News for 'Congress Does Matter'

Mahayuti to drop ministers facing graft charges: Sena leader

Mahayuti to drop ministers facing graft charges: Sena leader

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

A broad consensus has emerged among top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and other Mahayuti allies to drop ministers facing serious allegations of corruption in the new government, a Shiv Sena leader said on Tuesday.

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

How Dr Singh Changed Finance Minister's Role

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

'Suddenly we had a new comprehension of affairs, which reminded that the luxury of politics floated atop a foundation by economics.' 'Along with this, finance ministers became crucial in molding the perception and reputation of Union Cabinets.' 'Governments couldn't afford a wrong person in that portfolio,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

SP delegation to visit Sambhal amid tension over Jama Masjid survey

SP delegation to visit Sambhal amid tension over Jama Masjid survey

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

A 15-member delegation from the Samajwadi Party (SP) will travel to Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday to investigate violence that occurred following a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid complex. The visit comes after tensions escalated in Sambhal due to the survey, which was ordered by a local court based on a petition claiming the mosque was built on the site of a demolished temple. The violence on November 24 resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries, prompting the SP to postpone its initial visit. The delegation, led by SP state president Shyam Lal Pal, includes prominent party figures, including the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council. The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders, barring outsiders from entering Sambhal until Saturday. However, the SP delegation is expected to proceed with its visit, aiming to gather information about the violence and submit a report to party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

K'taka student faces action for saying minister 'doesn't know Kannada'

K'taka student faces action for saying minister 'doesn't know Kannada'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

A boy's alleged remark that the Education Minister 'doesn't know Kannada', irked Madhu Bangarappa, who holds the portfolio, as he directed officials to take action against the student.

Worm-infested food kits given to Wayanad landslide survivors?

Worm-infested food kits given to Wayanad landslide survivors?

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Survivors of the landslides in Chooralmala-Mundakai in Wayanad district alleged on Thursday that they were given worm-infested food kits by the Meppadi Gram Panchayat, leading to a violent protest by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Thursday.

BJP vs Cong over 'sulking' Selja's absence from Haryana poll campaign

BJP vs Cong over 'sulking' Selja's absence from Haryana poll campaign

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Sirsa MP Kumari Selja will campaign for the Congress and address a public meeting in Narwana this week, party general secretary Randeep Surjewala said on Monday after the Bharatiya Janata Party targeted the grand old party over alleged infighting amid reports that she was sulking.

Emergency: What Priyanka Gandhi Told Kangana

Emergency: What Priyanka Gandhi Told Kangana

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Indira Gandhi was a very weak person,' Kangana claimed. 'She had many crutches around and was constantly seeking validation.'

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

RG Kar rape-murder case: Trial to begin on November 11

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

Eighty-seven days after the body of a woman medic was found at state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, a Kolkata court on Monday framed charges against the prime accused, Sanjay Roy.

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Where Would India Be Without Dr Singh?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

What stood out in his 15-year journey as a member of the political executive at the Centre was his glowing record as India's most successful and effective finance minister. Both as prime minister and finance minister, he understood the importance of gradualism, except when the economy or the polity was in a crisis.

'Delhi Wants To Send A Message To Mumbai That...'

'Delhi Wants To Send A Message To Mumbai That...'

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

...'hum decide karenge kaun banega mukhyamantri. This decision is not to be taken in Mumbai.'

3 Congress MPs apologise to LS panel, suspension to be revoked

3 Congress MPs apologise to LS panel, suspension to be revoked

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

Three Congress members of the Lok Sabha, who had reached the speaker's podium leading to their suspension from the house, on Friday expressed regret for their behaviour to the privileges committee of the lower house.

Is INDIA bloc considering rotational Lok Sabha LoP post?

Is INDIA bloc considering rotational Lok Sabha LoP post?

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said there are many leaders in the Opposition parties who are "capable" of handling the work of the Leader of Opposition but it is up to them to take a decision as it is their "internal matter".

