News for 'longest serving prime minister'

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.

'In Bangladesh, 2 Plus 2 Is Not Always 4'

'In Bangladesh, 2 Plus 2 Is Not Always 4'

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

'It is either 22 or 0.'

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

JD-U leaders upset over Nitish exit, welcome son's entry

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

JD-U lawmakers voiced their concerns over Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, while also welcoming the imminent political debut of his son, Nishant, amidst speculation about the future leadership of the state.

Sheikh Hasina: From reign to ruin of Bangladesh's 'Iron Lady'

Sheikh Hasina: From reign to ruin of Bangladesh's 'Iron Lady'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Now, in exile in India, Hasina, often dubbed the 'Iron Lady' of Bangladesh, watches from across the border as the nation she helped build, and often ruled with a firm hand, grapples with the legacy her rise and fall has left behind.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Lok Sabha rejects Oppn motion to remove Om Birla as Speaker

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha rejected a resolution seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker by a voice vote amidst opposition protests and demands for an apology from Home Minister Amit Shah.

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

'Trump Acts Like A Mafia Boss'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

'He is creating a culture of fear.'

Sheikh Hasina says her return to Bangladesh hinges on...

Sheikh Hasina says her return to Bangladesh hinges on...

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

'Yunus' hostility to India is foolish and self-defeating in the extreme and reveals him for the weak monarch he is, unelected, chaotic, and dependent upon the support of extremist'

Nitish Kumar drives down to meet Amit Shah in Patna hotel

Nitish Kumar drives down to meet Amit Shah in Patna hotel

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Patna to discuss election strategy. The meeting aims to dispel rumors of strained relations and solidify the NDA alliance ahead of upcoming assembly polls.

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls indicates people's trust in the NDA government. He predicted victory for the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and lauded the Election Commission for conducting successful elections.

Why Indian prime ministers should not get a second term

Why Indian prime ministers should not get a second term

Rediff.com4 Sep 2013

Amberish K Diwanji on Indian prime ministers and the seven-year itch.

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Iran Ceasefire: Pakistan Was Reading From Washington's Script

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

By all available indications, the White House drafted a face-saving note and handed it, ready-made, to Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was supposed to then post it in the guise of a plea urging Trump to extend the deadline by two weeks 'to allow diplomacy to run its course'. Trump would then graciously accept Pakistan's 'request' and declare a ceasefire. Sharif dutifully posted the message on X. Except that he, or whoever was handling the account, forgot to delete the tell-tale first line visible in the edit history: 'Draft - Pakistan's PM Message on X'. Prem Panicker's must read blog on the Iran War.

Ajit Pawar's death: Have lost a dear elder friend and guide, says Fadnavis

Ajit Pawar's death: Have lost a dear elder friend and guide, says Fadnavis

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, declaring a government holiday and state mourning. Other state leaders also mourned Pawar's passing, highlighting his contributions to Maharashtra's development and politics.

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

BJP Pushes Nitish To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Nitish Kumar may be in the chief minister's chair again, but with the BJP grabbing the home department and the assembly speaker's post, the real power in Bihar has shifted unmistakably, reports MI Khan.

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching over a fortnight long 'Sewa Pakhwada' to mark the birthday of its preeminent leader.

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' mirrors Nitish Kumar's refusal to slow down

'Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai' mirrors Nitish Kumar's refusal to slow down

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The Bihar chief minister had a point to prove in the latest assembly elections, which were held amid speculations of a fatigue factor, if not downright anti-incumbency, made worse by rumours of his indifferent health.

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

NDA Tsunami Sweeps Away Mahagathbandhan In Bihar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in over 200 of 243 seats on Friday with the Bharatiya Janata Party emerging as single largest party with about 90 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state.

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Nitish Kumar sworn in as Bihar CM for record 10th time

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J P Nadda and several other top leaders of the NDA.

Packed Calendar, Big Diplomatic Moves

Packed Calendar, Big Diplomatic Moves

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

Since June, India's ministry of external affairs has intensified its diplomatic calendar, hosting several heads of state and government, foreign ministers, and key trade delegations.

How NDA Outwitted Mahagathbandan

How NDA Outwitted Mahagathbandan

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The NDA in Bihar, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, strategically countered the Mahagathbandan's moves by implementing similar policies and announcements, effectively neutralising the MGB campaign promises and maintaining their political advantage.

