News for '-former-union'

We too should have committed cadre like RSS: Pawar

We too should have committed cadre like RSS: Pawar

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has praised the RSS for its dedicated cadre and urged his party to create a similar base committed to progressive ideas. He attributed the NCP's recent electoral setbacks to complacency and a failure to communicate its work for the OBC community. Pawar also emphasized the need for social engineering to address caste tensions and announced that 50% of the tickets for upcoming local body elections will be given to new faces.

Waqf panel releases draft report, rules out retrospective scrutiny

Waqf panel releases draft report, rules out retrospective scrutiny

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Seeking to allay fears that existing Waqf properties will be subject to scrutiny after the amended Waqf law comes into force, a parliamentary panel on Tuesday recommended that no cases will be reopened against such properties on a retrospective basis, provided the asset is not in dispute or belongs to the government.

Lalu meets this NDA ally, says he's ready to switch

Lalu meets this NDA ally, says he's ready to switch

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday dropped hints that the Mahagathbandhan helmed by his party might bring on board former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, whom the National Democratic Alliance has sidelined in favour of estranged nephew Chirag Paswan.

PMK patriarch Ramadoss, son clash during party meet

PMK patriarch Ramadoss, son clash during party meet

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Pattali Makkal Katchi President Anbumani on Saturday opposed a decision of his father, party founder S Ramadoss, in a party meeting in Puducherry on Saturday, and the octogenarian leader curtly said those who do not wish to follow his diktats should quit the outfit.

BJP plans massive outreach to gain Dalit votes in Delhi

BJP plans massive outreach to gain Dalit votes in Delhi

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The BJP is hopeful of improving its performance in Dalit-dominated constituencies in Delhi ahead of the February 5 assembly polls, following a sustained outreach campaign. The party failed to win any of the 12 SC reserved constituencies in the 2015 and 2020 elections. The party has been out of power in the city since 1998.

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Can Rekha Gupta Deliver BJP Promises To Delhi?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The monthly Rs 2500 payment for poor women is expected to cost Rs 11,000 crore while the pension scheme of Rs 2000 for every senior citizen will cost around Rs 4100 crore. The Yamuna clean up will cost over Rs 10,000 crore while a similar amount is required to upgrade Delhi's hospitals. Ultimately, the new BJP government will have no choice but to ask the centre for financial support, notes Rashme Sehgal.

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter's Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'Today, both in the hills and valley there is radicalised militant activity which poses a direct national security threat.' 'This kind of militancy in Manipur is unprecedented, I have never seen such largescale militancy in my life.'

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday turned 84 and celebrated his birthday with members of his family and well-wishers, including estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Former Union minister Jaswant Singh passes away

Former Union minister Jaswant Singh passes away

Rediff.com27 Sep 2020

Singh, a former Army officer, had been ill after a fall at his home in August 2014 and was admitted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital. He had been in and out of the hospital and was admitted again in June this year.

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Mega 39-member Parl panel to examine simultaneous polls bills

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A 39-member parliamentary panel has been constituted to examine the two bills proposing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The panel, chaired by BJP leader Bhratruhari Mahtab, will include prominent members from various political parties, including the BJP, Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK. The panel is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the first day of the last week of the next session. The government has decided to increase the committee's strength to include more political parties, highlighting the significance of this proposal to reform the election process in India.

Former Union minister Sukh Ram rejoins Congress

Former Union minister Sukh Ram rejoins Congress

Rediff.com25 Mar 2019

"For me, it is like homecoming," said the 93-year-old who returned for the second time to the Congress which he had last left ahead of the 2017 assembly elections to join the Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP leader kicks man trying to enter picture frame

BJP leader kicks man trying to enter picture frame

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

The video shows a person coming into the frame and Danve kicking him with his right leg, asking him to move aside.

YouTuber booked over fake video claiming Uma Bharti caught taking bribe

YouTuber booked over fake video claiming Uma Bharti caught taking bribe

Rediff.com29 Oct 2024

Police have registered a case after a video was uploaded on YouTube claiming that an Indian Police Service officer in disguise caught former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti while taking a bribe, an official said on Tuesday.

Pollution: Centre announces staggered working hours for Delhi staffers

Pollution: Centre announces staggered working hours for Delhi staffers

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Indian government has announced staggered working hours for its employees in Delhi due to the severe air pollution in the city. The move comes after a week of 'severe' pollution levels, which have slightly improved but are still in the 'very poor' zone. The order also encourages employees to pool vehicles and use public transport to minimize vehicular pollution.

BJP's Shaina, ex-minister Danve's daughter in Shinde Sena's third list

BJP's Shaina, ex-minister Danve's daughter in Shinde Sena's third list

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, announced the latest list which also has the name of Sanjana Jadhav, daughter of former Union minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve.

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

Voices of unity emerge within Pawar family, NCP factions

Voices of unity emerge within Pawar family, NCP factions

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MLA Rohit Pawar's mother Sunanda has emphasised the need for party factions led by veteran politician Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to come together as voices for unity emerged from both rival camps.

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Foreign secy to brief Parl panel on India-Canada ties on Wednesday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Misri is also likely to brief the parliamentary panel on the recent upswing in India's ties with China following the agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Mess with anyone but me: Sharad Pawar vows to defeat Ajit

Mess with anyone but me: Sharad Pawar vows to defeat Ajit

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The 83-year-old former Union minister emphasised his status as an undefeated politician since he became an MLA in 1967 at the age of 27 and said, "I have my own experiences."

