News for 'Reading Gandhi'

After Bihar, Is It Target Stalin For BJP?

After Bihar, Is It Target Stalin For BJP?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After big win in Bihar, the BJP is likely to push harder in Tamil Nadu, where the DMK government and the uneasy BJP-AIADMK alliance are preparing for a tense election filled with seat-sharing fights, changing alliances, and the unpredictable entry of Vijay's TVK party, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

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."

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Wearing white caps with a red cross on the words 'SIR' and "vote chori", the protesting MPs started their march from Parliament's Makar Dwar raising slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and "vote chori" while carrying placards and banners.

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

A look at the legal provisions governing the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in India, amid threats from opposition parties.

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

210 Maoist cadres, including a Central Committee member, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, marking the "largest mass surrender" in the state's anti-Naxal operations. The surrendered Naxalites carried a collective bounty of Rs 9.18 crore and handed over 153 weapons. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development as a historic moment for Chhattisgarh and the nation.

'Israel Uses Starvation As A Weapon In Gaza'

'Israel Uses Starvation As A Weapon In Gaza'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'The ruling elite are supporting those attacking the people of Gaza.' 'As a nation we should not cooperate with the oppressor regime that is allowing mass starvation as a weapon of war.'

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The BJP criticized opposition parties for misspelling 'loktantra' (democracy) on a protest banner during a demonstration against electoral roll revisions in Bihar.

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

If the TVK joins the NDA, there is every likelihood of the AIADMK winning an absolute majority in the 234 seat assembly and wanting to form a stand-alone government. In turn, it could mean that the BJP especially and the TVK equally so, will want to restrict the AIADMK's seat share closer to the cut-off figure, if only to ensure that EPS won't get the absolute majority that he desires (if the NDA won, that is) and will have to settle for a coalition government, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

'We Don't Choose Between Right And Wrong'

'We Don't Choose Between Right And Wrong'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

'What governments have been doing -- in civil service, journalism, business, everywhere -- is making it difficult to do the right thing.' 'Media now ask themselves: "Is it feasible for us to do this story? Will this make our life difficult?"' 'The government should make it easier for people to do the right thing and harder to do the wrong thing. Right now, it's the opposite.'

Stalin Goes To Bihar: What Gives?

Stalin Goes To Bihar: What Gives?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Like his father Karunanidhi and AIADMK rivals MGR and Jayalalithaa, Stalin would like to confine his real political work to Tamil Nadu, and not want to take after the late Congress leader K Kamaraj and take up a national role, even if to create greater political space for son Udhayanidhi, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Sonia Gandhi linked to Soros-funded group backing Kashmir freedom: BJP

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has links to an organisation financed by the George Soros Foundation, which has reportedly supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. The party claims this connection demonstrates foreign influence in Indian internal affairs. This comes after BJP's claims of US involvement in destabilizing India, which the US has denied. The BJP also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with the Soros-funded OCCRP to damage India's economy and reputation. The allegations have drawn criticism from the US embassy and the opposition Congress.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it,' recalls Aakar Patel.

How Yechury forced then PM Indira Gandhi to quit

How Yechury forced then PM Indira Gandhi to quit

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

There was a protest in the university demanding Gandhi's resignation as the chancellor and the students decided to walk down to her residence and paste a memorandum demanding her resignation on the door.

Dedicated life to...: Modi's high praise for RSS chief

Dedicated life to...: Modi's high praise for RSS chief

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Praising Mohan Bhagwat for his intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that his tenure as the head of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh since 2009 will be considered the most transformative period in its 100-year journey.

Why Trump Has Waged A Tariff War Against India

Why Trump Has Waged A Tariff War Against India

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The collective West has always opposed strong leaders and economic development in India, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why Trust In Ambani, Adani, India Inc Is Vital

Why Trust In Ambani, Adani, India Inc Is Vital

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Who else will take on the might of Microsoft, Google, and Amazon if not the Adanis, Ambanis, Birlas, or Tatas?, asks R Jagannathan.

'This Government Likes Parsis'

'This Government Likes Parsis'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'Parsis are inclined towards people who work for the welfare of others.'

Indira Gandhi And The Nagarwala Scam

Indira Gandhi And The Nagarwala Scam

Rediff.com20 Jul 2024

A host of conspiracy theories followed, involving Indira Gandhi, her younger son Sanjay, his favourite small car project, secret funding of the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini and even the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States.

How Should Rahul Gandhi Have Spoken Abroad?

How Should Rahul Gandhi Have Spoken Abroad?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'I would think that India faces less damage from opinions voiced overseas compared to the damage it suffers if the right to free speech of its citizens is curtailed in the name of image management,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

A Life In The Service Of Maa Bharti

A Life In The Service Of Maa Bharti

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'Mohanji is a living example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, showing that when we rise above boundaries and consider everyone as our own, it strengthens trust, brotherhood and equality in society.'

