News for 'National People's Congress'

Sidda clarifies 'no need for war' remark; BJP calls him 'Pakistan Ratna'

Sidda clarifies 'no need for war' remark; BJP calls him 'Pakistan Ratna'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, saying he did not call for no war with Pakistan, but emphasized that war should only be a last resort. His comments, which were played up by Pakistan media, have sparked criticism from the BJP, which accused him of acting like a "puppet" of an enemy nation.

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

A year after the RG Kar rape-murder Swarupa Dutt/Rediff look at the city where it happened, Kolkata -- its study in dichotomy, at once the self-proclaimed cultural capital of India as also a petri dish for a peculiar rage that breeds crimes against women.

People are celebrating democracy: Modi in Srinagar

People are celebrating democracy: Modi in Srinagar

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have found confidence in democracy again and are feeling that their vote can bring change, which is the first step towards their empowerment.

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

If there are terrorist attacks...: Jaishankar on Op Sindoor objective

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar says Operation Sindoor conveyed India's resolve to act against terrorism, following UN Security Council's call to bring Pahalgam attackers to justice.

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Public life likely to be hit as over 25 crore workers call 'Bharat Bandh' on Wednesday

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

More than 25 crore workers engaged in sectors ranging from banking, insurance, postal to coal mining, highway and construction are expected to go on a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, potentially disrupting services across the country. A forum of 10 central trade unions and their associates has called for a general strike or 'Bharat Bandh' to "oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the government".

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Shinde was speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Ami Shah at the inauguration ceremony of the 'Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre' built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune's Kondhwa.

Reveal truth to country: Cong to govt after CDS remarks

Reveal truth to country: Cong to govt after CDS remarks

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy said the country wanted to know whether any aircraft were downed during the conflict, especially in the wake of the CDS' "admission".

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The BJP received the highest amount in large donations among national parties in the financial year 2023-24, with over Rs 2,243 crore declared from 8,358 donations, according to a report by poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report, based on data submitted to the Election Commission, highlighted trends in political donations above Rs 20,000. The total declared donations to national parties stood at Rs 2,544.28 crore from 12,547 contributions - a sharp 199 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

India can speak all languages that Pakistanis speak: Tharoor

India can speak all languages that Pakistanis speak: Tharoor

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Tharoor said if Pakistan were to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism, "we can talk to them".

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.

100 terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor: Rajnath Singh

100 terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told an all-party meeting that at least 100 terrorists were killed in the Indian strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'. Leaders from various parties showed maturity and extended all support to the government and armed forces.

Rahul Gandhi meets Pahalgam victim's family in UP

Rahul Gandhi meets Pahalgam victim's family in UP

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited the family of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, and called for a special session of Parliament to ensure justice for the victims. Gandhi, along with the opposition, has demanded the government take strict action against the terrorists and provide justice to the bereaved families. He met with Dwivedi's family in Kanpur and expressed his condolences, emphasizing the need for a united front against terrorism. The Congress has also issued statements calling for a strong response to the attack and demanding accountability for the perpetrators.

Can Congress ex-MLA win Jammu North for the BJP?

Can Congress ex-MLA win Jammu North for the BJP?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

Both candidates have shifted from their traditional constituencies - Sadhotra from Marh and Sharma from Akhnoor - after these two segments were reserved for Scheduled Castes.

Bangladesh uprising protester found in West Bengal voter list

Bangladesh uprising protester found in West Bengal voter list

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

A fresh political row has erupted in West Bengal after a person allegedly involved in Bangladesh's August 2024 student protests was found listed as a voter in Kakdwip, triggering sharp Bharatiya Janata Party-Trinamool Congress exchanges over alleged illegal infiltration and manipulation of the voter list in the state.

Tharoor's presence will give sleepless nights to many: Modi

Tharoor's presence will give sleepless nights to many: Modi

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially commissioned the Vizhinjam International Seaport on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, whose presence at the inauguration, Modi said, will give 'sleepless nights' to many.

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Op Sindoor: Wary of India's diplomatic outreach, Pak to send own team

Rediff.com18 May 2025

This came after Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday stated that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him to lead a delegation to present Pakistan's case on the recent escalations of tensions between the two nations.

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Declined Trump's invite to US for Lord Jagannath: Modi in Odisha

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

According to Misri's statement, Modi said he could not accept the invitation due to a pre-existing schedule, and invited Trump to visit India for the Quad Summit, likely later this year.

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

America is a nation of immigrants: Biden aid amid H-1b debate

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

Ahead of Trump's inauguration here on January 20, the debate on foreign guest workers visas for highly skilled professionals, the H-1B, has intensified which has literally created divisions in both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Vinesh, Bajrang join Congress; say won't back off

Vinesh, Bajrang join Congress; say won't back off

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Phogat and Punia joined the party in the presence of Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, spokesperson Pawan Khera and Haryana Congress chief Uday Bhan.

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.

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Sidda suspends Bengaluru police chief, orders RCB representatives' arrest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, the chief minister also announced a one-man judicial probe, headed by Justice Michael D'Cunha, a retired high court judge of Karnataka, into the tragic incident.

Don't fiddle with people's mandate, says Omar as NC-Cong eye majority

Don't fiddle with people's mandate, says Omar as NC-Cong eye majority

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah Tuesday asserted that there should be no "fiddling" with the mandate of people in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Centre and the Raj Bhavan must not indulge in any "machinations".

