News for 'controversial statement'

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has written an open letter to BookMyShow requesting the online ticketing platform to either not delist him or to hand over the contact information of audience members he has earned through his solo shows over the years. The letter comes days after Shiv Sena claimed BookMyShow had taken Kamra off the sale and artists list from its platform amid ongoing controversy around his 'traitor' jibe against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Cong leader's 'nimbu-mirchi' jibe at Rafale sparks row; BJP hits back

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh chief Ajay Rai's symbolic gesture of hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon-chillies) on a toy jet, mocking the Centre's alleged inaction in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, has triggered a political storm. The BJP has condemned the act, calling it an insult to the armed forces. Rai, however, maintained that he was merely highlighting the government's delay in utilizing the Rafale jets. The controversy comes amidst a heated debate over the government's response to the recent terror attack.

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

When Raj And Uddhav Met Each Other

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'If Uddhav bhau and Raj bhau come together, who can stop us?' Prasanna D Zore reports on the fervour and hope set off by the Thackeray cousins coming together.

5 Reasons Why KKR Are Struggling in IPL 2025

5 Reasons Why KKR Are Struggling in IPL 2025

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

For KKR, IPL 2025 is slipping away rapidly. They need more than just a few tactical tweaks - they need clarity of leadership and bold but sensible changes in their playing XI.

Ranveer Allahbadia continuously out of contact: Police

Ranveer Allahbadia continuously out of contact: Police

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Podcaster Allahbadia's remarks on parents and sex on comedian Samay Raina's YouTube show 'India's Got Latent' triggered a controversy and several FIRs have been lodged against him and others in various parts of the country.

BCCI Slams 'Baseless' Attack On Rohit

BCCI Slams 'Baseless' Attack On Rohit

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'When the team is playing in the Champions Trophy and doing well, this is the time when one needs to support Team India.' 'These comments shouldn't be passed.'

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Fadnavis steps in to douse fire, says Marathi language of Mumbai, Maha

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it. Fadnavis was speaking in the state assembly after Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav said the government should clarify its stand on senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi's comments that a person coming to Mumbai may not necessarily learn Marathi.

India's N-E landlocked, B'desh only...: Yunus pitch to China

India's N-E landlocked, B'desh only...: Yunus pitch to China

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called upon China to expand its economic influence in Bangladesh, controversially mentioning that India's northeastern states being landlocked could present an opportunity. Yunus, who recently visited China and met with President Xi Jinping, highlighted Bangladesh's role as the "only guardian of the ocean " in the region, suggesting it could be a pathway for Chinese economic expansion. This statement has sparked debate, with Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic advisory council, questioning the relevance of India's landlocked states in Yunus' appeal to China. Yunus, however, emphasized the importance of a strong friendship with China, viewing it as a counterbalance to India. During his visit, Yunus signed nine agreements with Beijing and secured USD 2.1 billion in investments, loans, and grants from the Chinese government and companies.

CJI recommends impeachment of cash recovery row judge

CJI recommends impeachment of cash recovery row judge

Rediff.com8 May 2025

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has recommended the impeachment of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma following an investigation into a cash discovery incident at his residence. The recommendation follows a report by a Supreme Court-appointed committee that confirmed allegations of cash discovery against Justice Varma. The CJI's recommendation is based on the established in-house procedure for dealing with allegations against judges of constitutional courts.

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

B'deshi model Meghna Alam accused of $5 mn honey trap on Saudi envoy

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A former Bangladeshi beauty queen, Meghna Alam, has been detained for allegedly setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka, in an attempt to extort USD 5 million. Alam, who runs a charity, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act. Her arrest sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Alam denies the allegations, claiming the diplomat wanted to marry her. The Saudi embassy has not commented, but media reports suggest the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal unfolded.

AIMPLB urges Muslims to wear black armbands during juma to protest Waqf Bill

AIMPLB urges Muslims to wear black armbands during juma to protest Waqf Bill

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged Muslims to wear a black armband on their right hand during Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan as a mark of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The AIMPLB has been vocal in its opposition to the Bill, calling it "controversial, discriminatory and damaging." The organization has planned nationwide protests against the Bill, with large sit-ins scheduled in several cities.

Mumbai cyber cops summon Allahbadia; guests, judges of India's Got Latent

Mumbai cyber cops summon Allahbadia; guests, judges of India's Got Latent

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

The Maharashtra Cyber Department has summoned over 40 individuals, including social media influencer Ranveer Allahbadia, to investigate a case registered concerning his controversial remarks on a YouTube reality show, "India's Got Latent." The cyber police have issued notices to Allahbadia, other participants, and judges involved in the show, following complaints about obscene language used during the episodes. While no one has appeared yet, some lawyers have requested more time from the police. The department has also asked the show's producers to remove all episodes from social media platforms. Meanwhile, Khar police in Mumbai are investigating a separate complaint filed by a local BJP functionary regarding the controversy, recording statements from several individuals, including Allahbadia's manager. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also issued summons to Allahbadia, other participants, and the show's producers to appear before it in New Delhi.