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Why BJP Is A Divided House In Karnataka

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The BJP may be in the Opposition in many states, but nowhere is it as divided as it is in Karnataka, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Difference in EVM votes, but don't have proof: Sharad Pawar

Difference in EVM votes, but don't have proof: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has alleged misuse of power and money to control the election mechanism in Maharashtra, calling for a mass revolt. He cites claims of EVM manipulation by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and says that the situation was unprecedented, with money and power used to control the entire election process. Pawar also expressed concerns about the suppression of opposition voices in Parliament and the lack of response to concerns about EVM manipulation.

Maha poll: MLAs who revolted against Uddhav in Shinde Sena's 1st list

Maha poll: MLAs who revolted against Uddhav in Shinde Sena's 1st list

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

With this, the Shiv Sena has become the second major political party to release its list of candidates for the state assembly polls. Its ally BJP released a list of 99 candidates on Sunday.

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Daughter lights pyre, Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The mortal remains of former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh were consigned to flames at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday amid the chanting of religious hymns. The funeral pyre was lit by his eldest daughter Upinder Singh.

Mahayuti leaders spar amid suspense over Maharashtra CM

Mahayuti leaders spar amid suspense over Maharashtra CM

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

Discordant voices emerged on Sunday from the Mahayuti even as the alliance continued to remain in the throes of government formation more than week after it swept the Maharashtra assembly polls.

HC stays trial proceedings against Chidambaram in ED case

HC stays trial proceedings against Chidambaram in ED case

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The Delhi high court on Wednesday stayed the trial court proceedings against senior Congress leader P Chidambaram in the Aircel-Maxis case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate.

Fadnavis or Shinde: Who Will Be Maharashtra CM?

Fadnavis or Shinde: Who Will Be Maharashtra CM?

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The formation of a new government in Maharashtra has been delayed due to a disagreement between the Shiv Sena and BJP over who should be the next chief minister. Shiv Sena insists on Eknath Shinde continuing as CM while the BJP favors Devendra Fadnavis. The delay comes despite the BJP-led coalition winning a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. Sources suggest that the coalition has not reached a consensus on the CM, with various leaders from both parties voicing their opinions on the matter.

Upset BJP leaders to fight against ally Sena in Jalna

Upset BJP leaders to fight against ally Sena in Jalna

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have threatened to contest as Independents from Jalna in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls after the seat went to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as part of the Mahayuti's seat-sharing arrangement.

Can BJP, allies overcome Jarange threat in Jalna?

Can BJP, allies overcome Jarange threat in Jalna?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Jarange has repeatedly targeted the BJP warning that the community would defeat its candidates in the assembly polls, which will be held on November 20.

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

'Senior Vatican officials were pleasantly surprised at the number of Indians who had come to witness the ceremony.'

Sena cites Bihar model as BJP pushes Fadnavis for CM

Sena cites Bihar model as BJP pushes Fadnavis for CM

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The race for the Maharashtra Chief Minister post has intensified following the Mahayuti coalition's landslide victory in the state assembly polls. The Shiv Sena has backed Eknath Shinde for the top job, citing the Bihar model, while the BJP has thrown its weight behind Devendra Fadnavis, emphasizing his leadership qualities and understanding of the state. The BJP's preference for Fadnavis stems from its dominance in the alliance with 132 seats, compared to Shiv Sena's 57 seats. Amidst these developments, both parties have held meetings to discuss the matter, while Fadnavis and other BJP leaders have denied any dispute over the CM's post.

Dynasts continue to dominate Maharashtra polity

Dynasts continue to dominate Maharashtra polity

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections witnessed the continued influence of political dynasties, with prominent families retaining their strongholds across the state. The Thackareys and the Ranes emerged as dominant forces, securing victories in various regions. The Rane brothers, Nilesh and Nitesh, won in Sindhudurg, while Uday and Kiran Samant secured victories in Ratnagiri. In Mumbai, Aaditya Thackeray retained his Worli seat, while his cousin Varun Sardesai won in Vandre East. The results underscore the enduring power of family connections in Indian politics.

Former Union minister Kashiram Rana dead

Former Union minister Kashiram Rana dead

Rediff.com31 Aug 2012

Former Union Minister and dissident BJP leader Kashiram Rana, who recently joined Keshubhai Patel's Gujarat Parivartan Party, passed away early Friday morning, party sources said. He was 76.

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The BJP and Congress have called out the 'Delhi model' as a hoax, built on sustained propaganda when the ground reality is different.

Maharashtra farmers seek better pricing for produce

Maharashtra farmers seek better pricing for produce

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

A group of onion traders gathered at the Pimpalgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), near Nashik, to inspect one of the season's final harvests of red onions as they look to place their bids. They were surrounded by farmers, who brought their produce here from different parts of the district. Farmers have reasons to be optimistic.

Maharashtra polls heat up with family feuds across constituencies

Maharashtra polls heat up with family feuds across constituencies

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Amid parties accusing rivals of promoting dynastic politics, the November 20 Maharashtra assembly polls will see brothers, cousins and father-children in the fray, with members of the same family taking on each other in some seats.

Fadnavis set to be Maharashtra CM; party meet soon: BJP leader

Fadnavis set to be Maharashtra CM; party meet soon: BJP leader

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

The name of Devendra Fadnavis has been finalised as the new chief minister of Maharashtra who will be elected as the legislature party leader in a meeting to be held either on December 2 or 3, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said on Sunday night.

Party must identify those behind Haryana loss: Cong's Selja

Party must identify those behind Haryana loss: Cong's Selja

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

A blame game began in the Congress on Tuesday as it failed in its bid to come back to power in Haryana after 10 years, with senior party leader Kumari Selja saying the party high command should assess all reasons that led to the disappointing result and identify the people responsible.

Dissent in party as Pawar backs Patil's candidature

Dissent in party as Pawar backs Patil's candidature

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar's remarks on Monday virtually declaring new entrant Harshavardhan Patil's candidature for the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra has irked a section of party leaders that was eyeing ticket from the Indapur seat.