News for 'defections'

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

AAP submits petition to RS Chairman to disqualify 7 MPs over BJP defection

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party has petitioned for the disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP, citing violation of the anti-defection law and betrayal of the people's mandate.

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee has urged Trinamool Congress candidates to rebuild the party organisation after facing an electoral setback in the recent assembly polls. She asserted that those wishing to leave the party are free to do so, and encouraged those remaining to revitalise the party's presence.

Three Arrested After Transgender Group Violence In Chennai

Three Arrested After Transgender Group Violence In Chennai

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three transgender persons were arrested in Chennai for allegedly attacking members of a rival group with stones and beer bottles, following a dispute over territory and alms collection.

Delhi Man Acquitted Of Attempted Murdering Policeman

Delhi Man Acquitted Of Attempted Murdering Policeman

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A Delhi court acquitted a man of attempting to murder a police constable, citing a lack of scientific evidence, but convicted him for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Mann Ki Baat: Make zero defect products, Modi tells industry

Mann Ki Baat: Make zero defect products, Modi tells industry

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged industry and start-ups to focus on quality and make excellence a benchmark in manufacturing. He also lauded the start-up ecosystem and greeted the nation on National Voters Day and Republic Day.

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Amid MP exits, Bhagwant Mann secures easy trust vote win in empty House

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The AAP government in Punjab successfully moved a Confidence Motion in the state assembly, following the defection of seven Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted the party's strength and national presence during the special session.

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a potential split after post-election disagreements, with one faction voting against the government and another defying party orders. Key leaders have been removed from their posts, and accusations are flying between the opposing sides.

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the restoration of his security cover after it was withdrawn following his defection from AAP to BJP. Singh cites a mob attack on his residence and potential threats as reasons for the plea.

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

DMK's jibe at allies joining TVK govt causes uproar

Rediff.com2 days ago

The DMK criticised its former allies, VCK and IUML, for joining the TVK government, leading to a heated exchange and prompting DMK chief M K Stalin to call for restraint.

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a deeper crisis as factions clash over the floor test of the TVK government, with accusations of defying party directives and demands for disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Air India Dreamliner: 'Is This A New Defect?'

Air India Dreamliner: 'Is This A New Defect?'

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

'We have been insisting that all Boeing 787 aircraft be grounded and checked for the electrical systems.'

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

India-US Trade Rift Deepens Over Section 301 Hearings

Rediff.com2 days ago

American industry groups sought punitive tariffs on Indian goods at USTR hearings, while Indian officials defended the country's manufacturing growth as demand-led and WTO-compliant.

AMMK chief files plaint against TVK over 'forged' support letter

AMMK chief files plaint against TVK over 'forged' support letter

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The AMMK has filed a complaint against the TVK, alleging the use of a forged support letter to claim government formation. The Guindy police are conducting a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

'Gaddars': Punjab CM Mann slams AAP MPs joining BJP

'Gaddars': Punjab CM Mann slams AAP MPs joining BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticised Aam Aadmi Party members who defected to the BJP, labelling them as 'traitors' and accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Gandhis, Congress And The Kaikeyi Principle

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Gandhis have served both the Congress and India. But it has been 12 years since the 2014 verdict, and the returns have been diminishing. It is time for them to step aside, let the party find its own footing, and allow someone else to make the hard calls. That is what the Congress needs. And frankly, it is what India needs too, points out Harishchandra.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com2 days ago

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

How A Fake Payment Executive Scammed Delhi Shopkeepers

How A Fake Payment Executive Scammed Delhi Shopkeepers

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly posing as an employee of a digital payment platform and duping shopkeepers in East Delhi by claiming to check defective sound boxes.

Why Is The ED Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora?

Why Is The ED Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering investigation.

Chadha, others wouldn't have left AAP if...: Anna Hazare

Chadha, others wouldn't have left AAP if...: Anna Hazare

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Social activist Anna Hazare has criticised Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for allegedly leaving the Aam Aadmi Party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that such political switching for personal interests goes against constitutional values.

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal marks a significant turning point in her political career, challenging her ability to rebuild and regain influence after a long period of dominance.

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

'AAP has a toxic environment': Raghav Chadha's first attack post BJP switch

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Raghav Chadha explains his decision to leave the AAP, citing a 'toxic' work environment where leaders were allegedly prevented from working and speaking freely.

Why Is The ED Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora?

Why Is The ED Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering case investigation.

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged fake GST purchases and round-tripping of funds. Raids were conducted at multiple locations, and Arora was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This follows previous actions against Arora and other politically connected individuals in Punjab.

Why ED Is Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora Again

Why ED Is Raiding Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora Again

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering investigation. Raids were carried out at multiple locations, including Arora's residence and business premises, following a new case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

From TMC insider to BJP face: How did Adhikari script this rise?

From TMC insider to BJP face: How did Adhikari script this rise?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari's journey from a key figure in the Trinamool Congress to a leading BJP challenger in West Bengal is a remarkable transformation. His victories, particularly against Mamata Banerjee, have positioned him as a potential chief minister, marking a significant shift in the state's political dynamics.

Rs 501 Phone: Odisha High Court Quashes Complaint Against Mukesh Ambani

Rs 501 Phone: Odisha High Court Quashes Complaint Against Mukesh Ambani

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'Courts are not moved by spectacle. They act when the facts, as they stand, call for the law to step in.'

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of a Punjab Aam Aadmi Party functionary, as part of a money laundering probe against two realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an official in the CMO, as part of a money laundering probe against realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Jobs, Gates & Me: Silicon Valley Dhurandhar Kanwal Rekhi's Memoirs

Jobs, Gates & Me: Silicon Valley Dhurandhar Kanwal Rekhi's Memoirs

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kanwal Rekhi is a peaceful techie who ardently believes in competitive market economics and democracy, despite the trauma his family suffered during Partition and his narrow escape from violent mobs in 1984.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Punjab and Chandigarh, targeting realty groups and individuals linked to an official in the Chief Minister's Office, as part of a money laundering investigation into fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.

Decoding West Bengal verdict: BJP grew as TMC's organisation shrank

Decoding West Bengal verdict: BJP grew as TMC's organisation shrank

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The TMC's defeat in West Bengal signals an institutional breakdown, highlighting the collapse of its organisational core and raising questions about its sustainability beyond its top leadership.