News for 'Left Democratic Front and United Democratic Front'

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Kash Patel becomes first Indian-American to lead FBI

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff on Thursday said that United States President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to confirm Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Biden had discussed Bangladesh with Modi: White House

Biden had discussed Bangladesh with Modi: White House

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

In his call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, United States President Joe Biden expressed his concerns about the safety of people in Bangladesh and the future of democratic institutions there, the White House has said.

'Gave you my best': Biden passes the baton to Kamala

'Gave you my best': Biden passes the baton to Kamala

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

Harris, 59, is scheduled to formally accept the Democratic Party's presidential nomination on Thursday to take on Republican rival Donald Trump, 78, in the November 5 election.

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

'Nitish Kumar Is Playing The Last Over Of His Last Match'

Rediff.com27 May 2025

'If his health was good he would have become CM again after polls.' 'Those who are with Nitish Babu today will remain with him till the elections to use his name for votes and would definitely play games with him after the polls.'

Look Who Came To Cheer Kamala Harris!

Look Who Came To Cheer Kamala Harris!

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Sister Maya, husband Doug Emhoff, step children Emma and Cole and great nieces Amara and Leela were among the thousands who cheered Kamala Harris as she accepted the Democratic party nomination for the November 5, 2024 presidential election.

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Shouldn't harm us, warns China after Modi-Trump meet

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

No one should make China an issue in their bilateral relations and their cooperation should not harm the interests of another country, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday reacting to queries on the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Trump.

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Waqf bill debate finale to Budget session ending with over 100% productivity

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Parliament's approval of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at reforming Waqf bodies, has sparked strong reactions from the opposition, who allege that the bill was "bulldozed" through Parliament. The bill, considered the government's most consequential legislation in its third term, was passed with comfortable majorities in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha despite opposition claims of a lack of consultation and an intrusion into religious affairs. Other notable bills approved during the session included the Finance Bill, Appropriation Bill, Immigration and Foreigners Bill, and Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill. The session, which saw high productivity, also witnessed debates on issues such as economic distress, delimitation, and the three-language policy. While the government touted its achievements, the opposition criticized the government's approach and vowed to challenge the Waqf bill in court.

Vivek Ramawamy Got It Right On Biden Dropping Out

Vivek Ramawamy Got It Right On Biden Dropping Out

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

Indian-American businessman-turned-politician Vivek Ramaswamy had predicted some eight months ago that incumbent President Joe Biden would not be the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Assam assembly abolishes 2-hr break for Friday namaaz

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Assam assembly will discontinue with the two-hour break provided on Fridays to facilitate Muslim legislators to offer 'namaaz', Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The rule will be implemented from the next session, an assembly official said.

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on 'historic victory'

Modi congratulates 'friend' Trump on 'historic victory'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday congratulated 'friend' Donald Trump on his 'historic' presidential polls victory, and said he looks forward to renewing their collaboration to further strengthen the India-United States Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.

Record 6 Indian Americans enter US House of Representatives

Record 6 Indian Americans enter US House of Representatives

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Six Indian American leaders were sworn in as members of the US House of Representatives, marking the largest number of Indian American representatives in the US Congress. The group includes Congressman Dr Ami Bera, who has served seven consecutive terms, and newcomers Suhash Subramanian and Shri Thanedar. The six lawmakers, all Democrats, represent a significant milestone for the Indian American community in the US.

Meghalaya: 6 parties meet to form govt after Sangma stakes claim

Meghalaya: 6 parties meet to form govt after Sangma stakes claim

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

Conrad Sangma on Friday evening submitted the letter of support to Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan at Raj Bhawan signed by 32 MLAs of NPP, BJP, Hill State People's Democratic Party and two Independents.

Your father owes his career to me: Nitish to Tejashwi

Your father owes his career to me: Nitish to Tejashwi

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted that the NDA government, led by him, put an end to frequent Hindu-Muslim clashes in the state by taking measures such as fencing graveyards and bringing to justice those involved in communal riots. He also criticized the opposition, particularly Tejashwi Yadav, accusing them of lacking understanding and experience. Kumar's claims were met with anger and walkout by the opposition members.

Kamala Harris recalls her Diwali visits to India in campaign op-ed

Kamala Harris recalls her Diwali visits to India in campaign op-ed

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic presidential candidate, in an op-ed on Saturday, recollected her frequent visit to India as a child, and her mother's mission to cure cancer.

Kamala not to address supporters tonight, to wait for final count

Kamala not to address supporters tonight, to wait for final count

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

As the poll projections start for the United States presidential elections, Vice President and Democrat Candidate Kamala Harris will not address supporters on Wednesday night (local time), but is expected to speak on Thursday (local time).

Ladakh gets 5 new districts; locals welcome decision

Ladakh gets 5 new districts; locals welcome decision

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

"The new districts, namely Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra and Changthang, will take the benefits meant for the people to their doorsteps by bolstering governance in every nook and cranny," he said.

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

NDA Meets To Prepare For 2025 Bihar Polls

NDA Meets To Prepare For 2025 Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

'There are differences over certain issues between the JD-U and BJP but we are in alliance and continuing.'

Budget Bonanza For Bihar!

Budget Bonanza For Bihar!

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

With this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also sent a strong message to ally, Janata Dal-United President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, that their partnership remains intact and that they will be formidable partners at the hustings.

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Petitioners seek urgent listing of Waqf pleas, SC to decide

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing for urgent hearing the petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Shah sounds poll bugle in Bihar, targets Lalu

Shah sounds poll bugle in Bihar, targets Lalu

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Shah pulled no punches in lambasting the RJD supremo for alleged nepotism, accusing him of making his wife the chief minister, getting his daughter elected to Parliament and "now both his sons want to become the CM".

