News for 'Leaders of Opposition'

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Jayaprakash Narayan was called the 'Second Mahatma'. He issued the clarion call against government corruption in June 1974 that ignited a fierce student movement that shook the Indira Gandhi government from the foundation to the rafters. His modest home in Patna is almost forgotten, only remembered on special anniversaries.

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the disqualification petitions against rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Both parties have sought the disqualification of their defecting members under the anti-defection law, while the Speaker is consulting legal experts and examining precedents to ensure legally sound decisions.

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the status of rebel factions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 20, following demands for their disqualification by their parent parties.

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amidst the INDIA bloc conclave in Delhi, a significant number of Trinamool Congress MPs convened a closed-door meeting, signalling a deepening internal rebellion and discontent within the party's parliamentary ranks following recent electoral setbacks.

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Probe report on Justice Varma to be tabled in Monsoon Session

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The report of a three-member committee investigating the grounds for the removal of High Court judge Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of burnt currency notes at his residence, will be tabled in the Lok Sabha during the upcoming Monsoon session.

Congress Leader Kurien Predicts UDF Victory and Chennithala as Kerala CM

Congress Leader Kurien Predicts UDF Victory and Chennithala as Kerala CM

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Senior Congress leader P J Kurien has asserted that the UDF will return to power in Kerala after the April 9 Assembly polls, with Ramesh Chennithala as Chief Minister.

Vijayvargiya's 'RSS officers' claim triggers uproar

Vijayvargiya's 'RSS officers' claim triggers uproar

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's comments about administrative officials rushing to show RSS affiliation after the BJP came to power have ignited a political controversy. The Congress party has strongly criticised the remarks, calling them a threat to the neutrality and constitutional dignity of the bureaucracy and demanding a constitutional review.

TMC's Sushmita Dev resigns as Rajya Sabha MP, meets Assam CM

TMC's Sushmita Dev resigns as Rajya Sabha MP, meets Assam CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Sushmita Dev has resigned from the Rajya Sabha, becoming the second TMC MP to do so this week. Speculation suggests she may join the BJP, following a meeting with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, amidst a broader rebellion within the TMC after its recent electoral defeat.

Modi ji will not be PM in a year: Rahul's big claim

Modi ji will not be PM in a year: Rahul's big claim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Addressing tribal leaders from across the country at an event organised by the Adivasi Congress at the Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Gandhi warned that while an 'economic tsunami' is coming, the system is also revolting due to public pressure.

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Har haal mein ghar khali karna hoga, koi mai ka lal nahi hai jo sarkari ghar khali nahi karega'.

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader lauds India as 'land of humanity'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India expressed gratitude towards Indians, calling India a land of 'loyalty and humanity'.

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal has released an open letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging secret deals with BJP leaders and the central government, raising questions about the LDF government's functioning ahead of the Assembly elections.

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

CID notice to Abhishek over TMC MLAs' complaint: Suvendu on signature row

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the CID's investigation into alleged signature forgery by TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, following complaints from within his own party.

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Congress party is reportedly considering moving its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to a party-ruled state, likely Karnataka, ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. This move aims to prevent potential cross-voting after the BJP fielded a surprise third candidate, intensifying the contest for three Rajya Sabha seats.

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Bihar government withdraws Z-plus security for Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Bihar government has withdrawn the Z-plus security cover for RJD leaders Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and Y-category security for Tej Pratap, following a review of VIP protection in the state. They will now receive security from the Bihar Special Armed Police.

Omar, NC MLAs head to off-site location amid defection rumours

Omar, NC MLAs head to off-site location amid defection rumours

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led his party MLAs and supporting independents to an off-site meeting, reportedly at Dachigam National Park, amidst claims by the Leader of Opposition that several ruling party MLAs were on the verge of defecting.

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a severe leadership crisis as former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick resigned from all party organisational posts citing health, and senior North Bengal leader Goutam Deb stepped down as mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, amidst widespread internal rifts and electoral setbacks.

Will Marathwada's 3 Uddhav Sena MPs switch sides?

Will Marathwada's 3 Uddhav Sena MPs switch sides?

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a potential crisis as speculation mounts that 'six to seven' of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are considering switching allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led ruling Shiv Sena, with some reportedly camping in New Delhi.

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political controversy by labelling Operation Blue Star a 'black day' and referring to those killed as 'martyrs', while criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and likening the military action to an invasion.

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the signature forgery probe involving TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, stating the investigation stems from complaints by TMC MLAs.

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

Rahul Gandhi voices dissent over CBI director selection process

Rahul Gandhi voices dissent over CBI director selection process

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has strongly dissented on the selection process for the next CBI director, alleging bias and lack of transparency in the government's approach.

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

'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.

Sri Lanka Court To Probe Ex-Intelligence Chief's Torture Allegations

Sri Lanka Court To Probe Ex-Intelligence Chief's Torture Allegations

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A Sri Lankan court has ordered a five-member expert judicial panel to investigate claims of torture made by former state intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who is currently detained under the anti-terror act and on a hunger strike. Sallay was arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rebel Trinamool MPs spark symbol war, claim mission to 'rectify' party

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Arup Chakraborty on Monday said the breakaway faction is trying to "rectify" the party, and would fight for the control of its election symbol, even as the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit termed the move illegal under the anti-defection law.

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

The Strategic Importance Of Pakistan's Gwadar Port For China

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Gwadar is viewed as a critical pearl in China's maritime strategy as it would give a permanent logistical footprint near an important choke point - the Strait of Hormuz and the oil rich Persian Gulf, explains Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Sharad Pawar objected to comparing PM Modi with Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting Nehru's sacrifices and nation-building contributions.

'An Idle Siddaramaiah Is Dangerous'

'An Idle Siddaramaiah Is Dangerous'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'It all depends on how Shivakumar uses him and treats him.'

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Stepping up political pressure ahead of the assembly elections, the Congress-led Opposition bloc in Assam has lodged an FIR against state Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Saikia, accusing him of directing BJP MLAs to delete Opposition voters during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls.

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Amid the passport row, Shashi Tharoor has proposed legal changes to simplify proof of Indian citizenship.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Apart from Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the Barasat MP, those attending the meeting included TMC MLAs Anisur Rahaman Biswas of Deganga, Bina Mondal of Swarupnagar, Mohammad Abdul Matin of Haroa and three more legislators from the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas district.

Manya Balani Stuns Rajveer Nahar At Mumbai Chess Masters

Manya Balani Stuns Rajveer Nahar At Mumbai Chess Masters

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Manya Balani (1653) achieved a significant upset victory over AGM Rajveer Nahar (1801) at the Mumbai FIDE Rated All India Chess Masters tournament. Other top players like Shreyansh Somaiya and Reyaansh Venkat also secured wins.