News for 'Congress ministry'

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.

HC to treat Swamy's plea over Rahul Gandhi's citizenship as PIL

HC to treat Swamy's plea over Rahul Gandhi's citizenship as PIL

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

The Delhi high court on Tuesday said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's plea, seeking directions to the ministry of home affairs (MHA) to decide his representation seeking cancellation of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship, be treated a public interest litigation.

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.

Sharad Pawar's wife stopped from entering Baramati textile park

Sharad Pawar's wife stopped from entering Baramati textile park

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Pratibha Pawar, wife of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, was allegedly stopped from entering the premises of Baramati Hi-Tech Textiles Park in Pune district on Sunday for half an hour. This was informed by the office of Baramati MP Supriya Sule. Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife and Rajya Sabha member Sunetra Pawar is the chairperson of the Baramati Hi-Tech Textiles Park. A video shared by Supriya Sule's office shows female aides of Pratibha Pawar and Sule's daughter Revti Sule asking a security guard at the Park to open the gate as they wanted to do some purchasing. The guard told them he was instructed by one Anil Wagh to not open the gate. A male aide accompanying Pratibha Pawar and Revti Sule confirmed to PTI that they were not allowed to enter the premises for at least 30 minutes. When contacted, Textile Park chief manager Anil Wagh said he was not aware that Pratibha Pawar was supposed to visit the premises. He claimed he instructed security personnel to not allow any political rally inside. When he was told that Pratibha Pawar had arrived, he immediately asked security guards to open the gate and allow them inside. According to Wagh, Pratibha Pawar and Revti Sule visited some companies on the premises of the Park and interacted with women workers. Baramati Hi-Tech Textile Park is one of 26 parks approved by the Union Ministry of Textiles. Under the chairmanship of Sunetra Pawar, this park was set up in the year 2008 over an area of 65 acres in Baramati in Pune district. A fierce electoral battle is playing out in the Baramati assembly constituency between Ajit Pawar, who revolted against uncle Sharad Pawar last year, and his nephew Yugendra Pawar.

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Dr Singh, Devoted Husband And Father

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Nitin Desai, who has known Dr Singh from 1971, extends his 'deepest condolences to his wife Gurcharan Kaur and to his three talented daughters Upinder, the historian; Daman, the writer; and Amrit, the human rights activist.'

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Can Trump Fix India's US Problem?

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

No single individual, institution, or action is to blame for this. The BJP is responding in kind -- definitely not without checking with its government. And they wait for Mr Trump, notes Shekhar Gupta.

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

NC-led alliance stakes claim to form govt in J-K; oath-taking on Oct 16

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

Chief minister-designate Omar Abdullah met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to present letters of support from coalition partners, shortly after the Congress officially extended its backing to the party.

NIA takes over Manipur violence cases as protests continue

NIA takes over Manipur violence cases as protests continue

Rediff.com18 Nov 2024

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered three cases related to recent violence in Manipur, taking over investigations from Manipur Police. These cases include the murder of a woman, an attack on a CRPF post, and the burning of houses in Jiribam. The situation in Manipur remains volatile with protests continuing following the recovery of bodies of women and children. Violence has also spread to Jiribam, previously untouched by clashes, after a farmer's body was found in June.

Cong to move privilege motion against agri minister Chouhan for misleading RS

Cong to move privilege motion against agri minister Chouhan for misleading RS

Rediff.com6 Aug 2024

In their letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Congress leaders said during a discussion on the functioning of the ministry of agriculture and farmers' welfare on August 2, "misleading and incorrect assertions" were made by the minister.

PDP rubbishes Azad's claim on party's tie-up with Congress in 2002

PDP rubbishes Azad's claim on party's tie-up with Congress in 2002

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

The former bureaucrat, who was a close aide of Sayeed, wondered how a party with just 16 members could "blackmail" Gandhi on government formation.

When will PM act on Manipur, asks Congress

When will PM act on Manipur, asks Congress

Rediff.com9 Aug 2023

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi also said, "Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh is making serious charges against the Assam Rifles which is directly under Union Home Minister Amit Shah."

