News for 'democratic change'

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Remove secularism from Constitution: Bangladesh's top legal official

Remove secularism from Constitution: Bangladesh's top legal official

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Bangladesh's top legal official has proposed to remove the words 'secularism' and 'socialism' from the Constitution apart from a provision prescribing capital punishment for regime change through extra-constitutional means.

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed for peaceful protests in the wake of violence that erupted in several parts of the state during protests against the amended Wakf law. She emphasized the importance of respecting the law and urged people not to indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion.

Nehru-Gandhi family surrendered Indian interests: BJP slams Rahul

Nehru-Gandhi family surrendered Indian interests: BJP slams Rahul

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday slammed Rahul Gandhi for his 'surrender' barb at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it is not only a grave insult to the armed forces and country but also no less than treason.

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Can Baby Revive CPM?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

M A Baby faces several significant challenges: Helping the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front secure a third consecutive term in Kerala's 2026 assembly elections, and regaining ground lost in the party's traditional strongholds of West Bengal, Tripura, and other regions.

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the "kudamattam" as part of the Pooram festivities.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Trump blames Obama, Biden as 67 feared dead in US air crash

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Following the mid-air collision between an American Airlines plane and a United States Army helicopter in which all 67 are feared dead, President Donald Trump on Thursday blamed former Democratic Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for lowering air safety standards.

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Maharashtra match was fixed, Bihar next: Rahul Gandhi's big claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections were a 'blueprint for rigging democracy' and this 'match-fixing' would next happen in Bihar and 'anywhere the Bharatiya Janata Party is losing'.

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Lok Sabha to take up Waqf bill today; BJP, allies issue whip

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The Lok Sabha, India's lower house of Parliament, will debate the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. The bill has been met with strong opposition from several parties who claim it is unconstitutional. The government, however, insists the bill aims to improve the management of Waqf properties in India by bringing transparency and efficiency.

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Can't be a 'blanket stay' on Waqf law: Centre to SC

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that there cannot be a blanket stay on the law as there is a presumption of its constitutionality. The Centre countered the pleas challenging the law's validity, asserting that the amendments were undertaken after a comprehensive study by a parliamentary panel. The government also highlighted the "reported misuse" of earlier provisions and the increase in waqf land, claiming that over 20 lakh hectares were added after 2013.

Will Godi Media Change In Modi 3.0?

Will Godi Media Change In Modi 3.0?

Rediff.com28 Jun 2024

'The election results mean that the Opposition can no longer either be ignored or attacked in the way that it has been.' 'For this reason it will be interesting to see how it behaves from here on and whether there is any change in its behaviour,' notes Aakar Patel.

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Waqf bill: Govt says no interference in Muslims; Oppn objects

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Introducing the bill, Rijiju said the consultation process of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) was the largest ever exercise carried out by a parliamentary panel in India's democratic history.

'Nowhere In Empuraan Did They Mention Godhra'

'Nowhere In Empuraan Did They Mention Godhra'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

'They just showed riots created by some political party. They never mentioned the name of the place or the political party.' 'I don't know why these people are agitated.'

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

AMU's Governance Structure Is Democratic, Not Divine

Rediff.com18 Mar 2023

These self-appointed well-wishers of AMU are basically for the control or police model of university governance. They have no faith whatsoever in the democratic functioning of the universities, observes Faizan Mustafa, former dean, Faculty of Law, and Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University.

'BJP has changed the functioning of Election Commission'

'BJP has changed the functioning of Election Commission'

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

'The Election Commission cannot be regulated by the government.'

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

AIMPLB urges Muslims to wear black armbands during juma to protest Waqf Bill

AIMPLB urges Muslims to wear black armbands during juma to protest Waqf Bill

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged Muslims to wear a black armband on their right hand during Juma prayers on the last Friday of Ramzan as a mark of protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The AIMPLB has been vocal in its opposition to the Bill, calling it "controversial, discriminatory and damaging." The organization has planned nationwide protests against the Bill, with large sit-ins scheduled in several cities.

When My Fashion Dream Came True!

When My Fashion Dream Came True!

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

Fashion is often seen as a world of effortless glamour but, watching from the inside at Lakme Fashion Week, I saw how illusory that perception could be.

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

'Nitishji Doesn't Need A Certificate For His Secular Politics'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'Muslims in Bihar under Nitishji's rule are safest than anywhere else.'

Former King Wants To Revive Nepal Monarchy, But..

