News for 'political activist'

Thane Political Activists Beat Vendor Over Harassment Claim

Thane Political Activists Beat Vendor Over Harassment Claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A video circulating on social media shows political activists in Thane assaulting a migrant vegetable vendor, alleging he harassed a Maharashtrian woman vendor. Police have initiated a probe into the incident, though no formal complaint has been filed and no arrests have been made yet.

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

Two Arrested in India Over Murder of Bangladeshi Activist

Two Arrested in India Over Murder of Bangladeshi Activist

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of two men accused of murdering Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi, whose death sparked widespread unrest in Bangladesh. The suspects, arrested in West Bengal, are believed to have fled Bangladesh after committing the crime.

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Pakistan Arrests Activists For Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Pakistan Arrests Activists For Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Pakistani authorities have arrested eleven social media activists in Punjab province for allegedly spreading provocative content against the army and inciting public unrest.

Indian Police Arrest Two Suspects in Bangladeshi Activist's Murder

Indian Police Arrest Two Suspects in Bangladeshi Activist's Murder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Two individuals accused of the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi have been arrested in West Bengal, India, by the special task force (STF). The suspects, both Bangladeshi nationals, were apprehended in Bongaon while allegedly attempting to cross back into Bangladesh.

Vijay Delivers Political Blockbuster With Whistle Revolution

Vijay Delivers Political Blockbuster With Whistle Revolution

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Launched in 2024, the TVK has Vijay's shift into politics was not sudden as he had been doing groundwork since 2009, when he launched his fan club, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Iran Begin World Cup Campaign Amid Diaspora Protests in LA

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran launched their World Cup campaign in Los Angeles amid protests by Iranian-Americans, highlighting deep divisions over Tehran's government even as Team Melli drew passionate support from fans in the stands.

'I may die, but won't step back': Sonam Wangchuk continues fast at Jantar Mantar

'I may die, but won't step back': Sonam Wangchuk continues fast at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com1 days ago

"I was thinking I would not be required to sit on a protest. I am sad I have to sit on a fast again. I am not doing it happily; it is not easy either. I may even die, but even if I die, I will not step back," said Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist and educator, regarding his indefinite fast for Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.

'We are Not traitors': Amid split, TMC readies for July 21 rally

'We are Not traitors': Amid split, TMC readies for July 21 rally

Rediff.com4 days ago

The TMC's July 21 Shahid Diwas rally is expected to serve as a crucial test of party unity and organisational strength amid defections and an internal rebellion.

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Activist Anjali Damania Justifies AI Use in Godman Case Amidst Controversy

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania defends her use of AI to analyse call data records of arrested godman Ashok Kharat, amidst opposition scrutiny and allegations of illegal activity.

60-day prohibitory orders in Dharmatala ahead of TMC's July 21 rally

60-day prohibitory orders in Dharmatala ahead of TMC's July 21 rally

Rediff.com2 hours ago

The Kolkata police on Tuesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Dharmatala area, including the traditional venue of Trinamool Congress' annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, for 60 days, citing intelligence inputs about possible violent demonstrations that could disrupt public order and traffic.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com4 days ago

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Nimbalkar murder case: 8, including Maha dy CM's brother, acquitted

Nimbalkar murder case: 8, including Maha dy CM's brother, acquitted

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A special CBI court in Mumbai acquitted former Maharashtra home minister Padamsinh Patil and seven others in the 2006 murder case of Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar and his driver, citing the prosecution's failure to prove the conspiracy and finding the approver's testimony doubtful. The CBI has announced its intention to appeal the verdict in the Bombay High Court.

CJP ramps up Pradhan's exit demand; Wangchuk joins Hyderabad stir

CJP ramps up Pradhan's exit demand; Wangchuk joins Hyderabad stir

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party and other organisations staged a protest in Hyderabad on Sunday, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak and irregularities related to the CBSE's on-screen marking system.

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

CJP steps up protest, launches nationwide campaign against Pradhan

Rediff.com3 days ago

Stepping up attack against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced the launch of a nationwide campaign to demand his resignation and exhorted students, farmers and civil society groups to join him at Jantar Mantar on June 28.

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Wangchuk begins hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, khap leaders join CJP protest

Rediff.com2 days ago

Before sitting on the fast, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Sri Lanka Easter Attack Victims Demand Unhindered Probe

Sri Lanka Easter Attack Victims Demand Unhindered Probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Kin of 2019 Easter Sunday attack victims in Sri Lanka protested against alleged opposition attempts to obstruct ongoing investigations. The protests follow the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay and accusations of political conspiracy related to the attacks. The current government has reopened the probe, citing past political interference.