Kangana wants to bring back repealed farm laws, Cong says...

Kangana wants to bring back repealed farm laws, Cong says...

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The Congress shared on X an undated video of Ranaut in which she is purportedly saying in Hindi, "Farm laws that have been repealed should be brought back. I think this may get controversial. The laws in farmers' interest be brought back. Farmers should themselves demand this (to bring farm laws back) so that there is no hindrance to their prosperity.

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.

Cong shares video of BJP leader threatening Rahul, seeks Modi's reply

Cong shares video of BJP leader threatening Rahul, seeks Modi's reply

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also shared the video and said the BJP leader is openly threatening to kill the Leader of the Opposition of this country.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Eknath Shinde Has No Cards Left To Play

Eknath Shinde Has No Cards Left To Play

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

The meeting in New Delhi etc is just the BJP being nice to the man who helped it realise its dream by stabbing Uddhav in the back, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Will US extradite Lawrence Bishnoi's brother to India?

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been arrested by US law enforcement authorities in Iowa. He is wanted in connection with several criminal cases in India, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's Mumbai home.

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

'Dr Singh Was The Best PM In Modern Times'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'All the big things happening today in economic development have their beginning in Dr Manmohan Singh's ideas.'

Podium finish for Shinde, settles for silver

Podium finish for Shinde, settles for silver

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Eknath Shinde, a former auto-rickshaw driver, has emerged as a key leader in Maharashtra, culminating in his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister. His journey from a Shiv Sena rebel to a dominant figure in the state's politics is a testament to his resilience and political acumen. He gained popularity for his pro-people stance and his contributions to infrastructure projects and social welfare schemes, solidifying his position as a powerful player in the Mahayuti alliance.

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

SC takes note of Allahabad HC judge's remark at VHP event

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court has sought details from the Allahabad High Court regarding controversial statements made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav at a VHP function. The development comes amid calls for action against the judge for his remarks, which have been labeled as hate speech by some. The judge's statements were made at a VHP function on December 8, where he spoke about the Uniform Civil Code and the law working according to the majority. Several individuals and organizations, including lawyer Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, have called for an inquiry into the judge's conduct and for his removal from judicial duties.

'Forget About EVM Hacking!'

'Forget About EVM Hacking!'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

'Party workers sit outside polling booths and they know everything that is happening.' 'Besides, as a voter when you push the EVM button to vote there is a paper slip that comes out showing you who you voted for.'

'Rajiv is not to be blamed, but Congress is to be blamed'

'Rajiv is not to be blamed, but Congress is to be blamed'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2024

Mani Shankar Aiyar says the Congress party and not then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was responsible for unlocking the Babri Masjid gates and claimed that the "Bharatiya Janata Party-planted" Arun Nehru was behind it.

Sambhal violence well-planned BJP conspiracy: Akhilesh

Sambhal violence well-planned BJP conspiracy: Akhilesh

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged a 'well-planned' conspiracy by the Bharatiya Janata Party for the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, where a team of Congress MPs led by Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit on December 4 amid restrictions imposed by the district administration.

No definitive formula in Mahayuti for CM post: Shinde

No definitive formula in Mahayuti for CM post: Shinde

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has claimed that the poll trends are in favor of the Mahayuti, crediting his flagship initiative, the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. He expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support and asserted that the outcome increases their responsibility. Shinde clarified that the alliance doesn't have a definitive formula for the chief minister's post, with a decision to be made by senior leaders from the three parties.

Sharad Pawar backs Solapur villagers' demand for ballot paper repoll

Sharad Pawar backs Solapur villagers' demand for ballot paper repoll

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has thrown his weight behind villagers in Solapur, Maharashtra, who are demanding a repoll using ballot papers after raising doubts about the accuracy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Pawar met with villagers in Markadwadi, where a police case was filed against over 200 people for attempting to conduct an unauthorized re-election. He expressed support for their concerns, claiming that the villagers were "the ones who thought of conducting polls using ballot papers." Pawar criticized the police action, calling it a restriction on the villagers' right to assemble and vowing to raise the issue with the Chief Minister, the state Chief Electoral Officer, the Prime Minister, and the Election Commission of India.

