News for 'democracy'

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.

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

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.'

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.

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'.

Cricket World Cup's Biggest Controversies!

Cricket World Cup's Biggest Controversies!

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

A look at some of the major controversies in past World Cups.

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.

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Nitin Nabin elected BJP chief unopposed; youngest in party history

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin, a five-time Bihar MLA, has been elected unopposed as the BJP national president, becoming the youngest person to hold the position. His appointment signals a generational shift in the party's leadership as it prepares for key state elections.

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.

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.

'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.'

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.

'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.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

'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.

'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'.

'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.

Jaishankar schools West over democracy, shows inked finger

Jaishankar schools West over democracy, shows inked finger

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Jaishankar said that India is a democratic society and gives nutrition support to 800 million people. He noted that there are parts where democracy is working well and there could be parts where it is not. However, he underscored that it is should not considered a universal phenomenon.

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.

'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.

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.

'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.'

Brazilian model among 25 lakh fake voters in Haryana: Rahul

Brazilian model among 25 lakh fake voters in Haryana: Rahul

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

During the presser, Gandhi showed a picture of a woman who appears on the voter list 22 times in 10 booths in the Rai assembly constituency, and said this shows that this was a 'centralised operation'.

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.

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Democracy does put...: Jaishankar rebuts US Senator

Democracy does put...: Jaishankar rebuts US Senator

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar countered a US senator's claim that democracy does not put food on the table, citing India's PMGKAY program which provides food to 800 million people. Jaishankar argued that different parts of the world have different experiences with democracy and that the model of globalization has contributed to issues with democracy in some regions. He emphasized that India's democratic system effectively delivers food security, highlighting the PMGKAY program as an example.

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.