News for 'Holding Congress'

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Oppn shreds VP Dhankhar's 'super parliament' remark on SC

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal has criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, calling it "unconstitutional " and a lowering of the dignity of the chair. Sibal asserted that Dhankhar's remarks are not neutral and amount to an attack on the judiciary by the executive. He also pointed out that the president acts on the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and therefore, the president's power cannot be curtailed. Sibal urged Dhankhar to seek a review of the judiciary's decision or an advisory opinion from the Supreme Court if he has problems with it. He also questioned why Dhankhar only focuses on actions taken during Congress governments and not after 2014.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Cong reprimands spokesperson for 'fat Rohit Sharma' post

Cong reprimands spokesperson for 'fat Rohit Sharma' post

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

In her now-deleted post, Mohamed said Sharma is "fat for a sportsman". "Need to lose weight! And of course the most unimpressive Captain India has ever had!" she said.

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Cash row: Judge's transfer proposal separate from in-house probe, says SC

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court addressed concerns about misinformation spreading related to an incident involving Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The court clarified that the proposal to transfer Justice Varma to Allahabad High Court was independent of an internal investigation into the discovery of a large sum of cash at his residence following a fire. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice is conducting the investigation and will submit a report to the Chief Justice of India today.

Release all hostages now or...: Trump's 'last warning' to Hamas

Release all hostages now or...: Trump's 'last warning' to Hamas

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Trump's comment came hours after the White House confirmed that Washington is engaging in talks with Hamas.

Our country will be woke no longer: Trump

Our country will be woke no longer: Trump

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Trump said his administration also dismissed Biden-era lawsuits against police and fire departments that were portrayed as racist for using writing tests, physical exams, and credit checks in their hiring processes.

What Was Melania Doing On Capitol Hill?

What Was Melania Doing On Capitol Hill?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

The first lady met 'members of Congress on a bill could speed the removal of intimate imagery posted online without an individual's consent, or revenge porn,' Associated Press reported.

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.

Will It Be Congress Out, BJP In For DMK?

Will It Be Congress Out, BJP In For DMK?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2024

The BJP's strategy seem to be to wean away allies from the Congress, in Dravidian Tamil Nadu, and maybe later in UP, Bihar and elsewhere, though in slow doses, but without wooing them into a new alliance. The idea seems to be only to weaken the INDIA bloc from within -- and leaving it at that, notes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Who is Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash discovery row?

Who is Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash discovery row?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The 56-year-old judge, enrolled as an advocate in 1992, was appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad high court on October 13, 2014 and took oath as a permanent judge of that court on February 1, 2016.

How Congress Startled BJP in Rajasthan

How Congress Startled BJP in Rajasthan

Rediff.com17 Jun 2024

The BJP's nationwide vote share saw its steepest decline in Rajasthan, falling by 9.23% from 2019, resulting in the loss of 11 seats.

Such egregious behaviour...: Cong on new CEC's appointment

Such egregious behaviour...: Cong on new CEC's appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said in a hasty midnight move, the government has notified the appointment of the new CEC.

200 booked in Maha village for bid to hold 're-poll' using ballot papers

200 booked in Maha village for bid to hold 're-poll' using ballot papers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Police registered a case against more than 200 persons from Markadwadi village and nearby areas in Maharashtra's Solapur for allegedly trying to conduct a 're-election' using ballot papers on Tuesday in an unauthorised manner, officials said.

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Amid PM Modi's retirement claim, Yogi opens up on future

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, known for his hardline Hindutva views and 'bulldozer justice' approach, has spoken out about his policies toward Muslims, the Waqf board, and his vision for India. He asserts that Muslims will receive a fair share of development in Uttar Pradesh, but not special concessions. He also criticizes the Waqf board for its alleged appropriation of government properties and calls for its reform. Adityanath defends his 'bulldozer justice' policy, claiming it is necessary for infrastructure development and removal of encroachments. He also discusses his vision for India, emphasizing the importance of Hindi as a national language and the need for unity across different linguistic groups.

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said a fair enquiry is being conducted regarding the stampede which took place at New Delhi railway station last month and said the government is implementing a slew of measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Sitharaman on India's rising gold reserves

Sitharaman on India's rising gold reserves

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday clarified in the Lok Sabha that India's rising gold reserves, including those held by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is not intended to replace any international currency.

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called upon the West Bengal government to "act urgently" to address the grievances of the riot-hit people of Murshidabad district, particularly women. Rahatkar, who visited the riot-affected areas in Murshidabad and Malda over the weekend, said the commission is preparing a report which will be submitted soon to the Centre with copies to top state officials. The report will incorporate the views of women who narrated their ordeal during the violence, including demands for a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the affected area. Rahatkar also expressed concern about the lack of action by the State Women's Commission in visiting the affected areas.

