News for 'Minister of State'

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The death of a booth level officer in West Bengal due to cardiac arrest has ignited a political battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of workload pressure and politicization of the tragedy.

Rahul displays Naravane book: 'If PM comes to Parliament will give this'

Rahul displays Naravane book: 'If PM comes to Parliament will give this'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Gandhi held up Naravane's unpublished "memoir" and said he would like the youngsters in India to know that this 'book' exists despite the government claiming otherwise.

Skeptics fear manipulation as Bangladesh goes to polls

Skeptics fear manipulation as Bangladesh goes to polls

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Political analysts express skepticism about the upcoming Bangladesh general election, citing concerns over manipulation, voter participation, and the influence of money and muscle in the changed political landscape.

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A new study alleges that Muslim voters are disproportionately represented in Logical Discrepancy (LD) lists during Kolkata's voter roll revision, raising concerns about potential bias in the electoral process.

'Have Muslims Faced Problems In Maharashtra?'

'Have Muslims Faced Problems In Maharashtra?'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

'We have given riot-free Maharashtra in our 18-month rule.'

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Why Budget 2026 Deserves 8.5/10

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

This is the first Budget in my memory of Budgets over the last half a century which has embraced upfront, enthusiastically and emphatically, technology, modernity and fiscal sobriety, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

High drama in Karnataka assembly as guv walks out over speech row

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Gehlot had on Wednesday refused to deliver the address to the Karnataka legislature, leading to a stalemate over the fate of the customary speech that outlines the government's policies.

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra deputy CM, dies in plane crash

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Learjet 45 (LJ45), a mid-size business jet aircraft produced by the Learjet Division of Bombardier Aerospace, went off the runway while attempting to land at Baramati airport and burst into flames.

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Assam publishes final voters list, drops over 2.43 lakh names

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Election Commission of India has published the final voters list for Assam after a Special Revision, deleting over 2.43 lakh names from the draft roll. The final roll comprises nearly 2.49 crore voters, a decrease of 0.97 per cent from the draft roll.

No rift with DMK, seat sharing talks soon: Congress

No rift with DMK, seat sharing talks soon: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Congress and DMK parties in Tamil Nadu are set to begin seat-sharing negotiations in a week for upcoming elections, with leaders from both parties expressing confidence in a smooth and successful alliance.

Kerala CM accuses guv of omitting 'BJP criticism' from speech

Kerala CM accuses guv of omitting 'BJP criticism' from speech

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar of omitting portions of the state cabinet-approved policy address, specifically criticizing the Union Government's fiscal policies and the pending status of state bills.

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Ambitious, futuristic: PM Modi lauds Sitharaman's 9th Budget

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Reiterating Sitharaman's statement that this is a youth power budget, Modi emphasised that the provisions made in the budget will prepare leaders, innovators and creators across different sectors.

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Budget 2026: What will Nirmala Sitharaman do?

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's biggest challenge will be to find a new growth driver, particularly against the backdrop of a global economy ravaged by heightened uncertainty and fragmentation, financial markets on a precipice, and global commodity prices on a continued uptrend.

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

A special CBI court reversed a magisterial court order that had discharged former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel from a case regarding the alleged circulation of a sleaze video purportedly depicting former minister Rajesh Munat in 2017. The reversal implies Baghel will have to face trial unless he gets relief from a higher court.

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

How C-60 Broke The Back of Naxalism In Gadchiroli

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Once the might of the Indian establishment turned completely against the Maoists, there was no way they could survive -- either in Gadchiroli or anywhere else, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

'ISIS threat poster' in Meghalaya asks people to leave

'ISIS threat poster' in Meghalaya asks people to leave

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A poster, purportedly by ISIS, threatening people to vacate their land in parts of Meghalaya's West Garo Hills district has prompted a police investigation.

'He has no right': Pawar slams Fadnavis on NCP merger talks

'He has no right': Pawar slams Fadnavis on NCP merger talks

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

After his death, Sharad Pawar and other leaders of his party claimed that merger talks were in advanced stages and Ajit Pawar had finalised February 12 as the date to announce reunification between the rival factions.

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rajnath calls Coast Guard a 'wall of trust' after Operation Sindoor

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Coast Guard's role during Operation Sindoor and highlighted its importance in national security on the occasion of its 50th Raising Day.

