News for 'Grand Old Party'

INDIA bloc runs out of steam as BJP gains further ground

INDIA bloc runs out of steam as BJP gains further ground

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Just eight months after its good showing in the Lok Sabha polls, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) seems to be running out of steam with internal bickering and conflicting ambitions resulting in diminishing electoral returns that have once again put the Bharatiya Janata Party in the driver's seat in national politics.

'Kamal khil gaya': BJP celebrates Delhi win

'Kamal khil gaya': BJP celebrates Delhi win

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Supporters danced to the beats of 'dhol' and waved party flags, creating a festive atmosphere.

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.

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.

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.

Priyanka takes oath as LS MP; 3rd Gandhi in Parliament

Priyanka takes oath as LS MP; 3rd Gandhi in Parliament

Rediff.com28 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, took affirmation in Hindi while holding a copy of the Constitution soon after the House met.

Shivraj, Raje may form own parties if ED...: Kejriwal

Shivraj, Raje may form own parties if ED...: Kejriwal

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

Chouhan and Raje were overlooked by the BJP for the chief minister posts in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan respectively despite ensuring the party's return to power in the assembly polls held recently.

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.

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.

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.

INDIA parties flex muscles after Cong rout in Haryana

INDIA parties flex muscles after Cong rout in Haryana

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

After the Congress' shock defeat in Haryana, the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties flexed their muscles on Wednesday, accusing the grand old party of ignoring them.

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.

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.

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.

Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances

Dynasties, old rivalries trouble Maharashtra alliances

Rediff.com24 Mar 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party alliance and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi are facing multiple problems in Lok Sabha seats like Sangli, Madha and Satara in western Maharashtra due to political dynasties, old rivalries and one-upmanship, prompting a flurry of meetings before five phase polls begin in the state on April 19.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

Grand old man of Maharashtra politics wins 11th term

Grand old man of Maharashtra politics wins 11th term

Rediff.com19 Oct 2014

Veteran legislator Ganpatrao Deshmukh on Sunday created history by winning his 11th assembly election.

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.

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Race To Save Nurse On Death Row In Yemen

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

India is working with Yemeni authorities and friendly nations to find a solution for Nimisha Priya, the Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder. The government is seeking more time for Priya's family to reach an understanding with the victim's family.

Alcaraz stretched; Shelton reaches 3rd round in 55 secs

Alcaraz stretched; Shelton reaches 3rd round in 55 secs

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Talk about a man in a hurry -- 10th seed Ben Shelton required just 55 seconds to finish off Australian Rinky Hijikata and reach the Wimbledon third round on Friday.

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.

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.

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

Sabalenka douses Raducanu fire; Keys, Osaka ousted

Sabalenka douses Raducanu fire; Keys, Osaka ousted

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Australian Open winner Madison Keys became the latest seed to tumble out of Wimbledon 2025.

Several J-K leaders from GN Azad's party re-join Cong

Several J-K leaders from GN Azad's party re-join Cong

Rediff.com7 Aug 2023

The Opposition party also attacked Azad, saying "Mr. GNA himself gives new evidence of his DNA mutation by saying 'those opposing Article 370 abrogation ignorant of the situation on the ground'."

The Women Who Could Shake Up Roland Garros

The Women Who Could Shake Up Roland Garros

Rediff.com21 May 2025

As the 2025 French Open looms, all eyes may be on reigning champions and top seeds - but lurking just beneath the surface are several players quietly building momentum, ready to crash the party in Paris. From seasoned champions finding renewed form to rising stars with something to prove, here are four dark horses who could shake up the women's singles draw at Roland Garros.

Goa polls: Cong candidates pledge not to ditch party, sign affidavit

Goa polls: Cong candidates pledge not to ditch party, sign affidavit

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

Hit hard by defections in the last five years, the Congress in Goa on Friday made its candidates sign affidavits and take an oath of loyalty to the party in the presence of its senior leader Rahul Gandhi.

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.

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."

'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.

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.

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

What's The Solution To India's Pakistan Problem?

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

China and Pakistan are in a tight strategic alliance. India must deal with them one at a time, but be prepared in case they decide to collude, points out Shekhar Gupta.

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.

NCP leader Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai

NCP leader Baba Siddique shot dead in Mumbai

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

The firing took place outside his MLA son Zeeshan Siddiqui's office.

Cong says infighting hurt in Haryana, but blames EVMs too

Cong says infighting hurt in Haryana, but blames EVMs too

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

The Congress top brass headed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge held a review meeting on Thursday on the party's shock defeat in the Haryana assembly polls and discussed the possible reasons for the 'unexpected' results.