News for 'Democracy Over Political Interests'

Champai Soren hints at quitting JMM, says faced bitter humiliation as CM

Champai Soren hints at quitting JMM, says faced bitter humiliation as CM

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

Some media reports had on Friday claimed that Soren could join the saffron party ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections.

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

'Supreme Court Must Clarify Justice Chandrachud's Places Of Worship Remark'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

'It was a disaster on his part to give an oral remark which allowed ascertainment of the religious character of places of worship.' 'This disrupted the social harmony of the country.'

'Caste has become a beacon of democracy in India'

'Caste has become a beacon of democracy in India'

Rediff.com28 Sep 2018

'Every person has two identities in India, that of his caste and nation.' 'It is understandable in a multi-caste, multi-religious society and I don't mind this.' 'What I mind is the State has failed in doing enough to melt these two identities in such a way that everybody has access to citizenship which is more important than your caste.' 'That is why people remain in the narrow identities of his caste or religion.'

Will Godi Media Change In Modi 3.0?

Will Godi Media Change In Modi 3.0?

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

'The election results mean that the Opposition can no longer either be ignored or attacked in the way that it has been.' 'For this reason it will be interesting to see how it behaves from here on and whether there is any change in its behaviour,' notes Aakar Patel.

How Shibu Soren's close aide became BJP's asset

How Shibu Soren's close aide became BJP's asset

Rediff.com30 Aug 2024

Once a close aide to JMM supremo Shibu Soren, Champai is now seen as crucial for the saffron party's efforts to establish a foothold in the tribal belt of Jharkhand, where Scheduled Tribes make up about 26 per cent of the electorate.

EC delists 86 more fictitious political parties, total number at 357

EC delists 86 more fictitious political parties, total number at 357

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

The Election Commission on Tuesday ordered the delisting of another 86 'non-existent' registered unrecognised political parties, raising the number of such organisations red flagged by the poll panel for failing to comply with electoral rules to 537.

Biden plans to host a global Summit for Democracy in 1st yr of Presidency

Biden plans to host a global Summit for Democracy in 1st yr of Presidency

Rediff.com8 Nov 2020

India, being the world's largest democracy, is likely to play an important role in such a summit. Biden defeated incumbent President Donald Trump in the bitterly-fought presidential election that attracted a record number of Americans to cast their votes.

Unjustified pressure on India over energy ties: Russia

Unjustified pressure on India over energy ties: Russia

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

India is a great power that determines its national interests and chooses its partners, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, describing as "completely unjustified" the "enormous pressure" on New Delhi due to its energy cooperation with Moscow.

Free, fair polls in Bangladesh after reforms in various sectors: Yunus

Free, fair polls in Bangladesh after reforms in various sectors: Yunus

Rediff.com25 Aug 2024

Yunus in his 26-minute speech did not give any deadline for the tenure of his interim government but acknowledged that "everyone is interested to know when our government will leave".

If a party with 25 MLAs...: Priyanka slams BJP on HP crisis

If a party with 25 MLAs...: Priyanka slams BJP on HP crisis

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

'The BJP, which did not stand with the people of the state during the natural disaster, now wants to push the state into political disaster'

Has coronavirus helped Modi discover virtues of democracy?

Has coronavirus helped Modi discover virtues of democracy?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2020

Has Modi -- after announcing the life-crushing demonetisation, the abrogation of Article 370 and the CAA/NPR/NRC without any consultation -- suddenly realised the value of taking everyone on board, asks Krishna Prasad.

SC strikes down electoral bonds as 'unconstitutional', orders disclosure of donors

SC strikes down electoral bonds as 'unconstitutional', orders disclosure of donors

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

In a landmark judgment that delivered a big blow to the government, the Supreme Court on Thursday annulled the electoral bonds scheme, saying it violates the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to information.

'Nobody is interested in the party'

'Nobody is interested in the party'

Rediff.com26 Sep 2021

'We need good leaders to lead the party.'

'Dalit Women Set The Agenda Of This Election'

'Dalit Women Set The Agenda Of This Election'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

'They were very vocal on the defence of the Constitution, reservation, SC/ST Act and democratic rights.'

Lok Sabha elections as good as rigged: Jean Dreze

Lok Sabha elections as good as rigged: Jean Dreze

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

Development economist Jean Dreze said the Indian democracy is currently navigating a crisis that is not only limited to the 'recent wave of authoritarianism' but also suppression of opposition voices by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Beware! China, Pakistan's Bangladesh Games

Beware! China, Pakistan's Bangladesh Games

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

Bangladesh is in turmoil, which is not good news for India, which shares a porous 4000 km border with it. There is a danger of fundamentalism growing there, and India has to move in to reset its ties with the new dispensation before China and Pakistan make capital out of it, alerts Ramesh Menon.

Will Anantnag See High Voter Turnout?

Will Anantnag See High Voter Turnout?

Rediff.com25 May 2024

'There is no link between Article 370 abrogation and a rise in voting percentage.'

On way to Sambhal, Rahul, Priyanka stopped at UP border

On way to Sambhal, Rahul, Priyanka stopped at UP border

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Curbs under Section 163 (power to issue an order in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which were set to expire on Sunday, have now been extended till December 31 in Sambhal.

Opposition puts up united front at INDIA's Delhi show of strength

Opposition puts up united front at INDIA's Delhi show of strength

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

The Congress said the rally by the INDIA will send a "strong message" to the Lok Kalyan Marg, where the prime minister's residence is located, that the BJP-led government's "time is up".

