News for 'political funding'

Hawala Probe Focuses On AAP Funding Before Gujarat Polls

Hawala Probe Focuses On AAP Funding Before Gujarat Polls

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Police in Surat are investigating an alleged interstate hawala-linked political funding network involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionaries, with Rs 1.25 crore reportedly routed from Delhi to Surat ahead of Gujarat local body polls. The AAP has dismissed the claims as a conspiracy by the ruling BJP.

'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.'

Kerala To End Political Parole, Focus On Inmate Rights And Reforms

Kerala To End Political Parole, Focus On Inmate Rights And Reforms

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced that parole would not be granted or extended on political grounds, assuring that eligible prisoners' legitimate rights would be protected. He highlighted ongoing prison reforms aimed at improving rehabilitation, welfare measures, and administration, including plans to amend the prison manual and strengthen security.

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com4 days ago

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

Uddhav claims silver bricks donated by Sena to Ram temple 'stolen'

Uddhav claims silver bricks donated by Sena to Ram temple 'stolen'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray criticised the BJP, accusing it of betraying Hindus by allegedly embezzling donations for the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He vowed to lead protests for "BJP-mukt Ram" and questioned the BJP's Hindutva, calling it a "Pakistan Janata Party" for its alleged party-splitting tactics and questioning citizenship. Thackeray also targeted rebel MPs, including Sanjay Deshmukh, for their defection.

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Satheesan, Suvendu, Vijay Will Struggle To Fund Poll Promises

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have been fiscally stressed for a considerable period of time, and there are no easy ways to mobilise revenues to meet the cost of the promised freebies, particularly in the prevailing difficult economic scenario, points out M Govinda Rao.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar has justified his crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena, saying if the people are gravitating towards power, he is merely following the trend.

Shun arrogance, follow law: Priyank Kharge fires fresh salvo at RSS

Shun arrogance, follow law: Priyank Kharge fires fresh salvo at RSS

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has intensified his demand for the RSS to register itself and disclose its financial dealings, arguing that the organisation cannot wield significant social and political influence while simultaneously claiming no political agenda and evading public accountability. Kharge's remarks follow RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's rejection of such calls, with Bhagwat asserting the organisation is neither secretive nor operating outside public scrutiny.

'Loyalty up for sale': Aaditya hits out at 'greedy' MPs

'Loyalty up for sale': Aaditya hits out at 'greedy' MPs

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Aaditya Thackeray has vehemently condemned six rebel MPs, asserting that their "greed" led them to betray the voters' mandate for the INDIA bloc.

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.

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Two Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have confirmed their defection to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing reasons including a fund crunch and Thackeray's absence from local body polls. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have virtually acknowledged the success of 'Operation Tiger', aimed at splitting Thackeray's faction.

TN anti-corruption body books former Stalin minister Velu in road scam

TN anti-corruption body books former Stalin minister Velu in road scam

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has registered a case against former Tamil Nadu Highways Minister E V Velu, nine officials, and a private firm in connection with an alleged multi-crore road construction scam. The case involves fraudulent payments for unexecuted works in Karur and Erode districts, prompting political reactions from DMK Chief M K Stalin.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Ram Temple donation probe: FIR alleges criminal conspiracy

Rediff.com4 days ago

Ayodhya Police have taken Ram Shankar Yadav into custody following an FIR alleging embezzlement of donations at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The complaint, lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, names nine individuals and others for systematic theft and misappropriation of funds. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, and its preliminary findings led to the FIR. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has vowed a 'zero-tolerance' policy and urged evidence submission to the SIT.

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme: LDF Accuses UDF Of Misinformation And Double Standards

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Senior CPI(M) leader V Sivankutty has criticised the Kerala UDF government for allegedly spreading misinformation about the Centre's PM SHRI scheme and attempting to implement it despite earlier opposition. He clarified that the previous LDF government froze the agreement over concerns about the National Education Policy and that funds received were not for PM SHRI. The scheme continues to be a politically contentious issue in the state.

'Hindu Dharma is not registered': Bhagwat on demand to register RSS

'Hindu Dharma is not registered': Bhagwat on demand to register RSS

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has firmly rejected demands for the organisation to register itself, asserting that the Sangh operates openly and has nothing to hide. Responding to Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge's call for registration, Bhagwat stated that such demands are politically motivated and that the government is well aware of the RSS's existence and activities.

Shinde name omission triggers protests; BJP minister shown black flags

Shinde name omission triggers protests; BJP minister shown black flags

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Navi Mumbai after Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde's name was omitted from official invitation cards for a civic event, leading to protests by Shiv Sena workers. The incident has also exposed infighting within the BJP, with an MLA accusing a minister of sabotaging her projects and falsely claiming credit.

