News for 'political symbolism'

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

In a heartwarming act of compassion, Irfana Iqbal, a Muslim panchayat member in Kasaragod, Kerala, performed the last rites of an abandoned Hindu man, Narayanan, according to his customs after his family refused to claim his body. Her selfless act, driven by the belief that humanity transcends religion, has garnered widespread appreciation.

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Amit Shah luring those elected on anti-BJP plank: Cong

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of launching an "onslaught" on the Opposition and "wrecking" Indian democracy. The party alleges that Shah is enticing elected representatives to join the BJP with significant incentives, a claim echoed by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding Maharashtra MPs. This comes amidst reports of defections from other parties like the TMC.

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

We have Yoga Day. We have Hindi Day. We have, I am fairly certain, so many days, though I have never met anyone enjoying these days, notes Binu Alex.

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

America 250: Power, Despair And Hope

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The question nobody seems to ask is why a democracy should be silent when many of its citizens are concerned about the way the US is deviating from its traditional ways of consultation, cooperation and collaboration and moving away from traditional allies, asks Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

Lenin Review: Intriguing, Flawed Revenge Saga

Lenin Review: Intriguing, Flawed Revenge Saga

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Lenin packs enough intriguing twists to hook you, but eventually buries them beneath an all-too-familiar revenge saga.

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Prez Murmu's Village Gears Up For PM Modi

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the remote tribal village of Pahadpur, preparations are in full swing as it looks to script history.

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

The Odyssey Review: Christopher Nolan's Powerful Statement On War And Love

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

By taking one of the oldest stories and finding new meaning within it, Christopher Nolan has created the most timely film of his career, asserts Mayur Sanap.

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Bengal Cong divided over merger talks with Trinamool

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Speculation about a possible rapprochement or merger between the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has exposed deep divisions within the Congress's West Bengal unit, with senior state leaders vocally opposing any alliance with Mamata Banerjee.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Puri Jagannath Temple Secures Trademark Protection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

This marks a significant step towards legally safeguarding the cultural and spiritual identity of one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage centres.

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

TMC seeks disqualification of 20 rebel MPs

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee has formally petitioned Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to disqualify 20 rebel MPs, arguing their claimed merger with the lesser-known Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) is invalid under the anti-defection law.

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Two Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have confirmed their defection to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing reasons including a fund crunch and Thackeray's absence from local body polls. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have virtually acknowledged the success of 'Operation Tiger', aimed at splitting Thackeray's faction.

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee is actively trying to prevent further defections from the TMC after a significant split, personally contacting rebel MLAs and deploying MPs for damage control. The crisis, stemming from a challenge to Abhishek Banerjee's influence, sees rebels trying to maintain Mamata's symbolic leadership while consolidating their own position, marking a critical period for the party's future.

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Trinamool splits as 58 MLAs elect rebel leader as Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The dramatic development marked the culmination of a revolt that began with allegations of forged signatures on a letter proposing a Leader of Opposition and snowballed into an open challenge to the party leadership following the TMC's defeat at the hands of the BJP in the assembly elections.

Bhagwat's Haldighati Claim Diminishes History

Bhagwat's Haldighati Claim Diminishes History

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Maharana Pratap became a hero not because he won a battle, but because he continued fighting after he lost one, asserts Harishchandra.

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

'Without A Shade Of Doubt BJP Is Behind This'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

'It was done with record speed. First, a revolt of the MLAs, which was obviously engineered.' ''No one believed me when I said the MLAs breaking away is not the real issue.' 'It is like a comet. The head doesn't matter, the tail matters.' 'And the tail is Parliament. Suvendu has gifted the prime minister 20 MPs.'

'MPs offered Rs 50cr': Raut's big claim amid Sena-UBT split buzz

'MPs offered Rs 50cr': Raut's big claim amid Sena-UBT split buzz

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that some Maharashtra MPs are being offered 'Rs 50 crore' to switch sides, amid intense speculation of an imminent split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Raut challenged any dissidents to resign their parliamentary seats before defecting.

