News for 'Congress and Nationalist Congress'

Maharashtra Polls: A Fact File

Maharashtra Polls: A Fact File

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Polling for the 288 seats of the Maharashtra assembly will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

Gavaskar gets a grand honour from MCA

Gavaskar gets a grand honour from MCA

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Sunil Gavaskar and former BCCI President Sharad Pawar will be honoured with life-size statues at the entrance of the new Mumbai Cricket Association's museum

Electoral bonds: Congress flags mismatch in donor, recipient files

Electoral bonds: Congress flags mismatch in donor, recipient files

Rediff.com15 Mar 2024

It also asked why the data shared pertained to a period from April 2019 even though the scheme for anonymous political funding was introduced in 2017.

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was proud of the manner in which the multi-party delegations presented India's views in various countries on the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Raj Thackeray issues gag order to MNS cadres

Raj Thackeray issues gag order to MNS cadres

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Amid the language controversy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has prohibited his party members from interacting with media or posting personal reactions on social media platforms.

NCP ditches Congress, joins hands with BJP in Maharashtra ZP polls

NCP ditches Congress, joins hands with BJP in Maharashtra ZP polls

Rediff.com10 May 2022

Breaking the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance code, the Nationalist Congress Party joined hands with rival Bharatiya Janata Party to elect the president of the Gondia zilla parishad in Maharashtra on Tuesday, keeping the Congress away from power with the backing of Independents and a local outfit.

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday turned 84 and celebrated his birthday with members of his family and well-wishers, including estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Raut's big claim: Uddhav wanted to make Shinde CM, but...

Raut's big claim: Uddhav wanted to make Shinde CM, but...

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday claimed that Uddhav Thackeray planned to make Eknath Shinde the chief minister of Maharashtra after the 2019 polls, but first the Bharatiya Janata Party and later Maha Vikas Aghadi allies including Sharad Pawar played a spoilsport.

Maharashtra assembly unlikely to have a Leader of Opposition

Maharashtra assembly unlikely to have a Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Mahayuti landslide in Maharashtra will leave the state assembly without a leader of opposition as no party outside the ruling alliance has been able to get the mandatory minimum 29 seats.

Kerala Congress apologises over Modi-Pope tweet

Kerala Congress apologises over Modi-Pope tweet

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

The party said no Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world consider as God-like.

Former NCP leader, son arrested in dowry suicide case

Former NCP leader, son arrested in dowry suicide case

Rediff.com23 May 2025

A former NCP leader from Pune, Rajendra Hagawane, and his son Sushil were arrested on Friday for their alleged involvement in a dowry harassment and abetment to suicide case involving Hagawane's daughter-in-law. The arrests came after the duo were expelled from the NCP by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The victim, Vaishnavi, had allegedly hanged herself on May 16 at her in-laws' house. Her parents alleged that the Hagawane family had harassed her for dowry despite receiving a substantial amount of gold, silver, and an SUV at the time of her marriage.

Has the Modi wave favoured Congress-NCP turncoats?

Has the Modi wave favoured Congress-NCP turncoats?

Rediff.com24 Oct 2019

Ahead of the elections, a lot had been spoken of the large number of leaders defecting from the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena. In fact, a month before the polls, more than two dozen Congress-NCP leaders quit and joined the BJP in hopes of riding high on the Narendra Modi wave. While for some the shift has brought in good fortune, for others it has brought loss. Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com analyses how these defectors have fared.

Uddhav Sena revives Bal Thackeray's voice with AI; slams BJP, Shinde

Uddhav Sena revives Bal Thackeray's voice with AI; slams BJP, Shinde

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The nearly 13-minute speech, with a booming voice resembling that of Bal Thackeray, began with his trademark opening line Jamlelya majhya tamam Hindu bandhavanu, baghinino ani matano (greetings to my Hindu brothers, sisters and mothers who have gathered here).

'Could Ajit Pawar Have Known?'

'Could Ajit Pawar Have Known?'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'Everyone involved in this transaction must be punished and penalised.'

Facing flak, Shivakumar decides to keep mum

Facing flak, Shivakumar decides to keep mum

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has decided to remain silent and direct all inquiries to party spokespersons following criticism over various issues, including his singing of the RSS anthem and remarks about the Chamundeswari hill.

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Nehru's Journey: 12 Historic Places

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

As we celebrate the 136th anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru's birth, let's embark on a journey to places in India, and across the world, that had a connection with India's first prime minister.

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is a part of India's diplomatic mission abroad, on Monday said it is 'distressing' that people back home are calculating political allegiances and asked if it is 'so difficult to be patriotic'.

Will not be found wanting: Tharoor on leading Op Sindoor delegation

Will not be found wanting: Tharoor on leading Op Sindoor delegation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Tharoor also said he is honoured by the invitation of the government to lead an all-party delegation to five key capitals to present the nation's point of view on recent events.

The new name of Sharad Pawar's party is...

The new name of Sharad Pawar's party is...

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

The Election Commission on Wednesday allotted 'Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar' as the party name for the group led by Sharad Pawar.

