News for 'political intimidation'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

'Kuldeep Sengar Does Not Deserve Any Mercy'

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When the accused has a past record demonstrating unprecedented and unmatched criminality and perversion, I believe the interests of justice would have been better served if such a person remained behind bars.'

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.

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Non-veg food vendors assaulted at Gita recital in Kolkata, Mamata fumes

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP following an assault on food vendors at a Bhagavad Gita recital event in Kolkata, asserting that the state would not tolerate intimidation, communal division, or attempts to dictate dietary choices. She vowed stringent action against those responsible and accused the BJP of trying to import a culture of communal division and weaponize religious texts for political mobilization.

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.

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Family targeted: Ex-CJI reveals attempts to 'coerce' him

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has said that cases were filed against his family members to 'coerce' him.

Relief for Gandhis as court rejects ED's National Herald chargesheet

Relief for Gandhis as court rejects ED's National Herald chargesheet

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The ED has accused Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as well as late party leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes, along with Suman Dubey, Sam Pitroda, and a private company, Young Indian, of conspiracy and money laundering.

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".

Mamkoottathil raped complainant multiple times during pregnancy: FIR

Mamkoottathil raped complainant multiple times during pregnancy: FIR

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The police first information report (FIR) against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkoottathil alleged that he raped the complainant multiple times even when she was pregnant.

Rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra flees to Australia

Rape accused Punjab AAP MLA Pathanmajra flees to Australia

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Pathanmajra appeared in the video interview on Friday with an Australia-based Punjabi web channel in which he claimed that he would "return home only after securing bail".

'Some are doing too much': Shivakumar on Bengaluru infra criticism

'Some are doing too much': Shivakumar on Bengaluru infra criticism

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar responds to criticism regarding Bengaluru's infrastructure, while industry leaders and opposition members voice their concerns.

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise.

Fresh rape complaint against absconding Kerala Cong MLA Mamkootathil

Fresh rape complaint against absconding Kerala Cong MLA Mamkootathil

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

In the fresh complaint, the woman allegedly stated that Mamkootathil had grievously exploited, assaulted, and emotionally abused her under "the false promise of marriage."

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The RJD, which has been voicing apprehensions that the SIR might have been carried out to "help" the BJP-led NDA, also urged the EC to divulge details of the 3.66 lakh persons whose names were deleted from the final electoral roll published earlier this week.

Soon after nomination, RJD candidate arrested in 2004 case

Soon after nomination, RJD candidate arrested in 2004 case

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

RJD candidate Satendra Sah was arrested immediately after filing his nomination papers from Bihar's Sasaram assembly seat due to a pending non-bailable warrant from Jharkhand. This marks the third such incident of INDIA bloc candidates being arrested after filing nominations.

SIR showdown in Bengal: Mamata, BJP hold rallies

SIR showdown in Bengal: Mamata, BJP hold rallies

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Thousands of TMC supporters thronged the rally route, waving the party flags, raising slogans and holding aloft colourful posters.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

The Gentle Colossus Of Tamil Cinema

Rediff.com8 Dec 2025

Whether it was in the company of superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- or, on rare occasions with both together, among others -- Saravanan's demeanour would stand out, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Screenings of the Marathi film 'Manache Shlok' were disrupted in Maharashtra due to objections to the title. The director, Mrunmayee Deshpande, expressed disappointment, and the film will be re-released with a new title. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticized the protests.

UP: Elderly Dalit man forced to lick spot where he urinated

UP: Elderly Dalit man forced to lick spot where he urinated

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

An elderly Dalit man was allegedly forced to lick the ground near a temple on the outskirts of Lucknow after being accused of urinating there. The accused has been arrested, and the incident has sparked political outrage.

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Nitish thought that his stakes as chief minister were far greater than his stakes in protecting one of his party MLAs. He could not allow his rule-of-law train to be derailed by a small rock on the track. On the contrary, if he removed it to keep the train moving at a steady speed he would gain strong public admiration and sympathy that would help him take the masses along in carrying out other tasks. A fascinating excerpt from Arun Sinha's Nitish Kumar And The Rise Of Bihar.

'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.'

