News for 'Spark Row'

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai's symbolic gesture of hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon-chillies) on a toy jet, mocking the Centre's alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has triggered a political storm. The BJP has condemned the act, calling it an insult to the armed forces. Rai, however, maintained that he was merely highlighting the government's delay in utilizing the Rafale jets. The controversy comes amidst a heated debate over the government's response to the recent terror attack.

Holi comes once a year, but Jumma 52 times: Sambhal cop sparks row

Holi comes once a year, but Jumma 52 times: Sambhal cop sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

A police officer in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked outrage after suggesting that those uncomfortable with Holi colors should remain indoors, drawing criticism from opposition parties who accused him of bias and demanded action. The officer's remarks came during a peace committee meeting ahead of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers during Ramzan. Opposition leaders condemned the statements, calling them "condemnable" and accusing the officer of acting as a "BJP agent." They demanded action against him for his "political statement." The incident comes after violence erupted in Sambhal last year during protests against a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

'400 girls lost to love jihad': Kerala BJP leader sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

George stated that a girl should be married off by the time she is 22 or 23 and that such decency should be maintained.

UP Wedding Turns Sour After Dispute Over Music

UP Wedding Turns Sour After Dispute Over Music

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A wedding celebration in Uttar Pradesh turned violent after a dispute over music selection led to a shooting and the cancellation of the wedding.

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Sabha premises.

Maha Cong chief compares BJP to 'dog', sparks row

Maha Cong chief compares BJP to 'dog', sparks row

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole has stirred controversy after he questioned OBC voters in Akola district if they would vote for the BJP, which he alleged calls them "kutta" (dog). Patole, while addressing a public meeting in Akola, accused the BJP of arrogance and said it was time to make them "kutta" (dog). The statement has drawn criticism from the BJP and sparked a political row in the state.

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

Shivakumar's remark on Shakti scheme sparks row, Sidda clarifies

Shivakumar's remark on Shakti scheme sparks row, Sidda clarifies

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the CM said, "There is no situation for revisiting it at the government level. There is no such intention, there is no such proposal."

Why An FIR Was Lodged Against AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj

Why An FIR Was Lodged Against AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj claims an FIR was lodged against him for naming a school while discussing the alleged sexual assault of a three-year-old girl. He alleges connections between the school and BJP leaders, claiming attempts were made to suppress the case.

'If Cong wins...': Video of Shivraj's son sparks row

'If Cong wins...': Video of Shivraj's son sparks row

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

A controversy has erupted after Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's son, Kartikey, said during a public meeting in bypoll-bound Budhni that 'not even a brick will be laid in any village' in case a Congress candidate wins the by-election.

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Fresh outrage as Tamil anthem pushed to third spot again

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

Obama's Muslim comment sparks row

Obama's Muslim comment sparks row

Rediff.com4 Jun 2009

United States President Barack Obama has sparked a row with his assertion that the US is one of the world's biggest Muslim countries."If you actually took the number of Muslim Americans, we would be one of the largest Muslim countries in the world," Obama told French television station Canal Plus on Monday. Michael Rubin, a scholar at the US think tank American Enterprise Institute, said the statement is incorrect and using such language is a 'dangerous gambit'.

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Republican push to end H-1B visas sparks fresh immigration row

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

US Representative Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, introduced the 'Ending Exploitative Imported Labour Exemptions Act or EXILE Act', a bill that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act by ending the H-1B visa programme.

Kharge's 'thousands' killed in Kumbh stampede remark sparks row in Parl

Kharge's 'thousands' killed in Kumbh stampede remark sparks row in Parl

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

RS Chairman Dhankhar called Kharge making the claim a "very sad moment" and asked him to withdraw his statement, the Leader of Opposition insisted the government give the correct figures and continued with his speech.

Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash recovery row, quits

Justice Yashwant Varma, at centre of cash recovery row, quits

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has resigned amid impeachment proceedings sparked by the discovery of burnt currency at his residence, raising questions about judicial conduct and accountability.

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for promoting the use of the Marathi language in Maharashtra after a video of an Airtel employee refusing to speak Marathi with a customer went viral. Wagh, who heads the women's wing of the Maharashtra BJP, said that anyone residing in Maharashtra should know Marathi or be willing to learn it. She demanded action against the employee and called for all Airtel employees to be proficient in Marathi.

