News for 'Congress and Nationalist Congress Party'

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced the alliance between the factions for the Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls.

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Maha minister Kokate shifted to sports ministry after rummy row

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate was shifted from the agriculture ministry to the sports and youth welfare department in a late-night reshuffle. Dattatrey Bharne will be the new agriculture minister. The reshuffle comes after Kokate faced controversy for playing online rummy during a legislative council session and allegedly equating farmers with beggars.

'NCP Workers Make Ajit Pawar THE Ajit Pawar'

'NCP Workers Make Ajit Pawar THE Ajit Pawar'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar granted Rediff an interview in Baramati at 6 am. Why? 'To be a successful politician one needs to sleep less, and I never sleep for more than 4 hours' Ajit Pawar told Syed Firdaus Ashraf as Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff captured the encounter on his camera.

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

65 candidates from ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra were declared elected unopposed ahead of elections held on January 15, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). The BJP led with 43 unopposed candidates.

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the truth would not emerge through existing mechanisms and called for a probe, several opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge backed her demand.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

Priyanka Gandhi, Supriya Sule, other Oppn leaders join Modi, Birla over tea

Priyanka Gandhi, Supriya Sule, other Oppn leaders join Modi, Birla over tea

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the Winter Session of Parliament was adjourned. They thanked Birla for the session's conduct.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Congress-mukt Bharat not possible: Sharad Pawar

Congress-mukt Bharat not possible: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com29 Dec 2022

Pawar on Wednesday visited the Congress office in Pune for the first time after he quit the Grand Old Party 23 years ago.

Raut warns ally Congress as rift in MVA deepens

Raut warns ally Congress as rift in MVA deepens

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Monday warned Congress about fielding a candidate for the Solapur South assembly seat, for which his party has already announced a nominee.

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

NCP-SP reaches out to Uddhav Sena for Mumbai civic poll tie-up

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray to discuss a potential alliance for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The meeting follows an alliance between Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Discussions are ongoing, with the NCP (SP) advocating for a united Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) approach.

Court Accepts Closure Report in MSCB Scam Case

Court Accepts Closure Report in MSCB Scam Case

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

A Mumbai court has accepted the closure report submitted by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) scam case, giving a clean chit to Ajit Pawar and other accused.

Ajit Pawar's son Jay now demands probe into Baramati crash 'lapses'

Ajit Pawar's son Jay now demands probe into Baramati crash 'lapses'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Jay Pawar, son of the late Ajit Pawar, is seeking a thorough investigation into the plane crash that killed his father, citing possible serious lapses and demanding a ban on the aviation company involved.

'Dhurandhar Devendra' posters appear in Mumbai after BMC results

'Dhurandhar Devendra' posters appear in Mumbai after BMC results

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Large hoardings praising Fadnavis' leadership appeared across the city, reflecting a celebratory mood within the BJP camp following its strong performance in the country's richest civic body.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Flight attendant from UP dies

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Flight attendant from UP dies

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A flight attendant from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, was among those killed in a plane crash that also claimed the life of an NCP leader and three others. The news has brought deep mourning to her native village.

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Several ministers within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance have voiced criticism regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after her husband, Ajit Pawar's, death, leading to disapproval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

BMC polls: Uddhav Thackeray, Raj meet to resolve seat-sharing issues

BMC polls: Uddhav Thackeray, Raj meet to resolve seat-sharing issues

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray met Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray to finalize seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming civic polls. The meeting occurred as the deadline for filing nominations ended. The alliance aims to challenge the BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

The remarks drew flak from the Opposition, with Shiv Sena-UBT leader Ambadas Danve accusing Pawar of threatening voters.

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

With the Congress coming third overall and having done much better than Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, its allies in Maha Vikas Aghadi, political analysts said it will force a rethink as far as coordination, seat-sharing and leadership are concerned ahead of the 2029 assembly polls.

No rebels, insists Congress

No rebels, insists Congress

Rediff.com25 Sep 2004

Pune city unit chief pacified

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Suspension of 8 Lok Sabha MPs revoked, Speaker says 'no more banners'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha has revoked the suspension of eight opposition MPs after assurances of maintaining order and decorum in the House. The decision follows a period of disruption and debate over parliamentary conduct.

'Without Dada, We Are Nobody'

'Without Dada, We Are Nobody'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

'Because of him, we learned how to work for people, how to take responsibility, and how to stand by our decisions.'

Maharashtra ex-minister Baba Siddique quits Congress, to join Ajit Pawar's NCP

Maharashtra ex-minister Baba Siddique quits Congress, to join Ajit Pawar's NCP

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Ziauddin Siddique, popularly known as Baba Siddique, on Thursday said he had resigned from the party and will be joining the Ajit Pawar led-Nationalist Congress Party.

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare reaffirms the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA, dismissing merger speculations and emphasizing the ideology of the late Ajit Pawar.

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has directed the police to take strict action regarding an objectionable social media post allegedly targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Ajit Pawar identified by wristwatch at Baramati crash site

Ajit Pawar identified by wristwatch at Baramati crash site

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Eyewitnesses identified Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar at the site of a plane crash in Pune district by his wristwatch. The crash of the Learjet resulted in multiple fatalities, including the pilot, co-pilot, PSO, and flight attendant. An investigation is underway.

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Popularly known as 'Ajit Dada', he was known to say things as they were, without couching it in any soft padding.

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Doubts raised as Godman Kharat's close aide dies in car crash

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The death of a close associate of jailed godman Ashok Kharat in a car accident has prompted suspicion from opposition leaders, who question whether the incident was orchestrated to suppress facts in the probe against Kharat.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

BJP threatens Ajit Pawar with 'pages from the past'

BJP threatens Ajit Pawar with 'pages from the past'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule has said that Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar should refrain from criticising the saffron outfit and not force it to open 'pages from the past'.

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra will hold a meeting in Mumbai on January 31, where Deputy Chief Minister late Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra is set to be named as its leader, state minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Ritu Tawde of the BJP has been elected as the new Mumbai Mayor, marking a historic moment as the party secures the position after 44 years in the BMC.

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has created a leadership crisis within the NCP, raising questions about the party's future and potential reunification with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Opposition parties, except NCP-SP, seek special Parliament session

Opposition parties, except NCP-SP, seek special Parliament session

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Leaders of 16 opposition parties demanded a special session of Parliament on Operation Sindoor in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties held a meeting on the issue in the national capital on Tuesday.

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Pankaja Munde's helicopter faces snag ahead of take-off

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

A technical snag was detected in a helicopter scheduled to transport Maharashtra Minister Pankaja Munde for campaigning, delaying her journey. The issue was discovered during a routine inspection, leading to the grounding of the helicopter and a DGCA investigation.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.

'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.'