News for 'Top Democratic'

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Will Nitish Surprise Modi Or Vice Versa After Bihar Poll?

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The BJP's MoSha leadership are past masters in encouraging defections from their allies if it helped their party capture the chief minister's chair. In Bihar, they are not sure if JD-U MPs and MLAs would be willing to cross over to the BJP if the Nitish leadership came on top -- and the NDA crossed the halfway mark together, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

TMC downplays cross-voting in vice-presidential poll

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien criticizes the government's focus on cross-voting in the vice presidential poll, urging attention to issues like US tariffs, Manipur violence, and MGNREGA funds.

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the 3.66 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The court's direction came after concerns were raised by petitioners about the lack of notice or reasons given to the excluded voters.

SC to hear J-K statehood plea on August 8

SC to hear J-K statehood plea on August 8

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea on August 8 seeking directions to the Centre for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The plea highlights concerns about the delay and its impact on democratic rights and development.

Can't ignore Pahalgam: SC seeks Centre's reply on J-K statehood

Can't ignore Pahalgam: SC seeks Centre's reply on J-K statehood

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The SC has sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has warned that it will set aside the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar if any illegality is found. The court is reviewing the validity of the Bihar SIR and its potential impact on a similar exercise across India.

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The Centre told the Supreme Court that governors are not indefinitely sitting on bills passed by state legislatures, and that barring a few exceptions, most have acted in a way which the apex court would have perhaps desired. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a Governor is "not a rubber stamp" and has a duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

'H1-B visa fee is not about protecting American jobs, but...'

'H1-B visa fee is not about protecting American jobs, but...'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'Immigrants have always been America's greatest strength, building prosperity, breakthroughs, and communities that enrich us all. Instead of embracing that strength, Trump is clamping down on every form of immigration, tearing families apart, destabilising businesses, and weakening our economy'

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

BJP tops 2023-24 donations with Rs ...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The BJP received the highest amount in large donations among national parties in the financial year 2023-24, with over Rs 2,243 crore declared from 8,358 donations, according to a report by poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report, based on data submitted to the Election Commission, highlighted trends in political donations above Rs 20,000. The total declared donations to national parties stood at Rs 2,544.28 crore from 12,547 contributions - a sharp 199 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Barack Obama arrested? Trump posts 'video'

Barack Obama arrested? Trump posts 'video'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Monday shared an AI-generated video of showing former President Barack Obama being arrested.

Kolkata police stop 'The Bengal Files' trailer launch

Kolkata police stop 'The Bengal Files' trailer launch

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Kolkata Police stopped the trailer launch of 'The Bengal Files', a film based on the 1946 Calcutta Riots, its director Vivek Agnihotri claimed, sparking controversy and allegations of censorship.

BJP Deploys 45 Pravasi Netas For Bihar Polls

BJP Deploys 45 Pravasi Netas For Bihar Polls

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Each leader will look after six assembly constituencies.
Most of these leaders are known for their organisational skills and successful management of elections in their respective states.

Opposition to name joint VP candidate on Tuesday, South face-off likely

Opposition to name joint VP candidate on Tuesday, South face-off likely

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Opposition parties are expected to announce their joint vice-presidential candidate, potentially leading to a 'south versus south' contest. Meetings and discussions have been held to finalize the candidate, with names from Tamil Nadu being considered. The opposition aims to field a non-political figure with national standing.

SC grants protection to scribe in case booked in Assam

SC grants protection to scribe in case booked in Assam

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has granted interim protection to journalist Abhisar Sharma in an FIR lodged against him in Assam over a video post allegedly criticising the state's policies.

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct a special intensive revision exercise in Bihar ahead of elections, raising concerns about voter exclusion.

'Gen Z Knows Their Movement Has Been Hijacked'

'Gen Z Knows Their Movement Has Been Hijacked'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

'College-going Gen Z students are devastated by the killings and destruction.' 'These are not the kind of people who would burn somebody's home or beat up political leaders or set fire to people and snatch guns from the policemen.' 'So obviously a huge infiltration has happened.'

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

India close partner of US, but Trump...: US Secy Rubio

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims President Donald Trump was instrumental in bringing about the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, a claim India has consistently denied.