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

BJP-AIADMK Gift Stalin An Election Issue

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Amit Shah seemingly encouraging AIADMK dissident Sengottaiyan after party boss Edappadi K Palaniswami had removed his one-time mentor from all party posts has not gone down well with party cadres. They are now ready to buy Team EPS' theory that the BJP and Amit Shah are out to liquidate the AIADMK, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Cheetahs face leopard challenge in Kuno, Gandhi Sagar

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

Cheetahs have coexisted with leopards and lions in Africa, but some officials in India consider the high leopard population in Kuno and Gandhi Sagar a problem as it would "reduce the prey biomass for cheetahs".

When Gujarati Muslims Dominated Bombay Politics

When Gujarati Muslims Dominated Bombay Politics

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'They wanted the city to be a great business hub. They didn't like the fact that taxes collected in Bombay would go outside the city.'

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

When the government chooses to either ignore or use identity documents only when it suits them, it shakes people's sense of stability, notes Shyam G Menon.

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'Mr Modi has the power and pre-eminence in the BJP-RSS to choose how long he wants to serve, and he is definitely going to want to contest in 2029.' 'He will only be 79, as old as Donald Trump now, and fitter,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

HC to treat Swamy's plea over Rahul Gandhi's citizenship as PIL

HC to treat Swamy's plea over Rahul Gandhi's citizenship as PIL

Rediff.com20 Aug 2024

The Delhi high court on Tuesday said BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's plea, seeking directions to the ministry of home affairs (MHA) to decide his representation seeking cancellation of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Indian citizenship, be treated a public interest litigation.

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Is it right and proper for the US authorities to allow people like Subrahmanya Swamy [sic] go round the country preaching murder, violence, overthrow of the duly elected Government of India?' A fascinating excerpt from Sugata Srinivasaraju's The Conscience Network: A Chronicle of Resistance to a Dictatorship.

'A star is born'

'A star is born'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

'She is now a role model for the upcoming young generation. And I am sure that this victory will definitely motivate and inspire the Indian women, and those who are coming up.'

Art 370 won't be restored even if Indira Gandhi returns: Amit Shah

Art 370 won't be restored even if Indira Gandhi returns: Amit Shah

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday asserted that Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, will not be restored even if Congress stalwart and late PM Indira Gandhi comes down from heaven.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Read: Ghulam Nabi Azad's scathing letter to Sonia Gandhi

Read: Ghulam Nabi Azad's scathing letter to Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday resigned from all party positions, including its primary membership, delivering another blow to the embattled party that has seen a series of leaders leave it.

A Forgotten School Blooms Again In Meghalaya

A Forgotten School Blooms Again In Meghalaya

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

With no money or staff, here's how Batskhem Thabah, a teacher, transformed an abandoned village school in rainy Raibah into a lively place for learning.

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

On that fateful day, Narayan, popularly known as JP and a fierce critic of the then-Indira Gandhi government, addressed a massive gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

Indira Gandhi put many of us in jail, but...: Lalu on Emergency

Indira Gandhi put many of us in jail, but...: Lalu on Emergency

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

A face-off between the government and the opposition was erupted on Wednesday after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla read out a resolution condemning the imposition of Emergency and termed the decision by then prime minister Indira Gandhi an attack on the Constitution.

'We Need Thousands Of Gandhis Now'

'We Need Thousands Of Gandhis Now'

Rediff.com2 May 2024

'The world needs Gandhi now more than any other time in history.'

Where Mother Teresa Lived And Died

Where Mother Teresa Lived And Died

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

A man sits with his eyes closed on a bench beside her grave. Another kneels at the foot of the grave in prayer. A bunch of paper slips and pens are kept on the window to write down prayer petitions

Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table

Pakistan flag removed from Simla Accord table

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Pakistani flag has been removed from the historic table at Raj Bhavan in Shimla where the Simla Accord was signed, a day after Pakistan suspended the 1972 agreement. The suspension came in response to India's retaliatory actions following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Accord, signed by Indira Gandhi and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, aimed to settle issues bilaterally and maintain peace at the Line of Control. However, Pakistan's frequent violations of the agreement have led to its suspension, raising concerns about the future of India-Pakistan relations.

IPL: SRH-HCA fiasco ends

IPL: SRH-HCA fiasco ends

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

HCA has assured SRH of full cooperation in a professional manner moving forward.

BJP Should Read Writing On The Wall

BJP Should Read Writing On The Wall

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

There is no use of the BJP targeting the likes of Mamata Banerjee and M K Stalin, directly by the party's political bosses, both in Delhi and the respective state capitals, or even using the Raj Bhavans to fire those salvos from. Successive elections have proved that it's counter-productive, if anything. But the BJP is yet to understand it, acknowledge it, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.