News for '-jairam-ramesh'

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Urged Modi in 2010 to conserve Great Indian Bustard: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalls writing to Narendra Modi in 2010 about conserving the Great Indian Bustard, amid recent announcements of successful conservation efforts.

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Pradhan's resignation only beginning: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

The Congress party has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that the 'rot' in India's education system is profound. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted alleged scams in Maharashtra's engineering admissions and discrepancies between entrance exam and board results, urging deep introspection beyond mere legislative fixes for paper leaks.

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Full Vande Mataram sung at Cong's Independence Day event, BJP says Sonia objected to it

Rediff.com13 hours ago

The BJP accused Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of objecting to the full version of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, sparking a political row. The Congress denied the charge, stating Gandhi was only seeking a chair for party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and clarified the historical context of the song's usage.

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.

Churning reels not enough, youth need jobs: Congress slams Modi

Churning reels not enough, youth need jobs: Congress slams Modi

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Congress party has accused the Modi government of creating a "deep crisis" in India's job market due to its "flawed" economic and employment policies. Citing a media report on a 27% decline in new jobs at major companies, the opposition party stated that the government is engaged in "headline management" and "politics of distraction" instead of addressing the youth employment crisis.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com21 hours ago

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

What happened to 2024 exam panel's recommentations, asks Congress

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government's announcement of a new committee on exam reforms, alleging it is a tactic to divert public attention. The opposition highlighted that recommendations from a previous committee formed in 2024 remain largely unimplemented, while Prime Minister Modi has now constituted another high-powered task force led by Nandan Nilekani to reform NTA examinations.

'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.

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.'

Cong issues three-day LS, RS whip to its MPs ahead of FCRA Bill debate

Cong issues three-day LS, RS whip to its MPs ahead of FCRA Bill debate

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Congress party has issued a whip to its MPs in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, mandating their presence from August 10-12 for discussions on "very important" issues. This directive comes amidst reports of potential debates on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, and a Constitution Amendment Bill concerning delimitation, though the government's official business list did not explicitly mention these.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

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.

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Govt plans to send FCRA Bill to joint Parl panel for scrutiny

Rediff.com4 days ago

The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.

23 parties to attend INDIA meet; DMK, AAP to stay away

23 parties to attend INDIA meet; DMK, AAP to stay away

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said there are some parties that have expressed their inability to attend this particular meeting for their own reasons.

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Uncertainty looms over key bills as monsoon session heads for washout

Rediff.com5 days ago

Major bills, including those on women's reservation, delimitation, and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), face an uncertain future in the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament due to persistent opposition protests and a lack of consensus.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

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.

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

BJP sources said the government would introduce a fresh Bill on the issue and has reached out to parties that opposed the earlier legislation.

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Twenty-three political parties and an Independent MP have jointly written to Chief Justice Surya Kant regarding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and other election-related issues, a move spearheaded by the INDIA bloc.

'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.

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

The Congress party is set to challenge the Modi government on a range of critical issues, including alleged theft of Ram temple donations, 'systemic corrosion' of the education system, and constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation and dismissal of ministers, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege notice against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a parliamentary committee, claiming he lowered the dignity of Parliament.

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal has termed the land scam allegations against Yadav as "baseless", saying whenever the state has a CM from the backward class, the Congress attempts to weaken him.

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed "baseless" rumours of a possible merger with the Congress, despite recent meetings between TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, which occurred amidst significant internal rebellion within the TMC following its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

CBSE chairman, secretary removed from positions after OSM fiasco

CBSE chairman, secretary removed from positions after OSM fiasco

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The chairman and secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have been removed from their positions following allegations of irregularities in the digital evaluation system for the class 12 examination process.

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has formally appealed to the Election Commission, demanding an immediate reversal of the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, labelling the decision as 'egregious' and a 'subversion of democracy'.

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Modi under Cong fire over US statements after killing of Indian seafarers

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Congress on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the US' statements after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks on ships, with party leader Rahul Gandhi saying the "compromised PM" listens "like an obedient servant" and "complies with the orders".

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Cong moves privilege notice against Modi over address to nation

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress MP K C Venugopal has submitted a privilege notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging breach of privilege during a recent address to the nation.

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The opposition parties in India have announced a boycott of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election, citing the Modi government's failure to appoint a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years and lack of consultation.

Asim Munir becoming 'huge favourite' of...: Cong slams govt over Pak's role in US-Iran deal

Asim Munir becoming 'huge favourite' of...: Cong slams govt over Pak's role in US-Iran deal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over Pakistan's involvement in US-Iran peace talks, calling it a 'monumental setback' for India's diplomatic efforts.

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening internal crisis marked by fresh resignations and an escalating rebellion, even as its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss opposition coordination and the future of the INDIA bloc.

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

NEET leak: Doctors' body denied presentation before Parl panel

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the NEET and CUET UG 2026 exams, the National Testing Agency (NTA) faced tough questions from a parliamentary standing committee regarding safeguards against paper leaks and hacking vulnerabilities.

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Harivansh is likely to be elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman for a third term as the opposition has decided to boycott the election in protest.