News for 'Defending Congress'

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'All senior Muslim leaders of the BJP are left behind.' 'Doodh mein se makhi jaisey nikaal dete hain.'

Rajkot mayor travels to Kumbh in official vehicle, sparks row

Rajkot mayor travels to Kumbh in official vehicle, sparks row

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Naynaben Pedhadiya, mayor of Rajkot city in Gujarat has sparked a controversy after photos of her journey to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh in her official vehicle went viral.

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his hardline Hindutva views and 'bulldozer justice' approach, has spoken out about his policies toward Muslims, the Waqf board, and his vision for India. He asserts that Muslims will receive a fair share of development in Uttar Pradesh, but not special concessions. He also criticizes the Waqf board for its alleged appropriation of government properties and calls for its reform. Adityanath defends his 'bulldozer justice' policy, claiming it is necessary for infrastructure development and removal of encroachments. He also discusses his vision for India, emphasizing the importance of Hindi as a national language and the need for unity across different linguistic groups.

Bypoll results: SP defends Mainpuri, BJP wins 2 seats but loses 1, Congress 2

Bypoll results: SP defends Mainpuri, BJP wins 2 seats but loses 1, Congress 2

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

The ruling BJP in UP, however, lost Khatauli to Samajwadi Party ally Rashtriya Lok Dal.

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Kharge alleged that Dhankhar is working as a government spokesperson and acting like a school headmaster, often sermonising experienced opposition leaders and preventing them from speaking in the House.

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rahul's 'fighting Indian state' remark triggers row

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said his party was fighting the 'Bharatiya Janata Party, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Indian state itself', triggering a row with the BJP alleging that everything the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha does or says is in the direction of breaking India and dividing the society.

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Delhi stampede: Oppn slams govt, seeks Vaishnaw's resignation

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Opposition parties in India have demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after a stampede at New Delhi railway station killed 18 people. They blamed the government for "gross mismanagement" and accused them of "covering up" the death toll. The stampede occurred on Saturday night as passengers rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The Congress, the Left, Trinamool Congress, and the Rashtriya Janata Dal have all criticized the government's handling of the situation, while BJP leaders have defended the government. The incident has highlighted the failure of the Railways and the government to make adequate arrangements for the large number of devotees travelling to Prayagraj.

Adani charges: Cong seeks probe, BJP questions timing

Adani charges: Cong seeks probe, BJP questions timing

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

With billionaire Gautam Adani charged in the United States with alleged bribery and fraud, the Congress on Thursday said it 'vindicates' its demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigation into the various 'scams' involving his conglomerate.

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc MPs clashed in Parliament on Thursday over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, leading to jostling and an injury to BJP MP Pratap Sarangi. The opposition demanded Shah's resignation, while the BJP defended him.

Priyanka Gandhi likely to be part of simultaneous polls JPC

Priyanka Gandhi likely to be part of simultaneous polls JPC

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The two 'One Nation One Election' (ONOE) bills, including one requiring an amendment in the Constitution, that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday after a fiery debate.

Bidhuri sorry for controversial remark on Priyanka, but invokes Lalu

Bidhuri sorry for controversial remark on Priyanka, but invokes Lalu

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and party's candidate from Kalkaji, Ramesh Bidhuri, has yet again courted controversy by allegedly saying that after victory in the Delhi assembly polls next month, he will develop smooth roads in the constituency like Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's 'cheeks'.

Why Is The Congress Afraid?

Why Is The Congress Afraid?

Rediff.com22 May 2023

Why weren't the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra and Telangana -- all of which have borders with Karnataka -- not invited to Saturday's swearing-in ceremony, asks Shyam G Menon.

'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.'

'Malicious lies': Modi reacts to row over Shah's remark on Ambedkar

'Malicious lies': Modi reacts to row over Shah's remark on Ambedkar

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday vehemently defended Home Minister Amit Shah against the Congress' accusation that he insulted B.R. Ambedkar in a Rajya Sabha speech. Modi asserted that Shah had actually exposed the Congress' "dark history of insulting" the architect of the Indian Constitution. The prime minister went on to detail a litany of actions by the Congress party that he claimed demonstrated their disrespect for Ambedkar, including denying him a Bharat Ratna and preventing his portrait from being displayed in Parliament's Central Hall. He also criticized the Congress for failing to address the plight of marginalized communities during their time in power. Modi highlighted the efforts of his government in implementing Ambedkar's vision and honoring his legacy.