Congress issues 3-day LS whip ahead of Pahalgam, Op Sindoor debate

Congress issues 3-day LS whip ahead of Pahalgam, Op Sindoor debate

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The ruling alliance and the Opposition are set to lock horns over the two issues steeped in national security and foreign policy imperatives.

391 votes needed to win vice president's poll, NDA has 425

391 votes needed to win vice president's poll, NDA has 425

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

The present strength of the electoral college is 781 as six seats are vacant in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha. This puts the majority mark at 391. The NDA has 425 MPs, while the opposition camp has the backing of 324.

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Deadlines for Guvs, Prez on Bills risk constitutional disorder: Centre to SC

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

The Centre has told the Supreme Court that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the president to act on bills passed by a state Assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution and lead to a "constitutional disorder".

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Turbulence In Tokyo: What It Means For India

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's sudden resignation after only a year in office has thrown Japan into political turmoil, raising doubts about how the country will handle economic and regional challenges, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the approximately 65 lakh voters removed from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, a state preparing for elections. The court's order comes in response to a petition filed by an NGO challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

'If the BJP had its way, it would sideline him in favour of someone else. But that's not feasible. There is no vote catcher in Bihar for the BJP.'

Rahul's big claim: CEC Gyanesh Kumar protecting 'vote chors'

Rahul's big claim: CEC Gyanesh Kumar protecting 'vote chors'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of protecting individuals involved in voter deletion and election rigging, citing data from Karnataka and Maharashtra.

'Coming Election Is Very Crucial For Congress'

'Coming Election Is Very Crucial For Congress'

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

'We can't afford to fight each other.' 'We have to win the 2026 election.'

'Putin's war chest': Trump official fires fresh salvo at India

'Putin's war chest': Trump official fires fresh salvo at India

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro accuses India of being an 'oil money laundromat' for Russia, alleging that India's oil purchases are funding Putin's war in Ukraine. The accusations come amid existing trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the US.

Cong asked Tharoor if he wants to speak during Op Sindoor debate, he said...

Cong asked Tharoor if he wants to speak during Op Sindoor debate, he said...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

There has been intense speculation on whether Tharoor, who led the delegation to the United States among other countries, will be picked as a speaker by the Congress given that his enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with tge party.

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The declared incomes of registered unrecognised political parties witnessed a 223 per cent spike in 2022-23 and more than 73 per cent of these parties failed to publicly disclose their financial records, according to poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

'No One Can Dare To Experiment A Maharashtra In Bihar'

'No One Can Dare To Experiment A Maharashtra In Bihar'

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

'After the 2020 Bihar assembly polls when our party got only 43 seats and our ally the BJP got 73 seats, Nitish Kumar refused to become chief minister and assured the BJP that he will support the government led by anyone.' 'But the BJP's top leaders told Nitish Kumar that as the NDA contested the polls under his leadership, the next government will be headed by him.'

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has stated it will intervene if there is mass exclusion in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, emphasizing the Election Commission's role as a constitutional authority.

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Cadres Rights Retrieval Committee has withdrawn from the BJP-led NDA coalition, a year after joining. The move follows meetings between Panneerselvam and DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin, fueling speculation about future alliances.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Electoral rolls can't remain static, need to be revised: SC

Electoral rolls can't remain static, need to be revised: SC

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

"There is bound to be revision," the top court said, "otherwise, how will the poll panel delete the names of those who are dead, migrated or shifted to other constituencies?"

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of genuineness' of Aadhaar and voter ID, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar and said it would once and for all decide pleas against Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

There had been intense speculation whether Tewari and Shashi Tharoor, both part of the diplomatic delegations that had been sent abroad to convey India's stand, would speak in the Lower House or not during the ongoing debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

'A Black Day That Saw Unprecedented Violence In Modern Nepal'

'A Black Day That Saw Unprecedented Violence In Modern Nepal'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

'9 September saw Kathmandu and other key cities under the control of goons.' 'There was no authority, the police was nowhere.' 'The crowds torched all three centres of the state -- the supreme court, parliament and the Singha Durbar government headquarters.' 'The army stayed aloof from the complete destruction of these edifices, which is less than a kilometre from its headquarters.'