News for 'Assemblies of the states'

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Kerala's Economic Crisis: BJP Points Finger At UDF, LDF

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and B B Gopakumar have accused both the UDF and LDF governments of pushing Kerala into an economic crisis. They criticised the lack of solutions from the ruling fronts, highlighted the state's high public debt, and questioned the allocation of revenue for development versus salaries and pensions.

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The opposition in the Maharashtra assembly has alleged that teak wood smugglers in the Chandrapur district are receiving political protection, hindering efforts to combat illegal logging.

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.

Mystery fire destroys 4,000 EVMS stored in Kolkata govt building

Mystery fire destroys 4,000 EVMS stored in Kolkata govt building

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

West Bengal minister Kaushik Chowdhury on Thursday said that around 4,000 EVMs were gutted in a government building fire in Kolkata, as the police launched an investigation following the registration of an FIR in connection with the incident.

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Fewer phases, delayed counting: Key changes in 5 state election

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The announced election schedule for five assemblies reveals fewer phases, a condensed voting period, longer gaps between polling days, and a delayed counting process compared to previous elections.

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

NEET heat on Pradhan: CJP gets police nod for second Delhi stir on Saturday

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. The party highlighted student suicides linked to the issue and called for compensation for affected families.

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three BJP candidates have been declared elected unopposed in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress party has moved the Supreme Court against the rejection of its candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination.

Mala SHO Found Hanging In Official Quarters

Mala SHO Found Hanging In Official Quarters

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 45-year-old Station House Officer (SHO) of Mala police station, Rajesh R, was found hanging in his official quarters in Thrissur, Kerala. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, with police examining for a suicide note and recording statements from colleagues and family.

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra have been disqualified from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme after failing to meet the e-KYC deadline, leading to accusations from opposition parties that the state government is reducing beneficiaries due to financial constraints.

Karnataka Gang Rape: How Viral Video Led To Arrest Of 10 Accused

Karnataka Gang Rape: How Viral Video Led To Arrest Of 10 Accused

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A 41-year-old woman was allegedly drugged and gang-raped in Davangere, Karnataka, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals. The incident came to light after videos of the victim in an intoxicated state, recorded by the accused, went viral on WhatsApp. Police have registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act, with investigations ongoing.

Karnataka Gang Rape: How Viral Video Led To Arrest Of 10 Accused

Karnataka Gang Rape: How Viral Video Led To Arrest Of 10 Accused

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A 41-year-old woman was allegedly drugged and gang-raped in Davangere, Karnataka, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals. The incident came to light after videos of the victim in an intoxicated state, recorded by the accused, went viral on WhatsApp. Police have registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act, with investigations ongoing.

TMC revolt brings NDA closer to two-thirds mark in RS; LS goal distant

TMC revolt brings NDA closer to two-thirds mark in RS; LS goal distant

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A rebellion within the Trinamool Congress is expected to significantly increase the NDA's numbers in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, bringing the ruling alliance closer to a two-thirds majority needed for constitutional amendments. This shift is driven by upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, TMC MP resignations, and potential support from defecting TMC Lok Sabha members.

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amid a significant split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), two "dissident" MPs, June Maliah and Deepak Adhikari (Dev), along with an MLA, attended an administrative meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This event follows a major rebellion within the TMC, where 20 Lok Sabha MPs reportedly declared support for the BJP-led NDA as a separate bloc.

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting, National Democratic Alliance-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, defeating the Congress's Pranav Jha, an official said.

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police conducted raids on the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others in connection with an incident where they allegedly stormed a police station and attempted to forcibly release a detainee. Police have also issued a lookout circular against Majithia to prevent him from leaving the country.

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, is expected to significantly ease India's crude oil supply risks, lower freight costs, and reduce inflationary pressures, as global oil prices have already dropped.

Mahant Brutally Murdered In Kota Over Trust Dispute

Mahant Brutally Murdered In Kota Over Trust Dispute

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A 35-year-old Mahant of Chandrasel Math in Kota was brutally stabbed to death by unidentified assailants. Police suspect the motive behind the murder is a dispute over the ownership of the Math's trust and the Mahant's position. Religious leaders and family members are refusing to perform last rites until the culprits are apprehended, drawing condemnation from the Leader of Opposition.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

INDIA bloc meet: Oppn leaders seek unity; DMK, AAP skip

INDIA bloc meet: Oppn leaders seek unity; DMK, AAP skip

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Leaders from several opposition parties within the INDIA bloc convened in New Delhi, stressing the critical need for unity to safeguard democratic values and address pressing issues like people's livelihoods, despite recent internal differences and electoral setbacks.

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

An NSUI leader has filed an FIR alleging assault and threats by aides of a BJP legislator near the Rajasthan Assembly, prompting condemnation and calls for investigation.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

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'.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Congress party has announced its seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakravarty, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pranav Jha, representing various states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The elections are set for June 18.

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The dramatic development marked the culmination of a revolt that began with allegations of forged signatures on a letter proposing a Leader of Opposition and snowballed into an open challenge to the party leadership following the TMC's defeat at the hands of the BJP in the assembly elections.

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Speculation about a possible rapprochement or merger between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has exposed deep divisions within the Congress's West Bengal unit, with senior state leaders vocally opposing any alliance with Mamata Banerjee.

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Born in Tamil Nadu, Made for the World: Hyundai to make TN its EV hub

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) announced plans to make Tamil Nadu its 'flagship EV hub for India', committing over 26,000 crore in investment, enhancing localisation, and creating approximately 2,000 additional jobs over the next five to six years. The company will roll out two new EV models from its Chennai facility this year, including its first mass-market dedicated EV.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mizoram has long maintained one of the country's strictest prohibition regimes.

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP rigged the West Bengal elections and announces plans for a nationwide anti-BJP alliance. She also protests against post-poll violence and arrests of TMC workers.

Dera chief Ram Rahim gets 30-day parole, 16th time since conviction

Dera chief Ram Rahim gets 30-day parole, 16th time since conviction

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two women disciples.

Delhi Court Delays Verdict In IB Officer Ankit Sharma Murder Case

Delhi Court Delays Verdict In IB Officer Ankit Sharma Murder Case

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A Delhi court has deferred its verdict in the murder case of Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma, who was killed during the 2020 northeast Delhi riots, to July 7. Former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and 10 others are accused in the case, facing charges including murder, rioting, and criminal conspiracy.

Calcutta High Court Grants Relief To TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das

Calcutta High Court Grants Relief To TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das in connection with six FIRs registered against him. The court directed that the investigation would continue and asked the MLA to cooperate with the investigating agency.

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

'This is not monarchy': Bihar CM's jibe at Rabri over govt bungalow

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary criticised the RJD regarding the allotment of government bungalows, referencing the dispute over Rabri Devi's residence.

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.

Stone Pelting At BJP Leader's Residence In Indore

Stone Pelting At BJP Leader's Residence In Indore

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Unidentified individuals allegedly pelted stones at the residence-cum-office of local BJP leader Virendra Shedge in Indore, causing property damage. A relative of MLA Malini Gaud also reported a similar incident. Police are investigating, linking the events to a prior dispute over a pet dog.

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

G Sudhakaran, the pro tem Speaker, stated he has no personal enmity with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasising that personal grudges have no place in politics.

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that his government has no information regarding alleged post-poll violence, as claimed by the opposition TMC. He assured that action would be taken after verifying any such charges. The statement came in response to allegations raised in the West Bengal assembly by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.