News for 'democracy'

'Soul of democracy sucked out': Oppn to boycott new Parliament inauguration

'Soul of democracy sucked out': Oppn to boycott new Parliament inauguration

Rediff.com24 May 2023

Modi will inaugurate the new Parliament building on May 28 following an invitation by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

'Disappointing': US denies BJP's allegations

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

The United States on Saturday rejected the Bharatiya Janata Party's allegations that organisations funded by the US State Department and elements in the American 'deep state' were behind attempts to destabilise India through targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business tycoon Gautam Adani.

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Elon Musk joins Trump to address thousands in US city where ex-prez shot at

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

Joined by high-profile figures like Tesla owner Elon Musk and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, Trump (78) made a passionate plea to "defeat" Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate in the November 5 presidential poll.

Those rejected 80-90 times are disrupting Parliament: Modi

Those rejected 80-90 times are disrupting Parliament: Modi

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday criticized the opposition, accusing them of trying to control Parliament through disruptions and chaos for their own political gain. Modi, addressing reporters ahead of the Winter Session, said those rejected by the people 80-90 times were resorting to hooliganism. He highlighted the BJP's recent electoral victories in Maharashtra and Haryana, asserting that the people are observing the opposition's actions and will punish them at the appropriate time. Modi emphasized the importance of healthy debate in Parliament and lamented the disregard for democracy by some opposition members.

Kamala Harris recalls her Diwali visits to India in campaign op-ed

Kamala Harris recalls her Diwali visits to India in campaign op-ed

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic presidential candidate, in an op-ed on Saturday, recollected her frequent visit to India as a child, and her mother's mission to cure cancer.

Fresh escalation in Manipur: Security forces clash with Kuki women

Fresh escalation in Manipur: Security forces clash with Kuki women

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

A mob led by Kuki-Zo women clashed with security forces in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Tuesday, triggering fresh tensions in the ethnic strife-hit state.

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'They refuse to be transparent. They refuse to be accountable.'

Women voters outnumber men in 2024 LS polls

Women voters outnumber men in 2024 LS polls

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The Election Commission of India has released detailed statistical data from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, revealing a record voter turnout of 64.64 crore, with women outnumbering men. The data also highlights the participation of women candidates and the use of postal ballots, along with insights into overseas Indian electors.

Trump sworn in as 47th US President, says 'golden age' begins now

Trump sworn in as 47th US President, says 'golden age' begins now

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

In a remarkable comeback to power, Donald J Trump Monday took oath as the 47th president of the United States and immediately promised a blitz of executive orders as he announced the beginning of a 'golden age' of America.

'Atal ji picked my call but Sonia kept me waiting'

'Atal ji picked my call but Sonia kept me waiting'

Rediff.com1 Dec 2024

After being elected president of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 1999, Najma Heptulla rang up the then Congress chief Sonia Gandhi from Berlin to convey the news but had to hold the phone line for an hour as a staff told her that 'madam is busy'.

'Hope Manipur Finds Peace Soon'

'Hope Manipur Finds Peace Soon'

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

'My one recommendation would be to first quell the violence and then encourage dialogue and build the trust among the different communities.' 'This is not easy but necessary, for violence cannot be the way forward.'

Same old...: Ambedkar's grandson on Shah's 'fashion' remark

Same old...: Ambedkar's grandson on Shah's 'fashion' remark

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

"Before the BJP came into existence, its forerunners Jan Sangh and RSS had opposed Babasaheb while the Constitution was being adopted," Prakash Ambedkar, who heads Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, told reporters in Pune.

People Power Forced Martial Law Removal

People Power Forced Martial Law Removal

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

On Tuesday, December 3, 2024 South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared an 'emergency martial law' accusing the Opposition of plotting an 'insurgency' and 'trying to overthrow the free democracy' in the country.

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Gorge Soros, Hillary Clinton get Medal of Freedom from Biden

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

Soros, 94, in the recent past has spoken openly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling BJP believe that he tried to interfere in Indian elections.

