News for 'United Progressive Alliance'

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes the government's proposed bill to replace MGNREGA, arguing it weakens the guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poor and centralizes control over the scheme.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls indicates people's trust in the NDA government. He predicted victory for the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and lauded the Election Commission for conducting successful elections.

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Blow to climate action, US exits 66 global cooperation bodies

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from over 60 international organisations, including United Nations bodies and the India-France-led International Solar Alliance, calling the institutions 'redundant' and 'contrary' to America's interests.

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.

I bow to people, says Nitish; thanks Modi, allies

I bow to people, says Nitish; thanks Modi, allies

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar on Friday thanked people of the state for giving a 'landslide' victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance in the assembly polls.

Sardar Patel, The Man Who United India

Sardar Patel, The Man Who United India

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The rising tide of Indian nationalism meant that the people of princely states now were keen to become a part of a united and integrated India rather than remain subjects of a princely state. The Congress too supported the people's wish and it fell upon Patel to get the princes to agree. He did so magnificently, using every trick available, whether it was sweet talk or coercion; the rulers buckled and Patel earned the eternal gratitude of the entire nation.

India rebuts Trump aide's 'Modi didn't call' claim; says...

India rebuts Trump aide's 'Modi didn't call' claim; says...

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

'Incidentally, Prime Minister (Modi) and President Trump have also spoken on the phone on eight occasions during 2025, covering different aspects of our wide-ranging partnership'

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Narendra Modi government's support for the state's progress and urged voters to support the NDA in the upcoming assembly elections. He also criticized Lalu Prasad's governance and dynastic politics.

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tensions between the Congress and its leader Shashi Tharoor escalated on Thursday with the party saying he was very much part of their family but had erred in claiming that surgical strikes against Pakistan were held for the first time in 2016.

No alliance or united front with Cong: CPM

No alliance or united front with Cong: CPM

Rediff.com10 Aug 2010

The Communist Party of India-Marxist on Tuesday categorically ruled out forging an alliance or a united front with the Congress in future.

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

"2005 se lekar aaj tak... logon ne dekha hai kaun sarkar chalata hai aur kaun sirf hawa banata hai, (From 2005 till today, people know who actually governs and who just makes noise)," said Ramesh Yadav, a booth worker from Nalanda who claimed he had attended every JD-U celebration since Nitish's debut win.

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

'India Should Move Quickly As Conditions Change'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

'The real story of 2025 is that India officially stopped being a 'market of the future' and started acting as the world's primary economic engine.'

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Who prevented military action after 26/11, asks Modi citing Chidambaram

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked the Congress to tell the nation who prevented India's military response after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks linked to Pakistan, and accused the party of weakening the fight against terrorism when in power.

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

India to submit updated climate goals in December: Yadav

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

India will publish its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for the 2035 period by December, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said on Monday, while urging developed nations to achieve net zero targets ahead of their current timelines.

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue signalled a move from routine talks to deeper cooperation, with new deals on submarine rescue and defence industry to support stability in the Indo-Pacific, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Putin orders N-drills amid uncertainty over Trump meet to end Ukraine war

Putin orders N-drills amid uncertainty over Trump meet to end Ukraine war

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin supervised strategic nuclear forces drills amid uncertainty surrounding a potential summit with US President Donald Trump to address the Ukraine conflict.

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the address of the President to the two Houses was similar to the one made last year, and claimed that it was the same 'laundry list' of things the government has done.

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Shibu Soren cremated with state honors in native village

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, a towering figure in the state's tribal movement, was cremated with full state honors in his native village of Nemra. Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the 'Dishom Guru,' including political leaders and villagers.

Congress Reveals 6 Surgical Strikes Against Pakistan

Congress Reveals 6 Surgical Strikes Against Pakistan

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The revelation may have come late in the century but the Congress disclosed on Thursday, May 29, 2025, that the Indian Army conducted six surgical strikes against Pakistan during UPA-2, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government's second term in power.

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

'If Pranab Was PM, Cong Would Have...'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'...still have lost the 2014 Lok Sabha polls but could have won 140 seats.'

'Super spokesperson of BJP': Cong's Udit Raj slams Tharoor again

'Super spokesperson of BJP': Cong's Udit Raj slams Tharoor again

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Congress leader Udit Raj criticized party colleague Shashi Tharoor for his reported remarks that India breached the Line of Control (LoC) for the first time during the 2016 surgical strike on a terror base, saying he should be declared a "super spokesperson of the BJP". Raj argued that India had crossed the LoC in 1965 and 1971, and that the UPA government had also conducted surgical strikes. Tharoor had reportedly said that India breaching the LoC to conduct a surgical strike was "something we had not done before". This is not the first time Raj has criticized Tharoor for his comments on India-Pakistan relations. Last month, Raj had hit out at Tharoor for his reported "no country has 100-per cent foolproof intelligence" remarks, questioning how Tharoor could be giving the BJP a "clean chit" on the Pahalgam terror attack. Tharoor had hit back at Raj, saying the latter is a former BJP MP and "is better qualified to understand who speaks for the BJP".

