News for 'Secretary K C Venugopal'

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Top Congress leaders are questioning whether the Election Commission's announced schedule for the Assembly polls unduly benefits the BJP, citing concerns over the timing and structuring of election phases.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has strongly criticised the state government's Public Relations Department (PRD) for publishing advertisements in major newspapers that highlight alleged shortcomings of the previous Oommen Chandy administration, accusing the government of misusing public funds for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Political parties in Kerala are increasingly using AI-generated content to influence voters in the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the blurring lines between reality and fiction in political messaging.

No rift with DMK, seat sharing talks soon: Congress

No rift with DMK, seat sharing talks soon: Congress

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The Congress and DMK parties in Tamil Nadu are set to begin seat-sharing negotiations in a week for upcoming elections, with leaders from both parties expressing confidence in a smooth and successful alliance.

Top Maoist commander Devji carrying Rs 1 crore bounty surrenders

Top Maoist commander Devji carrying Rs 1 crore bounty surrenders

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Top Maoist commander Thippiri Tirupati alias Devji has surrendered to police, marking a significant blow to the outlawed organisation. His surrender comes ahead of the Union government's deadline to eliminate Naxalism.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The trailer of the film, produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah and directed by Kamakhya Narain Singh, released on Tuesday and landed straight into controversy. It tracks the stories of three Hindu women from three different states going against their families to marry Muslim men and then being forced to convert.

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

'Kerala Story 2' sparks fresh political firestorm ahead of release

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

The upcoming Hindi film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond' is embroiled in controversy, similar to its predecessor, with accusations of hate propaganda and defenses of legitimate concern over religious conversion.

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are protesting the denial of speaking rights to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during discussions on the President's address. The Congress party draws parallels to a similar incident in 2004 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is reportedly upset and likely to skip a strategy meeting for the upcoming Kerala polls due to perceived slights and attempts to sideline him within the party.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

Shivakumar in Delhi, Sidda awaits invite ahead of Dec 14 rally

Shivakumar in Delhi, Sidda awaits invite ahead of Dec 14 rally

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated he would only travel to New Delhi if formally invited, while Deputy CM D K Shivakumar visited Delhi for a wedding and party event. The two leaders have recently tried to dispel rumors of a leadership change. Shivakumar is also planning a 'Vote Chori' campaign event in Delhi.

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.

Cong calls mandatory Sanchar Saathi order 'unconstitutional'

Cong calls mandatory Sanchar Saathi order 'unconstitutional'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Congress party has strongly opposed the Department of Telecommunications' directive mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new mobile phones, citing constitutional concerns and privacy violations. The party demands an immediate rollback of the order.

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of stifling opposition voices in the Lok Sabha, alleging that opposition leaders are not being allowed to express their views while the government side faces no such restrictions.

Why Did Congress Hold 'Vote Chori' Rally?

Why Did Congress Hold 'Vote Chori' Rally?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Glimpses from Sunday's Congress rally at the Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi against 'Vote Chori'.

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's response to questions on electoral reforms, calling it 'completely defensive' and alleging 'vote chori' (vote theft).

Bengaluru demolition: Rights panel flags lack of alternative housing

Bengaluru demolition: Rights panel flags lack of alternative housing

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) is investigating the demolition of 'illegal houses' in Bengaluru, focusing on whether proper alternative arrangements were made for residents. The probe was initiated after allegations of human rights violations arose following the demolition of houses in Kogilu.

Congress MP moves adjournment notice over Sanchar Saathi app

Congress MP moves adjournment notice over Sanchar Saathi app

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury has filed an adjournment motion in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the government's directive on pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi App in new mobile handsets, citing privacy concerns.

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Congress party is intensifying its efforts to strengthen its organizational base in Uttar Pradesh, with plans to contest all 403 seats in the 2027 Assembly elections. Senior leaders emphasize grassroots preparations, voter outreach, and public meetings to regain political ground in the state.

Tharoor skips Cong meet chaired by Rahul Gandhi

Tharoor skips Cong meet chaired by Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

This is the third time the Thiruvananthapuram MP has skipped the party meeting.

