News for 'controversial statement'

Shirtless protest: Cops 'detain' cops in post-arrest drama

Shirtless protest: Cops 'detain' cops in post-arrest drama

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A tense standoff erupted between Himachal Pradesh Police and Delhi Police following the arrest of Youth Congress activists involved in the protest at the AI Summit, escalating into allegations of kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

Scuffle at DU: YouTuber alleges assault; AISA denies charges

Scuffle at DU: YouTuber alleges assault; AISA denies charges

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

A YouTuber claims she was assaulted at a Delhi University protest, sparking controversy as a student group refutes the allegations, leading to police investigation and calls for social harmony.

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival, as she was 'shocked and disgusted' by the comments of the jury members regarding their stance on Gaza.

Bangladesh board breaks silence on Najmul's rant against Tamim

Bangladesh board breaks silence on Najmul's rant against Tamim

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

BCB distances itself from director's remarks questioning players' commitment

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

'Bihar bride for Rs 20,000' remark lands U'khand minister's husband in row

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Girdhari Lal Sahu, husband of Uttarakhand minister Rekha Arya, has caused a controversy after allegedly saying that girls from Bihar are available for marriage at a low price. The statement has drawn criticism from the opposition Congress and the Bihar State Women Commission.

'Why mix religion with sport?' Adhir on Mustafizur row

'Why mix religion with sport?' Adhir on Mustafizur row

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

As the controversy erupted surrounding the removal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders squad, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury questioned whether this action would improve the security of Hindus in Bangladesh.

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

FIR Against Ghooskhor Pandat; Promos Taken Down

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

'The story of Ghooskhor Pandat focuses on an individual's actions and choices and does not comment on or represent any caste, religion, or community. As a filmmaker, I approach my work with a deep sense of responsibility -- to tell stories that are thoughtful and respectful.'

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Can India Reset Ties With Bangladesh?

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Sensitive issues remain. Water sharing of the Ganga and Teesta rivers. Treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus. Border management. Trade imbalances. Connectivity projects.What happens next will shape not just bilateral ties, but the balance of South Asia itself, points out Ramesh Menon.

Row after 'Ram' appears as dog's name option in school exam

Row after 'Ram' appears as dog's name option in school exam

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The question, in the half-yearly exam held on Wednesday, asked Class IV students to identify the name of 'Mona's dog' with options being 'Bala', 'Sheru', 'No One' and 'Ram'.

Dog name 'Ram': Chhattisgarh teacher suspended over question paper row

Dog name 'Ram': Chhattisgarh teacher suspended over question paper row

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

The headmistress of a government school in Chhattisgarh has been suspended after a question in a Class IV English question paper allegedly set by her triggered allegations of hurting religious sentiments, officials said on Sunday.

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan apologized for his remarks about 'erasing' memories of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh after facing criticism from the Congress party and Deshmukh's family.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

Prince Andrew gives up royal titles over Epstein controversy

Prince Andrew gives up royal titles over Epstein controversy

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Britain's Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles III, has relinquished the title of Duke of York and all other royal honours after a 'discussion' with the monarch, amid 'continued accusations' around his association with American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Assault on PM: 'Lies, Rubbish, Preposterous'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.'

After head clash, biting row mars Boxing Nationals!

After head clash, biting row mars Boxing Nationals!

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Star boxers, including Nikhat Zareen and Minakshi Hooda, lived up to their top billing with easy wins but the spotlight once again fell on questionable refereeing as the National Boxing Championships were marred by fresh controversy and a disrupted bout, in Greater Noida, on Wednesday.

Is a Hindu unity pitch emerging from renewed NSS-SNDP ties in Kerala?

Is a Hindu unity pitch emerging from renewed NSS-SNDP ties in Kerala?

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Sukumaran Nair said he had noted Natesan's remarks and that a decision would be taken after a meeting scheduled for January 21.

'No Prime Minister Orders Military Attacks'

'No Prime Minister Orders Military Attacks'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'Critics say the political leadership abandoned the army chief or did not back him. I disagree. 'Military leaders are trained to take decisions when given a free hand.' 'This was a clear go-ahead from the prime minister to the army chief.'

'We are acting, it's not easy': Shanto on T20 WC turmoil

'We are acting, it's not easy': Shanto on T20 WC turmoil

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

'But you'll see that something always happens before every World Cup. I can say this from my experience of three World Cups -- it does have an effect.'

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the Maharashtra government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme in advance, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal elections. The decision follows complaints about the timing of the release, coinciding with upcoming municipal elections.

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor addresses concerns about his recent statements, asserting his alignment with the party's principles and goals.