India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices: Jaishankar

India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices: Jaishankar

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said India can never permit others to have a veto on its choices and will do whatever is right in the national interest and for the global good without being intimidated to conform. In a video message for a function in Mumbai on Sunday, he said when India is etched more deeply in global consciousness, its repercussions are truly profound. In a world grappling with unhealthy habits, stressed lifestyles or recurring climate events, there is much learning to be gained from India's heritage. But the world will only know when the countrymen take pride in it, he said.

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political experts are observing an increasing trend of temple-mosque disputes in the state, leading to heightened polarization. Recent bypolls saw the use of divisive slogans, and analysts believe this trend will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. The recent surge in claims about the existence of Hindu temples at the sites of mosques in various cities has fueled this polarization. The BJP-led government has been accused of promoting communal polarization, while opposition parties like the SP have criticized the ruling party's actions. The RSS chief has called for restraint in raising new temple-related disputes. Experts predict that communal polarization is likely to escalate in the coming days.

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Thousands flee as rebels reach near Syrian capital

Rediff.com7 Dec 2024

More than 2,80,000 people have been uprooted in northwest Syria following the sudden and massive offensive into government-controlled areas led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is sanctioned by the Security Council as a terrorist group, the United Nations said on Friday.

My dignity, self-esteem deeply hurt by Rahul: BJP MP from Nagaland

My dignity, self-esteem deeply hurt by Rahul: BJP MP from Nagaland

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

A BJP MP from Nagaland has alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came "very close" to her and "shouted" at her during a protest outside the Parliament, making her feel "uncomfortable." The incident has led to a war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct. The BJP has demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, while the Congress has denied the allegations.

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

With new hq, Congress leaves behind more than an address

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

The Indian National Congress, India's oldest political party, is moving from its longtime headquarters at 24 Akbar Road to a new building called Indira Gandhi Bhawan. The move marks the end of an era for the Congress, which has been headquartered at 24 Akbar Road for nearly 50 years.

Modi govt talks a lot about democracy but...: Kharge

Modi govt talks a lot about democracy but...: Kharge

Rediff.com6 Apr 2023

Addressing a joint press conference of opposition leaders at the Constitution Club after a 'Tiranga March' from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk, he said the government's intention was to get the Budget Session washed out.

Cong worker dies during protest near UP assembly; party blames police

Cong worker dies during protest near UP assembly; party blames police

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

A Congress worker died during a protest near the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in Lucknow, India, on Wednesday. The Congress party alleged the worker, Prabhat Pandey, died due to "police brutality," while police said he was brought to the hospital unconscious and had no visible injury marks. An investigation is underway, and a post-mortem is to be conducted by a panel of doctors.

India is a vibrant democracy, go there and see for yourself: US

India is a vibrant democracy, go there and see for yourself: US

Rediff.com6 Jun 2023

Kirby said India is a strong partner with the United States on many levels.

Kamala Harris speaks: 'Concede polls but not the fight'

Kamala Harris speaks: 'Concede polls but not the fight'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

Shortly after conceding the presidential race to Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris urged supporters to accept the election results and pledged to ensure a peaceful transfer of power to the Republican leader.

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

When Dr Singh Met Sachin...

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

22 images that captures glimpses of a most unusual Indian who led the nation for 10 years.

Voting showed BJP does not have 2/3 majority: Cong

Voting showed BJP does not have 2/3 majority: Cong

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday claimed the bill on holding simultaneous polls was against federalism and 'anti-constitutional', and said the voting at its introduction stage in Lok Sabha showed the Bharatiya Janata Party lacks the two-thirds majority required to pass a constitutional amendment.

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

What prompted Oppn to move no-trust against Dhankhar

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Kharge alleged that Dhankhar is working as a government spokesperson and acting like a school headmaster, often sermonising experienced opposition leaders and preventing them from speaking in the House.

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

'I Should Have Won 1.25 Lakh Votes'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

'There is a difference between a politician and leader.' 'A politician will have his pound of flesh first and do everything else later.' 'A leader will sacrifice everything to help people.'

K'taka student faces action for saying minister 'doesn't know Kannada'

K'taka student faces action for saying minister 'doesn't know Kannada'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

A boy's alleged remark that the Education Minister 'doesn't know Kannada', irked Madhu Bangarappa, who holds the portfolio, as he directed officials to take action against the student.

