News for 'United Democratic Front'

Cong to hold nationwide stir against ED action in National Herald case

Cong to hold nationwide stir against ED action in National Herald case

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Congress party in India has condemned the seizure of assets belonging to the National Herald, a newspaper founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, and announced nationwide protests against the action. The party's general secretary, KC Venugopal, described the action as "draconian" and said it was a politically motivated attempt to silence the opposition. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, among others, on charges of money laundering in the case. The Congress has called for protests in front of ED offices across the country on Wednesday.

Is Trump planning a 3rd term? Prez says 'not joking'

Is Trump planning a 3rd term? Prez says 'not joking'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Trump's comments have been met with fierce criticism, with Rep. Daniel Goldman labeling it an "escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy." Goldman urged Congressional Republicans to oppose Trump's ambitions.

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Operation Sindoor outreach: Congress names 4, no Tharoor

Rediff.com17 May 2025

A statement issued by the parliamentary affairs ministry earlier on Saturday said the all-party delegations will project India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

INDIA partners Cong, CPM spar in RS over Kerala ASHA workers' strike

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

A heated debate erupted in the Rajya Sabha over the ongoing strike by ASHA workers in Kerala, with Congress and CPI(M) MPs trading accusations over responsibility for addressing their demands for a higher honorarium and post-retirement benefits. Congress MP Jebi Mather alleged that both the Kerala government and the Union government had ignored the workers' pleas, while CPI(M) MP John Brittas countered by claiming Kerala provides the highest honorarium to ASHA workers. The debate also saw demands for an AIIMS in Kerala and a hike in MBBS seats, as well as concerns over maternal health, elderly care, and mental health in India.

Ajit Pawar justifies BJP tie-up with secularism plea

Ajit Pawar justifies BJP tie-up with secularism plea

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Ajit Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party, which is in an alliance with pro-Hindutva BJP and the Shiv Sena, noted Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh) and Nitish Kumar (Bihar) -- all secular politicians -- aligned with the BJP for the sake of development of their respective states.

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

'We are no saints': Ajit Pawar dismisses reunion buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Celebrating the 26th foundation day of the party, the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party on Tuesday said there was no proposal of reunion with the rival faction, while Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule too avoided making any statement despite the recent buzz over the issue.

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

'There Will Be A Need For A Leader Like The Dalai Lama'

'There Will Be A Need For A Leader Like The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

'We are now in a situation where our country is not yet free.' 'China is still very strong and militarily powerful.' 'In such a situation, we need the Dalai Lama to bring about a resolution to the cause of Tibet.' 'That's one of the main reasons that at age 90, he has accepted that there should be a 15th Dalai Lama after him.'

US court blocks Trump's major tariffs, says exceeds authority

US court blocks Trump's major tariffs, says exceeds authority

Rediff.com29 May 2025

A US federal court on Wednesday (local time) ruled against US President Donald Trump's large-scale imposition of sweeping tariffs, deeming that this move exceeds his legal authority and that it would affect a wide range of imported goods, as reported by CNN.

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

While the BJP backs Nitish Kumar as chief minister, Chirag isn't hiding his readiness for the role, reports Aditi Phadnis.

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The 81-year-old Biden and his family are currently consulting with doctors to determine the best course of action.

'Will Tell Them About Success Of Operation Sindoor'

'Will Tell Them About Success Of Operation Sindoor'

Rediff.com21 May 2025

'We will inform them how Pakistan not only helps terrorists, it also provide training to them to target India and spread terror.'

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

'Congress Has Many Capable Leaders In Kerala'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Maybe this has created some minor issues which can happen in any party.'

What does Nitish Kumar's NDA pledge really mean?

What does Nitish Kumar's NDA pledge really mean?

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking a fifth term, has asserted that he will remain in the NDA, crediting the BJP for his rise to power. Kumar, the JD(U) supremo, reiterated his stance at the Khelo India Youth Games. He has been a BJP ally since the mid-1990s but parted ways in 2013. Kumar's return to the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls last year, after previously joining hands with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, has sparked debate about his political strategy.

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed "Operation Sindoor" as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the operation reflects a changing and resolute India, and has inspired patriotism and self-reliance across the country.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Rediff.com3 May 2025

US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI-generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media, sparking a dueling backlash and praise. The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it "cosplaying as the next Pope." The photo comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own "number one choice" for the next pope. The president posted the picture at 10:29 pm Friday, without a caption or comment. The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online.