Appeal against 2G acquittals 'ripe for hearing', CBI tells HC

Appeal against 2G acquittals 'ripe for hearing', CBI tells HC

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday informed the Delhi high court that its appeal against the acquittal of former telecom minister A Raja and 16 others in the 2G spectrum allocation case was 'ripe for hearing'.

UPA restructuring needed, Pawar should lead alliance: Raut

UPA restructuring needed, Pawar should lead alliance: Raut

Rediff.com1 Mar 2021

The future of this alliance would depend on the sacrifice and liberality of the Congress, he said.

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Dr Singh's final journey to begin tomorrow at 9.30 am

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were among the top leaders who paid homage to former prime minister Manmohan Singh at his home in New Delhi on Friday.

BJP firms up alliance with GK Vasan's party in Tamil Nadu

BJP firms up alliance with GK Vasan's party in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

The BJP state unit hailed Vasan and said his advice will be used in the coming days to guide the alliance.

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rana extradition: Sibal lauds UPA, NDA; says Pak role will become clearer

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has congratulated both the previous UPA government and the current dispensation for the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Sibal expressed confidence that the extradition will shed light on the involvement of individuals within Pakistan's establishment in the attacks. Rana is being questioned by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the deadly 2008 terror strikes. Sibal highlighted the efforts of the UPA government in establishing the NIA and pursuing Rana's extradition, and also acknowledged the current government's success in bringing him back to India. The interrogation is expected to focus on Rana's potential ties to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and his role in the Mumbai attacks.

Amid row, govt to allocate space for Manmohan Singh memorial in Delhi

Amid row, govt to allocate space for Manmohan Singh memorial in Delhi

Rediff.com28 Dec 2024

The Indian government has announced it will allocate space for a memorial to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, following a request from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The announcement comes after the Congress party criticized the government for not finding a location for Singh's cremation and memorial, calling it a deliberate insult. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

India's Census 2027 to include caste count; exercise to cost Rs 13K cr

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The census will be carried out with a reference date of October 1, 2026 in snow-bound areas like Ladakh and March 1, 2027 in the rest of the country, the notification said.

'Country will progress when maximum people are educated'

'Country will progress when maximum people are educated'

Rediff.com26 Jul 2012

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday said that the society and country would progress only when maximum people get education for which the United Progressive Alliance government has taken concrete steps.

'Handcuffed and humiliated': Cong on deportation of Indians

'Handcuffed and humiliated': Cong on deportation of Indians

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Congress on Wednesday expressed sadness over 'pictures of Indians getting handcuffed and humiliated' while being deported from the United States and recalled that America had to express regret over the treatment meted out to India diplomat Devyani Khobragade in 2013 after the then United Progressive Alliance government retaliated sharply.

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

India's 'Tiger Man' Valmik Thapar dies at 73

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Thapar had strong reservations about Project Cheetah, India's initiative to reintroduce African cheetahs into the wild. He argued that India does not have the necessary habitat or prey base to support free-ranging cheetahs and that the authorities lacked experience in managing spotted felines in the wild.

CBI reopens case against Lalu, grand alliance cries foul

CBI reopens case against Lalu, grand alliance cries foul

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

The central agency which is often accused, by parties opposed to the BJP, of having become a political instrument in the hands of the party ruling the Centre, has reopened inquiry into a case against Prasad which it had closed last year.

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

26/11 marked turning point in India-Pak ties: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the 2008 Mumbai terror attack marked a turning point in relations with Pakistan when Indians collectively felt that such behaviour from a neighbouring country could no longer be tolerated. Speaking at Charotar University of Science and Technology, Jaishankar acknowledged India's transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, while Pakistan has remained unchanged, continuing with what he termed as its "bad habits."

'The house where young Manmohan lived is now...'

'The house where young Manmohan lived is now...'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Recalling Singh as a very humble person, Kumar said, "Dr Singh used to live here. I was a child when his family shifted out. It was a very nice family." The house where the Singh family lived is in a dilapidated state now as no one stays there since they moved out a long time ago, Kumar said.

Jayalalithaa rules out alliance with Congress

Jayalalithaa rules out alliance with Congress

Rediff.com19 Jan 2011

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Jayalalithaa on Wednesday rubbished reports that her party would have an alliance with the Congress for the coming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.Jayalalithaa told reporters that her offer of support to the United Progressive Alliance government during the 2G spectrum scam crisis was not for alliance with the Congress.Asked why she had started criticising the Centre of late, she said, "The AIADMK has always voiced its criticism."

Jolt for Cong as Rajya Sabha MP Naran Rathwa joins BJP

Jolt for Cong as Rajya Sabha MP Naran Rathwa joins BJP

Rediff.com27 Feb 2024

Rathwa was a Minister of State for Railways in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004, and lost to BJP candidate Ramsinh Rathwa in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

BJP, Shiv Sena alliance to continue

BJP, Shiv Sena alliance to continue

Rediff.com11 Sep 2007

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said all was well between the BJP and Shiv Sena. He was speaking to newsmen after a luncheon meet with the Sena's Lok Sabha members led by Udhav Thackeray.