News for 'Ministers of State'

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

PM Modi said UP will be divided into 4 states: Minister

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar has revived the long-standing discussion about dividing Uttar Pradesh, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him the state could be split into four parts after a caste census. Rajbhar's statement, made at a rally in Deoria, links the division to the 27% reservation issue and suggests a Rajbhar could become chief minister of a new Purvanchal state. The demand for UP's division has historical precedents, notably from former Chief Minister Mayawati.

Telangana's AI Minister Engages Gen Z At DevFest

Telangana's AI Minister Engages Gen Z At DevFest

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Telangana's IT Minister D Sridhar Babu unveiled an AI avatar at DevFest 2026, engaging with Gen Z attendees in English and Telugu. This initiative aims to make state information more accessible and enhance citizen engagement using emerging AI technologies, positioning Telangana as a global AI hub.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy Alleges CM Shivakumar Met Sting Operator

Union Minister Kumaraswamy Alleges CM Shivakumar Met Sting Operator

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met a person linked to sting operations and demanded a probe into the targeting of five Cabinet ministers. Kumaraswamy questioned the state government's inaction and sought clarification on the identity of the person and the purpose of the meeting. The Leader of Opposition also called for an FIR and investigation into the matter.

Junior Minister Steps Down After Controversial Drug Den Raid

Junior Minister Steps Down After Controversial Drug Den Raid

Rediff.com5 days ago

Bangladesh's junior minister Ishraque Hossain resigned on Monday after facing controversy for personally leading an armed raid on a suspected drug den in Dhaka. He had uploaded a video of the raid on social media, which sparked public debate and led Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to ask for his resignation. Hossain defended his actions, citing his firearm licence and desire to combat drugs, but criticised media narratives.

Dhami calls Daler Mehndi after minister's on-stage rebuke

Dhami calls Daler Mehndi after minister's on-stage rebuke

Rediff.com1 days ago

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to singer Daler Mehndi and his brother Mika Singh, expressing regret over a recent incident where cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal publicly reprimanded Mehndi during a performance. Dhami emphasised Uttarakhand's tradition of respecting artists and sought to move past the controversy, assuring Mehndi of a warm welcome and mutual dialogue.

Minister Rekha Arya Dismisses Husband's Baseless Corruption Allegations

Minister Rekha Arya Dismisses Husband's Baseless Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com7 days ago

Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya has vehemently denied corruption allegations made by her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, calling them "100 per cent baseless." Sahu accused her of possessing illegal assets worth Rs 210 crore after Arya filed a complaint against him for domestic violence, harassment, and caste-based slurs. Arya asserted her life is transparent and welcomed any investigation, while also defending her decision to speak out against domestic violence.

Kerala Minister Condemns Brutal Mob Lynching In Palakkad

Kerala Minister Condemns Brutal Mob Lynching In Palakkad

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has strongly condemned the alleged mob lynching of an unidentified man in Palakkad district, announcing that seven people have been arrested and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the incident. The victim, aged 35-40, remains unidentified, and the minister has sought assistance from Tamil Nadu police. The incident, which involved the victim being attacked with stones and wooden sticks, is the third alleged mob lynching reported in Palakkad in recent years.

Union minister L Murugan resigns, triggers cabinet reshuffle buzz

Union minister L Murugan resigns, triggers cabinet reshuffle buzz

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Union Minister of State L Murugan resigned from the Modi government and his Rajya Sabha membership on Tuesday, stating his intention to return to Tamil Nadu to strengthen the BJP ahead of the 2029 parliamentary elections. His resignation fuels speculation about an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.

Union Home Minister Assures Justice To Families Affected By Punjab's Drug Menace

Union Home Minister Assures Justice To Families Affected By Punjab's Drug Menace

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet families of individuals who died in incidents linked to the state's drug menace. He assured justice to the families of Gulzar Singh, Bikramjit Singh, and anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who were victims of drug-related issues. The visit comes amidst a political slugfest ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government over the drug problem.

Why Bangladesh Minister's Drug Den Raid Is Causing A Stir

Why Bangladesh Minister's Drug Den Raid Is Causing A Stir

Rediff.com7 days ago

A junior Bangladeshi minister, Ishraque Hossain, conducted a raid on a suspected drug den in a Dhaka slum on Saturday, carrying a pistol and accompanied by plainclothes associates. He detained several individuals and handed them over to police, who stated they were not informed in advance. A video of the incident, uploaded by Hossain, sparked widespread debate on social media regarding the appropriateness of his actions.

Mizoram Minister Calls On Students To Fight Drug Menace

Mizoram Minister Calls On Students To Fight Drug Menace

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar urged college students to avoid drugs, highlighting the growing concern over cannabis use among young people and the high demand for drugs in the Champhai district. Official data reveals a significant number of injecting drug users and drug-related deaths in the state, with a 2022 survey showing cannabis use among children as young as 10-14.

UP Minister Dayashankar Singh Gets Non-Bailable Warrant

UP Minister Dayashankar Singh Gets Non-Bailable Warrant

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh has been issued a non-bailable warrant by a local court in Ballia in connection with a 23-year-old case. The case involves alleged obstruction of government work, abuse, and criminal intimidation. The next hearing is scheduled for October 25.

