News for 'Democrats'

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

NCP-SP skips MVA meet ahead of Maharashtra Budget Session

NCP-SP skips MVA meet ahead of Maharashtra Budget Session

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

The absence of NCP-SP leaders from a key Maha Vikas Aghadi meeting in Maharashtra has ignited concerns about opposition unity ahead of the crucial budget session and upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.

'Trump administration will use new laws to replace IEEPA tariffs'

'Trump administration will use new laws to replace IEEPA tariffs'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Trump administration will use "alternative legal authorities" to enforce tariffs on the countries, assuring that the tariff revenue will remain unchanged.

Jamiat slams order on mandatory singing of Vande Mataram

Jamiat slams order on mandatory singing of Vande Mataram

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has criticized the central government's directive mandating the singing of all six stanzas of Vande Mataram at official functions, alleging it violates religious freedom.

Bengal braces for post-SIR rolls on Saturday amid rising voter tensions

Bengal braces for post-SIR rolls on Saturday amid rising voter tensions

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The upcoming publication of West Bengal's electoral rolls is expected to intensify political tensions and debates ahead of the Assembly elections, reflecting concerns about voter inclusion and identity.

SC reserves verdict on plea against Bihar electoral roll revision

SC reserves verdict on plea against Bihar electoral roll revision

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, following arguments from various lawyers and the Election Commission of India.

Radio Day: When India Was Radio Gaga

Radio Day: When India Was Radio Gaga

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Before playlists, podcasts, streaming apps, YouTube, television took over, radio was the centre of everyday life.

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections with unprecedented security measures in place, following a period of interim governance and political changes.

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

'They have fired a gunshot': SC bans NCERT textbook

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The apex court ordered that the Centre and state authorities comply with its directions immediately, and warned of 'serious action' if directions are defied in any form.

AI meet protest Rahul's plot, aimed at tarnishing India's image: BJP

AI meet protest Rahul's plot, aimed at tarnishing India's image: BJP

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The BJP has strongly criticized the Congress party after youth wing workers staged a protest at the India AI Impact Summit, alleging the demonstration was orchestrated to tarnish India's global image.

Nitin Nabin Makes His NDA Debut

Nitin Nabin Makes His NDA Debut

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party national President Nitin Nabin-- whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his 'boss' -- made his debut at the National Democratic Alliance Parliamentary Party meeting at the GMC Balayogi auditorium in the Parliament library building, New Delhi, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Bangladesh Election: Voters in Historic Poll

Bangladesh Election: Voters in Historic Poll

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Bangladesh held its 13th general election on February 12, 2026, with voters across Dhaka casting ballots in a significant democratic exercise.

Had info Cong could carry out 'unexpected act', told PM...: Birla

Had info Cong could carry out 'unexpected act', told PM...: Birla

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Speaker thanked Modi for acceding to his request and avoiding unpleasant scenes in the Lok Sabha by not coming to the House on Wednesday.

NCERT pulls textbook from website after CJI's rebuke

NCERT pulls textbook from website after CJI's rebuke

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The NCERT's class 8 textbook is under scrutiny for its content on judicial corruption, potentially leading to its removal after government concerns and objections from the judiciary.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

Oppn moves notice to remove speaker; Rahul, TMC MPs didn't sign

Oppn moves notice to remove speaker; Rahul, TMC MPs didn't sign

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The opposition has submitted a notice for a resolution to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, citing disallowed speeches and MP suspensions.

'Mamata, Stalin or...': Sena-UBT on INDIA bloc leadership issue

'Mamata, Stalin or...': Sena-UBT on INDIA bloc leadership issue

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Shiv Sena-UBT is openly questioning the Congress party's leadership within the INDIA bloc.

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Sasikala announces new party ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

V K Sasikala, a close aide of the late J Jayalalithaa, has announced the launch of a new political party in Tamil Nadu, potentially leading to a four-way contest in the upcoming state Assembly elections.

