News for 'democratic India'

'Tired today, soon to be retired': Cong's jibe at PM over RSS praise

'Tired today, soon to be retired': Cong's jibe at PM over RSS praise

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The PM's speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort today was " stale, hypocritical, insipid, and troubling", the Congress general secretary said.

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

FULL TEXT: President's address to the nation on I-Day eve

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

President Droupadi Murmu's address to the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day.

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Modi-Carney talks: Envoys to return as India, Canada mend ties

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

India and Canada have agreed to restore High Commissioners to each other's capitals at an early date, the first in 'calibrated steps' to restore stability to the 'very important relationship', Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Vice Presidential Poll: NDA Has 28 Vote Edge

Vice Presidential Poll: NDA Has 28 Vote Edge

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

The effective strength of both the Houses together is 786 and the winning candidate will require 394 votes, considering that all eligible voters exercise their franchise.

Rahul Gandhi launches 'voter adhikar yatra' in Bihar for voting rights

Rahul Gandhi launches 'voter adhikar yatra' in Bihar for voting rights

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar to advocate for fair elections and protect voting rights, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and accusing the BJP of attempting to disenfranchise voters.

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Workers from the BJP and Congress clashed in Patna during a protest march organized by the BJP against the use of abusive language towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother. The protest turned violent, with stone pelting and vandalism reported. Police intervened to control the situation, and an investigation is underway.

Not certain if INDIA bloc still intact: P Chidambaram

Not certain if INDIA bloc still intact: P Chidambaram

Rediff.com16 May 2025

The former Union finance minister warned that the INDIA bloc was fighting against a "formidable machinery", which must be fought on all fronts.

1st decide which party...: Cong leader's jibe at Tharoor over CM survey

1st decide which party...: Cong leader's jibe at Tharoor over CM survey

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The survey, reportedly conducted by a private agency, found that 28.3 per cent of respondents believe Tharoor is best suited to lead the state.

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has secured international support in its fight against terrorism, with Russia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates expressing solidarity and a commitment to working together to combat the threat. This follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 lives. Multi-party parliamentary delegations from India briefed the leaderships of these countries on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating radicalism. These developments highlight the growing global consensus against terrorism and the importance of international collaboration to address this shared challenge.

Cong asked Tharoor if he wants to speak during Op Sindoor debate, he said...

Cong asked Tharoor if he wants to speak during Op Sindoor debate, he said...

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

There has been intense speculation on whether Tharoor, who led the delegation to the United States among other countries, will be picked as a speaker by the Congress given that his enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with tge party.

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Bharat ki baat...: Tewari's message to Cong on being 'benched'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

There had been intense speculation whether Tewari and Shashi Tharoor, both part of the diplomatic delegations that had been sent abroad to convey India's stand, would speak in the Lower House or not during the ongoing debate on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Bihar voter list row 'largely trust deficit', says SC

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct a special intensive revision exercise in Bihar ahead of elections, raising concerns about voter exclusion.

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has asked RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to hand over a voter ID card for investigation after he claimed to possess it despite it not being officially issued. The controversy arose after Yadav alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls and claimed his voter ID number was changed.

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Modi to address NDA parliamentary party meet amid Oppn protests

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the BJP-led NDA parliamentary party meeting, focusing on current issues, the upcoming vice president's election, and likely addressing opposition concerns.

'5 of them punched on her face': Indian-origin girl attacked in Ireland

'5 of them punched on her face': Indian-origin girl attacked in Ireland

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

An Indian-origin nurse in Ireland is devastated after her daughter was racially abused and attacked. This incident, along with other recent attacks on Indian citizens, has raised concerns about safety and racism in Ireland.

TMC names Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee as LS Parl party leader

TMC names Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee as LS Parl party leader

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has appointed Abhishek Banerjee as its new parliamentary leader in the Lok Sabha, replacing Sudip Bandopadhyay. The decision was made during a virtual meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee. This move is seen as a generational shift and a preparation for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

By naming a sworn swayamsevak for vice president, the Modi-Shah duo have sent out a clear and positive message to Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters is located, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Govt to push bills as Oppn seeks debate on Bihar SIR

Govt to push bills as Oppn seeks debate on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

The government is likely to push for the passage of the National Sports Governance Bill in the Lok Sabha, despite ongoing parliamentary disruptions due to opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Other bills are also listed for consideration.

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

'They Are Even Scared Of A Word'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'Anybody who says one critical word can be branded as somebody who's glorifying terrorism.'

Electoral rolls can't remain static, need to be revised: SC

Electoral rolls can't remain static, need to be revised: SC

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

"There is bound to be revision," the top court said, "otherwise, how will the poll panel delete the names of those who are dead, migrated or shifted to other constituencies?"

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Cadres Rights Retrieval Committee has withdrawn from the BJP-led NDA coalition, a year after joining. The move follows meetings between Panneerselvam and DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin, fueling speculation about future alliances.

'Prime Minister's Inclusion Is A Constitutional Mockery'

'Prime Minister's Inclusion Is A Constitutional Mockery'

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

'This type of comprehensive legislation has never been introduced before in Parliament's history.' 'A bill that simultaneously affects ministers, chief ministers, and the prime minister represents completely uncharted Constitutional territory.' 'Throughout our nation's legislative history, the established policy has consistently held that public office holders should face punishment only after receiving conviction from a competent court of law. Without this safeguard, we risk systematic destabilisation, and our federal structure would face complete collapse.' 'Any central government could potentially deploy this legislation against state governments they oppose politically. This represents the most frightening prospect and dangerous possibility that these bills create.'

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

In his first address to National Democratic Alliance MPs in over a year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised its collective identity as a natural and organic alliance, asserting that its journey since its foundation in 1998 is dotted with successes and has many more achievements in store.

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Pahalgam, Op Sindoor to dominate Parl this week; will Tharoor speak?

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A big question mark is on whether Shashi Tharoor, who had led the delegation to the US among other countries, will be picked as speaker by the Congress, as the seasoned Lok Sabha member's enthusiastic endorsement of the government's action following the terror attack has soured his ties with his party.

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Only 18 Muslim women made it to Lok Sabha since Independence

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

From royalty to a tea vendor-turned-politician's wife and from a first lady to a Bengali actress, the 18 Muslim women who treaded the hallowed corridors of power in the Lok Sabha are an eclectic mix, with each of them having an interesting backstory, but one common thread -- their path to power was always strewn with struggle and hurdles.

When Zohran Mamdani opens mouth, Pak PR...: Cong leader

When Zohran Mamdani opens mouth, Pak PR...: Cong leader

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Mamdani, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani, a Ugandan author of Indian ancestry, was declared victorious in the Democratic mayoral primary Tuesday night.

Rahul Gandhi's 'blood on PM hands' remark expunged

Rahul Gandhi's 'blood on PM hands' remark expunged

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Parts of Rahul Gandhi's speech during the Operation Sindoor discussion in the Lok Sabha were expunged from the record after he criticised the government for trying to protect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image.

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The closed-door luncheon meeting came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with Trump exploring Washington's possible involvement.

Was Bhagwat Targeting Modi With His 'Retirement At 75' Remark?

Was Bhagwat Targeting Modi With His 'Retirement At 75' Remark?

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Bhagwat's 'retirement at age 75' comment lands just as he and Modi near that mark -- sparking whispers of retirement, rifts, and reshuffles.

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Vice President Dhankhar Resigns Citing Medical Reasons

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Vice President Dhankhar had in March this year undergone an angioplasty at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi.

Govt rejects demand to discuss SIR, Oppn proposes 'middle path'

Govt rejects demand to discuss SIR, Oppn proposes 'middle path'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The government rejected the Opposition's demand for a discussion on electoral roll revision in Bihar, citing that the matter is sub judice and pending before the judiciary.

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'If the Mahagathbandhan ignores Mukesh Sahni's demands as it did in 2020, he will be left with no option but to join hands with the BJP.'

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

'Will Pahalgam killers decide...': Omar in I-Day speech

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly criticized linking Jammu and Kashmir's political future to acts of terror, asserting that Pakistan cannot influence decisions on the region's statehood through terrorism. He announced a signature campaign to press for the restoration of statehood.

BJP ki majboori hai Modi ji...: Nishikant Dubey

BJP ki majboori hai Modi ji...: Nishikant Dubey

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Nishikant Dubey emphasised the crucial role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the party's electoral success, stating that the several sections which did not vote for BJP earlier now support the party and it has broken new ground in many states.

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

'My Book Is Not Even About Terrorism'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'I'm sure those few terrorists who are continuing to operate in the Valley are not reading books.' 'Are they trying to tell us that there are certain people who first intellectualise themselves and then go about picking up guns?' 'It is absolutely absurd.'

'BJP Not Obliged To Accept RSS Recommendations'

'BJP Not Obliged To Accept RSS Recommendations'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'It is something like traditional Indian families.' 'The family might be run by younger people, but if the patriarch says that you should consider someone for some task, it is very difficult for the others to ignore it.'

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Operation Sindoor face of changing India: Modi in Mann ki Baat

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed "Operation Sindoor" as a turning point in the global fight against terror, describing it as a symbol of India's growing strength and clarity of purpose. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the operation reflects a changing and resolute India, and has inspired patriotism and self-reliance across the country.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They should be given a strong message that they are not the ones who decide the rule of the land, and they are not the ones who decide what justice is.'