News for 'Free Democratic Party'

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Modi 3.0 mantris off to quick start, priority for 100-day action plan

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

Signalling both change and continuity, India's new government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third consecutive term, got into work gear on Tuesday with cabinet ministers and ministers of state filing into their respective offices to assume charge.

Kandahar: BJP defends decision to free terrorists

Kandahar: BJP defends decision to free terrorists

Rediff.com14 Mar 2008

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday defended the National Democratic Alliance government's decision to free three terrorists to end the Kandahar hijacking crisis with its Prime Ministerial face L K Advani saying the "first priority" was to save the hostages. Addressing the India Today Conclave in New Delhi, he said the government took such a decision as all the parties were at that time demanding that passengers on board the hijacked plane be safely freed.

US electoral system is rigged to favour Republicans

US electoral system is rigged to favour Republicans

Rediff.com3 Nov 2020

The US is a wonderful example of how a political party with minority support can cling to power for decade, notes Devangshu Datta.

JKPC chief Sajad Gani Lone released after year-long detention

JKPC chief Sajad Gani Lone released after year-long detention

Rediff.com31 Jul 2020

Lone was released days ahead of the first anniversary of the Centre's move to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution in August last year, the officials said. The JKPC chairman was moved to his residence in Srinagar in February this year and placed under house arrest, the officials said.

'Special place': 10 women MPs share memories of old Parliament

'Special place': 10 women MPs share memories of old Parliament

Rediff.com18 Sep 2023

The MPs representing various political parties offered heartfelt tributes to the building that has been the epicentre of India's democratic journey.

Modi surname case: SC to hear Rahul's plea on July 21

Modi surname case: SC to hear Rahul's plea on July 21

Rediff.com18 Jul 2023

A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and Manoj Mishra agreed to hear the plea after senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, sought listing of the appeal on July 21 or July 24.

'I Vote According To My Will. I Don't Listen To Anyone'

'I Vote According To My Will. I Don't Listen To Anyone'

Rediff.com27 May 2024

In a poor village of daily wage earners in Siwan, Bihar, people speak about their hard lives and why they vote.

Why is BJP silent on Kamala Harris?

Why is BJP silent on Kamala Harris?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2020

The selection of a woman Senator with an Indian background as the Democratic party's vice-presidential nominee should normally be a matter of elation in India, especially for those who boast of their nationalistic credentials such as the BJP followers, notes Amulya Ganguli.

Citizens don't have right to know source of political funds: Centre

Citizens don't have right to know source of political funds: Centre

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

The top court law officer said the power of judicial review is not about scanning state policies for the purposes of suggesting better or different prescriptions.

An Indian American in the White House?

An Indian American in the White House?

Rediff.com13 Mar 2023

What would an Indian American president of the US look like, sound like and act like, especially on issues and policies pertaining to his or her 'mother-land'?, asks N Sathiya Moorthy.

Constitution bench to hear electoral bonds matter from Oct 31

Constitution bench to hear electoral bonds matter from Oct 31

Rediff.com28 Oct 2023

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to commence hearing from October 31 a batch of pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme for political funding of parties.

Assam Rifles files defamation suit against Manipur politician

Assam Rifles files defamation suit against Manipur politician

Rediff.com29 Aug 2023

The notice said the country's oldest paramilitary force has been serving the nation, playing a crucial role in ensuring peace, security, and development in various regions, including Manipur.

HC overturns Delhi mayor's repoll decision to elect standing panel members

HC overturns Delhi mayor's repoll decision to elect standing panel members

Rediff.com23 May 2023

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said the mayor, also the returning officer, acted beyond her powers and her decision was impermissible as it was "not based on any material relevant to the issue".

How Modi Lost While Winning

How Modi Lost While Winning

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

For the first time in his political career, he failed to carry his party to even a working majority -- and again, for the first time in his career, he finds himself in a situation where he cannot rule by dictatorial fiat, points out Prem Panicker.

Cong free India is BJP's main agenda, says Amit Shah

Cong free India is BJP's main agenda, says Amit Shah

Rediff.com27 Sep 2015

Bharatiya Janata President president Amit Shah on Sunday said his party's main agenda was a "Congress free India".

What Is Your 2024 Game Plan, Modiji?

What Is Your 2024 Game Plan, Modiji?

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

By keeping the Sanatana Dharma row alive and adding the Ayodhya temple consecration scheduled for January 22 and adding the free darshan promise from four polled states to the entire country, the BJP may have a self-fulfilling concoction, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Kashmiri Pandit ATM guard shot dead by terrorists in JK

Kashmiri Pandit ATM guard shot dead by terrorists in JK

Rediff.com26 Feb 2023

The victim was identified as Sanjay Sharma, a resident of the Achan area in the south Kashmir district, they said, adding that the incident took place at around 11 am.

DD airs The Kerala Story despite protest by CPM, Congress

DD airs The Kerala Story despite protest by CPM, Congress

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

The Congress in Kerala on Friday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) against the decision of Doordarshan to telecast the controversial movie The Kerala Story, saying it was a 'tacit effort' to divide society on religious grounds to further the electoral prospects of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Kerala will be liquor free in 10 years time: UDF manifesto

Kerala will be liquor free in 10 years time: UDF manifesto

Rediff.com20 Apr 2016

The Congress-led United Democratic Front on Wednesday suggested further tightening of the measures on liquor policy if it returns to power.

Why Modi Needs To Make Peace With The Opposition

Why Modi Needs To Make Peace With The Opposition

Rediff.com10 Jul 2024

Modi's inability to make peace with a renewed Opposition will only embolden his coalition partners and it is just a matter of time before they begin asking probing questions besides politely disagreeing with his tactics, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

At BRS rally, oppn leaders urge people to oust BJP in 2024 polls

At BRS rally, oppn leaders urge people to oust BJP in 2024 polls

Rediff.com19 Jan 2023

The colourful rally galvanised the BRS workers who shouted slogans hailing the party-led regime's welfare schemes in Telangana and peppy political songs praised Rao's 'national' emergence.

