News for 'National People's Congress'

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Operation Sindoor post lands Ashoka University associate prof in jail

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Ashoka Univeristy associate professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad has been arrested for his social media post on Operation Sindoor, police said in Sonipat on Sunday.

'Votebank ka virus': Modi slams Cong for opposing new Waqf law

'Votebank ka virus': Modi slams Cong for opposing new Waqf law

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Modi alleged that the Congress government in Karnataka gave reservations in tenders based on religion, "snatching the rights of SCs, STs and OBCs." But Ambedkar had said there would not be reservation based on religion and there is a bar on giving reservation on the basis of religion in the Constitution, he stressed.

Lankan president's party sweeps parliamentary polls

Lankan president's party sweeps parliamentary polls

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Sri Lanka's National People's Power of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday swept the parliamentary elections by winning a two-thirds majority, and also dominating the Jaffna electoral district -- the heartland of the nation's Tamil minority.

BJP vs Cong in Parl over DK Shivakumar's 'changing Constitution' remark

BJP vs Cong in Parl over DK Shivakumar's 'changing Constitution' remark

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of parliament, was adjourned on Monday without transacting any business due to a heated exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress over the issue of reservations to Muslims in public contracts in Karnataka. The BJP accused Congress of seeking to amend the Constitution to provide reservations based on religion, while Congress asserted its commitment to protecting the Constitution. The debate centered around a statement by a senior Congress leader, who was reportedly advocating for changing the Constitution to provide reservations for Muslims.

NPP exits Manipur govt over violence; no threat to Biren ministry

NPP exits Manipur govt over violence; no threat to Biren ministry

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

The National People's Party (NPP) has withdrawn support from the BJP-led government in Manipur, citing the government's failure to resolve the ongoing crisis and restore normalcy in the state. The NPP, which has 7 MLAs in the Manipur Assembly, made the decision after recent incidents of violence and protests in the state. The BJP continues to hold a majority in the Assembly, with 32 legislators, and the withdrawal of support is not expected to affect the government's stability.

Optimistic about impact of Trump tariffs, RBI tells parliamentary panel

Optimistic about impact of Trump tariffs, RBI tells parliamentary panel

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) brass, including its Governor Sanjay Malhotra, on Tuesday told a Parliamentary panel that it was "optimistic" about the impact of the US tariffs on the Indian economy and, in long-run, it could benefit the country due to dipping trade relations between the US and China.

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

'Mamata's Fundamental Concern Is The Muslim Vote'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

'Rather than assuaging the feelings of the Hindus accommodated in schools and hospitals, she calls a meeting of imams and tries to assuage them.'

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

New US Visa Policy: No Impact On H1-Bs

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

'Of course, people will have to carry documents all the time. There is overall uncertainty in living in the US.'

J-K polls: NC to contest 51 seats, Congress 32 as allies seal deal

J-K polls: NC to contest 51 seats, Congress 32 as allies seal deal

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

The leaders said the list of seats each party will be contesting, as well as the names of the candidates, will be issued later.

K'taka Cong divided over DK Shivakumar's visit to Isha Yoga Centre

K'taka Cong divided over DK Shivakumar's visit to Isha Yoga Centre

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The controversy surrounding Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's visit to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha yoga centre in Tamil Nadu for Mahashivaratri celebrations continues to simmer, with leaders within the state Congress unit expressing differing views on the issue. Cooperative Minister K N Rajanna questioned the appropriateness of Shivakumar sharing the stage with those who have been critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while former MP D K Suresh defended his brother, emphasizing that Shivakumar has always kept the party informed about his engagements. The incident has sparked a debate within the Congress party, with leaders like Satish Jarkiholi and M B Patil defending Shivakumar's attendance.

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

May seek Interpol help in probing 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife: Sarma

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said his government may seek the help of agencies like the Interpol in investigating the alleged interference of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who allegedly has links with Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife, in India's internal affairs. Sarma said the probe is at an initial stage and he has informed Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the developments in the case.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Rediff.com16 May 2025

'Everyone with a low BMI will not get Type 5 diabetes.'

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The high point of the 19 Shastri months was the 22-day war that he fought against great odds and won in principle, even if military historians often call it a stalemate. Pakistan saw a great opportunity to conquer Kashmir and lost. It was the last time they had the relative strength militarily and diplomatically to take Kashmir. Shastri's resolve buried that dream forever, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Why The ISI Targeted Hindus In Pahalgam

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The ISI strategy has been to use its proxies to target Hindus in India. They want an outrage and counter-targeting of India's minorities. Further, even the whiff of it restores the Pakistan army's popularity, especially when it's in the dumps, like now, points out Shekhar Gupta.

32 parties supported one nation, one poll; 15 opposed it

32 parties supported one nation, one poll; 15 opposed it

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

The high-level committee on 'one nation, one election' approached 62 parties out which 47 responded -- 32 in support of holding elections simultaneously, 15 against it.

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Kesari 2: What *Really* Happened

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The grilling of Brigadier-General Dyer by Akshay Kumar's Sir C Sankaran Nair, as shown in Kesari 2, is purely an imaginary sequence, proves Utkarsh Mishra.

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.

He's a good child... died like a brave soldier': Lt Vinay Narwal's father

He's a good child... died like a brave soldier': Lt Vinay Narwal's father

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

Lt. Vinay Narwal, an Indian Navy officer, was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, while on his honeymoon. His family, friends, and political leaders mourned his loss, describing him as a brave soldier and a promising young man. The attack sparked widespread condemnation and calls for retribution.