Don't vent frustration of defeat in Parliament: Modi to Oppn

Don't vent frustration of defeat in Parliament: Modi to Oppn

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

odi said the country has rejected negativity and asserted that the winter session was a golden opportunity for the opposition.

Modi dials Biden, briefs India's stand on Ukraine, B'desh situation

Modi dials Biden, briefs India's stand on Ukraine, B'desh situation

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday briefed US President Joe Biden in a phone conversation on his visit to Ukraine and conveyed India's full support for the early return of peace to the region through dialogue and diplomacy.

Trump assassination attempt suspect 'planned' to recruit Afghan soldiers in Ukraine

Trump assassination attempt suspect 'planned' to recruit Afghan soldiers in Ukraine

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Ryan Wesley Routh, who authorities suspect was planning to attack the Republican presidential nominee as he played a round of golf, made these remarks to The New York Times.

'She will return': Mamata reacts to Mahua's expulsion

'She will return': Mamata reacts to Mahua's expulsion

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

Moitra was expelled after the House adopted the report of its Ethics Committee that held her guilty of accepting gifts and illegal gratification from a businessman to further his interest.

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

India's Neighbourhood First Policy Crumbling

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The fundamental construct of India's neighbourhood policy still needs to be what Vajpayee postulated, Manmohan Singh embraced, and Modi energised. It's just that we need to junk domestic politics and excessive religiosity, while acquiring much humility and a renewed respectfulness towards our neighbours, recommends Shekhar Gupta.

It's 3 dynasties vs J-K youths: Modi at 1st poll rally

It's 3 dynasties vs J-K youths: Modi at 1st poll rally

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Modi began his nearly 45-minute speech by welcoming the people who attended the rally in the Kashmiri language. "This time, the (assembly) election will decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained the target of foreign powers since Independence," he told the gathering.

'No one knows who funds the BJP'

'No one knows who funds the BJP'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

'Who has given how much money to which party, the people of India must know this fact.'

Biden urged to delay recognition of new Pak govt over rigging concerns

Biden urged to delay recognition of new Pak govt over rigging concerns

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The lawmakers expressed concerns about "pre- and post-poll rigging in Pakistan's recent parliamentary elections" and urged the US Congress to "withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until a thorough, transparent, and credible investigation of election interference has been conducted".

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Under Trump India-US Space Sector May Soar

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

'With India's growing capabilities in the space sector, this creates promising opportunities for enhanced collaboration and market access.'

SC questions HC order in Congress's tax case

SC questions HC order in Congress's tax case

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and N Kotiswar Singh, which issued notice on the plea of the Congress against the March 13 high court order, however, said the ITAT can proceed on the political party's appeal.

'Virus has made BJP's politics defensive'

'Virus has made BJP's politics defensive'

Rediff.com7 Jun 2021

'Someone who has lost a dear one to Covid; that person is not going to forget and will not vote for the BJP.'

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Use or threat of use of nukes unacceptable: India, Germany on Ukraine war

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

The leaders also noted the "negative impacts" of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least-developed countries.

What Will Modi Discuss At Quad Meeting?

What Will Modi Discuss At Quad Meeting?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Saturday's Quad meeting in Delaware is taking place against the backdrop of China's assertive behaviour in the South China Sea, its sabre-rattling in the Taiwan Strait and increasing footprints in the Pacific and Indian Ocean, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

What Happens If Biden Drops Out?

What Happens If Biden Drops Out?

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

The Democrats have elected a set of state representatives who will act as an electoral panel. These representatives will have to pick someone else. This could be Vice President Kamala Harris, who is widely seen as a top contender, but is not popular, points out Aakar Patel.

'Nikhil Gupta Will Be Quietly Sent Back To India'

'Nikhil Gupta Will Be Quietly Sent Back To India'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

'As the trial gets closer for Nikhil Gupta, they're going to want to make sure that he doesn't talk.' 'And they're going to put pressure on Mr Gupta to make some deal where the evidence doesn't come out.'

'Kashmir Needs A Bal Thackeray'

'Kashmir Needs A Bal Thackeray'

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'Afzal Guru became a victim of Pakistan's conspiracy. He was used as a means, just like all other innocent Kashmiris.'

The stench of money in politics

The stench of money in politics

Rediff.com5 Nov 2009

When business interests begin deciding who will rule, democracy is in trouble, writes Mahesh Vijaypurkar

Jaitley pitches for interest rate cut ahead of RBI policy

Jaitley pitches for interest rate cut ahead of RBI policy

Rediff.com4 Apr 2016

Reserve Bank will hold its first bi-monthly monetary policy review for 2016-17 on Tuesday.

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

'Judgment Is A Constitutional Earthquake'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

'It has changed the political character of India by ejecting socialism as an ideology from the Constitution of India.'

The sinking democracy in Maldives

The sinking democracy in Maldives

Rediff.com28 Oct 2013

Democracy in Maldives is at the crossroads. There is need for the international community to put pressure on the incumbent regime in the country, so that it is not able to disrupt elections once again, and the democracy in Maldives could be saved from sinking, says Anand Kumar.

If you fail democracy fails, NSA Doval tells young police officers

If you fail democracy fails, NSA Doval tells young police officers

Rediff.com5 Mar 2020

NSA Ajit Doval on Thursday told young police officers heading the district force to be "credible and fair" and warned them that if they fail, democracy would also fail. During his lecture, organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) under the Union home ministry, Doval laid special emphasis on police and policing and asked the new officers to ensure that the man in 'khaki' is seen as fair by a common person. The comments from the National Security Advisor (NSA) assume significance in the wake of the recent riots in Northeast Delhi where the role and effectiveness of the police in controlling the violence have been questioned.