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the limelight in his first full season of IPL with some dazzling performances for the Rajasthan Royals.

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalates tensions ahead of assembly polls by accusing President Droupadi Murmu of political bias and criticising her stance on tribal welfare, sparking a major controversy.

Kerala Minister Alleges Conspiracy Behind ED Office Attack

Kerala Minister Alleges Conspiracy Behind ED Office Attack

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that the violent attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials' vehicles was a conspiracy by the CPI(M) to disrupt law and order. The ED raids were linked to financial dealings between former CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's firm and a sand mining company.

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Babar Azam Likely To Replace Shan Masood As Pakistan's Test Captain

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Pakistan is reportedly considering replacing Shan Masood with Babar Azam as Test captain following a heavy defeat to Bangladesh. The Pakistan Cricket Board is under pressure to reinstate Azam.

'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.

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

'Unacceptable disgrace': Fury as Italy fail to qualify again

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Italy crash out of World Cup qualification for the third straight time, losing to Bosnia on penalties, sparking outrage and calls for sweeping changes.

'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.

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank.

Purported video clip of BJP nominee's remark on Mamata sparks row

Purported video clip of BJP nominee's remark on Mamata sparks row

Rediff.com16 May 2024

The comments triggered a spate of condemnation from TMC leaders who demanded that the Election Commission should take note of it.

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The dramatic development marked the culmination of a revolt that began with allegations of forged signatures on a letter proposing a Leader of Opposition and snowballed into an open challenge to the party leadership following the TMC's defeat at the hands of the BJP in the assembly elections.

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

St Francis Xavier remarks: Goa police to issue LOC against Khattar

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Goa Police are initiating a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Gautam Khattar after alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier. Khattar is accused of hurting religious sentiments and creating communal discord. The move aims to prevent him from fleeing the country as police search for him.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury served privilege notice over stray dog row

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury served privilege notice over stray dog row

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury, a Rajya Sabha MP, has been served a notice for breach of privilege for bringing a stray into the Parliament complex and allegedly making derogatory remarks against MPs.

Jharkhand offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after naqab row

Jharkhand offers job, flat to Bihar doctor after naqab row

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Ansari alleged that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar tried to demean naqab and the Muslim community by removing the veil of a woman.

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

IPL 2026: Sooryavanshi should play other formats to fully develop his game: De Villiers

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers believes 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play ODI and Test cricket to fully develop his game, though he warned that the road in longer formats would not be easy.

He considers female students....: Bihar guv defends Nitish in naqab row

He considers female students....: Bihar guv defends Nitish in naqab row

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a doctor's naqab. The incident sparked a political row, but the governor defended Kumar's intentions. The doctor's family expressed disappointment with the media coverage and denied reports of anger towards the Chief Minister.

Couple Arrested After Public Fight In Gurugram

Couple Arrested After Public Fight In Gurugram

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Gurugram Police arrested a man and woman after a video of their public fight outside a liquor shop went viral on social media, prompting demands for action.

'Rs 2 cr' vanity van near Prashant Kishor's hunger site sparks row

'Rs 2 cr' vanity van near Prashant Kishor's hunger site sparks row

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has been on a fast-unto-death protest in Patna, demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exam due to alleged question paper leaks. The presence of a luxury 'vanity van' near his protest site sparked controversy, with Kishor arguing that the focus should be on the future of the exam aspirants rather than his personal amenities. The district administration has declared the protest illegal and has threatened action against Kishor and his supporters.

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission served a notice to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding electoral roll discrepancies, sparking a political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has criticized the move as a politically motivated attack.

35 luxury cars at Guj school farewell spark row; 22 seized, parents booked

35 luxury cars at Guj school farewell spark row; 22 seized, parents booked

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Surat police have seized 22 cars and registered FIRs against the parents of three Class 12 students who were driving without licenses in a convoy of 35 high-end cars while performing stunts. The students were on their way to a school farewell function. The video of the incident, which went viral, showed students performing dangerous stunts such as driving with their heads out of sunroofs and holding smoke guns.