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Why Kerala Opposes Sand Sea Mining

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

If as critics point out, the environmental impact assessment study was commissioned only after the auction process got underway with not all the stakeholders getting to know of it, then the government has already compromised the trust it could have enjoyed with Kerala's public including its coastal communities, points out Shyam G Menon.

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

In a move sending a strong signal to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- in a joint statement on Tuesday strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Vijayan responds to BJP leader's 'Kerala mini-Pakistan' remark

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for calling Kerala a "mini Pakistan", saying the remark is "highly provocative and condemnable". Vijayan said Rane's comments expose the Sangh Parivar's approach towards Kerala, which he said involves alienating and spreading hate campaigns against the state. He also criticised the leadership of the ruling party for not reacting to Rane's "serious breach of oath". Vijayan called for all democratic and secular forces to unite against the Sangh Parivar's "hateful propaganda".

'We have no option but to strike back'

'We have no option but to strike back'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'If they aim to remain aligned with the public sentiment, as any democratic government should, then they must respond. Why else would the prime minister have cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia? And why would he have instructed the home minister himself to travel to Srinagar to assess the situation firsthand? This suggests that something is indeed being planned. I am quite certain of that, although the exact form it will take remains to be seen.'

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

AIADMK, BJP patch up after 2 yrs; EPS to lead alliance in TN, says Shah

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said that the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Bharatiya Janata Party and all the alliance parties will contest the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu together under the National Democratic Alliance. The significant political development comes ahead of the TN Assembly election to be held in 2026,

What Unites Pawars And Scindias?

What Unites Pawars And Scindias?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2024

Exigencies of electoral politics and individual ambitions often stoke family feuds and sibling rivalries.

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Don't erase, reload data; just verify EVMs: SC to poll panel

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding pleas seeking verification of burnt memory and symbol loading units in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court directed the ECI to refrain from erasing or reloading data during the verification process and to explain the procedure adopted for verification. The bench also expressed concerns over the high cost of verification and directed the ECI to reduce the fee. The court's directive comes following its previous judgement where it allowed aggrieved candidates to seek verification of EVMs.

Exit polls: BJP to gain big in Tamil Nadu, open account in Kerala

Exit polls: BJP to gain big in Tamil Nadu, open account in Kerala

Rediff.com1 Jun 2024

The exit polls on Saturday predicted the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance winning most of the seats in Congress-ruled Karnataka in the Lok Sabha elections and the Congress not putting up a good show.

Thomas A Sangma elected unopposed as Meghalaya speaker

Thomas A Sangma elected unopposed as Meghalaya speaker

Rediff.com9 Mar 2023

Thomas A Sangma of the ruling National People's Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition was on Thursday elected as the speaker of the 11th Meghalaya assembly.

Who Won By The Highest/Lowest Margins?

Who Won By The Highest/Lowest Margins?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

Hemant V Shivsaran/Rediff.com does a deep dive and lists the winners with the highest and lowest margins in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Why BJP failed to win Jharkhand despite aggressive campaign

Why BJP failed to win Jharkhand despite aggressive campaign

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Despite the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance throwing all its weight to snatch Jharkhand from the hands of a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-headed coalition, the saffron camp suffered a debacle leaving the party's rank and file wondering what had gone wrong.

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Why Tharoor Gives The Congress A Headache

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Kerala unit of the Congress instantly gets a headache when Shashi Tharoor lets loose one of his observations showering flowers on enemy territory. With every such action triggering controversy within a nervous Congress party, some feel it is high time Tharoor showed a degree of solidarity with the ideals of his party, notes Shyam G Menon.

After mutual warnings, Trump invites Xi to his inauguration

After mutual warnings, Trump invites Xi to his inauguration

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend his January 20 inauguration, CBS News reported citing sources.

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

This US Congressman takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Subramanyam's mother, who immigrated through Dulles Airport, watched her son being sworn-in on the Bhagavad Gita.

Hindu group endorses Trump over Harris for US President

Hindu group endorses Trump over Harris for US President

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Hindus for America First, a newly created grassroots organisation, has announced it will endorse Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and launch a campaign against Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in the key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia and North Carolina.

'Rahul is not my enemy nor am I his enemy'

'Rahul is not my enemy nor am I his enemy'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

'Rahul Gandhi is the face of the INDIA alliance. If he contests against a BJP candidate and defeats her/him, it will send a strong message.'

CPM's biggest U-turn: Modi govt not fascist

CPM's biggest U-turn: Modi govt not fascist

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued a note to its state units on the draft political resolution for the upcoming party congress. The note says the party does not consider the Narendra Modi government or the Indian State as "neo-fascist", even as there are manifestations of "neo-fascist characteristics". The note clarifies that the party is not calling the Modi government "neo-fascist", but is concerned about the dangers of the BJP-RSS consolidating power and pushing a Hindutva-corporate agenda. The CPI(M) distinguishes between "neo-fascism", which it describes as a global phenomenon rooted in the crisis of neoliberalism, and classical fascism.

Kerala BJP chief pitted against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Kerala BJP chief pitted against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

Announcing candidates for the remaining four seats in Kerala, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded its state chief K Surendran in the high-profile Wayanad constituency against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Landslide survivors' rehab key issue in Wayanad LS bypoll

Landslide survivors' rehab key issue in Wayanad LS bypoll

Rediff.com27 Oct 2024

Local residents have stressed that land acquisition for rehabilitation must be completed promptly, as it has been delayed after estate owners challenged it in the Kerala high court.