News for 'Grand Old Party'

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Former MLA Harshwardhan Sapkal has been appointed as the new president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), tasked with reviving the party in the state after its crushing defeat in the last year's assembly polls. Sapkal, a veteran politician, replaces Nana Patole, who held the position since 2021. The Congress aims to rebuild its base and prepare for upcoming local body polls, including those in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. The party will also need to work with its allies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), to strengthen the opposition against the ruling BJP-led alliance.

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rekha Gupta takes charge of Delhi after grand swearing-in

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Debutant legislator Rekha Gupta was sworn in as Delhi chief minister along with six ministers on Thursday in a grand show of strength full of colour and spectacle to mark the Bharatiya Janata Party's return to power in the city after more than 26 years.

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The Indian National Congress, India's oldest political party, is moving from its longtime headquarters at 24 Akbar Road to a new building called Indira Gandhi Bhawan. The move marks the end of an era for the Congress, which has been headquartered at 24 Akbar Road for nearly 50 years.

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Sonia inaugurates Cong's new headquarters, Narasimha Rao honored

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

The Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi was inaugurated on Wednesday, as the grand old party turned a page in its history after operating from its iconic 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.

Kerala Congress apologises over Modi-Pope tweet

Kerala Congress apologises over Modi-Pope tweet

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

The party said no Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world consider as God-like.

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Did Modi officially announce Nitish as NDA's CM face?

Did Modi officially announce Nitish as NDA's CM face?

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his Bihar assembly poll campaign, asserting that the NDA under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will break all previous electoral records. He criticized the INDIA bloc and highlighted the NDA's cohesiveness and development efforts in Bihar.

BJYM workers vandalise Cong office in Mumbai over Ambedkar issue; 14 held

BJYM workers vandalise Cong office in Mumbai over Ambedkar issue; 14 held

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers vandalised a Congress office in Mumbai on Thursday, claiming the party had always insulted Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The protest followed Congress leaders' accusations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for insulting Ambedkar in a Rajya Sabha speech. Several BJYM workers were detained and an FIR was filed against them.

Fearless Priyansh enthralls before rain ruins party!

Fearless Priyansh enthralls before rain ruins party!

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

It was raining sixes and fours at the Eden Gardens before the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was called off due heavy rain and thunderstorms.

How long will Haryana rout haunt Congress?

How long will Haryana rout haunt Congress?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

Even as parleys continue in both states, the grand old party is expected to contest less than 110 seats in the November 20 polls for the 288-member Maharashtra assembly.

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

When A Vice President Resigned For The First Time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President V V Giri's resignation in 1969 triggered political upheavals that saw the ruling party defy its own presidential nominee, the expulsion of a sitting prime minister by her party president, and a historic split in the Indian National Congress, recounts Utkarsh Mishra.

When I Attended The Bachchans' Holi Party

When I Attended The Bachchans' Holi Party

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Bachchan family have this knack of going out of their way to make you feel extremely comfortable.

Never called for dissolving INDIA bloc or MVA: Sanjay Raut

Never called for dissolving INDIA bloc or MVA: Sanjay Raut

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has stated that his party wants to go solo in the upcoming local body elections to strengthen its base. This statement has raised questions about the unity of the opposition INDIA bloc and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). Raut clarified that the party has not called for the dissolution of either bloc and that the local body elections are an opportunity to empower party workers at the grassroots level. He also criticized Congress leaders for reacting to his comments without hearing the full context.

Is Rahul or Priyanka the future of Congress?

Is Rahul or Priyanka the future of Congress?

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The 52-year-old, who joins her mother Sonia and brother Rahul as an MP in what is a rare instance of three members of a family together in Parliament, would visit Parliament as a teenager to listen to her father Rajiv Gandhi speak as prime minister.

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

2024 was mostly about lost chances for Congress

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

The principal opposition party though appeared content securing 99 of the 543 seats in the 2024 national elections as against its all-time low of 44 in 2014 and then 52 in 2019.

Why Congress's Ahmedabad AICC session is historic

Why Congress's Ahmedabad AICC session is historic

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Congress's second AICC session in Gujarat post-Independence is being held on the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's party presidency and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Poll rout in Goa and Tripura, Birbhum killings force TMC to reach out to Cong

Poll rout in Goa and Tripura, Birbhum killings force TMC to reach out to Cong

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has recently written to all opposition parties including the Congress, calling on everyone to come together and put up a united fight against saffron forces.

Why no CWC meeting after my father's death? Sharmistha asks Cong

Why no CWC meeting after my father's death? Sharmistha asks Cong

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

Sharmistha Mukherjee, daughter of former President Pranab Mukherjee, has alleged a "rot" within the Congress party and called for serious introspection. She criticized the party's lack of ideology and its treatment of non-dynastic leaders, citing the case of former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. She also questioned the party's failure to convene a Congress Working Committee meeting after her father's death, highlighting a perceived loss of institutional memory. Mukherjee, who has since left politics, also advocated for a memorial to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and a posthumous Bharat Ratna award for him.

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rahul's battle cry in Gujarat: 'Defeat RSS-BJP!'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has promised to revamp the party in Gujarat, vowing to defeat the BJP in the state. He acknowledged that Congress cadres are "demoralised" due to the party's long absence from power, but expressed confidence in their ability to defeat the BJP. Gandhi outlined a plan to strengthen district units, empower local leaders, and identify and remove inactive or "BJP-friendly" party members. He also emphasized the need to promote active grassroots workers and ensure a connection between the party organization and election candidates. He vowed to hold senior leaders accountable for their performance and promised to create a corpus fund for district units.

