News for 'india bloc'

Is Hemant Soren weighing a political turn towards the BJP?

Is Hemant Soren weighing a political turn towards the BJP?

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Speculation intensifies regarding a potential political shake-up in Jharkhand's ruling coalition, fueled by strained relations between JMM, RJD, and Congress, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Delhi visits. Both JMM and Congress have denied the claims.

'Congress Needs To Be Realistic In Bihar'

'Congress Needs To Be Realistic In Bihar'

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

'Contesting fewer seats than last time but winning more and performing better... would be in the interest of the Congress.'

INDIA candidates face each other in several Bihar seats

INDIA candidates face each other in several Bihar seats

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Filing of nomination papers ended on Monday for the second and final phase of Bihar assembly polls, with the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) appearing fractured, as constituents would end up fighting each other in a number of seats.

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

How a single diplomatic headline triggers a 1,000-point swing?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

In the present hyper-connected world, there are many domestic and global factors that affect financial markets. Of them, the most powerful and often least predictable are geopolitical events, which often boil down to one diplomatic headline.

Showdown in Parliament as Rahul, Kharge 'not allowed to speak'

Showdown in Parliament as Rahul, Kharge 'not allowed to speak'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following a dispute between the government and the opposition regarding Rahul Gandhi's request to speak before the Union Budget discussion commenced.

Bihar poll temperature set to rise with multiple rallies

Bihar poll temperature set to rise with multiple rallies

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi are set to address public rallies in Bihar on Wednesday in support of their respective party nominees. Other leaders will also campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

How India Is Rewriting Its FTA Playbook

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

India has been on an FTA-signing spree of late. Since 2021, it has signed eight trade agreements, three of which -- with the UK, Oman and New Zealand -- were finalised in 2025 alone.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

Still with INDIA bloc: Omar clarifies after dad's remark

Still with INDIA bloc: Omar clarifies after dad's remark

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

The National Conference is a part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and will continue to be, party leader Omar Abdullah clarified on Thursday and said it is in talks with the Congress for an arrangement in three of the six Lok Sabha seats in Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

The 'Turram Khan' Who Could Be India's Next VP

The 'Turram Khan' Who Could Be India's Next VP

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'His willingness to take the initiative to fight for truth and justice and his willingness to cross swords with anyone for a just cause.'

'Rahul Can't Play Victim All The Time'

'Rahul Can't Play Victim All The Time'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

'Rahul Gandhi's problem is that he doesn't think big.' 'He looks more like an activist, while politics is like a game of chess. You attack and then defend and have a game-plan.'

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

India-EU sign 'mother of all' trade deals, says Modi

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying it accounts for 25 per cent of global GDP and one-third of global trade.

More INDIA parties want Cong to pass on leadership

More INDIA parties want Cong to pass on leadership

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday asserted that West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee should be allowed to lead the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

War In The Strait Of Hormuz Has Landed On A Tawa In Mumbai

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The LPG squeeze on India's restaurant sector is the quotidian face of a deeper crisis.

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Opposition plans notice to remove Speaker Birla; numbers short, says Rijiju

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of stifling opposition voices in the Lok Sabha, alleging that opposition leaders are not being allowed to express their views while the government side faces no such restrictions.

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

'Nitish May Have Been Moved Aside, But Nitishism Is Not Over'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'Nitish Kumar may be marginalised as an office-holder, but that is not the same thing as the disappearance of Nitish Kumar's politics.'

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

War Exposes Cracks in US-Israel Alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Alliances fight wars effectively only when they share an endgame. If Israel acted without US knowledge, then the military alliance is operating without real coordination at the level of strategic targeting. Neither picture is reassuring in a war that is no longer regional in its consequences. Prem Panicker continues his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

PM's absence was act of fear: Cong women MPs write to Birla

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Congress women MPs in the Lok Sabha have accused Speaker Om Birla of bias, alleging he made false allegations against them under pressure from the ruling party to defend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the House.

BJP, ally JD-U register vote share gains, RJD sees slight dip

BJP, ally JD-U register vote share gains, RJD sees slight dip

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Its ally JD-U recorded one of the most notable gains in this election, with its vote share jumping to 19.26 percent from 15.39 percent in 2020. The party also contested 101 seats this time, as against the 115 seats in the last elections, the EC said.

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Delayed

Why India-US Trade Deal Is Delayed

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

A trade deal makes sense only if it is fair and reciprocal. If the cost is strategic dependence or loss of policy space, waiting is the wiser option, asserts Ajay Srivastava.

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

What works for NDA under Nitish Kumar, what doesn't

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A SWOT analysis of the NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar as Bihar heads into assembly elections, examining its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats against the INDIA bloc.

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Will Trump's 5 Day Pause End The War On Friday?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

'Was the five-day pause ever meant to hold, or was it simply another instrument of signaling, of positioning, of buying time in a war where even the pauses are tactical?' asks Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

According to political observers, the AIMIM sees a catchment area in Bihar, where Muslims are more than 17 per cent of the total population but have never got a proportionate representation in the state legislature.

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Modi on stage, Nitish Kumar 'accepts mistake'

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praised the Narendra Modi government's support for the state's progress and urged voters to support the NDA in the upcoming assembly elections. He also criticized Lalu Prasad's governance and dynastic politics.

Bihar polls: Campaign ends for final phase, voting on Tuesday

Bihar polls: Campaign ends for final phase, voting on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Campaigning has concluded for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections, marking the end of a month-long intense political battle. Key candidates and prominent leaders from various parties held rallies and roadshows to woo voters.

Did Modi officially announce Nitish as NDA's CM face?

Did Modi officially announce Nitish as NDA's CM face?

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his Bihar assembly poll campaign, asserting that the NDA under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will break all previous electoral records. He criticized the INDIA bloc and highlighted the NDA's cohesiveness and development efforts in Bihar.

Quad envoys dare China with rare meet in Beijing

Quad envoys dare China with rare meet in Beijing

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Ambassadors of the Quad nations, consisting of the United States, India, Australia and Japan, held a rare publicised meeting in Beijing.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

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.

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Pak, China to form new bloc to replace SAARC?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

According to sources, India would be invited to the new proposed forum, while countries like Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan are expected to be part of the grouping.

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi clash over President Murmu's remarks on tribal development in West Bengal.

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after President Droupadi Murmu raised concerns about the lack of development among tribal communities, leading to a clash between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Has US Repeated Its Iraq Mistake?

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Israel and the United States had a plan. Iran punched back. And now the Gulf is reeling, the world is beginning to feel the pain and, as on date, no one in Washington or Tel Aviv appears willing to admit that the punch has landed, notes Prem Panicker, continuing his must-read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Will take oath as Bihar CM on November 18: Tejashwi Yadav

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday asserted that the opposition coalition was certain to form the next government in Bihar, and the swearing-in will take place four days after the results of assembly polls are declared.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are protesting the denial of speaking rights to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during discussions on the President's address. The Congress party draws parallels to a similar incident in 2004 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking.

BJD, BRS to abstain from vice president's poll, decision helps BJP

BJD, BRS to abstain from vice president's poll, decision helps BJP

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Odisha's and Telangana's principal opposition parties, the Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi, on Monday announced that their MPs will abstain from voting in the vice presidential elections.