News for 'National Assembly'

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief K Annamalai's newly launched political movement titled 'Idhu Namma lyakkam' (This Is Our Movement) attracted over 10 lakh members registered within 10 hours of its launch after he formally quit the BJP on Friday.

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.

NIA arrests TMC ex-MLA, key suspect in Bhangar blast case

NIA arrests TMC ex-MLA, key suspect in Bhangar blast case

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The National Investigation Agency on Friday night arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, the prime suspect in the Bhangar blast case, from West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, hours after declaring him as 'absconding'.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Following their success in the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP leaders are now focusing on winning the Punjab assembly polls in 2027, promising to rid the state of corruption and drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai announced that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by Vijay's TVK, with discussions underway for ministerial posts and a Rajya Sabha seat.

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district following reports of electoral malpractices.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Choose between Abhishek and me: Mamata loyalist's ultimatum TMC crisis

Choose between Abhishek and me: Mamata loyalist's ultimatum TMC crisis

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee has issued an ultimatum to party chief Mamata Banerjee, asking her to choose between him and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, whom he blames for the party's recent turmoil. This comes as the TMC faces significant internal strife, including multiple Rajya Sabha MP resignations and claims of widespread defection among MLAs and MPs.

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The AINRC-led NDA has won the Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to form the government. Chief Minister N Rangasamy won both seats he contested.

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been called to Delhi by the Congress high command for a meeting, fuelling speculation about a potential leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle as his government completes three years in office.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

BJP's 'Operation Lotus' has failed: TMC's Kirti Azad

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the BJP of orchestrating 'Operation Lotus' to induce defections from the Mamata Banerjee-led party, citing recent resignations and meetings of dissident MPs as evidence of an organised attempt to weaken the TMC.

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting, National Democratic Alliance-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, defeating the Congress's Pranav Jha, an official said.

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Rediff.com20 May 2026

With Uttar Pradesh assembly elections approaching, an analyst suggests the BJP is in a strong position. Meanwhile, Punjab's political landscape is described as fluid with mixed public satisfaction towards the ruling AAP.

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The absence of many TMC legislators from a major protest programme has triggered political chatter, raising questions about the party's unity and ability to transition into an effective opposition after its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

Rediff.com5 May 2026

One of the standout stories of the TVK victory was that of 30-year-old R Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver from Virugambakkam.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee is actively trying to prevent further defections from the TMC after a significant split, personally contacting rebel MLAs and deploying MPs for damage control. The crisis, stemming from a challenge to Abhishek Banerjee's influence, sees rebels trying to maintain Mamata's symbolic leadership while consolidating their own position, marking a critical period for the party's future.

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

Rediff.com24 May 2026

DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin has launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the former ally of 'stabbing the DMK in the back' and blaming them for the BJP's consecutive national victories. He exhorted party cadre to 'never trust the Congress again'.

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N gets 124 seats in National Assembly

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N gets 124 seats in National Assembly

Rediff.com16 May 2013

The Election Commission on Thursday announced results for 261 constituencies of the National Assembly or lower house of the Parliament. The results of the remaining 11 constituencies will be declared later.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Repolling is taking place in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following reports of electoral malpractices during the previous phase of voting. The Election Commission ordered the repolls, and voting is being conducted under tight security with webcasting to monitor the proceedings.

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Assam not to issue Aadhaar cards to adults anymore

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The Assam cabinet has decided to restrict the issuance of Aadhaar cards to individuals over 18 years of age, a move aimed at preventing illegal immigrants from acquiring the document. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that exceptions would require district commissioner proposals and state government approval, with a complete ban for all communities over 18 set for April 1, 2027.

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.

Now, dissent brews in TMC rebel camp over Mamata's role

Now, dissent brews in TMC rebel camp over Mamata's role

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The divergent voices emerged after a meeting of the rebel legislature bloc led by newly recognised Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, exposing the delicate balancing act facing the dissidents as they seek to distance themselves from party MP Abhishek Banerjee while retaining their political and emotional association with the TMC founder.

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A political row has erupted over the twin blasts in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accusing the BJP of trying to create fear ahead of next year's assembly elections. The BJP has hit back, terming the remarks condemnable and alleging that Mann ignored preliminary investigation findings pointing towards possible ISI involvement.

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.

Another AIADMK MLA resigns a day after 3 joined Vijay's TVK

Another AIADMK MLA resigns a day after 3 joined Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com26 May 2026

A fourth AIADMK MLA, Esakki Subaya, has resigned from the Tamil Nadu Assembly and is seen with TVK leaders, following three other rebel MLAs who also quit and joined the ruling TVK. This move has sparked strong accusations of 'horse-trading' from the AIADMK and Congress, while the Speaker insists he is acting within legal frameworks.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Will sons of Kharge, Sidda be included in Shivakumar's Cabinet?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The new Cabinet in Karnataka led by chief minister-designate D K Shivakumar is likely to be a small one with 10-14 ministers including some young faces, sources said on Tuesday. The top Congress leadership on Tuesday held day-long deliberations with outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar on giving final shape to the new cabinet in the state.

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Delhi Congress To Launch Yatra Demanding Justice For Slain Agent

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Delhi Congress will launch a 12-day 'Kalash Yatra' across 33 Purvanchal-dominated Assembly constituencies, carrying the ashes of slain delivery agent Pandav Kumar and demanding Rs 1 crore in compensation for the deceased's family.

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Row over Vande Mataram before Tamil anthem at TN swearing-in event

Rediff.com21 May 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Tamil invocation song was rendered last during the swearing-in of new ministers. Left parties have criticised the decision to sing the Tamil anthem after Vande Mataram and the national anthem.

Jhalmuri seller receives death threats after Modi visit

Jhalmuri seller receives death threats after Modi visit

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Security has been increased at a 'jhalmuri' stall in Jhargram, West Bengal, after its owner allegedly received death threats following a visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his election campaign.

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Hormuz Reopening to Ease India's Oil Supply Risks, Lower Prices

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, is expected to significantly ease India's crude oil supply risks, lower freight costs, and reduce inflationary pressures, as global oil prices have already dropped.