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said in the assembly that justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case, leaving the victim's mother, a BJP MLA who was present in the House, in tears.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': Cockroach Party founder

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijit Dipke, is staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and repeated paper leaks. Dipke has stated he will not leave until their demands are met and has requested Delhi Police to extend permission for the ongoing demonstration.

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

In a bid to wrest control of the Trinamool Congress, its rebel faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday elected MLA Arup Roy as chairperson, marking the sharpest challenge yet to the authority of party founder Mamata Banerjee.

After assembly revolt, TMC faces rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC faces rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Barely days after losing control of its legislature party in the West Bengal assembly, the Trinamool Congress is now staring at an even bigger political nightmare -- the possibility of the rebellion spreading to its parliamentary ranks.

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

TMC's Falta candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the May 21 re-election, citing Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's promise of a special development package for the area.

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

'Op Tiger' successful, declares Fadnavis; breaking news soon, says Shinde

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Amid the buzz over a split in the ranks of Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray through "Operation Tiger", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the "operation" has been successful. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Worried Children, stressed parents join 'Cockroach' protest

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Mamata's MLA meet cancelled as three-fourths of members fail to turn up

Rediff.com31 May 2026

A scheduled meeting of Trinamool Congress legislators was cancelled due to the absence of most MLAs, attributed to protests following attacks on party leaders. The party has announced further protests against the BJP government.

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Cockroach Janta Party goes viral, founder's parents anxious

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The viral rise of the Cockroach Janta Party reflects growing frustration among Indian youth over unemployment, politics, and economic challenges, sparking nationwide debate online.

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

'Mamata Banerjee's Life Is In Danger Inside Her Home'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

'Those who have drained Mamata Banerjee's blood -- they are the ones calling us traitors.'

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

SC to hear PIL on election-time freebies by political parties

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in March seeking action against political parties that promise or distribute 'irrational freebies' before elections. The PIL argues that such practices unduly influence voters and undermine the fairness of the electoral process.

My power-sharing formula is a 'political bomb', CM Stalin rattled: Vijay

My power-sharing formula is a 'political bomb', CM Stalin rattled: Vijay

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Assuring a social justice-driven regime if voted to power, Vijay, addressing a rally at Seelanaickenpatti, in Salem, dramatically hit back at those who mocked at him by alleging that he merely stayed back at home, though claiming to have entered politics.

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal".

Saffron shawls not allowed in schools under new order, clarifies Siddaramaiah

Saffron shawls not allowed in schools under new order, clarifies Siddaramaiah

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has clarified that saffron shawls are not permitted in educational institutions, while existing practices such as hijab, turbans, rudraksha beads, and sacred threads will continue to be allowed.

Bengal Guv Bose's sudden exit before polls triggers political row

Bengal Guv Bose's sudden exit before polls triggers political row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose has resigned from his post, triggering a political storm in the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The sudden resignation has led to speculation and accusations between the ruling TMC and the BJP.

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Absence of many MLAs at TMC's protest triggers chatter

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The absence of many TMC legislators from a major protest programme has triggered political chatter, raising questions about the party's unity and ability to transition into an effective opposition after its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

'There is no comparison between Nehru and Modi'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Sharad Pawar objected to comparing PM Modi with Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting Nehru's sacrifices and nation-building contributions.

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) has invited leaders who sided with Eknath Shinde to return to the party led by Uddhav Thackeray, while also stating that some individuals will not be welcomed back.

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

'We want Tatas to come back, and that too in Singur'

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has expressed the state government's desire for the Tata Group to return to Singur, viewing it as an economic necessity and a signal that West Bengal is open for business. The move aims to reverse the negative perception created when the Nano project was forced out of the state.

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

'Trump Genuinely Likes India'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'The flip side of this is that he won't hesitate to call out India if he thinks its policies are hurting US economic interests or border US foreign policy goals.'