Will welcome if Mamata exits INDIA, says CPI-M; joins Rahul's yatra in Bengal

Will welcome if Mamata exits INDIA, says CPI-M; joins Rahul's yatra in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

Leaders of the West Bengal Congress unit, which has an alliance with the CPI-M-led Left Front in the state, were seen welcoming the Left leaders.

Ek hai, toh safe hai: Modi calls for SC, ST, OBC unity in Maha rally

Ek hai, toh safe hai: Modi calls for SC, ST, OBC unity in Maha rally

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

The PM said the Congress and its allies should not encourage the "Pakistan agenda" and speak the language of separatists.

'Shah Rukh Is A Very Giving Actor'

'Shah Rukh Is A Very Giving Actor'

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

'Whenever we did any scenes together, whatever we did in the film, he never said, "Let's do another take or let's move on".' 'He always asked me, "Parmeet, is it okay?" Till I gave my best, he kept going on.'

Amid Kamal Nath suspense, many Congressmen from Chhindwara join BJP

Amid Kamal Nath suspense, many Congressmen from Chhindwara join BJP

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

Welcoming them into the BJP fold, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav cryptically said many people are feeling anxious and they will eventually join the saffron party in the coming days.

Kohli, Rohit flop as Australia rout India in rain-hit ODI

Kohli, Rohit flop as Australia rout India in rain-hit ODI

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

The grand comeback party of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma endured a quick 22-ball ending, and their lowkey outing reflected in India's seven-wicket defeat against Australia.

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday condemned the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the opposition of instigating the violence. He also criticized the opposition for their alleged silence over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and emphasized the BJP's commitment to protecting Hindus.

Shivakumar to reach Telangana to prevent poaching of Cong MLAs

Shivakumar to reach Telangana to prevent poaching of Cong MLAs

Rediff.com2 Dec 2023

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a virtual meeting with senior party leaders on Saturday and asked them to be vigilant, party sources said in Hyderabad.

2 Cong CMs, 1 deputy CM counter BJP's charge on poll promises

2 Cong CMs, 1 deputy CM counter BJP's charge on poll promises

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Shivakumar said, "Mahayuti leaders should visit my state to see how Congress' welfare guarantees are benefiting people."

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will return to power with a two-thirds majority in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state and ruled out the possibility of stitching any alliance with the Congress. Banerjee's statement comes amidst speculation over a possible Congress-TMC understanding in West Bengal, following the removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as state Congress president and the appointment of Subhankar Sarkar. However, Banerjee has categorically stated that the TMC will fight alone and secure a historic victory. The Congress, on the other hand, has responded by saying that regional parties are bothered about the Congress because they have realised their mistake in ignoring the party during the Delhi polls. The BJP has downplayed Banerjee's remarks, stating that the TMC's defeat in the upcoming elections is inevitable. The West Bengal Assembly elections are likely to be held in April-May next year.

'I apologise for their sins', Modi tells Madigas in Hyderabad

'I apologise for their sins', Modi tells Madigas in Hyderabad

Rediff.com11 Nov 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the Centre would soon form a committee which would adopt all possible ways for empowering Madigas (a SC community) with regard to their demand of categorisation of Scheduled Castes.

Chhattisgarh, Raj, Gujarat PCCs demand Rahul Gandhi be made party chief

Chhattisgarh, Raj, Gujarat PCCs demand Rahul Gandhi be made party chief

Rediff.com18 Sep 2022

The Congress units in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, the only two states where the party is in government on its own, have passed resolutions that Gandhi be made the party's president.

SP offers 17 seats to Cong, but won't join Rahul's yatra till...

SP offers 17 seats to Cong, but won't join Rahul's yatra till...

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

The Gandhi-led yatra will pass through Amethi on Monday. It will then enter Raebareli, where the Samajwadi Party chief had earlier said he would join.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

Dom's Take: Game Over For Congress?

Dom's Take: Game Over For Congress?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

Dominic Xavier offers his take on the dismal performance of the grand old party in the five-state elections results to which were declared on Thursday.

'Ladka bhau' post...: Shinde drops hints on Maha CM

'Ladka bhau' post...: Shinde drops hints on Maha CM

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Shinde said he had "good and positive" discussions with Amit Shah and J P Nadda.

INDIA allies shred Cong for poor show in 3 states

INDIA allies shred Cong for poor show in 3 states

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

With the assembly poll results in three states being a disappointment for the Congress, some rumblings have begun among the constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) ahead of their meeting on December 6, with many leaders alleging that the grand old party ignored others, but was unable to win elections on its own.

Soren invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony

Soren invites Modi to his swearing-in ceremony

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Acting Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, in his first visit to the national capital after leading his ruling alliance to an unprecedented second straight term in the state.

BJP stuns Cong in Haryana, posts best-ever performance

BJP stuns Cong in Haryana, posts best-ever performance

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Bucking anti-incumbency, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party pulled off a hat-trick of wins in Haryana to retain power and halt Congress' comeback attempt in the assembly elections, results of which were announced on Tuesday.

It will be...: Kharge on Amethi, Rae Bareli candidates

It will be...: Kharge on Amethi, Rae Bareli candidates

Rediff.com27 Apr 2024

Kharge claimed that though the BJP says the corrupt must be put in jails, when leaders facing corruption charges join the saffron party, they are "put on the lap" and sent to Rajya Sabha or assembly.

Veteran Congressman SM Krishna resigns from party

Veteran Congressman SM Krishna resigns from party

Rediff.com28 Jan 2017

The Congressman is said to have written a letter to party president Sonia Gandhi apprising her of his decision.