KSU activists walk free after arrest in Kerala Health Minister attack case

KSU activists walk free after arrest in Kerala Health Minister attack case

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Five KSU activists arrested for allegedly attempting to murder Kerala Health Minister Veena George were released on bail and received a warm reception. They allege political vendetta by the CPI(M) government.

CMRL challenges ED probe into Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's case

CMRL challenges ED probe into Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter's case

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) has challenged the Kerala High Court's decision allowing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate its financial dealings with Veena T, daughter of Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. CMRL argues the ED probe lacks jurisdiction and violates natural justice principles.

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

NCERT brings Emergency into Class 9 syllabus; Pradhan hails move

Rediff.com5 days ago

The NCERT has included in the class 9 social science textbook a section on Emergency, which it described as "one of the major challenges to democracy in India" with Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailing the move saying future generations should know about the "dark deeds".

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Iran Warns FIFA against unauthorised flags, slogans at World Cup games

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Iran threatened to halt its matches at the World Cup if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans targeting the national team are chanted at stadiums, Iranian media reported, citing Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali, following criticism of the team's presence at the tournament.

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

As the Shiv Sena marks 60 years, political experts highlight the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's existential crisis and the Eknath Shinde-led group's struggle for relevance in the face of a dominant BJP, a significant shift from the party's historical 'elder brother' status in Maharashtra.

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Outrage After Cab Driver Assaults Senior Citizen For Objecting To Spitting

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

An aggregator cab driver in Thane, Maharashtra, has been arrested for brutally assaulting a 70-year-old man who objected to him spitting in public. The incident, captured on video and widely shared, led to public outrage and intervention from state political leaders, resulting in the driver's arrest and charges including attempted murder.

'Tell them we're not scared': CJP's Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar protest

'Tell them we're not scared': CJP's Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests, while criticising the government for focusing on their social media activity instead of addressing their demands.

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The West Bengal CID has taken over the investigation into alleged inflammatory statements made by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the assembly election campaign. An FIR was registered against Banerjee based on a complaint alleging provocative comments on post-poll violence and vote counting, with links to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CID will now examine all evidence and proceed with the investigation.

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

I will likely be arrested at Delhi airport: Cockroach Janta Party founder

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, expresses concerns about potential arrest upon his return to India, but remains committed to protesting against the Union Education Minister over alleged shortcomings in the education system.

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Not funny: With fresh controversy, stand-up comics come under lens again

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Recent stand-up comedy clips from Pranit More and Madhur Virli, featuring jokes about sexual coercion, rape, and necrophilia, have ignited a fierce debate in India over consent, normalising rape culture, and trivialising sexual assault, leading to FIRs and public apologies.

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

FIFA World Cup: Seattle's LGBTQ community to turn Egypt-Iran tie into pride statement

Rediff.com5 days ago

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that this Friday's World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Kerala Boy Dies Playing With Leftover Firecrackers

Kerala Boy Dies Playing With Leftover Firecrackers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A 10-year-old boy died and three other children were injured in Kerala while playing with leftover firecrackers from political celebrations.

Kerala High Court Affirms Life Sentences for BJP Activists in 2006 Murder Case

Kerala High Court Affirms Life Sentences for BJP Activists in 2006 Murder Case

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has upheld the life sentence of five BJP activists for the murder of a CPI(M) worker in Kannur in 2006, affirming the trial court's decision and highlighting the political rivalry behind the crime.

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its Guwahati Central candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case. The AJP alleges the ruling BJP is using intimidation tactics due to Chowdhury's strong performance.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Four arrested over attack on TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Police in West Bengal have arrested four people for allegedly attacking Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur. The arrests followed an incident where Banerjee's convoy was pelted with stones and eggs, leading to a chaotic situation. Banerjee, who was visiting victims of post-poll violence, claimed BJP activists were trying to kill him. The incident has sparked political reactions, with the Trinamool Congress blaming the BJP, while the BJP denies involvement.

Back home, Dipke vows agitation to continue till Pradhan resigns

Back home, Dipke vows agitation to continue till Pradhan resigns

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Dipke also claimed that the protest organised under the CJP's banner at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday was largely successful, with around 7,000 people participating in it.

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld, founder starts new account

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Cockroach Janata Party, which according to Dipke had 201,000 followers on X, came about following a controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant using "parasites" and "cockroaches" while pulling up a lawyer for his plea seeking senior designation.

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Opposition and Activists Call for Withdrawal of Transgender Rights Amendment Bill

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs and transgender rights activists are calling for the withdrawal of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, citing concerns that the proposed changes could dilute the rights of transgender individuals.