News for 'political patronage'

Cong questions poll integrity; Kharge talks tough on loss in CWC meet

Cong questions poll integrity; Kharge talks tough on loss in CWC meet

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has called for tough decisions and unity within the party after the Congress suffered electoral defeats in Maharashtra and Haryana. In a meeting with top party leaders, Kharge highlighted the need to strengthen the organization from the grassroots, fix accountability, and address internal bickering. He also urged leaders to remain united and avoid public criticism of each other. The Congress chief expressed concern over the party's performance in state elections despite a strong showing in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. He acknowledged the need to learn from the setbacks and improve the party's strategy and communication to counter its rivals' propaganda.

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Unconstitutional: Roll back 4% Muslim quota in contracts, BJP asks Sidda

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The BJP has vehemently criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, labeling it an "unconstitutional misadventure." The party has pledged to challenge the move in court and has vowed to oppose it at all levels. Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party has defended the reservation, arguing that it aligns with constitutional provisions. The issue has led to heated exchanges in the Karnataka Assembly, with both parties accusing each other of engaging in appeasement politics.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Why India Needs Trump's Tariffs To Reform Again

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

India needs another shot of difficult reform, of the kind only possible at gunpoint. Mr Trump holds that gun to our heads now. A drastic reduction in tariff protection, other elements of sarkari wet-nursing will force entrepreneurial India to become competitive again, argues Shekhar Gupta.

K'ntka  to probe Veerappan's political links

K'ntka to probe Veerappan's political links

Rediff.com19 Oct 2004

There was a need to find out who provided the bandit political and financial support that helped him to survive for more than 20 years, Chief Minister Dharam Singh said.

Greatest Sin In Indian Politics Is Overconfidence

Greatest Sin In Indian Politics Is Overconfidence

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

The BJP will enter this election, as it does every election, as if it is fighting to prevent a 2004-style defeat. This is a party that wins big because it always behaves as if its back is to the wall, predicts Mihir S Sharma.

Elderly priest, wife sustain burns in petrol bomb attack in Rajasthan

Elderly priest, wife sustain burns in petrol bomb attack in Rajasthan

Rediff.com21 Nov 2022

The attack took place on Sunday night in the Heera ki Basti area where Navratan Prajapat (72) was having dinner in a small accommodation he shares with his wife, they said.

'JNU attack couldn't happen without political support'

'JNU attack couldn't happen without political support'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2020

'They want to establish the silence of the graveyard in university campuses across India.' 'They cannot bear any questioning or dissent. They want subordination and obedience.' 'And that is not going to happen,' says Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Brinda Karat.

'The Only Way We Can Stop Rapes...'

'The Only Way We Can Stop Rapes...'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

'Even if we have laws in place, which we must, we need a societal change.' 'Rather than telling our daughters that, "Listen, leave your house at so and so time, come back by so and so time," we must tell the men and boys that "Whatever point of time you encounter a woman in public space or wherever, you treat her with respect, dignity, and as an equal participant in these public spaces".'

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Women We Admire: India's Brave Ranis

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

This Women's Day Week, we pay tribute to the extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership of three iconic Indian queens -- Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, Rani Chennamma of Kittur, and Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Malwa.

Patna HC ex-CJ-led fact-finding team en route Sandeshkhali detained

Patna HC ex-CJ-led fact-finding team en route Sandeshkhali detained

Rediff.com25 Feb 2024

Citing Section 144 CrPC was in force in parts of Sandeshkhali and it would not be prudent to allow them access to the area even in groups of four-five, senior police officers stopped their convoy at the Bhojerhat area, which is around 52 km from the riverine area, on Basanti Highway.

PFI wanted to create Islamic movement, start civil war in India: ED

PFI wanted to create Islamic movement, start civil war in India: ED

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

The federal agency issued a statement, saying it has attached fresh assets worth more than Rs 35 crore that are "beneficially-owned and controlled" by the PFI "in the name of various trusts, companies and individuals" as part of its ongoing probe against the outfit and entities linked to it.