Not boycotting diplomatic mission, Mamata clarifies amid Yusuf Pathan row

Not boycotting diplomatic mission, Mamata clarifies amid Yusuf Pathan row

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Her statement came after a controversy broke out that TMC MP Yusuf Pathan was forced to opt out of the multi-party diplomatic delegation.

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A delegation of the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairman Vijaya Rahatkar, met with riot-affected women in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, assuring them of safety and demanding an NIA probe into the recent communal clashes. The women narrated their harrowing experiences and demanded permanent BSF camps in select areas of the district. The NCW team also visited relief camps in Malda district and assessed the condition of women affected by the violence.

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Thapar had strong reservations about Project Cheetah, India's initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild. He argued that India does not have the necessary habitat or prey base to support free-ranging cheetahs and that the authorities lacked experience in managing spotted felines in the wild.

'Our Sardar': Cong asserts claim on Patel's legacy

'Our Sardar': Cong asserts claim on Patel's legacy

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-RSS of carrying out a "well-planned conspiracy" against national heroes and said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's ideology was contrary to the RSS' ideas. He defended the relationship between Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru, saying they were "two sides of the same coin". He also criticized the BJP-RSS for their alleged attempts to appropriate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Modi meets top officials as Shah visits scene of Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The meeting also included Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The attack, which killed at least 26 people, including tourists from the UAE and Nepal, has sparked nationwide shock and outrage.

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

'Justice Sinha never regretted decision disqualifying Indira'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'He must have been aware of the consequences, that too against Mrs Indira Gandhi, who at that point in time was all powerful. The easiest way out would have been to dismiss the petition, but he didn't do that'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Opposition parties hail 'Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Opposition parties in India, including the Congress, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), have unanimously hailed the armed forces' "Operation Sindoor", a retaliatory strike against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which involved missile and drone strikes, was conducted in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Despite political differences, all parties expressed support for the government and the armed forces, stressing the importance of national unity and integrity in the face of terrorism. While emphasizing the need for diplomatic avenues to prevent further escalation, some parties also called for caution in attributing political credit for the strikes.

Pahalgam happened because terrorists feel Muslims...: Vadra

Pahalgam happened because terrorists feel Muslims...: Vadra

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra has triggered a row with his comments suggesting that non-Muslims were attacked in Pahalgam because terrorists feel Muslims are being "mistreated" in the country. The BJP has accused him of using the language of terrorists and demanded an apology. Vadra condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack but suggested that communal issues and a feeling of vulnerability among minorities are contributing to the violence. He said it is time to separate politics and religion and called for introspection by political parties. Vadra's remarks have been met with strong condemnation from the BJP, which accused him of playing politics on the issue and demanded a clarification from the Congress party. The BJP has also criticized Vadra for justifying the actions of terrorists.

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Why So Much Hatred For English?

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

There is no guarantee that if we speak in only Indian languages, all our faults will be washed away and India will shine. Why then do they bully and belittle the English-speaking? asks Shyam G Menon.

Very clear EC is compromised: Rahul in US; traitor, says BJP

Very clear EC is compromised: Rahul in US; traitor, says BJP

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Gandhi cited the example of Maharashtra assembly elections, claiming there was an addition of 65 lakh voters to the voter list in two hours, "which was impossible."

Trump pulls NASA nominee Issacman days after Musk's White House exit

Trump pulls NASA nominee Issacman days after Musk's White House exit

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Isaacman's removal comes just days after Elon Musk's official departure from the White House, where the SpaceX CEO was serving in the role of a "special government employee" leading the Department of Government Efficiency.

'Are unresolved questions of Partition reflected in Pahalgam?'

'Are unresolved questions of Partition reflected in Pahalgam?'

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The former Union minister said the question that was posed to the country then and faced it today was whether Muslims in India felt accepted, cherished and celebrated.

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Northeast floods worsen; Assam, Arunachal among worst hit

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

Seven rivers, including the Brahmaputra, were flowing above the danger level, even as the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state.

Cong warns its leaders over controversial remarks on Pahalgam attack

Cong warns its leaders over controversial remarks on Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Congress on Monday distanced itself from the controversial comments of some of its leaders on the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that only the recent CWC resolution and the views expressed by AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and authorised AICC office-bearers represent its position. The opposition party's assertion comes in the wake of remarks by leaders like Vijay Wadettiwar, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Shashi Tharoor, Tariq Hameed Karra and Saifuddin Soz that have triggered a row, with the BJP alleging that some from the opposition party were speaking "Pakistan's language".

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Air India plane crash preliminary report in 2 days: AAIB to Parl panel

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to release its preliminary report this week on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people. The investigation is ongoing, with the help of foreign experts, and the black box and voice recorder data are being analyzed.

Tharoor hails Rana extradition, says 26/11 plotters must face justice

Tharoor hails Rana extradition, says 26/11 plotters must face justice

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor welcomed the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 case, and said everyone associated with the conspiracy of the Mumbai terror attacks must face the court of justice. He described Rana's extradition as a "step forward for justice." Rana, a Pakistan-born Canadian national and close associate of David Coleman Headley, is being brought to India after his last-ditch attempt to evade extradition failed. Tharoor expressed hope that the interrogation of Rana would provide more details about the Mumbai attacks and said he was "very glad" that Indian authorities managed to get Rana's custody.

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Oppn questions 'US-brokered' ceasefire; BJP hails Modi

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Hours after, however, firing from the Pakistani side was reported in Akhnoor sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Drones were also seen in the Pir Panjal area.