BJP offered Rs 50 cr to 50 Cong MLAs: Siddaramaiah

BJP offered Rs 50 cr to 50 Cong MLAs: Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Thursday challenged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to disclose the source of his allegation that Rs 50 crore bribe each was offered to 50 Congress MLAs to topple the government. He said the Chief Minister has lost faith in his own MLAs and, hence, was levelling false allegations.

Sarpanch murder: Ajit Pawar has asked Fadnavis to...

Sarpanch murder: Ajit Pawar has asked Fadnavis to...

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said no one will be spared in the Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh murder case even as he defended his party and cabinet colleague Dhananjay Munde.

Did Congress jump the gun by defending Vadra?

Did Congress jump the gun by defending Vadra?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2012

Sections of the Congress party are of the view that the party would have kept itself out of any embarrassment had it not gone about defending Robert Vadra. Renu Mittal reports

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Pune hospital ends deposit policy after pregnant woman's death

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune, India, has stopped taking deposits from patients at the emergency department after a pregnant woman died after being turned away for non-payment. The hospital faced intense criticism following the incident, which involved the wife of a BJP MLC's personal secretary. The woman was shifted to another hospital where she died after delivering twins.

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

The landmark 1991 budget was Manmohan's trial by fire

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, had to literally face a trial-by-fire to ensure widespread acceptance of his path-breaking Union Budget of 1991 that saw the nation rise from its darkest financial crises.

In Lok Sabha speech, Modi taunts Congress, defends CAA

In Lok Sabha speech, Modi taunts Congress, defends CAA

Rediff.com6 Feb 2020

Replying to a debate on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha, Modi also attacked the Congress for its politics in the last seven decades, saying the party's politics of last 70 years has been such that no Congress leader can be self-sufficient.

Kerala Cong leader among 6 booked for duping people of crores; 1 held

Kerala Cong leader among 6 booked for duping people of crores; 1 held

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

A 26-year-old man, Anandu Krishnan, has been arrested for allegedly defrauding people across Kerala by promising them scooters, sewing machines, and home appliances at half price. The accused claimed to use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from big companies. The case has taken a political turn with the involvement of Congress leader Lali Vincent, who served as a legal advisor to an NGO involved in the transactions. Vincent defended Krishnan and said he was not a fraudster, claiming he was made a scapegoat after those who promised CSR funds backed away. The case is being investigated by the Kerala police, who are also looking into the role of certain political leaders in the fraud.

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Jamiat too files petition in SC against Waqf (Amendment) Act

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A fresh plea has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, claiming it was a "blatant intrusion" into the rights of a religious denomination to manage its own affairs in the matter of religion. The plea, filed by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, argues that the amendments would distort the religious character of Waqfs and irreversibly damage the democratic process in their administration. Several other petitions have been filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the bill, including those by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, and AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan.

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh is on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaz, prompting authorities to implement additional security measures in the state, including enhanced patrolling, surveillance drones, and strict monitoring of social media. The decision follows controversial remarks made by some politicians and a police officer, raising concerns about potential incidents in mixed population localities. The administration has also decided to cover mosques to prevent them from being stained with colors, while several mosques have shifted the timing of Friday prayers.

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

China hikes defence budget, 3 times higher than India

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defence budget, bringing the total to USD 249 billion for the year. This rise comes amidst China's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces, including the development of new warships and fighter jets. The budget increase, exceeding last year's 7.2 percent rise, reflects China's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Communist Party's leadership in guiding the military, with President Xi Jinping at the helm of the Central Military Commission. China's defence spending is now three times that of India's and is viewed by critics as a sign of the country's growing military ambitions.

