News for 'National Democratic'

The Row Over Kashmir's Martyrs' Day

The Row Over Kashmir's Martyrs' Day

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

Visuals of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah scaling the gate of the Naqshband Sahib graveyard and jostling with securitymen deployed there have gone viral.

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Anybody who says one critical word can be branded as somebody who's glorifying terrorism.'

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The declared incomes of registered unrecognised political parties witnessed a 223 per cent spike in 2022-23 and more than 73 per cent of these parties failed to publicly disclose their financial records, according to poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Congress followed next with Rs 620 crore or 18.5 percent of the total expenses among the 32 national and regional parties whose records were analysed, the ADR said.

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Only 1 of 4 named: Cong slams govt over skewed delegation picks

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The opposition party, however, said the four eminent Congress MPs and leaders who have been included at the instance of the Modi government will, of course, go with the delegations and make their contributions.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Former J-K governor Satyapal Malik dies at 79

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Malik had served as the 18th governor of Goa between November 3, 2019, and August 18, 2020.

People punished Indira Gandhi: Tharoor slams Emergency

People punished Indira Gandhi: Tharoor slams Emergency

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, saying the people of the country responded clearly to the excesses of that period by voting her party out of power by a large margin.

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Election Commission is colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, citing data analysis from a Karnataka constituency. He claims evidence of 'vote chori' and demands transparency from the EC.

2 Kerala nuns get bail in trafficking-conversion case

2 Kerala nuns get bail in trafficking-conversion case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

A special court in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district granted bail to three persons, including two nuns from Kerala, arrested on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion.

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

FIR against Malviya, Arnab Goswami for 'Cong office in Turkiye' claim

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An first information report (FIR) was registered on Tuesday against Bharatiya Janata Party IT cell head Amit Malviya and Editor-in-Chief of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami for allegedly running false information, police said.

'Tyranny of unelected': Kashmiri leaders 'locked up'

'Tyranny of unelected': Kashmiri leaders 'locked up'

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that the 'unelected nominees of New Delhi locked up the elected representatives' of the people of Jammu and Kashmir after prominent leaders from ruling and opposition parties were not allowed to leave their houses to prevent them from visiting the graveyard of 1931 martyrs in Srinagar.

Hindus fly aerial banner to back Cuomo as NY mayoral race heats up

Hindus fly aerial banner to back Cuomo as NY mayoral race heats up

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

In a bold display of civic engagement, members of the Hindu American community launched an aerial banner over New York City this week, endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor and urging voters to support experienced, inclusive leadership in a high-stakes race that has captured national attention.

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

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.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

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.

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Historic First: New York Senate Honours Indian Constitution

Rediff.com16 May 2025

In a first, the New York State Senate has formally adopted a resolution honouring the Indian Constitution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, recognising it as a guiding framework for India's ongoing progress as a nation and celebrating the country's democratic values.

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

There is no confusion or dispute in the 'Mahagathbandhan' over Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for the Bihar chief minister's post, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar said on Friday while asserting that the CM will be from the Rashtriya Janata Dal if the alliance gets a majority in the upcoming polls.

'Nitish Kumar Is 100% Healthy'

'Nitish Kumar Is 100% Healthy'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'Nitish Kumar is our CM today and he will be CM going forward also. Nitish Kumar will continue as CM till he wishes.'

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Govt picks Tharoor to lead Op Sindoor delegation to US; Cong fumes

Rediff.com17 May 2025

The government will send seven all-party delegations to key partner countries, including members of the United Nations Security Council, later this month to convey India's message of zero tolerance against terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

Kanhaiya Kumar, Pappu Yadav stopped from boarding Rahul Gandhi's van

Kanhaiya Kumar, Pappu Yadav stopped from boarding Rahul Gandhi's van

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

The incident occurred when both leaders attempted to board the van carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, but were stopped by security guards.

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Listen to your conscience: Cong to party MPs picked by govt

Rediff.com18 May 2025

The Congress on Sunday said it was not stopping anyone from being part of diplomatic delegations to be sent to various countries following Operation Sindoor and that its leaders who have been named at the instance of the government must listen to their conscience and contribute to the exercise.

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government will implement 'one nation, one election' within its current tenure, sources said, exuding confidence that the reform measure would receive support across party lines.

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Congress leaders maintained that Indian defence forces had attained complete superiority and dominance over Pakistan before the sudden "ceasefire" was announced by US President Donald Trump.

Numbers with Kamala Harris to become Democratic prez nominee

Numbers with Kamala Harris to become Democratic prez nominee

Rediff.com23 Jul 2024

Harris, who is of Indian and African heritage, has received the backing from more than the 1,976 pledged delegates needed to win the Democratic Party's nomination on the first ballot, CNN reported on the first full day of her campaign.

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey has expressed his desire to see Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the Deputy Prime Minister. However, the JD(U) and the RJD have dismissed Choubey's remarks as inconsequential, with the JD(U) pointing to Amit Shah's recent statement that Nitish Kumar is the coalition's leader for the upcoming assembly polls. The RJD has also ridiculed Choubey's statement, stating that the BJP is looking to get rid of Nitish Kumar and that Tejashwi Yadav will be the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

While the BJP backs Nitish Kumar as chief minister, Chirag isn't hiding his readiness for the role, reports Aditi Phadnis.

'Trump is me me me, Kamala is...': Top Democratic leaders at DNC

'Trump is me me me, Kamala is...': Top Democratic leaders at DNC

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

"Trump failed our country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump is a chaos agent who is focused on himself, not the American people. Trump tried to destroy our democracy by lying about the election and inciting a violent mob to attack the Capitol," he said.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

'Proud of you': Modi meets MPs back after global outreach

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he was proud of the manner in which the multi-party delegations presented India's views in various countries on the need to eradicate the menace of terrorism following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Angry Anti-Trump Protests Spread To Texas

Angry Anti-Trump Protests Spread To Texas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Trump administration sent US Marines to Los Angeles and increased raids on suspected undocumented immigrants, causing anger among protesters and Democratic leaders who fear a national crisis.

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Caste census: Has BJP turned tables on Opposition?

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The BJP's surprise announcement of a caste census in the next census has sparked political debate, particularly in Bihar where the issue of backward empowerment holds significant electoral weight. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the ruling party to counter opposition efforts to mobilize support among disadvantaged sections of society. The decision is also viewed as a recognition of the growing influence of OBC politics in India.

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

What India needs more than one simultaneous election is better governance both at the central and state level. Yes, we need reforms, but our priority should be to make elections less expensive, make it more democratic, do away with freebies which are actually bribes before elections, allow only those who are educated to contest, and bring in a bill to make it impossible for criminals to contest, advocates Ramesh Menon.

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are 'extremely important' and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.