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced its intention to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court, labeling it a "black law" that threatens the community's rights. The AIMPLB, a major organization representing Muslims in India, asserts that the Bill, if passed, would lead to the seizure of Muslim properties and undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards. The organization plans to launch nationwide protests against the Bill, echoing the farmers' agitation, and has urged all citizens to resist the legislation. The Bill has been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties, who claim that the Centre is rushing it through Parliament without adequately addressing concerns raised by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

Tharoor defends praising Modi over meet with Trump

Tharoor defends praising Modi over meet with Trump

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has defended his praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his meeting with US President Donald Trump, stating that he spoke with India's interests in mind. Tharoor said that Modi's US visit had yielded some positive outcomes for the Indian people and noted that Modi being the fourth world leader to meet Trump after he took office underscored India's growing importance on the global stage. However, he also pointed out that the visit left some questions unanswered, such as why the issue of how illegal immigrants were returned to India was not addressed. Tharoor also criticized the tendency of political parties to oppose each other reflexively, saying that there has to be some give and take in a democracy.

No AAP-Congress alliance for Delhi assembly polls: Gopal Rai

No AAP-Congress alliance for Delhi assembly polls: Gopal Rai

Rediff.com6 Jun 2024

Aam Aadmi Party's Delhi state convener Gopal Rai on Thursday said his party's alliance with the Congress was only for the Lok Sabha elections and hinted that the ruling party in the city will go solo in next year's assembly polls in Delhi.

Punjab minister held 'non-existent' dept for 21 months

Punjab minister held 'non-existent' dept for 21 months

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

Punjab cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was told he is left with only NRI Affairs portfolio as the administrative reforms department he was holding for the past nearly 21 months did not exist, according to a government notification.

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

No denotification of Waqf properties till May 5, govt tells SC

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that it will neither denotify Waqf properties, including "Waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central Waqf council and boards till May 5.

Cong mouthpiece slams Tharoor for praising Kerala govt

Cong mouthpiece slams Tharoor for praising Kerala govt

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The editorial, titled "Ahimsa Award for the Executioner?", criticized Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for praising the entrepreneurial growth of Kerala under the Left government. It argued that it was "suicidal" to weaken the party from within when the Congress was actively opposing the shortcomings of the LDF government. The editorial also criticized Tharoor's positive remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent US visit, calling it a mere gesture by two administrators to improve their image.

What's cooking? Shinde, Fadnavis, Pawar hold late-night meet

What's cooking? Shinde, Fadnavis, Pawar hold late-night meet

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

The meeting was convened in the backdrop of the ruling Mahayuti's below par performance in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections.

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just... living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there's only grief.'

Kangana Files LS Nom; Attacks Congress

Kangana Files LS Nom; Attacks Congress

Rediff.com14 May 2024

'I have been successful in Bollywood and I hope that I will get success in politics as well.'

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Will PM have courage to...: Cong ahead of Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Posing a series of questions to the prime minister, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh also asked if Modi would convey to the US president that India would send its own aircraft -- like Venezuela and Colombia did -- to bring back Indian deportees in the future.

'Fadnavis Must Show Who Is The Boss'

'Fadnavis Must Show Who Is The Boss'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Let Fadnavisji prove to the people of Maharashtra that he acts fairly against one and all.'

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 62-year-old former deputy chief minister was first elected the party president in 2008. His re-election at the outfit's general delegate session in Amritsar comes barely four months after he quit after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government from 2007 to 2017.

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government may seek the help of agencies like the Interpol in investigating the alleged interference of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who allegedly has links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, in India's internal affairs. Sarma said the probe is at an initial stage and he has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments in the case.

Nitish To Hold Sway Over BJP

Nitish To Hold Sway Over BJP

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

With Nitish Kumar on its side, a BJP-led government may feel increased pressure to conduct a nationwide caste-based census.

Watching Reels Can BADLY HARM Your Eyes!

Watching Reels Can BADLY HARM Your Eyes!

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'Reels may be short, but their impact on eye health can last a lifetime.'

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Congress picks Rahul Gandhi as leader of Oppn in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com25 Jun 2024

The decision on Rahul Gandhi's appointment as the Leader of Opposition was made after a meeting of the floor leaders of the INDIA bloc at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Beleaguered Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the cabinet on Tuesday, days after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as the mastermind in the murder of a village sarpanch and three months after the new Mahayuti government assumed office.

Congress' Double-Engine Vipaksh!

Congress' Double-Engine Vipaksh!

Rediff.com20 Jun 2024

In the event that like in the 17th Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi again gets locked out of the House, the Congress needs a second-in-command who will keep the momentum going inside Parliament, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Most exit polls predicted an edge to the BJP over the ruling AAP.

Delhi has become Aapda-mukt: Modi in victory speech

Delhi has become Aapda-mukt: Modi in victory speech

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Hailing the Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi assembly polls victory as 'historic', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a stinging attack on the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, saying the country needs a serious political transformation and not politics of 'dhoort-ta (deceit) and moorkhta (foolishness)'.

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.

Union minister's daughter harassed at event in Jalgaon

Union minister's daughter harassed at event in Jalgaon

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Union Minister Raksha Khadse on Sunday lodged a police complaint regarding the harassment of her daughter and some of her friends by a group of boys at an event in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

Mamata jogs in London's Hyde Park in saree, slippers

Mamata jogs in London's Hyde Park in saree, slippers

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on an official visit to the United Kingdom, took a refreshing jog in London's Hyde Park, wearing a white saree and her signature white slippers. Banerjee also attended a high tea reception at India House, hosted by Vikram K Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, bringing together business, cultural, and political leaders to strengthen ties between Bengal and Britain. The discussions centered around fostering economic partnerships and deepening people-to-people connections.