News for 'political leaders'

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march in Kolkata against Enforcement Directorate searches linked to I-PAC, signaling a show of strength ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The march featured cultural elements and participation from party members and celebrities.

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Shivraj Patil cremated with state honours

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The last rites of veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Shivraj Patil were performed with full state honours in his home district, Latur, in Maharashtra on Saturday, with many top leaders in attendance.

Shinde, his corporators don't want BJP mayor: Raut

Shinde, his corporators don't want BJP mayor: Raut

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut claimed on Sunday that many newly elected Shiv Sena corporators, who originally belonged to the Bal Thackery-founded party before its division, do not want a Bharatiya Janata Party mayor in Mumbai.

If someone tries to hit me...: Mamata after I-PAC raids

If someone tries to hit me...: Mamata after I-PAC raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Turning her guns on the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had "stolen" the mandate in Maharashtra with the poll panel's help and was now attempting to replicate it in Bengal through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by deleting genuine voters' names.

A profound loss: Hasina remembers arch-rival Khaleda Zia

A profound loss: Hasina remembers arch-rival Khaleda Zia

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolences over the death of Khaleda Zia, acknowledging her role in the country's political history and contributions to democracy.

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Poll heat hits box office as Vijay, DMK-linked films clash at Pongal

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

As Tamil Nadu gears up for elections, a clash of films with distinct political ideologies is set to unfold at the box office, mirroring the rivalry between political parties.

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Will remain in NDA, says NCP's Tatkare amid merger buzz

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

NCP Maharashtra president Sunil Tatkare reaffirms the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA, dismissing merger speculations and emphasizing the ideology of the late Ajit Pawar.

'Have Muslims Faced Problems In Maharashtra?'

'Have Muslims Faced Problems In Maharashtra?'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

'We have given riot-free Maharashtra in our 18-month rule.'

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Sleaze video case: Court reverses order discharging Baghel

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

A special CBI court reversed a magisterial court order that had discharged former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel from a case regarding the alleged circulation of a sleaze video purportedly depicting former minister Rajesh Munat in 2017. The reversal implies Baghel will have to face trial unless he gets relief from a higher court.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Despite a directive from the Election Commission, no FIR has been filed against TMC MLA Monirul Islam in connection with vandalism at the Farakka Block Development Office in Murshidabad. The delay raises questions about the implementation of the Commission's orders ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

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.

Palki Sharma Steps Down as managing editor of Firstpost

Palki Sharma Steps Down as managing editor of Firstpost

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Senior journalist Palki Sharma has stepped down as managing editor of Firstpost. Here's what we know about her exit.

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Maha BJP chief apologises for remarks after Riteish Deshmukh speaks out

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan apologized for his remarks about 'erasing' memories of former CM Vilasrao Deshmukh after facing criticism from the Congress party and Deshmukh's family.

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

As it gains commercial viability, the food will likely become a powerful political currency.

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Mumbai to get woman mayor; Sena-UBT opposes lottery process

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 28 other civic bodies in the state were held on January 15.

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.

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

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.

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

How Ikkis Reimagines The War Hero

Amid CM change buzz, Karnataka HM 'hopes for promotion'

Amid CM change buzz, Karnataka HM 'hopes for promotion'

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday hinted about his chief ministerial aspirations, asserting he too has ambitions like everyone and expects a 'political promotion' this year if the Congress high command decides so.

Govt rejects Opposition demands for debates on VB-G RAM G Act, SIR

Govt rejects Opposition demands for debates on VB-G RAM G Act, SIR

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The government rejected the opposition's demands for discussions on the VB-G RAM G Act and the SIR in the Budget session of Parliament, stating that the issues had already been debated.

Lalu Visits Estranged Son's Home For Makar Sankranti

Lalu Visits Estranged Son's Home For Makar Sankranti

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

'I am not angry with my son. He will always have my blessings. Tej Pratap will now stay with the family.'

Lalu Prasad attends Tej Pratap's Makar Sankranti feast; Tejashwi skips

Lalu Prasad attends Tej Pratap's Makar Sankranti feast; Tejashwi skips

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

RJD president Lalu Prasad attended a Makar Sankranti feast at his son Tej Pratap Yadav's house, despite past conflicts. The event sparks political speculation amidst family tensions.

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the home of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam.

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Maduro's Link to Sathya Sai Baba...

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Long before he became Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro's life intersected with India in a profound personal way.

Mob attacks police station in Bengal's Sandeshkhali, 6 cops injured

Mob attacks police station in Bengal's Sandeshkhali, 6 cops injured

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Six policemen were injured and a police vehicle vandalised in a mob attack during an attempt to arrest a TMC worker in Sandeshkhali, once again pushing the coastal block into political focus ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Bihar rout sparks dissent in Cong, leaders call for course correction

Bihar rout sparks dissent in Cong, leaders call for course correction

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Following a defeat in the Bihar elections, opposition parties in India are calling for introspection and course correction, with some criticizing the concentration of power within their ranks.

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Indian Army's Eastern Command has sought the intervention of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose in connection with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent allegation that a senior army officer was using the command base at Fort William and working on the SIR exercise at the behest of the BJP.

Oli's exit plunges Nepal back into political uncertainty

Oli's exit plunges Nepal back into political uncertainty

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

A profile of veteran Nepali politician K P Sharma Oli, detailing his rise to power, his various stints as prime minister, and his impact on Nepal's political landscape.

Rane denies retirement plans, says remarks misinterpreted

Rane denies retirement plans, says remarks misinterpreted

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party MP and former Union minister Narayan Rane has dismissed speculation about his retirement, saying his remarks made at a public rally recently were misinterpreted and reaffirming his commitment to active politics.

DMK snubs Cong power-share demand, rules out coalition govt in TN

DMK snubs Cong power-share demand, rules out coalition govt in TN

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Senior DMK leader I Periyasamy reiterated that Chief Minister M K Stalin is firm against sharing power with allies, dismissing any possibility of a coalition government in Tamil Nadu.

New twist in Ambernath: Now, Sena-NCP unite to keep BJP out

New twist in Ambernath: Now, Sena-NCP unite to keep BJP out

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena and NCP form an alliance with an independent member to stake claim to rule the Ambernath Municipal Council, keeping the BJP away from power.

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

NIA court orders to attach land of US-based Kashmiri lobbyist

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate attachment of land belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a US-based Kashmiri lobbyist and convicted agent of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

BJP beats anti-incumbency in Nagpur, wins fourth term

BJP beats anti-incumbency in Nagpur, wins fourth term

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The BJP is expected to win the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections for the fourth consecutive time, owing to its strong organization and the influence of prominent leaders. The party has maintained its dominance in Nagpur since 2007.

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank.

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

'Society has accepted': RSS leader on Kharge's 'ban' demand

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

'Such attempts were made three times in the past. What did society say then? What did the court say? Despite all this, the Sangh's work kept growing. There must be valid reasons to impose a ban'

Devendra Fadnavis is BJP's man of the match in Maharashtra polls

Devendra Fadnavis is BJP's man of the match in Maharashtra polls

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orchestrated a significant victory for the BJP in the recent civic polls, solidifying his position as a key strategist and influential leader within the party.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.