News for 'National Assembly'

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Shut down Parliament if...: BJP's Nishikant Dubey attacks SC

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Fourth-term Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey, one of the more vocal party members in the Lok Sabha, launched a broadside against the Supreme Court on Saturday, saying Parliament and state assemblies should be closed down if the apex court has to make the laws.

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Modi had intel 3 days before Pahalgam attack, but...: Kharge

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Kharge claimed that the Centre accepted "intelligence failure" in an all-party meeting and said it should be held accountable for "not reinforcing" security arrangements in Kashmir to protect people.

BJP faces delay in choosing Delhi CM?

BJP faces delay in choosing Delhi CM?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form its government in Delhi after winning the recent assembly elections. Party leaders have stated that the new chief minister should be chosen from the elected BJP MLAs, with several contenders emerging from the newly-elected members. The decision on the next chief minister is expected to be made after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his foreign visit around February 15.

Paralympics glory beckons for vegetable vendor's son

Paralympics glory beckons for vegetable vendor's son

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Jhandu Kumar, who has polio-affected legs since birth, won a gold medal at the recently-concluded Khelo India Para Games. The powerlifter broke his own National record on March 23 in the men's 72kg category with a lift of 206kg.

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".

'Waqf law bonhomie': Oppn slams Omar's Tulip garden meet with Rijiju

'Waqf law bonhomie': Oppn slams Omar's Tulip garden meet with Rijiju

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The opposition Peoples' Democratic Party and Peoples' Conference targeted the ruling National Conference over the meeting, and accused it of surrendering to the Bharatiya Janata Party without even a pretence over the passage of the Waqf act.

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

'India's Good Relations Will Continue With Pope Leo XIV'

Rediff.com9 May 2025

'The way our President was greeted, that itself shows how far India has come.' 'People were aware of who she is, people know who our prime minister is.' 'Everybody knows India now and everybody respects India.'

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.

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A chance meeting between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the National Conference of laying out a red carpet for the BJP leader in the aftermath of the Waqf Amendment Act. While NC sources termed the interaction as a purely coincidental encounter, opposition parties like the PDP and Peoples' Conference condemned the meeting, accusing the NC of surrendering to the BJP. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by Parliament last week, aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

Waqf Bill vote: BJD leaders seeks action own MP

Waqf Bill vote: BJD leaders seeks action own MP

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Senior leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in India are calling for action against Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sasmit Patra for allegedly creating confusion among lawmakers regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The controversy arose after Patra, despite the party's announced opposition to the Bill, revealed he had voted in favor of it and stated that MPs could vote according to their conscience. The situation has led to accusations of a possible "deal" between the BJD and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

When Modi's offer 'alarmed' Trump's security detail

When Modi's offer 'alarmed' Trump's security detail

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'It showed me that this man had courage. He makes his own decisions, but he also trusted me enough in that moment to walk with me into the crowd,' Modi tells Lex Fridman on his podcast.

Assembly bypoll results: INDIA bloc wins 10 seats, BJP bags 2

Assembly bypoll results: INDIA bloc wins 10 seats, BJP bags 2

Rediff.com13 Jul 2024

Voting for the bypolls in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu were held on Wednesday.

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Transition of Kapil Mishra: From BJP, Modi critic to Delhi minister

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Kapil Mishra, a former AAP member and a vocal critic of the BJP, RSS, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has undergone a complete political transformation, becoming a controversial figure often regarded as the "posterboy of Hindutva." He has now been inducted as a minister in the newly formed Delhi government, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance and raising questions about his role in shaping the city's future.

Why even form alliances, just...: Sena slams AAP, Cong

Why even form alliances, just...: Sena slams AAP, Cong

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Referring to Abdullah's comments, Saamana claimed that Congress actively contributed to AAP's defeat in at least 14 seats in Delhi, which could have been avoided.

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

'Was He Not A Human? Was He An Animal?'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'One murder gets national coverage because of political connections.' 'The other two and the brutal torture? Not much outrage.' 'Are Dalit and OBC lives worth less?'