TMC crisis deepens, Mamata camp files fresh police complaints against rebels

TMC crisis deepens, Mamata camp files fresh police complaints against rebels

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress has filed fresh police complaints against dissident leader Ritabrata Banerjee and his associates. The complaints accuse the rebels of illegally using the party's name, symbol, and designations to mislead workers, marking a significant escalation in the month-long internal struggle following the assembly poll defeat.

Dev Seeks Assurance On Ghatal Master Plan From West Bengal CM

Dev Seeks Assurance On Ghatal Master Plan From West Bengal CM

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Deepak Adhikari, also known as Dev, has urged West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to expedite the long-pending Ghatal Master Plan, a crucial flood-management project for his constituency. Dev received assurances that the project, aimed at mitigating annual floods in the low-lying Ghatal area, would be taken forward, with hopes for budget allocation by the BJP government.

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A Lucknow-based jeweller has raised concerns about the untraceable status of a three-kg silver lamp and other silver items he and his association donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His claims come amidst allegations of fund embezzlement at the temple, prompting a state-level SIT investigation ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

A decade after Brexit, Britain prepares for seventh PM

Rediff.com6 days ago

A referendum 10 years ago on this day set the United Kingdom on a new path as a non-member of the European Union (EU) and the turmoil of that Brexit vote continues to play out as the country prepares for its seventh prime minister in a decade.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

KCR's daughter Kavitha launches new political party, calls father 'soulless'

KCR's daughter Kavitha launches new political party, calls father 'soulless'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, has launched a new political party, Telangana Rashtra Sena (TRS), after her suspension from the BRS, marking a new chapter in Telangana politics.

'Only Small Fish Have Been Caught For Ram Temple Theft'

'Only Small Fish Have Been Caught For Ram Temple Theft'

Rediff.com7 hours ago

''These people who were running the show at the Ram temple have something to hide, therefore they are not ready for a CBI investigation.'

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Avoid Costly Mistakes In ITR Filing

Rediff.com6 days ago

With more granular reporting and enhanced data matching, mismatches are likely to be identified more quickly.

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

Rediff.com7 days ago

In a bid to wrest control of the Trinamool Congress, its rebel faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday elected MLA Arup Roy as chairperson, marking the sharpest challenge yet to the authority of party founder Mamata Banerjee.

Sarma Accuses Mamata Of Diverting Funds To Infiltrators

Sarma Accuses Mamata Of Diverting Funds To Infiltrators

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government of diverting resources to 'Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators' and warned of losing Bengal if she remains in power.

IUML Support For Satheesan Sparks Political Debate In Kerala

IUML Support For Satheesan Sparks Political Debate In Kerala

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has voiced its support for V D Satheesan as the potential Chief Minister of Kerala if the Congress-led UDF alliance wins, drawing criticism from SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who suggests this indicates the IUML would effectively rule the state.

ISI asks J-K OGWs to infiltrate national parties to evade crackdown

ISI asks J-K OGWs to infiltrate national parties to evade crackdown

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Pakistan's ISI is reportedly pushing its network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in Jammu and Kashmir to infiltrate mainstream national political parties to evade security crackdowns and investigations. The ISI is also attempting to revive dormant, locally-founded terror outfits to give an 'indigenous colour' to terrorist violence and mask Pakistan's direct involvement.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

BJP got 10 times more donations than all other national parties in 2024-25: ADR

BJP got 10 times more donations than all other national parties in 2024-25: ADR

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in donations to national parties in India, with the BJP receiving the overwhelming majority, surpassing the combined total of all other national parties by more than tenfold.

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

10 Football Fever Moments From Bollywood

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Exploring memorable scenes that celebrate football in the movies.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

West Bengal's 'Cut-Money' Scandal: TMC Leader Hides From Angry Mob

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya shared a video purportedly showing a TMC leader hiding from an angry crowd over alleged 'cut-money' extortion in West Bengal. The incident highlights growing public anger and demands for the return of money taken from beneficiaries of government schemes, with the TMC leadership denying involvement.

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders for their reaction to the 'Jai Bangla' slogan and accused the BJP of failing to act on its promise to develop the Sagar islands.

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Tender Scam Blows Lid Off Bihar Corruption

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'As the Bihar government's focus is on development and infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores, Rishu Sinha created a network to pay a decent commission to government officials for securing tenders.'

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Illegal Call Centre Operations in West Bengal

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Illegal Call Centre Operations in West Bengal

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in West Bengal as part of an investigation into the operations of an alleged illegal call centre.