News for 'Congress Central'

I-T raids Hemant Soren's aide ahead of Jh'khand poll

I-T raids Hemant Soren's aide ahead of Jh'khand poll

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

A total of nine premises in the state's capital Ranchi and Jamshedpur are being raided in an operation that started early morning. A security team of the CRPF is assisting the I-T sleuths, the sources said.

Trinamool MP submits written apology for remarks against Scindia

Trinamool MP submits written apology for remarks against Scindia

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said that Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has submitted a written apology for his remarks against Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia besides apologising in the House.

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move 'dictatorial' and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

'Congress must make electoral adjustments'

'Congress must make electoral adjustments'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

'So must the Opposition where it is the dominant party in the state.' 'That is neither problematic nor impossible to achieve.'

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

HC seeks Centre's stand on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Delhi high court on Friday directed the Centre to place its stand on Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy's plea seeking directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs to decide over Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship.

It's raining freebies in Delhi, but voters' issues ignored

It's raining freebies in Delhi, but voters' issues ignored

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

With such announcements grabbing the voters' attention, critical issues like pollution, especially the smog that chokes Delhi every winter, remain largely unaddressed. Many residents have raised concerns over the lack of concrete action plans to combat air pollution, which continues to pose a severe health risk to Delhiites.

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Under fire over sarpanch murder, Munde dropped as Beed guardian minister

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

Pankaja Munde of the BJP -- Dhananjay Munde's cousin -- has been made the guardian minister of Jalna district.

Deploy central forces in all Bengal districts in 48 hrs: HC to SEC

Deploy central forces in all Bengal districts in 48 hrs: HC to SEC

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

The court noted that no appreciable steps have been taken ever since an order was passed by it on June 13 to deploy central forces in sensitive areas for the poll process.

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Mamata Ready To Take On BJP For 2026

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The TMC-led West Bengal government has already started laying the groundwork for the election, setting the tone with the recent Bengal Global Business Summit and the state Budget.

Modi's pre-Maha poll foreign visit shows...: Telangana CM

Modi's pre-Maha poll foreign visit shows...: Telangana CM

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

Reddy dared the saffron party to prove its claim that the Congress government in the southern state did not fulfil its poll guarantees.

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world's largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days, with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite a stampede that killed at least 30 people, millions continued to visit the Kumbh, seeking salvation through the ritual bath. The event saw a mix of faith, tradition, and technology, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

Women Voters: The Rising Power Transforming Politics

Women Voters: The Rising Power Transforming Politics

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

'Women' as a political constituency appears to be an idea that has come of age. It is changing India in ways that we only dimly understand, asserts Aditi Phadnis.

'We Were Handcuffed, Our Legs Were Chained'

'We Were Handcuffed, Our Legs Were Chained'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'Prime Minister Modi should sit with Trump and find a solution to this issue.'

Adani charges: Cong seeks probe, BJP questions timing

Adani charges: Cong seeks probe, BJP questions timing

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

With billionaire Gautam Adani charged in the United States with alleged bribery and fraud, the Congress on Thursday said it 'vindicates' its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into the various 'scams' involving his conglomerate.

BJP likely to improve its performance in central Gujarat

BJP likely to improve its performance in central Gujarat

Rediff.com30 Nov 2022

Political analysts say the Congress appears on the backfoot this time after one of its senior tribal leaders from the region joined the BJP, which has a stronghold in urban areas where civic bodies, leaders and the network required to win the election are firmly with the saffron party.

Channapatna bypoll: Despite health issues, Gowda campaigns for grandson

Channapatna bypoll: Despite health issues, Gowda campaigns for grandson

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Assisted by his personal staff and gunmen, Gowda, with a cannula on his right hand, attended multiple election meetings on Tuesday and addressed people sitting in his chair as he cited knee pain.

When PM visits Arab nations...: Owaisi on 'vote jihad'

When PM visits Arab nations...: Owaisi on 'vote jihad'

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Owaisi said 324 farmers have died by suicide in "Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) division", but no one is talking about it.

Congress won 135 seats under my presidency, says DK Shivakumar

Congress won 135 seats under my presidency, says DK Shivakumar

Rediff.com15 May 2023

Amid speculation about the number of MLAs supporting him and senior party colleague Siddaramaiah for the post of Karnataka chief minister, state Congress president D K Shivakumar on Monday said his strength is 135, as under his presidency, the party won the said number of seats in the assembly polls.

