News for 'State for Democracy'

Oppn's Chakka Jam Hits Normal Life In Bihar

Oppn's Chakka Jam Hits Normal Life In Bihar

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Wednesday's joint protest march in Patna marked a significant moment, with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly, leading a unified demonstration -- perhaps a first in the state's recent political history.

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

Beware The American Deep State

Beware The American Deep State

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Do not underestimate the ingenuity of the Deep State in America to have its way. Keeping the guard down will be a catastrophic mistake on the part of the Delhi establishment. We could get hit when least expected. That's what happened in Bangladesh and Syria, warns Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Gandhi has been demanding voter lists, poll data and video footage from the election commission, alleging irregularities in Maharashtra assembly elections.

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

In his first address to National Democratic Alliance MPs in over a year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised its collective identity as a natural and organic alliance, asserting that its journey since its foundation in 1998 is dotted with successes and has many more achievements in store.

Ambedkar envisioned a living Constitution, not a static one: CJI Gavai

Ambedkar envisioned a living Constitution, not a static one: CJI Gavai

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai spoke about Dr. B R Ambedkar's views on the supremacy of the Constitution and the need for an independent judiciary.

Explainer: Oldest democracy votes differently from largest one

Explainer: Oldest democracy votes differently from largest one

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

And voters could also be asked to participate in "referendums" on issues before the lawmakers in that particular state.

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

United States tech billionaire Elon Musk said he has formed a new political party to give Americans their freedom back, after a dramatic falling out with Donald Trump.

Ragi idlis to grilled fish: Parl unveils nutri-rich diet plan for MPs

Ragi idlis to grilled fish: Parl unveils nutri-rich diet plan for MPs

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Parliament introduces a new 'Health Menu' featuring millet-based dishes, salads, and lean protein options to promote healthier eating habits among lawmakers, officials, and visitors.

India stopped Op Sindoor on condition that...: Rajnath

India stopped Op Sindoor on condition that...: Rajnath

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated India's readiness to assist Pakistan in combating terrorism if it cannot act on its own, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India's capabilities. He also criticized Pakistan's appointment to a UN counter-terrorism committee.

Tension in Bengal's Bhabanipur as police detain BJP chief, UK-based doc

Tension in Bengal's Bhabanipur as police detain BJP chief, UK-based doc

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The drama unfolded after Majumdar, a Union minister of state, defied police restrictions and rode a motorbike to Bhabanipur to observe 'Paschimbanga Dibas' (West Bengal Day).

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

You have clothes, shoes, mobiles because of us: BJP MLA sparks row

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

A video of Lonikar's controversial remarks surfaced on social media on Thursday and invited strong criticism from the opposition.

Why Is US Going Through This Madness?

Why Is US Going Through This Madness?

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The answer is to be found in the rise of the global south and in particular, the rise of China, explains Aakar Patel.

Rajasthan drops textbooks 'glorifying' Nehru-Gandhi family

Rajasthan drops textbooks 'glorifying' Nehru-Gandhi family

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

School students in Rajasthan will no longer study two-part supplementary textbooks with state Education Minister Madan Dilawar arguing that these reading materials are not required because they glorify the Nehru-Gandhi family and carry no marks for students.

Rajasthan BJP MLA disqualified after sentence in assault case

Rajasthan BJP MLA disqualified after sentence in assault case

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has terminated the membership of BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena after he was convicted and sentenced to three years in jail for pointing a pistol at a sub-divisional magistrate. Meena's membership was terminated effective from May 1, following legal opinion from the advocate general and senior legal experts. Meena had approached the Supreme Court seeking suspension of his sentence, but the top court dismissed his plea and directed him to surrender within two weeks. The Election Commission has been informed of the vacancy, and a by-election on the Anta seat would be held within six months.

Break legs of Cong workers, get rewards: Odisha ACP sparks row

Break legs of Cong workers, get rewards: Odisha ACP sparks row

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

The controversy erupted after a purported video, in which Bhubaneswar Additional Police Commissioner Narasingha Bhol was seen instructing police personnel to "break their legs and take reward from me" during a Congress workers' protest, went viral.

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The RSS which catapulted Jagdeep Dhankar to national prominence after 21 years of hibernation could not come to his rescue when BJP higher ups decided to seek his resignation, points out Prakash Bhandari.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

INDIA bloc slams Bihar electoral roll overhaul, says 2 crore voters at risk

INDIA bloc slams Bihar electoral roll overhaul, says 2 crore voters at risk

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and raised concerns over its timing, alleging that over two crore voters of the state may be disenfranchised by this mammoth exercise being done just ahead of assembly elections.

