had contested as an Independent candidate from electoral ward No. 13. He defeated his nearest rival, Raosaheb Dhoble of the BJP.

PMK's Anbumani faction joins NDA in TN, more parties to join alliance

PMK's Anbumani faction joins NDA in TN, more parties to join alliance

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The PMK leader said that he came into the NDA fold to defeat the "anti-people" ruling DMK.

Rane denies retirement plans, says remarks misinterpreted

Rane denies retirement plans, says remarks misinterpreted

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Union minister Narayan Rane has dismissed speculation about his retirement, saying his remarks made at a public rally recently were misinterpreted and reaffirming his commitment to active politics.

Budget may signal new cooperative ambition

Budget may signal new cooperative ambition

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27 is expected to sketch out a road map for trebling the cooperative sector's contribution to the Indian economy over the next decade, with the aim of bringing 500 million people within its ambit, in line with the objectives of the National Cooperative Policy, 2025.

Stray dogs matter: SC says Maneka Gandhi 'committed contempt'

Stray dogs matter: SC says Maneka Gandhi 'committed contempt'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Questioning senior advocate Raju Ramachandran who appeared for Gandhi, the bench said, "You said the court should be circumspect in its remark but have you asked your client what kind of remarks she has made? Have you heard her podcast? She has made all kinds of remarks against everybody without even thinking. Have you seen her body language?"

Punjab CM Mann appears before Akal Takht, submits clarification

Punjab CM Mann appears before Akal Takht, submits clarification

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appeared before the Akal Takht Secretariat after being summoned for alleged remarks on Sikh traditions. He submitted his clarification and expressed respect for the Akal Takht's authority.

Cong's Prithviraj Chavan defends Mamdani's note for Umar Khalid

Cong's Prithviraj Chavan defends Mamdani's note for Umar Khalid

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan defends New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's note for jailed activist Umar Khalid, emphasizing the importance of human rights.

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the NIA regarding the detention of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case, asking the agency to justify his detention for over six years.

Rahul Gandhi, Gautam Adani visit Pawar's residence

Rahul Gandhi, Gautam Adani visit Pawar's residence

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Political and business leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Gautam Adani, gathered at Sharad Pawar's residence for a pre-birthday dinner.

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

BJP accuses TMC's Kirti Azad of vaping in Parl; party seeks full video

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The BJP has accused TMC MP Kirti Azad of vaping in the Lok Sabha, leading to a political spat. TMC demands the release of full video footage before commenting.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

Day after Bihar win, BJP suspends ex-MP RK Singh

Day after Bihar win, BJP suspends ex-MP RK Singh

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Singh has been critical of leaders, like Samrat Choudhary and a former state BJP president, for their alleged involvement in criminal cases.

Airfares May Surge After Court Order

Airfares May Surge After Court Order

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The cost of any flight from Delhi and Mumbai could rise by up to Rs 3,000 soon unless the airport regulator is able to reverse a court order.

'Filthy kidney' accusers must debate me publicly: Lalu's daughter

'Filthy kidney' accusers must debate me publicly: Lalu's daughter

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya has strongly criticized those who accused her of donating a 'filthy kidney' to her father and challenged them to an open debate. She also urged people to donate kidneys to those in need in Lalu Prasad's name.

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

Sidda, Shivakumar land in Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Sidda, Shivakumar land in Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar visit New Delhi amid speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, meeting with Rahul Gandhi and fueling political buzz.

Indian student, missing for 19 days, found dead inside dam in Russia

Indian student, missing for 19 days, found dead inside dam in Russia

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

According to family members, Ajit's parents had sold a part of their farmland to fund his medical studies abroad. His brother is preparing for competitive examinations in Alwar.

'Welfare doesn't happen by distributing money in elections'

'Welfare doesn't happen by distributing money in elections'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Some states have become more populous, while others have become less populous. Those who became less populous became economically strong. Those where population increased, they became economically weak

SC seeks replies from Centre, CBI, ED, Anil Ambani on PIL

SC seeks replies from Centre, CBI, ED, Anil Ambani on PIL

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday sought responses from the Centre, CBI, ED, Anil Ambani and the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) on a PIL seeking a court-monitored probe into alleged massive banking and corporate fraud involving the ADAG and its group companies.

Nitish set to take oath as Bihar CM for 10th time, Modi to attend

Nitish set to take oath as Bihar CM for 10th time, Modi to attend

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn-in as Bihar chief minister for a record 10th time on Thursday, days after the National Democratic Alliance secured a landslide victory in the assembly elections.

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday asserted that the opposition coalition was certain to form the next government in Bihar, and the swearing-in will take place four days after the results of assembly polls are declared.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and several other top leaders of the NDA.

Let Fadnavis probe: Pawar on grandnephew's land deal

Let Fadnavis probe: Pawar on grandnephew's land deal

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

Citing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar on Saturday supported a probe into the controversial land deal allegedly linked to the company of his grandnephew Parth Pawar.

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Centre says no final call on Chandigarh proposal amid Punjab uproar

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Centre's move on Chandigarh has raised the hackles of various parties in Punjab, with Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal terming it as a "direct attack" on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.

NDA begins govt formation talks in Bihar after landslide victory

NDA begins govt formation talks in Bihar after landslide victory

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Following their landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls, NDA leaders have begun discussions on forming a new government. Key coalition partners visited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence, expressing support for his continued leadership. The article also touches on political developments within the RJD and reactions to the election results.

The Loneliness Of Tejashwi Yadav

The Loneliness Of Tejashwi Yadav

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

His inheritance was a double-edged sword because the NDA was understandably interested only in highlighting that part of the RJD's tenure in government that evokes kidnapping, extortion, and lawlessness.

Operation Blue Star was wrong, Mrs Gandhi paid with life: P Chidambaram

Operation Blue Star was wrong, Mrs Gandhi paid with life: P Chidambaram

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Chidambaram said that Operation Black Thunder was the right way to retrieve the Golden Temple, by keeping the Army out of the Sikh worship place.