News for 'Vajpayee'

Modi's speech on 80th Independence Day shortest in 4 years

Modi's speech on 80th Independence Day shortest in 4 years

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his fourth shortest Independence Day speech on Saturday, lasting 75 minutes, marking his shortest address in four years. This analysis compares his recent speech lengths to his previous addresses and those of other former prime ministers.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Cong to stick to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP calls it 'New Muslim League'

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Congress Working Committee has decided to adhere to its 1937 resolution, mandating that only the first two stanzas of 'Vande Mataram' be sung at all party events, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which labelled the Congress the 'new Muslim League'.

Karn Sharma bids emotional farewell, ends career with four IPL titles, 591 wickets

Karn Sharma bids emotional farewell, ends career with four IPL titles, 591 wickets

Rediff.com1 days ago

Karn Sharma announced his retirement from competitive cricket at 38, ending a nearly two-decade career highlighted by India appearances, 591 wickets and four IPL titles.

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Nehru To Modi: PMs Who Hoisted The Flag At The Red Fort

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

As India prepares to mark its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the magnificent Red Fort will once again become the centre of the nation's celebrations.

'Rinku Singh among top 5 finishers in the world'

'Rinku Singh among top 5 finishers in the world'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Meerut Mavericks fast bowler Kartik Tyagi has lauded captain Rinku Singh, stating that the left-hander is 'almost in the Top 5 batters' globally for his ability to dominate pressure situations in the death overs.

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

'Crisis In The Economy Started Last Year'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

'It is not because of the war in West Asia, which began on February 28.' 'Petroleum product prices are already going through the roof. They are bound to have a serious inflationary impact.' 'A country's leadership is tested in trying times. It is here that the current leadership is failing.'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Does Trump Urgently Need Modi's Help On Iran?

Rediff.com7 days ago

US Vice-President J D Vance's unexpected phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8 has ignited speculation about a potential diplomatic overture, possibly seeking India's support amidst the escalating US-Iran conflict and a shifting global power landscape, suggests Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

China's Hydropower Plants: Why India Must Be Concerned

Rediff.com7 days ago

It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rahul hugs Cong leader, calls it Modi's foreign policy. Then comes Meloni jibe

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP-RSS, labelling them a "bunch of jokers" with no understanding of India, and criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy as merely "hugging leaders." He also claimed the RSS has become an instrument of large capital, serving Adani and Ambani, and vowed that the Congress would keep pressure on the government until Modi and Shah resign. The BJP hit back, calling Gandhi immature and out of depth.

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Operation Safed Sagar Review: Eye In The Sky, Feet On Ground

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Operation Safed Sagar is prime purpose may be to honour IAF warriors but it is an inadvertent reminder of how we went from a nation of Jung na hone denge to Ghar mein ghus ke marenge, observes Sukanya Verma.

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

'Delimitation Bill Is A Done Deal'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

'The BJP has all the instruments with them and they do have a sense of purpose, so I don't think there will be a challenge.'

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

'All donation thieves in BJP': Cong escalates attack over Ram Temple theft

Rediff.com2 Aug 2026

The Congress on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying not everyone in the BJP is a "chhanda chor" but all the "chhanda chors" are in the ruling party.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

'Manmohan Singh's 1991 Budget Speech Was Freedom Day For Us'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

'1991 was an exceptional period in Indian history.' 'A big 400-volt shock was administered to the system, which was required. Today, we are in a much, much better position.'

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Most Agriculture Ministers Hated Varghese Kurien

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

At a function in Anand, ministers and the chief minister all in attendance, Varghese Kurien called the IAS lobby termites.

Param Vir Chakra Yogendra Singh Yadav: 'When Youth Stand Up, Governments Have To Listen'

Param Vir Chakra Yogendra Singh Yadav: 'When Youth Stand Up, Governments Have To Listen'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

'These are children of our own country; they must be heard': Param Vir Chakra Awardee Honorary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav.

'Battles Of Tololing And Tiger Hill Were Among The Toughest Battles Ever Fought'

'Battles Of Tololing And Tiger Hill Were Among The Toughest Battles Ever Fought'

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

'I was fortunate enough to be associated with two of the most important battles fought by the Indian Army, the Battle of Tololing and Battle of Tiger Hill.' 'Sometimes, I think how I survived those battles on Tololing and on Tiger Hill.'

