News for 'Saffron'

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Ex-BJP leader Annamalai criticises Centre over 'no accountability' for NEET paper leaks

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former BJP leader K Annamalai has criticised the Centre for its handling of the NEET issue, alleging a lack of accountability despite three question paper leaks and questioning the delay in engaging with student protesters.

Bengali Recipes: Kolkata Mutton Biryani, Jackfruit Kofta

Bengali Recipes: Kolkata Mutton Biryani, Jackfruit Kofta

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Bengali cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavours, subtle use of spices, and a deep respect for fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Mamata accuses BJP of disrupting protest march after clashes

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of disrupting a TMC protest march concerning the Baruipur rape and murder case, alleging that the police acted as an 'arm' of the saffron party by failing to enforce a Calcutta High Court order permitting the rally.

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Congress reclaims Martyrs' Day stage amid TMC split; eyes revival

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

The West Bengal Congress on Tuesday held its Martyrs' Day programme in Kolkata after several years, commemorating the youth wing workers killed in the 1993 police firing, and said the attendance at the gathering marked the party's revival in the state.

Ramayana Designer: 'I Can't Please Everyone'

Ramayana Designer: 'I Can't Please Everyone'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

'I'm talking about God, not some character in a film. That was the challenge that I had to bring out in Ranbir Kapoor's character. The costume was not important, what was important was a visual effect, where you look at him, there should be a certain kind of warmth in your heart.'

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.

Mamata apologises for traitors, says Abhishek's flaws forgiven

Mamata apologises for traitors, says Abhishek's flaws forgiven

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Mamata Banerjee strongly defended her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, apologising to the public for "traitors" who left the TMC. She accused the BJP of using investigative agencies to engineer defections and praised Abhishek for his resilience against political attacks, asserting that her family never compromised for political survival.

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Ayodhya Police Probe Viral Video Of Couple Assault

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A video showing a group of saffron-clad men assaulting a young couple in a public park in Ayodhya has gone viral, leading police to launch an investigation. The attackers allegedly claimed the couple was 'desecrating' the temple town's religious character.

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Mamata dares 'treacherous' rebels to join BJP as another close aide quits

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress supremo, has launched a strong counterattack against rebel party members, accusing them of conspiring with the BJP to split the party. She dared them to formally join the BJP and defended her leadership amidst the worst organisational crisis for TMC, while also announcing leadership changes and criticising the rebels' past actions and attempts to seize party assets.

BJP slaps Rs 100 cr defamation notice on Omar Abdullah

BJP slaps Rs 100 cr defamation notice on Omar Abdullah

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP has served a legal notice to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding a retraction and public apology for his allegations that the BJP attempted to bribe National Conference legislators to destabilise his government. The BJP has called the claims "false, baseless and defamatory" and warned of civil and criminal proceedings, including a Rs 100 crore defamation suit, if their demands are not met within seven days.

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Mamata reaches out to Cong, CPI-M for anti-BJP front

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has urged the Congress and CPI(M) to set aside their differences and unite under the INDIA bloc to fight the BJP in West Bengal. This marks a significant shift in the TMC's stance, which has historically been a bitter rival to the Congress and Left in the state.

Uddhav claims silver bricks donated by Sena to Ram temple 'stolen'

Uddhav claims silver bricks donated by Sena to Ram temple 'stolen'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the BJP, accusing it of betraying Hindus by allegedly embezzling donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He vowed to lead protests for "BJP-mukt Ram" and questioned the BJP's Hindutva, calling it a "Pakistan Janata Party" for its alleged party-splitting tactics and questioning citizenship. Thackeray also targeted rebel MPs, including Sanjay Deshmukh, for their defection.

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, on Thursday resigned from the Rajya Sabha, the fourth TMC MP to do so ever since the Mamata Banerjee-led party was ousted from power in West Bengal.

BJP trying to topple J-K govt, MLAs offered Rs 20-30cr: Omar

BJP trying to topple J-K govt, MLAs offered Rs 20-30cr: Omar

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise his government by trying to split the National Conference. He alleged that the BJP is using financial incentives and promises of ministerial berths and statehood to lure his MLAs, with one MLA reportedly offered up to Rs 30 crore. Abdullah asserted that his party's legislators would not compromise their integrity.

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rhiya Ahir: 'I'd Rather Die A Martyr Than Be Helpless'

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

'When you are standing for what the Constitution guarantees you, you are not alone.'

Denied ticket, BJP leader's 3000 supporters clash with police in MP

Denied ticket, BJP leader's 3000 supporters clash with police in MP

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Supporters of senior BJP leader Narottam Mishra clashed with police and blocked a national highway in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district after Mishra was denied a ticket for the July 30 assembly by-election, leading to injuries among police personnel and arrests.