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Delhi results a referendum on Kejriwal, not Modi: Cong

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Results of the Delhi assembly election are not a vindication of Prime Minister's Narendra Modi's policies but a referendum on Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress said on Saturday as it vowed to bounce back from another whitewash.

Sensex tanks 942 pts, Nifty plunges below 24K

Sensex tanks 942 pts, Nifty plunges below 24K

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

From the 30-share Sensex pack, Sun Pharma, Reliance Industries, Infosys, Tata Motors, Infosys, Titan, Maruti and NTPC were among the major laggards. Mahindra & Mahindra, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies and IndusInd Bank were the gainers.

Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit back in Cong after 4-year TMC stint

Pranab Mukherjee's son Abhijit back in Cong after 4-year TMC stint

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Abhijit Mukherjee, son of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, has rejoined the Indian National Congress after a four-year stint in the Trinamool Congress. He was welcomed back into the party by Congress leaders in Kolkata, marking a significant development in West Bengal politics.

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

'News From Pahalgam Is Heartbreaking'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'Innocent lives lost. Tourists, families, people who were just... living. Seeking beauty. Seeking peace. And now there's only grief.'

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.

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Will The Caste Census Boomerang On Modi?

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The government has to specify what it intends to do with caste census data. It will be closely tracked if the government would simultaneously move towards removing the present 50% bar on reservations using means which are permitted in law. If this is not done, the entire exercise will become meaningless and could boomerang on the BJP, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Congress Will Collapse Without Gandhis'

'Congress Will Collapse Without Gandhis'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2024

'What matters is policies, not personalities like Priyanka, Rahul or Modi.'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

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.

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

NCW urges Bengal govt to address Murshidabad victims' grievances

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has called upon the West Bengal government to "act urgently" to address the grievances of the riot-hit people of Murshidabad district, particularly women. Rahatkar, who visited the riot-affected areas in Murshidabad and Malda over the weekend, said the commission is preparing a report which will be submitted soon to the Centre with copies to top state officials. The report will incorporate the views of women who narrated their ordeal during the violence, including demands for a Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the affected area. Rahatkar also expressed concern about the lack of action by the State Women's Commission in visiting the affected areas.

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.

Mann rules out dissent as Punjab MLAs meet Kejriwal

Mann rules out dissent as Punjab MLAs meet Kejriwal

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has dismissed speculation about dissent within the Aam Aadmi Party's state unit, asserting that Congress leaders have a history of switching parties while AAP leaders remain dedicated. Mann's remarks came after Punjab Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that over 30 AAP MLAs were in touch with his party. Mann, however, dismissed Bajwa's claims, stating that Congress has a culture of switching sides. The meeting follows AAP's defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, sparking speculation about instability in its Punjab unit. Mann reiterated the unity within AAP, highlighting his government's achievements, including closing 17 toll plazas, stopping multiple pensions for MLAs, and implementing the Delhi model in Punjab. On the promise of financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to women, he said it will be provided in the coming days. Meanwhile, the BJP has also intensified its attack on the AAP, with BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa taking a dig at Kejriwal for holding a meeting with Punjab MLAs despite AAP's defeat in Delhi.

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The BJP has vehemently criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, labeling it an "unconstitutional misadventure." The party has pledged to challenge the move in court and has vowed to oppose it at all levels. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party has defended the reservation, arguing that it aligns with constitutional provisions. The issue has led to heated exchanges in the Karnataka Assembly, with both parties accusing each other of engaging in appeasement politics.

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.

DMK's long battle for state autonomy: From Annadurai to Stalin

DMK's long battle for state autonomy: From Annadurai to Stalin

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

This article traces the history of the DMK's fight for state autonomy, beginning with C.N. Annadurai's advocacy in the 1960s and culminating in M. Karunanidhi's resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1974. The article highlights the key figures involved, the arguments presented, and the impact of the Rajamannar Committee Report.

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked controversy by asking students at a government-aided college in Madurai to chant "Jai Shri Ram". The State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) has demanded his removal, alleging that he violated his oath of office and secular principles. The group claims Ravi's actions were against the Constitution, which outlines India as a secular country and emphasizes the importance of upholding secular values in education. The incident follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that overruled Ravi's decision to withhold 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Governor and the state administration.

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

BJP distributes 'Eidi' with 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to Muslims

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The minority front of the Uttar Pradesh BJP will distribute 'Saugat-e-Modi' kit to 32 lakh poor Muslims on the occasion of Eid this year.

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

I was beaten up, jailed in Assam, recalls Amit Shah

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Recalling his detention during Hiteshwar Saikia's tenure as Assam Chief Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that during the Congress government in Assam, he was beaten up and had jail food for seven days in the state.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha over the ongoing strike by ASHA workers in Kerala, with Congress and CPI(M) MPs trading accusations over responsibility for addressing their demands for a higher honorarium and post-retirement benefits. Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that both the Kerala government and the Union government had ignored the workers' pleas, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas countered by claiming Kerala provides the highest honorarium to ASHA workers. The debate also saw demands for an AIIMS in Kerala and a hike in MBBS seats, as well as concerns over maternal health, elderly care, and mental health in India.

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand at around 3 am. Heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the structure to fall, Anitha told reporters.