News for 'State Legislature'

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rekha Gupta, Only Lady CM In 20 NDA Ruled States/UTs

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Rekha Gupta had the support of the RSS, which actively participated in the Delhi assembly poll campaign to help the BJP win.

Days after SC verdict TN governor calls meeting of VCs

Days after SC verdict TN governor calls meeting of VCs

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Amidst ongoing tensions with the ruling DMK government, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has invited Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar to inaugurate a meeting of state university Vice Chancellors in the Nilgiris district, sparking criticism from political parties, particularly the Left, who have urged a boycott. The meeting comes in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the Tamil Nadu government regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors, which has stripped the Governor of his previous authority as Chancellor. The Governor, however, maintains his right to convene the meeting, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the Governor and the state government. The meeting is scheduled for April 25 and 26.

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Row as Nitish Kumar leaves dais before national anthem at sports event

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar left the dais before the national anthem at the inauguration of an international sports event in Patna, sparking controversy. Opposition RJD president Lalu Prasad and his son Tejashwi Yadav accused the chief minister of disrespecting the national anthem. The Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 is being held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex, with 300 players and support staff from 21 countries taking part. Kumar, 74, walked towards the participants and greeted them with a "namaste" and a wave of the hand before the national anthem was played. A video clip of the incident was shared on social media by Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav, who both alleged that the chief minister "disrespected the national anthem".

Spate of killings rock poll-bound Bihar

Spate of killings rock poll-bound Bihar

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

A surge in violent crimes, including targeted killings, has raised concerns about law and order in Bihar. Police attribute the rise to the widespread availability of illegal firearms and ammunition.

Why are Hindus being assaulted, asks Maha min amid Marathi row

Why are Hindus being assaulted, asks Maha min amid Marathi row

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

BJP leader Nitesh Rane criticizes MNS after alleged assault on a man for not speaking Marathi, sparking political controversy.

Prez Murmu visits Odisha harassment victim at AIIMS; principal held

Prez Murmu visits Odisha harassment victim at AIIMS; principal held

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The principal of a college in Odisha was arrested after a student set herself ablaze following alleged sexual harassment. The incident has sparked protests and political tensions in the state.

Shinde likens Aurangzeb to Osama, says even US didn't...

Shinde likens Aurangzeb to Osama, says even US didn't...

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

"Who is Aurangzeb? Why should we allow his glorification in our state? He is a blot on our history," the deputy chief minister said in his closing remarks.

Shinde Sena minister Shirsat gets tax notice over asset jump

Shinde Sena minister Shirsat gets tax notice over asset jump

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat received an Income Tax notice regarding an increase in his assets between the 2019 and 2024 elections. He initially claimed MP Shrikant Shinde also received a notice but later retracted the statement.

What Is Khelo Bharat Niti All About?

What Is Khelo Bharat Niti All About?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Khelo Bharat Niti: Regulatory bodies for better sports administration but will IOA, NSFs play ball?

Maha govt sends draft Shakti bill to joint legislature panel

Maha govt sends draft Shakti bill to joint legislature panel

Rediff.com15 Dec 2020

The bill, named 'Shakti' and modelled on the Disha Act in Andhra Pradesh, also provides for completion of investigation and filing of chargesheet within 15 days, and completion of trial in 30 days.

Shinde wants home, talks underway on portfolio allocation: Sena MLA

Shinde wants home, talks underway on portfolio allocation: Sena MLA

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Asked to whom the demand was made, Gogavale said it was probably Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'The moment they fall foul of the party in power, they become unsafe. Then nobody can guarantee their safety.'

Will TN Governor Ravi Quit After Stinging SC Rebuke?

Will TN Governor Ravi Quit After Stinging SC Rebuke?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Unless Governor Ravi or the Union of India moves in appeal, seeking a hearing by a constitutional Bench, this is where it all will have to end, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Maharashtra re-introduces Bill to curb 'urban Naxals'

Maharashtra re-introduces Bill to curb 'urban Naxals'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has re-introduced the Special Public Security Bill in the state assembly, aiming to combat 'urban Naxalism'. The bill, which seeks to criminalize activities deemed to disrupt public order, has faced criticism from opposition parties who argue it could stifle dissent. The proposed law will be referred to a joint select committee for review and is expected to be passed in the monsoon session next year.

