News for 'Jairam Ramesh'

Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh

Forests will rescue India, says Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2009

Before the crucial United Nations conference on climate change in Copenhagen during December 2009, India is strengthening its argument to avoid any rigorous capping on its carbon emissions. Here, Minister of State Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh explains how forest cover of India will help.

Jairam Ramesh suspends caste census in UP

Jairam Ramesh suspends caste census in UP

Rediff.com26 Dec 2011

The caste and Below Poverty Line census has been suspended in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh by Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, though it goes on nonstop in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur also have simultaneous elections.

Why Jairam Ramesh is upset with Harry Potter

Why Jairam Ramesh is upset with Harry Potter

Rediff.com3 Nov 2010

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has blamed Hollywood's famous flick 'Harry Potter' for the dwindling number of wild owls in the country.

Why Jairam Ramesh is upset with Harry Potter

Why Jairam Ramesh is upset with Harry Potter

Rediff.com3 Nov 2010

'Following Harry Potter, there seems to be a strange fascination even among the urban middle classes for presenting their children with owls,' the Telegraph quoted Ramesh as telling BBC.

Patil's China visit may save Jairam Ramesh

Patil's China visit may save Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com14 May 2010

The Congress leadership is caught in a bind over Jairam Ramesh. While his support for a major Chinese telecom firm is being taken seriously by the party leadership, what has complicated the issue is the visit of President Pratibha Patil to China from May 26 on a five-day visit.

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege notice against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a parliamentary committee, claiming he lowered the dignity of Parliament.

Elections are no beauty contest, says Jairam Ramesh

Elections are no beauty contest, says Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com14 Apr 2013

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has created a political buzz with his remark that ''election is not a beauty contest'' while commenting on reports on the pitching of Rahul Gandhi and Narendra Modi for the 2014 general elections by their respective parties.

American lifestyle a recipe for disaster: Jairam Ramesh

American lifestyle a recipe for disaster: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com25 Nov 2010

Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has asked Indians not to blindly follow the American lifestyle which according to him is a 'recipe for disaster'.

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

23 Oppn parties, including DMK, AAP, write to CJI on SIR

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Twenty-three political parties and an Independent MP have jointly written to Chief Justice Surya Kant regarding the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and other election-related issues, a move spearheaded by the INDIA bloc.

Is Jairam Ramesh tipped to be next FM?

Is Jairam Ramesh tipped to be next FM?

Rediff.com22 Aug 2006

Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh was taken by surprise on Tuesday when Uttaranchal Chief Minister N D Tiwari complimented him saying he is being tipped to become the next Finance Minister in place of P Chidambaram.

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Modi takes a dig at 'young' Rahul Gandhi while praising youth power

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded young Indian innovators for the country's first privately developed orbital rocket, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, which made India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities. While praising the 28-year-old average age of the Skyroot team, Modi made a veiled remark about a "56-year-old young man," widely understood to be a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently turned 56.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Jairam gives Rajnath diary entries to rebut 'Nehru-Babri' claim

Jairam gives Rajnath diary entries to rebut 'Nehru-Babri' claim

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh gave Defence Minister Rajnath Singh diary entries of Vallabhbhai Patel's daughter, disputing claims that Nehru wanted to build the Babri Masjid with public funds.

Cong distances from Jairam Ramesh's comment on ISI remarks

Cong distances from Jairam Ramesh's comment on ISI remarks

Rediff.com17 Nov 2013

Congress on Sunday distanced itself from the comment of Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, on the controversy sparked by party vice-president Rahul Gandhi's remarks on ISI getting in touch with Muzaffarnagar riot-hit youth.

Land Bill: Here's how Jairam Ramesh explains it

Land Bill: Here's how Jairam Ramesh explains it

Rediff.com8 Sep 2011

Speaking to Business Standard about the Land Acquisition Bill recently cleared by the Cabinet, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said though the farmers' protests in Uttar Pradesh provided the impetus, the Bill was as much a political response to a poll problem as a legal response to a social issue.

Jairam Ramesh writes to CAG over delayed audits

Jairam Ramesh writes to CAG over delayed audits

Rediff.com3 Sep 2011

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has sent a missive to the Comptroller and Auditor General, expressing concern over delayed audit reports adversely affecting the flagship National Rural Drinking Water Programme. In a personal letter to CAG Vinod Rai, he has drawn attention to the ministry not being able to release funds to the states as they are not submitting audits of accounts of grants-in-aid along with the utilisation certificates.

Jairam Ramesh finds a friend in Kapil Sibal

Jairam Ramesh finds a friend in Kapil Sibal

Rediff.com7 Jul 2010

The two signed an agreement on Monday to study and clean the Ganga.

