News for '-gandhi'

'Worst own goal': Mani Shankar Aiyar slams Cong-TVK tie-up

'Worst own goal': Mani Shankar Aiyar slams Cong-TVK tie-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has criticised his party's decision to ally with the TVK in Tamil Nadu, calling it 'dreadful' and 'low political opportunism'. He fears it could facilitate the entry of the BJP into Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political landscape.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Karnataka CM won't be changed 'for now': Kharge

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed speculation about a change in Karnataka's Chief Minister, stating that there would be no change 'for now' and that the leadership issue would be resolved soon. The statement comes amid rumours of a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after the results of assembly elections in other states are announced.

'Saif Ali Khan Is Angrez, But When He's Performing...'

'Saif Ali Khan Is Angrez, But When He's Performing...'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'He is 500 times better than you think he is.'

Kingmaker? Congress claims Vijay seeks support to form govt in TN

Kingmaker? Congress claims Vijay seeks support to form govt in TN

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress party is considering supporting TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, following a request from TVK chief Vijay. The party leadership has directed the Tamil Nadu unit to make a final decision, keeping in mind the state's sentiments and commitment to a secular government.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Congress To Accept High Command's Decision On Kerala CM

Congress To Accept High Command's Decision On Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala stated that the party will accept the high command's decision regarding the chief ministerial post in Kerala. He emphasised that the delay in the decision-making process is part of a democratic procedure and urged party workers to refrain from protests.

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has launched three key schemes focusing on electricity subsidies, women's safety, and drug eradication, fulfilling his election promises after his party's recent victory.

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Rediff.com8 May 2026

TVK's chances of forming a government in Tamil Nadu are uncertain as it seeks support from Left parties and VCK after winning its maiden Assembly election. The Left parties are deliberating, while VCK will announce its decision on Saturday, adding suspense to the political situation.

Delhi Airport: Passengers Held With Hydroponic Weed Worth Crores

Delhi Airport: Passengers Held With Hydroponic Weed Worth Crores

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Customs officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport seized suspected hydroponic weed (ganja) valued around Rs 34.93 crore from two passengers arriving from Bangkok. The passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act.

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces challenges after recent state election defeats for key members like TMC and DMK, potentially shifting internal dynamics and leadership considerations.

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Gandhi Talks Review: Underwhelming

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The fact that a major studio put out a silent film starring some of the biggest names in the industry in these concerning times for the film business is the one big takeaway from Gandhi Talks, notes Arjun Menon.

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

Rediff.com8 May 2026

As Vijay prepares for his next innings as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he would do well to learn from the life lessons of NTR.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com6 days ago

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

St Stephen's College Names First Woman Principal Since 1881

St Stephen's College Names First Woman Principal Since 1881

Rediff.com12 May 2026

St Stephen's College, Delhi University, has appointed Professor Susan Elias as its first woman principal since its establishment in 1881. The appointment is effective from June 1, 2026.

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

VB-G RAM G Act to replace MGNREGA: What Changes For Rural Workers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has announced the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, effective July 1. The new scheme aims to expand guaranteed wage employment and link it more closely with infrastructure development and climate resilience, but faces concerns from opposition parties and labour rights activists.

Two Indians Arrested At Delhi Airport For Smuggling Marijuana

Two Indians Arrested At Delhi Airport For Smuggling Marijuana

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Customs officers at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport have arrested two Indian passengers for allegedly smuggling suspected marijuana worth nearly Rs 9 crore from Vietnam.

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

'Calculated campaign': HC initiates contempt action against Kejriwal, others

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Delhi High Court has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against several AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, for their social media posts against a judge in relation to the excise policy case.

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

Ananya's Fashionable Day Out With Boman Irani

Ananya's Fashionable Day Out With Boman Irani

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Boman Irani started Spiral Bound in 2020, a platform to mentor budding writers and directors, and the project now reportedly has more than 2,000 members with 865 sessions, both online and offline. On May 1, film folk got together to celebrate its sixth anniversary in Mumbai.

How A Woman's Quick Thinking Saved A Girl On A Train

How A Woman's Quick Thinking Saved A Girl On A Train

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A woman in Kerala helped rescue a six-year-old girl from an alleged act of harassment aboard a train by videographing the accused's suspicious behaviour, which aided in his identification and arrest.

CM Vijay promises to be the only power centre in Tamil Nadu

CM Vijay promises to be the only power centre in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

C Joseph Vijay was sworn in as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, marking the first non-DMK, non-AIADMK government in the state in 60 years. The ceremony was attended by Rahul Gandhi, and Vijay promised transparent governance and asserted his sole authority. He signed files to implement key promises, including free power for domestic consumers.

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

'Vijay Hasn't Displaced The Dravidian Frame. He Has Tried To Repossess It'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay did not defeat Dravidian politics from outside. He entered the Dravidian field and claimed ownership of it. 'His argument was not that the room should be destroyed. It was that the present occupants no longer deserved to remain in it.'

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'If a floor test happens, one group of MLAs may abstain to allow the confidence vote to pass. So theoretically, he can run a minority government as long as the others won't join each other to vote him out.'

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a notable victory in its debut election, ending the dominance of DMK and AIADMK.

Shimla Student Commits Suicide After Class 12 Exam Failure

Shimla Student Commits Suicide After Class 12 Exam Failure

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A student in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, allegedly committed suicide after failing his Class 12 exams. The student was found in his rented accommodation in Annadale, and police are investigating the incident.

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi playfully remarked on his and PM Modi's lack of 'the wife issue' during a Lok Sabha debate, highlighting the influence of women in everyone's lives.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

RSP Unhappy With Congress Over Kerala CM Selection Delay

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), a key ally in the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition, has voiced its discontent with the Congress party over the prolonged delay in selecting a Chief Minister for Kerala, describing the situation as a 'political uncertainty' that is 'unfortunate'.

Sri Lankans Held At Delhi Airport With Marijuana Worth Crores

Sri Lankans Held At Delhi Airport With Marijuana Worth Crores

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Customs officers at Delhi airport arrested three Sri Lankan passengers arriving from China for allegedly smuggling marijuana worth Rs 11.63 crore.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

'Rahul Gandhi told me he also feels humiliated'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah, who resigned recently, is set to join the BJP, citing humiliation within the Congress party. He also responded to allegations of accepting money to switch parties.

Marijuana Worth Over Rs 24 Crore Seized At Delhi Airport

Marijuana Worth Over Rs 24 Crore Seized At Delhi Airport

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Customs officials at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport seized over 24 kg of suspected marijuana, valued at over Rs 24 crore, in three separate cases involving passengers arriving from Bangkok.

9 TVK ministers to be sworn in along with Vijay

9 TVK ministers to be sworn in along with Vijay

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a majority in the Assembly with coalition support. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai.

Kota man threatens to shoot Rahul Gandhi, Opposition MPs

Kota man threatens to shoot Rahul Gandhi, Opposition MPs

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

A man in Rajasthan was detained by police for allegedly posting a video threatening to shoot Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 25 other MPs. The man identified himself as a spokesperson for the Karni Sena, though both the BJP and Karni Sena have denied any association with him.

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings eye big turnaround in Dharamshala

IPL 2026: Punjab Kings eye big turnaround in Dharamshala

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Kings aims to regain winning momentum as they move to their home base in Dharamshala for a crucial three-match stint, following a loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad