News for 'leader of opposition'

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

Sena corporator, aides held for assaulting doctors in Thane

Sena corporator, aides held for assaulting doctors in Thane

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Shiv Sena corporator Ramesh Mhatre and three associates have been arrested for allegedly assaulting doctors and medical staff at a civic-run hospital in Thane, Maharashtra, following public outrage and pressure from the Indian Medical Association.

Mass protest erupts over Amazon's data centre plan near Mumbai

Mass protest erupts over Amazon's data centre plan near Mumbai

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Hundreds of Thane residents protested against a proposed Amazon data centre, citing environmental concerns, noise pollution, and excessive water and electricity consumption. Amazon stated compliance with environmental laws, assuring the facility would not strain local resources, but protesters remain unsatisfied, with a local MP also demanding a review.

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and allowed separate seating for 20 rebel TMC lawmakers who joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), ahead of the Monsoon session.

GenZ Protests: 'First Thing Police Should Have Done Was Negotiate'

GenZ Protests: 'First Thing Police Should Have Done Was Negotiate'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

'But they had nothing to negotiate as the government did not negotiate. It is completely the fault of the government as they dumped it on the police.'

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

'Today's Children Are Not Slaves Of Anyone'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'This generation decides on their own what is good or bad for them.' 'They got an outlet to vent their anger against this government through CJP and they did that.' 'They felt how can the government control us or lathi charge us?'

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Can Sujata Revive BJD's Fortunes?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Having governed Odisha for 24 uninterrupted years, the BJD now finds itself in the unfamiliar role of Opposition. Its organisational overhaul following the 2024 defeat has yet to produce a recognisable second line of leadership.

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

How CJI's cockroach remark led to youth movement that claimed a minister

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

A derogatory 'cockroach' remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing inadvertently sparked a nationwide student movement, transforming an insult into a powerful symbol of protest that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

Supreme Court Closes Plea After Goa Congress Leader Dies

Supreme Court Closes Plea After Goa Congress Leader Dies

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court closed a plea by Goa Congress leader Ketan Bhatikar, who died from a snakebite, challenging the cancellation of the Ponda assembly bypoll by the Bombay High Court.

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Won't spare those...: Modi's message to youth amid protests

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced stringent measures, including the establishment of fast-track courts, to combat exam paper leaks and protect the future of India's youth, following widespread protests over the NEET paper leak.

Aaditya Thackeray's close confidant joins Shinde camp

Aaditya Thackeray's close confidant joins Shinde camp

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

The surprise move by Ahir, a close confidante of Sena-UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray, comes days after six MPs ditched the opposition party to join the ruling Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

CJP urges Modi to 'break silence', farmers to join protest

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities, has entered its 15th day, garnering support from AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike, while a student leader from AISA was hospitalised after her condition turned critical.

Paresh Rawal: Modi Never Does Hindu-Muslim Politics

Paresh Rawal: Modi Never Does Hindu-Muslim Politics

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Paresh Rawal has robustly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dismissing claims of divisive politics and asserting that Modi 'never does Hindu-Muslim politics.

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Police use lathi charge, tear gas to break up CJP's march; several injured, detained

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Police forces from several adjoining districts were requisitioned to man key junctions, sensitive locations and government buildings in the Lutyens' area ahead of the march.

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject opposition notices to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient grounds.

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Supriya Sule's daughter gets married; Bhagwat, Rahul attend

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Here are who's who attending the wedding.

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Tree fall is natural, says Maha minister on death of student; backtracks after row

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat sparked a political storm with his controversial comments regarding a fatal tree fall incident in Mumbai, which killed an 11-year-old boy and injured four others, initially suggesting such incidents are 'not in human hands' before clarifying his stance.

Wait for a year, Ram temple thieves will get cancer: BJP MLA

Wait for a year, Ram temple thieves will get cancer: BJP MLA

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A BJP MLA from Unnao, Anil Singh, has sparked controversy after a video showed him stating that those who embezzled donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya would suffer from cancer and die painfully. His remarks come amidst a political row over alleged misappropriation of funds, leading to arrests and opposition criticism.

'We Prevented President's Rule in Tamil Nadu'

'We Prevented President's Rule in Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

'The Dravidian parties wanted to prevent the TVK from forming a government.'

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

BJP on brink of losing its only Kerala civic body amid UDF no-trust move

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF is set to move a no-confidence motion against the BJP-led administration in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. This move comes as the BJP faces a fragile majority, exacerbated by a councillor's arrest and the invalidation of oaths for 20 councillors. The UDF cites administrative paralysis and mismanagement, while the LDF's stance on supporting the motion remains a key factor.

