News for 'Samaj'

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Shirtless protest at AI summit: Cong faces backlash; Rahul shown black flags

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The BJP protesters, carrying placards and raising slogans, slammed the Congress and its leader, Rahul Gandhi, calling them "traitors" for allegedly tarnishing the nation's image.

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Cong, BJP both stake claim to Chandrapur mayor's post

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Following a hung result in the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation elections, both the Congress and BJP are claiming they will secure the Mayor's position. Congress emerged as the single largest party, but the BJP claims to have support from Congress corporators.

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

A demolition drive at the Manikarnika Ghat was met with protests from locals, who alleged that the city's heritage was being destroyed in the name of redevelopment, a charge rejected by the district administration.

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Allies Sena-UBT, Cong blame each other for Chandrapur 'mess'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A dispute has erupted between MVA allies Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress after the Sena (UBT) supported the BJP in the Chandrapur mayoral elections, leading to a BJP victory despite Congress being the single largest party.

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Five Shots By A Girl That Shook An Empire

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Bina Das, 21, got up at her graduating ceremony to assassinate the governor of Bengal. He escaped and she was imprisoned for 9 years.

Maha votes in civic body polls, all eyes on Mumbai

Maha votes in civic body polls, all eyes on Mumbai

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Polling for 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards in these municipal corporations began amid tight security at 7.30 am and will conclude at 5.30 pm. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates.

Thackerays or BJP+Sena? Counting begins for Maha civic polls

Thackerays or BJP+Sena? Counting begins for Maha civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Counting of votes has begun in the Maharashtra municipal corporation elections, with a focus on the Mumbai battle between the BJP-led alliance and the Thackeray factions.

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress party experienced a significant decline in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning a mere 15 seats out of 227. Analysts attribute the poor performance to strategic missteps, infighting, and a failure to connect with voters amidst linguistic and religious polarization.

Exit polls predict BJP-Shiv Sena victory in Mumbai civic polls

Exit polls predict BJP-Shiv Sena victory in Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Exit polls predict a clear victory for the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, while forecasting a defeat for the Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena alliance. Polls also predict results for Pune and Thane.

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Budget hollow, directionless; ignoring people's hardships: Opposition

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The Congress party has strongly criticized the Union Budget, calling it 'lacklustre' and 'disappointing,' claiming it fails to address the needs of farmers, unemployed youth, and other key sectors.

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Opposition welcomes SC stay on UGC equity regulations; targets BJP

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court's stay on the UGC equity regulations aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination on campuses has been met with mixed reactions. Opposition parties welcomed the decision, while some expressed concern over the implications for marginalized communities.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

With the Congress coming third overall and having done much better than Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, its allies in Maha Vikas Aghadi, political analysts said it will force a rethink as far as coordination, seat-sharing and leadership are concerned ahead of the 2029 assembly polls.

Maha civic polls: Mumbai set for high-stakes battle as campaigning ends

Maha civic polls: Mumbai set for high-stakes battle as campaigning ends

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Campaigning for the elections to 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra has ended, with the battle for Mumbai's BMC taking center stage. Key political players are vying for control, with a focus on Marathi and Hindu voters.

'We are turning into a dead society': Rahul meets Unnao survivor

'We are turning into a dead society': Rahul meets Unnao survivor

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the Unnao rape survivor after she protested the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, criticizing the treatment of survivors and calling India a 'dead society'.

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'The RSS, that advocated military strength, remained in the ideological doghouse for over half a century. Many of the RSS' responses even today carry the burden of this past,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

Bihar Polls: Phase 2: Touch And Go Seats

Bihar Polls: Phase 2: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The final phase of the two-phase Bihar elections takes place today, November 11.

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Why Does Modi Pass Bills In Such Haste?

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The passing of bills without Parliament, including the treasury benches, having any real understanding of what they contained through any rigorous process has accelerated through the Modi era, points out Aakar Patel.

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

HC refuses to stay issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas

HC refuses to stay issuance of Kunbi certificates to Marathas

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant an interim stay on the Maharashtra government's decision to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members with OBC antecedents. Petitions challenging the decision were filed by OBC individuals, but the court declined immediate relief, pending a response from the government.

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson Pavan K Varma said the party would undertake a "serious review" of its performance in the Bihar Assembly elections after early trends showed Prashant Kishor's outfit making little impact despite a grassroots campaign.

