News for 'Voice of Citizens'

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

Modi hails 'Vijay Utsav' as Opposition gears up to corner govt

Modi hails 'Vijay Utsav' as Opposition gears up to corner govt

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said Parliament's Monsoon session is like a 'Vijay Utsav' as the Indian armed forces achieved their objectives under Operation Sindoor 100 per cent, and expressed confidence that the MPs will articulate this sentiment in one voice.

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

'Modi refused to give an exception': Rijiju on bills to remove PM, CMs

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Rijiju also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that his own party MPs "get uncomfortable" when he speaks in Parliament and are apprehensive that he will do "anap-shanap baatein" and the party will have to bear the consequences.

Pune trader gets threat from Pak after Turkish apple boycott call

Pune trader gets threat from Pak after Turkish apple boycott call

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Zende along with a group of traders met joint commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma and apprised him about the calls.

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

J-K police raid bookshops after ban on 25 titles for glorifying terrorism

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Police conduct raids at bookshops in Kashmir to seize banned books promoting false narratives and glorifying terrorism, following a government order. The ban and subsequent raids have drawn criticism from authors and political leaders.

Sonia slams Modi, Trump, Netanyahu over Iran, Gaza conflict

Sonia slams Modi, Trump, Netanyahu over Iran, Gaza conflict

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

"It is still not too late. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue in West Asia," Gandhi asserted.

'They didn't just die. Honour all 26 Pahalgam victims as martyrs'

'They didn't just die. Honour all 26 Pahalgam victims as martyrs'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Aishanya Dwivedi, wife of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, demands 'Martyr' status for all 26 victims and criticizes political leaders for undermining the gravity of the attack.

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) asserts that major political parties participated in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, deploying booth level agents despite opposing the exercise in the Supreme Court. The ECI defends its authority to conduct the revision to maintain the integrity of elections.

'These Are Not 'Strays' But Community Dogs'

'These Are Not 'Strays' But Community Dogs'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'Day by day we expose how soulless we have become as a society. Every day is a disappointment.'

Deportation of Bengali migrants to B'desh sparks panic in Bengal village

Deportation of Bengali migrants to B'desh sparks panic in Bengal village

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Families in West Bengal allege that Delhi Police illegally detained and deported their relatives, living and working in Delhi, to Bangladesh. They claim the deportations were based on the fact that they spoke Bengali.

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

'My Conscience Does Not Permit Me To Watch This Match'

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. The Prime Minister himself said that blood and water cannot flow together, that talks and terrorism cannot go together. So how can we have a cricket match with a country that indulges in terrorism?'

CBI Raids 10 Sites in Cyberfraud Crackdown

CBI Raids 10 Sites in Cyberfraud Crackdown

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The raids were linked to a sophisticated organised investment fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals through fake mobile apps and WhatsApp groups.

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

'The Problem With Quick Fixes Is...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'...they always address problems superficially, never tackling root causes.' 'Currently, the policy response will focus on immediate relief -- getting people to safety, providing facilities, clearing debris.' 'This is necessary, but once immediate relief operations end, everything returns to 'normal' without addressing underlying vulnerabilities.'

'Linking Aadhar With Voter ID Is Very Dangerous'

'Linking Aadhar With Voter ID Is Very Dangerous'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

'The protection of secrecy and anonymity gets lost with this linking.'

'We saw a missile and a drone fall from sky'

'We saw a missile and a drone fall from sky'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The first flight carrying 110 Indian students, who were evacuated to Armenia from war-torn Iran, landed in Delhi in the early hours on Thursday.

Sehwag slams Pak for escalation, Neeraj backs Armed Forces

Sehwag slams Pak for escalation, Neeraj backs Armed Forces

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Sehwag condemned Pakistan's intent and motives in a strongly worded post

Days after mega delimitation meet, Stalin writes to Modi

Days after mega delimitation meet, Stalin writes to Modi

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has reiterated his request to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss concerns over the proposed delimitation. In a social media post, Stalin reminded Modi of his earlier request for a meeting along with MPs from various parties to present a memorandum on the issue. He also shared a letter addressed to Modi on March 27, 2025, requesting an "audience" to formally submit the memorandum on behalf of the Joint Action Committee.

Watershed moment: Modi after Waqf bill passed in Parl

Watershed moment: Modi after Waqf bill passed in Parl

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament as a "watershed moment" in the country's quest for socio-economic justice, transparency and inclusive growth. He said the legislation will particularly help those who have long remained on the margins, thus being denied both voice and opportunity. Modi stated that the Waqf system was synonymous with lack of transparency and accountability, especially harming Muslim women, poor Muslims and Pasmanda Muslims. He added that the legislation will boost transparency and safeguard people's rights, ushering in a more modern and socially just framework. The prime minister thanked all members of Parliament and the public for their contributions to the legislation.

Pak a threat to humanity: Owaisi's message to world as delegation member

Pak a threat to humanity: Owaisi's message to world as delegation member

Rediff.com17 May 2025

He added, "You can never trust Pakistan as long as the Pakistani deep state, Pakistani ISI, Pakistani military's objective is to destabilise Bharat."

