News for 'State Legislatures'

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The opposition in the Maharashtra assembly has alleged that teak wood smugglers in the Chandrapur district are receiving political protection, hindering efforts to combat illegal logging.

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Acid Attack on Schoolgirl Sparks Outrage in Maharashtra Assembly

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government is facing criticism after an acid attack on a Class 6 girl student in Sangamner. The Congress party has slammed the government in the legislative assembly, alleging a deterioration in law and order in the state. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women and girls in Maharashtra.

SC Directs High Courts to Protect Identities of Rape Survivors

SC Directs High Courts to Protect Identities of Rape Survivors

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court of India has strongly condemned the disclosure of a rape victim's identity and directed all high courts to ensure the anonymity of survivors and their families in court orders, citing the deep stigma associated with such offences and existing legal provisions.

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Chhattisgarh Introduces Bill to Prevent Religious Conversions by Force

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh government has introduced a bill aimed at preventing religious conversions through force, inducement, or misrepresentation, sparking opposition and debate in the state assembly.

'Shivakumar will become Karnataka CM next month'

'Shivakumar will become Karnataka CM next month'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that D K Shivakumar will become the chief minister after the ongoing winter session of the state legislature. The statement comes amid speculation of a power tussle within the ruling party over the CM post.

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.

Bomb Threat at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Triggers Security Alert

Bomb Threat at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Triggers Security Alert

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai received a bomb threat via email during the budget session, leading to a thorough search and evacuation. Authorities have deemed the threat a hoax and are investigating the source.

'NCP-SP, Pawar family totally in the dark on Sunetra's cabinet entry'

'NCP-SP, Pawar family totally in the dark on Sunetra's cabinet entry'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, who is not a member of either house of the Maharashtra legislature, will be elected as leader of the legislature wing of the Nationalist Congress Party at a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday, after which she is likely to take oath as deputy CM.

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accept the preliminary objections raised by opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala to maintainability of Presidential Reference, saying the issues raised in it pertain to the very core and foundational modalities of the constitutional machinery.

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Cong moves Odisha MLAs to Karnataka ahead of RS polls

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Odisha has moved its MLAs to Karnataka due to concerns about cross-voting in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Meanwhile, the BJD has called for meetings of its legislators.

Sunetra Pawar set to become Maha's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar set to become Maha's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, widow of late Ajit Pawar, is set to be sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman Deputy Chief Minister, replacing her husband in the state cabinet. Her appointment follows a meeting of the NCP legislature wing where she is expected to be named as its leader.

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Board on Monday appointed party national general secretary Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the legislature party leader in Manipur, indicating the possible formation of a popular government in the Northeastern state.

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

'Govt In Manipur Before Feb 12'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'President's Rule has already been extended twice and one cannot keep the assembly in suspension for much longer.'

President's rule lifted in Manipur as NDA stakes claim to form govt

President's rule lifted in Manipur as NDA stakes claim to form govt

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

President's rule in Manipur has been revoked, paving the way for a new government led by Y Khemchand Singh. The move comes after months of ethnic violence and the imposition of President's rule in February 2025.

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Maharashtra Oppn boycotts govt tea party over LoP appointment row

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

The Opposition in Maharashtra boycotted the government's customary tea party on the eve of the Winter session, citing its failure to appoint leaders of the opposition (LoPs) in both houses of the 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.

Karnataka power tussle intensifies, DKS loyalists gather at hotel

Karnataka power tussle intensifies, DKS loyalists gather at hotel

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar gathered to discuss strategies for his elevation to the Chief Minister post in Karnataka, intensifying the power struggle within the ruling Congress party.

Which party was to merge with who?: Tatkare on NCP merger

Which party was to merge with who?: Tatkare on NCP merger

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

NCP MP Sunil Tatkare's remarks came amid the suspense over a merger of the two NCP factions

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Fadnavis, Shinde visit RSS HQ; Ajit Pawar, NCP skip again

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputy Eknath Shinde and other legislators of the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena visited the memorial of RSS founder K B Hedgewar in Nagpur. NCP legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, skipped the visit.

Khemchand Singh to be new Manipur CM, Kuki MLA named his deputy

Khemchand Singh to be new Manipur CM, Kuki MLA named his deputy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Y Khemchand Singh has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Manipur, setting the stage for a new government in the state. The election took place at a BJP legislature party meeting, with endorsement from NDA constituents expected.

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.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

'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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

'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.'

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

What's the problem with President's reference, SC asks states

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding a presidential reference on whether fixed timelines can be imposed on governors and the president for acting on bills passed by state legislatures. The court is considering objections to the maintainability of the reference under Article 143 of the Constitution.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.'