News for 'controversial statement'

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The sentencing of Pakistan's former spy chief Faiz Hameed may just be 'the beginning', as it can herald a spate of new cases against politicians and activists for involvement in anti-army riots over two years ago, a report said.

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Long before he became Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro's life intersected with India in a profound personal way.

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

I will be 'kingmaker' after Bengal polls, claims TMC rebel MLA Kabir

I will be 'kingmaker' after Bengal polls, claims TMC rebel MLA Kabir

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir asserts he will be a 'kingmaker' after the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, claiming no government can be formed without his support. He plans to announce a new political party on December 22 and contest in 135 seats.

Indore water crisis: Commissioner shunted out, 2 officials suspended

Indore water crisis: Commissioner shunted out, 2 officials suspended

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Following the deaths of at least four people due to water contamination in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, the Madhya Pradesh government has taken action, including removing the municipal commissioner and suspending senior officials. The government has also submitted a status report to the High Court and is implementing measures to control the outbreak and provide assistance to affected families.

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a TMC MLA announced plans to lay the foundation stone of a mosque modeled on the Babri Masjid, leading to political backlash and concerns over communal polarization.

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A veterans' cricket match involving India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in London on Sunday has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to be a part of it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

It's ok if mother Marathi dies...: Sena MLA sparks row; apologises

It's ok if mother Marathi dies...: Sena MLA sparks row; apologises

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A Shiv Sena MLA's controversial statement comparing Marathi people to a mother and North Indians to an aunt has triggered widespread criticism and protests in Maharashtra, leading to an apology and reigniting the Marathi vs. Hindi debate.

No conspiracy by Dileep proved in actress assault case: Court

No conspiracy by Dileep proved in actress assault case: Court

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The prosecution had 'miserably' failed to prove the conspiracy charge against Dileep in the sensational 2017 actress sexual assault case, a local court has observed while citing inconsistencies and lack of sufficient evidence against the Malayalam star.

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Mining legal on 0.19% of area covered by Aravallis: Govt

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav accuses the Congress of spreading misinformation regarding the new definition of the Aravallis and defends the government's commitment to protecting the mountain range while allowing limited, legal mining.

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A rally marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy was disrupted by a controversy over an effigy allegedly depicting an RSS 'sevak,' leading to an FIR against organizers.

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Actress-turned-seer Mamta Kulkarni has found herself at the centre of controversy following her recent remarks that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim 'is not a terrorist'.

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Congress party has strongly refuted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri Masjid using public funds, calling it a 'lie' and a 'WhatsApp university story'. Congress leaders have accused Singh of distorting history and distracting from real issues.

'Bow, bow': Cong's Renuka Chowdhury responds to dog row

'Bow, bow': Cong's Renuka Chowdhury responds to dog row

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury's response to reports of a privilege motion against her for bringing a dog to Parliament has gone viral, sparking social media memes and political reactions.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.

The Retirements That Shook Indian Cricket in 2025

The Retirements That Shook Indian Cricket in 2025

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

2025 will go down as one of the most unsettling chapters in Indian cricket -- not merely because of who retired, but because of how and when it happened.

King Charles strips brother Andrew's 'prince' title over Epstein links

King Charles strips brother Andrew's 'prince' title over Epstein links

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

However, the controversy refused to die down as British MPs took the unusual step of debating the matter of Andrew's token rent for royal lodgings.

BBC execs quit amid row over 'doctoring' Trump speech

BBC execs quit amid row over 'doctoring' Trump speech

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

Two top executives at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) resigned on Sunday amid an escalating scandal over impartiality and bias, as reported by CNN.

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Kangana Ranaut: The 'Queen' of controversies

Kangana Ranaut: The 'Queen' of controversies

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

As the Queen star found herself in the middle of a row, with the BJP distancing itself and the Congress attacking it, here's a look at some of the controversies, political and otherwise.

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

HC dissatisfied with FIR against MP minister for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Thursday expressed dissatisfaction with the first information report (FIR) registered by police on its orders against minister Vijay Shah regarding his objectionable remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and said it must be comprehensive.

Trophy Row: Naqvi Opts To Dodge BCCI Bouncers At ICC Meeting!

