News for 'party defections'

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Fraud Allegations

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an alleged associate of a Punjab Aam Aadmi Party functionary, as part of a money laundering probe against two realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

ED Conducts Raids In Punjab Over Realty Fraud Case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including premises linked to an official in the CMO, as part of a money laundering probe against realty groups accused of fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

ED Investigates Punjab Realty Groups Over Land Use Violations

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Punjab and Chandigarh, targeting realty groups and individuals linked to an official in the Chief Minister's Office, as part of a money laundering investigation into fraudulent land use changes and investor fraud.

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Operation Lotus? 7 AAP Rajya Sabha MPs led by Raghav Chadha join BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback as several of its Rajya Sabha MPs, including key figures like Raghav Chadha and Sandeep Pathak, resign from the party, with some reportedly joining the BJP.

Kerala CPI(M) Leaders Trade Barbs with G Sudhakaran Over Manifesto

Kerala CPI(M) Leaders Trade Barbs with G Sudhakaran Over Manifesto

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

A war of words has erupted between CPI(M) leaders and G Sudhakaran, who left the party to contest as an independent in Ambalapuzha, with accusations flying over his understanding of the Communist Manifesto and his political ambitions.

Kerala CM Vijayan Predicts Stronger Mandate for LDF in Upcoming Elections

Kerala CM Vijayan Predicts Stronger Mandate for LDF in Upcoming Elections

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expresses confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) prospects in the upcoming Kerala elections, predicting a stronger mandate and criticising the Congress and BJP.

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

The Challenges Confronting Samrat Chowdhury

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Within the BJP, Samrat Chowdhury confronts a party full of senior leaders with their own factional networks, caste calculations and career ambitions; many of whom may regard his elevation as a product of central convenience rather than organic merit.'

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Cong's Manish Tewari brings bill to free MPs from party whips

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Congress MP Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in Lok Sabha that seeks to allow parliamentarians to take an independent line in voting on bills and motions other than those affecting the government's stability in a bid to free them from "whip-driven tyranny" and promote "good lawmaking".

Kerala CM Vijayan Predicts Stronger Mandate for LDF Despite Criticism

Kerala CM Vijayan Predicts Stronger Mandate for LDF Despite Criticism

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, dismissing allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding and criticising the Congress party's approach.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

High Court Orders Retrial in 2019 Ludhiana Rape and Murder Case, Sets Aside Death Sentences

High Court Orders Retrial in 2019 Ludhiana Rape and Murder Case, Sets Aside Death Sentences

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has overturned the death sentences of two men convicted in the 2019 rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in Ludhiana, citing procedural errors during the trial.

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Kerala is set to hold its Assembly election, with the ruling LDF aiming for a historic third term, the UDF seeking a comeback, and the NDA striving to gain a foothold in the state's political landscape.

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Mukul Roy, ex-railway minister and TMC leader, passes away

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Veteran politician and former railway minister Mukul Roy, a key figure in West Bengal politics, has died due to cardiac arrest, marking the end of a significant era.

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, reshaping voter loyalties and raising communal tensions.

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.

Supreme Court: No personal hearing needed before banks tag loan accounts as fraud

Supreme Court: No personal hearing needed before banks tag loan accounts as fraud

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has ruled that borrowers are not entitled to a personal hearing before banks classify their loan accounts as "fraud" under RBI directions, clarifying that a written response to a show-cause notice and access to the forensic audit report (with redactions) are sufficient for natural justice.

Want To Replace A 'Defective' Vehicle?

Want To Replace A 'Defective' Vehicle?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Any defect identified by the expert would have to be rectified within one month, failing which compensation of 5,000 per day would be payable.

Om Birla asks LS secretariat to rectify errors in removal notice

Om Birla asks LS secretariat to rectify errors in removal notice

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

A notice submitted by opposition MPs to remove the Lok Sabha speaker from office is under scrutiny due to identified flaws. The Lok Sabha secretariat has been directed to amend the notice to prevent its rejection.