Meitei, Kuki, Naga MLAs of Manipur to meet in Delhi

Meitei, Kuki, Naga MLAs of Manipur to meet in Delhi

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

For the first time since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur last year, a number of MLAs of Meitei, Kuki and Naga communities are set to hold a joint meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday under the supervision of the home ministry, officials said.

It's Rahul vs BJP on lateral entry of bureaucrats

It's Rahul vs BJP on lateral entry of bureaucrats

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

The opposition parties on Sunday slammed the move to hire public servants through lateral entry, claiming it will snatch reservations from SCs, STs and OBCs, but the Bharatiya Janata Party hit back stating the National Democratic Alliance government was bringing transparency to this mode of recruitment started by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance.

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rijiju shunted out of law ministry, given earth sciences

Rediff.com18 May 2023

In a major cabinet reshuffle, Arjun Ram Meghwal has replaced Kiren Rijiju as the Union law and justice minister, a communique from the President's Secretariat said on Thursday.

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

'Petty mindset': Rahul's I-Day celebrations seating triggers row

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

Gandhi was seen sitting behind a few rows of seats, which were occupied by members of the Indian contingent that took part in the recently-held Paris Games.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

Shinde signals exit from power as Fadnavis aide visits

Shinde signals exit from power as Fadnavis aide visits

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The name of the Maharashtra chief minister will be announced on Wednesday, a day ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of the Mahayuti government, after the Bharatiya Janata Party elects its legislature party leader, a senior functionary said on Monday.

Can give up ministerial post: Chirag Paswan

Can give up ministerial post: Chirag Paswan

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Union minister Chirag Paswan has caused a flutter by stating he would choose to give up his ministerial berth instead of a compromise on his principles, in keeping with the precedent set by his late father Ram Vilas Paswan.

Have You Heard About The Potato Crisis?

Have You Heard About The Potato Crisis?

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Amid the political blame game over Bengal's potato ban, which led to shortages in Jharkhand and Odisha, Uttar Pradesh farmers are the unlikely winners.

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.

Three Pak hockey players seek asylum in Europe, banned by PHF

Three Pak hockey players seek asylum in Europe, banned by PHF

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

The former Olympian acknowledged that while the PHF's financial situation was challenging and that players had faced delays in their travel allowances and daily subsistence payments, these issues did not justify abandoning the national team and bringing disrepute to the country.

Fadnavis to take oath tomorrow, Modi to attend

Fadnavis to take oath tomorrow, Modi to attend

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Devendra Fadnavis will lead the new Mahayuti coalition government in Maharashtra, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar serving as deputy chief ministers. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Thursday evening at Azad Maidan ground in south Mumbai and will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers. The Mahayuti coalition won the recent assembly elections by a landslide, securing 230 out of 288 seats.

Trinamool to skip all-party meet convened by Centre

Trinamool to skip all-party meet convened by Centre

Rediff.com16 Jul 2024

The government has convened an all-party meeting on July 21 ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament which will start next Monday, the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry said.

Centre cancels UGC-NET amid NEET fiasco

Centre cancels UGC-NET amid NEET fiasco

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

A fresh examination shall be conducted, for which information shall be shared separately, a senior Ministry of Education (MoE) official said.

'If I were home minister...' : Pawan Kalyan picks on ally TDP

'If I were home minister...' : Pawan Kalyan picks on ally TDP

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Monday expressed concern over the law and order situation in the state and said if he was the state home minister, 'things would be different', remarks seen as direct criticism of Vangalapudi Anitha, who is holding the department currently.

'BJP Micromanaged 48 Seats We Won'

'BJP Micromanaged 48 Seats We Won'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2024

'Every Haryana assembly seat has its own unique problems to earn victory for a political party and you as a politician need to know what are those issues and tackle it.'

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Temple attack in Canada draws strong condemnation in India

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

The 'deliberate attack' on a Hindu temple in Canada sparked strong condemnation in India on Monday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.

