News for 'democracy'

Mamata Banerjee Highlights Ambedkar's Vision for Inclusive Society

Mamata Banerjee Highlights Ambedkar's Vision for Inclusive Society

Rediff.com1 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, emphasising his legacy's role in guiding efforts to protect democracy and ensure an inclusive society.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com2 days ago

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Blot on our democracy: Rahul Gandhi writes to Speaker

Blot on our democracy: Rahul Gandhi writes to Speaker

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, protesting being disallowed from speaking on a matter of national security, calling it a 'blot' on democracy.

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a petition concerning the deletion of names from voter lists in West Bengal, directing the petitioners to seek redressal through established appellate tribunals.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com1 days ago

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its Guwahati Central candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case. The AJP alleges the ruling BJP is using intimidation tactics due to Chowdhury's strong performance.

AI Democracy Needs India: OpenAI

AI Democracy Needs India: OpenAI

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

'This is a technology that will particularly benefit those who want to take agency over it'.

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case, alleging political harassment and misuse of power by the ruling BJP.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com3 hours ago

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Rediff.com7 days ago

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini predicts a BJP government in West Bengal, citing a desire for development and change among the state's residents.

Trinamool Congress Accuses BJP of Voter Fraud in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress Accuses BJP of Voter Fraud in West Bengal

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP of attempting to manipulate the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections by submitting a large number of Form 6 applications to illegally register voters from outside the state.

Election neutrality can't be ensured if...: SC judge

Election neutrality can't be ensured if...: SC judge

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Supreme Court Justice B V Nagarathna has emphasised the critical importance of an independent Election Commission to ensure the neutrality and integrity of the electoral process in India.

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Electoral Sabotage

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as "Electoral Sabotage"

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it is a politically motivated act of "electoral sabotage" ahead of the West Bengal elections.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

Rediff.com1 days ago

A bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing the lower house's strength to 850 is slated for introduction in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution and utilise 2011 Census data for redrawing constituencies.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com1 days ago

Newly-elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state.

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra's Governor and Chief Minister, along with other state leaders, paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, recognising his profound impact on social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution.

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com3 days ago

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com4 days ago

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Gaurav Gogoi: 'There's A Growing Fatigue With Divisive Politics'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

'Never before has the Congress been part of a rainbow coalition, and the response from the people has been overwhelming.' 'Assam's diversity cannot be represented by a single voice -- it requires a collective effort, and that is what we are building.'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Rediff.com2 days ago

After being wrongly deported and labelled as Bangladeshis, migrant workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad are heading to the polls to reclaim their Indian identity and fight for their right to belong.

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Members of lottery 'king' Santiago Martin's family are contesting in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections through three different political parties.

Amul achieves Rs 1 trillion turnover, driven by domestic and global expansion

Amul achieves Rs 1 trillion turnover, driven by domestic and global expansion

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Amul, India's leading dairy brand, has achieved a historic turnover of Rs 1 trillion in FY26, marking an 11 per cent growth. This milestone is attributed to aggressive domestic distribution, product diversification, and strategic international expansion into markets like Europe, the US, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

US-Iran ceasefire: 'Is Pakistan acting for China?'

Rediff.com7 days ago

After the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire and expressed hope for lasting peace, Pakistan took much of the credit for playing mediator between the two countries. However, Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies and former US Treasury counterterrorism analyst, said Pakistan is deeply indebted to China.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala of striking a secret deal with the BJP for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging suppression of dissent and targeting of minorities by both the state and central governments.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com6 days ago

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rahul wearing T-shirt in Parliament is not nice: Rijiju

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticises Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's parliamentary conduct, accusing him of being unduly influenced by advisors and questioning his casual attire in the House.

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

US-Iran: The Weekend Has Left The World In A More Dangerous Place

Rediff.com2 days ago

The ceasefire is still technically holding, to the extent that no overt hostilities have been reported yet, but the rhetoric has hardened dangerously. The week ahead will also clarify whether the Islamabad failure was a negotiating tactic or whether Washington has genuinely locked itself into a position from which the only exits are climb-down, escalation, or the slow bleed of a new status quo that nobody chose and nobody controls. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Modi Slams TMC Over Malda Incident, Promises Justice for Bengal's 'Atrocities'

Modi Slams TMC Over Malda Incident, Promises Justice for Bengal's 'Atrocities'

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of 'maha jungleraj' following an incident in Malda where judicial officers were allegedly held hostage. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', promising accountability for alleged atrocities and a focus on development.

Modi Slams TMC's 'Jungleraj' in Bengal, Cites Malda Incident

Modi Slams TMC's 'Jungleraj' in Bengal, Cites Malda Incident

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, citing the Malda incident as evidence of lawlessness and accusing the party of 'maha jungleraj'. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', addressing issues such as infiltration, corruption, and demographic change.

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

'Raghav Chadha Will Join BJP Before 2027 Punjab Elections'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Who among Opposition party MPs has so much power that they raise some issue and the government implements it? The answer is no one except Raghav Chadha.'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Himanta Biswa Sarma: 'Infliltration A Long-Standing Challenge For Assam'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

'Our government is committed to addressing it firmly while protecting the rights of genuine citizens.'

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Director Honey Trehan's film Punjab '95, based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's life, remains stuck with the Censor Board, facing over 127 cuts.

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Kharge, Rijiju spar in RS over West Asia conflict discussion

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated debate between the opposition and the government regarding a discussion on the West Asia crisis, with accusations of political maneuvering and failure to uphold the dignity of parliamentary positions.

Trinamool Congress Alleges BJP Will Raise Fuel Prices After West Bengal Elections

Trinamool Congress Alleges BJP Will Raise Fuel Prices After West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of planning to increase fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections. He challenged the BJP to promise no price hikes for LPG, petrol, and diesel over the next five years.

'May harm India-Israel ties': Oscar-nominated film delayed

'May harm India-Israel ties': Oscar-nominated film delayed

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The India release of the Oscar-nominated film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', based on the story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces, is facing delays as the distributor awaits a censor certificate.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'