News for 'political appointment'

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

Cockroach Party appoints journalist, filmmaker as spokespersons

Cockroach Party appoints journalist, filmmaker as spokespersons

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

CJP, launched last month, has rapidly gained social media traction among students and young people focusing on youth and education issues

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust on Monday accepted the resignations of Champat Rai as its general secretary and member Anil Mishra in the wake of embezzlement of donations. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been named as interim general secretary. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust also announced the formation of a three-member committee to identify a chief executive officer (CEO) for the temple trust.

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Congress leaders on Monday termed the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board with the inclusion of two Hindu members as "inappropriate" and said they would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Haryana BJP appointed Archana Gupta as its new president, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a radiologist and current state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli.

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has sparked a political controversy, with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of double standards regarding appointments of election officials.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF government's decision to appoint a defence lawyer for the accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case as a Devaswom advocate has drawn strong criticism from the opposition CPI(M), which alleges the move is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing probe and protect political figures.

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Rediff.com5 days ago

Andy Burnham has officially taken office as the new UK Prime Minister, pledging to make politics more about problem-solving and usher in a 'circuit breaker' moment for the country with significant political and economic changes.

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh amidst allegations of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com16 hours ago

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strong attack on Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse by resorting to personal attacks against his family instead of answering questions on governance.

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has formally staked claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, alleging widespread support and opposing the current leadership's "dynastic politics." The main TMC leadership has strongly criticised the Election Commission for granting an audience to expelled members, accusing the BJP of influencing the poll body.

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump and an influential voice on American foreign policy, has passed away at 71 following a 'brief and sudden illness', leaving a significant void in Washington's political landscape.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

'Stop, these are our sons and daughters': Sonia slams govt

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of responding to student demands for accountability and educational reforms with 'cowardice and wanton cruelty,' treating them as 'enemies of the nation.' She further alleged that the government has degraded India's education landscape and routinely chooses violence over dialogue.

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly refuted the 'Guru Dokhi' edict issued by the Sikh clergy, asserting that the controversial video at the heart of the dispute is not him and accusing religious bodies of political manipulation.

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Protests demanding Pradhan's resignation sweep India

Rediff.com1 days ago

Nationwide protests against the NEET paper leak have intensified across several Indian states, with demonstrators condemning the Delhi Police crackdown and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party has called for further demonstrations, while various student and political groups have organised marches and sit-ins, some leading to clashes with police.

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, which will be introduced in the state assembly's monsoon session. The proposed legislation, excluding the tribal community, addresses marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, and inheritance, aiming for women's empowerment and social harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted broad support and criticised the Congress for its stance.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

Nagpur commissioner's RSS praise draws Congress ire, demands probe

Nagpur commissioner's RSS praise draws Congress ire, demands probe

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra Congress has called for an inquiry into IPS officer Vishwas Nangre Patil's speech at a Hindu Sakal Samaj event, where he reportedly praised the RSS. The party alleges that the speech raises questions about his neutrality and adherence to All India Services (Conduct) Rules, especially concerning political neutrality and the requirement for prior permission for such public engagements. Nangare Patil was recently appointed Nagpur police commissioner, a city known for housing the RSS headquarters.

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Why Banks Prefers Retired Bureaucrats...

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

It is because dealing with a regulatory system that is largely headed by retired IAS officers then becomes relatively easy, points out A K Bhattacharya.

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

'We'll win medals, but gold?': Mary Kom's CWG prediction

Rediff.com4 days ago

Six-time world champion and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom believes Indian pugilists will secure a 'reasonably good medal haul' at the Commonwealth Games, though gold might be elusive, while expressing less certainty for the Asian Games. She also criticised the Boxing Federation of India's functioning and selection policies.

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

SC pulls up DMK over plea against CM Vijay visiting stampede victims' kin

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea by the DMK questioning Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's scheduled meeting with the families of Karur stampede victims, stating that the court cannot regulate the executive head's visits.

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rahul, Kharge write to Modi for probe into Ram temple theft

Rediff.com6 days ago

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an independent investigation into alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple. They highlighted that devotees feel betrayed and urged the Prime Minister to ensure accountability and make the Trust's financial affairs public. The controversy follows the arrest of eight people and the resignation of two Trust functionaries in connection with the alleged theft.

'Scrutinise call records': Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP link to Ram temple theft

'Scrutinise call records': Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP link to Ram temple theft

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his attack on the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, demanding a scrutiny of call detail records of temple employees. He claims a significant majority of them have links to the BJP and accuses the ruling party of prioritising electoral gains over religious values amidst an ongoing SIT probe and recent resignations within the temple trust.

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Explained: The controversy behind South Korea's World Cup elimination

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

South Korea's World Cup group-stage exit has sparked a nationwide football crisis, with coach Hong Myung-bo resigning, President Lee Jae Myung ordering an investigation, and growing calls for sweeping reforms within the Korea Football Association.

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Bill in US Senate proposes 100% tariffs on India, China for Russian oil

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The bill, introduced on Thursday, was conceived by Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and has the support of over 60 lawmakers.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has referred a defamation case filed by TV Today Network and Anjana Om Kashyap against educator Faisal Khan ('Khan Sir') and others to mediation. The court urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek an amicable settlement, particularly asking Khan Sir to remove posts revealing information about Kashyap's children. The lawsuit seeks Rs 2 crore in damages.

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Can Dinesh Trivedi Reset India-Bangladesh Ties?

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Dinesh Trivedi's experience as a businessperson and his fluency in Bengali are expected to be crucial in strengthening India-Bangladesh relations, particularly in attracting Indian investments to Dhaka.

DMK moves SC against Vijay's ministers influencing stampede witnesses

DMK moves SC against Vijay's ministers influencing stampede witnesses

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The DMK has approached the Supreme Court, alleging that Tamil Nadu ministers are actively influencing witnesses in the CBI probe into last year's Karur stampede case, which resulted in 41 deaths.