News for 'Union and Delhi'

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC will support the women's quota bill but opposes the delimitation bill introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. She also criticised the central government over central agency raids on TMC candidates.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Nitish Kumar To Step Down On Tuesday; BJP's CM To Be Announced

Nitish Kumar To Step Down On Tuesday; BJP's CM To Be Announced

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

'Shivraj Chauhan is coming with a secret slip in which the next chief minister's name is mentioned, it will be known on Tuesday.'

India's Smaller Cities Pop Corks: Champagne Demand Spreads Beyond Metros

India's Smaller Cities Pop Corks: Champagne Demand Spreads Beyond Metros

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Champagne consumption in India is expanding beyond major metropolitan areas into smaller cities like Kanpur, Guwahati, and Lucknow, driven by a desire for sophisticated lifestyle declarations and a growing appreciation for the beverage.

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.

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Govt releases FAQs on women's quota bill after LS defeat

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The government has released a set of FAQs to address concerns and clarify the details surrounding the Women's Reservation Bill, which aims to provide 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures.

J-K: Hero of Hill Kaka and Op Sarp Vinash veteran Tahir Fazal dies at 62

J-K: Hero of Hill Kaka and Op Sarp Vinash veteran Tahir Fazal dies at 62

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Army paid a solemn tribute to Fazal, who died on Thursday after a brief illness. They remembered him as a "valiant son of the soil" who stood shoulder to shoulder with troops during Operation Sarp Vinash, which successfully dismantled terrorists' operational hub in Hill Kaka.

Check Out IPL 2026 Schedule

Check Out IPL 2026 Schedule

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the schedule for the first 20 games to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

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.

West Asia crisis, inflation weighed on RBI panel's decision on interest rate

West Asia crisis, inflation weighed on RBI panel's decision on interest rate

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Uncertainties stemming from the West Asia crisis and its potential impact on inflation and economic growth were key factors in the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to maintain the status quo on interest rates, according to the recently released MPC meeting minutes.

'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.

ED raids AAP MP who replaced Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in RS

ED raids AAP MP who replaced Raghav Chadha as deputy leader in RS

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated raids on business entities linked to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal in Punjab and Haryana, as part of a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) investigation into alleged financial irregularities.

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.

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.

No longer CM, but will keep an eye on Bihar's development: Nitish Kumar

No longer CM, but will keep an eye on Bihar's development: Nitish Kumar

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar has stated his intention to continue monitoring development work in Bihar, despite stepping down as chief minister. He plans to spend most of his time in Bihar, ensuring the continuation of previous good work under the new government.

Air India Unveils First Refurbished Boeing 787-8 After $400M Investment

Air India Unveils First Refurbished Boeing 787-8 After $400M Investment

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Air India's first refurbished Boeing 787-8 aircraft has landed in Delhi, marking a milestone in the airline's USD 400 million investment plan to upgrade its wide-body fleet. The aircraft features comprehensive interior upgrades, including new seats and in-flight entertainment systems.

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.

Blaze hits Raj HPCL refinery on eve of Modi launch, inauguration deferred

Blaze hits Raj HPCL refinery on eve of Modi launch, inauguration deferred

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A major fire near the main unit of the newly built Rajasthan refinery of HPCL has postponed the inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The fire, which broke out near the crude distillation unit, was doused in about two hours with no reported casualties.

LSR Students Clarify Protest Stance Amid Principal's Defence

LSR Students Clarify Protest Stance Amid Principal's Defence

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Students at Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College have issued a statement clarifying their recent protest, asserting it is not biased against any political ideology. This comes as the college principal, Kanika K Ahuja, addresses the situation and ongoing dialogue between students and the administration.

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.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

PM and I don't have 'wife issue': Rahul quips in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi playfully remarked on his and PM Modi's lack of 'the wife issue' during a Lok Sabha debate, highlighting the influence of women in everyone's lives.

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.

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

TMC Leader Alleges BJP Conspiracy Against Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of using central agencies to undermine Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal elections, alleging a lack of public support for the saffron party.

The Luv Kush Factor: Why BJP Picked Samrat Choudhary

The Luv Kush Factor: Why BJP Picked Samrat Choudhary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The BJP will use Samrat Choudhary to make a dent into Nitish Kumar's traditional social support base of Kurmi and Koeri/Kushwaha communities.

'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.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Modi government's first defeat: Women's bill fails in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A Constitution Amendment Bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increasing Lok Sabha seats was defeated in Parliament, marking a setback for the government's efforts to empower women in politics.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

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.

Why IUML Thinks Congress CM Candidate Debate Is Unnecessary

Why IUML Thinks Congress CM Candidate Debate Is Unnecessary

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress in Kerala, has criticised the public discussions and arguments regarding who should be the chief ministerial candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF). IUML leader P M A Salam stated that such debates could lead to discontent among party workers and the general public.

K V Thomas Predicts LDF Victory, Cites Congress Infighting

K V Thomas Predicts LDF Victory, Cites Congress Infighting

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

K V Thomas, Kerala's Special Representative in New Delhi, forecasts a third term for the CPI(M)-led LDF government, attributing the UDF's potential failure to internal conflicts and criticising the BJP for introducing 'consumerism' into Kerala politics.

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Delhi govt withdraws cases against Centre, LG filed by AAP

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

The Delhi government, now led by the BJP, has withdrawn all cases filed by the previous AAP administration against the Union government, the Lieutenant Governor, and several senior bureaucrats.

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 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.

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. She criticised the BJP's chargesheet against the TMC and alleged corruption in the Haldia dock complex. Banerjee also questioned Prime Minister Modi's claim of being the BJP candidate in all West Bengal seats.

Nirmala Sitharaman Alleges TMC Government Obstructing Central Welfare Schemes in West Bengal

Nirmala Sitharaman Alleges TMC Government Obstructing Central Welfare Schemes in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of preventing the implementation of central welfare schemes, depriving the state's residents of benefits such as Ayushman Bharat and PM Kisan.

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.

Phunchuk Stobdan: Icon Of India's Territorial Integrity

Phunchuk Stobdan: Icon Of India's Territorial Integrity

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Phunchuk Stobdan's forte was candour and strong views on India's defence. Naturally, India's adversaries were in awe of him, fearing his views and unyielding stand on boundary issues, remembers Tarun Vijay.

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and illegal immigration if the BJP comes to power. He criticised the current TMC government and outlined the BJP's plans for the state.