News for 'General Assembly'

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Kharge, Pawan Khera among Cong's Rajya Sabha picks

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Congress party has announced its seven candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Meenakshi Natarajan, Praveen Chakravarty, Neeraj Dangi, Mansoor Ali Khan, and Pranav Jha, representing various states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand. The elections are set for June 18.

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has sparked a political controversy, with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of double standards regarding appointments of election officials.

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge to her rejected Rajya Sabha nomination, reaffirming that the Election Commission is the sole recourse for such disputes and citing Article 329(b) of the Constitution which bars judicial interference in electoral matters.

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Police have registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory statements during the recent assembly elections, based on a complaint filed by a social activist.

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Present day youth are not interested in the past. They want to see what you are going to do now.'

'An Idle Siddaramaiah Is Dangerous'

'An Idle Siddaramaiah Is Dangerous'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'It all depends on how Shivakumar uses him and treats him.'

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Mizoram's 'Red Card' Scheme To Drink Alcohol

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mizoram has long maintained one of the country's strictest prohibition regimes.

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee has urged Trinamool Congress candidates to rebuild the party organisation after facing an electoral setback in the recent assembly polls. She asserted that those wishing to leave the party are free to do so, and encouraged those remaining to revitalise the party's presence.

Now, dissent brews in TMC rebel camp over Mamata's role

Now, dissent brews in TMC rebel camp over Mamata's role

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The divergent voices emerged after a meeting of the rebel legislature bloc led by newly recognised Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, exposing the delicate balancing act facing the dissidents as they seek to distance themselves from party MP Abhishek Banerjee while retaining their political and emotional association with the TMC founder.

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony also saw 13 other ministers, including a Deputy CM, taking their oaths, attended by prominent Congress leaders and religious figures.

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been called to Delhi by the Congress high command for a meeting, fuelling speculation about a potential leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle as his government completes three years in office.

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The AIADMK has stated it will not support the TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, dismissing reports of a potential post-poll alliance.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, accompanied by party leaders, met with the Communist Party of India leaders at the CPI office in Chennai on Thursday, to garner the support for making goverment in Tamil Nadu.

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The new Cabinet in Karnataka led by chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar is likely to be a small one with 10-14 ministers including some young faces, sources said on Tuesday. The top Congress leadership on Tuesday held day-long deliberations with outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on giving final shape to the new cabinet in the state.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

Tamil Nadu CM Directs Swift Action In Sexual Assault Cases

Tamil Nadu CM Directs Swift Action In Sexual Assault Cases

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has directed police to promptly register cases, investigate expeditiously, and ensure stringent punishment for those involved in sexual crimes, following a series of incidents including the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore.

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'We can never trust the BJP when it comes to elections.'

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

VHP Appeals To UN For Religious Minorities' Protection In Pakistan, Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has appealed to the United Nations to intervene on behalf of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh, citing human rights violations.

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Speculation is mounting that Siddaramaiah will announce his resignation from the CM's post in a couple of days, mostly on Thursday, to clear the path for Shivakumar.

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Madras High Court has issued notices to key political figures and the Election Commission following a petition alleging corrupt practices during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, including the use of children to influence voters.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

BJP Aims To Save Punjab From AAP Government's Failures

BJP Aims To Save Punjab From AAP Government's Failures

Rediff.com31 May 2026

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh has criticised the AAP government in Punjab, citing failures in tackling drug trafficking, mafia activities, and a deteriorating law and order situation. He urged party workers to launch awareness campaigns against drugs and assist in the Special Intensive Revision exercise for upcoming elections, envisioning a drug-free, fear-free, and development-oriented Punjab.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The DMK criticised its former allies, VCK and IUML, for joining the TVK government, leading to a heated exchange and prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to call for restraint.

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The absence of many TMC legislators from a major protest programme has triggered political chatter, raising questions about the party's unity and ability to transition into an effective opposition after its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

Akali Dal Leader Flags 'Horrific' Killing Video To Punjab Police

Akali Dal Leader Flags 'Horrific' Killing Video To Punjab Police

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia has sent a video clip linked to the killing of an assistant sub-inspector to the Punjab director general of police. The video allegedly shows the officer being shot at point-blank range.

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, the Congress CM candidate for Kerala, expressed his gratitude to the party high command and key leaders for their support after being named Chief Minister.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh was cremated in Haridwar. Singh died at his New Delhi residence after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a potential split after post-election disagreements, with one faction voting against the government and another defying party orders. Key leaders have been removed from their posts, and accusations are flying between the opposing sides.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

BRICS meet in India from Thursday on West Asia; Iran to attend, China skips

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The escalating crisis in West Asia and its impact on the global energy supply chain are expected to dominate deliberations at a two-day meeting of BRICS foreign ministers to be hosted by India.