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Shinde resigns; BJP to make Fadnavis CM, says minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde on Tuesday stepped down as Maharashtra chief minister, even as the suspense over who will succeed him as the new CM continued, three days after state assembly election results were announced.

BJP in no hurry to name Maharashtra CM till...

BJP in no hurry to name Maharashtra CM till...

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The priority now is to work out a comprehensive plan for government formation.

Will Sharmila's YSRTP Merge With Congress?

Will Sharmila's YSRTP Merge With Congress?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

Although the BRS is projecting supreme confidence, who will be able to tap anti-incumbency -- the BJP or Sharmila plus the Congress -- remains to be seen.

Cong's challenge to Kangana Ranaut

Cong's challenge to Kangana Ranaut

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The Himachal Pradesh Congress on Monday challenged Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut to prove her allegation that the state government took loans and diverted the money to Sonia Gandhi, failing which it said it would file a defamation case against her.

Won't be a hurdle: Shinde falls in line, paves way for Fadnavis-led govt

Won't be a hurdle: Shinde falls in line, paves way for Fadnavis-led govt

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Shinde rubbished reports that he was disappointed for not getting a second term as CM despite the ruling Mahayuti alliance winning a thumping victory under his leadership.

'Emergency' screening halted in Punjab, Kangana says...

'Emergency' screening halted in Punjab, Kangana says...

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

"The film has been made to insult the entire Sikh community. We will not let the movie release in Mohali or anywhere in Punjab. The SGPC is united in this matter," said Rajinder Singh Tohra, a member of the SGPC.

Maha polls: BJP drops 8 MLAs, Cong 5; Shinde Sena retains most

Maha polls: BJP drops 8 MLAs, Cong 5; Shinde Sena retains most

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party has opted not to grant tickets to eight MLAs, followed by Congress which replaced five MLAs.

Can Congress repeat 2018 poll magic in Chhattisgarh?

Can Congress repeat 2018 poll magic in Chhattisgarh?

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

Here is a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis of the ruling Congress in Chhattisgarh.

Violence in Maha town over vandalising Constitution replica, 50 held

Violence in Maha town over vandalising Constitution replica, 50 held

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Violence erupted in the central Maharashtra city of Parbhani after a replica of the Constitution was vandalized. Around 50 people have been detained for the protests, while a man with mental health issues has been arrested for allegedly damaging the replica. Opposition leaders condemned the incident, calling for strict action against those responsible. The situation is under control, but tensions remain high in the city.

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Gujarat's UCC panel headed by SC ex-judge, report in 45 days

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The BJP government in Gujarat has formed a five-member committee, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to assess the need for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and to draft a bill for the same. The committee will submit its report within 45 days. The decision has sparked debate with the Opposition claiming it is an attempt to divert attention from pressing issues ahead of the upcoming local body polls, while the government insists the UCC will protect the rights of tribal communities. The committee will consult with religious leaders, including those from the Muslim community.

BJP will meet Cong fate for misusing central agencies against Oppn: Akhilesh

BJP will meet Cong fate for misusing central agencies against Oppn: Akhilesh

Rediff.com19 Mar 2023

Yadav also pressed for the caste census which, he said, would be a major issue in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

After Nath, Gehlot rebuff, this strategist guided Congress to Telangana win

After Nath, Gehlot rebuff, this strategist guided Congress to Telangana win

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

Kanugolu had also made forays in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh following a directive from the party's central leadership but regional satraps Ashok Gehlot and Kamal Nath reportedly were not on the same page as the poll strategist.

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Sharad Pawar turns down certain measures under Z-plus security cover

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Pawar was amenable to increasing the height of the boundary walls of his house in Delhi as part of the enhanced security measures.

