News for 'State Legislature'

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lawmakers cannot claim privilege unconnected to working of the house: SC

Lawmakers cannot claim privilege unconnected to working of the house: SC

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

The privileges enjoyed by MPs and MLAs are "tethered intrinsically" to the functioning of the legislature collectively, the Supreme Court said on Monday while holding that lawmakers taking bribe to vote or make a speech in the house are not immune from prosecution.

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.'

'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.

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.

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.

'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.'

New Maratha quota bill too may not stand SC scrutiny: Sharad Pawar

New Maratha quota bill too may not stand SC scrutiny: Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Earlier attempts by the state governments to introduce the reservation for Marathas have been struck down by courts.

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.

Maharashtra ministers get 2.5-year performance deadline

Maharashtra ministers get 2.5-year performance deadline

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the Mahayuti allies have agreed to conduct a 'performance audit' of ministers during their tenure.

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.

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.

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Maha portfolio allocation: Fadnavis gets Home, Ajit Finance, Shinde...

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Shiv Sena's Dadaji Bhuse is the new school education minister while Uday Samant continues to be the industries minister.

RJD legislature party reposes faith in Lalu

RJD legislature party reposes faith in Lalu

Rediff.com16 Jun 2009

Resolving to take the debacle in the Lok Sabha elections in its stride, the Rashtriya Janata Dal legislature party on Tuesday expressed 'unflinching faith' in the leadership of its president Lalu Prasad.

'18-19 NCP MLAs of Ajit Pawar camp to switch sides'

'18-19 NCP MLAs of Ajit Pawar camp to switch sides'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2024

Sharad Pawar and other NCP-SP leaders will take a decision on whom to take back in the fold, said the MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed in Ahmednagar district.

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

'Pro-Mamata Sentiment Among Muslims Is A Reality'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Fadnavis vows to put Azmi in jail as Akhilesh backs his MLA

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi, suspended from the Maharashtra assembly over his remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, will be '100 per cent' put in jail, Chief Minister Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the legislative council.

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Beed boils over sarpanch murder, even allies want Munde out

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

Thousands of people gathered in Maharashtra's Beed city on Saturday to protest against the brutal murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh as even MLAs from ruling parties demanded the sacking of Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde.

Send him to UP, says Yogi as Maha assembly suspends Abu Azmi

Send him to UP, says Yogi as Maha assembly suspends Abu Azmi

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi was on Wednesday suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly till the ongoing budget session ends on March 26, over his remarks eulogizing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Hindutva, counter-polarisation helped Mahayuti in Maha polls: Fadnavis

Hindutva, counter-polarisation helped Mahayuti in Maha polls: Fadnavis

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has attributed the recent state assembly election victory to the role of Hindutva and counter-polarization. He described BJP's Hindutva as a way of life and said it played an important role in mobilizing voters. Fadnavis also alleged that the opposition alliance had an agreement to withdraw riot cases against Muslims. He further commented on PM Modi's inclusive Hindutva and the increased voter turnout in the election.

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

This phase will...: SC judges visit strife-torn Manipur

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

Supreme Court judge, Justice B R Gavai, expressed hope that the "current difficult phase" in ethnic strife-torn Manipur will be over soon with the assistance of the executive, legislature and judiciary and the state will prosper like the rest of the country. Justice Gavai, who led a delegation of Supreme Court judges that visited Manipur, called upon the people of the state to work together to restore peace and harmony. He also urged the people of the state to work together to restore peace and normalcy, and lauded the natural beauty he witnessed while travelling from Imphal to Churachandpur. He expressed delight in noting that training programmes were being imparted at the relief camps, and thanked the Chief Justice of Manipur High Court and the district legal services authority for their efforts. Justice Gavai also stressed the need for readmission of students who had to drop out of school due to the conflict and called upon the educational institutions and the public to ensure all students complete their education.