Trophy Row: Naqvi Opts To Dodge BCCI Bouncers At ICC Meeting!

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

"Domestic political issues" might prevent Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi from attending the ICC's Executive Board meeting in Dubai where the BCCI is set to raise the issue of the Asia Cup trophy not being presented to India.

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Trump said the Department of Justice had already released "tens of thousands" of pages linked to Epstein and argued that Democrats were trying to target Republican leaders while ignoring figures such as Bill Clinton and others he named.

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

MP minister Vijay Shah booked for remarks on Col Qureshi

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The Madhya Pradesh high court on Wednesday ordered registration of an FIR against state minister Vijay Shah for his controversial remarks targeted at Colonel Sofia Qureshi.

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Goa nightclub fire: Accused owners fled to Phuket at 5.30 am

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, the owners of the Goa nightclub wanted in connection with the fire tragedy that claimed 25 lives at the facility, have fled to Thailand, prompting police to seek the help of Interpol to trace them, officials said in Panaji on Monday.

Row after Bangladesh national anthem sung at Cong event

Row after Bangladesh national anthem sung at Cong event

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed police to register a treason case against Congress leaders for allegedly singing the Bangladesh national anthem at a party meeting. The move has sparked controversy and accusations of disrespect towards India's national anthem.

Amid controversy, Churchill Brothers get I-League trophy from AIFF

Amid controversy, Churchill Brothers get I-League trophy from AIFF

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Now AIFF's move to hand the trophy to Churchill Brother, just hours after the CAS order staying the federation's decision to declare the club as champions, could provoke international scrutiny, including from FIFA.

Won't allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai mayor: BJP leader

Won't allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai mayor: BJP leader

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam stated that his party would not allow any "Khan" to become the mayor of Mumbai, later clarifying that he was referring to an "anti-national mentality" and not a specific community. He cited concerns about radical elements and appeasement politics.

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Jana Gana Mana was composed to welcome British: BJP MP

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka after BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri claimed that the country's national anthem was written "to welcome the British official". This statement drew sharp criticism from Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge.

Bangladesh court convicts Sheikh Hasina, UK lawmaker niece in land scam

Bangladesh court convicts Sheikh Hasina, UK lawmaker niece in land scam

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

A Bangladesh court has convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and British MP Tulip Siddiq in a land scam case, sentencing them to imprisonment. The verdict also includes other government officials and Hasina's sister, raising questions about extradition and political motivations.

Sabalenka Vows To Prove Kyrgios Wrong In Epic Battle Of Sexes!

Sabalenka Vows To Prove Kyrgios Wrong In Epic Battle Of Sexes!

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

Women's World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will take on Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios in a 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match in Dubai on December 28, organisers announced on Tuesday.

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

If the Thackerays don't save a Marathi school in their backyard, who will, wonders Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

This Union Minister Wants Ban On 'I Love Muhammad'

This Union Minister Wants Ban On 'I Love Muhammad'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'This campaign reeks of communalism, which is why it is being opposed.'

Shreyas Shines With Statement Knock!

Shreyas Shines With Statement Knock!

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Playing his first game for India in more than six months, Shreyas Iyer stroked a quickfire 59 from 36 balls, to put India on course for an easy victory.

Delhi HC refuses to stay release of The Taj Story

Delhi HC refuses to stay release of The Taj Story

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The Delhi high court on Thursday refused to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a stay on the release of the Bollywood movie The Taj Story, scheduled to hit the screens on Friday.

PCB claims Pycroft 'apologised' to Pakistan cricket team

PCB claims Pycroft 'apologised' to Pakistan cricket team

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Pakistan Cricket Board claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to its national team for prohibiting the handshake between Indian and Pakistani players.

'This spit in face of BCCI...'

'This spit in face of BCCI...'

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

Rauf's reaction spread like wildfire, and videos of his gesture went viral on social media.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Kerala puts PM SHRI project on hold under CPI pressure

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The Kerala government will review the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI scheme in the state following controversies and concerns. A cabinet sub-committee has been formed to study the scheme, and further proceedings are on hold pending the committee's report.