News for 'All States Power Ministers Conference'

Pilot Claims Vijayan and Modi Follow Similar Political Approaches

Pilot Claims Vijayan and Modi Follow Similar Political Approaches

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of following similar political approaches to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a tacit understanding between the CPI(M) and the BJP in Kerala.

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Chennithala Alleges Kerala Government Protecting CPI(M) Leaders in Sabarimala Case

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the Kerala government of protecting CPI(M) leaders allegedly involved in the Sabarimala temple gold loss case and failing to address other issues related to the temple.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has held no "direct" talks with the United States as of now and added that it has received messages through some mediators regarding the US' desire for negotiations.

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Israel will continue its offensive in South Lebanon aimed at neutralising the threat from Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the West Bengal government's handling of an incident in Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly attacked. The BJP has accused the TMC of orchestrating the event to obstruct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and protect Rohingyas.

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Iran War: Trump Is Notoriously Prone To Mood Swings

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Chaffing under public ridicule in the US as well as internationally for having 'lost' the war, Trump is under immense pressure to do something, cautions Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Legendary photojournalist Raghu Rai dies at 83

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Raghu Rai, one of India's most celebrated photographers, passed away at a private hospital in New Delhi at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Shah Alleges Bengal Infiltration Threatens National Security

Shah Alleges Bengal Infiltration Threatens National Security

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharpened the BJP's campaign for the West Bengal assembly polls, releasing a 'charge sheet' against the TMC government and framing the election as a battle for the country's security.

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Political observers said the announcement assumes significance as the state prepares for the assembly elections, with political parties stepping up outreach to various community groups.

Shah Targets TMC, Cites Infiltration and Appeasement Politics in West Bengal

Shah Targets TMC, Cites Infiltration and Appeasement Politics in West Bengal

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging that its policies have led to increased infiltration and threaten national security. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle against these issues, promising change if the BJP comes to power.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

Piyush Goyal rejects reports on India holding off US trade deal

Piyush Goyal rejects reports on India holding off US trade deal

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Piyush Goyal on Friday rejected reports suggesting that India is planning to hold off trade deal with the United States for several months.

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

SC orders CBI probe into Arunachal contracts linked to CM's kin

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the awarding of public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh to companies allegedly owned by family members of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The alliance between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and AIMIM in West Bengal has collapsed following allegations of a multi-crore deal with the BJP, leading to AIMIM's withdrawal and both parties planning to contest the elections independently.

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya refutes Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims of the BJP bringing in outsiders to cause trouble, accusing her of desperation ahead of the assembly elections and highlighting alleged failures of the TMC government.

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and his party of acting as the BJP's 'B-team'. Vijayan's remarks follow Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP due to alleged inaction in corruption cases against Vijayan.

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Guterres emphasised that global structures and institutions must reflect the complexity and the opportunity of the "new times and realities"

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The counting of votes for all 824 seats across four states and one Union Territory will be held on May 4.

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

'Not a poet': Tamil writers revolt over Jnanpith for Vairamuthu

'Not a poet': Tamil writers revolt over Jnanpith for Vairamuthu

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Jnanpith Award conferred upon lyricist Vairamuthu has ignited controversy within the Tamil literary community, with prominent figures like Jeyamohan and Charu Nivedita criticising the decision due to #MeToo allegations and questioning his literary merit.

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue targeting Iranian leaders, claiming recent successes in eliminating key figures. He asserted that Israel, with US support, aims to undermine the Iranian regime and empower the Iranian people.

Congress Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Election

Congress Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Election

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has accused the CPI(M) and BJP of forming a 'nexus' in the ongoing Kerala election, alleging a tacit understanding between the parties. He also highlighted the UDF's promises, including free KSRTC bus travel for women and increased welfare pensions.

Congress Alleges CPI(M)-BJP Deal in Kerala Election

Congress Alleges CPI(M)-BJP Deal in Kerala Election

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has accused the CPI(M) and BJP of forming a nexus in the ongoing Kerala election, alleging a deal to help each other, while also highlighting the UDF's promises, including free bus travel for women and increased welfare pensions.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Who among Opposition party MPs has so much power that they raise some issue and the government implements it? The answer is no one except Raghav Chadha.'

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Games, Challenges Amit Shah to Public Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Political Games, Challenges Amit Shah to Public Debate

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to a debate on governance, accusing the BJP of political manipulation and misrepresenting West Bengal's financial situation. He also criticised the BJP's record on women's safety and alleged the Centre was withholding funds from West Bengal.

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Sonam Wangchuk seeks 'meaningful dialogue' with Centre

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, recently released from detention, calls for constructive dialogue between the government and the people of Ladakh, viewing his release as a positive step towards building trust.

T20 World Cup: Can India Turn Super Eight Tension Into Triumph?

T20 World Cup: Can India Turn Super Eight Tension Into Triumph?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

It takes a lot of mental strength to play in front of nearly 100,000 people in Ahmedabad. Even the bravest can succumb to the tension.

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Uddhav Sena-MNS manifesto promises free power, allowance for domestic helps

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS release a joint manifesto for Mumbai civic polls, promising free power, allowances for domestic helps, and property tax waivers.

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

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

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

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

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was held under the National Security Act following protests in Ladakh.