Jairam Ramesh's new slogan: 'NO toilet, NO bride'

Jairam Ramesh's new slogan: 'NO toilet, NO bride'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2012

Days after he kicked up a row by stating that there are more temples than toilets in India, Union Minister Jairam Ramesh on Sunday urged women not to get married into families that do not have toilets in their homes.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com1 days ago

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

You have taken liberty with facts: Jairam Ramesh's angry letter to FM

You have taken liberty with facts: Jairam Ramesh's angry letter to FM

Rediff.com27 Feb 2015

In a strongly worded letter to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Congress' Jairam Ramesh accused him of distorting facts.

A close fight this time, says Jairam Ramesh

A close fight this time, says Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com1 Mar 2009

Jairam Ramesh, who gave up ministership to design the Congress campaign and manifesto, talks to Aditi Phadnis about the 2009 general elections.

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Rediff.com3 days ago

BJP sources said the government would introduce a fresh Bill on the issue and has reached out to parties that opposed the earlier legislation.

I spend 18 hours on toilets alone: Jairam Ramesh

I spend 18 hours on toilets alone: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com8 Jun 2012

"I believe the biggest issues in front of us are malnutrition and toilets, these are the two faces of one coin... I have MNREGA, PMGSY, drinking water etc under me but I spend maximum time on toilet only," said Ramesh, who holds the portfolios of Rural Development and Drinking Water and Sanitation, in what apparently was his take on the toilet controversy for which the plan panel has drawn flak.

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Congress to oppose all bills, including on delimitation in monsoon session

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Congress party is set to challenge the Modi government on a range of critical issues, including alleged theft of Ram temple donations, 'systemic corrosion' of the education system, and constitutional amendment bills related to delimitation and dismissal of ministers, during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Jairam Ramesh made member of high-level UN panel

Jairam Ramesh made member of high-level UN panel

Rediff.com9 Aug 2010

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh has been selected as a member of the United Nations' high-level panel on global sustainability.

Jairam Ramesh on why India needs new land bill

Jairam Ramesh on why India needs new land bill

Rediff.com29 Aug 2013

The principle objective of the Bill is fair compensation, says Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh in an exclusive interview.

Suu Kyi to visit AP village with Jairam Ramesh

Suu Kyi to visit AP village with Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com14 Nov 2012

Suu Kyi will be accompanied by Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh and Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy will visit, official sources said in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

EXCLUSIVE! Jairam Ramesh lays out roadmap of rural growth

EXCLUSIVE! Jairam Ramesh lays out roadmap of rural growth

Rediff.com31 Oct 2011

Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh lays out the roadmap for rural growth --- without mincing words.

Adani benefited from Modi govt's 'largesse': Jairam Ramesh

Adani benefited from Modi govt's 'largesse': Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com11 Jul 2016

Adani Group said it was only an operator of the coal mine, which was allocated to Rajasthan government when Congress was in power both at the Centre and the state and Ramesh as environment minister had given the forest clearance.

Jairam Ramesh faces BJP ire for temple-toilet remark

Jairam Ramesh faces BJP ire for temple-toilet remark

Rediff.com6 Oct 2012

"Making of toilets and having faith in a religious place of worship are two different things. India is a multicultural country where we should have unblemished faith in a temple, a mosque, a gurudwara or a church. You cannot juxtapose the two," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

Azad, not Ghulam: Jairam Ramesh's swipe at Padma for Ghulam Nabi

Azad, not Ghulam: Jairam Ramesh's swipe at Padma for Ghulam Nabi

Rediff.com26 Jan 2022

Azad, who was part of the group of 23 which has been critical of the party leadership and has sought an organisational overhaul, has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to public affairs.

Scindia is a true gaddar, a 24 carat gaddar: Jairam Ramesh

Scindia is a true gaddar, a 24 carat gaddar: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com2 Dec 2022

'There are people who left and abused the party, so they should not be taken back'

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Pak stood isolated after Mumbai attacks, but now...: Cong slams govt

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.

Rahul does not like backseat driving: Jairam Ramesh

Rahul does not like backseat driving: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com2 Nov 2022

The Bharat Jodo Yatra, Ramesh said, has been a "real booster dose" for the public relationship of the Congress.

Singhvi, Tharoor support Jairam Ramesh on Modi comment

Singhvi, Tharoor support Jairam Ramesh on Modi comment

Rediff.com23 Aug 2019

The Congress leaders agreed that demonising Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "wrong" and he should be praised for doing the right things.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The opposition parties in India have announced a boycott of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election, citing the Modi government's failure to appoint a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years and lack of consultation.

Asim Munir becoming 'huge favourite' of...: Cong slams govt over Pak's role in US-Iran deal

Asim Munir becoming 'huge favourite' of...: Cong slams govt over Pak's role in US-Iran deal

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Congress party has criticised the Modi government over Pakistan's involvement in US-Iran peace talks, calling it a 'monumental setback' for India's diplomatic efforts.

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

'Engine of plunder': Cong targets MP CM over Ujjain land scam

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal has termed the land scam allegations against Yadav as "baseless", saying whenever the state has a CM from the backward class, the Congress attempts to weaken him.