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajaji bust replaces Lutyens' statue at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

A bust of Chakravarti Rajagopalachari, the first Indian governor-general, has replaced a statue of British architect Edwin Lutyens at Rashtrapati Bhavan, symbolizing a move away from colonial influences and embracing Indian heritage.

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Kerala church, health body oppose bar hours extension

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.

Blot on our democracy: Rahul Gandhi writes to Speaker

Blot on our democracy: Rahul Gandhi writes to Speaker

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, protesting being disallowed from speaking on a matter of national security, calling it a 'blot' on democracy.

MP CM, Speaker express regret over Vijayvargiya's remark

MP CM, Speaker express regret over Vijayvargiya's remark

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya used an unparliamentary word for the Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar, prompting apologies and protests.

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in March seeking action against political parties that promise or distribute 'irrational freebies' before elections. The PIL argues that such practices unduly influence voters and undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

BNP sweeps Bangladesh polls; Tarique Rahman to be PM

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

If the Bangladesh Nationalist Party wins, Tarique Rahman will be Bangladesh's first male prime minister in 36 years.

SC asks political leaders to foster fraternity, refuses PIL on political speeches

SC asks political leaders to foster fraternity, refuses PIL on political speeches

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has urged political leaders to promote fraternity while declining to entertain a PIL seeking guidelines on political speeches, emphasizing the need for objectivity and even-handedness in addressing concerns about hate speech and constitutional values.

Gavaskar, Kapil Join Global Captains' Appeal for Imran Khan

Gavaskar, Kapil Join Global Captains' Appeal for Imran Khan

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and 12 other former international captains have written to Pakistan's government expressing concern over jailed ex-PM Imran Khan's health and calling for proper medical care and dignified treatment.

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Youth Cong AI protest ignites nationwide BJP-Congress street clashes

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry and Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh also witnessed a tense atmosphere amid confrontation between the party workers.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Vijayakanth's party joins DMK alliance for Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The DMDK officially joined the DMK-led alliance ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, marking a significant political development in the state.

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

PM Tarique Rahman vows to turn Bangladesh into safe land for all faiths

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Bangladesh's newly-elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pledged to strengthen the rule of law and ensure the country is a safe land for people of all faiths, while also addressing corruption and improving law and order.

Vijay's TVK may join hands with Congress for polls: Actor's father

Vijay's TVK may join hands with Congress for polls: Actor's father

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

S A Chandrasekhar, father of actor-politician Vijay, has appealed to the Congress party to form an alliance with his son's party, TVK, in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Why Kerala's Twenty20 Party Joined The NDA

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'When the prime minister and home minister promised their full support for the development of Kerala, why should we not be a part of them?'

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

UK tycoon apologises for 'colonised by immigrants' jibe after backlash

UK tycoon apologises for 'colonised by immigrants' jibe after backlash

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe apologises after claiming the UK had been 'colonised by immigrants,' sparking criticism from political leaders.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

Nitish remarks on Rabri trigger ruckus in Bihar council; Oppn evicted

Nitish remarks on Rabri trigger ruckus in Bihar council; Oppn evicted

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Opposition members in the Bihar legislative council were suspended and evicted after demanding an apology from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for allegedly using foul language against their leader Rabri Devi, leading to a day of disruption and accusations from both sides.

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Tarique Rahman clears air on India ties, Sheikh Hasina

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman called for maintaining law and order and sought cooperation in building a safe and humane Bangladesh after his party's victory in parliamentary elections.

Russian intelligence deputy chief hurt in Moscow assassination attempt

Russian intelligence deputy chief hurt in Moscow assassination attempt

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Alekseyev, deputy chief of Russian military intelligence (GRU), has been involved in Russia's military campaigns in Ukraine and Syria. He's also been sanctioned by the US and EU for his role in malicious cyber activities and the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, England.

Ugly scenes could have taken place in Lok Sabha: Rijiju

Ugly scenes could have taken place in Lok Sabha: Rijiju

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticizes the behavior of opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha, alleging disruptive conduct and disrespect towards the Prime Minister and the House's dignity.