News for 'chief minister contenders'

EC probes Kerala CPM leader's claim of postal ballot breach in 1989 polls

EC probes Kerala CPM leader's claim of postal ballot breach in 1989 polls

Rediff.com15 May 2025

As part of the investigation, EC officials visited Sudhakaran's residence on Thursday and recorded his statement. They said the matter would be submitted to the district collector for further actions.

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

10-15 Cong, Uddhav Sena MLAs will join us on Jan 23: Shiv Sena leader

10-15 Cong, Uddhav Sena MLAs will join us on Jan 23: Shiv Sena leader

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A ruling Shiv Sena leader has predicted a "major political earthquake" in Maharashtra on January 23, the birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder late Bal Thackeray, claiming that 10 to 15 MLAs from the opposition Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT) will switch sides and join the party led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The prediction comes amidst reports of discontent within the ruling coalition in the state.

Kejriwal set to quit, AAP to name new Delhi CM at noon

Kejriwal set to quit, AAP to name new Delhi CM at noon

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

Kejriwal had announced his decision to resign from the post of chief minister on Sunday. He had said that he will only sit on the CM's chair when people give him a "certificate of honesty".

Karnataka tug of war: Rahul requested to 'warn' leaders

Karnataka tug of war: Rahul requested to 'warn' leaders

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

A group of Congress leaders have written to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to warn party leaders and state ministers, who are weighing in for the chief minister's post, in the event of leadership change in Karnataka.

Despite BJP sweep, 12 Shivraj ministers lose, including Narottam Mishra

Despite BJP sweep, 12 Shivraj ministers lose, including Narottam Mishra

Rediff.com4 Dec 2023

Mishra lost from Datia seat by a margin of 7,742 votes to Congress candidate Rajendra Bharti.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

'Bharat' Atishi Takes Charge Of Delhi

'Bharat' Atishi Takes Charge Of Delhi

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

Delhi's youngest Chief Minister Atishi took charge of the capital's government on Monday, September 23, 2024.

After Waqf, it's Christians: Rahul, Kerala CM slam RSS article

After Waqf, it's Christians: Rahul, Kerala CM slam RSS article

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the RSS of "majority communalism" over an article published in an RSS mouthpiece regarding the Catholic Church's property holdings in India. The article, which has since been removed from the website, called for the government to acquire the church's land, claiming it was illegally leased during the British era. Vijayan said the article reveals the "true mindset" of the RSS and its alleged plan to "target minority groups one by one and destroy them step by step." The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, echoed Vijayan's concerns, stating that the article shows the RSS's intent to target the Church's property. He also claimed that the article's publication coincides with the passing of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, suggesting a pattern of targeting religious communities. Meanwhile, the BJP state president, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, denied the article's accuracy and stated that the article was removed after it was found to be untrue. He also emphasized that owning land is not a crime, and countered allegations that the Congress and Waqf have illegally acquired land in Karnataka. Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of Thalassery, however, expressed confidence that the Church is not afraid of any "Church Bill", as its properties have been earned through hard work. He said the Church will take legal action if necessary.

Siddaramaiah: Congress's top CM post contender with a Janata past

Siddaramaiah: Congress's top CM post contender with a Janata past

Rediff.com13 May 2023

A renewed energy seems to have been infused into the 75-year old Congress leader Siddaramaiah's gait as he walked to address a packed press conference in Mysore on Saturday.

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Relief for Siddaramaiah as HC dismisses plea seeking CBI probe into MUDA case

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law B M Mallikarjun Swamy, Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased a land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police establishment, located in Mysuru on September 27, following the order of the Special Court that exclusively deals with criminal cases related to former and elected MPs/MLAs.

Kejriwal to tender resignation on Tuesday, AAP MLAs to pick new CM

Kejriwal to tender resignation on Tuesday, AAP MLAs to pick new CM

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

A meeting of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs will be held on Tuesday morning, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is likely to tender his resignation after it, the party said.

TN govt vs governor tussle goes to SC again

TN govt vs governor tussle goes to SC again

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

The Tamil Nadu government has argued in the Supreme Court that Governor R N Ravi's repeated withholding of assent to bills passed by the state legislative assembly would lead to the failure of the democratic system in India. The top court has questioned the delay by the Governor in granting assent to several bills passed by the state assembly and asked why governors should wait for parties to move the court with their grievances. The court has also said that the Governor cannot refer bills passed by the legislature and re-adopted by it for presidential assent.

