News for 'democratic governance'

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to maintain peace as he presented a vision of an inclusive society, saying the country belongs to people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) defended its power to revise electoral rolls and ensure no foreigners are registered as voters before the Supreme Court. The EC argued it has a constitutional duty to maintain the purity of electoral rolls and exclude those not eligible to vote.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces legal action against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, alleging disenfranchisement and procedural flaws.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Bihar minister seeks to defuse veil row, says NDA stands for Matri Shakti

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey addresses the controversy surrounding Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removing a female doctor's veil, stating he is unaware of reports that she refused to join duty following the incident. A Congress leader has filed a complaint against Kumar and another minister.

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

NDA constituents AIADMK and BJP have started preliminary discussions for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Key leaders from both parties met to discuss strategies to defeat the DMK government and strengthen their alliance.

Cong stands for truth, defends truth of India: Rahul Gandhi in Berlin

Cong stands for truth, defends truth of India: Rahul Gandhi in Berlin

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Rahul Gandhi engaged with German think-tanks and addressed the Hertie School in Berlin, discussing India's trajectory, democracy, and global cooperation. He also addressed the Indian community, emphasizing the importance of truth and democratic values.

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

'Citizens Are Safe From The Government Only When...'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

'The moment they fall foul of the party in power, they become unsafe. Then nobody can guarantee their safety.'

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

'Insult to Bapu': Oppn MPs protest against G RAM G bill

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizes the government's proposed bill to replace MGNREGA, arguing it weakens the guaranteed 100 days of employment for the poor and centralizes control over the scheme.

Rigged, biased, distasteful: Hasina reacts to death penalty

Rigged, biased, distasteful: Hasina reacts to death penalty

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Sheikh Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia in Bangladesh, denounces the tribunal as biased and rigged, claiming the verdict reveals the murderous intent of extremist figures within the interim government.

What Tharoor said after attending Putin banquet as Rahul, Kharge left out

What Tharoor said after attending Putin banquet as Rahul, Kharge left out

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

The Congress on Friday said that the leaders of the opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were not invited to the banquet, and took a swipe at Tharoor for accepting the invite.

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Union minister's 'go to hell' jibe on 'naqab' sparks outrage, backs Nitish

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Union minister Giriraj Singh's controversial remarks regarding the 'naqab' incident in Bihar have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, escalating the political row.

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Why Dhurandhar Is Unsettling

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar does not ask audiences to cheer blindly, notes Kumar Abhishek. It asks them to see how power operates in grey zones, and at moral cost.

B'desh govt urges citizens to resist violence; no clashes since morning

B'desh govt urges citizens to resist violence; no clashes since morning

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Sharif Osman Hadi, a leader of the July Uprising in Bangladesh, died after being shot, sparking protests and political unrest. The interim government has promised action, while demonstrators have targeted media outlets and blamed India.

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Convicted Maha minister Manikrao Kokate resigns from Cabinet

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Nationalist Congress Party minister Manikrao Kokate has resigned from the Maharashtra Cabinet after a court upheld his conviction and two-year jail term in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. This marks the second NCP minister to resign this year.

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Congress party has criticized the government for not inviting Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also questioning Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the invitation.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize For Mara Corina Machado

Daughter Accepts Nobel Peace Prize For Mara Corina Machado

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was accepted by Ana Corina, daughter of Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been living in hiding from Nicolas Maduro's authoritarian regime.

Trade unions to go on strike in Feb, demand withdrawal of labour codes

Trade unions to go on strike in Feb, demand withdrawal of labour codes

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Trade unions have decided to launch a phased, consistent struggle to press for the withdrawal of the labour codes and go on a countrywide general strike in February next year, a statement said on Tuesday. The date of the strike will be announced on 22nd December 2025 in the next meeting of the joint forum of central trade unions, a statement said.

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Amarinder Singh says BJP ignores him, but rules out Congress return

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh criticizes the BJP's functioning, stating he is not being consulted. He rules out rejoining the Congress but expresses willingness to help Sonia Gandhi personally. He also discusses Punjab's political landscape, AAP's performance, and national security.

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Before Kalam, BJP floated Vajpayee's name for Prez: Book

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A new book reveals that Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected an offer to become President of India, a move that would have made Lal Krishna Advani Prime Minister. Vajpayee believed that a sitting PM becoming President would set a bad precedent for Indian democracy.

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

India Still Features In Trump's Security Plan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

The new US national security strategy signals a retreat from global dominance while reaffirming continuity in India's role in Indo-Pacific security and Quad cooperation, points out former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

'BJP's Greater Control In Bihar Marks A Fundamental Shift'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

'Nitish Kumar previously held tight control over key ministries, but this concession (giving the home portfolio to the BJP) reflects either his weakened political position or a pragmatic acknowledgment of the BJP's growing dominance.'

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges the government discourages foreign dignitaries from meeting the Leader of the Opposition due to insecurity, breaking established traditions.

Chhattisgarh deputy CM to take surrendered Maoists to state assembly

Chhattisgarh deputy CM to take surrendered Maoists to state assembly

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma met surrendered Naxalites at a rehabilitation center in Sukma, offering them a visit to the state assembly and directing officials to improve their living conditions and opportunities.

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A street vendor in Bihar's Nawada district died after a group of youth tortured him for hours because he was Muslim.

I bow to people, says Nitish; thanks Modi, allies

I bow to people, says Nitish; thanks Modi, allies

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar on Friday thanked people of the state for giving a 'landslide' victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance in the assembly polls.

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar polls was a mandate against infiltrators in the country because citizens will never favour those parties that support such illegal immigrants.

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accuses the NDA of plotting to steal the Bihar assembly elections, alleging collusion with the Election Commission and voter roll manipulation.

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at around Rs five lakh.

Women power behind NDA's landslide in Bihar

Women power behind NDA's landslide in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

In Bihar, women outvoted men and, perhaps, became one of the decisive factors behind the NDA's landslide victory in the assembly polls in the state on Friday.

41 Maoists, most carrying rewards, surrender in Bijapur

41 Maoists, most carrying rewards, surrender in Bijapur

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Forty-one Naxalites, including 32 carrying a reward of Rs 1.19 crore, surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, citing the government's surrender policy and rehabilitation efforts.

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Chirag Paswan 'believes' Nitish will remain Bihar CM

Chirag Paswan 'believes' Nitish will remain Bihar CM

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Riding on the clear trends of Bihar Assembly polls which pointed towards a landslide victory of the National Democratic Alliance over the Mahagathbandhan, Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan said on Friday that he firmly believed that Nitish Kumar would continue to remain the state's chief minister.

SC to hear on Monday plea against Sonam Wangchuk's NSA detention

SC to hear on Monday plea against Sonam Wangchuk's NSA detention

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). The plea, filed by Wangchuk's wife, argues the detention is illegal and violates his fundamental rights.

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

Who Will Be Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers?

Who Will Be Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers?

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance is busy with government formation in Bihar after its historic victory, and plans to distribute ministerial portfolios using the same formula as ticket allocation. Nitish Kumar will stay on as chief minister, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are likely to get one deputy chief minister each.

1st Glimpse Of Nitish Kumar After Win

1st Glimpse Of Nitish Kumar After Win

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Unlike his National Democratic Alliance allies who rushed to the spotlight soon after the NDA won a historic mandate in the 2025 Bihar assembly election, Nitish Kumar stayed away from the public eye on Friday, November 14.

Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death

Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina sentenced to death

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Bangladesh's deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal for crimes against humanity committed during protests against her government.