News for 'Rajiv Gandhi'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Can't Sack People'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

'When I met the prime minister, he asked me, "Dr Ganguly, what do you do with people in your company who lie to you?"' 'I said, "Prime Minister, we counsel them and give them a gentle warning. If they lie again, they are sacked".' '"This is my problem,'" Rajiv responded. "I can't sack people in government".' A revealing excerpt from former Hindustan Lever Chairman Dr Ashok S Ganguly's We Are Our Future: Reflections On Life.

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Sonia Gandhi memoir to chronicle love, tragedy and her 2004 PM refusal

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi is set to release her memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in November. The book will cover her personal life, including her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi, the tragedies she faced, her decision to decline the prime ministership in 2004, and her journey into politics. It promises an intimate look at her experiences within one of India's most powerful political families.

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

'Writing about my life was not easy': Sonia Gandhi on her book

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's 544-page memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', is set to be published in November, offering an intimate account of her life, from her childhood in Italy to her experiences in India and her eventual entry into politics following personal tragedies.

Rajiv Gandhi failed twice but became PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rajiv Gandhi failed twice but became PM: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Responding to the controversy, Congress leader Harish Rawat refused to comment on Aiyar's remarks, dismissing him as a "frustrated individual."

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rajiv Gandhi: 'I Trust Prabhakaran'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As Prabhakaran was leaving his house, Rajiv Gandhi called his son Rahul and asked him to fetch his (Gandhi's) bulletproof jacket. He put the jacket on Prabhakaran's back and remarked with his usual charming smile: "Take care of yourself."

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rahul Gandhi didn't push me, clarifies Shivakumar

Rediff.com1 days ago

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has refuted claims that Rahul Gandhi pushed him during a protest march in Delhi, clarifying that Gandhi was concerned for his safety. This comes after a viral video sparked a political slugfest between the Congress and the BJP, with the latter accusing Gandhi of insulting the state.

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rajiv Gandhi-Bhindranwale meeting was called off twice

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

A new book reveals former Congress MP Amarinder Singh's mission to arrange a meeting between Rajiv Gandhi and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the 1980s, along with other anecdotes.

Sonia Gandhi's memoir gets new publisher after Penguin backs out

Sonia Gandhi's memoir gets new publisher after Penguin backs out

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

HarperCollins India has announced the publication of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in India on November 10. The highly anticipated book will offer insights into her personal life and India's political journey, covering her childhood, marriage into the Nehru-Gandhi family, and entry into politics.

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

'Before Rajiv Gandhi's Murder, No One Knew Suicide Bombers'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

'The LTTE were the pioneers of that.'

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Modi first PM chosen directly by the people: BJP chief

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

BJP president Nitin Nabin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year journey as a leader, asserting that Modi is India's first prime minister to be directly chosen by the people through a public mandate, unlike previous PMs like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi who were initially selected by their party. Nabin highlighted Modi's rise based on organisational experience and public support, not political dynasty.

Power bank catches fire mid-air on IndiGo's Delhi-Chennai flight

Power bank catches fire mid-air on IndiGo's Delhi-Chennai flight

Rediff.com3 days ago

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday after a passenger's power bank caught fire in the overhead bin. The cabin crew quickly extinguished the fire, and the aircraft landed safely. All 180 passengers and seven crew members were unharmed. This is reportedly the third such incident on an IndiGo aircraft in about a year.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi at 75

Rediff.com20 Aug 2019

Senior Congress leaders paid tributes to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 75 birth anniversary on Tuesday

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Did Rajiv Gandhi Open Babri Masjid's Locks?

Rediff.com16 Jan 2024

A revealing excerpt from Mani Shankar Aiyar's fascinating new book, The Rajiv I Knew.

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Babus coached Bofors execs on shielding Rajiv Gandhi: Book

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

An upcoming book by investigative journalist Chitra Subramaniam claims that senior Indian bureaucrats "tutored" Bofors officials in a secret meeting in 1987 on how to absolve then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of all blame in the infamous bribery scandal. The book, "Boforsgate," details how the meeting was held to cover up the alleged Rs 64 crore bribe in a Rs 1,437 crore deal for Howitzer guns, and how Indian officials provided advice on concealing information from investigators. Subramaniam's revelations are based on documents provided to her by the Swedish head of police investigating the Bofors case.

DRI Foils Major Drug Smuggling Bid At Hyderabad Airport

DRI Foils Major Drug Smuggling Bid At Hyderabad Airport

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 4.9 kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 24.5 crore, from an Indian passenger at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The drugs were concealed within chocolate tubes in the passenger's cabin baggage. The passenger, arriving from Qatar, has been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigation is underway.

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

'Rajiv Gandhi's legacy is quite inspirational'

Rediff.com21 May 2021

'Some of his decisions were not so good, but his intentions were always guided by a deep national interest.'

Papa smiling, looking down proudly at his beautiful Sonia: Rahul

Papa smiling, looking down proudly at his beautiful Sonia: Rahul

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed immense pride and happiness over his mother Sonia Gandhi's upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love,' stating that millions who love her will finally read her 'beautiful story,' despite her private nature.

Why Tilak Varma is willing to give up his No 3 spot

Why Tilak Varma is willing to give up his No 3 spot

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's T20I vice-captain Tilak Varma discusses his adaptability to the middle-order batting position despite his preference for No. 3. He explains the mental adjustments required for different roles and clarifies the recent run-out incident in the third T20I against West Indies. India leads the series 2-1 ahead of the fourth T20I in Hyderabad.