'Serious questions remain': Cong on India-China truce

'Serious questions remain': Cong on India-China truce

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

"The Modi government's approach to the entire crisis could be described as DDLJ: Deny, Distract, Lie and Justify," Ramesh said.

K'taka govt withdraws case against Hubballi rioters who attacked police

K'taka govt withdraws case against Hubballi rioters who attacked police

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

This was one of the 43 cases the state Cabinet decided to withdraw at its meeting on Thursday following a petition by the Anjuman-e-Islam to the Home Minister G Parameshwara, official sources said.

Sebi's 2024 review: Push for reforms continued despite controversies

Sebi's 2024 review: Push for reforms continued despite controversies

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

In 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) implemented significant reforms, focusing on cooling down the derivatives segment, enhancing transparency and accountability in small and midsised enterprise (SME) listings, and deepening the fund management ecosystem.

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Waqf land row: Karnataka withdraws notices to farmers

Rediff.com2 Nov 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials on Saturday to immediately retract all notices sent to farmers regarding Waqf land.

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.

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Jyoti Punwani: December 6, 1992, All Over Again?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Can ordinary citizens counter this backward march? Can peace activists ensure that the two communities retain their bonds? Do they have a choice, asks Jyoti Punwani.

Engineer Rashid back in Tihar jail, bail plea deferred

Engineer Rashid back in Tihar jail, bail plea deferred

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

ASJ Chander Jit Singh underscored he would first consider the issue of jurisdiction and whether or not to transfer the case to a special court meant to try lawmakers, considering Rashid was now an MP.

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

The Legend That Was Pritish Nandy

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

He was colourful. He was dramatic. He was The Master of His Craft. There never will be an editor as versatile as Pritish Nandy, notes Nikhil Lakshman.

How Mahayuti scripted a comeback in Maharashtra

How Mahayuti scripted a comeback in Maharashtra

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The massive victory of Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti in Maharashtra indicates a tactical course correction post the Lok Sabha debacle, with factors like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's active role in the poll campaign, Ladki Bahin scheme, rise in women voting, and subtle message of Hindutva playing a crucial role.

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

2 dead as under-construction building collapses in Mohali

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The collapse of a three-storey building in Punjab's Mohali has claimed two lives, with rescuers pulling out the body of a man and a fatally injured woman from under the rubble during a multi-agency 23-hour rescue operation that concluded Sunday evening, officials said.

Haryana results manipulated, can't accept: Cong

Haryana results manipulated, can't accept: Cong

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The Congress on Tuesday said it cannot accept the Haryana assembly polls verdict as there were 'serious issues' about the integrity of the counting process and functioning of the EVMs in some districts, and asserted that it would take up the matter with the Election Commission.

Sambhal violence: Focus shifts to Turk-Pathan rivalry

Sambhal violence: Focus shifts to Turk-Pathan rivalry

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

The communal violence in Sambhal that claimed four lives and left over 20 people injured has now sparked a debate over a purported rivalry between the Turk and Pathan communities, with political and administrative figures weighing in on the cause of the unrest.

Nitish Won't Let BJP Do A Shinde On Him

Nitish Won't Let BJP Do A Shinde On Him

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'JD-U wants to emerge as the single largest party in Bihar after the next assembly polls by contesting more seats than the BJP.'

Siddaramaiah refuses to step down, ready for probe; Shivakumar backs him

Siddaramaiah refuses to step down, ready for probe; Shivakumar backs him

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he will not hesitate from facing investigation in a site allotment issue but added that he would consult legal experts to find out whether such a probe is allowed under law.