News for 'Union Minister of State'

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

How BJP turned TMC's structural cracks into a sweeping mandate

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP's landslide victory in West Bengal has not merely redrawn the electoral map but overturned the operating logic of politics in the state, breaching the TMC's entrenched fortress despite a decade-and-a-half of dominance, minority consolidation, and a sustained "outsider" narrative.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal, leading to accusations of political violence and demands for investigation.

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has claimed victory for the state after the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Stalin criticised the Centre's handling of the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation process, accusing the BJP of prioritising political gain over fairness and consultation.

Why ServiceNow Sees India As A Major Growth Engine

Why ServiceNow Sees India As A Major Growth Engine

Rediff.com6 May 2026

ServiceNow, a leading AI platform for business transformation, is highly optimistic about its growth prospects in the Indian market, according to President and Chief Product Officer Amit Zavery.

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.

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the BJP would not allow any intruders into West Bengal if they win the state election, and would selectively root out illegal immigrants already present.

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Raises Concerns Over BJP's Governance

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Raises Concerns Over BJP's Governance

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'chargesheet' against the West Bengal government, accusing the BJP of attempting to polarise voters and evade accountability on issues such as women's safety and infiltration.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Modi 'guarantees' no injustice in delimitation, seeks Opposition support

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the opposition to support the government's bills for implementing the women's reservation law, cautioning against politicisation and assuring that delimitation will be fair to all states.

Doctor-turned-Union minister helps passenger mid-air

Doctor-turned-Union minister helps passenger mid-air

Rediff.com17 Nov 2021

A doctor at heart, always! Great gesture by my colleague, PM Narendra Modi tweeted.

'BJP Was Waiting To Get Rid Of Nitish Kumar'

'BJP Was Waiting To Get Rid Of Nitish Kumar'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'The BJP must have decided to replace Nitish with a green signal from JD-U leaders close to him.'

Stalin burns copy of delimitation bill, terms it 'black law'

Stalin burns copy of delimitation bill, terms it 'black law'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Stalin ignited protests against the proposed delimitation bill, branding it a 'black law' that threatens the rights and interests of the Tamil people, leading to widespread demonstrations across the state.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

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.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Derek O'Brien Fact-Checks Modi's Claims on Poverty, Development in India

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien has challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about India's progress, citing poverty statistics and West Bengal's economic growth.

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

J&K Governor Accuses Pakistan Of Pushing Drugs

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has accused Pakistan of targeting the region's youth by flooding the streets with drugs, vowing to combat the menace and protect the younger generation.

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).

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Accuses BJP of Polarisation

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Accuses BJP of Polarisation

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has launched a strong rebuttal against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'chargesheet' on the West Bengal government, accusing the BJP of attempting to polarise the state ahead of elections and failing to address critical issues such as violence in Manipur and women's safety in BJP-ruled states.

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Assam Elections: Can AGP Retain Its Identity In Assam's Changing Politics?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

In its list of 26 candidates for Thursday's assembly elections, 13 are from the Bengali-speaking Muslim community -- a demographic that was at the centre of the original Assam agitation.

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Inciting Societal Discord for Political Gain

Banerjee Accuses BJP of Inciting Societal Discord for Political Gain

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of inciting conflict within Indian society and exploiting the resulting instability for financial gain. She also criticised Amit Shah and the BJP's governance.

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to Lok Sabha members to vote for the women's reservation bill, emphasising the need to empower women and rectify decades of political inaction.

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Tribal Athletes Get National Platform at Khelo India Tribal Games

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The inaugural Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) commenced in Chhattisgarh, providing a national stage for tribal athletes to showcase their abilities. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the event's significance in promoting sports culture and identifying talent from remote areas.

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Boat Capsizes in Vrindavan: Punjab Pilgrims Killed, Injured, and Missing

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A boat capsized in the Yamuna River in Vrindavan, India, carrying tourists primarily from Punjab, resulting in multiple fatalities, injuries, and missing persons. The incident occurred during a devotional trip to Mathura, turning a pilgrimage into a tragedy for families from Ludhiana and Jagraon.

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Nitish set to step down as Bihar CM, to contest RS poll

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Speculation is rife in Bihar about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar potentially moving to the Rajya Sabha, leading to discussions about a possible BJP chief minister and a role for Kumar's son, Nishant. Senior BJP leaders have dismissed the rumours.

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

OCI card to cost $275 as govt announces fresh fee structure

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Indian government has revised the application fee for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and introduced changes to the application process, including abolishing the six-month continuous stay requirement.

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

UCC, 'Ram Rajya': Shah sharpens BJP's Bengal poll pitch

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BJP's manifesto for West Bengal, promising a Uniform Civil Code, a Bengali chief minister, and improved governance.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.

BJP appoints Union ministers as in-charge for RS polls in 4 states

BJP appoints Union ministers as in-charge for RS polls in 4 states

Rediff.com1 Jun 2022

The BJP on Wednesday also named its in-charges for assembly bypolls to four seats in Tripura.

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of playing the 'victim card' and pushing the state towards destruction. He promised to end the TMC's 'syndicate raj' and ensure justice for women if the BJP is voted to power.

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, solidifying the city's status after years of debate and uncertainty. The bill aims to prevent future changes to the capital and received support from both the ruling NDA and the opposition Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill.

Manipur: Mob tries to gherao Union minister's residence

Manipur: Mob tries to gherao Union minister's residence

Rediff.com27 May 2023

A group of people tried to gherao the residence of Union Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh in Imphal East district claiming that the government in the strife-torn state is not doing enough to protect locals from militants belonging to another community, officials said on Friday.

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Pradhan Accuses TMC of Protecting 'Infiltrators' for Votes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accuses the TMC of objecting to the omission of names from electoral rolls due to fears of losing the 'infiltrator' vote bank in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

CM vs LoP: Bhabanipur gears up for mega battle between Mamata, Suvendu

CM vs LoP: Bhabanipur gears up for mega battle between Mamata, Suvendu

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Bhabanipur is set to be the focal point of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari preparing for a high-stakes political battle. The constituency will witness rival processions and symbolic gestures as both parties aim to assert their dominance.

Delhi Community Mourns Father And Son Killed In Stabbing

Delhi Community Mourns Father And Son Killed In Stabbing

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A 62-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were fatally stabbed in their Delhi apartment, leaving the community in shock. Police have arrested a suspect, and a financial dispute is suspected as the motive.

Gaudium IVF Pioneers AI-Powered Infertility Treatment in India

Gaudium IVF Pioneers AI-Powered Infertility Treatment in India

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Gaudium IVF and Women Health Limited has introduced artificial intelligence-led infertility treatment in India, integrating advanced embryology tools into routine clinical practice. The AI integration includes systems such as SiD (Sperm Identification Device) and ERICA (Embryo Ranking Intelligent Classification Assistant) to improve precision in key stages of the in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) process.

IUML willing to forgo Deputy CM post for UDF victory in Kerala

IUML willing to forgo Deputy CM post for UDF victory in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

IUML leader Sayyid Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal stated that while the party deserves the deputy chief minister's post, it would not stake a claim for it if the UDF comes to power in Kerala. He also denied allegations of IUML candidates seeking votes on religious lines.