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

MHA gets Rs 2.55 lakh cr as Budget sharpens focus on internal security

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Union Budget 2025-26 had allocated Rs 2,33,210.68 crore (BE) to the ministry helmed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Focus Of Budget Was To Keep Stable Growth Going'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Focus Of Budget Was To Keep Stable Growth Going'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'We kept this Budget on a larger plank, rather than on one incident, however serious.'

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Why Mamata is calling for SC probe into Ajit Pawar's death

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the truth would not emerge through existing mechanisms and called for a probe, several opposition leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge backed her demand.

'Not achieved anything': FIFA boss Infantino supports lifting ban on Russia

'Not achieved anything': FIFA boss Infantino supports lifting ban on Russia

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Russian clubs and the national team have been suspended from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the country invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

9 Things You Must Know About Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Popularly known as 'Ajit Dada', he was known to say things as they were, without couching it in any soft padding.

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

The US Is Turning The World Topsy-Turvy

The US Is Turning The World Topsy-Turvy

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

A bewildered world is at a loss to find bilateral and multilateral measures to stop President Trump from pursuing his vision of a world unabashedly dominated by the United States, points out T P Sreenivasan.

Chicken's Neck: Underground Rail Planned

Chicken's Neck: Underground Rail Planned

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

One of the underground lines will head towards Bagdogra, a location of strategic importance due to its role in India's air defence infrastructure.

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

'CMC govt': Modi launches TN campaign with attack on DMK

'CMC govt': Modi launches TN campaign with attack on DMK

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

According to the PM, CMC means "Corruption, Mafia, Crime."

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

'Bangladesh Remains Quiet On China's Influence'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'The BNP's election manifesto lists grievances against India, mirroring the attitude of past BNP governments.' 'Political parties have been careful not to say bad things about China.'

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, met with the Chief Election Commissioner to voice their concerns and demand a halt to the revision process.

Rahul-govt faceoff: Can MPs quote documents in Parliament?

Rahul-govt faceoff: Can MPs quote documents in Parliament?

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

When Gandhi started quoting the from unpublished book, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned as to how material which is not published can be cited in the House.

No word from India on stopping oil imports: Russia

No word from India on stopping oil imports: Russia

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The Kremlin states it has not received confirmation from India regarding a halt to Russian oil purchases, following claims made by former US President Donald Trump. Russia affirms its commitment to strengthening relations with India.

She Wore Purple! 9 Times Nirmala Sitharaman Wowed Us!

She Wore Purple! 9 Times Nirmala Sitharaman Wowed Us!

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is well-known for donning saris that speak as powerfully as her budget speech. Each Budget Day, she selects a drape that pays tribute to India's amazing textile heritage and the mastery of its artisans.

Leadership row: Siddaramaiah to visit Delhi 'if summoned'

Leadership row: Siddaramaiah to visit Delhi 'if summoned'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he will travel to New Delhi if summoned by the Congress high command to discuss the leadership issue involving him and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

'Bangladeshi Hindus Hope Jamaat Does Not Come To Power'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

'Many senior Bangladeshis feel Bangladesh will fall into anarchy if the Jamaat becomes an important part of a future government or has disproportionate influence in the government.'

Two Maoists carrying Rs 7 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Two Maoists carrying Rs 7 lakh bounty killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Two Naxalites, carrying a collective reward of Rs 7 lakh, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. The operation was launched based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area.

Budget: Where the rupee comes from, where it goes

Budget: Where the rupee comes from, where it goes

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Around 24 paise will come from borrowings and other liabilities, 10 paise from non-tax revenue like disinvestment, and 2 paise from non-debt capital receipts, the Budget documents showed.

'Ajit Pawar will always be remembered for his support to Mumbai cricket'

'Ajit Pawar will always be remembered for his support to Mumbai cricket'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik hailed Ajit Pawar for taking firm stands to help the association

Lack Of Political Unity Is India's Greatest Challenge

Lack Of Political Unity Is India's Greatest Challenge

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'No, India and China were not about to go to all-out war over a few rocks of Galwan.' 'The full picture of what went on at the highest level between two heads of State will not be known for a very, very long time and rightly so,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: AAIB to probe what went wrong

Ajit Pawar plane crash: AAIB to probe what went wrong

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

A senior official told PTI that the AAIB will be visiting the crash site and it will be investigating the accident.