News for 'legislators'

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

NDA retains Puducherry, its lone southern segment

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The AINRC-led NDA has won the Puducherry Assembly elections and is set to form the government. Chief Minister N Rangasamy won both seats he contested.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a potential split after post-election disagreements, with one faction voting against the government and another defying party orders. Key leaders have been removed from their posts, and accusations are flying between the opposing sides.

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticises the Congress and its allies for the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent women's quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls.

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Nitish retains trusted aide Sanjay Jha in JD-U revamp, keeps son out

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has announced a new list of national office bearers for the party, including a vice president and 11 general secretaries. The list does not include Kumar's son Nishant. Sanjay Kumar Jha remains the national working president.

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Parliament adjourns sine die, Budget Session ends

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, concluding a Budget session marked by the passage of key legislations and the defeat of a Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The session saw frequent opposition protests and discussions on various issues, including the West Asia conflict.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

AIADMK rift deepens as rebel camp seeks EPS' disqualification as MLA

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The AIADMK is facing a deeper crisis as factions clash over the floor test of the TVK government, with accusations of defying party directives and demands for disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Kunal Kamra defends satire, cites Bal Thackeray in privilege case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing a breach of privilege notice for satirising Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, defends his actions by referencing Bal Thackeray's history of political cartoons and arguing for the protection of free speech and satire.

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Himanta Biswa Sarma takes oath as Assam CM for 2nd term

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.

Trump administration says US 'not at war' with Iran

Trump administration says US 'not at war' with Iran

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Trump administration maintains the US is 'not at war' with Iran, despite military engagement reaching a critical legal threshold under the War Powers Resolution, potentially leading to a confrontation with Congress.

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Assam Governor invites Himanta Biswa Sarma to form govt

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Himanta Biswa Sarma has been elected as the leader of the BJP-led NDA in the Assam assembly, paving the way for his second consecutive term as chief minister. The NDA secured a two-thirds majority in the recent assembly polls, with the BJP winning 82 seats and its allies AGP and BPF securing 10 seats each.

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Villages Attacked Near Myanmar Border, Residents Flee

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Heavily armed militants attacked villages in Manipur's Kamjong district near the India-Myanmar border, torching houses and forcing residents to flee. The attack targeted Tangkhul Naga villages, with allegations pointing to Myanmar-based militant groups.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Newly-elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state.

Vijay's TVK falls short of majority: What might unfold next?

Vijay's TVK falls short of majority: What might unfold next?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The TVK has ended the nearly six-decade dominance of DMK and AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing 108 out of 234 constituencies in its debut, but falls short of the 118 seats needed for an absolute majority, prompting discussions on coalition options and the governor's role.

TVK seeks SC intervention to form govt in Tamil Nadu

TVK seeks SC intervention to form govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Actor Vijay's TVK party, despite being the single largest party in Tamil Nadu, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a directive for the Governor to invite them to form the government.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Following his election to the Rajya Sabha, Nitish Kumar is set to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council, adhering to constitutional requirements and prompting speculation about future political strategies in Bihar.

Shashi Tharoor Moves Delhi HC Against AI-Generated Deepfake Videos

Shashi Tharoor Moves Delhi HC Against AI-Generated Deepfake Videos

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a ban on AI-generated deepfake videos that purportedly show him praising Pakistan. The court has issued summons to social media platforms and the Centre, indicating it may pass an interim order in Tharoor's favour.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Haryana boycotted a special session of the state assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of using the platform for political propaganda related to a defeated Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The BJP criticised the Congress's move as anti-women.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A member of actor-turned-politician Vijay-led Tamilaka Vettri Kazhagam on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite his single largest political party to form the government in the state.

Congress Accuses Rajasthan BJP Of NEET Paper Leak Cover-Up

Congress Accuses Rajasthan BJP Of NEET Paper Leak Cover-Up

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Congress leaders in Rajasthan have accused the BJP government of attempting to suppress the NEET-UG paper leak, alleging the involvement of a local BJP leader. The BJP denies the claims, while the Congress demands answers and an impartial investigation.

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the BJP's stance on women's reservation, challenging them to reject ideological texts like the Manusmriti. He accused the BJP of using the issue for political gains and misrepresenting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks.

New Labour Codes: How a 4-day workweek could become a reality in India

New Labour Codes: How a 4-day workweek could become a reality in India

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Indian government has notified final rules under four labour codes, potentially enabling a four-day workweek in certain sectors by capping weekly working hours at 48 while allowing daily flexibility. This move also introduces significant changes to wage fixation, compliance obligations, and social security norms.

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

TVK meets CPI for support; Left party to decide on Friday

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam joint general secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar, accompanied by party leaders, met with the Communist Party of India leaders at the CPI office in Chennai on Thursday, to garner the support for making goverment in Tamil Nadu.

Fake Monks Arrested With Narcotics At Sri Lanka Airport

Fake Monks Arrested With Narcotics At Sri Lanka Airport

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

A group of 22 people dressed as monks has been arrested at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka for allegedly carrying Kush and Hashish narcotics upon arrival from Thailand.

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Agniveers can't claim parity with regular soldiers: Govt

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Union government has informed the Bombay High Court that Agniveers are not "similarly situated" as regular soldiers and hence, cannot claim parity in pensionary benefits for their next of kin in the event of death in action.

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Mamata Banerjee Says TMC Will Support Women's Quota Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC will support the women's quota bill but opposes the delimitation bill introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha. She also criticised the central government over central agency raids on TMC candidates.

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Abhishek Banerjee Appeals To BJP Candidate On Aparajita Bill

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged BJP candidate Ratna Debnath to appeal to PM Modi to ensure the Aparajita Bill, which aims for time-bound punishment for rape convicts, is enacted. Banerjee criticised the BJP's stance on women's safety and highlighted the TMC government's prompt action in a previous rape-murder case.

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

BJP MLA In Madhya Pradesh Embroiled In Controversy After Son's Accident

BJP MLA In Madhya Pradesh Embroiled In Controversy After Son's Accident

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh is facing criticism after his son was accused of injuring five people in a car accident. The MLA allegedly made disparaging remarks against an IPS officer who took action in the case, further escalating the controversy.

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Vijay writes to governor staking claim, may run minority govt

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'If a floor test happens, one group of MLAs may abstain to allow the confidence vote to pass. So theoretically, he can run a minority government as long as the others won't join each other to vote him out.'

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

Rediff.com5 May 2026

D N Jeevaraj of the BJP has been declared the MLA for Sringeri after a recount of postal ballots, following a High Court order. This reverses the 2023 election result where Congress candidate T D Raje Gowda had won.

Pune Child Rape-Murder: SIT To Investigate Brutal Crime

Pune Child Rape-Murder: SIT To Investigate Brutal Crime

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the rape and murder of a four-year-old girl in the Pune district of Maharashtra, following widespread outrage over the heinous crime.

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Why Chinnaswamy lost IPL 2026 final? BCCI explains decision

Rediff.com7 May 2026

IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal explains the reasons behind shifting the IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, citing higher seating capacity and an ICC board meeting.