NDA Meets To Prepare For 2025 Bihar Polls

NDA Meets To Prepare For 2025 Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

'There are differences over certain issues between the JD-U and BJP but we are in alliance and continuing.'

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

FIR against Kamra for 'gaddar' remark on Shinde; 12 Sena workers arrested

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Mumbai police have registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a show. The police also registered a case against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly vandalizing the studio where Kamra's show was filmed. The incident took place after a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint, leading to the FIR against Kamra under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including for statements conducing to public mischief and defamation. Meanwhile, the Khar police registered an FIR against 19 Shiv Sena functionaries, including Rahul Kanal (Yuva Sena), Vibhag Pramukh Kunal Sarmarkar and Akshay Panvelkar, for vandalizing the studio and the hotel premises. The incident has sparked controversy, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemning the vandalism and questioning the state's law and order situation.

Fadnavis orders probe into pregnant woman's death in Pune

Fadnavis orders probe into pregnant woman's death in Pune

Rediff.com5 Apr 2025

The Maharashtra government has ordered a probe into the death of a pregnant woman after a hospital in Pune allegedly denied her admission due to non-payment of Rs 10 lakh as advance deposit. The woman, Tanisha Bhise, died after giving birth to twin girls at another hospital. The incident sparked protests outside the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, with opposition parties alleging negligence and demanding action against the hospital.

Gensol promoters used firm like personal piggy bank: Sebi

Gensol promoters used firm like personal piggy bank: Sebi

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Gensol Engineering's promoters treated the listed company as a proprietary firm, diverting corporate funds to buy a high-end apartment in The Camellias, DLF Gurgaon, splurging on a luxury golf set, paying off credit cards, and transferring money to close relatives, Sebi revealed in its interim order.

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra in Maha assembly

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

BJP legislator Pravin Darekar filed a breach of privilege notice against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare in the Maharashtra Legislative Council. Darekar accused Kamra of performing a song with insulting references to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Andhare of supporting the performance with objectionable language. He claimed their actions constituted contempt of the House. Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare also submitted a breach of privilege notice against Andhare for allegedly mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Speaker will decide on the notices.

Kapil Refuses To Acknowledge Yograj

Kapil Refuses To Acknowledge Yograj

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Kapil Dev is known to be a soft spoken gentleman and on Monday, those very characteristics came to the fore when he was questioned by reporters over some claims made by former cricketer Yograj Singh.

US Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of National Intelligence

US Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as director of National Intelligence

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The vote was 52-48 mostly along party lines, though Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposing the confirmation, as per CNN.

'Nowhere In Empuraan Did They Mention Godhra'

'Nowhere In Empuraan Did They Mention Godhra'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'They just showed riots created by some political party. They never mentioned the name of the place or the political party.' 'I don't know why these people are agitated.'

'Balasaheb Thackeray Never Gave Up'

'Balasaheb Thackeray Never Gave Up'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

'In Independent India's politics you will not find any leader of a political party who has not contested elections or not held a powerful post.' 'It was only Balasaheb who never contested elections or held a post.' On the occasion of Balasaheb Thackeray's 99th birth anniversary, close aide Subhash Desai recalls vignettes about the Shiv Sena founder.

Controversy in Noida society over Namaz

Controversy in Noida society over Namaz

Rediff.com28 Mar 2023

"There is no law and order situation. The matter has been resolved. The deployment of police is part of precautionary measures," Dixit told PTI.

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

RSS leader says no need to learn Marathi in Mumbai, sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Fadnavis on Thursday asserted that Marathi is the language of Mumbai and Maharashtra and anyone who lives here should learn and speak it, after a Shiv Sena-UBT MLA pointed to comments of a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader.

Seized cash, gold worth Rs 52 cr belonged to MP ex-cop, claims ED

Seized cash, gold worth Rs 52 cr belonged to MP ex-cop, claims ED

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in India has declared that cash and gold worth approximately Rs 52 crore, seized from an abandoned SUV in Madhya Pradesh last year, belonged to former state transport department constable Saurabh Sharma. The ED's statement ends months of speculation about the ownership of the seized assets and comes as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption charges against Sharma. The agency has also attached assets worth Rs 92.07 crore belonging to Sharma and his associates, alleging they were acquired through illegal means.

Discipline your leaders: Kharge to Modi over violent Rahul remarks

Discipline your leaders: Kharge to Modi over violent Rahul remarks

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

In his letter to Modi, Kharge asserted that strict legal action should be taken against those giving such statements so that Indian politics can be prevented from degenerating and nothing untoward happens.

