News for 'democracy'

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where an Odisha tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank. Patnaik seeks accountability for the incident, which has sparked public outrage.

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Why Did India Not Stop The War?

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

India is one of the few nations, and perhaps the only nation, that has good relations with America, Israel and Iran. Knowing that a war in the Gulf would damage our economy, hurt supply of fertilisers and fuel, and cause general chaos, we should have tried to ensure this war did not begin, asserts Aakar Patel.

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'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.com12 Apr 2026

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.

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

If There's One Thing To Appreciate About The BJP, It Is Honesty

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The BJP, especially in its current edition under the prime minister, is clear that it seeks total exclusion of India's largest minority against whom it holds historical resentment, points out Aakar Patel.

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.

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.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

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.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

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.

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Haryana CM Saini Foresees BJP Rule in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

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.

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC will support the women's quota bill but opposes the delimitation bill introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. She also criticised the central government over central agency raids on TMC candidates.

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge who refused to recuse in excise case

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Arvind Kejriwal has written to Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, stating he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, citing concerns about impartiality.

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Keep in mind your...: Modi's appeal on women's quota

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to Lok Sabha members to vote for the women's reservation bill, emphasising the need to empower women and rectify decades of political inaction.

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.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

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.

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Lok Sabha, accusing the opposition of spreading falsehoods and questioning the safety of democracy if leaders are chosen by infiltrators.

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.

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Harivansh elected unopposed as Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Harivansh has been re-elected as the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha unopposed, marking his third term in the position.

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Iran's Araghchi lands in Islamabad for second round of talks with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

An Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is expected to arrive in Islamabad for the second round of peace talks with the US, according to Pakistani media reports. This follows a phone call between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Araghchi regarding the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan's diplomatic efforts.

'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.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses Modi Of Women's Quota Misdirection

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of misleading the nation regarding the women's quota bill and plotting to push through the delimitation exercise by using women as a shield.

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles during the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP-led Centre of using government resources to favour their party. She also addressed concerns of potato farmers and urged them to sell their produce in other states.

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.

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's handling of the women's quota bill, accusing them of political maneuvering and neglecting the rights of OBCs.

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being 'anti-women' and obstructing the passage of the women's reservation bill in Lok Sabha. He criticised the TMC's opposition to the bill and defended the BJP's commitment to increasing women's representation in politics.

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The TMC has dismissed reports of I-PAC suspending operations in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of conspiring to disrupt the party's election campaign through intimidation. Mamata Banerjee has offered jobs to I-PAC employees if they are forced out.

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Punjab Minister Arora for Forex Violations

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Punjab Minister Arora for Forex Violations

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at premises linked to Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora as part of a FEMA probe into alleged foreign exchange violations, insider trading, and round-tripping of funds.

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.com14 Apr 2026

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.

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Why Siddaramaiah Wants A Supreme Court Bench In South India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for the establishment of a Supreme Court bench in South India to improve accessibility to justice. Speaking at a conference on Artificial Intelligence in the judiciary, he also highlighted the need to address algorithmic bias and ensure judicial independence in the age of AI.

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

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.com14 Apr 2026

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.

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

'Delimitation Can't Be Challenged Once It Is Approved'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'The Supreme Court stated that once the delimitation plan is approved by Parliament and receives assent of the President, it cannot be undone. Nor can it be modified.'

Bangladeshis Mourn 'Mother Of Democracy'

Bangladeshis Mourn 'Mother Of Democracy'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a central figure in the country's turbulent political landscape for more than three decades, died in Dhaka on Tuesday at the age of 80.

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.'

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

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.com14 Apr 2026

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.