News for 'democratic nation'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

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.'

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Kerala Elections: 'Some CPM Leaders Are Islamophobic'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'The BJP and its allies can decide the fate of many candidates.'

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of attempting to illegally include voters from outside the state in West Bengal's electoral rolls, alleging a coordinated effort to interfere with democratic rights.

Kerala Elections 2026: Can An 80-Year-Old Marxist Score A Hat-Trick?

Kerala Elections 2026: Can An 80-Year-Old Marxist Score A Hat-Trick?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Kerala's 2026 assembly election will see a three-cornered contest where religion and communalism have emerged as central themes for the first time, challenging the state's long-celebrated secular fabric.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Maharashtra Leaders Pay Tribute to Ambedkar's Legacy of Social Justice

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Maharashtra's Governor and Chief Minister, along with other state leaders, paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, recognising his profound impact on social justice, equality, and the Indian Constitution.

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

NDA lacks numbers to get women's quota bill passed, unless...

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The ruling NDA coalition in India faces a significant challenge in passing the women's reservation bill in Parliament due to insufficient numbers. The bill requires a two-thirds majority in both houses, and the NDA needs to secure additional support or abstentions from other parties to achieve this.

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Protests were held from coast to coast, with massive marches in major cities and smaller gatherings in suburban and rural areas across both traditionally Republican and Democratic states.

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Indian Navy ships escorting tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assures India's energy security amidst West Asia tensions, highlighting naval protection of tankers and readiness to counter cross-border terrorism.

Sonam Wangchuk: NSA Release 'Win-Win', Signals Fresh Talks On Ladakh Statehood

Sonam Wangchuk: NSA Release 'Win-Win', Signals Fresh Talks On Ladakh Statehood

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Sonam Wangchuk called his release a 'win-win', saying the Centre has opened the door for meaningful dialogue with Ladakh.

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

TMC Accuses BJP Of Conspiracy To Cripple Campaign

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The TMC has dismissed reports of I-PAC suspending operations in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of conspiring to disrupt the party's election campaign through intimidation. Mamata Banerjee has offered jobs to I-PAC employees if they are forced out.

TMC-backed BLOs clash with police in Kolkata over voter list row

TMC-backed BLOs clash with police in Kolkata over voter list row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Tension flared outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Kolkata following a confrontation between Trinamool Congress supporters and police over alleged voter list manipulation, with accusations of illegal voter enrolment from other states.

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

'The Youth Of Kerala Believe In Modi'

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'Secularism or social development or social justice is no longer part of development, according to the youth in Kerala.' 'They are concerned about material wellbeing and material welfare, and they believe that Narendra Modi is capable to giving them that kind of development.' 'So, they don't have any ideological hesitation in voting for him.'

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Sonam Wangchuk released after govt revokes detention

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Indian government has revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was held under the National Security Act following protests in Ladakh.

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP after the central government failed to pass a Constitution amendment bill for women's quota in legislatures, accusing the BJP of using the bill as a political ploy to divide the country and Bengal.

TN polls: DMK, AIADMK allies in direct duel in 21 seats

TN polls: DMK, AIADMK allies in direct duel in 21 seats

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have allowed their allies in a direct duel in 21 constituencies in the April 23 assembly election to prove their strength in their respective strongholds.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Members of lottery 'king' Santiago Martin's family are contesting in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections through three different political parties.

Will Vijay Be Tamil Nadu's Showstopper?

Will Vijay Be Tamil Nadu's Showstopper?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Whether he comes to power or not, both his admirers and opponents agree on one thing -- Vijay may well turn out to be the 'X factor'.

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

LS seats may rise up to 850 to roll out 33% women's quota before 2029 polls

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies by increasing the lower house's strength to 850 is slated for introduction in Parliament. The bill seeks to amend Article 81 of the Constitution and utilise 2011 Census data for redrawing constituencies.

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Political activity in Bihar is all set to intensify once the inauspicious kharmas period ends on April 14. Will Nitish Kumar pull another rabbit out of his hat? M I Khan reports.

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Saini Assures Farmers of Crop Purchase, Blames Opposition for Misinformation

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the opposition of misleading farmers regarding crop procurement, assuring that all produce will be purchased and that the government is addressing any difficulties in grain markets.

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the notable absence of K Annamalai, sparking speculation and discussion within the state's political circles.

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Parliament Budget Session: LS debates FCRA amendment; Oppn raises flag

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Lok Sabha takes up FCRA Amendment Bill amid opposition protests.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying India's support for Bangladesh's democratic and progressive development and extending an invitation from PM Modi to visit India.

'Keralites Accept BJP As A Mainstream Contender For Power'

'Keralites Accept BJP As A Mainstream Contender For Power'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Battle for Assam: BJP eyes hat-trick as Congress leads challenge

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Assam is set to hold elections for its 126-member assembly, with a direct contest expected between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress-led opposition. Key candidates and constituencies are in focus as the state prepares to vote.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India, conveying his best wishes to the newly sworn-in leader.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Boots on ground in Iran not ruled out: US

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday said that the United States has not ruled out the option of sending troops on the ground in Iran and that military operations in the Persian Gulf nation would end once the objectives of Operation Epic Fury are achieved.

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Shirtless protest at AI summit: IYC workers sent to 5-day custody

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The counsel appearing for the arrested protesters argued that they were associated with a political party and had exercised their democratic right to protest peacefully.

Slain BSP chief's wife gets ticket as AIADMK names final candidates

Slain BSP chief's wife gets ticket as AIADMK names final candidates

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The AIADMK has released its final list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, including nominees to contest against prominent DMK leaders. The party is contesting in alliance with the BJP, AMMK and PMK.