News for 'democratic governance'

'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.

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Punjab BJP Seeks Sedition Case Against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Punjab BJP has called for a sedition case against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for blaming the party for recent blasts in the state, alleging his remarks could be used by Pakistan to defend against accusations of sponsoring terrorism.

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

'TN Guv Within Constitutional Rights To Reject Vijay'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Looking at the situation purely on its Constitutional merits, the governor's conduct is defensible.' 'He is saying: You do not have a majority, so prove it. That is not an unreasonable position even if the timing and the political context make it deeply controversial.'

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

Rediff.com5 May 2026

One of the standout stories of the TVK victory was that of 30-year-old R Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver from Virugambakkam.

Bangladesh to Review IPL Broadcast Ban After Minister Returns

Bangladesh to Review IPL Broadcast Ban After Minister Returns

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Bangladesh's Sports Minister says a decision on lifting the ban on broadcasting IPL 2026 will be made after Information Minister Zahiruddin Swapan returns from abroad.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Global support pours in for Trump after White House dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

World leaders have expressed their relief and condemnation following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Dinner, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy. Leaders including Narendra Modi, Mark Carney, and others have voiced their support and concern for President Trump and all attendees.

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Leh body wants direct talks with Amit Shah during his Ladakh visit

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Leh Apex Body (LAB) has requested direct talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his upcoming visit, deeming the scheduled sub-committee meeting insufficient for resolving Ladakh's long-standing issues.

Suvendu aide's murder likely to fuel post-poll violence in Bengal

Suvendu aide's murder likely to fuel post-poll violence in Bengal

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal has ignited post-election violence, raising concerns about political stability and the transition of power.

NDA poised to grab majority seats in Assam's Bodoland

NDA poised to grab majority seats in Assam's Bodoland

Rediff.com4 May 2026

NDA partner Bodoland People's Front (BPF) is expected to secure a majority of the 15 Assembly seats in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, leading in 10 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The BJP, a major partner in the ruling NDA, leads in three seats, while the UPPL and Congress are ahead in one seat each.

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Ruling Congress in Karnataka on Monday retained Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats, giving a respite to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership, amid the ongoing power tussle over the leadership issue.

Quota bill defeat: NDA nationwide stir against Oppn from Saturday

Quota bill defeat: NDA nationwide stir against Oppn from Saturday

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

In a swift political counter-offensive, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners have announced a massive, nationwide protest campaign targeting the Opposition.

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Controversy Erupts After Kharge Calls Modi 'Terrorist'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remark calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 'terrorist' has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, who have demanded an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP Of Being 'Anti-Women'

Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP Of Being 'Anti-Women'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government's record on women's safety, alleging increased crimes and discrimination.

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a surprising and strong showing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in nearly 100 constituencies and leaving established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK trailing.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP of Misusing Institutions and Fueling Communal Discord

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.

'Kerala Needs A Leader Who Can Think Out Of The Box'

'Kerala Needs A Leader Who Can Think Out Of The Box'

Rediff.com8 May 2026

'Among the leaders whose names are going around, V D Satheesan is the leader who will fit this kind of situation.'

Exit polls: Edge for BJP in WB, Assam; DMK in TN; UDF in Keralam

Exit polls: Edge for BJP in WB, Assam; DMK in TN; UDF in Keralam

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Exit polls predict a BJP victory in Assam and an edge in West Bengal, a DMK government in Tamil Nadu, and a Congress-led UDF comeback in Kerala.

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Kerala is set to hold its Assembly election, with the ruling LDF aiming for a historic third term, the UDF seeking a comeback, and the NDA striving to gain a foothold in the state's political landscape.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote in 152 constituencies in Bengal and 5.73 crore voters in Tamil Nadu. Security measures are heightened to ensure free and fair polling.

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Japan Arms Policy Shift Sparks China Ire

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Beijing has been wary of Sanae Takaichi's efforts to boost Japan's military profile since taking office six months ago, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The BJP-led government in Bihar secured a vote of confidence in the state assembly, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary pledging economic development and significant investments. The motion was passed amidst heated debates and accusations between the ruling NDA and the opposition, highlighting political tensions and differing views on issues like women's reservation.

Kerala Elections: 'UDF Has An Edge Over LDF'

Kerala Elections: 'UDF Has An Edge Over LDF'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'It is going to be a negative vote against the government rather than a positive vote for the UDF.'

Controversy Swirls Around Mla's Threat To Officer

Controversy Swirls Around Mla's Threat To Officer

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

A controversy surrounding BJP MLA Pritam Lodhi has intensified after a video surfaced in which he threatened a police officer. The threat follows accusations against Lodhi's son, who is accused of injuring five people with his SUV.

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of bribing voters and has labelled the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a major scam. She also predicted the BJP government at the Centre would fall in 2026.

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of crushing democracy and fostering lawlessness in the state. He highlighted alleged political violence, economic decline, and disrespect for constitutional posts under the TMC's rule.

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

'Same feeling in India': Cong leader's remarks on Trump event shooting sparks row

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted over remarks made by Maharashtra MLA Vijay Wadettiwar regarding the shooting incident at an event attended by former US President Donald Trump. The BJP has demanded a condemnation from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that Wadettiwar justified the incident and is hoping for a similar attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

Smriti Irani Accuses TMC of Corruption, Promises Financial Aid for Women in West Bengal

Smriti Irani Accuses TMC of Corruption, Promises Financial Aid for Women in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani has criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging corruption and failure to ensure women's safety. She promised a monthly cash support of Rs 3,000 for every woman if the BJP is voted to power.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Poll Outcome Predictions

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Poll Outcome Predictions

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas has accused the UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form a government after the Assembly poll results.

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form the government after the Assembly poll results.

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Opposition backs women's quota, to vote against delimitation

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Several opposition parties on Wednesday decided to jointly oppose the delimitation provisions in the Constitution amendment bill in Parliament, even as they reiterated support for women's reservation, with Mallikarjun Kharge alleging the move is politically motivated.

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.