'RJD-Cong Will Win 160-170 Seats'

'RJD-Cong Will Win 160-170 Seats'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'When maximum voter participation occurs, they do not vote to re-elect the incumbent government. They vote to change it.' 'How can anyone credibly suggest that crores of young voters -- particularly the unemployed youth -- would vote to re-elect an existing government that has demonstrably failed them?'

Despite sweep, 12 BJP candidates fall in close contests

Despite sweep, 12 BJP candidates fall in close contests

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party made a spectacular show in the Bihar assembly elections with almost all of its 101 candidates registering massive wins, 12 of the nominees missed the bus.

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

NDA bags 202 of 243 seats, Mahagathbandhan reduced to 34

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The ruling National Democratic Alliance on Friday secured a thumping majority in the Bihar Assembly, winning 202 seats in the 243-member House, as results for all the constituencies were declared by the Election Commission.

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has sparked controversy by claiming that Muslims did not vote for the BJP-led government and warning against disrespecting Hindu deities. His remarks follow tensions over alleged desecration of a Durga idol and previous controversial statements about Muslim voters.

Will Cong-Samajwadi alliance survive Bihar shock?

Will Cong-Samajwadi alliance survive Bihar shock?

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

The sweeping victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar Assembly elections has caused ripples across the country, but perhaps more pronounced in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due in 2027.

Kurmi protest disrupts train services in Jharkhand; passengers stranded

Kurmi protest disrupts train services in Jharkhand; passengers stranded

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

A rail blockade by the Kurmi community in Jharkhand has led to the cancellation, diversion, and short-termination of over 100 passenger trains, leaving thousands stranded. The protesters are demanding Scheduled Tribe status and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Constitution.

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

According to political observers, the AIMIM sees a catchment area in Bihar, where Muslims are more than 17 per cent of the total population but have never got a proportionate representation in the state legislature.

NDA ally to contest separately in Bihar after snub

NDA ally to contest separately in Bihar after snub

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), an NDA member, announced it will contest 153 seats in the upcoming Bihar elections after not being allocated any seats by the NDA. The party claims the BJP's Bihar unit provided a negative report regarding their strength.

'Nitish Kumar won't return as Bihar chief minister'

'Nitish Kumar won't return as Bihar chief minister'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

'A tally less than 150, even if it is 120 or 130, shall be a defeat for me'

SP leader Azam Khan walks out of jail after 23 months

SP leader Azam Khan walks out of jail after 23 months

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav dismissed rumors that Azam Khan might join the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) after his release from jail.

'BJP High Command Will Decide NDA Chief Minister'

'BJP High Command Will Decide NDA Chief Minister'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

'The name will be declared at the right time.'

Ex-Prez Kovind to be chief guest at RSS centenary event

Ex-Prez Kovind to be chief guest at RSS centenary event

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh will mark its centenary year with events beginning from Vijayadashami on October 2, which will include an address by its chief Mohan Bhagwat in the presence of former president Ramnath Kovind who will be the chief guest.

HC quashes conviction of Mukhtar Ansari's son in hate speech case

HC quashes conviction of Mukhtar Ansari's son in hate speech case

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Allahabad High Court has quashed the conviction of Abbas Ansari, son of Mukhtar Ansari, in a 2022 hate speech case, potentially restoring his assembly membership.

Haryana IPS officer's suicide: Rohtak SP shunted out

Haryana IPS officer's suicide: Rohtak SP shunted out

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The Haryana government transferred Rohtak Superintendent of Police Narendra Bijarniya after an IPS officer's suicide and allegations of caste-based discrimination.

The Story Behind India's National Anthem

The Story Behind India's National Anthem

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Nehru had requested Tagore to compose a national anthem. But the poet died soon after and with that died the idea of a new song from Tagore that could be India's national anthem. It is remarkable that Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose agreed on Bharoto Bhaagyo Bidhaataa as India's national anthem.

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

As the smoke from the flames flared up, slogans like 'Zubeen, Zubeen' and 'Jai Zubeenda' reverberated in the air, and people were heard singing his song Mayabini Ratir Buku.

Hyderabad man murders pregnant wife, dismembers body

Hyderabad man murders pregnant wife, dismembers body

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

A man in Hyderabad has been arrested for allegedly murdering his pregnant wife and dismembering her body to conceal the crime. Police are investigating the case and searching for the missing body parts.