News for '-former-union'

Opposition questions Dhankhar's sudden resignation as VP

Opposition questions Dhankhar's sudden resignation as VP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The opposition has raised questions regarding Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as the vice president, with concerns about the reasons behind his decision and its timing.

Nitesh Rane calls Uddhav-Raj rally 'anti-Hindu'; BJP leader differs

Nitesh Rane calls Uddhav-Raj rally 'anti-Hindu'; BJP leader differs

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane criticizes Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's joint rally, calling it divisive and anti-Hindu. Senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar offers a more conciliatory view.

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Several opposition MPs, who had previously criticized former Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, are now praising him following his sudden resignation, with some even requesting him to reconsider.

358 tonnes of toxic Union Carbide waste incinerated

358 tonnes of toxic Union Carbide waste incinerated

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Incineration of entire 358 tonnes of toxic waste from the defunct Union Carbide factory finally concluded as contaminated soil and packaging material were burnt at a disposal plant in Madhya Pradesh's Pithampur on Thursday, over six months after the consignment was brought to the unit.

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President V V Giri's resignation in 1969 triggered political upheavals that saw the ruling party defy its own presidential nominee, the expulsion of a sitting prime minister by her party president, and a historic split in the Indian National Congress, recounts Utkarsh Mishra.

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

This was probably the largest such gathering in the country to protest the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report this week on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people. The investigation is ongoing, with the help of foreign experts, and the black box and voice recorder data are being analyzed.

Is fighting for farmers anti-national? Medha Patkar slams BJP walkout

Is fighting for farmers anti-national? Medha Patkar slams BJP walkout

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The panel, headed by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, had called Patkar to hear her views on the implementation and effectiveness of the land acquisition law enacted by Parliament when the Congress-led UPA government was in power in 2013.

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Shinde was speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Ami Shah at the inauguration ceremony of the 'Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre' built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune's Kondhwa.

Congress backs Uddhav, Sharad; distances from Raj Thackeray buzz

Congress backs Uddhav, Sharad; distances from Raj Thackeray buzz

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Chavan, however, made it clear that if the NCP merger happens and if that party goes with the National Democratic Alliance, it would become difficult for the Congress to continue the alliance with them in Maharashtra.

Akali leader Bikram Majithia arrested in DA case

Akali leader Bikram Majithia arrested in DA case

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Majithia and his wife claimed that members of the Vigilance Bureau barged into their house in Green Avenue in Amritsar. They claimed that a similar raid was conducted at their residence in Chandigarh.

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Tribals Fear New Threats As Naxalism Fades

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

If the threat from the 'Maovadis' (Maoists) is fading, the danger now lies with the 'MoUvadis' -- those who might exploit the resource-rich Abujhmad region through corporate or State-backed projects.

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

India to send multi-party delegations for diplomatic outreach

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The diplomatic exercise aimed at presenting India's stance against Pakistan on terror comes in the wake of Operation Sindoor -- the Indian offensive against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Tharoor heaps praise on Modi in article shared by PMO

Tharoor heaps praise on Modi in article shared by PMO

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's energy, dynamism and willingness to engage remains a 'prime asset' for India on the global stage but deserves greater backing, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Monday, in remarks that are likely to irk his party and widen the growing cracks in his ties with its leadership.

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Can R S Prasad's Team Convince Europe About Pakistan?

Rediff.com23 May 2025

An Indian delegation led by the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad will tour key European capitals to expose Pakistan's role in cross-border terrorism and State-sponsored extremism.

Signature row hits bid to oust HC judge over 'hate speech'

Signature row hits bid to oust HC judge over 'hate speech'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The Rajya Sabha secretariat has verified the signatures of 44 of the 55 MPs who had signed a notice to bring a motion for the removal of Allahabad high court Judge Shekhar Yadav over his 'hate speech' even as Kapil Sibal and nine others were yet to verify their signatures.

Kerala Congress passes the buck on Tharoor controversy

Kerala Congress passes the buck on Tharoor controversy

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Congress in Kerala on Sunday distanced itself from the controversy over Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the Centre's invite to lead a multi-party delegation abroad, stating that it is for the party high command to comment on the matter.

Tata Sons chief apologises for Air India crash, says AI171 had clean record

Tata Sons chief apologises for Air India crash, says AI171 had clean record

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

When specifically asked about the reason for the crash and whether Air India is privy to any preliminary findings, Chandrasekaran said, "One would have to wait for the probe to conclude."