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Maha cabinet expanded with 39 ministers; BJP gets 19 berths, Sena 11

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The 10-day-old BJP-led Mahayuti alliance ministry in Maharashtra was expanded on Sunday, with 39 ministers being sworn in, taking its strength to 42. The BJP secured 19 ministerial berths, followed by 11 for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and 9 for Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party. Governor P C Radhakrishnan administered the oath to the new ministers at the ceremony held in Nagpur. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were present.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

K'taka Guv forwards 4% Muslim quota bill to President's assent

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has reserved the Bill pertaining to four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts for the President's assent, citing constitutional concerns. The Bill, which has been a subject of controversy in Karnataka, was passed by both houses of the state legislature amid protests from the opposition BJP. The Governor's decision to reserve the Bill highlights the ongoing debate over the constitutionality of religious-based reservations in India.

Governors can't keep bills pending indefinitely: SC

Governors can't keep bills pending indefinitely: SC

Rediff.com24 Nov 2023

The bench said if the governor decides to withhold assent to a bill, then he has to return the bill to the legislature for reconsideration.

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Uproar in Maha as Cong leader compares Fadnavis to Aurangzeb

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The ruling Mahayuti members in both houses of the Maharashtra legislature condemned state Congress head Harshvardhan Sapkal's remarks comparing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and demanded strict action against him. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said the remarks will be verified and action will be taken accordingly as per the law. The state legislative council witnessed an uproar after the ruling Mahayuti members raised the issue of Sapkal's remarks, and the proceedings were suspended for 10 minutes. BJP group leader Pravin Darekar said comparing the chief minister to Aurangzeb is a highly condemnable act and an insult to Maharashtra. He also demanded that a case be filed against Sapkal and strict action be taken to set an example.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

'One nation, one poll': Kovind panel suggests 18 amendments to Constitution

'One nation, one poll': Kovind panel suggests 18 amendments to Constitution

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Eighteen distinct amendments to the Constitution and other statutes would be required for the implementation of the Kovind committee's recommendations on simultaneous elections, according to the panel's report accepted by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday.

Fadnavis returns as Maha CM, with Shinde, Ajit as deputies

Fadnavis returns as Maha CM, with Shinde, Ajit as deputies

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party legislature party leader Devendra Fadnavis was sworn-in as new chief minister of Maharashtra while allies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took oath as deputy CMs at a grand ceremony in Mumbai on Thursday evening.

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Sena firm on home portfolio ahead of Maha cabinet expansion

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Amid intense discussions among Mahayuti allies over the distribution of portfolios and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's insistence on the home ministry, the clarity on the composition of the council of ministers is expected by Sunday, sources said.

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Centre denies assent to TN's bill seeking NEET exemption

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced that the state's Assembly resolution seeking NEET exemption, which was sent for Presidential assent, has been declined by the Centre. Stalin termed the rejection as a "dark chapter in federalism" and accused the Centre of disregarding the will of the Tamil Nadu people. He also announced an all-political party meeting on April 9 to discuss the issue further.

Fadnavis takes charge as CM, his first decision is...

Fadnavis takes charge as CM, his first decision is...

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar took charge of their new official responsibilities at the state secretariat 'Mantralaya' here after taking oath of office on Thursday evening.

Maharashtra forms SIT to probe Sushant Singh's ex-manager's death

Maharashtra forms SIT to probe Sushant Singh's ex-manager's death

Rediff.com13 Dec 2023

According to police, Salian (28) allegedly committed suicide by jumping from a high-rise building in Malad area of Mumbai on June 8, 2020.

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

SC notice to Centre, governors on pleas by Kerala, Bengal

Rediff.com26 Jul 2024

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the separate pleas of opposition-ruled Kerala and West Bengal, alleging the denial of assent to bills passed by the respective legislative assemblies.

Disha Salian issue rocks Maha House; Aaditya Thackeray says....

Disha Salian issue rocks Maha House; Aaditya Thackeray says....

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

Targeting Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday, Bharatiya Janata Party minister Nitesh Rane said as per the Supreme Court's past decisions, if a person is facing allegations of rape, he must be arrested.