News for 'India Rajiv Gandhi'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

A new book reveals former Congress MP Amarinder Singh's mission to arrange a meeting between Rajiv Gandhi and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the 1980s, along with other anecdotes.

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As Prabhakaran was leaving his house, Rajiv Gandhi called his son Rahul and asked him to fetch his (Gandhi's) bulletproof jacket. He put the jacket on Prabhakaran's back and remarked with his usual charming smile: "Take care of yourself."

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

'The LTTE were the pioneers of that.'

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.

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

An upcoming book by investigative journalist Chitra Subramaniam claims that senior Indian bureaucrats "tutored" Bofors officials in a secret meeting in 1987 on how to absolve then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of all blame in the infamous bribery scandal. The book, "Boforsgate," details how the meeting was held to cover up the alleged Rs 64 crore bribe in a Rs 1,437 crore deal for Howitzer guns, and how Indian officials provided advice on concealing information from investigators. Subramaniam's revelations are based on documents provided to her by the Swedish head of police investigating the Bofors case.

IPL 2026: What's PV Sindhu doing at Uppal stadium?

IPL 2026: What's PV Sindhu doing at Uppal stadium?

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Indian badminton star PV Sindhu was seen at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium during the IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, sparking social media buzz.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

A revealing excerpt from Mani Shankar Aiyar's fascinating new book, The Rajiv I Knew.

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Rediff.com20 Aug 2019

Senior Congress leaders paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 75 birth anniversary on Tuesday

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

Rediff.com21 May 2021

'Some of his decisions were not so good, but his intentions were always guided by a deep national interest.'

When President Wanted To Get Rid Of Rajiv Gandhi

When President Wanted To Get Rid Of Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

Gianiji had crafted his moves with the meticulous planning of a chess grandmaster. He did not know whether a checkmate was feasible, as his time was running out, but he wanted Rajiv Gandhi to smell the fear of loss. A fascinating excerpt from K C Singh's The Indian President: An Insider's Account of the Zail Singh Years.

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

History In Minutes: NTR: From Reel Life Hero To Real Life CM

Rediff.com8 May 2026

As Vijay prepares for his next innings as chief minister of Tamil Nadu, he would do well to learn from the life lessons of NTR.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi killings were 'accidents': U'khand minister

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi killings were 'accidents': U'khand minister

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Ganesh Joshi also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the smooth conclusion of Rahul Gandhi's Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

Butter-fingered Punjab Kings surrender top spot after costly dropped catches

Butter-fingered Punjab Kings surrender top spot after costly dropped catches

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab Kings paid the price for sloppy fielding and dropped catches in a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Irfan Pathan criticising their costly errors in IPL 2026.

The Rediff Podcast: Ajit Balakrishnan: The Man Who Put India On The Web

The Rediff Podcast: Ajit Balakrishnan: The Man Who Put India On The Web

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Technology doesn't decide its destiny-humans do. We choose whether it becomes a weapon or a tool for progress.' 'Every breakthrough looks like a miracle at first, a disappointment later -- and finally, just another useful tool.'

Rahul, Priyanka, PM pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi

Rahul, Priyanka, PM pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com21 May 2019

"Tributes to former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary," Modi tweeted.

Rajasthan drops 4 textbooks, sparks 'history rewrite' row

Rajasthan drops 4 textbooks, sparks 'history rewrite' row

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Rajasthan government's decision to discontinue four school textbooks has ignited a political controversy, with the Education Minister defending the move and the Congress party accusing the government of attempting to erase history.

Why Rajiv Gandhi Decided On Nuclear Weapons

Why Rajiv Gandhi Decided On Nuclear Weapons

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

The idea of weaponization got a fillip from an unexpected quarter. In the last week of October 1985, Rajiv met US President Ronald Reagan. Reagan told Rajiv, 'Pakistan has already made a bomb.' When Rajiv started talking about disarmament, the US president cut him short, 'Don't talk theory, think of your own protection.'

IPL 2026: Uthappa doubts SRH's title chances despite strong batting line-up

IPL 2026: Uthappa doubts SRH's title chances despite strong batting line-up

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has said former champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are not serious contenders for the IPL title this season, despite having an ultra-aggressive batting lineup.

Cong diverted money to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation: Nadda

Cong diverted money to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation: Nadda

Rediff.com26 Jun 2020

Bharatiya Janata Party president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Friday alleged that Prime Minister's National Relief Fund was donating money to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation during the United Progressive Alliance years while adding that to divert this public money into a family-run foundation is not only a "brazen fraud" but also a "big betrayal" of the people of India.

