News for 'maharashtra politics'

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

Sharad Pawar rebukes Parth, backs Cong right to contest Baramati bypoll

Sharad Pawar rebukes Parth, backs Cong right to contest Baramati bypoll

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar defends the Congress party's right to contest the Baramati assembly bypoll, criticising his grandnephew Parth Pawar's remarks against the Congress candidate. Pawar cites the importance of electoral contest and questions Parth's political maturity.

'Was aware, but...': Tatkare's big remark on NCP merger

'Was aware, but...': Tatkare's big remark on NCP merger

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare has acknowledged awareness of merger talks between his party and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP, while reaffirming the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA alliance.

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Unlike films that end with the underdog becoming winner and being sworn in at a public ceremony, Vijay's trial by fire is only about to begin, predicts Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Fadnavis Orders Probe into Call Data Leak in Ashok Kharat Case

Fadnavis Orders Probe into Call Data Leak in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a probe into the call data record (CDR) leak in the Ashok Kharat case and directed the Enforcement Directorate to investigate Kharat's assets.

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary (Information and Publicity), Maharashtra, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and encouraged women journalists to embrace this technological shift to enhance their skills and drive positive change.

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The TMC has intensified its attack on the BJP, alleging a 'larger conspiracy' involving central agencies ahead of the second phase of West Bengal polls on April 29, while also questioning the credibility of the Election Commission.

It's official: Merger talks between NCP factions over

It's official: Merger talks between NCP factions over

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil has ruled out the possibility of a merger between the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party, stating that talks ceased following the death of Ajit Pawar.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Sent To Jail In Sexual Exploitation Case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat has been remanded to judicial custody until May 12 in connection with an eighth case of sexual exploitation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating a total of 12 cases of sexual exploitation and financial fraud registered against Kharat.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

'BJP mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as DCM'

'BJP mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as DCM'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP leadership of being the mastermind behind Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, alleging that certain NCP leaders also desire to prevent the unification of the two NCP factions.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

ED Moves To Take Custody Of Godman Ashok Kharat

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested a special PMLA court in Mumbai to issue a production warrant against Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman-cum-astrologer, who is accused of rape and fraud and is currently in police custody in Nashik district, in connection with a money laundering case.

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of attempting to illegally include voters from outside the state in West Bengal's electoral rolls, alleging a coordinated effort to interfere with democratic rights.

'World like coalition politics; we have to be very nimble'

'World like coalition politics; we have to be very nimble'

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discusses India's foreign policy challenges in a multipolar world, emphasizing the need for nimbleness and prioritizing national interests.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Maha: 'Boycott Muslims' video after Kerala Story show sparks row

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

A video purportedly showing people pledging to boycott Muslims socially and economically after a screening of 'The Kerala Story' has sparked strong reactions in Vasai, Maharashtra. Police are investigating the video's authenticity, while politicians and social media users express concern over rising communal polarisation.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Will two NCP factions merge after Ajit Pawar's death?

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The talks about the reunification had already started when Ajit Pawar was alive. In fact, the two parties even contested the civic polls in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad together.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

NCP leader Rupali Chakankar has resigned from her position as the party's Maharashtra women's wing chief following controversy surrounding her association with Ashok Kharat, who has been accused of rape.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

As Maharashtra political crisis deepens, floor test back in focus

As Maharashtra political crisis deepens, floor test back in focus

Rediff.com23 Jun 2022

The approval by Maharashtra assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal to appoint Ajay Choudhary as the Shiv Sena's group leader in the House in place of rebel leader Eknath Shinde may expedite the need for the ruling coalition to prove its majority through a floor test, feels a constitutional expert.

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi, Mamata Of Failing The Poor

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi, Mamata Of Failing The Poor

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing them of prioritising the wealthy over the poor and failing to create job opportunities.

Man held for AI-generated video linking Pawar crash to Fadnavis

Man held for AI-generated video linking Pawar crash to Fadnavis

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A man has been arrested in Mumbai for creating an AI-generated video that falsely linked a plane crash involving former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, with the intent to defame the latter.

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

'Godman' Kharat sent to 7-day police custody in second rape case

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district on Thursday remanded self-styled godman Ashok Kharat to seven-day police custody in a second rape case where he is accused of sexually exploiting a woman on multiple occasions since 2020 under the guise of religious rituals.

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

Ajit's 'revolt': Uncle-nephew feuds not new in Maharashtra politics

Ajit's 'revolt': Uncle-nephew feuds not new in Maharashtra politics

Rediff.com24 Nov 2019

'The timing of the current episode involving Ajit Pawar is important. The episode has elements of deceit, betrayal and falsehood intertwined'

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Mahayuti rift widens as Sena ministers slam Sunetra Pawar; Fadnavis steps in

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Several ministers within Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti alliance have voiced criticism regarding Sunetra Pawar's appointment as Deputy Chief Minister shortly after her husband, Ajit Pawar's, death, leading to disapproval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

When US Presidents Abused India And/Or Indians!

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If Trump doesn't like India, that is his choice. But to use such distasteful language on a public platform is deeply offensive and needs to be called out, points out Amberish K Diwanji.

India Remembers Victims Of Pahalgam Terror Attack

India Remembers Victims Of Pahalgam Terror Attack

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A year after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India remembers the victims and reaffirms its commitment to fighting terrorism. Families of the deceased mourn their loss, while political leaders reiterate the nation's resolve to stand united against terror.

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

Lavani Star Gautami Patil In Midst Of Political Spat

Lavani Star Gautami Patil In Midst Of Political Spat

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

What began as a car accident in Pune has now spiralled into a full-blown political controversy, drawing in senior state leaders and sparking a debate over political interference, selective targeting, and law enforcement priorities in Maharashtra.

Eknath Khadse, Daughter Face Fraud Charges Over Land Grab

Eknath Khadse, Daughter Face Fraud Charges Over Land Grab

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLC Eknath Khadse and his daughter have been booked for allegedly cheating an elderly woman out of her land in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district.

Mumbai Police Request Custody of Anmol Bishnoi in Connection to Mumbai Cases

Mumbai Police Request Custody of Anmol Bishnoi in Connection to Mumbai Cases

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Mumbai Police have requested the custody of gangster Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, who was arrested by the NIA after being deported from the US. He is wanted in connection with several major crimes in Mumbai, including the killing of an NCP leader and a firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's residence.

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

'Kasab Drank Urine, Didn't Eat Biryani'

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

'The jail staff told me Kasab was served only jail food and not biryani.' 'They told me that Kasab was beaten regularly after court proceedings.' 'And they filled Kasab's bottle with urine so that whenever he felt thirsty he used to drink urine.'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.