News for 'political puppet'

'Quockerwodger': Whom is Tharoor targeting with his latest wordplay?

'Quockerwodger': Whom is Tharoor targeting with his latest wordplay?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has once again introduced a rare English word, "quockerwodger," to social media, defining it as a "political puppet." He used the term to criticise the ruling party, suggesting they have "spawned a few of these." Tharoor has a history of using obscure words like 'allodoxaphobia', 'farrago', and 'troglodyte' to make political points and engage social media users.

Disha Salian's father visits Matoshree, serves Rs 500 cr defamation notice to Aaditya

Disha Salian's father visits Matoshree, serves Rs 500 cr defamation notice to Aaditya

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Satish Salian, father of the late celebrity manager Disha Salian, has served a Rs 500-crore defamation notice to Aaditya Thackeray.

Were These Biopics Done Right?

Were These Biopics Done Right?

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

From Azhar and Sanju to Thackeray and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, Bollywood has often struggled to tell controversial true stories without turning their subjects into heroes.

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

'Does India Belong to Gyanesh Kumar's Father?'

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Amid sweltering October heat in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray turns up the heat against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, hinting obliquely about Nuremberg-like trials once the wheels of electoral fortune change.

Karnataka Minister Vows Action In Bitcoin Scam, Tightens Pub Rules

Karnataka Minister Vows Action In Bitcoin Scam, Tightens Pub Rules

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge affirmed that all individuals involved in the Bitcoin scam, including Youth Congress leader Mohammed Haris Nalapad, will face legal consequences, emphasising the state government's transparent approach. He also announced a new circular mandating age verification in pubs and bars to curb underage drinking and substance abuse.

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Himachal Pradesh Appoints Chief Secretary Despite Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sanjay Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh amidst allegations of corruption, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

We Are In An Era Of Puppets And Puppeteers

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

'As we enter 2025, it must be acknowledged that there is a convergence of capital, influential people (from business and politics) and technology deciding the destiny of others in the name of pride, patriotism, nationalism, nation building, all of it thinly veiled disguises for personal profit and glory,' asserts Shyam G Menon.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

Opposition Calls for CBI Investigation into Punjab Officer's Death

Opposition Calls for CBI Investigation into Punjab Officer's Death

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Political leaders in Haryana and Punjab are demanding a CBI investigation into the suicide of a Punjab government officer, who allegedly accused a minister of harassment. The minister has resigned, but opposition parties are calling for his arrest and a thorough investigation.

Champai Soren: Puppet Or Puppeteer?

Champai Soren: Puppet Or Puppeteer?

Rediff.com19 Feb 2024

Pressure from the Soren clan is only one of the challenges Champai faces as he readies himself to helm the predominantly tribal state.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan's Alliance with Forces Attacking Minorities

Rahul Gandhi Alleges Kerala CM Vijayan's Alliance with Forces Attacking Minorities

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of aligning with forces that attack minorities, during election rallies in Kerala. He also criticised the CM on other issues including alleged corruption and economic failures.

Opposition Parties to Gherao Punjab CM's Residence Over Suicide Allegations

Opposition Parties to Gherao Punjab CM's Residence Over Suicide Allegations

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in Punjab have announced a joint protest at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence, demanding the arrest of former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar following the suicide of a state warehousing corporation official. The move follows allegations of harassment and demands for a CBI investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Balen Shah set to be Nepal's youngest, first Madhesi PM

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form the next government in Nepal after a decisive victory in the general election, significantly impacting established political parties.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK promises free fridge to voters

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has announced a series of welfare measures, including free refrigerators for rice ration cardholders, if the party wins the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu.

Cop transferred after abusing, slapping migrant worker; video goes viral

Cop transferred after abusing, slapping migrant worker; video goes viral

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

A policeman in Erode, Tamil Nadu, has been transferred to the Armed Reserve after a video surfaced showing him verbally abusing and allegedly slapping a migrant worker at a roadside eatery. The incident, captured on CCTV, sparked outrage and prompted swift action from authorities.

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Left parties: US attack on Venezuela 'act of international terrorism'

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Left parties on Saturday denounced the United States for attacking Venezuela and capturing its President Nicholas Maduro, with Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary M A Baby terming the nighttime military action an 'act of international terrorism by US-led imperialism'.

How Regulators Can Stop Being Puppets

How Regulators Can Stop Being Puppets

Rediff.com14 Mar 2022

'All regulatory agencies must be made Constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, and the CAG.' 'That way they will become independent of the minister,' recommends T C A Srinivasa-Raghavan.

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Will Nitish Kumar Spring A Surprise On Friday?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

While it is evident that the INDIA bloc has not shut its doors on Nitish Kumar, those within the NDA are hopeful that the JD-U's support base would benefit them as well

Congress puppet or BJP supporter? Sakshi, Babita lock horns

Congress puppet or BJP supporter? Sakshi, Babita lock horns

Rediff.com18 Jun 2023

Sakshi Malik accused Babita Phogat of trying to use the wrestlers for selfish motive and weaken their protest.

