News for 'democratic India'

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

From state lawmaker to mayor of America's largest city

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the first Muslim, first Indian-origin, first African-born, and youngest mayor in over a century. His victory is seen as a significant moment for the city and the Indian-American community.

'Welfare doesn't happen by distributing money in elections'

'Welfare doesn't happen by distributing money in elections'

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

'Some states have become more populous, while others have become less populous. Those who became less populous became economically strong. Those where population increased, they became economically weak

Bihar votes in phase 2 amid tight security; 31.38% turnout till 11 am

Bihar votes in phase 2 amid tight security; 31.38% turnout till 11 am

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Voting is underway for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections across 122 constituencies. Key candidates and political dynamics are in focus as the state decides its next government.

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Bihar polls: INDIA bloc yet to seal deal as NDA finalises candidates

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

With nominations for the first phase of Bihar elections closing soon, the INDIA bloc is struggling to finalize seat sharing, while the NDA has announced its candidates. Key political figures are actively campaigning.

Despite sweep, 12 BJP candidates fall in close contests

Despite sweep, 12 BJP candidates fall in close contests

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Even as the Bharatiya Janata Party made a spectacular show in the Bihar assembly elections with almost all of its 101 candidates registering massive wins, 12 of the nominees missed the bus.

Did Tejashwi fail to counter NDA's 'jungle raj' narrative?

Did Tejashwi fail to counter NDA's 'jungle raj' narrative?

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Ten years after a dream electoral debut, which saw him become the deputy chief minister at a young age of 25, the heir apparent of party supremo Lalu Prasad finally won, after trailing for several rounds, from Raghopur, a RJD stronghold.

'Will definitely quit if...': PK alleges 'vote chori' in Bihar

'Will definitely quit if...': PK alleges 'vote chori' in Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor on Tuesday claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United would have been bundled up with just 25 seats had his government not given Rs 10,000 to 60,000 beneficiaries in each constituency just before the assembly elections and promised Rs 2 lakh to 1.5 crore women across the state under self-employment initiatives.

Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan to release joint manifesto on Oct 28

Bihar polls: Mahagathbandhan to release joint manifesto on Oct 28

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav will address joint rallies before the first Phase of voting and, after that, for the seats in the second Phase of voting, they added.

'Zohran Mamdani Has A Very Complicated Identity'

'Zohran Mamdani Has A Very Complicated Identity'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'He knew the world's eyes were on him, and he had to speak directly to the fears that immigrants in New York feel right now.'

Tejashwi likely to be announced as Mahagathbandhan CM face tomorrow

Tejashwi likely to be announced as Mahagathbandhan CM face tomorrow

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Tejashwi who is meeting senior Conngress leader Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday is expected to be announced as the CM face of the Mahabgathbandhan on Thursday.

'Efforts to build ties with India, Modi undone in just months'

'Efforts to build ties with India, Modi undone in just months'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen's comments came amid a major downturn between New Delhi and Washington after US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 percent, including a 25 percent additional duties for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has said that cases were filed against his family members to 'coerce' him.

Bihar on edge: RJD warns of 'Nepal-like situation' if.....

Bihar on edge: RJD warns of 'Nepal-like situation' if.....

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Bihar is preparing for the counting of votes in the recent assembly elections, with political leaders reviewing preparations and expressing confidence in their respective alliances' prospects. Security measures are in place to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process.

Nitish set to take oath as Bihar CM for 10th time, Modi to attend

Nitish set to take oath as Bihar CM for 10th time, Modi to attend

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar is set to be sworn-in as Bihar chief minister for a record 10th time on Thursday, days after the National Democratic Alliance secured a landslide victory in the assembly elections.

Trump announces 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, India to be hit

Trump announces 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, India to be hit

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

Trump said California has been particularly "hard hit" because of this, blaming democrat Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, for this loss, calling him "weak and incompetent."

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

An ECI statement issued from New Delhi put the voter turnout at 68.76 per cent. The female turnout (74.03 per cent) was significantly higher, compared with males (64.1 per cent).

Bihar poll temperature set to rise with multiple rallies

Bihar poll temperature set to rise with multiple rallies

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi are set to address public rallies in Bihar on Wednesday in support of their respective party nominees. Other leaders will also campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

US Needs India As Much As India Needs The US

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

India-US relations, like Rome, were not built in a day, nor can they be demolished in a day.
All said and done, when the new global order emerges, India can only remain with the democracies, asserts Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14 per cent in the second and final phase of the assembly elections. The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishanganj recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26.

Bihar rejected Cong's 'Muslim League-Maoist' combination: Modi

Bihar rejected Cong's 'Muslim League-Maoist' combination: Modi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party following the NDA's victory in the Bihar assembly elections, accusing them of divisive politics and highlighting the rejection of casteism and communalism by the people of Bihar.

Will Cong-Samajwadi alliance survive Bihar shock?

Will Cong-Samajwadi alliance survive Bihar shock?

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

The sweeping victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar Assembly elections has caused ripples across the country, but perhaps more pronounced in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, where Assembly elections are due in 2027.

'China Takes India Seriously', But...

'China Takes India Seriously', But...

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'The strategic difference over technology and territory between India and China remain great and security interests on both sides will likely prevent a short-term rapprochement of any depth.'

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Narendra Modi government's support for the state's progress and urged voters to support the NDA in the upcoming assembly elections. He also criticized Lalu Prasad's governance and dynastic politics.