What Travel Boycott Can Teach Turkiye, Azerbaijan

What Travel Boycott Can Teach Turkiye, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Just as Gandhiji's spinning wheel became a symbol of resistance, Indian travellers today can turn their passports into instruments of peaceful protest, argues Harsh Roongta.

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Salute! India's First Ethnic Gorkha General

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung deserves to be complimented in telling his life story and that of his people, as subaltern communities within this vast and diverse nation of ours clamour for recognition and a plea for their voices to be heard and their aspirations to be met, notes Lieutenant General Gautam Moorthy.

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

'Nagrik Devo Bhava': Modi's message to bureaucrats

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Citing evolving needs and aspirations of the citizens, he said that the civil service must adapt to contemporary challenges to remain relevant.

Terrorists, their masterminds want Kashmir to be... Modi

Terrorists, their masterminds want Kashmir to be... Modi

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

Modi said, "I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be definitely done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served the harshest punishment."

Assam Cong leader summoned in case related to 'Gogoi's links with Pak'

Assam Cong leader summoned in case related to 'Gogoi's links with Pak'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Senior Congress leader Ripun Bora has been summoned by Assam Police for questioning in connection with a case related to party colleague Gaurav Gogoi's alleged links with Pakistan. The summons comes after Bora publicly stated that Gogoi's wife received salaries from the Pakistan government, which prompted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to claim that Bora "knows a lot" about Gogoi's alleged links. The case centers around allegations of Pakistani national Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, who is claimed to have links with Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn, interfering in India's internal affairs. Gogoi has vehemently denied the allegations and accused Sarma of making baseless accusations.

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Air India crash: Focus shifts to decoding black box

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

A week after the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad claimed 270 lives, investigators on Thursday continued to sift for clues to ascertain the cause, while the government said the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau will decide where to decode the black box of the ill-fated Dreamliner.

'Saw missiles in the sky': Indian students evacuated from Iran

'Saw missiles in the sky': Indian students evacuated from Iran

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

"We saw missiles in the sky and heard bombs in our neighbourhood... We were petrified," said MBBS student Mir Khalif, his voice still trembling with fear, as he stepped out of the Delhi airport after being evacuated from war-hit Iran under Operation Sindhu.

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

'No authority above Parliament': Dhankhar renews attack

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Dhankhar said every word spoken by a constitutional functionary is guided by the supreme sublime interest of the nation.

Pak-born woman living in Odisha for 35 years gets notice to leave

Pak-born woman living in Odisha for 35 years gets notice to leave

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Sharada Kukreja, a Pakistani woman living in Odisha for 35 years after marrying an Indian citizen, has been served a notice to leave the country. She has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi to stop her deportation, citing her long-standing ties to India and family here. Sharada fled Pakistan to escape forced conversion and marriage, and despite having an Aadhaar card and participating in elections, she has not been granted Indian citizenship. The Odisha government has identified 12 Pakistani nationals residing in the state and asked them to leave by April 27. Another Pakistani woman in Bhubaneswar also received a country exit permit on Saturday.

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.

'Doctors Have Given Us Citizens A Spine'

'Doctors Have Given Us Citizens A Spine'

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'When we get justice we will stop the protest.'

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Manipur conflict: Two years on, thousands still wait to return home

Rediff.com3 May 2025

Two years after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur, thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) continue to live in overcrowded camps, struggling to rebuild their lives and facing an uncertain future. Despite the sacking of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President's rule, peace remains a distant hope. While hill-based Kukis demand a separate administration, Meiteis seek implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and deportation of those they consider illegal immigrants. The IDPs, grappling with severe psychological distress, feel forgotten by the government and are forced to depend on the mercy of others for basic needs.

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

Erdogan Faces Mass Protests After Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Erdogan Faces Mass Protests After Istanbul Mayor's Arrest

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Thousands of protesters are out on the streets of Istanbul after the arrest of the city's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

'Pakistan Working Committee': BJP slams Cong for doubting Balakot strike

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The BJP on Saturday accused the Congress of repeatedly supplying "oxygen" to Pakistan, and slammed the opposition party for its leader Charanjit Singh Channi's remarks questioning the veracity of Balakot air strikes after the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra alleged that the Congress is full of pro-Pakistan leaders who make statements against India's interests, and mocked the party for its letter that had advised its functionaries to toe the official line on the issue. Patra also criticized other Congress leaders for their comments on the Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, accusing them of lowering the morale of the armed forces. He further slammed the Congress for claiming credit for the government's announcement of the caste census and said the party never carried out the exercise during its over 60-year stint in power.

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Can RSS Put Aurangzeb's Ghost To Rest in Maharashtra?

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's call to drop the Aurangzeb tomb controversy challenges decades of communal rhetoric in Maharashtra, igniting hopes for unity and a balanced historical narrative.

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Thousands Protest Against Trump In US

Thousands Protest Against Trump In US

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

On Wednesday, protests erupted across the United States in response to President Donald Trump's recent actions.

Kejriwal releases 7-point 'manifesto' for middle class

Kejriwal releases 7-point 'manifesto' for middle class

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The AAP chief stressed the need for an increase in healthcare spending, suggesting a rise to 10 percent of the GDP, along with the removal of taxes on health insurance premiums.