Sack Vijay Shah for his embarrassing remarks on Col Qureshi: Uma Bharti

Sack Vijay Shah for his embarrassing remarks on Col Qureshi: Uma Bharti

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Bharti is probably the only BJP leader who has openly condemned Shah's remarks and sought action against him after the Madhya Pradesh high court ordered police to register an FIR against the minister earlier in the day.

BJP's Naqvi calls party minister a 'fool' for remark on Col Qureshi

BJP's Naqvi calls party minister a 'fool' for remark on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday condemned Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah's controversial remarks about Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a senior Army officer who briefed the media along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh during Operation Sindoor.

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Gehlot's remark hinted at a possible thaw between the two senior Congress leaders after years of political tussle.

'Sushasan Babu' Nitish Under Fire Over Rise In Crime

'Sushasan Babu' Nitish Under Fire Over Rise In Crime

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Ahead of the impending assembly polls, the rising crime graph and poor law and order situation have led to demands being revived to adopt UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's 'bulldozer' and police encounter policy in Bihar to deal with criminals.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Insecurity or jealousy? BJP hits out at Cong for ignoring Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government nominated Tharoor, who serves as chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, to lead one of the seven multi-party delegations abroad for putting across India's stand against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The delegations led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both Bharatiya Janata Party), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal-United), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar) will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

A statement issued by the parliamentary affairs ministry earlier on Saturday said the all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

T'gana CM asks 'how many Rafales shot down'; BJP's 'Gabbar' reply

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Reddy alleged that contracts worth thousands of crores were awarded to people close to Modi, who then purchased Rafale aircraft.

Not certain if INDIA bloc still intact: P Chidambaram

Not certain if INDIA bloc still intact: P Chidambaram

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The former Union finance minister warned that the INDIA bloc was fighting against a "formidable machinery", which must be fought on all fronts.

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.'

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Their shared brief: To assert India's case with clarity, rebut hostile narratives, and secure enduring partnerships for global counter-terror cooperation.

Why India Is Angry with Turkiye

Why India Is Angry with Turkiye

Rediff.com28 May 2025

India-Turkiye ties are strained over Ankara's Islamabad tilt, its arms links with Pakistan, and fallout from the Pahalgam terror attack.

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs and leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions.

Boxing Interim Committee fast-tracks key decisions

Boxing Interim Committee fast-tracks key decisions

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

In its latest order, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the Sports Ministry observer and the Returning Officer to issue a fresh election schedule before April 28, when the case is set to be heard again.

Nainar Nagendran set to lead TN BJP; Annamalai gets national role

Nainar Nagendran set to lead TN BJP; Annamalai gets national role

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

BJP legislator Nainar Nagendran will become the next state chief of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, succeeding K Annamalai, who is set for a national role. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in the city to review the party's functioning, praised Annamalai's work. Nagendran, the lone contestant, is the current state vice president and was formerly with the AIADMK. He is expected to be officially announced as the new state president soon.

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday said it was not stopping anyone from being part of diplomatic delegations to be sent to various countries following Operation Sindoor and that its leaders who have been named at the instance of the government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise.

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

'Time ripe for replacing collegium with NJAC or a better system'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar has argued for replacing the existing collegium system for judicial appointments, asserting that public sentiment leans toward an alternative mechanism, potentially resembling the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). He believes that the government has the authority to propose a revised constitutional amendment for judicial appointments that would withstand judicial scrutiny. Kumar also urged the Supreme Court to establish a robust internal process to address concerns within the judiciary, including allegations against judges.

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

HC to hear MJ Akbar's plea against Priya Ramani acquittal on Sep 19

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The Delhi High Court has postponed the hearing of former Union Minister MJ Akbar's appeal challenging the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in a criminal defamation case over her accusations of sexual harassment against him. The hearing has been adjourned to September 19 after Ramani's counsel sought an adjournment due to the unavailability of the senior lawyer arguing the case. Akbar had challenged the trial court's February 2021 order acquitting Ramani, arguing that the court erred in considering the case as a complaint for sexual harassment rather than defamation. The trial court had dismissed Akbar's defamation complaint and acquitted Ramani, saying no charges were proved against her.

'Are unresolved questions of Partition reflected in Pahalgam?'

'Are unresolved questions of Partition reflected in Pahalgam?'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The former Union minister said the question that was posed to the country then and faced it today was whether Muslims in India felt accepted, cherished and celebrated.