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Busted Pakistani propaganda among OIC nations: Shrikant Shinde

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

India succeeded in busting the Pakistani narrative on Operation Sindoor, particularly among the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) member nations, where Islamabad sought succour after carrying out terror activities across the border, Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde said.

TN govt files criminal defamation case against state BJP chief Annamalai

TN govt files criminal defamation case against state BJP chief Annamalai

Rediff.com10 May 2023

The Tamil Nadu government filed a criminal complaint in a sessions court in Chennai on Wednesday against state Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai for defaming Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Who will be next Maharashtra CM? Ajit Pawar says...

Who will be next Maharashtra CM? Ajit Pawar says...

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party head Ajit Pawar on Monday said discussions were underway among the Mahayuti partners to finalise a formula for the new government formation in the state.

HC reserves order on Kejriwal's interim bail

HC reserves order on Kejriwal's interim bail

Rediff.com17 Jul 2024

The Delhi high court reserved on Wednesday its order on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's pleas challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy case and seeking interim bail.

Setback to Sidda, HC rejects plea against governor's nod for probe

Setback to Sidda, HC rejects plea against governor's nod for probe

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

The chief minister had challenged the approval given by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot for an investigation against him in the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) in a prime locality.

Kerala assembly adopts resolution against uniform civil code

Kerala assembly adopts resolution against uniform civil code

Rediff.com8 Aug 2023

The Kerala assembly on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government to refrain from implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.

'Ravan Bhakt', 'Ghoshna Mantri': Slangs heat up Delhi poll

'Ravan Bhakt', 'Ghoshna Mantri': Slangs heat up Delhi poll

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The upcoming Delhi Assembly elections have turned into a fierce battleground of slogans, one-liners, and AI-generated memes between the three main contenders: AAP, BJP, and Congress. From the AAP branding the BJP as the "Bharatiya Jhootha Party" (Indian Liar Party) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling the AAP "AAP-Daa" (disaster), the war of words has taken center stage. With the poll results set to be announced on February 8, the elections are being viewed as a referendum on the AAP's governance model, which emphasizes free welfare schemes. The ruling party faces stiff competition from a resurgent BJP that is seeking to return to power in the capital after a gap of more than 25 years. The Congress, although a long shot, hopes to regain its lost ground.

Historic win for BJP-led alliance in Maha; INDIA gets Jharkhand

Historic win for BJP-led alliance in Maha; INDIA gets Jharkhand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday pulled off a stunning performance in Maharashtra winning a record number of seats to propel the party-led ruling Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory while the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) stormed back to power in Jharkhand on the back of a spectacular showing by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

K'taka Cong leaders squabble over CM post as Siddaramaiah faces probe

K'taka Cong leaders squabble over CM post as Siddaramaiah faces probe

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

A verbal duel of sorts has erupted between two senior ministers -- M B Patil and Shivanand Patil -- about seniority as the yardstick to become the Chief Minister.

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

At a time when none in Kerala's Left politics questioned the chief minister's authority, MLA P V Anvar hurled a series of accusations against Pinarayi Vijayan's government, notes Shyam G Menon.

Will J&K Assembly Pass A Resolution For Article 370 To Be Restored?

Will J&K Assembly Pass A Resolution For Article 370 To Be Restored?

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Pressure is mounting for a resolution to be moved in the assembly when it meets next week for its maiden sitting to demand 'restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A' as committed in the National Conference's election manifesto, reveals Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Time To Embrace Inclusive Nationalism

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

'It is important India to stay focussed on its primary national objectives: Combating terrorism; not losing sight of other security and strategic concerns (on the Sino-Indian front for instance); ensuring a strong economy and registering growth which includes improving the lot of common people; and finally making certain that the social fabric remains intact and harmony among people is not jeopardised, at least any further,' asserts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Reshuffle buzz: Praful Patel likely to be made central minister

Reshuffle buzz: Praful Patel likely to be made central minister

Rediff.com3 Jul 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Monday amid a heightened buzz about the likelihood of a Cabinet reshuffle following a series of meetings of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's top brass.

