News for 'political backlash'

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The publication of the draft rolls will mark the end of the enumeration phase and the beginning of a far more contentious stage - claims, objections and hearings that will stretch into February 2026.

Galgotias varsity leaves AI Summit after robodog row

Galgotias varsity leaves AI Summit after robodog row

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Galgotias University is under fire after showcasing a robotic dog that sparked controversy over its true origin and whether it was misrepresented as in-house technology.

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

No risk to World Cup fans, says Mexico President

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday there was "no risk" to fans coming to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after violence erupted following the capture and death of Mexico's most-wanted cartel leader, notably in Jalisco state.

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside visiting clerics on the dais as slogans of "Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar" were raised at the venue, where thousands had gathered since morning.

Can The Taekwondo Teacher Bring Peace To Manipur?

Can The Taekwondo Teacher Bring Peace To Manipur?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

For now, Yumnam Khemchand Singh's leadership will be judged not by promises or symbolism, but by whether his government can prevent further violence and begin the slow, difficult work of rebuilding trust.

Bengal SIR redraws voter map with over 58 lakh deletions

Bengal SIR redraws voter map with over 58 lakh deletions

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The Election Commission released the names of deleted voters in West Bengal ahead of the publication of the draft electoral rolls for the upcoming assembly elections.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

Indore deaths: BJP's Vijayvargiya snaps at reporters

Indore deaths: BJP's Vijayvargiya snaps at reporters

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya faces backlash after using objectionable language in response to questions about contaminated water in Indore. The incident has sparked controversy and calls for his resignation.

'Who are we punishing: a nation, an individual, his religion?'

'Who are we punishing: a nation, an individual, his religion?'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Earlier, Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its criticism of the IPL franchise, saying overseas players participate in the tournament in accordance with BCCI and IPL rules.

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Can India's batting might tame Pakistan's spin threat?

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

India and Pakistan clash in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match. India needs middle-order stability and a fit Abhishek Sharma, while Pakistan's spin attack poses a threat. The weather forecast predicts a high chance of rain.

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Shivraj Patil, towering Congress figure, felled by 26/11 fallout

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Congress veteran and former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away at 90. He served as Union Home Minister and held several key posts during his long political career.

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Will Mamata's bhasha andolan campaign sway Bengal's bhadralok before the 2026 election in the TMC's favour?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

How Will Nuns' Arrest Affect Kerala Politics?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The current situation in Kerala politics is perhaps best described as a case of the state's traditional two front politics now seeing a third front (the BJP) muscling in with the potential outcome being either a messy three front affair or a renewed endorsement of the two front pattern but with one of the old fronts compromised or quashed, observes Shyam G Menon.

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Lok Sabha erupts as Rahul cites former Army chief on China clash

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi said he never wanted to speak on the particular issue, but decided to do so after BJP's Surya questioned the patriotism of the Congress party. Singh maintained that the book had not been published.

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Modi's 'Bankim da' remark sparks fierce clash with Trinamool

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

A political slugfest broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Trinamool Congress on Monday after the latter accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Bankim Chandra Chatterjee by calling him 'Bankim da', prompting a counter-attack from the saffron party, which accused West Bengal's ruling party of defiling the state's cultural legacy for a decade.

Ex India pacer says unfair to blame SRK amid controversy

Ex India pacer says unfair to blame SRK amid controversy

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

'Four other teams bid for him and KKR outbid everyone, that is a different story. And if he was included in the auction, it was BCCI's call. Removing a player will not make any difference...'

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

India's Russian oil import rebounds in Oct after dip in Q2

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

India's crude oil imports from Russia strengthened in the first half of October, reversing a three-month slide in arrivals seen during July-September as refineries were back on full stream to meet festive demand, according to ship tracking data.

'Gen Z rebellion' post by Vijay's aide sparks row after stampede

'Gen Z rebellion' post by Vijay's aide sparks row after stampede

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

A social media post by a TVK leader has sparked controversy, leading to demands for his expulsion from the party.

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".

After backlash, Army scraps seminar on UCC in J-K

After backlash, Army scraps seminar on UCC in J-K

Rediff.com23 Mar 2024

The Army cancelled the event "due to implementation of the Model Code of Conduct".

'Hang my head in shame': Javed Akhtar on 'reception' given to Taliban min in India

'Hang my head in shame': Javed Akhtar on 'reception' given to Taliban min in India

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

'I hang my head in shame when I see the kind of respect and reception that has been given to the representative of the world's worst terrorist group Taliban, by those who beat the pulpit against all kinds of terrorists'

My parents, sisters were crying for me: Lalu's daughter

My parents, sisters were crying for me: Lalu's daughter

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Rohini Acharya, daughter of Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, on Sunday recounted the events that took place during the family feud following Mahagathbandhan's crushing defeat in the Bihar elections.