The night Rajiv Gandhi died: An eyewitness account

The night Rajiv Gandhi died: An eyewitness account

Rediff.com19 Aug 2016

Rajiv Gandhi would have turned 72 on August 20. Had he lived. On a humid night 25 years ago, the former prime minister of India was murdered in cold blood by an LTTE suicide bomber. Neena Gopal was an eyewitness to the assassination, and in this exclusive extract from her new book, The Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, she reveals for the first time what she saw in Sriperumbudur that night.

IPL 2026: Does Sooryavanshi Target Star Bowlers?

IPL 2026: Does Sooryavanshi Target Star Bowlers?

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi falls for a duck and Irfan Pathan's theory on the youngster targeting big bowlers gains attention.

Unacceptable: Cong on SC decision to free Rajiv Gandhi's killers

Unacceptable: Cong on SC decision to free Rajiv Gandhi's killers

Rediff.com11 Nov 2022

"The Congress party criticises it clearly and finds it wholly untenable. It is most unfortunate that the Supreme Court has not acted in consonance with the spirit of India on this issue," he said.

'Chandrashekhar blamed press for Rajiv Gandhi's death'

'Chandrashekhar blamed press for Rajiv Gandhi's death'

Rediff.com21 May 2012

I Ramamohan Rao was working as the principal information officer of the government of India on the fateful night of May 21, 1991 when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur. Rao was entrusted with the crucial task of announcing the news of Gandhi's death to the entire world in the absence of then prime minister Chandrashekhar from New Delhi. Rao recollects the happenings of that tense night.

IPL 2026, SRH vs LSG Preview: Super Giants face stiff task against explosive Sunrisers batting

IPL 2026, SRH vs LSG Preview: Super Giants face stiff task against explosive Sunrisers batting

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Lucknow Super Giants face a tough challenge against a confident Sunrisers Hyderabad in their upcoming IPL clash. SRH's explosive batting and home advantage make them favourites, while LSG needs to address their batting inconsistencies to secure their first win of the season.

'Sunrisers back to their best after a slow start'

'Sunrisers back to their best after a slow start'

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Dale Steyn believes Sunrisers Hyderabad's victory over Chennai Super Kings could be a turning point, potentially propelling them into the top four of the IPL standings.

Rajiv Gandhi no better than Sanjay: Kerala CM

Rajiv Gandhi no better than Sanjay: Kerala CM

Rediff.com3 Jul 2010

After his 'inadvertent' comment against Rajiv Gandhi enraged Congress legislators in the state assembly, Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the late prime minister. Speaking after inaugurating the Communist Party of India - Marxist's local committee office at Thamarakkulam, the veteran Marxist leader said Rajiv Gandhi was "no better than Sanjay Gandhi."

LTTE regrets killing Rajiv Gandhi

LTTE regrets killing Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com28 Jun 2006

He asked the India government and the people of India to be magnanimous to put the past behind and to approach the ethnic question in a different perspective.

Rahul visits Rajiv Gandhi memorial ahead of Bharat Jodo Yatra

Rahul visits Rajiv Gandhi memorial ahead of Bharat Jodo Yatra

Rediff.com7 Sep 2022

Ahead of starting the much-hyped 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attended a prayer meeting at the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial in Sriperumbudur on Wednesday.

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

There is something that makes the Uthiramerur assembly constituency in Kancheepuram district special.

Nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi on 25th death anniversary

Nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi on 25th death anniversary

Rediff.com21 May 2016

Rajiv, who was the sixth and youngest prime minister of India, was assassinated on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu during a poll campaign.

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Mark had such a profound understanding of India, which was, of course, the land of his birth as well as of his death... He loved India, and lived two-thirds of his life here.'

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We were in a heavily nuclearised environment. China had tested for Pakistan in the 1980s and helped their missile programme stay just one step behind us.'

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Unlike films that end with the underdog becoming winner and being sworn in at a public ceremony, Vijay's trial by fire is only about to begin, predicts Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

SC invokes Article 142, frees Rajiv Gandhi murder convict Perarivalan

SC invokes Article 142, frees Rajiv Gandhi murder convict Perarivalan

Rediff.com19 May 2022

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the release of A G Perarivalan, who has served over 30 years of life term in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Rewrites His Story With a 135 n.o. Masterclass

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Rewrites His Story With a 135 n.o. Masterclass

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Abhishek Sharma has turned IPL 2026 into a statement season, bouncing back from a tough T20 World Cup to smash an unbeaten 135 against Delhi Capitals in Hyderabad.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'