News for 'chief minister contenders'

Who Will Be BJP's First CM In Bihar?

Who Will Be BJP's First CM In Bihar?

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

It now has become clear that he will have to quit his post.

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in the party's future in the state, drawing parallels with the BJP's growth in West Bengal. He highlighted the party's focus on development and its commitment to addressing people's issues in the Assembly.

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that the party would eventually capture power in the state, drawing parallels to the party's growth in West Bengal.

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rajya Sabha Move: Nitish Keeps BJP, JD-U Guessing

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Will Nitish Kumar file his nomination for the Rajya Sabha on Thursday morning?

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania alleges phone calls between Maharashtra politicians and a rape-accused godman, sparking controversy and raising questions about their connections.

Chelangat, Kibet Target Ugandan Double At TCS World 10K

Chelangat, Kibet Target Ugandan Double At TCS World 10K

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Defending champion Sarah Chelangat and Harbert Kibet aim for Ugandan victories in the TCS World 10K, a World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. Chelangat is fit and seeks to improve her time, while Kibet's impressive form makes him a favourite. Challengers include Brenda Jepchirchir and Fantaye Belayneh in the women's race, and Rodrigue Kwizera and Gemechu Dida in the men's race.

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Saffron wave in Gujarat as BJP wins all 15 corporations, 33 dist panchayats

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has taken an early lead in the Gujarat local body elections, winning a significant number of seats as counting progresses. The Congress trails behind, while Independents and other parties, including AAP and AIMIM, have also secured seats.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Stalin Sitting Pretty In Tamil Nadu, But...

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Tamil Nadu will elect a new government on April 23.
Will the DMK retain power? Can the AIADMK spring a surprise? And what about Vijay's TVK? A Ganesh Nadar surveys the election landscape a day after the Election Commission announced the poll schedule.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Jolt to Lalu Yadav as SC refuses to quash CBI FIR in land-for-jobs case

Jolt to Lalu Yadav as SC refuses to quash CBI FIR in land-for-jobs case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has refused to quash a CBI FIR against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the land-for-jobs case, but granted him exemption from appearing before the trial court during proceedings.

Chhattisgarh HC Sentences Amit Jogi to Life Imprisonment in Murder Case

Chhattisgarh HC Sentences Amit Jogi to Life Imprisonment in Murder Case

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has sentenced Amit Jogi, son of former chief minister Ajit Jogi, to life imprisonment for the 2003 murder of NCP leader Ramavatar Jaggi, overturning a previous acquittal.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Kerala CM Vijayan Slams Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Congress is BJP's 'B-Team'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him and his party of acting as the BJP's 'B-team'. Vijayan's remarks follow Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP due to alleged inaction in corruption cases against Vijayan.

Iran's Abbas Araghchi lands in Pak again amid uncertainty over US talks

Iran's Abbas Araghchi lands in Pak again amid uncertainty over US talks

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan for the second time in three days amid uncertainty surrounding potential peace talks with the US. The visit follows discussions in Oman regarding regional security and efforts to resolve the Iran-US conflict.

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Priyanka Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi has accused the ruling LDF in Kerala and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of being Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "B-team" and of secretly joining hands with the BJP, alleging a compromised leadership and lack of accountability.

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

'BJP Will Win A Few Seats In Kerala'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

'The BJP is pouring in money so that only BJP candidates are visible everywhere.' 'If the Congress does not win this time, its survival itself will be a problem...'

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Setback for peace talks as Iranian FM leaves Pak, Trump cancels envoys' trip

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, concluded high-level meetings in Islamabad, delivering an 'official list of demands' to Pakistani leaders for the US and Israel. This comes as President Trump cancelled his envoys' visit to Islamabad amid ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks between Iran and the US.

Kerala Opposition Leader Criticises CM Vijayan's Choice of Words and Government Spending

Kerala Opposition Leader Criticises CM Vijayan's Choice of Words and Government Spending

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Kerala's Leader of Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) leaders for their language and government spending on advertising.

