News for 'grassroots governance'

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Sonam Wangchuk tried to incite Gen Z protests: Centre

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Centre and the Union Territory of Ladakh administration have accused jailed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of attempting to instigate Gen Z for protests, drawing parallels to unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Arab Spring.

Budget 2025: Grassroot Level Implementation Is Necessary

Budget 2025: Grassroot Level Implementation Is Necessary

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Simplifying investment policies at the micro level and introducing a time-bound framework will be critical for India's growth targets, notes Krishna Ella.

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed BJP leaders to intensify grassroots outreach in West Bengal, setting performance benchmarks for the upcoming state elections. He emphasized party unity and the importance of booth-level workers.

SC questions delay as Centre says Wangchuk getting 'best treatment'

SC questions delay as Centre says Wangchuk getting 'best treatment'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court is reviewing the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, considering his health condition and allegations of inciting unrest in Ladakh.

Wangchuk denies 'Arab Spring' call in SC; says police twisted words

Wangchuk denies 'Arab Spring' call in SC; says police twisted words

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, denied allegations in the Supreme Court that he incited sedition. His lawyer argued that the police selectively used video evidence to mislead authorities.

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BJP MP C Sadanandan Master addressed the Rajya Sabha, appealing for unity and highlighting the government's achievements while raising concerns about migration in Kerala.

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar, who was the finance and planning minister, would have tabled his budget for 2026-27 next month when the state legislature's budget session begins in Mumbai on February 23.

'Hindus Voted Overwhelmingly For BNP'

'Hindus Voted Overwhelmingly For BNP'

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'Tarique Rahman's refrain during the electoral campaign was that the minorities are safe under BNP. He has to honour that promise.'

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Nitin Nabin vows to carry forward his father's work

Nitin Nabin vows to carry forward his father's work

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party national working president Nitin Nabin on Monday termed his elevation as a blessing of the party and claimed that it is the only political outfit that allows its grassroots workers to thrive.

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Once demographic fear becomes campaign language, it legitimises social targeting.'

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has created a leadership crisis within the NCP, raising questions about the party's future and potential reunification with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Indian football shake-up: ISL clubs want full control

Indian football shake-up: ISL clubs want full control

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Friday formally proposed a fundamental restructuring of the country's top-tier professional football league, seeking perpetual operational and commercial rights for a club-owned league model while retaining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as the sport's regulator.

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Gujarat to Host Reactivated National Olympic Academy as IOA Pushes Reforms

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Under Usha and Narang, the National Olympic Academy will "collaborate" closely with the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, to "align India's Olympic education programmes with the Olympic Charter and international best practices."

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

India a messenger of peace: President Murmu in R-Day eve address

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on the eve of Republic Day, emphasising India's role in promoting peace, the empowerment of women, and the country's economic growth.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'

Curacao's World Cup qualification sparks India football debate in RS

Curacao's World Cup qualification sparks India football debate in RS

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

India's footballing future was discussed in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday by Congress member Jose K Mani, as he cited tiny Dutch-Caribbean island Curacao's World Cup qualification to ask Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about the long-term plan for sport in the country that is on a downward spiral.

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

TTV Dhinakaran rejoins NDA, is welcomed back by Palaniswami

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

In apparent signs of thaw after years of bickering stemming out of internal feud in the AIADMK in the past, party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami welcomed Dhinakaran back in to the National Democratic Alliance. The AMMK founder reciprocated with a "heartfelt thanks," yet admitting there was "sibling rivalry" with AIADMK, the party he was once associated with.

Doubles redemption: Bhambri opens up on re-invention

Doubles redemption: Bhambri opens up on re-invention

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Doubles is not a sideshow: Yuki Bhambri on re-invention and right support

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Nirmala Sitharaman: 'Prime Minister Modi Does Not Tolerate Gaming Of The System'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

'Grassroots-level corruption, which disrupts the last-mile work, cannot be ignored in your enthusiasm and drive to get going to complete the project.' 'Like it was in MGNREGA, in some states, it is the case with the Jal Jeevan mission.' 'The last minute levels of corruption can ruin the intent of the project itself.' 'When you see that people can game a particular well-intended and well-crafted project, you need to correct that.'

ISL to get a tech makeover with video support system!

ISL to get a tech makeover with video support system!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

AIFF's RFP: No franchisee fee for clubs in ISL, commercial partner to provide video support system

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Miscreants set afire forest created by 'Forest Man of India' in Assam

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

A man-made forest created by Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known as 'Forest Man of India', was substantially damaged after miscreants set it on fire. An investigation has been ordered.

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Maharashtra, 1st state to ink pact with Musk's Starlink

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday announced partnership with billionaire Elon Musk's satellite communications venture in India to deploy a host of satellite-based internet services, becoming the first Indian state to formally tie-up with the US firm. The government signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Starlink Satellite Communications Pvt Ltd.

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.

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has ordered a nationwide security clampdown following the shooting of a youth leader and election candidate, leading to renewed unrest.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Congress party is intensifying its efforts to strengthen its organizational base in Uttar Pradesh, with plans to contest all 403 seats in the 2027 Assembly elections. Senior leaders emphasize grassroots preparations, voter outreach, and public meetings to regain political ground in the state.

Happy Or Grumpy, Nitish Babu?

Happy Or Grumpy, Nitish Babu?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Nitish Kumar appeared rather grumpy as he was sworn in as Bihar's chief minister for a record 10th time at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna on Thursday afternoon.

'India-Bangladesh ties under Khaleda Zia complex and strained'

'India-Bangladesh ties under Khaleda Zia complex and strained'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Former Indian envoys reflect on the life and legacy of Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, highlighting her role in restoring democracy and the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh during her tenures.

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The Congress will launch a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the United Progressive Alliance-era rural employment legislation Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on January 5, similar to the pushback against the three farm laws which eventually forced the Narendra Modi government to rollback its decision, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said.

What's Yuvraj Singh planning with the Sports Minister?

What's Yuvraj Singh planning with the Sports Minister?

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, met with the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) co-founder and ambassador, Yuvraj Singh and CEO Uttam Mundy at his office and praised the efforts being made to promote the sport across India.

PT Usha confident India will win 2030 CWG bid

PT Usha confident India will win 2030 CWG bid

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Indian Olympic Association president P T Usha is confident about securing the hosting rights of the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games during the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on November 26.

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Dynastic politics pose grave threat to democracy, says Tharoor

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

"It is high time India traded dynasty for meritocracy. This would require fundamental reforms, from imposing legally mandated term limits to requiring meaningful internal party elections, together with a concerted effort to educate and empower the electorate to choose leaders based on merit," Tharoor said.

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'This outcome is thoroughly unexpected.' 'I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback.' 'Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude.'

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.

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson Pavan K Varma said the party would undertake a "serious review" of its performance in the Bihar Assembly elections after early trends showed Prashant Kishor's outfit making little impact despite a grassroots campaign.

Such a mess! Chaubey & Co get an earful from minister

Such a mess! Chaubey & Co get an earful from minister

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

After marathon meetings with stakeholders, Mandaviya promises end to Indian football "stalemate"

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Nitin Nabin's selection is a bold political decision by the Two Gujaratis. When Rahul Gandhi has resurrected the issue of social justice, the BJP and the Two Gujaratis are sticking to their plan and agenda, explains Sheela Bhatt.