News for 'panchayat'

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Lok Sabha, accusing the opposition of spreading falsehoods and questioning the safety of democracy if leaders are chosen by infiltrators.

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces a crucial test in the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra after being defeated by the BJP-led Mahayuti in recent local polls. Political observers are calling the upcoming contest for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, a mini assembly election.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

'Kerala Has Done Very Well In Eradicating Poverty'

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'Poverty eradication is a continuous process. There is no full stop to it.'

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Survivor claims fireworks inside Goa nightclub caused fire

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

A survivor recounts the chaotic scene at a Goa nightclub fire that resulted in 25 deaths, citing fireworks and a stampede as contributing factors.

Trainer aircraft crashes after hitting power line in MP, 2 injured

Trainer aircraft crashes after hitting power line in MP, 2 injured

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A trainer aircraft crashed in Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh, after hitting a power line, injuring the pilot and flight instructor. The aircraft belonged to Redbird Flight Training Academy.

Buzz over CM change resurfaces as Shivakumar meets Kharge

Buzz over CM change resurfaces as Shivakumar meets Kharge

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, leading to speculation about a change in chief minister. Shivakumar denies discussing political matters, focusing on the MGNREGA replacement.

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Teen's death on basketball court: 'Unknown persons' booked

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Haryana Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against unknown persons based on a complaint lodged by the family of a teenage basketball player, who died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Rohtak district last month, an official said on Sunday.

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Nationwide Stir Against Scrapping MGNREGA

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Civil society groups, led by the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha, are planning a nationwide protest -- similar to the farmers' stir a few years ago -- starting December 19 demanding scrapping of the new Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission.

Goa voter list revision reveals 90,000 discrepancies

Goa voter list revision reveals 90,000 discrepancies

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

As many as 90,000 electors in Goa have either been found absent, shifted, deceased or possessing duplicate voter cards in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, a senior official said on Sunday.

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Pakistani woman moves MP HC to stop husband's second marriage

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

A family dispute between a Pakistani Hindu husband and wife, living in different countries after their marriage in 2020, has reached the Madhya Pradesh High Court after reconciliation attempts failed. The wife accuses the husband of planning a second marriage and seeks his deportation.

Two boys killed in separate basketball court accidents in Haryana

Two boys killed in separate basketball court accidents in Haryana

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

A national-level basketball player died in Rohtak, Haryana after a basketball hoop collapsed on him during practice. The incident was captured on CCTV.

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Karnataka govt cook sacked for joining RSS march

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Karnataka government has relieved an assistant cook at a hostel run by the Backward Classes Welfare department in Basavakalyana after he allegedly participated in a route march organised by the RSS. This follows a complaint and is in line with rules barring government employees from participating in politically affiliated organizations.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

'No law should...': Modi's 'Reform Express' pitch at NDA meet

'No law should...': Modi's 'Reform Express' pitch at NDA meet

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed NDA parliamentarians, emphasizing that laws and regulations should serve the convenience of the common people and not cause harassment.

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Govt to bring G RAM G Bill to replace MGNREGA; guarantees 125-day work

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A bill to repeal the MGNREGA and introduce a new rural employment law, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), has been circulated among Lok Sabha members.

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Rahul alleged that 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana through 5.21 lakh duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid voters, and 19.26 lakh bulk voters.

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Shinde meets Shah, complains against 'some Mahayuti leaders'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

He also told Shah that avoidable disruptions could potentially hinder the Mahayuti alliance's winning momentum and give undue advantage to the Opposition, they said.

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

'G-RAM-G Is A Work Guarantee Without Any Guarantee'

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

'A work guarantee that can be switched off at will is no guarantee at all.'

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

New Rural Jobs Bill Sparks International Concern

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

'Previously, contributing only 25 per cent of material costs, states now face burdens of 40 per cent to 100 per cent of total costs, ensuring poorer states will curb project approvals, directly stifling work demand.'

'I Haven't Felt Like I Am Being Typecast Yet'

'I Haven't Felt Like I Am Being Typecast Yet'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

'I found the role quite challenging as I have never done anything like this before. I was uncertain as to how I will pull it off. But with each challenge there was a different level of excitement that I felt'

Two decades on, SC ensures justice for widow in train mishap case

Two decades on, SC ensures justice for widow in train mishap case

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court ensured a widow received compensation 23 years after her husband's death in a train accident, highlighting the court's commitment to justice for the poor.

