News for 'Mahatma'

Mahatma Gandhi's manuscript sells for record Rs 16.20 crore at Saffronart auction

Mahatma Gandhi's manuscript sells for record Rs 16.20 crore at Saffronart auction

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

A collection of 688 autographed reflections by Mahatma Gandhi, compiled into 'A Thought for the Day', was sold for a record Rs 16.20 crore at a Saffronart auction, becoming the world's most expensive Indian historical document sold at auction.

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Historian Ramachandra Guha, at the launch of his book "Arguments with Gandhi", discussed Mahatma Gandhi's use of "Ram Rajya", acknowledging it could be "off-putting to Muslims" despite Gandhi's interfaith practice. Guha highlighted Gandhi's pluralistic approach, his efforts to protect minorities after Partition, and his contributions to the anti-untouchability campaign, often overlooked in contemporary discourse. The book also examines Gandhi's disagreements with figures like Ambedkar, Savarkar, Nehru, and Bhagat Singh.

'They went to jail smiling': Dipke rebuts Nepal, Bangladesh parallels

'They went to jail smiling': Dipke rebuts Nepal, Bangladesh parallels

Rediff.com2 days ago

Amid escalating debate comparing youth protests in India to political unrest and regime changes in Nepal and Bangladesh, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday issued a video statement on X.

Before Prahaar, Legal Dramas That Put Real Life Lawyers In The Spotlight

Before Prahaar, Legal Dramas That Put Real Life Lawyers In The Spotlight

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

From Shahid to Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam, these films bring real-life lawyers, landmark courtroom battles and extraordinary fights for justice to the screen.

Pratik Gandhi: 'Important Not To Put Gandhi On A Pedestal'

Pratik Gandhi: 'Important Not To Put Gandhi On A Pedestal'

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

'If you do that, you automatically make him one-dimensional.'

Sanjay Dutt clarifies after row over 'can't feel peace in India' remark

Sanjay Dutt clarifies after row over 'can't feel peace in India' remark

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his controversial "can't feel that peace in India" remarks made on the Shekhar Tonite show, stating they were part of a scripted, humorous conversation and not intended to offend. He explained his comments were in the spirit of 'Gandhigiri' from his 'Munna Bhai' films, promoting love and togetherness.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, PM's residence: INDIA bloc plans more protests agaistn CEC Gyanesh

Rashtrapati Bhavan, PM's residence: INDIA bloc plans more protests agaistn CEC Gyanesh

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The INDIA bloc is escalating its protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, planning further actions and seeking an urgent meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Opposition leaders stage sit-in at Rajghat on Day 3 of protests against CEC

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Opposition INDIA bloc leaders staged a sit-in at Rajghat, alleging a 'criminal conspiracy of vote chori' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding Kumar's resignation and seeking a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu.

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Rediff.com6 days ago

Union Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to instigate a 'Bangladesh-like regime change' in India, leveraging youth energy for political confrontation and anarchy, rather than constructive nation-building.

600 Detained During Gyanesh Kumar Mumbai Protest

600 Detained During Gyanesh Kumar Mumbai Protest

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Mumbai police detained 400 individuals, including Tushar Gandhi, for protesting without permission.

Don't come in the way of protesting students: Rahul to Modi

Don't come in the way of protesting students: Rahul to Modi

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with students injured during recent protests and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to obstruct their voice. Gandhi assured the students of Congress's support and warned that action would be taken against all officials, from the Prime Minister to police constables, who acted against them. He emphasised the unity of the protesting students, transcending religion and caste.

Thousands demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation at CJP rally in Mumbai

Thousands demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation at CJP rally in Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Thousands of young men and women, joined by prominent personalities, protested at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar despite police denial of permission. Organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the agitation highlighted concerns over transparency in CEC appointments and alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions.

'We voted for PM, but he betrayed us': 200 detained in Mumbai

'We voted for PM, but he betrayed us': 200 detained in Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Around 200 people, including Tushar Gandhi's organisation members and CPI(M) supporters, were detained in Mumbai for protesting.

Provided elections are fair...: BJP veteran on anti-CEC protest

Provided elections are fair...: BJP veteran on anti-CEC protest

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi emphasized the importance of fair elections, transparent bureaucracy, and constitutional adherence for a functioning democracy. His comments come amidst opposition protests led by the INDIA bloc, alleging irregularities in electoral roll revisions and demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.

INDIA bloc to meet President at 8 pm over CEC's ouster

INDIA bloc to meet President at 8 pm over CEC's ouster

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The INDIA bloc leaders are scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu on Friday evening to press for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This demand stems from alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The opposition has been protesting for three days, culminating in a sit-in at Rajghat on Thursday, alleging "vote chori" and a "hijacking" of the country. The Election Commission has defended its procedures amidst reports of internal dissent regarding SIR decisions.

'13 crore voters deleted, 2% victory margin': Dipke alleges poll 'setting'

'13 crore voters deleted, 2% victory margin': Dipke alleges poll 'setting'

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student organisations have accused the government of attempting to influence electoral outcomes by allegedly deleting over 13 crore voters. They have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in voter rolls and criticising the police crackdown on protesters. Leaders questioned the government's protection of the CEC and linked voter deletions to the narrow victory margin in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Gandhi Jayanti ahead, PETA India pushes Centre for meat ad ban

Gandhi Jayanti ahead, PETA India pushes Centre for meat ad ban

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Ahead of Gandhi Jayanti, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) has sent a letter to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw calling for a nationwide prohibition on billboards, television, online and other advertisements for meat, beginning on October 2.

Cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi on Oct 10 if...: Dipke warns CEC

Cockroaches from across India will march to Delhi on Oct 10 if...: Dipke warns CEC

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led a large protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke announced a further protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Kumar does not step down, citing alleged voter deletions and irregularities in recent elections. The protest, which saw participation from various activists and public figures, also called for freezing voter lists and abolishing the 2023 law on Election Commissioner appointments.

No nod, heavy police cover as Mumbai braces for CJP protest against CEC

No nod, heavy police cover as Mumbai braces for CJP protest against CEC

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organised a protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, despite police denying permission. The protest stems from alleged objections by other Election Commissioners regarding electoral roll decisions, though the Election Commission clarified all decisions were unanimous. Security forces were heavily deployed around Shivaji Park to manage the situation.

From protest art to lathi-charge tips, July protesters gear up for CJP stir

From protest art to lathi-charge tips, July protesters gear up for CJP stir

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, many of whom participated in a July demonstration, adapted their strategies for a recent protest on Saturday. They used digital artwork, prepared for potential police action like lathi charges, and advised newcomers on safety measures such as carrying multiple masks and goggles. The protest, called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, faced heavy security deployment, barricades, and mass detentions, preventing a large-scale gathering at Jantar Mantar.

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

'I haven't signed any bond': Dipke wows more protests

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has denied signing any bond preventing further protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to continue taking to the streets. He accused Delhi Police of illegal detention and mistreatment, including not allowing him to contact family after his grandmother's death on Saturday, and criticised the government's handling of protests and alleged police brutality.

Prakash Raj, Dipke, Dhruv Rathee protest against CEC in Bengaluru

Prakash Raj, Dipke, Dhruv Rathee protest against CEC in Bengaluru

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and actor-activist Prakash Raj joined a protest in Bengaluru, demanding the scrapping of the electoral roll revision exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging widespread voter deletion aimed at disenfranchising specific groups.

ISRO Pensioners Urge Modi To Address Privatisation Concerns

ISRO Pensioners Urge Modi To Address Privatisation Concerns

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

'It seems the prime minister may not be given the real picture about the country's space sector and ISRO. So, we are having the seminar to bring the issues to his notice.'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

'Akhilesh persuaded a 'scared' Rahul to contest from Raebareli'

'Akhilesh persuaded a 'scared' Rahul to contest from Raebareli'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel asserted that the Congress would not have secured any seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections without their alliance. He claimed SP chief Akhilesh Yadav persuaded Rahul Gandhi to contest Raebareli and highlighted the SP's significant contribution to the INDIA bloc's success in Uttar Pradesh.

Dipke's Dilemma: To Z Or Not To Z

Dipke's Dilemma: To Z Or Not To Z

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

How long can the Cockroach Janta Party remain an agitationist force? asks Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.

Message From Shivaji Park: 'Gyanesh Kumar Must Resign!'

Message From Shivaji Park: 'Gyanesh Kumar Must Resign!'

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

From meme-worthy poster carrying youngsters to an E20 petrol hater to the disenfranchised and youth with spine, the CJP's Shivaji Park rally on Friday saw them all.

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Serial practitioner of terrorism: Jaishankar slams Pak PM Sharif at UNGA

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, strongly criticised Pakistan for its support of terrorism, asserting India's right to self-defence and stating that friendship cannot coexist with terrorism. He also highlighted India's global responsibilities, contributions to the Global South, and its stance on reformed multilateralism and AI.

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Traders call for 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest new MDR levy

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Trade and business associations across India are organising a 'No UPI Day' on October 2 to protest the upcoming 0.4 per cent merchant discount rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions exceeding 2,000, effective from October 15.

Nathuram, Gopal Godse were 'active RSS workers': Savarkar's grandnephew

Nathuram, Gopal Godse were 'active RSS workers': Savarkar's grandnephew

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Congress party has demanded that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) clarify its stance on Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, Nathuram Godse, being an RSS member. This demand follows a court statement by Satyaki Savarkar, V D Savarkar's grandnephew, who testified that Nathuram Godse and his brother Gopal Godse were "active workers" of the RSS. The statement was made during a defamation complaint hearing filed by Satyaki Savarkar against Rahul Gandhi.

CJP joins Odisha students' stir, seeks minister's exit over textbook errors

CJP joins Odisha students' stir, seeks minister's exit over textbook errors

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Students and political parties in Odisha are protesting widespread errors in school textbooks, demanding the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond. The CJP has extended support to the Navnirman Yuva Chhatra Sangathan's 'satyagraha', while the state government has begun distributing corrected textbooks.

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

World Letter Writing Day: 8 Letters, 8 Special Stories

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

World Letter Writing Day is a time to recall historic letters. Some letters were written in love. Some in grief. Others at moments when the world stood on the brink of change.

The Revolutionaries Review: Flawed Portrayal Of Independence Struggle

The Revolutionaries Review: Flawed Portrayal Of Independence Struggle

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

The Revolutionaries never draws you into its world nor explains the mind and motivation of its heroes or even the mood within a nation they're going through so much trouble for, observes Sukanya Verma.

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Congress Working Committee has decided to adhere to its 1937 resolution, mandating that only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' be sung at all party events, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which labelled the Congress the 'new Muslim League'.

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

'It Isn't About Noel Tata, It Isn't Even About Chandra'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

'You can't have a runaway board that takes decisions against the active disagreement of the 66 per cent shareholder.'

HC judgment on hijab attack on Islam: Owaisi

HC judgment on hijab attack on Islam: Owaisi

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has urged people to support and strengthen the party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, while also criticising the BJP government on issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Vande Mataram row.

Actor Sam Dastor, Who Played Gandhi Twice, Passes Away

Actor Sam Dastor, Who Played Gandhi Twice, Passes Away

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Sam Dastor, the British-Indian actor who was considered for the lead role in Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi' and later played Mahatma Gandhi twice in other productions, has passed away at the age of 84.