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections, former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah is set to join the BJP, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Mamata vs Suvendu returns, this time in Bhabanipur

Mamata vs Suvendu returns, this time in Bhabanipur

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The political rivalry in Nandigram that defined West Bengal's 2021 assembly polls is set to return to centre stage in a new arena, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee locking horns with her protege-turned-adversary Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, turning the south Kolkata seat into the likely epicentre of the 2026 electoral battle.

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Borah joins BJP

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

Former Assam Congress chief Bhupen Kumar Borah joined the BJP, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming Assam assembly polls.

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Key Maoist Leader Surrenders, Marking Progress in Chhattisgarh's Anti-Insurgency Efforts

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A senior Maoist commander, Papa Rao, surrendered with his team in Chhattisgarh, signalling a significant blow to Left-Wing Extremism in the region. This event underscores the impact of sustained security pressure and rehabilitation efforts on the Maoist movement.

Olympic embarrassment: Damaged medals shock winners at Milano Games

Olympic embarrassment: Damaged medals shock winners at Milano Games

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Organisers of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics have found a solution to address the issue of medals coming apart, offering repairs for affected athletes.

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Can Congress Recover From Borah Exit?

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Bhupen Borah's resignation and swift switch to the BJP has dealt the Congress a major setback in Assam just weeks before the Assembly elections.

Fuel switch moves from 'run' to 'cut off', Air India grounds jet

Fuel switch moves from 'run' to 'cut off', Air India grounds jet

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 after a pilot reported a potential fuel control switch defect. The incident occurs amidst an ongoing investigation into the airline's Dreamliner crash last June.

'Nobody's Putting Pressure On Sunetra Pawar'

'Nobody's Putting Pressure On Sunetra Pawar'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

'I don't know if she is doing it willingly or not, but she is respecting the sentiments of the party.'

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

New govt in Manipur likely soon, BJP appoints observer

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party Parliamentary Board on Monday appointed party national general secretary Tarun Chugh as the central observer for the election of the legislature party leader in Manipur, indicating the possible formation of a popular government in the Northeastern state.

Khemchand Singh to be new Manipur CM, Kuki MLA named his deputy

Khemchand Singh to be new Manipur CM, Kuki MLA named his deputy

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Y Khemchand Singh has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Manipur, setting the stage for a new government in the state. The election took place at a BJP legislature party meeting, with endorsement from NDA constituents expected.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Manipur gets new CM a year after Biren Singh stepped down

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Biren Singh relinquished the post on February 9 last year amid rumblings within the state BJP seeking a change of leadership in strife-torn Manipur.

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rahul calls Ravneet Bittu 'traitor'; He responds with 'Desh ke dushman' jibe

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The incident took place right outside Parliament's Makar Dwar, the main entrance which MPs take to enter the new Parliament building, where Gandhi was standing in solidarity with suspended Congress MPs, mostly from Punjab.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance secured a majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning 118 out of 227 seats and ending the Thackeray family's long-standing control.

Why This Congress Leader Defected To JD-U

Why This Congress Leader Defected To JD-U

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

'The Congress has faded and fighting for survival.'

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Maha Cong suffers jolt as MLC Pradnya Satav joins BJP

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

Congress MLC Pradnya Satav joined the BJP in Maharashtra, prompting accusations of undemocratic practices and political maneuvering ahead of local elections.

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

Is BJP Planning Op Kamal Against Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar?

Is BJP Planning Op Kamal Against Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar?

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'The writing is on the wall for both Shinde and Ajit Pawar.'

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Election Commission to halt the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, citing irregularities and potential disenfranchisement.

'Surprisingly, Tejashwi Looked Lacklustre In The Campaign'

'Surprisingly, Tejashwi Looked Lacklustre In The Campaign'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'...in comparison to his presence in the previous election campaign where he looked robust and vibrant.' 'His television and social media interviews looked dull and predictable.' 'There could be a different kind of fatigue of being out of power for a long time at work here.'