News for 'Congress and Nationalist Congress'

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.

'Fadnavis Must Show Who Is The Boss'

'Fadnavis Must Show Who Is The Boss'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Let Fadnavisji prove to the people of Maharashtra that he acts fairly against one and all.'

Congress is weak, Opposition needs to come together: Raut

Congress is weak, Opposition needs to come together: Raut

Rediff.com11 Dec 2020

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Friday suggested the Opposition needs to come together and strengthen the alliance.

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

Sena calls BJP 'a version of Congress'

Sena calls BJP 'a version of Congress'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2017

The Sena also said the BJP leaders are creating sounds of empty vessels over the issue of who will become the Mumbai mayor.

Brahmos was instrumental in Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

Brahmos was instrumental in Operation Sindoor: Rajnath

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Brahmos missile proved instrumental in Operation Sindoor and since then, more than a dozen countries have expressed interest in it.

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An first information report (FIR) was registered on Tuesday against Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami for allegedly running false information, police said.

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

In U-turn, Oppn rallies behind Dhankhar, urges Modi to intervene

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Several opposition MPs, who had previously criticized former Rajya Sabha chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, are now praising him following his sudden resignation, with some even requesting him to reconsider.

BJP contested 149 seats in Maharashtra, leading in 127

BJP contested 149 seats in Maharashtra, leading in 127

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance appeared set to retain power in Maharashtra, and was leading in 214 of the 288 assembly seats, as per the latest figures by the Election Commission.

Congress To Focus On 150 Lok Sabha Seats

Congress To Focus On 150 Lok Sabha Seats

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

In UP and Bengal, it is willing to sacrifice its interests to stop the BJP and would work towards ensuring the BJP did not win incremental seats in Odisha and Telangana.

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Thapar had strong reservations about Project Cheetah, India's initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild. He argued that India does not have the necessary habitat or prey base to support free-ranging cheetahs and that the authorities lacked experience in managing spotted felines in the wild.

Sharad Pawar meets Ajit, Uddhav Sena fumes

Sharad Pawar meets Ajit, Uddhav Sena fumes

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT leaders do not maintain any contact with those who left, said Raut whose party is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance along with NCP-SP and Congress.

I am among senior leaders in MVA after...: Thorat signals CM ambitions

I am among senior leaders in MVA after...: Thorat signals CM ambitions

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Senior Congress leader and Maharashtra assembly poll candidate Balasaheb Thorat has asserted that the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) will win a clear majority and also indicated his chief ministerial aspirations. Thorat, who is among the senior leaders in the MVA after NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar, said he enjoys cordial relations with leaders of the alliance. He also criticized the ruling Mahayuti coalition, accusing it of corruption and communal politics.

'This Result Is Next To Impossible'

'This Result Is Next To Impossible'

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

'Maharashtra election result is a chamatkar of EVM.' 'There has been a sudden one percent rise in the voting percentage after the counting day.' 'This is what made the difference to the election results.' 'How did this vote percentage increase after counting day?

SC allows Ajit Pawar to use 'clock' symbol in Maha polls, but...

SC allows Ajit Pawar to use 'clock' symbol in Maha polls, but...

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to use the 'clock' symbol in its publicity material in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections with a disclaimer that the matter was sub judice before it.

BJP took graft accused into cabinet, says Raj Thackeray

BJP took graft accused into cabinet, says Raj Thackeray

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning the outcome of the recent Maharashtra assembly elections and alleging hypocrisy in the BJP's stance on corruption. He also hinted at internal changes within the MNS, emphasizing the need for discipline and a renewed focus on the party's goals.

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Ajit Pawar, RSS chief among early voters in Maharashtra

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat were among the early voters to exercise their franchise as polling was underway on Wednesday for the state assembly elections.

Did Shinde complain to Shah about Ajit Pawar?

Did Shinde complain to Shah about Ajit Pawar?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has dismissed reports of a rift within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, stating that "everything is hunky-dory." He attributed any issues to differences that will be resolved through discussions. Shinde's comments come after reports of him complaining to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, Pawar and BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar have denied the allegations, claiming Shinde would have directly approached them if there were any issues. The ruling alliance comprises the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP, which retained power after the state assembly polls last year. The alliance has also faced challenges with the appointment of guardian ministers in Raigad and Nashik, with the Shiv Sena opposing the appointments of Aditi Tatkare (NCP) and Girish Mahajan (BJP).

Chaos in Bengal assembly; 5 BJP MLAs suspended

Chaos in Bengal assembly; 5 BJP MLAs suspended

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Uproarious scenes on the concluding day of the special session on Thursday turned the West Bengal Assembly into a cauldron of chaos, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's speech was repeatedly drowned out by slogan-shouting, leading to the suspension of five Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs and the collapse of two legislators during forcible eviction by marshalls.

Stalemate ends, MVA likely to announce seat-sharing deal today

Stalemate ends, MVA likely to announce seat-sharing deal today

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Top leaders of the Opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance met in Mumbai late Tuesday night with indications that the seat-sharing arrangement for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections has been finalised.

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'One murder gets national coverage because of political connections.' 'The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage.' 'Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?'

Congress strives to stage a comeback in Akola

Congress strives to stage a comeback in Akola

Rediff.com7 Apr 2014

Banks on mobilising support from Dalit and Muslim voters. Sanjay Jog reports.