Modi knew about Prajwal Revanna's 'crime', yet asked votes for him: Cong

Modi knew about Prajwal Revanna's 'crime', yet asked votes for him: Cong

Rediff.com1 May 2024

"Is being part of Modi's 'political family' a 'guarantee of protection' for criminals?" Rahul Gandhi asked.

Spanish tourist gang-raped in Jharkhand, 3 arrested

Spanish tourist gang-raped in Jharkhand, 3 arrested

Rediff.com2 Mar 2024

The incident took place at Kurumahat in Hansdiha police station area, around 300 km from the state capital Ranchi, on Friday night when a tourist couple from Spain was spending the night at a makeshift tent.

No public namaaz in Uttarakhand's sensitive Purola town under VHP pressure

No public namaaz in Uttarakhand's sensitive Purola town under VHP pressure

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

Local station house officer Ashok Chakravarty said the decision to not offer namaz in public place was taken by the community itself after a meeting was held on Wednesday to maintain peace.

How Should Rahul Gandhi Have Spoken Abroad?

How Should Rahul Gandhi Have Spoken Abroad?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

'I would think that India faces less damage from opinions voiced overseas compared to the damage it suffers if the right to free speech of its citizens is curtailed in the name of image management,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Will The Jats Return To Power In Haryana?

Will The Jats Return To Power In Haryana?

Rediff.com8 Sep 2024

Since it was formed 58 years ago, Haryana has had Jat chief ministers for 33 of those.

Mathura violence sparks political slugfest

Mathura violence sparks political slugfest

Rediff.com3 Jun 2016

Opposition parties questioned the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh, where elections are due next year.

HC asks Parliament, EC to take steps for removing criminals from politics

HC asks Parliament, EC to take steps for removing criminals from politics

Rediff.com4 Jul 2022

The court said it is the responsibility of Parliament to show its collective will to restrain criminals from entering politics or legislature to save democracy and the country governed on democratic principles and the rule of law.

Stree 2 Review: Monster On The Money!

Stree 2 Review: Monster On The Money!

Rediff.com15 Aug 2024

Original's goodwill, natural bonhomie amongst the actors and wild card entries, Stree 2's spirited return sure has its high points, notes Sukanya Verma.

Chautala wants President's rule imposed in Haryana

Chautala wants President's rule imposed in Haryana

Rediff.com6 Aug 2012

"Sunday's incident in which Haryana Minister Gopal Kanda's name figures is not an isolated one. Over the past several months, there have been a series of incidents, which indicate that the ruling party cares less for upholding the rule of law and criminal elements are ruling the roost," INLD President and former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala said at a press conference in Chandigarh.

This case shows India's shoddy terror handling

This case shows India's shoddy terror handling

Rediff.com3 Dec 2013

The investigation into the blasts at Dilsukhnagar in Hyderabad on February 21, 2013 that killed 19 people is today a case study about the pathetic state of affairs with regard to handling of terrorism cases in India

'Maoists-Trinamool working in collaboration'

'Maoists-Trinamool working in collaboration'

Rediff.com28 Oct 2009

The Communist Party of India-Marxist on Wednesday hit out at the Trinamool Congress blaming it for seeking the stoppage of anti-Maoist operations in West Bengal and providing 'political patronage' to the extremists.

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Coalition Won't Block Modi's Reforms

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

'The BJP's numbers in this government are almost the same as those enjoyed by the Congress under P V Narasimha Rao when the reform process was kicked off in 1991.' 'As before, the only constraints on the prime minister's actions are internal, not external.' 'They come from his own assessment of the political consequences of any action,' points out Mihir S Sharma.

There are Wazes in every police force

There are Wazes in every police force

Rediff.com13 Apr 2021

'What this incident must do is provide a renewed impetus to urgently bring in police reforms; changes that will ensure that political patronage and extraneous pressure are reduced to a minimum and allow the police to function independently and honestly,' argues Vivek Gumaste.

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Kerala's election discourse operates surreptitiously. Its explicit face focuses on important national and local issues. At the same time, it seeks to secure apt communal equations to ensure votes, notes Shyam G Menon.

Is Kargil 2.0 In the Offing?

