News for 'political controversy'

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Humayun Kabir, a former TMC minister, has been suspended from the party after announcing plans to lay the foundation of a "Babri Masjid-style" mosque on December 6. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about communal tensions in West Bengal.

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Is Kunal Kamra obsessed with controversies?

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the center of a controversy, this time for his comments about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra has been a controversial figure for years, with his comedy often targeting politicians and other public figures. This latest incident has led to a backlash from Shinde's supporters, who have vandalized the venue of Kamra's show. Kamra has a history of making controversial remarks, including heckling a TV anchor on a flight and making comments about the judiciary.

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.

It's ok if mother Marathi dies...: Sena MLA sparks row; apologises

It's ok if mother Marathi dies...: Sena MLA sparks row; apologises

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A Shiv Sena MLA's controversial statement comparing Marathi people to a mother and North Indians to an aunt has triggered widespread criticism and protests in Maharashtra, leading to an apology and reigniting the Marathi vs. Hindi debate.

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Given Modi's track record from the time he became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, it is highly improbable that Nabin will get opportunities to display his individual capacity. Even the team of organisational leaders that he will 'appoint' in a few weeks or months, will unlikely to be his choice, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

BJP woman worker alleges cops disrobed her during arrest in K'taka

BJP woman worker alleges cops disrobed her during arrest in K'taka

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A controversy has erupted in Karnataka following allegations that the police disrobed a BJP woman functionary while arresting her in connection with an attack on government officials. Police deny the charge, claiming the woman disrobed herself and attacked the officers.

Bangla Unrest: Chicken Neck Returns To India's Security Radar

Bangla Unrest: Chicken Neck Returns To India's Security Radar

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

For decades, the Siliguri Corridor was treated as a geographical vulnerability to be quietly managed. Today, it has emerged as a focal point of eastern geopolitics.

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.

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Bhopal gas anniversary rally sparks row over effigy; organisers booked

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

A rally marking the 41st anniversary of the Bhopal gas tragedy was disrupted by a controversy over an effigy allegedly depicting an RSS 'sevak,' leading to an FIR against organizers.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

TMC suspends MLA who proposed to build 'Babri Masjid'

TMC suspends MLA who proposed to build 'Babri Masjid'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Thursday suspended its Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir, who had triggered a storm with the proposal to build 'Babri Masjid' in Murshidabad district.

How Nitish Kumar managed to remain CM for 19 long years

How Nitish Kumar managed to remain CM for 19 long years

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Call it political opportunism or sagacity, his moves, in effect, have not allowed the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister to date, despite enjoying a near hegemonic status nationally and the best performance in recently held assembly polls where the saffron party bagged 89 seats, followed by the Janata Dal-United with 85.

Pune land deal: HC asks if cops are protecting Parth Pawar

Pune land deal: HC asks if cops are protecting Parth Pawar

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

The Bombay High Court has questioned the police investigation into a land deal, asking why Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's son, Parth Pawar, has not been named in the FIR.

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Biren Singh's controversial tenure comes to an end

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh is facing renewed scrutiny over his handling of the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023. Leaked audio tapes allegedly featuring Singh, in which he is purportedly heard discussing how the violence was instigated with his approval, have sparked fresh controversy. The Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust (KOHUR) has demanded a court-monitored investigation into the authenticity of the tapes, leading to a Supreme Court ruling ordering the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to verify the tapes' authenticity and submit a report. Singh's tenure has been marked by controversies, including allegations of instigating conflict and questions regarding his governance. Despite a public apology in December 2023 for the violence, the leaked audio tapes have further intensified criticism of his leadership.

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

BJP committing 'big sin': Priyanka on Vande Mataram row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

In a measured but scathing attack, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of committing a 'big sin' by creating a controversy over Vande Mataram and claimed that the government pushed for a debate on the national song as the West Bengal assembly polls were approaching.

Let Fadnavis probe: Pawar on grandnephew's land deal

Let Fadnavis probe: Pawar on grandnephew's land deal

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

Citing Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar president Sharad Pawar on Saturday supported a probe into the controversial land deal allegedly linked to the company of his grandnephew Parth Pawar.

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Actress-turned-seer Mamta Kulkarni has found herself at the centre of controversy following her recent remarks that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim 'is not a terrorist'.

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Bangladesh will hold general elections on February 12, 2026, the first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. A referendum on reform proposals will be held simultaneously.

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid': High alert in Murshidabad

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Security has been tightened in Beldanga, West Bengal, ahead of a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a proposed mosque, modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid. The area has been placed under high security with additional forces deployed.

