News for 'democracy'

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A BMC spokesperson said the average voter turnout stood at 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm in the metropolis, which has more than 1 crore eligible electors.

'Law of jungle prevails': Cong on US action in Venezuela

'Law of jungle prevails': Cong on US action in Venezuela

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

The Congress party in India has expressed "grave concern" over the US action in Venezuela, stating that settled principles of international law cannot be violated unilaterally. India has also voiced "deep concern" and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scared US, Russia: Report

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Newly declassified documents from the United States National Security Archive have revealed that Pakistan's nuclear proliferation was a significant concern for both the US and Russia, with leaders expressing 'nervous' fears about the country's atomic stability.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Amid claims of Amartya Sen being summoned over Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal has clarified that the notice to the Nobel laureate was issued after the Electoral Roll Officers' Network (ERONET) portal flagged a 'logical discrepancy'.

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Inderjit Bindra, who raised Indian cricket on the world stage in the 1990s and early years of this century, passed into the ages on Sunday. 26 years ago, Mr Bindra spoke at length to Rediff about his vision for Indian cricket, an interview which we republish in his memory.

How Khaleda Zia rose to dominate Bangladesh's politics

How Khaleda Zia rose to dominate Bangladesh's politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a dominant figure in the country's politics, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Her career spanned decades and included periods of both power and controversy.

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

US lawmakers write to Indian envoy over Umar Khalid's detention

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

A group of US lawmakers has written to the Indian Ambassador to the United States, urging a fair and timely trial for activist Umar Khalid, who has been detained under the UAPA.

'Venezuela's Current Leaders Gave Maduro As A Trophy To Trump'

'Venezuela's Current Leaders Gave Maduro As A Trophy To Trump'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

'Trump had done a deal with the current regime minus Maduro. The current regime is giving Trump entry into Venezuelan oil. They are obeying him and doing whatever he says.' 'They are happy because they have saved their heads by sacrificing only two, Maduro and his wife. Thousands of Venezuelan military leaders would have been jailed or killed in American action had Maduro stayed in power.'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'If you want to force the press into blacking out the Opposition's views or colour the news to your own liking, we will not do so.' 'We stand by freedom of expression. It is our Constitutional right. We stand by our Constitutional right.'

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Uphold Constitution and adhere to 'Lakshman Rekha': RS Chairman to members

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan addressed members, urging them to uphold the Constitution, follow parliamentary norms, and understand their responsibilities towards the nation.

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

'I think of your words': Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

US lawmakers have written to the Indian Ambassador to the US, expressing concern over the prolonged detention of activist Umar Khalid and urging a fair trial in accordance with international law.

CJI lays foundation for new court complex amid lawyers' protest in Assam

CJI lays foundation for new court complex amid lawyers' protest in Assam

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Chief Justice of India lays the foundation for an Integrated Judicial Court Complex in Assam's Kamrup district, facing protests from the Gauhati High Court Bar Association (GHCBA) over the relocation of the High Court.

Vote chori is biggest anti-national act, Rahul tells BJP

Vote chori is biggest anti-national act, Rahul tells BJP

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the BJP of 'vote chori' in collusion with the Election Commission, calling it an anti-national act. He raised concerns about election reforms and institutional capture.

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Govt ready to discuss SIR in RS as Opposition protests

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is ready to discuss the special intensive revision of electoral rolls, but cautioned the Opposition against setting timelines. This comes after the Opposition demanded an immediate discussion on the matter, citing concerns over the safety of BLOs and the importance of the issue for democracy.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces legal action against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, alleging disenfranchisement and procedural flaws.

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A new book reveals that Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected an offer to become President of India, a move that would have made Lal Krishna Advani Prime Minister. Vajpayee believed that a sitting PM becoming President would set a bad precedent for Indian democracy.

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

'Make A Hindu Kashmir And Declare It Union Territory'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

'Kashmir needs to be divided and we need the land of Panun Kashmir in Kashmir.'

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demands cancellation of civic elections where candidates won unopposed, alleging corruption and manipulation by ruling parties. He also criticizes the Maharashtra legislative assembly speaker and the misuse of BMC funds.

'Bad neighbours' can't seek water: Jaishankar's warning to Pak

'Bad neighbours' can't seek water: Jaishankar's warning to Pak

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserts India's right to defend against terrorism from 'bad neighbours' while highlighting India's support for friendly nations.

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi after Congress workers allegedly threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life at a rally.

Congress Alleges 'Vote Chori' In Bihar

Congress Alleges 'Vote Chori' In Bihar

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday alleged that the election results in Bihar reflect 'vote chori on a gigantic scale' with Rahul Gandhi vowing an in-depth review of the outcome and saying, 'we could not achieve victory in such an election that was not fair from the very beginning.'

'We are turning into a dead society': Rahul meets Unnao survivor

'We are turning into a dead society': Rahul meets Unnao survivor

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the Unnao rape survivor after she protested the bail granted to Kuldeep Singh Sengar, criticizing the treatment of survivors and calling India a 'dead society'.

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Leading Bangladeshi newspapers report increasing threats to media freedom following attacks on newspaper offices, raising concerns about journalists' safety and freedom of expression.

Election was unfair from beginning: Rahul Gandhi on Bihar defeat

Election was unfair from beginning: Rahul Gandhi on Bihar defeat

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the Bihar Assembly results as "truly surprising" and said "we could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning". He added that the Congress and the INDIA bloc will conduct an in-depth review of the poll results.

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'A poor candidate was given a chance so that the concerns of ordinary, needy citizens could be represented.'

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.

CBI to challenge Unnao rape convict Sengar's bail in SC

CBI to challenge Unnao rape convict Sengar's bail in SC

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

The CBI will challenge the suspension of life sentence and bail granted to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the Unnao rape case in the Supreme Court. The decision follows a Delhi High Court order suspending Sengar's sentence. Rahul Gandhi has criticized the decision and met with the survivor.

'Current elements in Bangladesh want to hurt India'

'Current elements in Bangladesh want to hurt India'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev on Monday expressed serious concern over the current public sentiment and statements emerging from leaders in Bangladesh against India, describing them as 'threats' targeting Northeast India and warning that these elements in the neighbouring country are actively seeking ways to 'hurt' the nation.

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Mamata questions curbs on 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' in Parl

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Banerjee said she had come across media reports claiming that the patriotic slogans were not being permitted in the House.

Parliament clears 'G Ram G' bill; Oppn stages overnight protest

Parliament clears 'G Ram G' bill; Oppn stages overnight protest

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

"This is an insult to India's poor, it is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi, it is an insult to Rabindranath Tagore. With just five hours' notice, this bill was given to us. We were not allowed a proper debate," Ghose said.

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A Trinamool Congress councillor in West Bengal protested being listed as deceased in the draft electoral rolls by walking into a crematorium, highlighting concerns about voter list accuracy ahead of state elections.

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.