'We Switched Off...' How India Handled Asia Cup Chaos

'We Switched Off...' How India Handled Asia Cup Chaos

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

'Almost all the players switched off their social media accounts.'

Charlie Kirk Murder: Jimmy Kimmel Show Off Air 'Indefinitely'

Charlie Kirk Murder: Jimmy Kimmel Show Off Air 'Indefinitely'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Disney's ABC has taken Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show off air 'indefinitely' following backlash over the host's comments about the motives behind conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's killing.

Haq Trailer Shows Hope Of A Good Film

Haq Trailer Shows Hope Of A Good Film

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The hope is that the film raises significant issues about the rights of women, and does not become a diatribe against a minority community that has happened with some recent films, points out Deepa Gahlot.

PCB chief to personally cover Haris Rauf's fine

PCB chief to personally cover Haris Rauf's fine

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

According to sources, the ICC fined Pakistan tearaway, Rauf, while opening batter Sahibzada Farhan received a warning for his controversial celebration gesture during the Super Fours fixture against arch-rival India at the ongoing Asia Cup.

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Why practice, then back out?: Afridi rips into Indian players

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Afridi's remarks came as organisers confirmed the Indian pullout followed public backlash after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22- an episode that has now cast a shadow over the tournament.

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Instead of the government and telecom operators solving the mess of their own creation, they're telling us we need to give access to our phones perpetually.'

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Violence erupts near Kolkata over shop; cops hurt, vehicles torched

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

The violence, which erupted over the setting up of a shop in Maheshtala under Rabindranagar police station in South 24 Parganas district, quickly escalated, turning the area into a virtual battlefield.

'BJP Will Replace Nitish Kumar If...'

'BJP Will Replace Nitish Kumar If...'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'If the NDA returns with the BJP substantially ahead of the JD-U, a BJP CM bid becomes plausible; if the gap is narrow or JD-U holds pivotal seats, continuity with Nitish is the lower-risk option.'

Revealed! Why India Refused Handshakes With Pakistan

Revealed! Why India Refused Handshakes With Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The severe backlash that the Indian cricket team faced before its Asia Cup clash against Pakistan was a major contributing factor to the 'No Handshake Policy.

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

TMC distances itself from Hakim's Muslim population remark amid backlash

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its senior leader and West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim regarding the Muslim percentage in the population. Hakim, in a speech, had claimed that Muslims constitute 33 per cent of the population in West Bengal and 17 per cent nationwide, adding that they could become a numerical majority if they empower themselves. The party issued a statement on Monday condemning Hakim's remarks, asserting that they do not reflect its ideology and commitment to communal harmony. The remarks have sparked a political storm, with the opposition BJP accusing Hakim of attempting to stir communal sentiments. Hakim later clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and that he was advocating for the empowerment of minorities through education and skill development. However, the controversy has caused ripples within the TMC and complicated the party's messaging.

'Very Shocked Shivakumar Recited RSS Anthem'

'Very Shocked Shivakumar Recited RSS Anthem'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'But I know why he did it.' 'He was being heckled by BJP members who were mocking the Congress.' 'In that context, he quoted the song to tell them: "We know your anthem, we know your ideology, we know how divisive you are".' 'It was not an endorsement.'

BMC scraps Turkish robotic lifebuoy deal over Pak support

BMC scraps Turkish robotic lifebuoy deal over Pak support

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The remotely-operated rescue machines, designed to assist lifeguards in saving people from drowning, were to be deployed at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Monday.

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna has been asked to resign after allegedly blaming his own Congress government for 'vote theft' in an Assembly segment. The issue sparked controversy and led to demands for clarification in the state assembly.

JK govt takes over 215 schools linked to banned JeI amid row

JK govt takes over 215 schools linked to banned JeI amid row

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The process for the takeover of the management of the schools began on Saturday morning as officials of district administrations, principals of the respective nearest high and higher secondary schools, accompanied by police teams, reached these schools, the officials said.

BJP's Shelar likens targeting Hindi speakers to Pahalgam attack

BJP's Shelar likens targeting Hindi speakers to Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Amid violence against Hindi-speaking people, Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar on Sunday drew parallels between the Pahalgam terror attack and the beating of 'Hindus' in Mumbai, which he said is condoned by some leaders.

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Shinde's 'Jai Gujarat' slogan sparks row in Maha; Fadnavis justifies dy CM

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Shinde was speaking in the presence of Union Home Minister Ami Shah at the inauguration ceremony of the 'Jairaj Sports and Convention Centre' built by the Shree Poona Gujarati Bandhu Samaj in Pune's Kondhwa.

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

BJP trashes reports of distributing sindoor to women

Rediff.com30 May 2025

No politician should use such language, the Bharatiya Janata Party said on Friday as it chastised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her choice of words targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.