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Who is VHP to decide?: Union Minister on 'Hindu only' garba diktat

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

The Union minister said such calls were tantamount to "inviting violence".

Rahul 'will be shot in chest', ABVP leader says on live TV

Rahul 'will be shot in chest', ABVP leader says on live TV

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

The Congress party has escalated its attack on the BJP-RSS, alleging a conspiracy to silence Rahul Gandhi after a former ABVP leader made controversial remarks targeting him.

'Fans Threaten Me And Say...'

'Fans Threaten Me And Say...'

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'...and say that if I don't wear a sari, they will unfollow me.' 'Today, if I have 2.9 million followers on Instagram, out of that, the majority is from the South.' 'Telugu has given me the most fame and money.'

No one from Gandhi family...: Kejriwal alleges Cong, BJP nexus

No one from Gandhi family...: Kejriwal alleges Cong, BJP nexus

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'In 2014 the BJP built its campaign around 'jija ji' (brother-in-law) and corruption, shouting about Vadra, 2G and coal scams. Yet today, all those cases have quietly been shut. The people are not fools. They can see the reality--that Congress and BJP are in a hidden alliance'

Mahindra Probes Staffer For Issuing Rape Threat

Mahindra Probes Staffer For Issuing Rape Threat

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

The Mahindra group has launched an internal investigation into the allegations against one of its employees for issuing rape threats to Sulata Deo, the Biju Janata Dal MP, in a Facebook post.

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of 'linguistic terror' and plotting to delete Bengali voters from electoral rolls, vowing to protect voting rights.

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Oppn protests Bills on removal of arrested PM, CMs and ministers

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Opposition parties allege the Modi government is attempting to turn India into a 'dictatorship' with the introduction of three Bills that seek to provide for removal of the prime minister, chief ministers and ministers arrested on serious charges, and vowed to oppose it 'tooth and nail'.

Why Trump Has Waged A Tariff War Against India

Why Trump Has Waged A Tariff War Against India

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The collective West has always opposed strong leaders and economic development in India, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Politics over NEP heats up, TN to protest on Tuesday

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu is set to protest against the National Education Policy (NEP) on February 18, with the ruling DMK and its allies announcing a demonstration. The state government has been at odds with the Centre over the implementation of the NEP and the three-language formula proposed in the policy. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed the state's opposition as "politics" and asserted that the Centre is committed to implementing the NEP across the country. The DMK, however, accused the Centre of encroaching on the state's rights and using the office of the Governor to push the NEP.

Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy named in 3,500 cr liquor scam chargesheet

Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy named in 3,500 cr liquor scam chargesheet

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A chargesheet filed by Andhra Pradesh police in connection with the Rs 3,500 crore alleged liquor scam mentions former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the recipients of kickbacks. The chargesheet alleges a complex scheme involving shell companies, policy manipulation, and extortion to generate funds that were ultimately routed to Jagan Mohan Reddy.

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Workers from the BJP and Congress clashed in Patna during a protest march organized by the BJP against the use of abusive language towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother. The protest turned violent, with stone pelting and vandalism reported. Police intervened to control the situation, and an investigation is underway.

Cong hits back at CEC, says poll panel failed to answer Rahul's queries

Cong hits back at CEC, says poll panel failed to answer Rahul's queries

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The Congress party has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of incompetence and partisanship following the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) defense of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The party alleges the CEC failed to address concerns about voter list irregularities and is acting in favor of the ruling BJP.

EC suspends 4 Bengal officials for lapses in voter list

EC suspends 4 Bengal officials for lapses in voter list

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Election Commission suspended four officers and a casual worker in West Bengal for alleged dereliction of duty and lapses in preparing electoral rolls. The action follows allegations of electoral roll compromise at the behest of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

Ex-JDS MP Prajwal Revanna gets life sentence in rape case

Ex-JDS MP Prajwal Revanna gets life sentence in rape case

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

Prajwal Revanna broke down in court as he appealed to the judge for a lesser punishment.

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'Let's see how this love story shapes up in the run up to the municipal corporation election.'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Political space given to extremists: Jaishankar on Canada temple attack

Rediff.com5 Nov 2024

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took a strong exception to the Hindu temple incident in Brampton.