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a cheating case. Sen is accused of commercialising Durga Puja by selling high-priced preview show tickets through an organisation allegedly linked to him and his family, diverting government funds. The court noted "trappings of corruption" and the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating.

Nana Patekar cremated with state honours at Pune farmhouse

Nana Patekar cremated with state honours at Pune farmhouse

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Veteran actor Nana Patekar was laid to rest at his farmhouse in Donje village, Pune, late on Thursday night. Thousands, including prominent personalities and state officials, attended the funeral, which was performed with full state honours. Patekar, 75, passed away in Goa earlier on Thursday due to a suspected heart attack.

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Dhaka sends babu to attend BIMSTEC home ministers' meet

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first-ever BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi, with a senior bureaucrat leading the delegation. This absence underscores strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 and Dhaka's request for her extradition from India.

Punjab observes state-wide bandh over anti-drug activist's murder

Punjab observes state-wide bandh over anti-drug activist's murder

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

A state-wide bandh was observed across Punjab on Thursday following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Markets and educational institutions remained shut, and roads were blocked by protesters, disrupting traffic. Jhota was shot on Tuesday for questioning the illegal sale of addictive drugs. His family, supported by various political parties and farmer unions, has refused to perform his last rites until justice is delivered, demanding resignations of top officials and a CBI probe. The incident has intensified the political debate on drug menace and law and order in Punjab.

Kerala High Court Grills State Over CMRL Bribery Case Preliminary Enquiry

Kerala High Court Grills State Over CMRL Bribery Case Preliminary Enquiry

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday questioned the state government's decision to order a preliminary enquiry into the alleged CMRL bribery case, despite information from the ED regarding corruption offences against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and others. The court is hearing appeals from Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas, who argue they were not heard before an FIR was directed to be lodged. The ED alleges fraudulent payments of Rs 2.78 crore were made to Veena's company.

Amit Shah Urges CBI Probe Into Punjab Drug-Related Deaths, Pledges Drug-Free State By 2029

Amit Shah Urges CBI Probe Into Punjab Drug-Related Deaths, Pledges Drug-Free State By 2029

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his Punjab visit, urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer drug-related death investigations in Sangrur and Batala to the CBI, following Mann's decision to hand over anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota's murder case to the central agency. Shah met families affected by drug-related incidents and pledged to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, calling for collective action against the menace.

Photos: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates India's Asian Games heroes

Photos: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates India's Asian Games heroes

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met India's Asian Games medal-winners, including the gold-winning cricket teams, on Thursday. He praised their achievements, highlighting India's growing strength in sports and its ambition to become a credible host for major international events, including a bid for the 2036 Olympics. Modi also emphasised the government's support for athletes and urged medallists to mentor the next generation.

Para-Shooters Allege Corruption, Meet Sports Minister Mandaviya

Para-Shooters Allege Corruption, Meet Sports Minister Mandaviya

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Para-shooters protesting alleged corruption in the selection process for the Aichi-Nagoya Para Asian Games met Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They accused the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) of relaxing norms to include unqualified shooters and sought an inquiry into financial irregularities. The Minister is deliberating a resolution.

UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan Issues Stark Warning On Cyber Risks

UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan Issues Stark Warning On Cyber Risks

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Britain's AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, issued a strong warning on Monday about the growing risks posed by artificial intelligence to cyber defences. He highlighted the potential for serious consequences from autonomous AI systems and announced new government measures, including a 'National Cyber Action Plan', to bolster the UK's resilience against cyber-attacks.

President Murmu appoints new Governors for 6 states; Arlekar new TN Guv

President Murmu appoints new Governors for 6 states; Arlekar new TN Guv

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

President Droupadi Murmu has announced a major gubernatorial reshuffle, appointing new governors for Tamil Nadu, Keralam, Sikkim, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Odisha. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar moves from Keralam to Tamil Nadu, while Om Prakash Mathur becomes the new Keralam Governor. Dushyant Gautam, Sudha Yadav, Dhal Singh Bisen, and Braj Mohan Ram are among the new appointees, bringing diverse political experience to their roles.

Sports Minister To Address Para-Shooters' Corruption Allegations

Sports Minister To Address Para-Shooters' Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to meet para-shooters protesting alleged corruption and manipulation in the selection process for the upcoming Para Asian Games. The athletes claim "illicit monetary extortion" and violations of Sports Ministry guidelines by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and its Shooting Technical Committee. The PCI denies the charges, stating selections were merit-based. Separately, para-cyclists also protested their omission from the contingent.

GST Council to Streamline Multi-State Registration, Document Requirements

GST Council to Streamline Multi-State Registration, Document Requirements

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The GST Council is set to consider a proposal allowing businesses to file for GST registration in multiple states via a single application and standardise the documents required by tax officers, aiming to enhance ease of doing business.