Is Kargil 2.0 In the Offing?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Pakistan may want to undertake a 'false flag' operation in J&K to divert attention from the situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but infiltrating one SSG battalion into J&K and having two SSG battalions waiting to follow suit means war, which Pakistan cannot afford in its current economic crisis, notes Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

Why No One Will Speak For The Wrestlers

Why No One Will Speak For The Wrestlers

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

All these male politicians are unlikely to risk their sinecures to speak up in support of a bunch of women wrestlers who have chosen to challenge a politician who appears to have the ruling regime in a stranglehold, points out Kanika Datta.

After DGP, Sena wants Maha Home Secy removed

After DGP, Sena wants Maha Home Secy removed

Rediff.com6 Feb 2009

Hailing the Bombay High Court's verdict setting aside the appointment of A N Roy as the Maharashtra Director General of Police, the Shiv Sena on Friday renewed its demand for the removal of state Home Secretary Chitkala Zutshi for the 'failure of bureaucracy' to ensure law and order. "Roy enjoyed political patronage that led to his illegal appointment as the top cop. He continues to stick to his chair despite a rap from the Central Administrative Tribunal," it said.

Dalit blinded for demanding Rs 50

Dalit blinded for demanding Rs 50

Rediff.com21 Jul 2005

Dalit autorickshaw driver blinded for demanding fare

Is Rahul Dividing India To Rule?

Is Rahul Dividing India To Rule?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Is it is necessary to play divisive politics to succeed in the next general elections? asks Dr Sudhir Bisht.

After 6 days and a haul of over Rs 350 cr, I-T raids in Odisha end

After 6 days and a haul of over Rs 350 cr, I-T raids in Odisha end

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

As the raids were completed, the I-T team took two managers of the distillery located at Sutapada to an unknown location for interrogation, they said.

Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED in Delhi

Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee appears before ED in Delhi

Rediff.com21 Mar 2022

The 34-year-old TMC national general secretary was seen entering the new office of the central probe agency in central Delhi around 11 am.

Nitish Kumar: Longest-serving Bihar CM despite JD-U's majority challenges

Nitish Kumar: Longest-serving Bihar CM despite JD-U's majority challenges

Rediff.com28 Jan 2024

Concealed beneath the feat, which testifies to his political acumen and survival instincts, is the fact that the 72-year-old leader could never remain at peace with his allies which also made him change partners frequently.

You let Panchkula burn for political benefits: Court slams Khattar govt

You let Panchkula burn for political benefits: Court slams Khattar govt

Rediff.com26 Aug 2017

The high court also took note of Khattar's statement on Friday in which he blamed anti-social elements for the violence, which also spilled over into neighbouring Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi.

In Puducherry, Modi targets Rahul over his 'north-south' remark

In Puducherry, Modi targets Rahul over his 'north-south' remark

Rediff.com25 Feb 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the Congress and its erstwhile government in Puducherry, saying the V Narayanasamy led dispensation had 'different priorities' than public welfare and flayed party leader Rahul Gandhi over his recent 'north-south' remarks.

UP will decide if Modi will remain PM

UP will decide if Modi will remain PM

Rediff.com9 May 2019

2019 will be 'a match between the old caste politics and something new which we have not fully understood in UP,' says Aakar Patel.

Maha cabinet partially accepts Adarsh report; goes soft on politicians

Maha cabinet partially accepts Adarsh report; goes soft on politicians

Rediff.com2 Jan 2014

Less than a fortnight after rejecting the Adarsh scam report, Maharashtra cabinet on Thursday decided to partially accept recommendations of the judicial commission, announcing action against indicted bureaucrats but appeared going soft on politicians named by the commission.

'For Pakistan Army, Imran Is A No-Go'

'For Pakistan Army, Imran Is A No-Go'

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

'Will Imran compromise with the army? We are all human beings. We all compromise.'

Why Congress Can't Keep Its Flock Together

Why Congress Can't Keep Its Flock Together

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

If the party's members aren't sure what it stands for, see no path to wealth or power, and endure control by a dynasty, which, almighty as it is within the party, cannot get them the votes, they are likely to explore options, notes Shekhar Gupta.