To get 'authentic info': Sharad Pawar on Z+ security

To get 'authentic info': Sharad Pawar on Z+ security

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

The Centre on Wednesday accorded Z plus -- the highest category of armed VIP security cover -- to Pawar, official sources had said.

SC asks govt for records on BBC Gujarat riots documentary ban

SC asks govt for records on BBC Gujarat riots documentary ban

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The bench allowed the rejoinder affidavit to be filed by petitioners in two weeks thereafter and posted the matter for final hearing in January, 2025.

'Unpardonable non-cooperation': Centre moves SC against WB govt over Kolkata horror

'Unpardonable non-cooperation': Centre moves SC against WB govt over Kolkata horror

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Terming the alleged non-cooperation of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government as an example "symptomatic of a systemic malaise", the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a direction to West Bengal authorities to extend full cooperation to the CISF.

Congress dials down on Digvijaya's post thanking Germany

Congress dials down on Digvijaya's post thanking Germany

Rediff.com30 Mar 2023

The Congress on Thursday said it firmly believes that India's democratic processes themselves have to deal with the threats posed to its democracy, remarks that came after the Bharatiya Janata Party attacked the opposition party for its leader Digvijaya Singh thanking Germany for "taking note" of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification from the Lok Sabha.

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Govt defends Great Nicobar project amid criticism, cites national interest

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The central government's Great Nicobar development project, proposed around an unprecedented transhipment port, will be executed to keep environmental impact minimal, and is essential as it is of national importance, the government has said amid calls to abort the controversial project due to ecological concerns, the Centre said in an official statement.

Bibek Debroy, chief of PM's economic council, passes away

Bibek Debroy, chief of PM's economic council, passes away

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) chairman Bibek Debroy passed away this morning, a senior EAC-PM official said. He was admitted to AIIMS. Debroy (69) was educated in Ramakrishna Mission School, Narendrapur; Presidency College, Kolkata; Delhi School of Economics; and Trinity College, Cambridge.

Will fight to improve working conditions: Rahul to EY staffer's parents

Will fight to improve working conditions: Rahul to EY staffer's parents

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

The Leader of Opposition assured the parents of raising the issue in Parliament.

Cong slams govt over delay in Class 6 textbooks

Cong slams govt over delay in Class 6 textbooks

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

The textbooks themselves have not been finalised by the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Committee (NSTC), he said.

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

The Nehruvian Who Fell Out With Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

Because of his proximity to Indira Gandhi, he was able to intervene directly at the level of the PMO, which he did in the days leading up to the partition of Pakistan in 1971 when he transferred crucial information about Pakistan's moves via information handed to him by an East Pakistani diplomat in Poland where he was posted.

Utter mismanagement: Kharge, Rahul on Bengal train crash

Utter mismanagement: Kharge, Rahul on Bengal train crash

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

Gandhi alleged the increase in railway accidents in the last 10 years is a "direct result of the mismanagement and negligence of the Modi government, which has resulted in loss of lives and property of passengers on a daily basis".

1 lakh cases of love jihad, vote jihad in 14 LS seats: Fadnavis

1 lakh cases of love jihad, vote jihad in 14 LS seats: Fadnavis

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Addressing a public event in Kolhapur city on Monday evening, Fadnavis pointed out instances wherein women were tricked into inter-faith marriage and subsequently abandoned after they gave birth to children.

Natwar Singh: A man who wore many hats, but always spoke his mind

Natwar Singh: A man who wore many hats, but always spoke his mind

Rediff.com11 Aug 2024

K Natwar Singh wore many hats as he straddled the worlds of diplomacy, politics and writing but what remained consistent across decades was his sharp-wit and plainspeaking.

CBI chargesheets youth for 'doctored' screenshot of UGC-NET paper

CBI chargesheets youth for 'doctored' screenshot of UGC-NET paper

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The CBI did not find any large-scale conspiracy in the episode and would limit the charge sheet to offences of attempt to cheat or cheating, they said.