News for 'Leader of the House'

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Trump Won't Decide What Happens Next In The War

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The next two to three weeks will not be decided in Washington.' 'They will be decided in Tehran, in whatever calculation Iran makes about the costs of continued resistance against the costs of appearing to have yielded.'

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

When I Stood At The India-Pakistan Border In Jaisalmer

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

At Border Pillar 609 at Babliyan near Jaisalmer, the one thing that dominates the landscape is something entirely different, something central to our identity -- the Tiranga -- flying boldly above the blazing desert.

Suvendu Adhikari Praises Modi's Women Empowerment Schemes in West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari Praises Modi's Women Empowerment Schemes in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for women's empowerment, citing the Swachh Bharat Mission and PM Awas Yojana. He also criticised the Trinamool Congress government's handling of food distribution and women's security in the state.

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Top Congress leaders are questioning whether the Election Commission's announced schedule for the Assembly polls unduly benefits the BJP, citing concerns over the timing and structuring of election phases.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of 'Compromised' Foreign Policy and Insensitivity to COVID-19 Suffering

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy and his remarks referencing the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to the West Asia situation.

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Karnataka Passes Landmark Bills on Marriage Freedom and Manuscript Preservation

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, 2026.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Trump dials Modi, talks focus on keeping Strait of Hormuz open

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the Middle East crisis, with a focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Hosts Sanju Samson After T20 World Cup Success

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Hosts Sanju Samson After T20 World Cup Success

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Pinarayi Vijayan hosted Sanju Samson at Cliff House in Thiruvananthapuram, praising his role in India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph as the cricketer spoke about teamwork and inspiring youngsters from Kerala.

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi of acting as the 'B-team' of the BJP, criticising their stance on various issues and alleging a tacit alliance between the two parties.

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Karnataka Passes Bills to Tackle Honour Killings and Protect Ancient Manuscripts

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Karnataka Assembly has passed two significant bills aimed at social reform and heritage preservation: the Karnataka Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Unity, Freedom, Dignity and Tradition in Marriage Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill aimed at preventing religious conversions through force, inducement, or misrepresentation, sparking opposition and debate in the state assembly.

Kerala Congress Alleges Conspiracy in MLA Heckling Incident

Kerala Congress Alleges Conspiracy in MLA Heckling Incident

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has strongly condemned the heckling of its MLA, T Siddique, during the inauguration of a government township project in Wayanad, alleging a conspiracy by the CPI(M). The party claims that hired individuals disrupted the event, and criticizes the Chief Minister's silence during the incident.

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

New deal will export more American farm products to India: US leaders

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Trump announced that India and the US agreed to a trade deal under which Washington will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff on Delhi, lowering it from 25 per cent to 18 per cent.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

'Just reading statement without...': Oppn demands debate on Iran war

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding a full Parliament discussion on the West Asia conflict, criticising the government's silence and calling for a contingency plan to protect India's energy security and citizens.

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Understand govt's...: Tharoor back's India's Iran war stance

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is urging the Indian government to take a more proactive role in mediating the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, emphasising the impact on India's energy security and regional stability.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

Kerala minister in infidelity storm after wife's explosive allegation

Kerala minister in infidelity storm after wife's explosive allegation

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar faces accusations of infidelity from his wife, Bindhu Menon, amidst ongoing marital issues and political tensions.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is facing criticism after an acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner. The Congress party has slammed the government in the legislative assembly, alleging a deterioration in law and order in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and girls in Maharashtra.

Illegal Opium Farming Busted in Chhattisgarh: What's Behind the Rise?

Illegal Opium Farming Busted in Chhattisgarh: What's Behind the Rise?

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Police in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district have uncovered illegal opium cultivation in a village, marking the fifth such instance in the past 18 days. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the illegal activity, which was discovered through drone surveillance.

Indian origin social media influencer stabbed to death in Canada

Indian origin social media influencer stabbed to death in Canada

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Nancy Grewal, a 45-year-old social media influencer of Punjabi origin, was stabbed to death in Canada. Her mother claims she had been receiving threats. Police are investigating the homicide.

'Khamenei's son unacceptable': Trump seeks role in Iran succession

'Khamenei's son unacceptable': Trump seeks role in Iran succession

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

He also criticised the possible succession of the son of the late supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as a leading contender for the position.

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Centre calls all-party meet on West Asia crisis, Rahul to skip

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

The Indian government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Modi's address to Parliament on the situation and its potential impact on India.

Mamata vs Suvendu returns, this time in Bhabanipur

Mamata vs Suvendu returns, this time in Bhabanipur

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The political rivalry in Nandigram that defined West Bengal's 2021 assembly polls is set to return to centre stage in a new arena, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locking horns with her protege-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, turning the south Kolkata seat into the likely epicentre of the 2026 electoral battle.

Netanyahu dead or alive? Israel's envoy responds

Netanyahu dead or alive? Israel's envoy responds

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar has stepped forward to quash rumours surrounding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's health, confirming he is alive and debunking claims of AI-generated deepfakes.

BJP Protests Arrests Following Clash Before Modi's Kolkata Rally

BJP Protests Arrests Following Clash Before Modi's Kolkata Rally

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

BJP workers protested in Baranagar, Kolkata, demanding the release of party members arrested in connection with a clash that occurred before Prime Minister Modi's rally. The protest disrupted traffic and led to allegations of false implication and political motivation.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Neither Israel Nor Iran Wants A Quick End To The War

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Israel wishes to continue its bombing campaign until Iran's military and industrial infrastructure are degraded to a point where it ceases to pose a threat to Israel. Iran, for its part, has learnt from its experience in the 12-day war of last June. Any ceasefire, it believes, will only be a prelude to another attack on itself. It is determined to convey that any attack on Iran will impose heavy costs on Israel, the US, America's allies in the Gulf -- and on the world at large, points out T T Ram Mohan.

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Haryana Congress issues notice to 5th MLA over RS cross-voting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Congress party has issued a show-cause notice to a fifth MLA from Haryana, Jarnail Singh, for alleged cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections, further exposing internal rifts within the state unit.

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Will Trump Send Troops To Iran By The Weekend?

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Taking Kharg would give the US control over virtually all of Iran's oil exports and thus provide significant leverage, notes Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War. It would also put American troops within range of Iran's remaining missiles, drones, and artillery on a piece of real estate that is just eight square miles in size, and just 15 miles from the Iranian mainland.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

'Iran ready for ceasefire talks but....', says Trump as oil prices surge

'Iran ready for ceasefire talks but....', says Trump as oil prices surge

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Trump said he is unwilling to make a deal with Tehran at this stage despite indications the country wants negotiations.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

When will US-Israel vs Iran war end? Trump says...

When will US-Israel vs Iran war end? Trump says...

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

US President Donald Trump stated that the decision regarding the conclusion of the conflict with Iran will be a 'mutual' decision made in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.