News for 'democratic ethos of India'

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.

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A video purportedly showing people pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically after a screening of 'The Kerala Story' has sparked strong reactions in Vasai, Maharashtra. Police are investigating the video's authenticity, while politicians and social media users express concern over rising communal polarisation.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

I'm a Gandhian, Nehruvian, Rajivian, but not a....: Mani Shankar Aiyar

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar clarifies his political affiliations, identifying as a Gandhian, Nehruvian, and Rajivian, while explaining his distance from Rahul Gandhi's political approach and his disapproval of Indira Gandhi's Emergency declaration.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Centre to honour sacrifices of Emergency victims

Centre to honour sacrifices of Emergency victims

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

At its meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet observed a two-minute silence as a tribute to those whose constitutionally guaranteed democratic rights were taken away and who were then subjected to unimaginable horrors.

India slams Pakistan at UN: 'Democracy is alien to you'

India slams Pakistan at UN: 'Democracy is alien to you'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Asserting that democracy is an 'alien' concept for Pakistan, India has called upon Islamabad to end grave human rights violations in territories under its illegal occupation, where the population is in 'open revolt' against military occupation, repression, brutality and exploitation.

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Even as the Supreme Court's anti-punitive demolition judgment nears its first anniversary, no formal contempt proceedings have been initiated either by the Supreme Court or any high court against officers or demolition squads who have acted in violation of it.'

'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.

'Spineless hypocrites': Taliban's 'male-only' presser sparks row

'Spineless hypocrites': Taliban's 'male-only' presser sparks row

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

The opposition on Saturday termed the absence of female journalists from a press conference of visiting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi "unacceptable" and an "insult to women", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence in the face of such discrimination exposes the "emptiness" of his slogans on Nari Shakti.

Yogi threatening Muslims, will quit, warns BJP leader

Yogi threatening Muslims, will quit, warns BJP leader

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

Jammu and Kashmir BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal threatened to resign from the party, citing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's "unacceptable" remarks and the state police's "vindictive" attitude against the Muslim community.

'Biased, motivated': India trashes US panel report on religious freedom

'Biased, motivated': India trashes US panel report on religious freedom

Rediff.com3 May 2023

In its annual report on religious freedom, the USCIRF asked the US State Department to designate India as a "country of particular concern" on the status of religious freedom along with several other nations.

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.

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

No foreign entity or government has any locus standi to comment on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, the government said on Thursday, rejecting a report by the US state department on the alleged curtailment of religious freedom in India.

India slams OIC for remarks on hijab row, Dharma Sansad

India slams OIC for remarks on hijab row, Dharma Sansad

Rediff.com15 Feb 2022

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi also said that the OIC continues to be 'hijacked' by 'vested interests' to further their 'nefarious propaganda' against India, seen as a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan.

No PM in past uttered such hateful...: When Manmohan Singh slammed Modi

No PM in past uttered such hateful...: When Manmohan Singh slammed Modi

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accused his successor, Narendra Modi, of lowering the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the prime minister by giving "hateful speeches" during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. In an appeal to voters of Punjab ahead of the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls, Singh asserted that only the Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future where democracy and the Constitution will be safeguarded.

India set to bid farewell to old Parliament building

India set to bid farewell to old Parliament building

Rediff.com17 Sep 2023

Historians and conservation architects describe the old edifice as a "repository of India's history" and its "democratic ethos", and an "architectural jewel" of Delhi.

One man's ego denied Prez... : Cong on Parl launch

One man's ego denied Prez... : Cong on Parl launch

Rediff.com25 May 2023

Nineteen Opposition parties, including the Congress, the Left, the Trinamool Congress, the Samajwadi Party and the Aam Aadmi Party, came together to jointly announce the boycott, saying they find no value in a new building when the "soul of democracy has been sucked out".

Alarming erosion of fundamental rights in India: UN

Alarming erosion of fundamental rights in India: UN

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

"India risks becoming one of the world's main generators of instability, atrocities and violence because of the massive scale and gravity of the violations and abuses targeting mainly religious and other minorities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others. It is not just individual or local, it is systematic and a reflection of religious nationalism," he said.

Religious freedom in India under threat, says US report in yearend update

Religious freedom in India under threat, says US report in yearend update

Rediff.com23 Nov 2022

Religious freedom and related human rights in India are under ongoing threat, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom alleged on Tuesday in an unusual year-end update of the status of its assessment of religious freedom in the country.

GST will end tax terrorism, says Modi

GST will end tax terrorism, says Modi

Rediff.com8 Aug 2016

He, however, acknowledged that manufacturing states will suffer losses but said they will be compensated

SC rejects PIL for inauguration of new Parliament by Prez

SC rejects PIL for inauguration of new Parliament by Prez

Rediff.com26 May 2023

A bench of justices JK Maheshwari and PS Narasimha told petitioner in-person advocate Jaya Sukin that the court understands why and how this petition was filed and it is not inclined to entertain this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution.

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Full text: President Murmu's R-Day eve address to the nation

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

'Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to strive to realise Gandhiji's dreams. His watchwords, truth and nonviolence, will continue to remain relevant for the whole world. He also taught us that rights and duties are but the two sides of the coin - indeed, the true source of rights is duty. Today we recall his lessons in compassion too - compassion not only for our human neighbours but also for our other neighbours, namely, flora and fauna, rivers and mountains.'