Keralam Minister Vows Justice For Woman Gang-Raped After Job Lure

Keralam Minister Vows Justice For Woman Gang-Raped After Job Lure

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Keralam Women and Child Development Minister Bindhu Krishnan visited a woman in Kochi who was allegedly gang-raped after being lured with a job offer. The minister assured that the government is committed to ensuring justice and maximum punishment for the perpetrators. Police have arrested four individuals and are searching for two more in connection with the case.

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Corruption Probe Intensifies Against Former DMK Minister

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Chennai conducted simultaneous searches at five premises as part of an expanded probe into a corruption case against former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The searches, which followed an FIR registered on September 16, 2026, led to the seizure of a laptop and 44 documents related to alleged financial irregularities.

Karnataka Celebrates Hockey Gold With CM Shivakumar's Praise For State Players

Karnataka Celebrates Hockey Gold With CM Shivakumar's Praise For State Players

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar congratulated the Indian Men's Hockey team for winning gold at the Asian Games, highlighting the pride that three team members hail from Karnataka. He specifically named Mohith H S, Harshith M Lakshman, and Ranganathan M for their valuable contributions. India secured their fifth Asian Games gold and direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by defeating Malaysia 5-1.

Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Asian Games Medallists

Prime Minister Modi Congratulates Asian Games Medallists

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to several Indian medallists at the Asian Games, including Parul Chaudhary (bronze in 5000m), javelin throwers Yashvir (silver) and Rohit (bronze), Pinkcy Balhara (bronze in kurash), Esha Singh (silver in 25m pistol), and Murali Sreeshankar (silver in long jump), commending their performances and wishing them future success.

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav among new BJP state in-charges

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant reshuffle of its state in-charges and co-in-charges across all 28 states and eight Union territories, with prominent leaders like Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav assigned to crucial states, as the party gears up for upcoming assembly elections.

Can Pargat Singh unite Punjab Congress ahead of 2027 state polls?

Can Pargat Singh unite Punjab Congress ahead of 2027 state polls?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Former Indian hockey captain and Olympian Pargat Singh has been appointed the new president of the Punjab Congress, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. A three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Singh's elevation comes amidst internal party wrangling and is seen as a strategic move to unite factions ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. His journey spans from a decorated sports career to a prominent political figure, having previously served as a minister and consistently winning his assembly seat.

Keralam minister returns friend's luxury car amid row

Keralam minister returns friend's luxury car amid row

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Keralam Minister K M Shaji has returned an ultra-luxury Range Rover, belonging to a friend, which he was using as his official vehicle. The move comes amidst controversy and allegations of violating his oath of office, with the opposition questioning the use of a private luxury car instead of a government-provided one.

Sikkim Chief Minister Praises Indian Women's Hockey Team For Asian Games Gold

Sikkim Chief Minister Praises Indian Women's Hockey Team For Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated the Indian Women's hockey team for winning the gold medal at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, highlighting their determination and teamwork.

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Delhi minister Parvesh Verma slaps man during road inspection

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Delhi after a video surfaced showing PWD Minister Parvesh Singh slapping a man who was recording a road inspection in Tilak Nagar.

Assam Police Cracks Down On Illegal Immigrants In Homestays

Assam Police Cracks Down On Illegal Immigrants In Homestays

Rediff.com5 days ago

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 24 foreign nationals, who had entered India illegally, were apprehended from various homestays across the state. The arrests followed tip-offs, with the CM emphasising stringent action against illegal immigrants while assuring vigilance by Assam Police.

Keralam minister's car attacked twice as Cong-CPM clashes esclate on Day 2

Keralam minister's car attacked twice as Cong-CPM clashes esclate on Day 2

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh's vehicle was allegedly attacked by DYFI workers in Kannur and Kasaragod, sparking a major political confrontation between the ruling UDF and the CPI(M). Chief Minister VD Satheesan condemned the incident, alleging CPI(M) involvement, while the CPI(M) denied the claims, stating it was a peaceful protest. Police have registered a case, and the incident follows earlier clashes between SFI and Youth Congress workers.

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Govt panel asks states for data on demographic changes over 15 years

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Union Home Ministry's High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes has requested states and Union Territories to provide detailed data on "visible changes" in religious demography over the last 15 years. This includes information on birth registrations, religious structures, vehicle registrations, property transfers in tribal areas, and educational institutions, aiming to assess demographic shifts and recommend policy measures.

Tripura Government Allocates 30 Acres For State-Of-Art Cricket Academy

Tripura Government Allocates 30 Acres For State-Of-Art Cricket Academy

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government has allotted 30 acres of land to the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) for establishing a modern cricket academy. This initiative aims to provide advanced training facilities for budding cricketers, complemented by the appointment of spotters to identify talent at the village level and the development of all-weather practice grounds.

Prime Minister Modi Lauds Indian Athletes For Asian Games Glory

Prime Minister Modi Lauds Indian Athletes For Asian Games Glory

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Indian athletes who secured medals at the Asian Games. He specifically lauded Neeru Dhanda for her historic individual trap gold, the women's trap team for their silver, and the women's 4x400m relay squad for their gold-winning performance, highlighting their precision, speed, and teamwork.