Why Penguin India did not publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir

Why Penguin India did not publish Sonia Gandhi's memoir

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Penguin Random House India has clarified that it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in India. This statement follows reports suggesting the publisher backed out due to Gandhi's refusal of editorial changes. The company maintains it was willing to publish but has a prerogative to fact-check authors. The book's India distribution remains uncertain, though an e-book version is available for pre-order from another publisher.

700 detained as Delhi protests target CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Gandhi Jayanti

700 detained as Delhi protests target CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Gandhi Jayanti

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

The Delhi police detained more than 500 protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjeev Jha, Atishi and Sanjay Singh, as well as activists of some student outfits, during a protest against the CEC at Jantar Mantar on Friday.

India need to hunt for wickets, not contain West Indies, says Tilak Varma ahead of 4th T20I

India need to hunt for wickets, not contain West Indies, says Tilak Varma ahead of 4th T20I

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's vice-captain Tilak Varma emphasised the need for an aggressive, wicket-taking approach against the West Indies' powerful batting lineup in the upcoming fourth T20I. With India leading 2-1, Varma highlighted the visitors' deep hitting prowess and the team's adjusted strategy after a defensive lapse in the second match. He also discussed his adaptable batting role and the team's approach to the re-laid pitch in Hyderabad.

Rahul Prays For Rajiv Gandhi in Ladakh

Rahul Prays For Rajiv Gandhi in Ladakh

Rediff.com20 Aug 2023

Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to his father, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, on his 79th birth anniversary on the banks of the Pangong Lake in Ladakh, August 20, 2023.

Santhan, freed convict in Rajiv Gandhi murder case, dies

Santhan, freed convict in Rajiv Gandhi murder case, dies

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

Santhan alias T Suthendiraraja (55) is a Sri Lankan national and was one of the seven persons set free by the Supreme Court in 2022 after they served over 20 years of jail term in connection with the killing of the former prime minister near here in 1991.

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.

When President Wanted To Get Rid Of Rajiv Gandhi

When President Wanted To Get Rid Of Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

Gianiji had crafted his moves with the meticulous planning of a chess grandmaster. He did not know whether a checkmate was feasible, as his time was running out, but he wanted Rajiv Gandhi to smell the fear of loss. A fascinating excerpt from K C Singh's The Indian President: An Insider's Account of the Zail Singh Years.

Fire in Telangana hospital's newborn unit kills three infants

Fire in Telangana hospital's newborn unit kills three infants

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Three infants tragically died after a fire erupted in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the state-run RIMS hospital in Adilabad, Telangana. A preliminary inquiry suggests a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit caused the blaze, leading to thick smoke. State Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, promising strict action against any negligence.

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

As India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the magnificent Red Fort will once again become the centre of the nation's celebrations.

Dipke's Dilemma: To Z Or Not To Z

Dipke's Dilemma: To Z Or Not To Z

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

How long can the Cockroach Janta Party remain an agitationist force? asks Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi to get Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award

Gopalkrishna Gandhi to get Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award

Rediff.com31 Jul 2018

The award, which carries a citation and cash amount of Rs 10 lakh, is given for promoting communal harmony and peace.

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi killings were 'accidents': U'khand minister

Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi killings were 'accidents': U'khand minister

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

Ganesh Joshi also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the smooth conclusion of Rahul Gandhi's Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir.

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

'Winning gold medal at Asian Games a matter of great pride for Indian cricket': V V S Laxman

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Head coach V V S Laxman hailed the Indian team's 'champion's mindset' after they beat Pakistan to win the gold medal in the men's T20 cricket tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Rahul Gandhi recently connected with Gen Z through an engaging 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram, offering candid responses on student protests, his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even his philosophy on pet ownership.

Three Juveniles Apprehended After Two Men Stabbed Near Maujpur Metro Station

Three Juveniles Apprehended After Two Men Stabbed Near Maujpur Metro Station

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Two 18-year-old men were stabbed during a quarrel near Maujpur Metro Station in northeast Delhi. Police have apprehended three juveniles aged 16-17 in connection with the incident, which stemmed from a trivial altercation.

Sonia's 'traitor' remark on Nitish draws flak from JD-U

Sonia's 'traitor' remark on Nitish draws flak from JD-U

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi reportedly called former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar a "traitor" during a CWC meeting, drawing sharp criticism from JD(U) leaders. Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan" and JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha condemned the remarks, highlighting Kumar's role in the INDIA bloc's formation and his popularity among the people.

Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary celebrated

Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary celebrated

Rediff.com20 Aug 2004

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president and the late leader's wife, Sonia Gandhi, had a hectic day attending several ceremonies, including one at Rajiv Gandhi's memorial, Vir Bhumi.

Rahul, Priyanka, PM pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi

Rahul, Priyanka, PM pay tributes to Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com21 May 2019

"Tributes to former PM Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary," Modi tweeted.

CBI Nabs Mahadev Betting App Kingpin Abhishek Kumar In Hyderabad

CBI Nabs Mahadev Betting App Kingpin Abhishek Kumar In Hyderabad

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

The CBI has arrested Abhishek Kumar, an alleged kingpin in the Mahadev Online Betting Application case, upon his arrival from Dubai at Hyderabad airport. Kumar is accused of actively operating the betting activities, coordinating panels, collecting funds, and acquiring assets using illicit proceeds. He has been remanded to police custody as the investigation into the Rs 80,000 crore scam continues, with efforts underway to extradite other main promoters.

Nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi

Nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi

Rediff.com21 May 2005

Leaders at various functions across the country eulogised Gandhi for carrying the country forward, especially in the field of science, technology and telecommunication.