'Motivated comments' not welcome: India after US, Pak remarks on Hijab row

'Motivated comments' not welcome: India after US, Pak remarks on Hijab row

Rediff.com12 Feb 2022

'Motivated comments' not welcome: India after US, Pak remarks on Hijab row

PIL in SC over not inviting President Murmu to Parliament inauguration

PIL in SC over not inviting President Murmu to Parliament inauguration

Rediff.com25 May 2023

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Lok Sabha secretariat for inauguration of the new Parliament building by President Droupadi Murmu.

Dark days of Emergency can never be forgotten: PM

Dark days of Emergency can never be forgotten: PM

Rediff.com25 Jun 2021

On the 46th anniversary of the imposition of Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said those "dark days" can never be forgotten and called for taking a pledge to strengthen India's democratic spirit and live up to the values enshrined in the Constitution.

My dignity, self-esteem deeply hurt by Rahul: BJP MP from Nagaland

My dignity, self-esteem deeply hurt by Rahul: BJP MP from Nagaland

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

A BJP MP from Nagaland has alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came "very close" to her and "shouted" at her during a protest outside the Parliament, making her feel "uncomfortable." The incident has led to a war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, with both sides accusing each other of misconduct. The BJP has demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi, while the Congress has denied the allegations.

Prez poll: Mamata may skip Oppn meet convened by Pawar on Jun 21

Prez poll: Mamata may skip Oppn meet convened by Pawar on Jun 21

Rediff.com19 Jun 2022

A senior TMC leader will be present at the proposed meeting, he said.

Congress tucked away Sengol in museum, ignored Hindu tradition, says BJP

Congress tucked away Sengol in museum, ignored Hindu tradition, says BJP

Rediff.com25 May 2023

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday alleged that the Congress displayed disregard for Hindu traditions by calling the sacred 'Sengol' a "golden stick gifted" to former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and tucking it away in a museum.

Modi has lowered dignity of public discourse, PM's office, says Dr Singh

Modi has lowered dignity of public discourse, PM's office, says Dr Singh

Rediff.com30 May 2024

In a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday accused him of lowering the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the PM by giving "hateful speeches" during the poll campaign.

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

High drama in Parl: 2 MPs in ICU; both file plaints against each other

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Ruling NDA and opposition INDIA bloc MPs clashed in Parliament on Thursday over Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on B.R. Ambedkar, leading to jostling and an injury to BJP MP Pratap Sarangi. The opposition demanded Shah's resignation, while the BJP defended him.

'Country soaked in red of bloodshed': India tears into Pak at UN

'Country soaked in red of bloodshed': India tears into Pak at UN

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

'A country that hosts and even celebrates UNSC-sanctioned terrorists, commenting on India whose pluralistic ethos and democratic credentials are exemplars for the world, is a contrast for everyone to see'

'Country went through Super Emergency in last 5 years'

'Country went through Super Emergency in last 5 years'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2019

On the other hand, Modi said that the country saluted those who "fiercely and fearlessly" resisted the Emergency period.

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

US remarks on Kejriwal's arrest unwarranted: MEA

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

India on Thursday said the United States State Department's recent remarks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is 'unwarranted' and asserted the country is 'proud of its independent and robust democratic institutions' and committed to protect them from any form of undue external influences.

NIA charges 17 ISIS men over radicalising youth, making IEDs

NIA charges 17 ISIS men over radicalising youth, making IEDs

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

The NIA had originally chargesheeted three persons in March 2023 and filed its supplementary chargesheet before the special court at Patiala House in New Delhi on Monday against 17 others, of whom 15 are from Maharashtra and one each from Uttarakhand and Haryana, it said.

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Results 2024: What Lies Ahead For India

Rediff.com13 Jun 2024

'The 2024 election results will lead to much intense targeting of Modi, more intense debates, many more breakdowns in Parliament and many more movements on the streets.' 'The results have hit Modi's standing, and the politics of the Opposition parties will be sharply focused to ensure that Modi doesn't get back his charisma of being 'invincible' with help of State power.' Sheela Bhatt looks at the political situation through the prism of 2024 Lok Sabha election results.

Some foreign universities acting as centres of anti-India activities: Dhankhar

Some foreign universities acting as centres of anti-India activities: Dhankhar

Rediff.com20 Apr 2023

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said "dangers are emanating from outfits", including some foreign universities, doubling up as centres of subversive anti-India activities out to demolish the country's civilisation ethos and sully and muddy its growth.

NIA files 4000-page chargesheet against six in ISIS module case

NIA files 4000-page chargesheet against six in ISIS module case

Rediff.com28 Dec 2023

The 4000-page chargesheet, which was filed in the court of special NIA judge AK Lahoti, has 16 protected witnesses.

Allow peaceful protest by farmers: US Congress's India Panel

Allow peaceful protest by farmers: US Congress's India Panel

Rediff.com6 Feb 2021

The leadership of the powerful Congressional India Caucus has urged the Indian government to ensure that the norms of democracy are maintained.

Dhankar rejects Kharge's objection to RS discussing Rahul's UK remarks

Dhankar rejects Kharge's objection to RS discussing Rahul's UK remarks

Rediff.com5 Apr 2023

The Congress has, however, countered this saying someone who is not an MP of Rajya Sabha cannot be called to the House and there cannot be any discussion/reflection on or about an MP of Lok Sabha.