News for 'State Legislative Assemblies'

Anil Deshmukh Demands Death Penalty In Pune Sexual Assault Case

Anil Deshmukh Demands Death Penalty In Pune Sexual Assault Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Former Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh demands the death penalty for the accused in the sexual assault and murder of a four-year-old girl in Pune district. He also criticises the state and central governments for delays in implementing the Shakti Act to curb sexual crimes.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com1 days ago

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

NSUI Leader Claims Assault by BJP MLA's Supporters Near Rajasthan Assembly

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

An NSUI leader has filed an FIR alleging assault and threats by aides of a BJP legislator near the Rajasthan Assembly, prompting condemnation and calls for investigation.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com23 hours ago

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

21 Karnataka Cong MLAs fly abroad amid power tussle

21 Karnataka Cong MLAs fly abroad amid power tussle

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

At least 21 Congress legislators in Karnataka have departed for a foreign tour ahead of the state budget presentation, fueling speculation amid ongoing power dynamics within the ruling party.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com19 hours ago

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Sunetra Pawar elected NCP leader, to take oath at 5 pm

Sunetra Pawar elected NCP leader, to take oath at 5 pm

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has been unanimously elected as the leader of the NCP legislature party in Maharashtra and is set to become the state's first woman Deputy Chief Minister.

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticises the Congress and its allies for the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent women's quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls.

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on his swearing-in date as CM in 2014, but the situation changed after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Sarma, who later joined the BJP, believes the events led him to a better position to serve Assam and Sanatan dharma.

IPL 2026 Final: Karnataka Minister Explains Venue Change

IPL 2026 Final: Karnataka Minister Explains Venue Change

Rediff.com4 days ago

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwra suggests commercial viability led to the IPL final being moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. He denies that distributing tickets to MLAs was a factor. The BCCI cited unspecified requirements from local authorities as the reason for the change.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com2 days ago

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Maha assembly passes anti-conversion Bill; CM says not against any religion

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra assembly has passed the Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, introducing strict measures to prevent religious conversions through coercion, fraud, or marriage, sparking debate over constitutional rights and religious freedom.

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

DMK ally exits alliance ahead of polls, heads to NDA in TN

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) has announced its departure from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing the DMK's 'big brother' attitude and unmet demands.

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Rediff.com2 days ago

Suvendu Adhikari has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state's first BJP chief minister.

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Nara Lokesh, once heavily criticised, has risen to become the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), marking a significant generational transition within the party.

Maharashtra Minister Refutes Claims of FIR Delay in Ajit Pawar Air Crash Case

Maharashtra Minister Refutes Claims of FIR Delay in Ajit Pawar Air Crash Case

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Maharashtra minister Yogesh Kadam refuted allegations of delay or laxity in registering an FIR related to the air crash involving former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, following claims by NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar.

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Maharashtra Government to Form Panel to Curb Social Media Defamation

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is forming a committee headed by the Director General of Police to address the issue of defamation through social media platforms. The committee will study the issue and suggest measures to take action against those who defame individuals through social media.

Kerala High Court Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Kerala High Court Rejects Antony Raju's Plea to Suspend Conviction

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed former state Transport Minister Antony Raju's plea seeking suspension of his conviction in an evidence tampering case, stating it is not in the interest of law or public interest.

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay declared assets worth 603.20 crore in his election affidavit, including luxury cars and significant bank deposits, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged BJP candidate Ratna Debnath to appeal to PM Modi to ensure the Aparajita Bill, which aims for time-bound punishment for rape convicts, is enacted. Banerjee criticised the BJP's stance on women's safety and highlighted the TMC government's prompt action in a previous rape-murder case.

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the BJP legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

NCP merger debate resurfaces after Tatkare drops Ajit, Sunetra pic

NCP merger debate resurfaces after Tatkare drops Ajit, Sunetra pic

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Two months after the death of Ajit Pawar, leaders within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) are advocating for a merger with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), amidst internal disputes and banner controversies.

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

Rediff.com2 days ago

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay, buoyed by the support from the Left parties, on Friday called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai in connection with securing an invite from him to form the government.

DMK to move SC against delimitation bill, if passed in Parl

DMK to move SC against delimitation bill, if passed in Parl

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Thursday said that it will move the Supreme Court against the delimitation bill, if it is passed in the Parliament.

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Mumbai Legislature Targeted: Bomb Threat Sparks Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

An email threatening missile and bomb attacks on the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan and other key locations in Mumbai triggered a security alert, prompting extensive searches and heightened security measures.

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Meghalaya council bars non-tribals from polls after unrest, deaths

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in Meghalaya has approved an amendment restricting participation in council elections to only Scheduled Tribe members, following weeks of unrest and ethnic tensions.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com6 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Arunachal Pradesh Lawmakers Unite Against Racial Discrimination, Demand Stricter Laws

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has strongly condemned racial discrimination against people from the Northeast and urged the central government to enact a stringent anti-racism law.

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

Bengal polls: CEC warns of action over law and order lapses

Bengal polls: CEC warns of action over law and order lapses

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has warned against any lapses in maintaining law and order ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, questioning the absence of a Narcotics Advisory Committee in the state and directing strict monitoring of financial transactions.

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

PMK urges Modi to ban cigarette sales to future generations

Rediff.com2 May 2026

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a legislative ban on the sale of cigarettes to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation in India.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in Parliament, marking a setback for the government's efforts to empower women in politics.