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that he, his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, will work in shifts to ensure round-the-clock governance. Fadnavis will work from 12 noon to midnight, Ajit Pawar, known for his early rising habits, will be on duty in the morning, and Shinde, known for his late-night work ethic, will handle the night shift. This arrangement comes after Ajit Pawar's controversial return to the BJP-led government following a split from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The NCP, under Sharad Pawar's leadership, is now a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The recent assembly elections saw the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, securing a comfortable majority.

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs and leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions.

Still no agreement on 11 seats: Ajit Pawar

Still no agreement on 11 seats: Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar said on Friday that the Mahayuti allies are still in talks over 11 of the 288 assembly seats for the November 20 elections in the state.

Bhujbal disappointed over being left out of Maha cabinet

Bhujbal disappointed over being left out of Maha cabinet

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Chhagan Bhujbal expressed disappointment at not being included in the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. He stated he would decide his future course after consulting with his constituency. Bhujbal was one of several prominent leaders excluded from the new cabinet, which was expanded on Sunday. The exclusion sparked reactions from other political figures, including former minister Deepak Kesarkar and Congress leader Bhai Jagtap.

'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.'

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Congress followed next with Rs 620 crore or 18.5 percent of the total expenses among the 32 national and regional parties whose records were analysed, the ADR said.

Trump, Pahalgam, Bihar: Oppn ready for showdown in Parliament

Trump, Pahalgam, Bihar: Oppn ready for showdown in Parliament

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

INDIA bloc parties are set to raise issues such as the Pahalgam attack, US President Trump's claims of brokering a ceasefire, and concerns over electoral roll revisions in Bihar during the Parliament's Monsoon session.

Maha polls: 58 candidates lose despite securing over 1 lakh votes

Maha polls: 58 candidates lose despite securing over 1 lakh votes

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections saw a fierce contest between two coalitions and six major players. Despite securing over one lakh votes, 58 candidates lost the election. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar suffered the most, with 22 candidates losing despite receiving over one lakh votes. Other prominent losing candidates included former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Dhiraj Deshmukh. The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar-led NCP, retained power by winning 230 out of 288 assembly seats.

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Amid intense discussions among Mahayuti allies over the distribution of portfolios and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the home ministry, the clarity on the composition of the council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said.

Jarange demands GR from govt, warns of giving up water

Jarange demands GR from govt, warns of giving up water

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange's hunger strike demanding Maratha quota continues for the third day in Mumbai, following a meeting with a government delegation. The protest has caused traffic disruptions and highlights the ongoing debate over reservation policies in Maharashtra.

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

OBCs, SCs, STs turn up heat over Maratha quota GR

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Political tensions rise in Maharashtra as OBC, SC, and ST groups express concerns over a government resolution on the Maratha quota. Chief Minister Fadnavis cautions against divisive politics, while Sharad Pawar accuses the government of weakening the social fabric.

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Govt names 51 leaders to visit 33 world capitals, drops 3 from Cong list

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The delegations led by Baijayant Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad (both Bharatiya Janata Party), Sanjay Kumar Jha (Janata Dal-United), Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Kanimozhi (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) and Supriya Sule (Nationalist Congress Party-Sharad Pawar) will visit a total of 32 countries and the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Results show to whom Sena, NCP belong: Mahayuti leaders

Results show to whom Sena, NCP belong: Mahayuti leaders

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the results of the assembly elections were historic, and they decided to whom the Nationalist Congress Party and Shiv Sena belong.

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The likes of Sengottaiyan can help Vijay navigate it better and faster -- but not necessarily to his goal, which is farther, and can move towards or away from him as well in the weeks and months to come, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Yugendra Pawar's mother alleges intimidation by Ajit camp

Yugendra Pawar's mother alleges intimidation by Ajit camp

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Tension prevailed outside a polling booth in Baramati town in Maharashtra's Pune district after Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar candidate Yugendra Pawar's mother alleged intimidation and malpractices by workers of the rival Nationalist Congress Party led by sitting MLA Ajit Pawar.

No reunion in sight: Deshmukh dispels Pawar faction merger rumors

No reunion in sight: Deshmukh dispels Pawar faction merger rumors

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

Such meetings are routine, the former state home minister added.

Race for Maha CM: Sena MLAs want Shinde to continue, NCP backs Ajit Pawar

Race for Maha CM: Sena MLAs want Shinde to continue, NCP backs Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

As suspense over who will become the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra continues, Nationalist Congress Party leader Chhagan Bhujbal on Sunday backed his party's chief, Ajit Pawar, for the top post.

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

A day before the assembly poll results, the Congress on Friday appointed observers for Maharashtra and Jharkhand to oversee the post-election scenarios.

Zeeshan Siddique joins Ajit Pawar-led NCP, fielded from Bandra East

Zeeshan Siddique joins Ajit Pawar-led NCP, fielded from Bandra East

Rediff.com25 Oct 2024

The Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party on Friday released its second list, comprising seven candidates including MLA Zeeshan Siddique and two former Bharatiya Janata Party MPs, for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Threat to blow up Shinde's car: Cops search for sender's IP address

Threat to blow up Shinde's car: Cops search for sender's IP address

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Mumbai police are investigating threat mails received at two police stations, threatening to blow up the car of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The IP address of the sender is being tracked and all angles are being probed.

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday said it was not stopping anyone from being part of diplomatic delegations to be sent to various countries following Operation Sindoor and that its leaders who have been named at the instance of the government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise.