News for 'political funding'

'Abhijeet Dipke, Cockroach Janata Party funded by US donors'

'Abhijeet Dipke, Cockroach Janata Party funded by US donors'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

American singer Mary Millben has ignited a political debate by calling on 'young patriots' in India to protest the Cockroach Janata Party..

Kolkata lottery firm donates Rs 260 cr to DMK, AIADMK in 2025-26

Kolkata lottery firm donates Rs 260 cr to DMK, AIADMK in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

A Kolkata-based lottery firm, Tiger Associates, donated Rs 260 crore to Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK in 2025-26, significantly increasing its contributions from the previous financial year. The firm accounted for nearly 74% of the combined contributions reported by the two parties, highlighting a concentration of political funding. The disclosures also revealed contributions from electoral trusts and a link between Tiger Associates' partner and lottery magnate Santiago Martin, whose other firm was a major electoral bond purchaser.

Ex-IAS officer and IIT-IIM alumna Divya Mittal enters UP politics

Ex-IAS officer and IIT-IIM alumna Divya Mittal enters UP politics

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has announced her independent entry into politics, starting her journey in Uttar Pradesh. She aims to create a platform to voice public grievances and challenge systemic issues, focusing on intent and justice rather than party politics.

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Gujarat CID-Crime Registers FIRs Against Three Political Outfits In Rs 314 Crore Poll Donation Scam

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Gujarat CID-Crime has registered FIRs against three political outfits Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party, Satyavadi Rakshak Party, and Garib Kalyan Party for allegedly orchestrating a 'poll donation scam' amounting to Rs 314 crore in tax evasion. These parties reportedly collected donations, returned money after deducting commissions, and facilitated tax rebates for donors, with chartered accountants also implicated. The scam involved submitting false contribution reports to the Election Commission.

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

'Dear PM Ambani': Musk's latest swipe at Reliance, BJP

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Elon Musk has escalated his criticism of Indian industrialist Mukesh Ambani, sharing media reports that alleged Reliance-funded firms helped boost BJP campaigns on social media and made large political donations. This comes amidst a persistent delay in the launch of Starlink satellite broadband services in India, with Musk accusing Ambani of protecting a monopoly. The Indian government maintains its telecom framework is fair and non-discriminatory, while Reliance has not publicly responded to Musk's allegations.

Raut hits back as BJP claims he faked Jarange audio clip

Raut hits back as BJP claims he faked Jarange audio clip

Rediff.com1 days ago

The BJP has accused Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut of creating a fake audio clip using AI, alleging a Rs 500 crore payout to Maratha quota leader Manoj Jarange. The BJP claims Raut orchestrated the conspiracy to push Rahul Gandhi's agenda and create rifts among ruling allies. Raut, however, claims a BJP MLC leaked the clip due to internal party competition. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis has ordered a forensic probe into the audio clip.

Political Row Erupts Over UPI Fee Decision

Political Row Erupts Over UPI Fee Decision

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Congress party has strongly refuted government claims that its MPs on the Parliament Standing Committee on Finance supported a fee on high-value UPI payments. Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Manish Tewari, stated that the "UPI tax" proposal was not specifically discussed by the committee, accusing the Modi government of diverting attention from public backlash and appeasing US companies. The government, however, cited the committee's report which pressed for a tiered Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework.

SC to hear on Aug 31 plea challenging anonymous cash donations to parties

SC to hear on Aug 31 plea challenging anonymous cash donations to parties

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 31 a plea which has challenged the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive cash donations below Rs 2,000.

Opened borders to people who hate it: Trump on France unrest

Opened borders to people who hate it: Trump on France unrest

Rediff.com15 hours ago

Donald Trump criticised France's immigration policies, linking them to ongoing nationwide protests and using the situation to justify his own stance on US border control. His remarks come as France faces widespread demonstrations over the cost of living and educational funding, leading to nearly 1,000 arrests. French President Emmanuel Macron, without naming Trump, condemned foreign leaders for exploiting France's domestic unrest for their political campaigns.

Meet American Singer Mary Millben, Modi Supporter

Meet American Singer Mary Millben, Modi Supporter

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

American singer Mary Millben has become a prominent figure in Indian political discourse due to her outspoken support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, using social media to defend him against critics and appeal to young Indians, despite her musical career being less known in the country.

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at the Delhi airport upon his return from Paris and subsequently fined Rs 50,000. AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu alleged that the incident was due to "tremendous pressure from above" and linked it to the Centre's repeated denial of permission for Mann's foreign visits, accusing the central government of obstructing Punjab's progress.

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Govt forms panel for 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha issue

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

The Centre has established a committee to draft an agreement and finalise modalities for a 'permanent political solution' to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, following a tripartite meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders, and the West Bengal government.

Ukrainian military used Starlink for 'killer' drone strikes, alleges Musk

Ukrainian military used Starlink for 'killer' drone strikes, alleges Musk

Rediff.com20 hours ago

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday (local time) said that the Ukrainian military violated Starlink's terms of service and was using it for offensive drone strikes to "kill people".

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a cheating case. Sen is accused of commercialising Durga Puja by selling high-priced preview show tickets through an organisation allegedly linked to him and his family, diverting government funds. The court noted "trappings of corruption" and the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating.

Where Osama bin Laden...: India corrects UN rapporteur on Dawood

Where Osama bin Laden...: India corrects UN rapporteur on Dawood

Rediff.com3 days ago

India has strongly rejected a UN special rapporteur's report describing the Dawood Ibrahim-led D-company as an "India-based" criminal group, flagging "glaring inaccuracies" and cautioning against such incompetence. First Secretary Raghoo Puri stated that Dawood Ibrahim fled India much before his 2003 listing and is wanted in India for terror attacks since 1993, residing in the same country where Osama bin Laden was found. India also raised concerns about alleged bias in the report and funding allegations against the rapporteur.

Dubai fund transfers: Fresh ED claims against Vijayan's daughter in CMRL case

Dubai fund transfers: Fresh ED claims against Vijayan's daughter in CMRL case

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has seized handwritten notes and digital evidence during searches related to former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter, Veena T. The agency alleges these notes detail fund transfers to Dubai and amounts handled beyond her known income, linking her to a money laundering probe involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and her defunct company, Exalogic Solutions. Political leaders have condemned the probe as a vendetta.

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has launched her new political party, Jan Neeti Bharat, with the aim of contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and redefining governance by making people central to policymaking and ensuring government accountability.

Keralam BJP Seeks CBI Probe Into KIIFB Irregularities

Keralam BJP Seeks CBI Probe Into KIIFB Irregularities

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

The BJP in Keralam has demanded a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) during the previous LDF regime. Senior BJP leader P K Krishnadas accused the current UDF government of attempting to sabotage corruption cases and expressed a lack of faith in state-level investigations. The demand follows an expert panel report highlighting financial irregularities in KIIFB.

CJP stir: Kirit Somaiya targets actor Imran Khan over US citizenship claim

CJP stir: Kirit Somaiya targets actor Imran Khan over US citizenship claim

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has claimed actor Imran Khan, who participated in a protest, holds US citizenship and questioned his motive. Somaiya lodged a complaint, alleging a conspiracy to create anarchy through protests against electoral roll revisions and stating police assured him of summoning Khan for citizenship documents.

IMF projects India's growth at 7% by FY27, citing strong domestic demand

IMF projects India's growth at 7% by FY27, citing strong domestic demand

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has increased India's growth forecast to 7 per cent for 2026-27, up from 6.4 per cent, attributing this robust outlook to resilient domestic demand and strong services activity, positioning India as one of the fastest-growing major economies.

Yasin Malik no-show at virtual hearing over death penalty

Yasin Malik no-show at virtual hearing over death penalty

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a report from jail authorities regarding the non-appearance of separatist leader Yasin Malik for a virtual hearing in a terror funding case. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is seeking the death penalty for Malik, who is currently serving a life term, arguing that his guilty plea should not preclude capital punishment for a terrorist. Malik had previously expressed a desire to argue in-person against the NIA's plea.

Why Voters Reject India's Left Despite Its Ideas

Why Voters Reject India's Left Despite Its Ideas

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

A century on, India has adopted the Left's welfare ideas, but not the Left. Why do people borrow the promises, then vote for the temple? questions Binu Alex.

'Absurd hypocrisy': Elon Musk escalates attack on Ambani

'Absurd hypocrisy': Elon Musk escalates attack on Ambani

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Elon Musk has renewed his criticism of Mukesh Ambani regarding Starlink's entry into India, accusing Ambani's supporters of hypocrisy for simultaneously claiming Starlink can't compete with low prices and that it poses a strong competitive threat. Musk argues that competition would benefit Indian consumers and that Starlink would adjust pricing if too expensive. He also shared reports alleging Reliance-funded political donations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated India does not permit monopolies and that multiple players, including Starlink, have received satcom licences.

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

'Act Before Lawrence Bishnoi Becomes A Dawood Ibrahim'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'You want the main man, and you cannot even bring him to Mumbai, where he has allegedly carried out a high-profile shootout.'

Goa Cricket Association refutes Rs 50 crore audit mismatch, blames previous committee

Goa Cricket Association refutes Rs 50 crore audit mismatch, blames previous committee

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

The current Managing Committee of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA) has rejected allegations of a Rs 50 crore accounting mismatch flagged by an audit report, asserting that the discrepancies occurred during the tenure of the previous committee.

UPI Fee: Governments Gusty Response

UPI Fee: Governments Gusty Response

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

If the new MDR regime is rolled out from the middle of this month, as scheduled, it should count as one of the boldest political actions by the Modi government on an economic-policy issue, and a signal that it is less worried about erosion of political capital it draws from one of its key constituencies, notes A K Bhattacharya.

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

RSS links in new NCERT political science textbook panel: What will change?

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The National Council of Educational Research and Training has reconstituted the Textbook Development Team for class 11 and 12 political science with a mandate to integrate cultural rootedness, Indian knowledge systems and inclusion, with at least four of the members having direct or indirect links with the RSS.

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Chhattisgarh Coal Levy Scam: Congress MLA, IAS Officer Among 12 Named In New Charge Sheet

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Chhattisgarh Economic Offence Wing/Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW/ACB) has filed its sixth supplementary charge sheet in the alleged coal levy scam, naming 12 individuals including Congress MLA Devendra Singh Yadav, former state Congress treasurer Ramgopal Agrawal, and IAS officer Jai Prakash Maurya. The scam involves an alleged illegal levy of Rs 25 per tonne collected from coal transporters by a syndicate of bureaucrats, businessmen, and politicians, with handwritten diaries indicating collections of around Rs 540 crore.

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

HC quashes FCRA orders against two NGOs over funding Vizhinjam protests

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

The Kerala high court has set aside the Centre's decision not to renew the FCRA certificate of two NGOs, accused by central agencies of funding agitations against the Vizhinjam sea port, saying that financial support to a protest cannot be seen as diversion of foreign funds.

FIFA commercial plan: Infantino's apology fails to satisfy critics demanding reform

FIFA commercial plan: Infantino's apology fails to satisfy critics demanding reform

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Gianni Infantino faces mounting scrutiny after apologising over the abandoned FIFA commercialisation proposal, with England and Germany demanding transparency and reform while African officials continue backing his leadership.

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Compensation politics: RG Kar doc's mother rejects TMC MLA's comparison

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The mother of the RG Kar hospital rape-murder victim on Monday rejected Trinamool Congres MLA Kunal Ghosh's comparison between the Rs 10 lakh given to the family of a party worker who died in police custody in Halisahar, and the same amount of compensation announced after her daughter's death.

India Invited To Present 2036 Olympic Bid To IOC Commission

India Invited To Present 2036 Olympic Bid To IOC Commission

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has invited India, Germany, Qatar, and Turkiye, among others, to present their bids for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games to its Future Host Commission next month. Ahmedabad is India's preferred city for the mega-event, with negotiations led by the Indian Olympic Association in collaboration with the Gujarat government and Union Sports Ministry. The host will be announced in mid-2029, following a streamlined selection process focusing on venue master-plan, funding, public support, and athlete experience.

Give Nadia admin 24-hour notice before visit: SC to Mahua Moitra

Give Nadia admin 24-hour notice before visit: SC to Mahua Moitra

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has directed TMC MP Mahua Moitra to inform the Nadia district administration a day in advance of her visits to ensure proper arrangements. This comes after Moitra's plea against a circular requiring longer prior notice and her allegations of non-cooperation from the administration regarding accommodation and MPLADS projects. The court observed that such issues should ideally be resolved without judicial intervention.

Trump strikes surprise deal with Putin, Zelenskyy says...

Trump strikes surprise deal with Putin, Zelenskyy says...

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Former President Donald Trump's recent deal with Russia to supply diesel to the US and global markets has ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp criticism from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Democratic leaders, and a segment of Republicans, despite the US Treasury lifting sanctions on Russian diesel supplies.

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

AAP donations drop 68%; CJP leader, rebel MP's firm among donors

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party's latest financial disclosures reveal a substantial 68% decline in contributions for 2025-26.

CJP stir foreign funded? Delhi HC to hear PIL on Friday

CJP stir foreign funded? Delhi HC to hear PIL on Friday

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation into the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar. The PIL alleges that the protest, initially framed as a student agitation, involved political leaders, foreign-funded organisations, and resulted in public disruption and damage, raising concerns about national security and public order.

Supreme Court Refuses To Unfreeze TMC Bank Accounts Amidst Probe

Supreme Court Refuses To Unfreeze TMC Bank Accounts Amidst Probe

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has dismissed a plea by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction to operate four debit-frozen bank accounts, upholding a Calcutta High Court order. The accounts, holding around Rs 804 crore, are under investigation due to alleged cash deposits and a factional dispute within the party. The court noted the Election Commission's symbol freeze and requested the High Court to expedite the larger adjudication.

Pakistan squash player Sana Bahadar's journey from silence to Asian Games

Pakistan squash player Sana Bahadar's journey from silence to Asian Games

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Deaf and non-verbal since birth, Sana Bahadar has found her voice through squash, overcoming financial and communication barriers while reaching the Asian Games and targeting the world top 100.

Formula E Case: ACB Seeks Passports Of KTR, Others

Formula E Case: ACB Seeks Passports Of KTR, Others

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

The Anti-Corruption Bureau has petitioned a court in Hyderabad to direct BRS Working President K T Rama Rao and three other accused in the Formula E race case to surrender their passports, amidst an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities.