News for 'democratic India'

Rahul breaks silence on 'unexpected' Haryana results

Rahul breaks silence on 'unexpected' Haryana results

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Gandhi said the Congress was looking into the results of Haryana assembly polls.

B'desh crisis: 'India should not focus only on one person and party'

B'desh crisis: 'India should not focus only on one person and party'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2024

'We should be mindful that the religious minority community in one country is the majority in another (and) so treatment of the minority community in our respective countries will be an important variable in our relationship'

INDIA to decide on Wednesday on approaching Nitish, Naidu

INDIA to decide on Wednesday on approaching Nitish, Naidu

Rediff.com5 Jun 2024

"We are going to have a meeting with our partners tomorrow. These questions will be raised and answered there," Gandhi told a press conference in New Delhi when asked if the Congress and its allies will approach parties that are part of the National Democratic Alliance to try and form a government.

'He was always very indulgent towards me, a bit like a father to a wayward son'

'He was always very indulgent towards me, a bit like a father to a wayward son'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

'He treated stars and assistants with the same unfailing courtesy.'

Terrorists, fundamentalists thrive under Yunus's fascist regime: Hasina

Terrorists, fundamentalists thrive under Yunus's fascist regime: Hasina

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched a scathing attack on the interim administration, accusing Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of running a "fascist regime" that persecutes minorities and allows terrorists to operate freely. Hasina, who is currently in India, made the remarks in a virtual address to overseas Awami League supporters, vowing to bring Yunus and his allies to justice for alleged atrocities. Her comments come ahead of a visit by India's Foreign Secretary to Dhaka, where he is expected to raise concerns about the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

Hemant Soren expands cabinet, Cong finally joins govt

Hemant Soren expands cabinet, Cong finally joins govt

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expanded his cabinet on Thursday, inducting 11 new ministers, including six first-timers and two women. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. The new ministers include six from the JMM and four from the Congress. One minister is from the RJD. The expansion comes after the JMM-led alliance won the recent assembly elections with a comfortable majority. The cabinet expansion is expected to give the government a fresh impetus to push its agenda and accelerate development in the state.

RSS chief flags threats from 'Deep State', 'wokeism', 'cultural Marxist'

RSS chief flags threats from 'Deep State', 'wokeism', 'cultural Marxist'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

According to Bhagwat, a narrative is being spread in neighbouring Bangladesh, which recently witnessed a massive political upheaval, that India is a threat and they should join Pakistan as a defence against Bharat. Who is spreading such a narrative, he asked.

Day after chaos at Waqf panel meet, JPC member slams BJP MP

Day after chaos at Waqf panel meet, JPC member slams BJP MP

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

A Raja said panel's chairman Jagdambika Pal has been conducting the panel's meetings in haste, raising doubts that it will not be able to serve justice.

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

While the results of the bypolls will not directly impact the composition of the 403-member state Assembly, the contest is being seen as a prestige fight between the BJP and opposition parties.

What Modi May Say In I-Day Address

What Modi May Say In I-Day Address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

'Given our turbulent neighbourhood, the prime minister is likely to emphasise on democratic dividend as the reason behind India's continuous prosperity.'

An Indian Village Campaigns For Kamala

An Indian Village Campaigns For Kamala

Rediff.com29 Jul 2024

Thulasendrapuram, a small village in Tamil Nadu, is where the late Indian American scientist Shyamala Gopalan's parents were born. Dr Gopalan is, of course, Kamala Harris' mother and someone the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate often cites as the biggest influence on her life.

TDP to stick with NDA, rules out switch to INDIA

TDP to stick with NDA, rules out switch to INDIA

Rediff.com4 Jun 2024

As the Bharatiya Janata Party grapples with a potential shortfall in its Lok Sabha tally, its ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has unequivocally pledged allegiance to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), dismissing any speculation of a pivot towards the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Simultaneous polls bill introduced with 269 votes in favour, 198 against

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Two bills that lay down the mechanism to hold simultaneous elections were introduced in the Lok Sabha after a fiery debate on Tuesday, with the opposition terming the move 'dictatorial' and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal asserting that the legislation would not tamper with the powers enjoyed by states.

J'khand to vote in final phase on Wednesday; fate of Soren to be sealed

J'khand to vote in final phase on Wednesday; fate of Soren to be sealed

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

The final round of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections is taking place on Wednesday, with the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition seeking to retain power while the BJP-led NDA aims to take control. The election will decide the fate of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife, and several other candidates. Key issues during the campaign included alleged infiltration from Bangladesh, corruption, and Hindutva.

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28

Hemant Soren to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Nov 28

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Hemant Soren on Sunday met Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and staked claim to form the government, soon after leaders of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in the state unanimously elected him as the legislature party leader.

What India Inc Expects From Modi 3.0

What India Inc Expects From Modi 3.0

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

'In the new coalition government, India's reform agenda may prioritise job creation and factor market reforms.'

Is India Still A Democracy?

Is India Still A Democracy?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

Today in 2024, the BJP jails its opponents during an election and still believes, or at least wants us to believe, that it is only following the rules of democracy, asserts Aakar Patel.

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Yogi Goes All Out For Flawless Mahakumbh

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

For Yogi Adityanath the successful management of the fair is a crucial part of building 'Brand UP' and making the state a $1 trillion economy.

'Had liberalisation not taken place, I may have gone back to the US'

'Had liberalisation not taken place, I may have gone back to the US'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

An exclusive excerpt from The Tatas: How A Family Built A Business And A Nation.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

Women centric schemes proved to be game-changer in 2 states?

Women centric schemes proved to be game-changer in 2 states?

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Women-centric schemes could have proved a game-changer in both Maharashtra and Jharkhand, as both states witnessed a surge in women voters in the recently held assembly polls as well as return of the ruling alliances with a thumping majority.

'You show them who you are': Kamala invokes mother as she accepts presidential nomination

'You show them who you are': Kamala invokes mother as she accepts presidential nomination

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

Describing her Republican rival Donald Trump as an unserious man, Kamala Harris warned Americans of the consequences of re-electing him for the second term.

'If Trump Loses, 100% He'll Throw A Tantrum'

'If Trump Loses, 100% He'll Throw A Tantrum'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

'Accusations would be flung about his votes being stolen. He'll say dead people were voting from the grave.' Payal Singh Mohanka reports on the mood ahead of the US presidential election.

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Development, good governance win, lies suffer defeat: Modi on Maha win

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

The Congress has tried to inflict capital punishment on true secularism, he claimed, asserting that the Waqf law has no place in the Constitution.

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Bypoll boost for NDA in Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya; jolt in Bengal

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The juggernaut of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, which triumphed in three of the four east and north-eastern states that went for assembly bypolls on Saturday, was halted yet again in West Bengal where Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress registered a six-on-six clean sweep.

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Yunus dials Modi, assures protection of Hindus, minorities in B'desh

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

This is the first conversation between Modi and Yunus after he assumed the responsibility following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Will Indian Americans not vote for Kamala Harris?

Will Indian Americans not vote for Kamala Harris?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

Indian Americans are likely to vote in the United States presidential elections based on what the candidates have done for them and not on the basis of their heritage or race, a newly formed body representing Asian communities has said, claiming that Republican candidate Donald Trump has a better track record than his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

LG clears Omar cabinet's resolution seeking to restore J-K statehood

LG clears Omar cabinet's resolution seeking to restore J-K statehood

Rediff.com19 Oct 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has cleared a resolution passed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led cabinet urging the Centre to restore the statehood to the Union territory, officials said on Saturday.

'America Is In For A Period Of Extended Domestic Turmoil'

'America Is In For A Period Of Extended Domestic Turmoil'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

'Trump's disregard for norms and institutions could prove very costly for America's social fabric.'

Delhi bookies give 340 seats to NDA, 200 to INDIA

Delhi bookies give 340 seats to NDA, 200 to INDIA

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

In line with most of the exit poll predictions, bookies in Delhi feel the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will get more than 340 seats in the Lok Sabha polls while the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) may secure around 200 seats.

Counting for bypolls today: Will Priyanka win in Wayanad

Counting for bypolls today: Will Priyanka win in Wayanad

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The counting of votes for the bypolls to 46 assembly seats in 13 states and in the Lok Sabha segments of Nanded in Maharashtra and Wayanad in Kerala, a crucial electoral exercise since the parliamentary polls in April-May, will begin at 8 am on Saturday.

AMU order: Dissenting judge flags lack of time, non-exchange of ideas

AMU order: Dissenting judge flags lack of time, non-exchange of ideas

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

Aligarh Muslim University is not a minority educational institution, Supreme Court's Justice Dipankar Datta said on Friday and noted had it not been a "race against time" he would have articulated better in his dissenting opinion. The judge also flagged a non-exchange of ideas and opinions in a "true democratic spirit" to build a consensus.

Kharge gives INDIA 295+ seats as exit polls predict BJP sweep

Kharge gives INDIA 295+ seats as exit polls predict BJP sweep

Rediff.com2 Jun 2024

Leaders of several Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties met on Saturday to take stock of the opposition's preparations leading up to the June 4 counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections, and claimed they will get more than 295 seats, enough for them to form the next government.

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.

INDIA parties spent too much time in...: CPI-ML chief

INDIA parties spent too much time in...: CPI-ML chief

Rediff.com22 Jun 2024

The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) could have performed better in the recently-held Lok Sabha polls and perhaps, too much time was spent in reaching seat-sharing agreements, Communist Party of India-Marxist-Leninist Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya has said.

J-K polls: 68% candidates forfeit security deposits in Jammu's 43 seats

J-K polls: 68% candidates forfeit security deposits in Jammu's 43 seats

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

Incidentally, 164 of the total 356 candidates in the fray from the 43 assembly seats of Jammu region got less votes than none of the above, which gives an option to voters to reject all candidates in a constituency.

Uproar over PT Usha's 'My way or the highway' approach

Uproar over PT Usha's 'My way or the highway' approach

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

The feud between Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha and revolting Executive Council members took another ugly turn after a dozen of them shot off a letter to senior IOC official Jerome Poivey accusing the legendary athlete of running the organization in an "autocratic" manner.

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Hemant Soren weathers BJP blitz, returns to power in Jharkhand

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

In a stunning comeback, Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led alliance on Saturday stormed to power in Jharkhand for a second consecutive term, winning 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, despite an all-out blitz by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance which managed only 24 seats.

2024: The Year Of Shift In Politics

2024: The Year Of Shift In Politics

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Much drama is likely to continue in the coming year, within the Sangh Parivar as well as involving the Opposition parties and, of course the BJP's allies, predicts Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Why Opposition didn't seek division of Speaker votes

Why Opposition didn't seek division of Speaker votes

Rediff.com26 Jun 2024

The Congress on Wednesday said the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) constituents did not seek a division of votes in the Speaker's election as they wanted to maintain a spirit of consensus and cooperation.