RG Kar fallout: Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill

RG Kar fallout: Bengal assembly passes anti-rape bill

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

The draft legislation seeks capital punishment for persons convicted of rape if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state.

Swati Maliwal takes dig at Kejriwal with 'cheer-haran' post

Swati Maliwal takes dig at Kejriwal with 'cheer-haran' post

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Maliwal's posts came after trends of the Delhi assembly poll results showed the BJP ahead of AAP and heading towards forming the government in the national capital.

'Aur lado aapas mein': Omar Abdullah jabs AAP, Cong

'Aur lado aapas mein': Omar Abdullah jabs AAP, Cong

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The sharp remark was intended after Congress and AAP's decision to contest the Delhi elections separately, despite being allies under the INDIA bloc banner.

Poll tweets: HC rejects Delhi minister Kapil Mishra's plea to stay trial

Poll tweets: HC rejects Delhi minister Kapil Mishra's plea to stay trial

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the trial court proceedings against Delhi Law Minister Kapil Mishra for allegedly posting objectionable tweets during the 2020 assembly elections. The court rejected Mishra's plea challenging a sessions court order dismissing his petition against the summons of a magisterial court in the case. The court said there was no need to stay the trial court proceedings and that the trial court was at liberty to proceed further with the matter. The high court granted four weeks to the police to file its response to the petition and posted the hearing on May 19. The hearing is slated to come up in the trial court on March 20.

New York City declares April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day

New York City declares April 14 as Dr BR Ambedkar Day

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Mayor's Office for International Affairs Dilip Chauhan made the announcement in the presence of Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Ramdas Athawale, who delivered the keynote address at a special event organised at the UN headquarters on Monday to commemorate Dr Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

What worked for BJP, what didn't for AAP

What worked for BJP, what didn't for AAP

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Here is a snapshot of what worked for the BJP and what worked against the AAP in the Delhi assembly elections.

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

No alliance with Cong for Bengal polls, says Mamata

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asserted that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) will return to power with a two-thirds majority in the 2026 Assembly elections in the state and ruled out the possibility of stitching any alliance with the Congress. Banerjee's statement comes amidst speculation over a possible Congress-TMC understanding in West Bengal, following the removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury as state Congress president and the appointment of Subhankar Sarkar. However, Banerjee has categorically stated that the TMC will fight alone and secure a historic victory. The Congress, on the other hand, has responded by saying that regional parties are bothered about the Congress because they have realised their mistake in ignoring the party during the Delhi polls. The BJP has downplayed Banerjee's remarks, stating that the TMC's defeat in the upcoming elections is inevitable. The West Bengal Assembly elections are likely to be held in April-May next year.

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Mood on the ground in Kashmir is against perpetrators

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

The dastardly dimensions of the attack are gradually sinking in even as the Government of India announced its immediate diplomatic and other retaliatory measures. It is generally expected to be followed up with punitive military action across the LoC, sooner than later, observes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Banking on the Budget's tax relief, the BJP seeks to energise Delhi's middle class; the AAP is doing its bit too. But will their outreach mobilise this politically crucial yet disengaged electorate?

Haryana: Can Congress Repeat Lok Sabha Success In Assembly Polls?

Haryana: Can Congress Repeat Lok Sabha Success In Assembly Polls?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2024

'Arithmetic could decide the Haryana election given the presence of multi-cornered contests.'

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Most exit polls predicted an edge to the BJP over the ruling AAP.

How many MLAs you have in Delhi?: Mann's jibe at Cong

How many MLAs you have in Delhi?: Mann's jibe at Cong

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

His remarks comes after AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting with CM Mann, Punjab ministers and MLAs at Kapurthala House in Delhi on Tuesday amid rumours of dissent in the party's Punjab unit.

Tension in AAP's Punjab unit after Delhi rout? Kejriwal to meet MLAs

Tension in AAP's Punjab unit after Delhi rout? Kejriwal to meet MLAs

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal will meet Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, state ministers, and party MLAs in Delhi on Tuesday amid growing speculation about internal dissent in the party's Punjab unit following AAP's rout in the Delhi Assembly elections. The meeting is expected to focus on analyzing the Delhi election results and strategizing for the Punjab polls scheduled in 2027. The AAP's Punjab unit has faced questions about internal cohesion, with some suggesting that the party's leadership in Delhi continues to exert significant influence over Punjab's governance. There are also speculations that Kejriwal could consider a more direct role in Punjab politics now, with some political observers suggesting that he could contest from the vacant Ludhiana assembly seat.