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking a directive for 100% manual counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in addition to electronic counting. The court cited its previous rulings on the safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and stated that the issue was not open for reconsideration. The plea argued for a modified VVPAT system where voters could verify printed ballots before leaving the polling station, and for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips. The court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision dismissing the plea, referring to previous Supreme Court judgments on the matter.

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Bharat Mata row sparks protests, war of words in Kerala

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

The editorial came amidst the ongoing tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led Left Democratic Front government over the usage of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official functions being held in Raj Bhavan.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The closed-door luncheon meeting came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with Trump exploring Washington's possible involvement.

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

US report flags 'downward trend of democratic values' in India

Rediff.com10 Feb 2023

As the United States focuses on the Indo-Pacific, in particular the Quad, the Biden administration needs to address India's ties with Russia and its 'downward trend of democratic values and institutions', said a report by the Democratic Party of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Fake voters' list row rocks Palakkad bypoll; EC warns of action

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Election Commission has said it will allow suspected fake voters to cast their ballots in the Palakkad assembly by-poll, but will take action against them later. The CPI(M), Congress, and BJP have accused each other of enrolling fake voters. The by-poll is scheduled for November 20.

Will Nitish Kumar Be NDA's CM Face For Bihar Polls?

Will Nitish Kumar Be NDA's CM Face For Bihar Polls?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

'CM face ko lekar NDA mein koi confusion nahi hai, Nitish Kumar hi NDA ke CM face hai'.

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

No dispute, Tejashwi is the CM face: Kanhaiya Kumar

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

There is no confusion or dispute in the 'Mahagathbandhan' over Tejashwi Yadav being the main face for the Bihar chief minister's post, Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar said on Friday while asserting that the CM will be from the Rashtriya Janata Dal if the alliance gets a majority in the upcoming polls.

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Congress leaders maintained that Indian defence forces had attained complete superiority and dominance over Pakistan before the sudden "ceasefire" was announced by US President Donald Trump.

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Why Do We Believe Israel, And Not Iran?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

At the end of the day, for many worldwide, the ongoing mutual attacks between Israel and Iran would seem a contest devoid of any moral high ground and only a bout between two ordinary adversaries, one that nevertheless risks spinning out of control into a larger conflagration, notes Shyam G Menon.

'We've had no democratic government in J&K since 2018'

'We've had no democratic government in J&K since 2018'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

'If democracy does not exist, if there are no political spaces, there is no media, there is no civil society, what do we rejoice?'

'Nitish Kumar Is 100% Healthy'

'Nitish Kumar Is 100% Healthy'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'Nitish Kumar is our CM today and he will be CM going forward also. Nitish Kumar will continue as CM till he wishes.'

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP has won the post of joint secretary in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election, ending a nine-year period out of office. The ABVP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of JNU, breaking the Left's long-standing dominance. Left candidates won the remaining three central panel posts, but the ABVP's victory is seen as a major gain for the right-wing group.

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Are Trump and Musk Dismantling American Democracy?

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

We the people are left in the wind, waiting on the whims of an unengaged president and an oligarch with a nearly bottomless wallet, observes Sree Sreenivasan.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Trump sets new rules for US elections, cites India's example

Trump sets new rules for US elections, cites India's example

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The order also highlights further disparities, citing examples of Denmark and Sweden restricting mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and rejecting late-arriving ballots regardless of postmark, while many US states have embraced widespread mail-in voting, with some accepting ballots without postmarks or those arriving well after Election Day.

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Third term: Why Modi's position remains solid despite 2024 jolt

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

While the BJP went back to the drawing board to recraft its political and governance outreach and regained momentum by notching up surprisingly big wins in a string of assembly polls, the burst of fresh optimism in the main opposition Congress and other INDIA bloc parties fizzled out.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Is it so difficult to be patriotic: Salman Khurshid's cryptic post

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who is a part of India's diplomatic mission abroad, on Monday said it is 'distressing' that people back home are calculating political allegiances and asked if it is 'so difficult to be patriotic'.

Protesters against DOGE target Tesla stores across US

Protesters against DOGE target Tesla stores across US

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

Protesters across the United States and Europe have gathered outside Tesla dealerships to express their opposition to billionaire Elon Musk's involvement in the US government, Al Jazeera reported.

Will earn and...: Kamala Harris after Biden drops out

Will earn and...: Kamala Harris after Biden drops out

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win, Harris said.