Key Sandeshkhali witness injured in accident, son killed

Key Sandeshkhali witness injured in accident, son killed

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Ghosh's elder son, Biswajit, claimed that this was a planned attempt to murder his father, and alleged that Shahjahan pulled strings sitting in jail to carry out the crime.

Man killed, wife injured in Kerala mudslide triggered by NH work

Man killed, wife injured in Kerala mudslide triggered by NH work

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

A man died and his wife was severely injured after a mudslide levelled several houses in the Idukki district of Kerala. Residents allege unscientific road widening work was responsible for the tragedy.

Man forced to wash Brahmin's feet, drink same water over AI image

Man forced to wash Brahmin's feet, drink same water over AI image

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Purshottam Kushwaha, who belongs to an OBC community, allegedly posted on Instagram an Artificial Intelligence-generated image showing another villager, Annu Pandey, wearing a garland of shoes, the officials said.

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

57 Maharashtra local poll results depend on quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of reservation quotas in Maharashtra local body elections, stating that the final results of elections in 57 local bodies, where the 50% quota ceiling has been breached, will depend on its judgment in the case.

Coal mine protest turns violent in Chhattisgarh, 30 cops injured

Coal mine protest turns violent in Chhattisgarh, 30 cops injured

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Villagers protesting against the expansion of a coal mine clashed with police in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, resulting in injuries on both sides. The protest stems from opposition to the Amera extension coal project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), despite the land acquisition process being completed in 2016.

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Fadnavis downplays Ajit Pawar's fund remarks; denies rift with Shinde

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed concerns about discriminatory fund allocation and reports of a rift with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, dismissing both as unfounded.

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Cyclone Montha lashes Andhra, Odisha; 76K in relief camps, flights cancelled

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Severe cyclonic storm 'Montha' has begun making landfall off the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the process expected to continue for the next three to four hours. The storm is expected to cross the coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, near Kakinada, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph.

Shiv Sena-BJP tussle heats up ahead of Maha local polls

Shiv Sena-BJP tussle heats up ahead of Maha local polls

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

Shiv Sena leader Shahajibapu Patil accuses the BJP of undermining him politically by supporting his rival in Sangola during the Maharashtra assembly elections. He claims the BJP helped PWP candidate Babasaheb Deshmukh despite his support for the BJP in the Lok Sabha election.

Wife, kin thrash UP man over samosas; booked for attempt to murder

Wife, kin thrash UP man over samosas; booked for attempt to murder

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

A man in Uttar Pradesh was allegedly beaten by his wife and her relatives after a dispute over his failure to bring samosas. An FIR has been filed on charges of attempt to murder.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Time To Elect, Not Select Governors

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

In a federal democracy, the people must have a say (indirect or direct) in an office as important as that of governor. Especially in a governor who can now effectively veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it, argues Harishchandra.

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Gujarat cabinet rejig: A look at new ministerial portfolios

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel allocated portfolios following a major cabinet reshuffle, with Harsh Sanghavi becoming Deputy CM and receiving Home and Industries. New ministers, including Rivaba Jadeja, were also assigned responsibilities.

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

'Girls Are Taking A Leap Of Faith Every Day'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Bandana Preyashi, the bold IAS officer from Bihar who took on dreaded dons, is the court-appointed mentor to 18-year-old Sakshi, who had fled home to follow her IAS dream.

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, responding to several media queries regarding the current 'internal conflict' in Karnataka Congress in reference to the chief ministerial position, said on Tuesday that he doesn't want to embarrass or weaken the party.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Assam assembly passes bill to ban polygamy, tribals kept out

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Assam assembly on Thursday passed a bill to ban polygamy, making it an offence which may lead to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, barring some exceptions.

85 sarpanchs invited to I-Day celebrations as special guests

85 sarpanchs invited to I-Day celebrations as special guests

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Eighty-five village sarpanchs from across India have been invited as special guests to witness the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, in recognition of their contributions to rural transformation.