News for 'Union Minister of State'

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passes away

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Suresh Kalmadi passed away in Pune following a prolonged illness. He was 81 and had served as Union Minister of State for Railways and was a former president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Elect BJP-backed candidates, get Rs 10 lakh fund: Union minister

Elect BJP-backed candidates, get Rs 10 lakh fund: Union minister

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has offered Rs 10 lakh fund for villages in his Karimnagar Lok Sabha constituency if they elect a BJP-backed candidate in the Gram Panchayat polls to be held in Telangana next month.

IndiGo crisis: Union minister says accountability will be fixed

IndiGo crisis: Union minister says accountability will be fixed

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Union Minister assures accountability after IndiGo flight cancellations cause widespread passenger distress and mental harassment. The DGCA has launched an inquiry and issued a notice to IndiGo.

'Income has stopped': Why Union minister Suresh Gopi wants to resign

'Income has stopped': Why Union minister Suresh Gopi wants to resign

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Union Minister Suresh Gopi expressed his desire to step down from his ministerial post and recommended BJP's newly elected Rajya Sabha member C Sadanandan Master as his replacement in the central cabinet.

This Union Minister Wants Ban On 'I Love Muhammad'

This Union Minister Wants Ban On 'I Love Muhammad'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'This campaign reeks of communalism, which is why it is being opposed.'

Will Tharoor join BJP? Union minister Suresh Gopi says.....

Will Tharoor join BJP? Union minister Suresh Gopi says.....

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi on Friday said that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has to decide whether he wants to join the Bharatiya Janata Party and the changes seen in him were the outcome of understanding the people's interests.

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Union minister said such calls were tantamount to "inviting violence".

Union ministers meet Kerala suicide victim's family, back NIA probe demand

Union ministers meet Kerala suicide victim's family, back NIA probe demand

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Two Union Ministers visited the family of a 23-year-old woman in Kothamangalam who allegedly took her own life due to harassment by her lover. The family is demanding an NIA probe into the incident, alleging forced religious conversion.

Union minister Suresh Gopi visits freedom fighter Sankaran Nair's family

Union minister Suresh Gopi visits freedom fighter Sankaran Nair's family

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

Union Minister Suresh Gopi visited the family members of freedom fighter and former Indian National Congress (INC) president Chettur R Sankaran Nair in Ottapalam, Kerala. The visit was carried out as per the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit, the Minister assured the family that he would help facilitate the construction of a memorial in Ottapalam to honor Sankaran Nair's legacy.

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Ajit Pawar cremated with full state honours in Baramati

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a plane crash, were held with full state honors in Baramati. Prominent leaders and thousands of mourners attended the funeral.

Union minister's daughter harassed at event in Jalgaon

Union minister's daughter harassed at event in Jalgaon

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Union Minister Raksha Khadse on Sunday lodged a police complaint regarding the harassment of her daughter and some of her friends by a group of boys at an event in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

India must declare war against Pak if...: Union minister

India must declare war against Pak if...: Union minister

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

"As long as PoK exists, terrorist activities will continue. I request Prime Minister Narendra Modi that if Pakistan does not hand over PoK, we must declare war against them," Athawale said, calling for another surgical strike against the neighbouring country.

Union minister says 1,000 non-Hindus working at TTD, seeks probe

Union minister says 1,000 non-Hindus working at TTD, seeks probe

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Friday alleged that nearly 1,000 non-Hindus are working in the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) without having faith in Lord Venkateshwara or adhering to Sanatana Dharma.

Oppn MPs demand Hardeep Puri's resignation over Epstein links

Oppn MPs demand Hardeep Puri's resignation over Epstein links

Rediff.com5 days ago

Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Friday after opposition members raised slogans demanding the resignation of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and protesting against the India-US interim trade agreement.

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

Rediff.com3 days ago

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol refutes a foreign media report regarding the Air India AI171 plane crash investigation, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing and trusting Indian agencies.

Union minister Bandi Sanjay detained in Hyderabad

Union minister Bandi Sanjay detained in Hyderabad

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Union minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar was on Saturday detained by the police for staging a dharna in Hyderabad to express solidarity with aspirants of Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) Group 1 services, who are seeking postponement of the Mains exam.

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Highlights of Union Budget 2026-27

Union minister's relatives clash over tap water, 1 dead

Union minister's relatives clash over tap water, 1 dead

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

A dispute over tap water escalated into a fatal gun battle in a Bihar village, leaving one person dead and two others injured. The incident occurred in Jagatpur village, where brothers Vishwajit and Jayjit Yadav exchanged fire. The brothers' mother, who tried to intervene, was also injured. The incident is being investigated by the police, who are considering it a high-profile case due to the family's alleged connection to a senior BJP leader.

Kerala salutes 10-month-old organ donor who gave 4 people a new life

Kerala salutes 10-month-old organ donor who gave 4 people a new life

Rediff.com3 days ago

Kerala bid farewell to a 10-month-old girl, the state's youngest organ donor, with state honors after her parents donated her organs following her brain death.