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

The Train Action That Inspired Bhagat Singh

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

One hundred years ago, a group of 10 revolutionaries carried out an operation that shook the British Empire. Utkarsh Mishra revisits the 'Kakori Conspiracy Case', a turning point in the armed struggle for independence.

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it, after a Shiv Sena-UBT MLA pointed to comments of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader.

Maha legislature not to respond to SC notice on BJP MLAs' suspension

Maha legislature not to respond to SC notice on BJP MLAs' suspension

Rediff.com24 Dec 2021

Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly Narhari Zirwal on Friday asked the legislature secretary not to respond to the Supreme Court's notice on a plea filed by 12 Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs challenging their one-year suspension.

No name yet, Azad Maidan gets ready for Maha swearing-in

No name yet, Azad Maidan gets ready for Maha swearing-in

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Mahayuti government in Maharashtra on December 5. BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis is considered the frontrunner for the chief minister's post, with the BJP having recorded its best-ever electoral performance in the state. The Mahayuti coalition includes Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party.

TN governor cannot sit on bills without communicating: SC

TN governor cannot sit on bills without communicating: SC

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court raised concerns about a potential stalemate in Tamil Nadu due to the Governor's delay in assenting to bills passed by the state assembly. The court questioned the Governor's actions, noting that he should have communicated his concerns about the bills' constitutionality to the state government. The case focuses on the delicate balance of power between the state government and the Governor, highlighting the importance of open communication and transparency in the legislative process.

Mira Nair's son Zohran wins Democratic primary for NYC mayor

Mira Nair's son Zohran wins Democratic primary for NYC mayor

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Indian-origin lawmaker Zohran Kwame Mamdani stunned in the Democratic primary race for New York City mayor, upsetting former governor Andrew Cuomo.

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Can't exercise pocket veto: SC sets timeline for governors' on bills

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that governors cannot indefinitely delay giving assent to bills passed by state legislatures, setting a timeline of one to three months for their actions. The court said the governor must act "as soon as possible" and that failure to comply with the timeline will make their inaction subject to judicial review. The ruling comes as several opposition-ruled states have accused governors of delaying assent to bills passed by their assemblies.

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Dhananjay Munde resigns hours after photos of Deshmukh murder go viral

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Beleaguered Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the cabinet on Tuesday, days after his close aide Walmik Karad was named as the mastermind in the murder of a village sarpanch and three months after the new Mahayuti government assumed office.

Insult to Marathi people won't be tolerated, warns Maha govt

Insult to Marathi people won't be tolerated, warns Maha govt

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

An alleged attack on a Marathi-speaking family by a government employee in Thane district sparked outrage in the Maharashtra Assembly, where the BJP-led government assured justice and condemned the incident. Opposition parties demanded immediate action against the accused, Akhilesh Shukla, and his wife, who have been arrested. The incident has raised concerns about discrimination against Marathi people and fueled tensions in the state.

6 die due to 'wrong injection' at Odisha hospital

6 die due to 'wrong injection' at Odisha hospital

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Two investigations were ordered after six patients died due to alleged negligence at the state-run Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Koraput, officials said on Wednesday.

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

By getting Jagdeep Dhankhar to resign at short notice, Narendra Modi has sent a message to his own ideological clan that he brooks no one trying to get too big for their boots, observes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Amid BJP switch buzz, Bhujbal meets Fadnavis

Amid BJP switch buzz, Bhujbal meets Fadnavis

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Bhujbal said he had an elaborate discussion with the CM on the prevailing political and social atmosphere in the state.

Govt bill explains plan for simultaneous polls

Govt bill explains plan for simultaneous polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

There is an imperative need for holding simultaneous elections for various reasons as polls have become expensive and time-consuming, according to the proposed bill being brought to implement the ambitious 'one nation, one election' plan.

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'Let's see how this love story shapes up in the run up to the municipal corporation election.'