Former King Wants To Revive Nepal Monarchy, But..

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

One fact is irrefutable: Nepal's recent political history tells us that the route to a return of monarchy cannot go through India despite friends in high places, asserts Aditi Phadnis.

'Indian American Young Men May Vote For Trump'

'Indian American Young Men May Vote For Trump'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

'One of the big findings is that younger men seem to have shifted towards the Republican Party.' 'In 2020, about 23% of younger men said they would vote Trump.' 'Now that number is 48%.' 'It is like a 25 point shift, and you don't actually see shifts that big in surveys.'

Will Renaming India Change Our Lives?

Will Renaming India Change Our Lives?

Rediff.com26 Oct 2023

Debates on changing the name of India to Bharat continue to spark a crisis of identity without answering moot questions that stare us in the face. Ramesh Menon asks a few of those questions that do not have easy answers.

North will make us secondary citizens: Oppn CMs on delimitation

North will make us secondary citizens: Oppn CMs on delimitation

Rediff.com22 Mar 2025

The meeting was attended by CMs of Kerala, Punjab and Telangana -- Pinarayi Vijayan, Bhagwant Manna and A Revanth Reddy, Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and senior BRS leader KT Ramarao among others.

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Days after Trump's inauguration, Quad's strong message to China

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

In a move sending a strong signal to China, foreign ministers from Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- in a joint statement on Tuesday strongly opposed any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

On its 177th anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra explores the history and relevance of The Communist Manifesto.

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

'India Has No Need To Support Baloch Movement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'When so many young Baloch men and women are willingly volunteering as fighters and even suicide bombers.'

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Jayant Narlikar: A Voice That Lit The Cosmos

Rediff.com22 May 2025

'When Dr Murli Manohar Joshi wanted to start a course on astrology, Jayant was the first one to have the courage to stand up and say astrology is not science.' 'That's a very rare quality -- to stand up to authority.'

Democrat Warnock becomes Georgia's 1st Black senator

Democrat Warnock becomes Georgia's 1st Black senator

Rediff.com6 Jan 2021

Multiple news outlets on Wednesday morning projected Warnock, a senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, winner against Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler in the Georgia Senate runoff.

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Lesser seats predicted always, but...: AAP on exit polls

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Most exit polls predicted an edge to the BJP over the ruling AAP.

70 lakh voters added suddenly: Rahul on Maha poll results

70 lakh voters added suddenly: Rahul on Maha poll results

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

"More voters were added in Maharashtra in five months between the Lok Sabha and assembly polls than in five years," the former Congress president said.

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Muslims need to work according to strategy and not fall into the trap of Opposition parties.'

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Judge blocks Trump's move to end birthright citizenship

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship in the United States, calling the policy 'blatantly unconstitutional', CNN reported.

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Trudeau in trouble as ally vows to 'bring him down'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

The future of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership appears increasingly uncertain after New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh, a key ally, said he would introduce a motion to topple the minority Liberal government. Singh's announcement comes after a series of political setbacks for Trudeau, including the resignation of his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, and calls for his resignation from within his own party. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has also called for an early election. Trudeau has not responded publicly to these calls and has reportedly told members of the party that he will take the holidays to reflect and decide what to do.

Rahul meets Kerala Cong leaders amid reports of dissent

Rahul meets Kerala Cong leaders amid reports of dissent

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asserted that the party's Kerala leaders 'stand as one' and were 'united' by the light of purpose ahead.

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

'Waqf Bill Targeted, Unfair Legislation'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'It is not as if Hindus are not being touched at all, and only Muslims are.'

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'So, they have taken away the word Waqf from the Bill.' 'It will now be known as the UMEED Act.'

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Same laundry list of govt actions: Rahul on President's address

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the address of the President to the two Houses was similar to the one made last year, and claimed that it was the same 'laundry list' of things the government has done.

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Upper castes should handle tribal affairs, says Union minister, courts row

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi has stirred controversy by suggesting that members of the "upper castes" should handle the tribal affairs portfolio. Gopi, an actor-turned-politician, argued that true progress in tribal welfare would only be achieved under the leadership of individuals from "upper castes." His comments have been met with widespread criticism, including from CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam and prominent tribal leader C K Janu.

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Trump 47: Disruptor Or Savvy Dealmaker?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Donald Trump's exaggerated opinion of his dealmaking capacity can get him into trouble, observes R Sriram.