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Operation Sindoor debate: Modi takes swipe at Opposition

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

In his first address to National Democratic Alliance MPs in over a year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised its collective identity as a natural and organic alliance, asserting that its journey since its foundation in 1998 is dotted with successes and has many more achievements in store.

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Shaktikanta Das appointed principal secretary to PM

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

P K Mishra, a retired IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, is currently serving as the principal secretary to the prime minister.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

What does Nitish Kumar's NDA pledge really mean?

What does Nitish Kumar's NDA pledge really mean?

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking a fifth term, has asserted that he will remain in the NDA, crediting the BJP for his rise to power. Kumar, the JD(U) supremo, reiterated his stance at the Khelo India Youth Games. He has been a BJP ally since the mid-1990s but parted ways in 2013. Kumar's return to the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls last year, after previously joining hands with the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, has sparked debate about his political strategy.

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

An ECI statement issued from New Delhi put the voter turnout at 68.76 per cent. The female turnout (74.03 per cent) was significantly higher, compared with males (64.1 per cent).

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14 per cent in the second and final phase of the assembly elections. The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishanganj recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26.

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Was Bhagwat Targeting Modi With His 'Retirement At 75' Remark?

Was Bhagwat Targeting Modi With His 'Retirement At 75' Remark?

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Bhagwat's 'retirement at age 75' comment lands just as he and Modi near that mark -- sparking whispers of retirement, rifts, and reshuffles.

'Bihar Is At A Takeoff Stage'

'Bihar Is At A Takeoff Stage'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

''Now the roads in Bihar are as good as any other Indian state. The power sector has improved.' 'Connectivity, law and order, gender justice...' 'Bihar now stands for all these things that were totally absent when it was under jungle raj.'

33 first-timers among Modi's council of ministers

33 first-timers among Modi's council of ministers

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

Those joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers for the first time include three former chief ministers -- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh), Manohar Lal Khattar (Haryana) and H D Kumaraswamy (Karnataka).

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Nitish Kumar Has The Opportunity Of A Lifetime To Change Bihar

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

If he cannot do it this term by using his bureaucracy and experts from different fields, it will be a tragedy, asserts Ramesh Menon.

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

'If the BJP had its way, it would sideline him in favour of someone else. But that's not feasible. There is no vote catcher in Bihar for the BJP.'

Benjamin Netanyahu set to return as Israel PM

Benjamin Netanyahu set to return as Israel PM

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

With 99 per cent of the ballots counted, Netanyahu-led right-wing bloc has taken a comfortable lead with 64 seats in the 120-member Knesset, paving way for his triumphant return.

RBI's 90 Year Journey

RBI's 90 Year Journey

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

Sir Osborne Smith was the first governor of the Reserve Bank, serving from April 1, 1935, to June 30, 1937.

'Not sign of...': Tharoor explains article praising Modi

'Not sign of...': Tharoor explains article praising Modi

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday said his article on Operation Sindoor's global outreach was not a sign of his 'leaping to join' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party but a statement of national unity, interest and standing up for India.

Finance Secretary TV Somanathan is new Cabinet Secy

Finance Secretary TV Somanathan is new Cabinet Secy

Rediff.com10 Aug 2024

He will succeed incumbent Rajiv Gauba, who completes his unprecedented five-year term in the top bureaucratic post this month-end.

Sayonara Abe-San

Sayonara Abe-San

Rediff.com12 Jul 2022

Abe Shinzo's private funeral took place at the Zojoji temple, a centuries old temple in Tokyo housing the tombs of ancient military rulers.

Modi has erased N and...: Cong on Nehru Memorial renaming

Modi has erased N and...: Cong on Nehru Memorial renaming

Rediff.com16 Aug 2023

'"PM Shastri ji created...VP Radhakrishnanji inaugurated. Narendra Modi closed it. Nehru ji lives in the hearts of INDIA'

Netanyahu-led coalition to form govt in Israel

Netanyahu-led coalition to form govt in Israel

Rediff.com4 Nov 2022

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led right-wing bloc has secured an emphatic victory in Israel's general elections by claiming 64 out of the 120 seats in parliament, bringing the country's longest-serving premier back at the helm after a brief gap and also ending prolonged political instability.