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Violent protests against Waqf Act rock parts of Bengal

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Protests against the Waqf Act turned violent in parts of West Bengal on Friday, with demonstrators setting ablaze vehicles, disrupting traffic and rail movement, and injuring several policemen. The unrest erupted in Suti, Murshidabad district, where protesters defied prohibitory orders, hurled stones at security personnel, and torched police vans and public buses during processions. Police responded with lathi charges and tear gas, while some officers were forced to seek refuge in a nearby mosque. Similar protests were held in Malda and Kolkata, prompting Governor C V Ananda Bose to direct the state government to take swift action against those responsible. The governor also contacted Union Home Minister Amit Shah and held discussions with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was recently passed by both houses of Parliament, aims to improve the management of Waqf properties, safeguarding heritage sites and promoting social welfare.

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Nana Patole replaced, Maharashtra Cong gets new chief

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Former MLA Harshwardhan Sapkal has been appointed as the new president of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), tasked with reviving the party in the state after its crushing defeat in the last year's assembly polls. Sapkal, a veteran politician, replaces Nana Patole, who held the position since 2021. The Congress aims to rebuild its base and prepare for upcoming local body polls, including those in Mumbai, Pune, Thane, and Nagpur. The party will also need to work with its allies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), to strengthen the opposition against the ruling BJP-led alliance.

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Navy officer's wife bids heart-wrenching adieu to husband

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

'Let his soul rest in peace...We should all be proud of him in every way. And we will make him proud in every way'

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

'BJP Will Come To Power In Kerala In 2026'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

'In today's political spectrum, it is the Bharatiya Janata Party that always says, nation first.'

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

More To Delimitation Than Meets The Eye

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

There is a proposal from the BJP camp that they would resort to a proportion-based increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats for individual states, based on what they now have. On the face of it, this sounds like a fine argument that those demanding a 'freeze' now cannot oppose without reasons and justification, avers N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has predicted that JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will contest the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar in alliance with the BJP but may switch sides later, with hopes for another term as the chief minister. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, also asserted that Kumar's popularity has declined and he is unlikely to win a fifth consecutive term. He challenged the BJP to declare Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate, arguing that they would struggle to win seats if they did so. Kishor also criticized Kumar's leadership, accusing him of being "physically tired and mentally retired" and of "bringing disrepute to Bihar" by touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet. He said his new party will enter the fray to pull Bihar "out of the political rut" and that the state's much-touted prohibition policy is an example of the BJP's duplicity.

BJP wasn't in power then: EC sources on duplicate voters

BJP wasn't in power then: EC sources on duplicate voters

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Amid opposition allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls, sources in the Election Commission Monday said the matter related to duplicate voter identity card numbers is a 'legacy issue' with such cards being issued even between 2008 and 2013 when the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was not in power.

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Facts fatal, Pak man linked to Gogoi's wife visited India 18 times: Himanta

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, allegedly linked to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, has visited India 18 times. Sarma, while speaking in the state assembly, claimed that the initial information in the case is "very fatal" for the Congress and will have a "huge impact" on the politics of Assam. He also stated that the investigation findings will put some people in an indefensible position.

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

BJP picks first-time MLA Rekha Gupta as new Delhi CM

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

First-time MLA Rekha Gupta will be the new chief minister of Delhi, capping 11 days of suspense over who will get the top post after the Bharatiya Janata Party returned to power after over 26 years ending the 10-year rule of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party.

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

We're secular, asserts BJD amid row over supporting Waqf Bill

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Amid a row over change in stand over voting on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday asserted it is a secular regional outfit and maintains equal distance from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance and the opposition Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance bloc led by the Congress.

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Total assets of the 699 candidates are worth about Rs 3,952 crore...