News for 'Political Weekly'

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

TMC crisis deepens, Mamata camp files fresh police complaints against rebels

TMC crisis deepens, Mamata camp files fresh police complaints against rebels

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has filed fresh police complaints against dissident leader Ritabrata Banerjee and his associates. The complaints accuse the rebels of illegally using the party's name, symbol, and designations to mislead workers, marking a significant escalation in the month-long internal struggle following the assembly poll defeat.

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Iran's World Cup team arrives in Tijuana amid US tensions

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

For Iran's team, the FIFA World Cup has been marred by fraught politics at home, the war with the US, and tensions over whether they would actually be able to set foot on US soil to play their games.

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.

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

What Happened 21 Days Before Independence

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Set in the crucial 21 days between 25 July and 14 August 1947, Josy Joseph's upcoming book The Birth of a Nation: The Twenty-One Days That Made India uncovers the dramatic story of how India nearly fragmented into multiple independent states before independence.

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Mumbai reels under torrential rains, IMD issues 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mumbai and its metropolitan region are experiencing severe monsoon rains, leading to widespread waterlogging, transport disruptions, and the closure of schools and colleges. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an 'extremely heavy rainfall' alert, with some areas receiving nearly 200 mm of rain in 12 hours, prompting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to urge residents to avoid non-essential travel.

Why Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigned as TMC MP

Why Sukhendu Sekhar Ray Resigned as TMC MP

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

'Something could happen to me... I understood that day itself that what they had sent me was a final warning.'

'Real TMC' rules out merger with Cong, to support NDA

'Real TMC' rules out merger with Cong, to support NDA

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee has declared his dissident camp as the 'real Trinamool Congress,' claiming the support of 64 MLAs and a growing number of MPs, and explicitly stating they have no plans to merge with the Congress.

K Bhagyaraj, The King Of Screenplays Passes Into The Ages

K Bhagyaraj, The King Of Screenplays Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Tamil cinema loses its 'King of Screenplay' as legendary filmmaker K Bhagyaraj passes away at 73, leaving behind a timeless legacy of storytelling.

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

TMC crisis deepens as Sudip Bandyopadhyay meets BJP leaders

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay's meeting with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and allegedly with Home Minister Amit Shah has ignited fresh political speculation about his potential defection and the formation of a dissident parliamentary faction, further deepening the turmoil within the Mamata Banerjee-led party.

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has formally petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to disqualify 20 rebel MPs, arguing their claimed merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) is invalid under the anti-defection law.

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amidst the INDIA bloc conclave in Delhi, a significant number of Trinamool Congress MPs convened a closed-door meeting, signalling a deepening internal rebellion and discontent within the party's parliamentary ranks following recent electoral setbacks.

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Pakistan Rejects India's PoK Allegations, Issues Water Warning

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Pakistan has criticised India's recent remarks on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protests, asserting it is addressing issues democratically. Pakistan also warned India against blocking water, calling it an "act of war," and commented on India's nuclear capabilities and its own military strikes in Afghanistan.

'Just look at him!' Trump gushes over Modi at G7 meet

'Just look at him!' Trump gushes over Modi at G7 meet

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'calm, cool, killer' persona at the G7 leaders' lunch in France, underscoring the deeply strategic relationship and formidable diplomatic skills of the Indian leader ahead of their crucial bilateral meeting.

'Samajwadi Party Isn't Breaking Up Like TMC Or Shiv Sena (UBT)'

'Samajwadi Party Isn't Breaking Up Like TMC Or Shiv Sena (UBT)'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Political tensions are escalating in Uttar Pradesh as Samajwadi Party leaders strongly refute Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar's assertions of an impending split within the SP.

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

Farah-Riteish Bring Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza On OTT

Farah-Riteish Bring Lock Upp: Sach Ya Saza On OTT

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Brace yourself for tons of drama on OTT this week.

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

'When You Empower A Woman, You Empower A Family'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'You empower a man, you are not necessarily empowering a family, you are just empowering him.'

Cockroach party steals spotlight at INDIA bloc meet; leaders divided

Cockroach party steals spotlight at INDIA bloc meet; leaders divided

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The INDIA bloc meeting saw discussions about the emerging youth-led Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), with leaders holding divergent views on its intent and significance. While some expressed concerns about its political motives, many saw it as a healthy sign of youth dissent against the system, prompting calls for engagement and attention to the issues raised.

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

23 parties to attend INDIA meet; DMK, AAP to stay away

23 parties to attend INDIA meet; DMK, AAP to stay away

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said there are some parties that have expressed their inability to attend this particular meeting for their own reasons.

'Even if Iran surrenders': Donald Trump slams 'crazy' media

'Even if Iran surrenders': Donald Trump slams 'crazy' media

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Donald Trump expressed optimism about securing an agreement with Tehran to prolong a truce and restore transit through a strategic maritime chokepoint within the next week, even as he criticised political opponents and the media for what he described as their tendency to distort outcomes, even in a hypothetical scenario of complete Iranian military surrender.

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Keir Starmer resigns as British PM, Andy Burnham likely successor

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

British Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has announced his resignation, stating he will remain in post until a successor is elected by mid-July. The decision follows questions from his parliamentary party regarding his leadership for the next general election, with Andy Burnham widely tipped as a potential successor.

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Why Samrat Choudhary Wants Rabri Out Of Her Bungalow

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Har haal mein ghar khali karna hoga, koi mai ka lal nahi hai jo sarkari ghar khali nahi karega'.

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed "baseless" rumours of a possible merger with the Congress, despite recent meetings between TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, which occurred amidst significant internal rebellion within the TMC following its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Mamata's 'Girgiti' poem targets TMC rebels amid growing dissent

Mamata's 'Girgiti' poem targets TMC rebels amid growing dissent

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has penned a new poem titled 'Girgiti' (Chameleon), which political observers believe carries a veiled message for leaders who have recently turned critical of the Trinamool Congress.

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prioritise the investigation over political manoeuvring. Andhare also demanded that the SIT probe former minister Deepak Kesarkar and former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Maa Inti Bangaram: A Step Forward For Telugu Cinema

Maa Inti Bangaram: A Step Forward For Telugu Cinema

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

As a film, Maa Inti Bangaram frustrates; as a milestone for Telugu cinema's female-led stories, it deserves to be celebrated.

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

World Cup reignites complex emotions among Iranian-Americans

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup campaign has left many Iranian-Americans torn between supporting Team Melli and opposing the country's leadership, highlighting deep divisions within Los Angeles' influential Iranian diaspora.

US-Iran Peace Deal: Analysts Eye OMCs, Aviation, Infra as Key Beneficiaries

US-Iran Peace Deal: Analysts Eye OMCs, Aviation, Infra as Key Beneficiaries

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A potential US-Iran peace deal, expected to be signed on June 19, is anticipated to ease geopolitical stress and benefit various sectors, particularly in India, with analysts suggesting investors await finer details before making significant moves.

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Guwahati Misses Out On Hosting India-Japan Summit

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

The visit was expected to project Assam as the gateway to Southeast Asia and reinforce the state's emergence as a preferred investment destination.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has garnered support from 58 legislators, who have proposed him as the new leader of the legislative party to West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, while still acknowledging Mamata Banerjee as their 'chairperson'.

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Father's Day: Fathers Of 18 Famous Indians

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Who are the special fathers of these famous Indians? The paternal figures responsible for putting them on the right path and helping them find greatness.

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Sack Pradhan or...: Cockroach Party sets 7-day deadline for govt

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led online campaign turned protest movement, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation or sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests. The CJP, which organised a protest at Jantar Mantar, warned of nationwide agitation if their demands are not met.