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Bihar polls: Jehanabad's youths want jobs, not rhetoric, from next govt

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Voters in Bihar's Jehanabad and Ghosi express their hopes for change, particularly regarding job creation and development, in the upcoming government following the state elections.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking the implementation of the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Why no farewell for Dhankhar even after 100 days, asks Congress

Why no farewell for Dhankhar even after 100 days, asks Congress

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Congress party has criticized former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar for his silence following his resignation, questioning the circumstances and demanding a farewell.

59% of Bihar's unregistered parties skip audit, donation reports

59% of Bihar's unregistered parties skip audit, donation reports

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of registered unrecognised political parties in Bihar have not made their mandatory financial disclosures public for 2023-24.

Trump announces 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, India to be hit

Trump announces 100% tariffs on foreign-made movies, India to be hit

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

President Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies made outside the US, potentially impacting the Indian film industry. The move follows similar tariffs on pharmaceutical products.

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Opposition parties are questioning the Election Commission's intentions behind the second phase of special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. The BJP has slammed the Congress and called the opposition a 'herd of dissatisfied souls'.

'Vote chori' in Bihar polls, alleges Rahul; says EC main culprits

'Vote chori' in Bihar polls, alleges Rahul; says EC main culprits

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Election Commission of being complicit in 'vote theft' in Bihar, alleging manipulation of voter lists and preventing people from voting. He claims the EC officials are committing 'treachery against the Constitution'.

NDA begins govt formation talks in Bihar after landslide victory

NDA begins govt formation talks in Bihar after landslide victory

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Following their landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls, NDA leaders have begun discussions on forming a new government. Key coalition partners visited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence, expressing support for his continued leadership. The article also touches on political developments within the RJD and reactions to the election results.

Trump's tariffs threaten vital ties with India: US lawmaker

Trump's tariffs threaten vital ties with India: US lawmaker

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats, on Wednesday (local time) underscored "Congress' support for the US-India partnership," following his meeting with Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

'Rahul Can't Play Victim All The Time'

'Rahul Can't Play Victim All The Time'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'Rahul Gandhi's problem is that he doesn't think big.' 'He looks more like an activist, while politics is like a game of chess. You attack and then defend and have a game-plan.'

Trump Meets His Kejriwal in Zohran Mamdani

Trump Meets His Kejriwal in Zohran Mamdani

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The mass of voters chose Kejriwal and Mamdani for the simple reason that they were sick and tired of the stale promises and repetitive speeches belted out for long by mainstream political personalities, notes M R Narayan Swamy.

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

We can't do what China does: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the 'wholesale attack on the democratic system' currently underway in India is the single biggest risk the country is facing, and asserted that allowing different traditions to thrive is very important as 'we cannot do what China does, which is to run an authoritarian system'. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: / Rediff.com Speaking at a seminar titled 'The Future is Today' at the EIA University in Medellin, Colombia, Gandhi also alleged that there are 'huge amounts of corruption at a centralised level' in India now. "In India, we have huge amounts of corruption now at a very centralised level. So, three or four businesses taking over the whole economy, having a direct relationship with the prime minister, is rampant in India," the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said. "But I believe decentralising power, making things more transparent, bringing people into conversations, and bringing people into processes is the best way forward," Gandhi said while addressing the seminar on Wednesday. Hitting back at the Congress leader for his remarks, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday accused Gandhi of insulting and degrading India on foreign soil. Posting a video clip of Gandhi's speech on X, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, 'Rahul Gandhi does it again, degrades India on foreign soil. From defaming our democracy in London, to mocking our institutions in the US, now in Colombia he spares no chance to insult Bharat globally.' 'This isn't dissent. It's disgrace to the fake Gandhi. Criticising BJP may be your right but dare you malign Mother India for your cheap and petty politics,' Bhatia said. Speaking at the seminar, Gandhi said India has a much more complex system as compared to China and its strengths are very different from that of the neighbouring country. India also has a very old spiritual tradition and a thought system with profound ideas that are useful in today's world, he said, adding that there is a lot that the country can offer in terms of tradition and way of thinking. "I am very optimistic about India, but at the same time, there are fault lines within the Indian structure. There are risks that India has to overcome. The single-biggest risk is the attack on democracy that is taking place in India," the Leader of Opposition said. "India has multiple religions, traditions and languages. India is actually a conversation between all its people. Different ideas, religions and traditions require space. The best method for creating that space is the democratic system," he said. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on the democratic system in India, so that is a risk. The other big risk is different conceptions -- some 16-17 different languages, different religions... So, allowing these different traditions to thrive, and giving them space to express themselves is very important for a country like India.

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

'Educated Youth Voted RJD, Uneducated Youth Voted JD-U'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'When you compare Bihar's poverty from its earlier times, then there is a huge difference. Things have improved a lot. And migration has played an important role in reducing poverty.'

Modi raises concerns with UK PM over Khalistani extremism

Modi raises concerns with UK PM over Khalistani extremism

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed India's concerns to his British counterpart Keir Starmer over the activities of pro-Khalistani extremists in the UK, emphasizing the need for action against radicalism and violent extremism.

Asia Cup: India face spin test in fiery Bangladesh clash

Asia Cup: India face spin test in fiery Bangladesh clash

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

The India vs Bangladesh rivalry has gotten bitter in recent years, thanks to the partisan young fans, many of whom perceive India as an adversary.

Minneapolis shooter had 'Nuke India' scribbled on his gun

Minneapolis shooter had 'Nuke India' scribbled on his gun

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A shooter who opened fire at a Minneapolis Catholic School, killing two children, had 'Nuke India' written on one of the guns, according to video footage of the alleged arsenal used by him.