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.

Manish Sisodia gets bail after 17 months; SC slams lower courts

Manish Sisodia gets bail after 17 months; SC slams lower courts

Rediff.com9 Aug 2024

The bench said it would be a travesty of justice to relegate Sisodia to the trial court for seeking bail in these cases.

Excise policy: Kejriwal moves SC against HC's interim stay on bail order

Excise policy: Kejriwal moves SC against HC's interim stay on bail order

Rediff.com23 Jun 2024

One of the lawyers of the chief minister said that they will be seeking urgent listing of the petition on Monday.

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Will Pakistan's Generals Never Learn?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

Asim Munir and his brand of short-sighted army officers give no inkling of paying heed, changing course or learning lessons from the past, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

'Consequences to follow': SC to hear CEC appointment plea on Feb 19

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on February 19 for pleas challenging the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court emphasized the potential consequences if any action is taken before the hearing. The pleas argue that the 2023 law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, undermines the independence of the Election Commission and allows for undue influence from the executive branch. The court's earlier verdict in March 2023 called for an independent selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure the integrity of the Election Commission. The case highlights concerns about the independence of India's electoral process and the potential for political influence in the appointment of key election officials.

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Ex-central banker to replace Trudeau as Canada PM

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Carney defeated former cabinet minister Karina Gould, former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, and Businessman and former Liberal MP Frank Baylis. All four contenders entered the room to much fanfare and addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for injecting energy into the party.

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

SC To Hear Plea Against CEC's Appointment Today

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court will hear on February 19 pleas challenging the appointments of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners under the 2023 law. The court will take up the matter on a priority basis, after some urgent listed matters. The government has appointed a new CEC and ECs under the new law, which excludes the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel, despite a 2023 Supreme Court verdict directing the inclusion of the CJI in the panel. The petitioners argue that the exclusion of the CJI undermines the independence of the election commission.

BFI president elections to witness four-cornered fight

BFI president elections to witness four-cornered fight

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Boxing Federation of India (BFI) chief Ajay Singh will be up against secretary general Hemanta Kalita, vice-president Rajesh Bhandari, and Kerala State Amateur Boxing Association secretary D Chandralal when the BFI holds its long-awaited elections on March 28.

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

SC to hear plea against current practice to appoint CAG

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court will hear a plea seeking an independent selection process for the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on March 17. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, argues that the current system of appointment solely by the executive and the prime minister violates the Constitution and undermines the CAG's independence. The petition calls for a transparent process involving the prime minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The PIL contends that the CAG's role as a watchdog over government finances requires a fair and non-arbitrary appointment procedure.

Mohan Yadav to take oath as Madhya Pradesh CM on Wednesday

Mohan Yadav to take oath as Madhya Pradesh CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

Mohan Yadav will take oath as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in Bhopal on Wednesday morning, and the event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the chief ministers of Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states among others, a party leader said.

Pinarayi, Union minister continue war of words over Kerala blasts

Pinarayi, Union minister continue war of words over Kerala blasts

Rediff.com30 Oct 2023

Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Monday alleged that Kerala under Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has shown tolerance towards radical elements and radicalisation.

Battle For Survival For Pawars, Uddhav, Shinde

Battle For Survival For Pawars, Uddhav, Shinde

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Voters, it is said, get the government they deserve. We will soon see what voters in Maharashtra choose. Till then, a sense of helplessness and scepticism hangs in the air, notes Ramesh Menon.

Haryana Polls Promise Thrilling Contests

Haryana Polls Promise Thrilling Contests

Rediff.com23 Sep 2024

The BJP has fielded as many as 10 turncoats, including those who joined the party from the JJP in recent weeks.

Fresh trouble for Munde as court finds proof of domestic violence

Fresh trouble for Munde as court finds proof of domestic violence

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

A family court in Mumbai has ordered NCP leader and Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde to pay interim maintenance of Rs 2 lakh per month to his estranged wife Karuna and their daughter. The court denied maintenance for their son, considering him an adult. Munde's lawyer clarified that the court has not reached a final conclusion in the domestic violence case, and the interim maintenance order is based on financial considerations. Karuna Sharma, Munde's estranged wife, plans to challenge the order in the high court as she believes the amount is insufficient.