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Cancer vaccine for women in 5-6 months: Union minister

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

A vaccine to fight cancers affecting women will be available in five to six months, and those in the age group of nine to 16 years will be eligible for inoculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday. The Union Minister of State for Health, Family Welfare and Ayush (Independent Charge) said that research on a vaccine is nearly complete and trials are underway. The government has also waived off customs duty for medicines used in cancer treatment.

NCP minister calls for Sunetra Pawar to join Maha govt

NCP minister calls for Sunetra Pawar to join Maha govt

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Senior NCP leader Narhari Zirwal says the public wants Sunetra Pawar, wife of late Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, to be brought into the Maharashtra state ministry.

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.

Stormy first part of Budget Session ends

Stormy first part of Budget Session ends

Rediff.com5 days ago

The first leg of the Budget session concluded with debates over the India-US trade deal and a former army chief's memoir, and will reassemble on March 9.

Ten months on, daughter of Pahalgam victim awaits promised job in Maha

Ten months on, daughter of Pahalgam victim awaits promised job in Maha

Rediff.com2 days ago

Ten months after her father's death in the Pahalgam terror attack, Asawari Jagdale is still waiting for the Maharashtra government to fulfill its promise of a state job. Despite assurances and follow-ups, the family faces financial hardship as they await the promised employment.

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Maharashtra Bids Farewell to Ajit Pawar

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in his memory. The large turnout and emotional farewell highlighted Ajit Pawar's strong grassroots connect and his significant influence in Maharashtra politics.

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has stirred controversy by suggesting that members of the "upper castes" should handle the tribal affairs portfolio. Gopi, an actor-turned-politician, argued that true progress in tribal welfare would only be achieved under the leadership of individuals from "upper castes." His comments have been met with widespread criticism, including from CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam and prominent tribal leader C K Janu.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Rahul Gandhi has urged the youth of Bihar to join him in the march in Begusarai wearing "white T-shirts".

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Union Minister of State BL Verma expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and said the government is closely monitoring it. Addressing a Rozgar Mela in Jammu, he lauded the BSF for its role in safeguarding India's borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. He also responded to questions on the Samajwadi Party's controversial statement labelling the BJP government as a "Hindu terrorist organisation", the Congress's allegations of EVM fraud, and Rahul Gandhi's call for a caste census.

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The incident took place right outside Parliament's Makar Dwar, the main entrance which MPs take to enter the new Parliament building, where Gandhi was standing in solidarity with suspended Congress MPs, mostly from Punjab.

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Union minister booked over remarks against Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

A first information report (FIR) has been registered against Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for his alleged remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the statements he made in the US about the condition of Sikhs in India, police said on Thursday.

Union minister Meghwal apologises after Meerabai remarks spark row

Union minister Meghwal apologises after Meerabai remarks spark row

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has apologized for his remarks about revered poet-saint Meerabai, which drew significant backlash on social media. Meghwal's comments, made during a recent program in Sikar, sparked criticism, particularly from the Rajput community, which demanded an apology from him. He said he has immense respect for Meerabai and "expresses regret and asks for forgiveness" if his words had hurt anybody. The minister had said that Meerabai was troubled not by her husband but by her brother-in-law, who wanted to marry her after her husband's death.

India-EU's FTA perfect answer to 'hegemons' using tariffs: Canadian minister

India-EU's FTA perfect answer to 'hegemons' using tariffs: Canadian minister

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

In a veiled attack on US President Donald Trump, Canada's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson on Tuesday said India's free trade agreement with the European Union is a "perfect" answer to global hegemons that use tariffs and economic integration as tools of coercion.

Pope Francis likely to visit India after 2025: Union minister

Pope Francis likely to visit India after 2025: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

Union Minister George Kurian on Saturday said the much-awaited visit of Pope Francis to India is likely to happen after 2025, which has been announced as the 'Jubilee Year' by the Catholic Church.

How did they bring nation to such a state? PM hits out at Oppn in RS

How did they bring nation to such a state? PM hits out at Oppn in RS

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha, stating that the world is moving towards a new global order and that India has become a prominent voice for the Global South. He highlighted India's growing influence and trade deals.

Budget 2026: Prez Murmu offers 'Dahi-Cheeni' to Sitharaman

Budget 2026: Prez Murmu offers 'Dahi-Cheeni' to Sitharaman

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Sitharaman continues with the tradition she set in 2019, carrying the budget speech in a 'bahi-khata', which she used after dropping the briefcase tradition.

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Sitharaman's 85-minute Budget speech skips poetry, not focus

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget, focusing on investments and growth. The speech was marked by its business-like approach and lack of cultural references, while opposition members raised concerns about regional representation.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com7 hours ago

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Will move privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi: Rijiju

Will move privilege notice against Rahul Gandhi: Rijiju

Rediff.com6 days ago

Rijiju, however, did not specify when and who will give notice for privilege motion against Gandhi. It is believed that someone from treasury benches in the Lok Sabha will do so.