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Regrettable: BJP on INDIA bloc's no-trust move against VP

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dinesh Sharma has rejected the opposition's move to impeach Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, calling it an attempt to disrupt House proceedings. Sharma claims there are no valid grounds to impeach Dhankhar, who is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The opposition parties submitted a notice to move a motion for removing Dhankhar for allegedly conducting the Upper House in a partisan manner. However, Sharma defended Dhankhar's conduct and asserted that he has been impartial in his role as chairman.

200 booked in Maha village for bid to hold 're-poll' using ballot papers

200 booked in Maha village for bid to hold 're-poll' using ballot papers

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Police registered a case against more than 200 persons from Markadwadi village and nearby areas in Maharashtra's Solapur for allegedly trying to conduct a 're-election' using ballot papers on Tuesday in an unauthorised manner, officials said.

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Parl proceedings washed out for third straight day over Adani, Manipur

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted for the third consecutive day in the Winter Session as opposition parties continued their protests over the Adani issue and violence in Manipur and Sambhal. Both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of convening, despite appeals from the Chair to engage in productive dialogue and refrain from disruption. The opposition members raised slogans demanding action against the perpetrators of violence in Sambhal, and sought discussions on allegations of irregularities against the Adani Group and the violence in Manipur.

Welcome back: Biden meets Trump, both pledge smooth transition

Welcome back: Biden meets Trump, both pledge smooth transition

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

In the meeting, the two leaders assured the nation of a peaceful transition of power on January 20 next year.

Prashant Kishor begins fast unto death seeking BPSC exam repeal

Prashant Kishor begins fast unto death seeking BPSC exam repeal

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has begun a fast unto death in Patna, demanding the cancellation of a recent examination held by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC). Kishor's hunger strike comes after he gave a 48-hour ultimatum to the Nitish Kumar government to act on the demand, raised by aggrieved candidates who allege the exam was rigged. The administration has declared the hunger strike illegal as it is not the designated site for protests.

Biden's Democracy Summit Fails To Impress

Biden's Democracy Summit Fails To Impress

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

The Summit for Democracy seems to have done more harm than good, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Support Modi's policy on Pak, Bangladesh, but not on China: Rahul in US

Support Modi's policy on Pak, Bangladesh, but not on China: Rahul in US

Rediff.com11 Sep 2024

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has indicated that the Congress party is in alignment with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on major foreign policy issues like the relationship with the United States, no talks with Pakistan unless the flow of terrorism is stopped, concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh and Israel.

Structures of India's democracy under 'brutal attack': Rahul

Structures of India's democracy under 'brutal attack': Rahul

Rediff.com5 Mar 2023

Stepping up his attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the structures of Indian democracy are under 'brutal attack' and there is a full-scale assault on the institutions of the country.

No terms of respect: HC jolt to Kerala minister in anti-Constitution remarks

No terms of respect: HC jolt to Kerala minister in anti-Constitution remarks

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Kerala High Court has ordered a further probe into an allegation that state Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian insulted the Constitution in a speech in July 2022. The court found that Cherian's words, including 'ideal Constitution to loot the people', and the use of certain Malayalam terms, could be interpreted as disrespectful to the Constitution. The court also criticized the initial investigation, finding it insufficient and biased, and directed the State Crime Branch to conduct the further probe.

Reject divisive tendencies based on social hierarchies: President

Reject divisive tendencies based on social hierarchies: President

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen affirmative action as a tool for inclusion while urging the rejection of divisive tendencies rooted in perceived social hierarchies.

Suhas Subramanyam becomes first Desi to win US House seat from East Coast

Suhas Subramanyam becomes first Desi to win US House seat from East Coast

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Running for the US House of Representatives from the 10th Congressional District of Virginia, a Democratic stronghold, Subramanyam defeated Mike Clancy of the Republican Party. He is currently a Virginia State Senator.

'Voter Is Keeping Centre On Tenterhooks'

'Voter Is Keeping Centre On Tenterhooks'

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

'If you want to win you need to perform.' 'Governments have found a way to buck anti-incumbency, but one policy intervention will not pay in all elections.'