Key Mahayuti meet cancelled, Shinde heads to native village

Key Mahayuti meet cancelled, Shinde heads to native village

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Outgoing Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who returned to Mumbai from New Delhi on Friday morning, is travelling to his native village in Satara district amid continuing suspense over his successor a week after the assembly poll results. Shinde had told reporters in New Delhi on late Thursday night that the next meeting of the Mahayuti alliance on government formation will be held in Mumbai on Friday. However, the caretaker CM, who heads the Shiv Sena, is travelling to his native village Dare in Satara district in western Maharashtra and the meeting is now expected to take place on Sunday, the sources said. The Shiv Sena leader has repeatedly said he would not be an obstacle in the government formation and abide by the decisions taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the next chief minister. Different viewpoints are emerging in the Shiv Sena over Shinde's place in the next government to be headed by the BJP, the biggest constituent in the Mahayuti, which posted a thumping win in the just-held assembly polls. Many leaders in the Shiv Sena are asking Shinde to accept deputy CM's post if offered by the BJP. However, another section feels it wouldn't be right for him to accept No. 2 position after serving as CM for more than two-and-a-half years, the sources said. "The government formation process will start after the BJP announces its legislature party leader," they said. During his Delhi trip, Shinde had met Shah and discussed formation of the next government in the state. His deputies in the outgoing state cabinet Devendra Fadnavis (BJP) and Ajit Pawar (NCP) had also met the senior BJP leader. Talking to reporters in the national capital, Shinde called the discussion good and positive. Shinde, Fadnavis and Pawar had also met BJP president J P Nadda.

What's Stalin Doing At A Kalyanam?

What's Stalin Doing At A Kalyanam?

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

What some of our politicians were up to.

ED, CBI ramp up probe against Bitcoin Ponzi scam suspect

ED, CBI ramp up probe against Bitcoin Ponzi scam suspect

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have intensified their investigations against Gaurav Mehta, a suspect in a Bitcoin Ponzi scam, following allegations that politicians may have been involved in using cryptocurrency to influence Maharashtra assembly polls. The ED searched Mehta's residence in Raipur and seized computers and digital devices. The CBI summoned him to appear before investigators. The ED is probing Mehta's potential links to politicians, politically exposed persons, and bureaucrats as part of its money laundering probe. The allegations came after BJP released purported voice notes suggesting that Congress and NCP leaders were attempting to use cryptocurrency for election campaigning. Both parties denied the claims, calling the voice notes fake.

Tharoor vs Kharge: Congress bars office-bearers from campaigning

Tharoor vs Kharge: Congress bars office-bearers from campaigning

Rediff.com3 Oct 2022

Ahead of its presidential poll, the Congress on Monday issued a set of guidelines for the election, debarring party office-bearers from campaigning for candidates.

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rahul Gandhi's citizenship: HC seeks Centre's reply

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The Allahabad high court has directed the Centre to place before it on December 19 the decision taken on a representation moved against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that claimed he concealed his British citizenship in contesting the parliamentary election from Raebareli seat this year.

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

IIT Madras director's cow urine remark sparks row; apology demanded

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, V Kamakoti, has sparked controversy after making a remark about the "medicinal value" of cow urine, or "gomutra." Kamakoti, while speaking at an event celebrating Maatu Pongal (a festival dedicated to cows and bulls), cited an anecdote about a sanyasi who was cured of a fever by consuming gomutra. He also claimed that gomutra has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." The remark has been widely condemned by rationalist organizations, political leaders, and medical professionals who have criticized Kamakoti's statements as "pseudoscience" and "regressive." The controversy highlights the ongoing debate in India around traditional beliefs and scientific evidence.

INDIA clashes with govt over speech at Constitution day event

INDIA clashes with govt over speech at Constitution day event

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Leaders of various INDIA bloc parties have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to allow leaders of the opposition in both Houses of Parliament to speak during the Constitution Day function to be held on Tuesday. The function will be addressed by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The letter, signed by leaders of various opposition parties, states that they believe in the best traditions and interests of Parliamentary democracy, the Leaders of Opposition (LoPs) in both Houses should also be given an opportunity to speak on this historic occasion. Parliamenary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, however, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be addressing the event and accused "some of the Opposition parties " of giving reactions without knowing the actual arrangement. He added that sitting arrangements have been made for the Leaders of Opposition of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on the dais.

Upset BJP leaders to fight against ally Sena in Jalna

Upset BJP leaders to fight against ally Sena in Jalna

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Three Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have threatened to contest as Independents from Jalna in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls after the seat went to Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena as part of the Mahayuti's seat-sharing arrangement.

Fissures in MVA after Cong's defeat in Haryana

Fissures in MVA after Cong's defeat in Haryana

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole on Wednesday slammed ally Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray's MP Sanjay Raut for his remarks on Haryana poll outcome, stressing that accusations against Congress won't be tolerated.