Maha cabinet expansion on Sunday; 30-32 ministers may take oath

Maha cabinet expansion on Sunday; 30-32 ministers may take oath

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

The Maharashtra government is set to expand its cabinet on December 15 with 30-32 ministers taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Nagpur. The week-long winter session of the state legislature is scheduled to begin in Nagpur on December 16. The BJP-led government, which came to power after the November 20 assembly polls, has seen its fair share of twists and turns in the cabinet formation process. The BJP is likely to get 20-21 ministerial berths, followed by 11-12 for the Sena and 9-10 for the NCP.

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

On Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Telangana implements SC categorisation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

The Telangana government has become the first state in India to implement Scheduled Castes (SC) categorisation, dividing the 59 SC communities into three groups with varying reservation quotas. The decision was made after a commission headed by retired High Court judge Justice Shameem Akther recommended the categorisation. The implementation of SC categorisation in Telangana coincides with the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution.

High drama in TN assembly over national anthem row

High drama in TN assembly over national anthem row

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Ravi He made fervent appeal to Chief Minister M K Stalin and Speaker M Appavu for singing the National Anthem but they "cussedly refused," the Governor's office alleged in a post on social media post 'X.'

Rahul Narwekar elected unopposed as Maha Speaker

Rahul Narwekar elected unopposed as Maha Speaker

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Rahul Narwekar was on Monday elected unopposed as the speaker of the 15th Maharashtra legislative assembly.

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

SP's Abu Azmi retracts Aurangzeb remark after massive uproar

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb sparked outrage in the Maharashtra legislature, leading to calls for his suspension and accusations of treason. The issue, which was politicized by both the ruling coalition and opposition parties, led to the adjournment of both Houses of the state legislature. Azmi later retracted his statements, saying they were twisted and that he had not made any derogatory remarks against Shivaji Maharaj or Sambhaji Maharaj. The BJP, however, seized the opportunity to slam the Congress and other opposition parties, accusing them of trying to "eradicate" Sanatan Dharma. The Mumbai police have initiated a probe into the matter, registering a case against Azmi for his remarks.

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Can Congress rely on Gehlot-Pilot truce to regain lost ground?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Gehlot's remark hinted at a possible thaw between the two senior Congress leaders after years of political tussle.

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

'Digital Act Will Kill RTI Slowly, Surely'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

'By extending the definition of 'personal' to include institutions and not just individuals, the State has equipped itself with a tool to block access to most kinds of information.'

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

How Ambedkar played key role in creating ECI

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is also credited with the creation of the Election Commission of India. An amendment he brought to the Constituent Assembly led to the establishment of the Election Commission as an independent body responsible for conducting elections. Ambedkar's amendment consolidated election authority into a centralized body, headed by a chief election commissioner appointed by the President, rather than separate commissions for the Centre and states. This article delves into the historical context and the importance of Ambedkar's contribution in establishing the Election Commission of India.

Remember what we do when...: Fadnavis on 'cold war' with Shinde buzz

Remember what we do when...: Fadnavis on 'cold war' with Shinde buzz

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

"It is just that Fadnavis and I have swapped our chairs. Only Ajit Pawar's chair is fixed," said Shinde, who was the CM before the assembly elections with Fadnavis and Pawar as his deputies then.

Ajit Pawar reveals key detail of Mahayuti seat sharing formula

Ajit Pawar reveals key detail of Mahayuti seat sharing formula

Rediff.com8 Aug 2024

Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said the three ruling allies in the state will retain their existing constituencies while deciding a seat-sharing formula for the coming assembly elections.

'Welcome change': Shinde on Uddhav-Fadnavis meet

'Welcome change': Shinde on Uddhav-Fadnavis meet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The Sena (UBT) chief and his MLA son Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday met with Fadnavis and assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar at Vidhan Bhavan premises in Nagpur. Aaditya said they extended good wishes to the two and talked about taking a step towards showing political maturity and working together in the interest of the people.

Can't seek LoP post, says Sharad Pawar; Sena-UBT differs

Can't seek LoP post, says Sharad Pawar; Sena-UBT differs

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Hours after Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar said that the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies can not demand that a Leader of Opposition must be appointed as they do not have the required numbers, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Bhaskar Jadhav on Saturday claimed there is no provision in the law which talks about the appointment of the LoP in legislature merely on the strength of the party.