Sidda blames 'politics of hate', rules out resignation

Sidda blames 'politics of hate', rules out resignation

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday questioned the ED slapping a money laundering case against him in the MUDA 'scam' and once again ruled out his resignation over the issue.

Not anyone's puppets: Farooq Abdullah's retort to Pak

Not anyone's puppets: Farooq Abdullah's retort to Pak

Rediff.com30 Aug 2020

The NC leader urged both India and Pakistan to resume their dialogue "for everyone's greater good".

'Shinde is sending a message he is not a puppet'

'Shinde is sending a message he is not a puppet'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

'Shinde and Fadnavis have different working styles and certainly there is a crack that has come between them.'

'Women Are Exploited In All Political Parties'

'Women Are Exploited In All Political Parties'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

'While some women allow themselves to be exploited so that they can climb up the ladder, there are many voiceless and silent people who get exploited by men in powerful positions.'

Imran Khan is a Pak 'military puppet': Dissidents

Imran Khan is a Pak 'military puppet': Dissidents

Rediff.com13 Oct 2020

'The narrative of patriotism has been framed around the army and competing worldviews about Pakistan and those who do not fit the army's parameters are ostracised as rebellious, treasonous, and even blasphemous'

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of rigging the Maharashtra assembly elections and expressed concerns about similar tactics being used in the upcoming Bihar polls. He alleged that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is an attempt to manipulate the election process.

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hailed the party's performance in the Gujarat and Punjab bypolls, calling them a 'semi-final to 2027' and a clear sign that voters would reject both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

'Our fight is not against the puppet Eknath Shinde'

'Our fight is not against the puppet Eknath Shinde'

Rediff.com18 Oct 2022

'Our fight is against his political masters, the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis.'

'How to kill an artist': Kunal Kamra posts step-by-step guide

'How to kill an artist': Kunal Kamra posts step-by-step guide

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

According to Kamra, an artist is left with only two choices under such circumstances. "Sell their soul and become a dollar puppet or wither in silence. This isn't just a playbook, it's a political weapon. A silencing machine," he wrote.

'Our Children Loved PM Modi': Usha Vance

'Our Children Loved PM Modi': Usha Vance

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

'When we were able to visit his home, they just sort of ran up. They were hugging him.' 'He was just incredibly kind and generous to them.'

The Best Political Biopic? VOTE!

The Best Political Biopic? VOTE!

Rediff.com29 Jan 2024

Deepa Gahlot lists Hindi biopics about Indian political leaders: Some worked, some did not, but they managed to avoid controversy.

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Won't give single drop of water to Haryana: Punjab passes resolution

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Punjab Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to not release any water from its share to Haryana, citing the state's water scarcity. The resolution also demanded the reorganization of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the repeal of the Dam Safety Act of 2021. The decision comes amid a stand-off between the two states over the distribution of water from the Bhakra dam. The resolution was moved by Punjab's Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, who accused the BJP of trying to take away Punjab's water rights. The resolution was supported by all parties, including the opposition, which termed the Dam Safety Act of 2021 as an "attack" on the rights of Punjab. The resolution also criticized the BBMB, calling it a "puppet" of the BJP-led central government. The Punjab government maintains that the state does not have surplus water to spare and needs it for the upcoming paddy sowing season. The resolution has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, which has accused the Punjab government of politicising the issue.

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Said what 1st dy CM said about 2nd dy CM: Kamra on Shinde row

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

In a lengthy statement on X late Monday night, a defiant Kamra said those busy leaking his number on social media or calling him incessantly should know that it all goes to his voicemail where they will be subjected to "the very song" that they hate.

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 Review: More Of The Same

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

If Prakash Jha is able to transfer today's social and political reality onto the screen, the future seasons of Aashram might just get a much-needed dose of eyeball-grabbing power, observes Deepa Gahlot.

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Army Angry With Former Puppet Imran Khan

Rediff.com28 Oct 2022

The press briefing seemed a deliberate decision to let the army convey its angst to Imran directly, observes Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RAW, India's external intelligence agency.

'Communal politics does not work in Maharashtra'

'Communal politics does not work in Maharashtra'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

'Hindus have never been polarised across Maharashtra in any state election.'

MUDA issue: Cong leadership backs Siddaramaiah

MUDA issue: Cong leadership backs Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

Days after the Karnataka governor granted sanction for the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority case, the Congress' top leadership on Friday expressed its backing for him and alleged that the Centre had unleashed a systematic assault through a 'puppet governor' to destabilise an elected government.

Kalpana Soren to remain in limelight because...

Kalpana Soren to remain in limelight because...

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

Despite the personal and political challenges posed by her husband's legal battles, Kalpana has proven to be a resilient and dynamic leader.