News for 'legislators'

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

Vijay to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM on May 7

Vijay to be sworn in as Tamil Nadu CM on May 7

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay is scheduled to take the oath of office as the state's new Chief Minister on May 7. The swearing-in ceremony is expected to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor stadium in Chennai.

Chhattisgarh MLA Accused Of Assaulting Government Official

Chhattisgarh MLA Accused Of Assaulting Government Official

Rediff.com27 May 2026

A revenue official in Chhattisgarh has accused BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and his supporters of assault, following allegations of misbehaviour against the official by the MLA's cousin.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

India To Criminalise Doping Supply Chain With Jail Terms

India To Criminalise Doping Supply Chain With Jail Terms

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The National Anti-Doping Act will be modified to criminalise trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes, with jail terms of up to five years for suppliers.

Karnataka CM buzz intensifies as Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to meet Cong top brass

Karnataka CM buzz intensifies as Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to meet Cong top brass

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Speculation around leadership change and a Cabinet reshuffle has intensified after the Congress government completed three years in office on May 20.

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Siddaramaiah calls cabinet breakfast amid resignation rumours

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Speculation is mounting that Siddaramaiah will announce his resignation from the CM's post in a couple of days, mostly on Thursday, to clear the path for Shivakumar.

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

BJP MLA Booked For Allegedly Assaulting Revenue Official In Chhattisgarh

BJP MLA Booked For Allegedly Assaulting Revenue Official In Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Chhattisgarh have registered a case against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo for allegedly assaulting a revenue official. A counter-case has been filed against the official for allegedly misbehaving with the MLA's cousin.

MLA funds-for-commission: BJP MLA among 3 Raj legislators face probe

MLA funds-for-commission: BJP MLA among 3 Raj legislators face probe

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The Rajasthan government has ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations against three legislators seeking commissions for the release of MLA funds, freezing their accounts pending the investigation.

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

G Sudhakaran, the pro tem Speaker, stated he has no personal enmity with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasising that personal grudges have no place in politics.

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Before assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay submitted his resignation letter from the post of member of the legislative assembly representing the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.

Vijay wins floor test with 144 votes; DMK walks out, AIADMK divided

Vijay wins floor test with 144 votes; DMK walks out, AIADMK divided

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led TVK government successfully won the trust vote in the Tamil Nadu assembly, securing 144 votes in favour, with support from the Congress, VCK, and an AIADMK rebel faction.

BJP MLA Criticises Mamata Banerjee After Meeting CM Adhikari

BJP MLA Criticises Mamata Banerjee After Meeting CM Adhikari

Rediff.com27 May 2026

BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and criticised TMC leader Mamata Banerjee over her election loss, linking it to her fight for justice in her daughter's case.

Rahul-Sonia to take call on Kerala CM, decision by Sunday

Rahul-Sonia to take call on Kerala CM, decision by Sunday

Rediff.com7 May 2026

As the CLP meeting passed a resolution authorising the party's high command to decide the next CM, observers will file a report to the Congress national leadership, who will take the final call.

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Satheesan justifies use of caste surname at swearing-in

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan defended his use of the caste surname "Menon" during his swearing-in ceremony, saying he had only mentioned his father's name and saw nothing wrong in doing so on such an occasion.

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Centre forms high-level panel on demographic change

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said infiltration and other reasons are causing 'unnatural' demographic change, which poses a significant challenge to the present and future of any nation.

BJP MLA Booked For Assaulting Official In Chhattisgarh: Details

BJP MLA Booked For Assaulting Official In Chhattisgarh: Details

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Chhattisgarh have registered a case against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo for allegedly assaulting a revenue official. A counter-case has been filed against the official for allegedly misbehaving with Toppo's sister. The incident has sparked protests and demands for the MLA's arrest.

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in the party's future in the state, drawing parallels with the BJP's growth in West Bengal. He highlighted the party's focus on development and its commitment to addressing people's issues in the Assembly.

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Kerala BJP Eyes Power After Assembly Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence that the party would eventually capture power in the state, drawing parallels to the party's growth in West Bengal.

EPS meets district secretaries amid rift in AIADMK

EPS meets district secretaries amid rift in AIADMK

Rediff.com15 May 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met with new district secretaries to discuss the party's future strategy amid an ongoing internal rift. The meeting follows the removal of senior leaders and cross-voting during a recent confidence vote.

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Mamata was more feared than loved, and in politics when people start fearing you then they start hating you.' 'So Mamata's comeback now is impossible.'

No longer CM, but will keep an eye on Bihar's development: Nitish Kumar

No longer CM, but will keep an eye on Bihar's development: Nitish Kumar

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar has stated his intention to continue monitoring development work in Bihar, despite stepping down as chief minister. He plans to spend most of his time in Bihar, ensuring the continuation of previous good work under the new government.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said members of the INDIA bloc were likely to meet in the first week of June to discuss a joint strategy, while asserting that the opposition camp was prepared for a prolonged political battle.

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rupee plunges to fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against US dollar

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Indian rupee depreciated 16 paise to settle at a fresh lifetime low of 96.86 against the US dollar, marking its ninth consecutive session of decline, driven by elevated global crude prices and a strong dollar.

Rajasthan MLA Claims Assault By Officials During Hearing

Rajasthan MLA Claims Assault By Officials During Hearing

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

BJP MLA Jaideep Bihani has alleged that he was assaulted by three officials during a public hearing regarding water supply disruptions in Jaipur. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged assault, and an investigation is underway.

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Fadnavis rides motorcycle to work after Modi's austerity call

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rode a motorcycle to work following Prime Minister Modi's appeal to cut down fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Amid calls from sections of the Muslim community that cow should be declared a national animal, a look at the Constituent Assembly debates shows that two Muslim members had sought an unambiguous spelling out of the state's stance on cow slaughter, with one of them even calling for prohibiting it as part of fundamental rights.

Palghar Rape Case Sparks Outrage; Official Assures Support

Palghar Rape Case Sparks Outrage; Official Assures Support

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A 13-year-old rape survivor in Palghar district was visited by an official, sparking outrage and calls for stricter laws and swift justice in the case.

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet, inducting 23 more legislators as ministers, including two from the Congress party, marking their return to governance in the state after nearly 60 years.

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay's request seeking support.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

NITI Aayog Member Gauba Outlines Sweeping Deregulation to Boost Ease of Doing Business

Rediff.com13 May 2026

NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba has detailed an extensive deregulation agenda, moving India towards a 'permitted unless prohibited' principle to dismantle new forms of the Licence Raj and clear 'regulatory cholesterol' for businesses.

Meant to abolish caste system, Udhayanidhi clarifies on Sanatan remark

Meant to abolish caste system, Udhayanidhi clarifies on Sanatan remark

Rediff.com15 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin has clarified his Sanatan Dharma eradication remark, stating that he meant to abolish the caste system that divides people into upper and lower castes, advocating for equal rights for all in temples and society.

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

UCC Bill tabled in Assam; polygamy ban, live-in registration proposed

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The opposition parties, including Congress, Raijor Dal and Trinamool Congress, opposed the move and demanded wider consultation with all the stakeholders before its introduction.

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

SC rejects hate speech case against BJP's Anurag Thakur, Parvesh Verma

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was committed by BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma regarding alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests in Delhi. The court upheld a previous decision by the Delhi High Court, stating that the speeches did not incite violence or target a specific community.