News for 'The Union'

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Caretaker Found Dead: Concerns Over Minority Safety In Bangladesh

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A Hindu temple caretaker was found dead in Bangladesh, sparking outrage and demands for justice from minority groups. The caretaker had been missing for three days before his body was discovered.

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Amit Shah Promises to Drive Out Infiltrators from Bengal if BJP Forms Government

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to expel infiltrators from West Bengal and secure the border if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections. He accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting North Bengal and favouring Muslims in budget allocations.

Smriti Irani Accuses TMC of Corruption, Promises Financial Aid for Women in West Bengal

Smriti Irani Accuses TMC of Corruption, Promises Financial Aid for Women in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani has criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging corruption and failure to ensure women's safety. She promised a monthly cash support of Rs 3,000 for every woman if the BJP is voted to power.

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticises the Congress and its allies for the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent women's quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls.

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the BJP legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Amit Shah Counters Concerns Over Southern States' Representation After Delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah refuted claims that southern states will have reduced representation in the Lok Sabha after the implementation of women's reservation and delimitation of constituencies, assuring an increase in both the number of seats and percentage of power.

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Why Allahabad HC Quashed FIR Against Married Couple

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Allahabad High Court has quashed an FIR lodged against a married couple, criticising the police for interfering in consensual marriages and emphasising the right of adults to choose their partners.

'Gaddars': Punjab CM Mann slams AAP MPs joining BJP

'Gaddars': Punjab CM Mann slams AAP MPs joining BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party members who defected to the BJP, labelling them as 'traitors' and accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Odisha tribal man carries sister's skeleton to bank to withdraw Rs 19,300

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha's Keonjhar district brought the skeleton of his dead sister to a bank to withdraw money deposited in her name after bank officials insisted on the account holder's presence.

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Outrage As Odisha Bank Asks Man To Produce Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to withdraw her money, sparking widespread condemnation. The bank claims it only requested valid documents, but the incident has raised questions about the treatment of vulnerable customers.

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav has criticised the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, alleging neglect of farmers and the enabling of mafia activities.

Pune Journalist Accused of Filming Woman Without Consent

Pune Journalist Accused of Filming Woman Without Consent

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A television journalist in Pune has been booked for allegedly filming a woman in an objectionable position without her consent at a lodge. The FIR names Rohan Kadam and mentions three other journalists.

Why Odisha Bank Asked Man To Bring Sister's Skeleton

Why Odisha Bank Asked Man To Bring Sister's Skeleton

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

A tribal man in Odisha was forced to carry his sister's exhumed skeleton to a bank to prove her death and withdraw her money, sparking outrage and prompting government intervention.

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles during the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP-led Centre of using government resources to favour their party. She also addressed concerns of potato farmers and urged them to sell their produce in other states.

Bhagwant Mann Rebukes BJP's 'Absurd' Statements on Chandigarh Blast

Bhagwant Mann Rebukes BJP's 'Absurd' Statements on Chandigarh Blast

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised BJP leaders for blaming his government for the blast outside the BJP headquarters in Chandigarh, emphasising that the area falls under the Union Territory's administration. He also addressed other issues, including taxes and farmers' concerns.

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections focuses on the TMC's southern stronghold, where the BJP aims to make inroads. The outcome will determine whether Mamata Banerjee's party retains its dominance or if the BJP can secure a path to power.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the nation regarding the women's quota bill and plotting to push through the delimitation exercise by using women as a shield.

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Spiritual preacher aplogises over Shivaji Maharaj remarks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Dhirendra Shastri, head of Bageshwar Dham, has apologised for his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after facing backlash in Maharashtra. He claimed his comments were twisted on social media and clarified his stance on dedicating children to the RSS.

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

West Bengal Elections: Time For Singur To Move On

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Years after the Nano exit, Singur's farmers now seek industry and jobs, as the land remains caught between failed promises and political contest.

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has issued a stern notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist'. Kharge has been asked to explain his remarks within 24 hours.

India not 'Vishwaguru' anymore: BJP veteran M M Joshi

India not 'Vishwaguru' anymore: BJP veteran M M Joshi

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi advocates for greater promotion of Sanskrit, suggesting its importance in modern scientific pursuits and India's aspiration to regain its status as a 'vishwaguru' (global teacher).

Nadda Slams TMC, Alleges Appeasement Politics In West Bengal

Nadda Slams TMC, Alleges Appeasement Politics In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Union Health Minister J P Nadda launched a scathing attack on the TMC in West Bengal, accusing it of appeasement politics, shielding infiltrators, and presiding over a corrupt and lawless regime.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

Amit Shah: Mamata Banerjee Shielding Infiltrators In Bengal

Amit Shah: Mamata Banerjee Shielding Infiltrators In Bengal

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of shielding infiltrators, promoting dynastic politics, and supporting the construction of a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid.

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

India Forms AI Governance Body to Steer National Strategy

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India has established a high-level inter-ministerial body, the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), to steer the country's national AI governance strategy. The AIGEG will coordinate policy across ministries and oversee cross-sectoral governance issues, supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC).

Centre appoints special prosecutor for Pahalgam attack trial

Centre appoints special prosecutor for Pahalgam attack trial

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Centre has appointed lawyer Karambir Singh Nalwa as Special Public Prosecutor to lead the trial in the Pahalgam terror attack case, which resulted in the deaths of 25 tourists and a local pony operator on April 22 last year.

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Centre blocks release of ZEE5 series on Lawrence Bishnoi

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 not to release 'Lawrence of Punjab', a docu-series on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, after the Punjab Police expressed apprehension that it posed a risk to public order.

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

IPL 2026: 'Complete performance... but,' Gill flags key concern

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Gujarat Titans secured a convincing victory against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL match, with Shubman Gill highlighting the need for improvement in finishing innings.

21 dead, 29 injured as bus rolls into gorge in J-K's Udhampur

21 dead, 29 injured as bus rolls into gorge in J-K's Udhampur

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A passenger bus accident in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the death of fifteen people and injuries to twenty others. The accident occurred near Kagort village in the Ram Nagar area.

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

'India Playing A Chess Game In Nepal'

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

'Nepal today is far more aware, self-confident, aspirational, and assertive.' 'India's policy so far has not been geared to this shift. It is time to redraw our Nepal strategy.'

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth consecutive term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

Amit Shah assures to resolve Gorkha issue without dividing Bengal

Amit Shah assures to resolve Gorkha issue without dividing Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to resolve the Gorkha issue constitutionally and offering a development package for north Bengal if the BJP is voted to power.

Youth League Protest Over Dalit Student Death Turns Violent

Youth League Protest Over Dalit Student Death Turns Violent

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Youth League activists clashed with police during a protest march at a dental college in Kerala over the death of a Dalit student. The protest was triggered by allegations of harassment and demands for action against faculty members.

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to resolve the decades-old Gorkha issue within six months if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, addressing a rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

Factory Workers in Manesar Clash with Police During Wage Hike Protest

Factory Workers in Manesar Clash with Police During Wage Hike Protest

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Factory workers in Manesar, India, clashed with police during a strike demanding higher wages, resulting in property damage and police intervention.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

BJP-TMC clash dominates as Bengal heads into final phase voting

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.