'Parliament will soon resemble North Korean assembly'

'Parliament will soon resemble North Korean assembly'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2023

The suspension of 49 Lok Sabha MPs came a day after, a total of 78 -- 33 from the Lower House and 45 from the Upper House -- lawmakers were suspended from Parliament for disrupting proceedings.

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Why Did Biden Spurn R-Day Invite?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

Biden is not risking his reputation in a crucial election year, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

An Era Of Secrecy Is Over For Modi

An Era Of Secrecy Is Over For Modi

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

'The word 'ally' in a coalition is misleading because it suggests someone who is always for you and with you. This is incorrect.' 'They are always for themselves and sometimes with you,' explains Aakar Patel.

'EVM Is Useless As The Black Glass Helps Manipulation'

'EVM Is Useless As The Black Glass Helps Manipulation'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2024

'After a month of working on the new machine, I realised that the black glass on the VVPAT lets the programmer manipulate not just the electronic system, but the paper vote too.' 'And it will not be detected even during the mock poll or the actual voting because of the black glass.'

Budget 2023-24 a blue print for India@100: FM

Budget 2023-24 a blue print for India@100: FM

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

This is the first Budget in Amrit Kaal, she said.

Over 63% voter turnout recorded in phase 2; Tripura highest with 79.46%

Over 63% voter turnout recorded in phase 2; Tripura highest with 79.46%

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

The IMD has warned of heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in parts of West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh during the next five days.

'Are You On The Side Of Hatred?'

'Are You On The Side Of Hatred?'

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

'The time has come for all those believe in a democratic India to stand up and be counted and to make a choice.'

Whole BJP dispensation mercilessly attacks Rahul for his questions: Priyanka

Whole BJP dispensation mercilessly attacks Rahul for his questions: Priyanka

Rediff.com11 Apr 2023

She said it was a strange thing for her to know that for the time being he has been disqualified from even fighting another election for eight years.

Social media: It is messy, but it is democratic

Social media: It is messy, but it is democratic

Rediff.com2 Sep 2017

Purists may balk at this level of public discourse, but no one can deny its ability to marshal opinion.

Is Election Slipping Out Of Modi's Hands?

Is Election Slipping Out Of Modi's Hands?

Rediff.com1 May 2024

In nearly 100 seats, the BJP stands almost no chance of winning. In 200 seats, it is a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress where the BJP has an upper hand. In 243 seats, the BJP is pitted against regional parties and it is not going to be easy. That is why 400 seats may end up as a pipe dream, states Ramesh Menon, author of Modi Demystified: The Making of a Prime Minister.

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Siddaramaiah Goes Backfoot On Local Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Jul 2024

Sources within the Congress, including those who have been members of the teams that drafted its 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha poll manifestos, said the Karnataka government decision lacked any empirical basis.

SC bench verdict links Election Commission to Article 14

SC bench verdict links Election Commission to Article 14

Rediff.com3 Mar 2023

Rule of law prevents a government, brought to power by the strength of ballots, from betraying the trust of citizens and "lapsing into a government of caprice, nepotism and finally despotism", the Supreme Court said on Thursday.

Election funding is a complicated issue, observes SC bench in poll bonds hearing

Election funding is a complicated issue, observes SC bench in poll bonds hearing

Rediff.com31 Oct 2023

The "opaque" electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties will "destroy democracy" as it promotes corruption and does not allow a level playing field between the ruling and opposition parties, the petitioners challenging the validity of the scheme told the Supreme Court, which on Tuesday observed election funding was a "complicated issue".

Eminent Citizens Write To Prez, CJI Against Newsclick

Eminent Citizens Write To Prez, CJI Against Newsclick

Rediff.com11 Aug 2023

Over 250 eminent citizens, including former judges and ambassadors, have written to the President and Chief Justice of India calling for strong action against online news portal NewsClick, which is alleged to have received dubious funds from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham to spread Chinese propaganda.

Bill introduced in US Congress to scrap 'one-China' policy

Bill introduced in US Congress to scrap 'one-China' policy

Rediff.com2 Mar 2021

The US maintained normal diplomatic relations with the government in Taiwan until 1979, when then-President Jimmy Carter abruptly cut off formal ties with Taipei and recognised the Communist regime in Beijing.

'Taxing Billionaires Is Not A Bad Idea'

'Taxing Billionaires Is Not A Bad Idea'

Rediff.com15 May 2024

'If we want real democracy, the economy itself will need to be democratised.'

Differences with Modi govt or BJP ticket?: Oppn on Goel resignation

Differences with Modi govt or BJP ticket?: Oppn on Goel resignation

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

Taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party, some opposition leaders also wondered if Goel resigned to contest the Lok Sabha polls on its ticket like former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

Resolution seeking probe into Stan Swamy's death introduced in US Congress

Resolution seeking probe into Stan Swamy's death introduced in US Congress

Rediff.com6 Jul 2022

A resolution commemorating the life of Indian human rights defender Father Stan Swamy and seeking an independent investigation into the death of the Jesuit priest has been introduced in the US Congress, Congressman Juan Vargas has said.

Manipur women's body protests against Assam Rifles' notice to politician

Manipur women's body protests against Assam Rifles' notice to politician

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

Representatives of the Committee on Mass Protest against Assam Rifles organised sit-ins to protest against the paramilitary force's legal notice to Republican Party of India-Athawale national secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam for harming the "reputation of the organisation".