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

A private school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew its decision to ask students to wear "kurta-pajama" and bring special food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after it sparked a row with a local right-wing organization and some religious groups. The school said it was intended as a cultural learning experience and that participation was voluntary. The school also condemned attempts to misrepresent the event as religious propaganda and urged individuals to remove false and inflammatory messages on social media.

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

No vindictive action against...: HC rejects PIL in Kunal Kamra case

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The Bombay high court on Wednesday said the Maharashtra government has not taken vindictive action against any person for re-sharing or re-uploading stand-up comic Kunal Kamra's video in which he indirectly passed a 'traitor' jibe at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Assault on Colonel: Family digs in heels; demands CBI probe

Assault on Colonel: Family digs in heels; demands CBI probe

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The wife of an army Colonel, who has accused 12 Punjab police personnel of assaulting him and his son over a parking dispute, has started a sit-in protest along with ex-servicemen outside the Patiala Deputy Commissioner's office to press for a CBI probe. The family is demanding a CBI probe and the transfer of Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh, accusing him of failing to take action on their multiple requests to file an FIR. Despite Patiala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Preeti Yadav assuring them of a fair and transparent probe, the family refused to lift the 'dharna' and said it would continue until their demands were met.

ED grills Robert Vadra for 5 hours on Day 2

ED grills Robert Vadra for 5 hours on Day 2

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Robert Vadra, the brother-in-law of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the second consecutive day on Tuesday in connection with a 2008 land deal in Haryana linked to a money laundering case. Vadra, who was accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was questioned for about five hours and his statement was recorded by the ED. The session will resume on Wednesday. Vadra has termed the ED action "political vendetta." The probe against Vadra is linked to a land deal in Haryana's Manesar-Shikohpur, where a company named Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, of which Vadra was a director, purchased a 3.5-acre land in 2008. The company later sold the land to realty major DLF in 2012, which led to controversy after an IAS officer cancelled the mutation, deeming the transaction as violative of state consolidation Act and related procedures.

Rs 118 cr: MF Husain painting is India's most expensive

Rs 118 cr: MF Husain painting is India's most expensive

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

MF Husain's Untitled (Gram Yatra), a 13-panel masterpiece from the 1950s, has been sold at a Christie's auction in New York for USD 13.8 million, setting a new record for the most expensive work of modern Indian art. The sale nearly doubles the previous record held by Amrita Sher-Gil's "The Story Teller." "Gram Yatra," meaning "village pilgrimage," is considered a cornerstone of Husain's oeuvre, celebrating the diversity of independent India. The painting was acquired by a doctor in Delhi in 1954 and later bequeathed to Oslo University Hospital. The proceeds of the sale will support the training of future doctors at the institution.

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked controversy by asking students at a government-aided college in Madurai to chant "Jai Shri Ram". The State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) has demanded his removal, alleging that he violated his oath of office and secular principles. The group claims Ravi's actions were against the Constitution, which outlines India as a secular country and emphasizes the importance of upholding secular values in education. The incident follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that overruled Ravi's decision to withhold 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Governor and the state administration.

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Telco staffer's refusal to speak in Marathi sparks row; BJP seeks action

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for promoting the use of the Marathi language in Maharashtra after a video of an Airtel employee refusing to speak Marathi with a customer went viral. Wagh, who heads the women's wing of the Maharashtra BJP, said that anyone residing in Maharashtra should know Marathi or be willing to learn it. She demanded action against the employee and called for all Airtel employees to be proficient in Marathi.

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

ED grills Vadra for 5 hrs in land case; more quizzing on Wednesday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Vadra has been questioned multiple times by the federal probe agency in a different money laundering case.

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.

'We Will Make Kunal Kamra Regret His Words'

'We Will Make Kunal Kamra Regret His Words'

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

'We don't believe in violence. Shiv Sena doesn't believe in violence. But...'

Kunal Kamra jokes on Shinde, Sena workers vandalise his show venue

Kunal Kamra jokes on Shinde, Sena workers vandalise his show venue

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Kamra taunted Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, eliciting laughter from the audience.

'The Ire Was Aimed At Kunal Kamra'

'The Ire Was Aimed At Kunal Kamra'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

'Habitat was viewed as the proxy for him and got unjustly targeted.'

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Himanta's latest: Gogoi visited Pak on ISI invitation

Rediff.com18 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday alleged that Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi visited Pakistan on an invitation from its spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence, and that he worked closely with the establishment of the neighbouring nation.

RSS leader takes U-turn after 'stopped at 240' dig at BJP

RSS leader takes U-turn after 'stopped at 240' dig at BJP

Rediff.com15 Jun 2024

RSS leader whipped up a political storm for stating that the BJP was restricted to 240 seats, well below the majority mark, in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, due to its "arrogance".

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.