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Putin meets Iran's Araghchi, offers support to bring peace to West Asia

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his support to help bring peace to West Asia, praising the Iranian people for their resilience. This comes as Iran seeks to resolve the conflict with the US, following discussions with Pakistani and Omani leadership.

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Vijayan Rebuts Rahul Gandhi's LDF-BJP Collusion Allegations in Kerala

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claims of collusion between the LDF and BJP in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, accusing the Congress leader and his party of being the BJP's 'B-team'. The Congress has retaliated, alleging that Vijayan is trying to appease Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

It's official! Nitish to move to Rajya Sabha, to quit as Bihar CM

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nitish Kumar's decision to contest the Rajya Sabha elections signals the end of his long-standing tenure as Bihar's Chief Minister, paving the way for a potential BJP leader to take the helm.

Why Former CPI(M) Leader Predicts LDF's Defeat in Kerala Elections

Why Former CPI(M) Leader Predicts LDF's Defeat in Kerala Elections

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran predicts the LDF will not secure a third term in Kerala, citing political failures within the Left party's leadership. He also highlights the Congress and UDF's potential for victory.

SC refers Teesta Setalvad's passport release plea to larger bench

SC refers Teesta Setalvad's passport release plea to larger bench

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has referred activist Teesta Setalvad's application for the release of her passport to a three-judge bench, in a case related to alleged fabrication of documents in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru, conspiracy angle probed

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Zero FIR filed in Bengaluru, conspiracy angle probed

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Bengaluru police have registered a case related to the death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, following a complaint by his nephew alleging a criminal conspiracy.

Shirtless protest: Youth Cong chief's bail stayed after midnight hearing

Shirtless protest: Youth Cong chief's bail stayed after midnight hearing

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Additional Sessions Judge Amit Bansal directed the stay after the Delhi Police challenged the bail order by Duty Magistrate Vanshika Mehta, and listed the matter on March 6 for further proceedings.

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Kerala CM Vijayan Accuses Rahul Gandhi and Congress of Aiding BJP

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has accused the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi of acting as the 'B-team' of the BJP, criticising their stance on various issues and alleging a tacit alliance between the two parties.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Leander Paes joins BJP ahead of Bengal polls

Leander Paes joins BJP ahead of Bengal polls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Paes had joined the Trinamool Congress in 2021 and campaigned for the party during the Goa elections in 2022.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi intensified the Congress campaign in Kerala, alleging collusion between the LDF and BJP, citing corruption cases and the drug issue in the state. He also criticised the LDF government's handling of the Sabarimala gold loss and unemployment.

'Shivakumar will become Karnataka CM on January 6'

'Shivakumar will become Karnataka CM on January 6'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

A Congress MLA has predicted that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will become Chief Minister on January 6, sparking political speculation in Karnataka. Meanwhile, a BJP MP expressed support for Home Minister G Parameshwara for the CM post.

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Banerjee is personally present in court room one along with her lawyers. A gate pass was issued in the chief minister's name on Tuesday.

Sidda, Shivakumar land in Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Sidda, Shivakumar land in Delhi amid cabinet reshuffle buzz

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar visit New Delhi amid speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, meeting with Rahul Gandhi and fueling political buzz.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

SC to hear ED plea against Bengal govt in coal scam probe

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference and obstruction by the West Bengal government, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in its probe into an alleged coal-pilferage scam. The ED claims Banerjee removed key evidence during raids on I-PAC offices and the premises of its director, Pratik Jain.

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Saumya Chaurasia Gets Bail in Liquor Scam Cases

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted bail to Saumya Chaurasia, a former deputy secretary in the CMO, in two cases related to the alleged liquor scam that occurred during the previous Congress government.

Amid CM change buzz, Karnataka HM 'hopes for promotion'

Amid CM change buzz, Karnataka HM 'hopes for promotion'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday hinted about his chief ministerial aspirations, asserting he too has ambitions like everyone and expects a 'political promotion' this year if the Congress high command decides so.