News for 'democratic governance'

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Assam Verdict: Why BJP Won, Congress Lost

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'

Vijay wins floor test with 144 votes; DMK walks out, AIADMK divided

Vijay wins floor test with 144 votes; DMK walks out, AIADMK divided

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government successfully won the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu assembly, securing 144 votes in favour, with support from the Congress, VCK, and an AIADMK rebel faction.

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledges the LDF's defeat in the Assembly elections, vowing to serve as a responsible opposition and address shortcomings.

Tamil Nadu Cabinet: Criminal Cases Against 50% Of Ministers

Tamil Nadu Cabinet: Criminal Cases Against 50% Of Ministers

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that half of the newly appointed Tamil Nadu Cabinet ministers have criminal cases against them, while 20 per cent possess assets exceeding Rs 100 crore.

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Disregarding Mandate

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly refusing to accept the electoral mandate, claiming democracy is being 'held at gunpoint' in the state.

Vijay visits Lok Bhavan again, no word on govt formation

Vijay visits Lok Bhavan again, no word on govt formation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

TVK chief Vijay has arrived at the Lok Bhavan to meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, a day after he staked claim to form the government with the support of the Congress party.

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.

Why V D Satheesan Will Be A Good Kerala Chief Minister

Why V D Satheesan Will Be A Good Kerala Chief Minister

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan expressed confidence in V D Satheesan's ability to lead Kerala as Chief Minister, citing his vision, competence, and strength. Other Congress leaders have also expressed their views on the new CM.

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Allahabad HC: State, Police Responsible For Justice Delays

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and police for the massive pendency of criminal cases in district courts, citing insufficient staff, lack of police cooperation, and delays in forensic reports.

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Cong MP moves privilege motion against Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com4 days ago

Congress chief whip Jairam Ramesh has filed a privilege notice against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for allegedly making derogatory remarks about a parliamentary committee, claiming he lowered the dignity of Parliament.

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

Rediff.com11 May 2026

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the Congress-led UDF over internal divisions and the leadership race in Kerala, mocking the frequent consultations between Kerala and Delhi.

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In the Opposition camp, the Congress, which contested 99 seats, won 19 constituencies, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency.

Delhi blast: NIA files 7,500-page chargesheet against 10; reveals plot

Delhi blast: NIA files 7,500-page chargesheet against 10; reveals plot

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the Red Fort blast, revealing a jihadi conspiracy by Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind to overthrow the Indian government and impose Sharia law.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma's return as Assam's Chief Minister underscores the BJP's increasing dominance in the northeast, marked by both development and divisive policies.

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Veteran Congress leader P J Kurien stated that the party has several qualified candidates for the Kerala CM post if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly elections, but only three names are currently under consideration.

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Centre to resume talks with Ladakh groups on May 22 amid statehood demand

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to convene a meeting of the sub-committee for political dialogue with representatives of agitating Ladakh groups on May 22, according to Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The AINRC-led NDA has won the Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to form the government. Chief Minister N Rangasamy won both seats he contested.

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

'A Big Battle Is Going On Within The Congress In Kerala'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'

Haryana Speaker Seeks Explanation From Hooda Over Mock Assembly

Haryana Speaker Seeks Explanation From Hooda Over Mock Assembly

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has sought a response from Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda regarding the Congress party's mock session held outside the House after boycotting a special sitting.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

Red Fort blast: NIA chargesheet links all accused to Qaida offshoot

Red Fort blast: NIA chargesheet links all accused to Qaida offshoot

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against 10 accused in connection with the Red Fort area car bomb explosion case, which resulted in 11 fatalities and extensive property damage.

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP has made significant gains in the Kerala Assembly elections, securing three seats and marking a potential breakthrough in a state where it has traditionally struggled.

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

What Is The Thucydides Trap That Xi Warned Trump About?

Rediff.com14 May 2026

An explainer on the 'Thucydides Trap' and its relevance to current tensions between the United States and China, as discussed by President Xi Jinping.

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the party high command was likely to take a final decision on Kerala's next CM within 24 hours as lobbying intensifies among the three top contenders for the chief minister's post.

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Rediff.com8 May 2026

TVK's chances of forming a government in Tamil Nadu are uncertain as it seeks support from Left parties and VCK after winning its maiden Assembly election. The Left parties are deliberating, while VCK will announce its decision on Saturday, adding suspense to the political situation.

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP's Divisive Politics In Punjab

Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP's Divisive Politics In Punjab

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of engaging in divisive politics and attempting to incite violence in Punjab for electoral gains, while reaffirming his government's commitment to peace and communal harmony.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

AAP Accuses Centre Of Misusing Agencies In Punjab

AAP Accuses Centre Of Misusing Agencies In Punjab

Rediff.com10 May 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) held protests across Punjab against the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) action against state minister Sanjeev Arora, accusing the central government of misusing agencies against its leaders. The BJP criticised the AAP workers' behaviour during the protests.

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces challenges after recent state election defeats for key members like TMC and DMK, potentially shifting internal dynamics and leadership considerations.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Exit polls suggest significant shifts in Indian state assembly elections, forecasting BJP gains in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a tight race in Kerala.

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

My Friend, Chief Minister V D Satheesan

Rediff.com1 days ago

'The most enduring part of Satheesan's personality is he is good at heart. That is the reason why everybody, from the old to small children, get attracted to him.'

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Why Puducherry Voters Like N Rangaswamy

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In Puducherry, where constituencies have fewer than 30,000 electors on average, it is usual for N Rangaswamy to call out people he knows by name during his roadside election meetings.

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

'Explain in 24 hrs': Kharge gets EC notice for calling Modi a terrorist

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has issued a stern notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist'. Kharge has been asked to explain his remarks within 24 hours.

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Global Leaders React To Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed relief and condemnation following a shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where US President Donald Trump and other top officials were present. Leaders from various countries reiterated that political violence has no place in a democracy.