Sharad Pawar speaks on MVA loss and retirement plan

Sharad Pawar speaks on MVA loss and retirement plan

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the Ladki Bahin scheme, women's participation in voting in large numbers, and religious polarisation may have played a role in Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra assembly polls.

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Where Does Shashi Tharoor Go From Here?

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The political and ideological differences between the Congress and Shashi Tharoor is no longer a matter of whispers.

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Beed sarpanch murder: Munde's aide turns himself in, govt in soup

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Before going to the police, Karad posted a video on social media, announcing that he would surrender and claimed he was being linked to the murder case due to political vendetta.

Ajit Pawar slams BJP leader for remarks on uncle

Ajit Pawar slams BJP leader for remarks on uncle

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned adverse remarks made against his uncle and Nationalist Congress Party-Saradchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar by ruling Mahayuti legislator Sadabhau Khot, and said such comments will not be tolerated.

'Fear of ED, CBI, greed for power makes them leave the Congress'

'Fear of ED, CBI, greed for power makes them leave the Congress'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

'Can you believe Ashok Chavan was with me in the senior leaders' meeting one day, and next day morning, he switched sides!'

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

High drama at 'Marathi asmita' march near Mumbai; Sena minister heckled

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Police detained MNS leader Avinash Jadhav ahead of a rally planned in Thane to counter a protest staged by traders against the slapping of a food stall owner for not speaking in Marathi.

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Shinde seeks death penalty for 'Walmik Karad or anyone else'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has demanded the death penalty for those involved in the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, calling the crime "heinous." Shinde said that no one involved in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, will be spared. Deshmukh was abducted and tortured to death on December 9 after he resisted an extortion attempt targeting an energy company operating a windmill project in the area. Karad was arrested in the extortion case linked to the murder after he surrendered to police in Pune on December 31.

Rift in MVA? Raut blames Cong for delay in seat talks

Rift in MVA? Raut blames Cong for delay in seat talks

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday blamed Congress leaders in Maharashtra for the delay in Maha Vikas Aghadi's seat-sharing talks for the upcoming assembly elections.

Won't use name, picture of Sharad Pawar on banner or poster, Ajit assures SC

Won't use name, picture of Sharad Pawar on banner or poster, Ajit assures SC

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

He furnished an undertaking before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan pursuant to a March 14 order by the apex court.

Undermining Marathi will not be tolerated: Sule

Undermining Marathi will not be tolerated: Sule

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule has criticized the Maharashtra government's decision to make Hindi a mandatory third language in schools, stating that it will not tolerate any undermining of the Marathi language. Sule also criticized the state's implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, expressing concerns about its potential impact on students and teachers. She also questioned the appointment of a retired bureaucrat as the chief economic advisor to the chief minister and criticized the state's performance in areas like fiscal deficit management and the Jal Jeevan Mission.

What's brewing? Uddhav meets Fadnavis, Narwekar

What's brewing? Uddhav meets Fadnavis, Narwekar

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Uddhav Thackeray and his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar on the premises of Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur.

Congress to go solo in BMC polls: Mumbai unit chief

Congress to go solo in BMC polls: Mumbai unit chief

Rediff.com28 Dec 2021

The Sonia Gandhi-led party is a constituent of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition in the state, which is led by the Shiv Sena and also comprises the NCP.

Cracks in MVA as Uddhav Sena leader blames Cong for poll rout

Cracks in MVA as Uddhav Sena leader blames Cong for poll rout

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

Fissures emerged within the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra following their defeat in the state assembly elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve blamed the Congress's overconfidence, claiming they were already discussing portfolios even before winning the polls. Danve also said there was a lack of clarity on leadership within the alliance, with 10 Congress leaders reportedly vying for the chief minister's position. He also expressed that Uddhav Thackeray's presence as the chief ministerial face could have swung votes in their favour. Despite winning 30 of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, the MVA secured only 49 seats out of 288 in the state polls. The Shiv Sena (UBT) won 20, Congress 16, NCP (SP) 10, Samajwadi Party 2, and CPM 1.

BJP, Congress spar over Parliament logjam

BJP, Congress spar over Parliament logjam

Rediff.com21 Mar 2023

With the all-party meetings called by Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla producing no breakthrough to end the deadlock in Parliament, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi accused opposition parties of repeatedly 'insulting' Dhankhar.

Mess with anyone but me: Sharad Pawar vows to defeat Ajit

Mess with anyone but me: Sharad Pawar vows to defeat Ajit

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The 83-year-old former Union minister emphasised his status as an undefeated politician since he became an MLA in 1967 at the age of 27 and said, "I have my own experiences."

10-15 Cong, Uddhav Sena MLAs will join us on Jan 23: Shiv Sena leader

10-15 Cong, Uddhav Sena MLAs will join us on Jan 23: Shiv Sena leader

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A ruling Shiv Sena leader has predicted a "major political earthquake" in Maharashtra on January 23, the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, claiming that 10 to 15 MLAs from the opposition Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) will switch sides and join the party led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The prediction comes amidst reports of discontent within the ruling coalition in the state.

Fadnavis' First Challenge: Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Fadnavis' First Challenge: Santosh Deshmukh Murder Case

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

'The CM's credibility is on the line.'

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Does Modi Want Sharad Pawar On His Side?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Political sources say Modi is 'keen' on getting the NCP (SP) over to the Mahayuti to counter Eknath Shinde's 'demands' and to act as a cushion against his present allies, Nitish Kumar and N Chandrababu Naidu, 'in case their relationship became untenable'.