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

DMK seeks CBI case against Vijay's minister after SC snub

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The DMK has approached the Supervisory Committee and the CBI, seeking action against Minister Aadhav Arjuna for allegedly influencing witnesses in the ongoing Supreme Court-monitored probe into the Karur stampede. This comes after the Supreme Court declined to regulate Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's visit to Karur to meet victims' families, a visit the DMK opposes due to the ongoing investigation.

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

'More shocks in store': Shinde mocks Uddhav Sena over MPs' defections

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde mocked the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the assembly following the defection of six of its Lok Sabha MPs to his faction. Shinde stated that the opposition had lost its mental balance and predicted more "shocks" for them. The jibe came after opposition MLAs, including Aaditya Thackeray, walked out over procedural objections during the monsoon session.

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Punjab cop shifted as FBI probes transnational extortion racket

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

A Station House Officer (SHO) in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, has been shifted to Police Lines following a fact-finding inquiry initiated by Punjab Police. This action comes after news reports linked the officer to an extortion-related investigation by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under "Operation Hard Ball," targeting India-based organised crime syndicates. The US indictment alleges the officer's involvement in a $400,000 extortion scheme using false murder charges, drawing significant political criticism.

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

INDIA bloc to write to CJI on SIR, seek Pradhan's resignation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met in New Delhi on Monday and decided to write to the chief justice of India on the Special Intesive Revision exercise and "vote loot", besides demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-CBSE row.

Viral Kumbh Mela girl 'untraceable', HC vacates security order

Viral Kumbh Mela girl 'untraceable', HC vacates security order

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Kerala High Court has vacated its order for police protection to a young woman, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, after police reported they could not trace her. Her husband faces kidnapping charges, as her family claims she is a minor and opposed their marriage. The court stated protection would be provided if she approaches them.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

Rahul Gandhi turns 56, PM Modi wishes him 'good health, long life'

Rahul Gandhi turns 56, PM Modi wishes him 'good health, long life'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi received birthday wishes from across the political spectrum as he turned 56, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and various INDIA bloc leaders extending their greetings and praising his dedication to democratic values and the welfare of the marginalised.

Vijay govt accuses DMK of horse-trading, 3 arrested

Vijay govt accuses DMK of horse-trading, 3 arrested

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A major political controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu as the TVK alleges the DMK attempted horse-trading to poach its MLAs, leading to arrests and an ongoing police investigation into the high-stakes political maneuvering.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool MLA quizzed in signature forgery case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MLA Kunal Ghosh were questioned by the CID in Kolkata regarding alleged signature forgery of MLAs for the Leader of Opposition appointment in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee faced a second round of interrogation as investigators were unsatisfied with previous replies, and a face-to-face interrogation with Ghosh is possible. The probe stems from discrepancies found in signatures on documents supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post.

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Wangchuk loses 8.2 kg as fast enters 16th day; 'lives at stake', says Dipke

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated on the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, protesting alleged examination irregularities. His blood glucose and weight have dropped, prompting calls from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and political leaders like AAP's Atishi and CPI(M) MPs for government intervention and accountability.

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

In the throes of a financial crisis, the state's ruling Congress government has little to be triumphant about as Assembly elections approach next year, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Ram Temple Theft Hurt Devotees But...: Yogi

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

'The Ayodhya incident has certainly hurt the faith of all of us, of Ram devotees like us.'

Opposition demands CBI investigation into alleged Jharkhand liquor scam

Opposition demands CBI investigation into alleged Jharkhand liquor scam

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The leader of the opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly has urged the Governor to direct the Anti-Corruption Bureau to file a charge sheet in connection with the alleged liquor scam and requested a CBI probe.

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

ED quizzes TMC MP Abhishek for over 11 hours in school jobs scam case

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee is undergoing interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged primary school recruitment scam. The ED is focusing on the money trail, financial documents, and statements from other accused, following a prior questioning session by the state CID on a separate forgery case.

Rahul 'expresses regret' in defamation case by Shivraj's son

Rahul 'expresses regret' in defamation case by Shivraj's son

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has filed an application in the Madhya Pradesh High Court expressing regret over an allegedly defamatory statement made against Kartikeya Singh, son of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Singh had filed a defamation complaint, leading Gandhi to seek quashing of the summons and the case.

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed "baseless" rumours of a possible merger with the Congress, despite recent meetings between TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, which occurred amidst significant internal rebellion within the TMC following its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.