News for 'democratic India'

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A day after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a senior functionary of the outfit questioned the decision, claiming the party leadership had never been consulted on the move and that such a decision could not be taken unilaterally.

Govt may give fresh push to delimitation with Oppn in disarray

Govt may give fresh push to delimitation with Oppn in disarray

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

As more opposition MPs are now aligning with the ruling NDA, sources in the government indicated that possibilities are being explored to give a fresh push to the delimitation legislation in Parliament.

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach'

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk has voiced his support for the online 'cockroach' movement, urging the government to engage with the concerns raised by youngsters instead of suppressing their digital expression. He described himself as an 'honorary cockroach' and praised the movement's creative and non-violent approach to dissent.

'Samajwadi Party Isn't Breaking Up Like TMC Or Shiv Sena (UBT)'

'Samajwadi Party Isn't Breaking Up Like TMC Or Shiv Sena (UBT)'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Political tensions are escalating in Uttar Pradesh as Samajwadi Party leaders strongly refute Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar's assertions of an impending split within the SP.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

As the Shiv Sena marks 60 years, political experts highlight the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's existential crisis and the Eknath Shinde-led group's struggle for relevance in the face of a dominant BJP, a significant shift from the party's historical 'elder brother' status in Maharashtra.

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

BJP, Nepal's RSP Discuss Gen Z

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Our discussions focused on the India-Nepal development partnership and people-to-people ties.'

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.

Uddhav gets emotional, offers to quit as party chief amid MPs' revolt

Uddhav gets emotional, offers to quit as party chief amid MPs' revolt

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Facing revolt by 6 Lok Sabha MPs of his party, Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said he was ready to quit his post if the party didn't have faith in him, while his opponent and Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde hinted at more defections from the rival camp.

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening internal crisis marked by fresh resignations and an escalating rebellion, even as its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss opposition coordination and the future of the INDIA bloc.

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Cockroach Party is the outcome of youth's frustration: BJP ally

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stated that the ban on the Cockroach Janata Party's social media handles is a symptom of widespread frustration among India's youth regarding employment, competitive examinations, and economic pressures, urging the government to address these concerns through policy changes.

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Caste Census: 'Government Is Scared Of The Numbers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Once the numbers come out, they fear that the OBCs would start to demand, and articulate what they are lacking, why they are lacking and what should be done to go forward.'

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

4 Indian-Origin Footballers At World Cup 2026

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India may not be at FIFA World Cup 2026, but four players with Indian roots will represent their nations on football's biggest stage.

TMC's paradox: Anti-BJP in Kolkata, pro-NDA in New Delhi

TMC's paradox: Anti-BJP in Kolkata, pro-NDA in New Delhi

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The TMC is grappling with an extraordinary internal paradox as its legislative faction in West Bengal pledges 'constructive opposition' against the BJP, while a significant portion of its Lok Sabha MPs surprisingly aligns with the BJP-led NDA, exposing a profound ideological schism within the party.

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Speculation about a possible rapprochement or merger between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has exposed deep divisions within the Congress's West Bengal unit, with senior state leaders vocally opposing any alliance with Mamata Banerjee.

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Now TMC split reaches LS as 20 MPs form 'separate bloc', back NDA

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amidst the INDIA bloc conclave in Delhi, a significant number of Trinamool Congress MPs convened a closed-door meeting, signalling a deepening internal rebellion and discontent within the party's parliamentary ranks following recent electoral setbacks.

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai left for Delhi from Chennai on Monday amid growing speculation on social media over his political future and reports suggesting he may be planning to launch a new political platform.

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

Uganda national isolated in Bengaluru tests negative for Ebola

Uganda national isolated in Bengaluru tests negative for Ebola

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A 28-year-old Ugandan woman has been admitted to Bengaluru's Epidemic Diseases Hospital after developing mild symptoms like body ache, following her arrival from an Ebola-affected region, prompting health officials to send her samples for testing at the National Institute of Virology in Pune.

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'Now if you break the party under the 10th Schedule you have to join another party.' 'You cannot join the NDA as it is not a party. You can only join another party, and that is the BJP.' 'So the question to ask is that these so-called 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs who are parting ways with the TMC, are they ready to join the BJP and accept Narendra Modi as their leader?'

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

'China, India or other hellhole': Trump reposts anti-India rant

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Donald Trump has amplified a critique of birthright citizenship by sharing a video of Michael Savage, who claimed the legal system allows immigrants to exploit American laws.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

LDF govt left Rs 5 lakh cr liabilities, says Kerala CM on tabling white paper

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Thursday hit out at the previous Left Democratic Front government, claiming that it had left behind huge liabilities, including Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board borrowings, amounting to Rs 5.07 lakh crore.

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders, including Brinda Karat and M A Baby, were detained during a protest outside the ED headquarters in Delhi against searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Those who have drained Mamata Banerjee's blood -- they are the ones calling us traitors.'

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

Haryana CM Saini Accuses AAP Of Failing On Punjab Promises

Haryana CM Saini Accuses AAP Of Failing On Punjab Promises

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP government in Punjab, alleging unfulfilled promises, deteriorating law and order, and a failed anti-drug campaign. He also highlighted the welfare initiatives of Haryana's 'double-engine' government and expressed confidence in the BJP's future prospects in Punjab.

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Delhi Quad meet to focus on West Asia fallout, Indo-Pacific security

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The economic fallout of the West Asia crisis, the prevailing security situation in the Indo-Pacific and ways to boost cooperation in critical minerals and technology are expected to top the agenda at a crucial meeting of the Quad foreign ministers on Tuesday.

Kerala Government Vows Zero Tolerance For Political Murders

Kerala Government Vows Zero Tolerance For Political Murders

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala has declared that the state government will have 'zero tolerance' towards political murders, following concerns over parole granted to those accused in the 2019 Periya twin murder case.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted over remarks made by Maharashtra MLA Vijay Wadettiwar regarding the shooting incident at an event attended by former US President Donald Trump. The BJP has demanded a condemnation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Wadettiwar justified the incident and is hoping for a similar attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Didn't know full Vande Mataram would be sung: Satheesan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the controversy surrounding the full rendition of Vande Mataram during the UDF government's swearing-in ceremony, stating that neither he nor his colleagues were informed beforehand. The issue has sparked political debate, with the CPI(M) criticising the move and the BJP accusing the Communists of insulting the national song.