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

China on Tuesday retaliated US President Donald Trump's imposition of 2nd round of ten per cent tariffs on its export by slapping an additional 15 per cent tariffs on American goods and initiated legal action against Washington in WTO while leaving the door open for talks to address each other's concerns.

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

BJP ridiculing Savarkar when...: Rahul in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for claiming to protect the Constitution while citing V D Savarkar's remarks that there was nothing Indian about it. He also drew parallels to the story of 'Eklavya' to illustrate the BJP's alleged economic policies hurting small businesses and farmers. He further supported the removal of the 50 percent cap on reservations and advocated for a caste census.

'Because he never read it': Rahul's retort to Modi on Constitution

'Because he never read it': Rahul's retort to Modi on Constitution

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi thinks that the Constitution of India is 'blank' because he has never read it.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

Liberalization: How Dr Singh Convinced Narasimha Rao

Liberalization: How Dr Singh Convinced Narasimha Rao

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'I had to persuade him. I think he was a sceptic to begin with, but later on he was convinced that what we were doing was the right thing to do, that there was no other way out.'

HC notice to Jairam, Pawan Khera on scribe's plea over offensive posts

HC notice to Jairam, Pawan Khera on scribe's plea over offensive posts

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

The high court asked the defendants to file their reply within two weeks of service of notice and listed the matter for August 22 before the joint registrar.

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

'In India, Women Have The Right To Demand Justice'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'That is why an emotional appeal to the President.' 'There needs to be a strict law. The accused should be punished immediately.' 'All cases should be heard in fast-track courts.' 'In rural areas, women's cases are not even registered. There, political pressure stops them.' 'And if cases are not registered under political pressure, then their voices are completely silenced.'

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

This attack-dog behaviour....: Tharoor slams BJP over US deep state charges

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized the BJP for its allegations that elements in the American "deep state" were behind attempts to destabilize India, saying this "attack-dog" behavior is an embarrassment to India. Tharoor's comments come after the US rejected the BJP's allegations, describing them as "disappointing" and asserting that the US government is a champion of media freedom. The BJP had alleged that the US deep state colluded with the media portal OCCRP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to "damage" India's image.

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

LS passes Waqf bill by 288-232 votes; Oppn's amendments rejected

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with the ruling NDA defending it as beneficial for minorities while the opposition called it "anti-Muslim". All amendments moved by the opposition were rejected and the bill was passed with 288 votes in favor and 232 against. Union Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that India is the safest place in the world for minorities, refuting claims of their insecurity.

Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Ahistorical, But Entertaining

Kesari Chapter 2 Review: Ahistorical, But Entertaining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If you disregard history and are ready to watch Kesari 2 purely as an entertainer, you are definitely going to enjoy it, feels Utkarsh Mishra.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Former PM Manmohan Singh, architect of India's economic reforms, dies at 92

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was brought to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi in critical condition after "sudden loss of consciousness."

Amit Shah would have been a 'scrap dealer' if...: Siddaramaiah

Amit Shah would have been a 'scrap dealer' if...: Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks on B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament. Siddaramaiah said Shah would have been a "Gujari" (scrap dealer) if there wasn't Ambedkar's Constitution. He also criticized Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for not taking action against Shah for his comments. The Congress leader further accused the BJP and Sangh Parivar of hating Ambedkar and the Constitution. Siddaramaiah also recalled the RSS's opposition to the Constitution and Ambedkar in the past, citing articles from the RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser' and Golwalkar's book "Bunch of Thought."

'Nitish Kumar Is Behaving Oddly'

'Nitish Kumar Is Behaving Oddly'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

'We used to discuss how image-conscious Nitish Kumar was and his sophisticated conduct in public life. All this has become a thing of the past.'

Savarkar row: Raut's caution as Maharashtra Cong chief defends Rahul

Savarkar row: Raut's caution as Maharashtra Cong chief defends Rahul

Rediff.com19 Nov 2022

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said V D Savarkar, Jawaharlal Nehru or any other freedom fighter should not be maligned as they do not belong to any political party.

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The BJP has killed public anger. They have killed people's self-respect.'