News for 'political representation'

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

TMC MLA's Babri replica plan on Dec 6 sparks row; party distances itself

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

A major controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a TMC MLA announced plans to lay the foundation stone of a mosque modeled on the Babri Masjid, leading to political backlash and concerns over communal polarization.

Bangla Unrest: Chicken Neck Returns To India's Security Radar

Bangla Unrest: Chicken Neck Returns To India's Security Radar

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

For decades, the Siliguri Corridor was treated as a geographical vulnerability to be quietly managed. Today, it has emerged as a focal point of eastern geopolitics.

Woman booked for harassing Bengaluru cop with love proposal

Woman booked for harassing Bengaluru cop with love proposal

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A woman in Bengaluru has been booked for allegedly harassing a police inspector with a love proposal and threatening suicide if he refused. The inspector claims she repeatedly contacted him, sent inappropriate messages, and threatened to use her connections to force him to accept her proposal.

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Census 2027 announced: Dates, phases, and key details

Census 2027 announced: Dates, phases, and key details

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Census 2027 will be conducted in two phases, the first between April and September 2026 and the second in February 2027, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

US lawmakers seek visa ban on Pakistani officials

US lawmakers seek visa ban on Pakistani officials

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Forty-two members of the United States Congress, led by Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Greg Casar, have written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding immediate sanctions against senior Pakistani officials for what they termed an 'escalating campaign of transnational repression and worsening human rights crisis in Pakistan' under the military-backed government of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

From Selling Guavas To Council Hall

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'A poor candidate was given a chance so that the concerns of ordinary, needy citizens could be represented.'

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The publication of the draft rolls will mark the end of the enumeration phase and the beginning of a far more contentious stage - claims, objections and hearings that will stretch into February 2026.

Former financial official executed in China over $ 57 mn bribery case

Former financial official executed in China over $ 57 mn bribery case

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

China executed Bai Tianhui, a former top official of a state-owned financial firm, for accepting bribes totaling CNY 1.108 billion (about USD 157 million).

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Govt to push nuclear reforms as Oppn targets SIR in winter session

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The winter session of Parliament is set to begin with the government prioritizing its reforms agenda, including a bill to open the civil nuclear sector to private players. The opposition is expected to raise concerns about electoral roll revisions and air pollution.

70 pc of Punjab Congress, 90 pc of AICC with me: Sidhu's wife

70 pc of Punjab Congress, 90 pc of AICC with me: Sidhu's wife

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Navjot Kaur Sidhu claims support within the Congress party after being suspended for her controversial remarks. She also accuses Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa of corruption and links to smugglers.

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh was published after a special intensive revision exercise, with 12.55 crore voters retained out of 15.44 crore listed earlier. Around 2.89 crore voters were excluded due to deaths, migration, or multiple registrations.

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

RSS@100: The Challenges Ahead

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'The RSS, that advocated military strength, remained in the ideological doghouse for over half a century. Many of the RSS' responses even today carry the burden of this past,' points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'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".'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Punjab Kesari Tells AAP Govt: 'We Won't Be Cowed Down'

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

'If you want to force the press into blacking out the Opposition's views or colour the news to your own liking, we will not do so.' 'We stand by freedom of expression. It is our Constitutional right. We stand by our Constitutional right.'

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

India's NCDEX eyes 20% stake in Sri Lanka's first commodity exchange

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

India's leading agriculture commodity exchange, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), has decided to acquire around a 20 per cent stake in a new commodities and financial derivatives exchange being set up in Sri Lanka, subject to regulatory and governmental approvals. The move aims to deepen NCDEX's footprint in the financial ecosystem of its neighbouring country.

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

SC seeks Centre's reply on plea for implementation of women's quota law

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a plea seeking the implementation of the 2023 Nari Shakti Vandan Act, which reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

BJP questions K'taka govt over video of namaaz at airport

BJP questions K'taka govt over video of namaaz at airport

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

A viral video purportedly showing a group of people offering namaaz at Terminal-2 of the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru has ignited a political controversy, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party taking strong exception to the incident and demanding accountability from the state government.

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.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kerala boycotted work following the suicide of a colleague allegedly due to work strain related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Trade unions and political leaders are demanding investigations and changes to the process.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was halted by police, prompting India to express strong concerns about the security of its mission. The protesters demanded the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others involved in the 'July Uprising'.

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Missing Thackerays And A Bulldozer At Marathi School

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

If the Thackerays don't save a Marathi school in their backyard, who will, wonders Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Trump-era H1B fee, tariffs hurt India ties, say US lawmakers

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that policies enacted by the Trump administration, such as the H1B visa fee and tariffs on India, are detrimental to American businesses and threaten the relationship between the United States and India.

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Congress fumes as Tharoor alone gets Putin dinner invite

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Congress party has criticized the government for not inviting Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also questioning Shashi Tharoor's decision to accept the invitation.

Apple won't preload Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones: Report

Apple won't preload Sanchar Saathi app on iPhones: Report

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Apple does not plan to comply with the mandate to preload mobile handsets with the 'Sanchar Saathi' app and will convey its concerns before the Indian government, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing three unnamed sources.

Kabaddi player shot dead at tournament venue in Punjab

Kabaddi player shot dead at tournament venue in Punjab

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A kabaddi player was shot dead at a tournament in Mohali, Punjab, leading to criticism of the state government's law and order situation.

Pak announces flight route changes ahead of India's tri-series exercise

Pak announces flight route changes ahead of India's tri-series exercise

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced changes in flight routes for Karachi and Lahore, citing operational safety reasons. The move is speculated to be linked to anticipated military exercises by India.

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Caste census should reflect...: Tejashwi writes to Modi

Rediff.com3 May 2025

The upcoming delimitation exercise should reflect the social realities uncovered by the census, ensuring proportional political representation for marginalised groups, it read.

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

EC strongly defends TN, Bengal SIR in SC, denies mass voter deletion

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Election Commission has defended its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court, refuting allegations of mass deletion of genuine voters as exaggerated and politically motivated.

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the legality of the Election Commission's order for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, alleging it is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Owaisi's AIMIM plans to contest 100 seats in Bihar

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

According to political observers, the AIMIM sees a catchment area in Bihar, where Muslims are more than 17 per cent of the total population but have never got a proportionate representation in the state legislature.

NIA detains Al Falah medical student over links with terror outfits

NIA detains Al Falah medical student over links with terror outfits

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

An MBBS student detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in West Bengal for alleged terror links has been released after questioning. The student was picked up in Uttar Dinajpur district and questioned in Siliguri before being released. His mobile phone was seized, and he has been asked to be present if summoned again.

'Modi Won't Risk Upsetting Nitish'

'Modi Won't Risk Upsetting Nitish'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'If Nitish Kumar were to depart from this alliance, it would signal substantial instability in central government politics.'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

'Pronouncements On Paper Don't Feed Babies'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

'These children possess catastrophically low birth weights -- often 1.4 kgs or less. Such extremely low birth weight results in profoundly compromised neo-natal immunity.' 'The escalation to 97 deaths in three months precipitated contemporary attention precisely because this magnitude concentrates the humanitarian emergency, rendering it impossible for the administrative machinery to ignore.'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Even as the Supreme Court's anti-punitive demolition judgment nears its first anniversary, no formal contempt proceedings have been initiated either by the Supreme Court or any high court against officers or demolition squads who have acted in violation of it.'

HC directs RSS to file fresh plea for Chittapur route march on Nov 2

HC directs RSS to file fresh plea for Chittapur route march on Nov 2

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

The high court directed the petitioners to file a fresh petition to the district collectors along with the route of the march.