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India would neither succumb to the Americans on issues of national security, such as its defence ties with Russia, nor cede ground on its domestic interests in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Emergency at 50: JP's diary tells nation's darkest tale

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

On that fateful day, Narayan, popularly known as JP and a fierce critic of the then-Indira Gandhi government, addressed a massive gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi.

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Former chief justices of India, who have conveyed their views to a parliamentary committee on the bill proposing simultaneous polls, have endorsed the constitutionality of the 'one nation, one election' concept but have raised concerns over its various aspects, including the power given to the Election Commission, and offered suggestions.

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

'China Is Scared Of The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

'Although China has been ruling over Tibet for past 75 years, it has no legitimacy.'

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

How Subramanian Swamy Escaped Arrest During The Emergency

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Is it right and proper for the US authorities to allow people like Subrahmanya Swamy [sic] go round the country preaching murder, violence, overthrow of the duly elected Government of India?' A fascinating excerpt from Sugata Srinivasaraju's The Conscience Network: A Chronicle of Resistance to a Dictatorship.

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

What Dhankar Said In The Rajya Sabha On Monday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

'Dialogue and discussion, not conflict, are the way forward.' 'Internal fighting strengthens our enemies and provides material to divide us.'

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of rigging the Maharashtra assembly elections and expressed concerns about similar tactics being used in the upcoming Bihar polls. He alleged that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is an attempt to manipulate the election process.

Mahayuti to contest local body elections together: Fadnavis

Mahayuti to contest local body elections together: Fadnavis

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

When asked about Prahar Janshakti Party leader Bachhu Kadu's hunger strike, Fadnavis said district guardian minister Chandrashekar Bawankule will speak to him.

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is likely to take up the matter in which the EC has justified its ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, saying it adds to the purity of the election by "weeding out ineligible persons" from the electoral rolls.

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

50 Years Of Emergency: Banality Of Evil, And A Warning

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

While India today is vastly different from the India of 1975, the need for vigilance against authoritarianism remains the same, asserts Utkarsh Mishra.

BJP distances itself from MPs' remarks on SC, CJI

BJP distances itself from MPs' remarks on SC, CJI

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

The BJP on Saturday disassociated itself from the criticism of the Supreme Court by its MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma. Party president J P Nadda rejected the comments as their personal views and affirmed the ruling party's respect for the judiciary as an inseparable part of democracy. Nadda said he has directed both the leaders and other members of the party to not make such comments.

People in democracies need a sense of uncertainty

People in democracies need a sense of uncertainty

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

For trust in democracy to be retained, elections need to be not just free of intervention -- ruling out Pakistan and Russia -- but also demonstrate the capability to both deliver ruling mandates and hold the potential for large swings in favour of the opposition, points out Mihir S Sharma.And, after an election is done, they need to see a mandate in order to go back to their lives and let their representatives get on with the business of government, points out Mihir S Sharma.

CJI displeased over protocol lapse on first Maha visit

CJI displeased over protocol lapse on first Maha visit

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Sunday expressed his displeasure over the absence of Maharashtra's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police or the city police commissioner to receive him during his first visit to the state after being elevated to the top post.

Does A Democracy Need A Sengol?

Does A Democracy Need A Sengol?

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The sengol must revert to where it belongs -- behind a glass case and not figure in ceremonies concerning India's democracy, argues Shyam G Menon.

Why did Modi call Trinidad and Tobago PM 'Bihar ki beti'?

Why did Modi call Trinidad and Tobago PM 'Bihar ki beti'?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

This is Modi's first visit to the country as prime minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

'Nothing Wrong If We Rewrite The Constitution'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'The time has come to have a relook at the Constitution as every document has a shelf life.'

Pak govt draws flak for seeking Peace Nobel for Trump

Pak govt draws flak for seeking Peace Nobel for Trump

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

The Pakistan government, as well as the country's military establishment, have come under severe criticism from netizens on social media for recommending United States President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

NIA arrests 2 for radicalising TN youths, promoting democracy as anti-Islamic

NIA arrests 2 for radicalising TN youths, promoting democracy as anti-Islamic

Rediff.com30 Jun 2024

The arrested men have been identified as Abdul Rehman alias Abdul Rahman and Mujibur Rehman alias Mujibur Rahman Altham Sahib, both from Thanjavur district, a statement issued by the NIA said.

Should We Ignore Democracy Rankings?

Should We Ignore Democracy Rankings?

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

India must evolve its own standards on how democracy must be ranked in a diverse and multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and pluralistic idea called India, suggests R Jagannathan.

'BJP's stranglehold over democracy has to be broken'

'BJP's stranglehold over democracy has to be broken'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2024

'You can attack and conspire to weaken us, but you cannot destroy the Congress permanently.'

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

At the customary meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, the opposition raised various issues, including voter roll revision in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack and Trump's 'ceasefire' claims.