Rahul meets Kharge after Cong's Bihar poll drubbing

Rahul meets Kharge after Cong's Bihar poll drubbing

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Gandhi did not speak to the media persons after the meeting, as the leaders of the Mahagathbandhan, of which the Congress is a part, remained in a state of disbelief after the NDA swept the polls.

Sanchar Saathi is a 'snooping app': Priyanka

Sanchar Saathi is a 'snooping app': Priyanka

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

With the Department of Telecom asking mobile phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi application in new handsets, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday described it as a 'snooping app' and alleged that the government is turning the country into a dictatorship.

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges the government discourages foreign dignitaries from meeting the Leader of the Opposition due to insecurity, breaking established traditions.

Amid CM change buzz, Siddaramaiah equals Urs' record

Amid CM change buzz, Siddaramaiah equals Urs' record

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah equals Devaraj Urs' record as the longest-serving CM of the state, while expressing confidence about completing his full term, he stated that the Congress high command will have to decide on it.

Kannan, who quit IAS over Article 370 abrogation, joins Congress

Kannan, who quit IAS over Article 370 abrogation, joins Congress

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Former IAS officer Kannan Gopinathan, who resigned from service in 2019 as a mark of protest against the "shutdown" of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, joined the Congress on Monday.

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The Congress will launch a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the United Progressive Alliance-era rural employment legislation Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on January 5, similar to the pushback against the three farm laws which eventually forced the Narendra Modi government to rollback its decision, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Rahul 'will be shot in chest', ABVP leader says on live TV

Rahul 'will be shot in chest', ABVP leader says on live TV

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

The Congress party has escalated its attack on the BJP-RSS, alleging a conspiracy to silence Rahul Gandhi after a former ABVP leader made controversial remarks targeting him.

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Users can delete Sanchar Saathi, registration optional: Govt

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Days after his ministry told smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app, and it will remain dormant till they register on it.

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Top Congress leaders attacked the BJP and election commissioners at a rally in Delhi, alleging election irregularities and demanding action against those involved in 'vote chori'.

Three top Maoist leaders surrender before Telangana police

Three top Maoist leaders surrender before Telangana police

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Three senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist) surrendered to the Telangana police. The leaders cited health issues, ideological differences, and changing socio-political circumstances as reasons for their surrender. The Telangana DGP appealed to other underground Maoist cadres to return to the mainstream.

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Cong replaces 6 gen secretaries in major organisational revamp

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

In a major organisational revamp, the Congress on Friday appointed former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel as general secretary in-charge of Punjab and Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain as general secretary for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Will D K Shivakumar Go The Sachin Pilot Way?

Will D K Shivakumar Go The Sachin Pilot Way?

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Even if D K Shivakumar wanted to oust Siddaramaiah, whose support would he take?
The shrewd politician that he is, Siddaramaiah figured his rival had no option but to lump it, points out Aditi Phadnis.

FIR filed against BJP leader for death threat to Rahul Gandhi

FIR filed against BJP leader for death threat to Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Police in Kerala have registered a case against a BJP leader for allegedly threatening to shoot Rahul Gandhi during a television debate. The remarks sparked widespread condemnation and protests from Congress workers.

Shivakumar will become CM when...: Sidda after breakfast meet

Shivakumar will become CM when...: Sidda after breakfast meet

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Asserting that there are no differences between him and his deputy D K Shivakumar, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said that they both are running the government unitedly, and will continue to do so in the future too.

After 40 yrs underground, 2 top Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana

After 40 yrs underground, 2 top Maoist leaders surrender in Telangana

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Two senior leaders of the banned CPI (Maoist), including a Central Committee Member underground for over four decades, surrendered to Telangana police, citing health issues, pressure from security forces, and ideological differences.

'I Never Said Shoot Rahul Gandhi, But...'

'I Never Said Shoot Rahul Gandhi, But...'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'... Rahul Gandhi's name came to my mind at that time.'