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Elderly Man Dies After Objecting To Abusive Language In UP Village

Elderly Man Dies After Objecting To Abusive Language In UP Village

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

A 65-year-old man, Virendra Sharma, was allegedly beaten to death in Sikanderpur village, Muzaffarnagar, after he objected to the use of abusive language during a minor altercation. One accused, Nitin, has been arrested, and a case has been registered against him and his father, Ranvir.

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A new book reveals that Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected an offer to become President of India, a move that would have made Lal Krishna Advani Prime Minister. Vajpayee believed that a sitting PM becoming President would set a bad precedent for Indian democracy.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Constitution expert Subhash Kashyap passes away

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Author of over 100 books, he served as the secretary general of Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.

Teenager Murdered In Nagpur Love Triangle

Teenager Murdered In Nagpur Love Triangle

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death by two minors in Nagpur over a love affair, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred late Tuesday night in Vajpayee Nagar area under the jurisdiction of Kalamna police station.

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (retd), former Uttarakhand chief minister and respected BJP leader, has died at 91.

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The DMK criticised its former allies, VCK and IUML, for joining the TVK government, leading to a heated exchange and prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to call for restraint.

IIT-Kharagpur Student Dies In Suspected Suicide

IIT-Kharagpur Student Dies In Suspected Suicide

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A 21-year-old IIT-Kharagpur student was found dead on campus, with police suspecting a suicide.

Twisha Sharma given tearful adieu; family pins hopes on SC

Twisha Sharma given tearful adieu; family pins hopes on SC

Rediff.com24 May 2026

A medical board from AIIMS Delhi will conduct a second post-mortem examination on former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal, following her family's concerns about the initial autopsy and allegations of dowry harassment.

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Twisha Sharma Cremated As Family Pursues Dowry Harassment Case

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The last rites of former actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry, were conducted in Bhopal. Her family continues to seek justice, with the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the case.

IPL 2026 preview, LSG vs PBKS: Punjab Kings need miracle to keep playoff hopes alive

IPL 2026 preview, LSG vs PBKS: Punjab Kings need miracle to keep playoff hopes alive

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Punjab Kings face a must-win situation against Lucknow Super Giants to keep their IPL playoff hopes alive, needing a turnaround after a series of defeats and dependence on other match results.

IPL 2026 Preview: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Seek Revival Vs Struggling Lucknow Super Giants

IPL 2026 Preview: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Seek Revival Vs Struggling Lucknow Super Giants

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to rediscover their batting form after a recent collapse as they face Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL match. RCB, currently second in the standings, need to regroup after a defeat against Gujarat Titans, while LSG are struggling at the bottom after losing their last six matches.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

IPL 2026: Prince Yadav Stuns Virat Kohli With Lethal Inswinger!

IPL 2026: Prince Yadav Stuns Virat Kohli With Lethal Inswinger!

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Prince Yadav returned outstanding figures of 3/33 as RCB fell nine runs short of the target in the rain-curtailed match.

IPL 2026 Preview: Injury-Hit Chennai Super Kings Target Top-4 Spot

IPL 2026 Preview: Injury-Hit Chennai Super Kings Target Top-4 Spot

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Chennai Super Kings, still in the hunt for a play-off berth, will look to continue their recent resilient run when they take on the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 match on Friday.

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

President Murmu invokes leaders from Nehru to Vajpayee to urge MPs' unity

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed Parliament, urging unity on national issues like 'Viksit Bharat', swadeshi, and national security. She highlighted government initiatives and the nation's progress.

How delimitation helped BJP sweep Assam

How delimitation helped BJP sweep Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The delimitation of constituencies, which aimed to reduce the influence of minority candidates, is a significant factor in the NDA's strong performance in the Assam elections, where they secured a record 102 seats. The 2023 delimitation exercise redrew constituencies, reserving some Muslim-majority seats for indigenous communities, which increased the BJP and its allies' seat count.

IIT Kharagpur Student Death Raises Mental Health Concerns

IIT Kharagpur Student Death Raises Mental Health Concerns

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A 22-year-old M Tech student was found dead in his hostel room at IIT Kharagpur, marking the second such incident in 10 days and raising concerns about mental health support for students.

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'