What People Munch On At Half-Time

What People Munch On At Half-Time

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

What do we eat when we watch football?

Gita, Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron: Modi's gifts to Putin

Gita, Assam tea, Kashmiri saffron: Modi's gifts to Putin

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

"Presented a copy of the Gita in Russian to President Putin. The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Troy Revisited Before The Odyssey: Why Brad Pitt's Epic Still Divides Fans 22 Years Later

Troy Revisited Before The Odyssey: Why Brad Pitt's Epic Still Divides Fans 22 Years Later

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Wolfgang Petersen's Troy is grand, star-studded and visually impressive, but it never quite lives up to the epic that inspired it.

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, including Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and, within hours, were named the saffron party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal, underlining both their political rehabilitation and the party's calibrated shift in inducting leaders from the erstwhile ruling dispensation.

Who Will Lord Ram Bestow His Blessings On In UP Polls?

Who Will Lord Ram Bestow His Blessings On In UP Polls?

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The monsoon session of Parliament will set the tone for how the Hindu community feels about what happened at the Ram Mandir. Whether emotions will be stirred within the voters of India lies solely at the oratory skills of the Congressis and Samajwadis, notes Zainab Sikander.

'I've Seen Aamir Cry'

'I've Seen Aamir Cry'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'Relationships are never as simple as outsiders imagine, and it's unfair to assume only one person is responsible when a marriage ends.'

Summer Dessert: Mango Delight

Summer Dessert: Mango Delight

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Mangoes and rosogollas. WHATTA combo!

'Rahul losing support within Cong': BJP cites Tharoor's remarks on Modi

'Rahul losing support within Cong': BJP cites Tharoor's remarks on Modi

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The BJP has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing Shashi Tharoor's praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed Gandhi is losing support within his own party and among allies, questioning his leadership capabilities and prime ministerial aspirations.

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting, National Democratic Alliance-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, defeating the Congress's Pranav Jha, an official said.

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai left for Delhi from Chennai on Monday amid growing speculation on social media over his political future and reports suggesting he may be planning to launch a new political platform.

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led camp, alleging a larger political conspiracy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the Ram Mandir issue and systematically sidelining its own state leaders, while also questioning the rebel MPs' motives and wealth.

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Saffron tsunami in Maha: BJP wins 1,425 seats in 29 corporations

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

According to the final tally, the BJP won 1,425 out of a total 2,869 seats, Shiv Sena 399, Congress 324, NCP 167, Shiv Sena-UBT 155, NCP-SP 36, MNS 13, BSP 6, parties registered with the SEC 129, unrecognised parties 196, and 19 independents.

'There can be just one Shiv Sena': Uddhav amid rebellion

'There can be just one Shiv Sena': Uddhav amid rebellion

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), has strongly refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that Eknath Shinde leads the sole Shiv Sena. Addressing party workers in Bhandup, Thackeray declared his faction as the original Shiv Sena, criticising the BJP for allegedly trying to dismantle his party. His remarks come amidst a rebellion by six Sena (UBT) MPs, further intensifying the political struggle for the party's legacy.

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

TMC, BJP spar over 'saffron flags' at Messi event

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The TMC and BJP have engaged in a blame game following a chaotic Lionel Messi event at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, which saw spectators storming the field and the main organiser being arrested for alleged mismanagement.

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The BJP has secured victories in the Mandi, Dharamshala, and Solan municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, dealing a blow to the Congress party, which managed to retain control only in Palampur.

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ayodhya's Ram temple on Tuesday

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ayodhya's Ram temple on Tuesday

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The flag will rise atop a 'shikhar' constructed in the traditional North Indian Nagara architectural style, while the surrounding 800-metre Parkota, a circumambulatory enclosure built around the temple, designed in the South Indian architectural tradition, showcases the temple's architectural diversity, it said.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A day after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a senior functionary of the outfit questioned the decision, claiming the party leadership had never been consulted on the move and that such a decision could not be taken unilaterally.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

BJP Vows Legal Support For Arrested Councillor Sugathan

BJP Vows Legal Support For Arrested Councillor Sugathan

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar has pledged full support and legal assistance to party councillor Sugathan, who was dramatically arrested in Thiruvananthapuram. The BJP alleges political vendetta and misuse of the police system, while police claim they fired in the air during the arrest due to BJP supporters.

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction.

'Picture abhi baaki hain': Shinde warns Uddhav, signals fresh exodus

'Picture abhi baaki hain': Shinde warns Uddhav, signals fresh exodus

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

In an apparent reference to the buzz of six rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MPs switching sides, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said this is just a trailer and the movie is yet to come, indicating more defections could be in offing in the rival faction.