News for 'State Legislature'

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.

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, President Trump is urging nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard critical global energy supplies.

'I Won't Be Part of Manipur Govt': Kuki-Zo MLA

'I Won't Be Part of Manipur Govt': Kuki-Zo MLA

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

'Let's hope all other Kuki-Zo MLAs are also on the same page. But I will not be a part of this government unless our demands are met.'

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

'SC Opinion Takes Away A Degree Of Power From States'

'SC Opinion Takes Away A Degree Of Power From States'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'It makes law-making on the part of the state governments much more difficult and throws up bottlenecks as governors are not acting on bills.'

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Sunetra Pawar set to take oath as Maharashtra deputy CM today

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party in Maharashtra will hold a meeting in Mumbai on January 31, where Deputy Chief Minister late Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra is set to be named as its leader, state minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Friday.

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

JD-U lawmakers voiced their concerns over Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, while also welcoming the imminent political debut of his son, Nishant, amidst speculation about the future leadership of the state.

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

'We Can't Trust The Manipur Government'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

'Whether we like it or not, we have been separated by the Meiteis and therefore we have put up our demand for a separate administration in the form of a Union territory with legislature.' 'For us lasting peace is the achievement of our demand.'

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Union Cabinet approves renaming Kerala to Keralam

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

The Union Cabinet has reportedly approved the Kerala government's proposal to officially change the state's name to Keralam, following a resolution passed by the Kerala Assembly.

Shivakumar clarifies: Visited Delhi to...

Shivakumar clarifies: Visited Delhi to...

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said that he had gone to Delhi to attend a wedding and to discuss with Congress office bearers, arrangements regarding an upcoming party event.

Maha govt requests CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash

Maha govt requests CBI probe into Ajit Pawar plane crash

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Following allegations of foul play, the Maharashtra government has requested a CBI investigation into the plane crash that tragically killed Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, promising a thorough probe into the incident.

Kuki students protest in Delhi, say Manipur govt lacks legitimacy

Kuki students protest in Delhi, say Manipur govt lacks legitimacy

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Delhi and NCR, has voiced strong opposition to the current Manipur government, citing a lack of legitimacy and demanding a separate administration for Kuki-Zo people amid ongoing ethnic tensions and displacement.

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

High drama as TN Governor walks out of assembly again

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In the fourth such instance, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi on Tuesday walked out of the state assembly without reading his customary address after alleging that the national anthem was insulted, evoking a sharp response from Chief Minister M K Stalin, who dubbed his action as an 'insult' to the House and the people of the state.

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Biren Singh relinquished the post on February 9 last year amid rumblings within the state BJP seeking a change of leadership in strife-torn Manipur.

BJP's Khemchand Singh sworn in as Manipur CM; two deputy CMs appointed

BJP's Khemchand Singh sworn in as Manipur CM; two deputy CMs appointed

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the chief minister of Manipur. The swearing-in ceremony took place after President's rule was revoked in the state, which has been experiencing ethnic violence.

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

No legal challenge to governor, President's action on bills: SC

No legal challenge to governor, President's action on bills: SC

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the actions of governors and the President in granting, withholding, or reserving assent to bills are not subject to judicial review, emphasizing the separation of powers.

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Shinde invokes 'Dhurandhar' to attack Uddhav ahead of Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde launched a veiled attack on Uddhav Thackeray, invoking characters from a film to criticize Thackeray's leadership and policies ahead of upcoming municipal elections. Shinde highlighted government initiatives and defended his position, while also criticizing the opposition's performance.

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.

Laws can be stayed only in rare cases: SC after suspending part of Waqf law

Laws can be stayed only in rare cases: SC after suspending part of Waqf law

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court of India has stayed several key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, citing potential violations of the Constitution. The court emphasized that laws should only be stayed in rare cases where provisions are manifestly unconstitutional or violate fundamental rights.

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims.

Israeli opposition threatens to boycott Modi's address to Parliament

Israeli opposition threatens to boycott Modi's address to Parliament

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Israel is facing political complications as opposition leader Yair Lapid threatens to boycott his parliamentary address unless the Supreme Court chief is invited, adhering to standard protocol.

Protests erupt in Manipur over Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining govt

Protests erupt in Manipur over Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining govt

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

Thousands protest in Manipur against Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs joining the government, alleging betrayal of community demands for separate administration.

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledges to carry forward the legacy and ideals of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, focusing on duty, struggle, and commitment to the people. She was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking the implementation of the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

No Full-Stop To Govt Versus Governors Tussle

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court's opinion on the presidential reference can impact on any number of cases if and when governors, if not the President, take a literary view of the Supreme Court's 'ppinion' on their 'discretionary powers' without reference to the rider on 'reasonable time', points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sunetra Pawar's journey from shadows to spotlight

Sunetra Pawar's journey from shadows to spotlight

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of the late Ajit Pawar, has been appointed as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, marking a new chapter for the NCP and presenting her with the challenge of leading the party.

Nitish elected JD-U legislative leader, Samrat as BJP's

Nitish elected JD-U legislative leader, Samrat as BJP's

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Nitish Kumar was chosen as the leader of the JD(U) legislature party and is expected to be chosen as the leader of the NDA alliance in Bihar. He will take oath as Bihar CM for a record 10th time.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other civic bodies in the state were held on January 15.

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

UPCC chief Ajai Rai clarifies Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's role in Uttar Pradesh Congress campaigns, emphasizing her national leadership while confirming her continued prominence in the state.

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The process to merge the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.

Tiger Global Verdict: SC rewrites rules of cross-border taxation

Tiger Global Verdict: SC rewrites rules of cross-border taxation

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The SC has gone a step further to state that even if one were to not apply the codified GAAR provisions, the judicial GAAR would continue to apply, point out Pranav Sayta and Bhargav Selarka.

Maharashtra govt renames Islampur to...

Maharashtra govt renames Islampur to...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The move came after a Hindutva organization, Shiv Pratisthan, sent a memorandum to the Sangli collectorate demanding that Islampur's name be changed to Ishwarpur.

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Should 'custodian of Constitution' sit idle, asks SC in Prez plea

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Calling itself the "custodian of the Constitution", the Supreme Court on Thursday asked if it could "sit idle" if a constitutional functionary like governor failed to discharge duties, as it reserved its verdict on the presidential reference on grant of assent to bills.

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

SC questions Centre on bills pending with Governors since 2020

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The Centre has opposed the imposition of fixed timelines on governors and the President for decisions on bills passed by state legislatures, arguing that such constraints were intentionally omitted by the Constitution's framers.

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Karnataka cabinet approves bills on hate speech, cattle slaughter

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Karnataka cabinet has approved eight draft bills, including those addressing hate speech, cattle slaughter, and social boycott, to be tabled in the upcoming legislative session.

Sidda to meet guv on hate speech bill amid BJP's march call

Sidda to meet guv on hate speech bill amid BJP's march call

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismisses speculation of a power struggle within the Congress party and addresses concerns regarding the Hate Speech Bill.