Won't allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai mayor: BJP leader

Won't allow any 'Khan' to become Mumbai mayor: BJP leader

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam stated that his party would not allow any "Khan" to become the mayor of Mumbai, later clarifying that he was referring to an "anti-national mentality" and not a specific community. He cited concerns about radical elements and appeasement politics.

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

Trophy Row: Naqvi Opts To Dodge BCCI Bouncers At ICC Meeting!

Trophy Row: Naqvi Opts To Dodge BCCI Bouncers At ICC Meeting!

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

"Domestic political issues" might prevent Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi from attending the ICC's Executive Board meeting in Dubai where the BCCI is set to raise the issue of the Asia Cup trophy not being presented to India.

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

If the Thackerays don't save a Marathi school in their backyard, who will, wonders Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

UP doctor suspended, booked for 'burn govt's effigy' remark

UP doctor suspended, booked for 'burn govt's effigy' remark

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

A video clip of the purported remark quickly went viral on social media, prompting local BJP MLA Raj Prasad Upadhyay to seek action against the doctor.

No bail for absconding Kerala Cong MLA Rahul in rape case

No bail for absconding Kerala Cong MLA Rahul in rape case

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

A court in Thiruvananthapuram dismissed the anticipatory bail petition of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil in a sexual assault case, citing the gravity of the allegations and potential impact on the investigation.

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

'Nothing to hide': Trump makes U-turn on Epstein files

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Trump said the Department of Justice had already released "tens of thousands" of pages linked to Epstein and argued that Democrats were trying to target Republican leaders while ignoring figures such as Bill Clinton and others he named.

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

South city added to itinerary as Messi tour goes Pan-India!

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated 'GOAT Tour to India 2025' just got bigger with Hyderabad added as the new southern leg stop to ensure fans in the region are not "deprived" of seeing their idol following the cancellation of Argentina's proposed friendly in Kerala.

'I Never Said Shoot Rahul Gandhi, But...'

'I Never Said Shoot Rahul Gandhi, But...'

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

'... Rahul Gandhi's name came to my mind at that time.'

Bumrah Avenges Rauf's 'Plane Crash' Taunt

Bumrah Avenges Rauf's 'Plane Crash' Taunt

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Bumrah's on-field reply, delivered after shattering Rauf's off stump in the 18th over, was an unexpected highlight of the final.

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.

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

India vs Pakistan called off! All about WCL controversy

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A veterans' cricket match involving India and Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends in London on Sunday has been cancelled after Indian players, including Shikhar Dhawan, refused to be a part of it citing the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

Bangladesh court convicts Sheikh Hasina, UK lawmaker niece in land scam

Bangladesh court convicts Sheikh Hasina, UK lawmaker niece in land scam

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

A Bangladesh court has convicted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and British MP Tulip Siddiq in a land scam case, sentencing them to imprisonment. The verdict also includes other government officials and Hasina's sister, raising questions about extradition and political motivations.

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

HC refuses to stay foundation-laying of 'Babri Masjid' in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Calcutta high court on Friday refused to intervene in the construction of a mosque -- modelled on Ayodhya's Babri Masjid -- at Beldanga in West Bengal's Murshidabad, proposed by suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Year of the Woman: How India's Sportswomen Owned 2025

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

They weren't up for a windfall even after the trophy but life was certain to get a lot better as some sponsors and state governments stepped up to lift them financially.

SC to hear pleas seeking stay on anti-conversion laws in Dec

SC to hear pleas seeking stay on anti-conversion laws in Dec

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has declined to urgently hear pleas seeking a stay on anti-conversion laws enacted by several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. The matter is now scheduled for hearing in December.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

Row after Bangladesh national anthem sung at Cong event

Row after Bangladesh national anthem sung at Cong event

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has instructed police to register a treason case against Congress leaders for allegedly singing the Bangladesh national anthem at a party meeting. The move has sparked controversy and accusations of disrespect towards India's national anthem.

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Omar's 'chance meet' with Rijiju sparks political storm

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A chance meeting between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the National Conference of laying out a red carpet for the BJP leader in the aftermath of the Waqf Amendment Act. While NC sources termed the interaction as a purely coincidental encounter, opposition parties like the PDP and Peoples' Conference condemned the meeting, accusing the NC of surrendering to the BJP. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, passed by Parliament last week, aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

'Quick To Discard Proven...' Tharoor Tears Into BCCI Selectors

'Quick To Discard Proven...' Tharoor Tears Into BCCI Selectors

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday expressed "outrage" over Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion from the India A squad and said runs in domestic cricket must be valued by the selectors.