Najmul sacked as players' revolt puts BPL in limbo

Najmul sacked as players' revolt puts BPL in limbo

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

BCB removes its director Najmul Islam from key post after players revolt

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Indian Army's Eastern Command has sought the intervention of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose in connection with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent allegation that a senior army officer was using the command base at Fort William and working on the SIR exercise at the behest of the BJP.

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

VHP protests over conversion allegations at Lucknow medical varsity

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in Lucknow alleging illegal religious conversion activities at King George's Medical University (KGMU), following the arrest of a KGMU intern in a rape and blackmail case. The VHP demanded swift action against those involved, claiming an organized attempt at religious conversion.

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

'Indian agent' tag on Tamim divides Bangladesh cricket

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

A senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official has found himself at the centre of a major controversy after branding former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal an 'Indian agent', triggering widespread backlash across the country's cricketing fraternity.

'Gambhir Got Rohit Axed As ODI Captain'

'Gambhir Got Rohit Axed As ODI Captain'

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Rohit Sharma was replaced as India's ODI captain by Shubman Gill last year despite winning the ICC Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup within a span of nine months.

'What if he touched...': UP minister's shocker on Nitish hijab act

'What if he touched...': UP minister's shocker on Nitish hijab act

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Attempting to defuse the controversy, the Nishad Party chief said the comment, made in Hindi and labelled misogynistic and crude, was light-hearted and made casually.

Intimidate rivals, says Union minister in Bihar; booked

Intimidate rivals, says Union minister in Bihar; booked

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The video is said to be of Mokama, which falls under Lalan's Munger Lok Sabha seat, where the former Janata Dal-United president's defence of party candidate Anant Singh in a murder case has already drawn flak from the Opposition.

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

FIR registered over slogans against Modi, Shah at JNU

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has sought a first information report (FIR) after students allegedly raised 'provocative' slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah inside the university campus during an event on Monday night, varsity officials said.

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted reports that indelible ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls. The BMC clarified that the Municipal Commissioner had not made any such statement.

Australian Open: Why Osaka apologised to Cirstea after tense clash

Australian Open: Why Osaka apologised to Cirstea after tense clash

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Naomi Osaka battled past Romania's Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the Australian Open second round. Later, Osaka apologised at her press conference, calling her on-court comments 'disrespectful'.

MNS, NCP leader oppose Tapovan tree-felling for Nashik Kumbh Mela

MNS, NCP leader oppose Tapovan tree-felling for Nashik Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong opposition to the cutting of trees for the construction of a 'Sadhu Gram' in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela, urging the government to reconsider the decision. Actor Sayaji Shinde has also joined the protest, threatening opposition if the government proceeds with the tree removal.

Now, Trump hints at action in Colombia; sparks backlash

Now, Trump hints at action in Colombia; sparks backlash

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump ignited controversy after making sharp and unprecedented remarks about Colombia during a brief exchange with reporters.

Bengal varsity forms panel to probe hijab incident during exam

Bengal varsity forms panel to probe hijab incident during exam

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Jadavpur University has formed a committee to investigate a controversy involving a student wearing a hijab during an exam. Allegations of Islamophobia have been made, which faculty members deny.

'Poison was distributed in Indore': Rahul Gandhi

'Poison was distributed in Indore': Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizes the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh after at least 10 people died allegedly due to contaminated water in Indore, accusing them of negligence and insensitivity.

ICC signals replacement if Bangladesh skip T20 WC in India

ICC signals replacement if Bangladesh skip T20 WC in India

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

ICC rejects BCB request, Bangladesh matches to be played in India as schedule

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Controversy's Child Kamal Haasan

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

Kamal has a crisp pen when it comes to writing short and yet powerful film dialogues. But while speaking ex tempore -- and that has been his style -- he looks every bit a confused man, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Sonia Gandhi will look into matter: Govt on Nehru document return

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has requested Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library, emphasizing their national significance. He also addressed the Aravalli Hills controversy and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission.

Bengal Rape Survivor's Dad Decries 'Aurangzeb's Rule'

Bengal Rape Survivor's Dad Decries 'Aurangzeb's Rule'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur has sparked massive outrage, snowballing into a major political storm, with the survivor's father likening Bengal to 'Aurangzeb's rule' and Governor C V Ananda Bose calling for a 'second renaissance' to make the state safer for women.

5 held after violence erupts during demolition drive near Delhi mosque

5 held after violence erupts during demolition drive near Delhi mosque

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area early Wednesday, with some people pelting stones at police personnel, leaving five of them injured.