News for 'political activist'

Thane Political Activists Beat Vendor Over Harassment Claim

Thane Political Activists Beat Vendor Over Harassment Claim

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

A video circulating on social media shows political activists in Thane assaulting a migrant vegetable vendor, alleging he harassed a Maharashtrian woman vendor. Police have initiated a probe into the incident, though no formal complaint has been filed and no arrests have been made yet.

CJP activist holds 'Sadak Satyagraha' hunger strike in Maha over poor roads

CJP activist holds 'Sadak Satyagraha' hunger strike in Maha over poor roads

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party activist Vivek Tiwari's "Sadak Satyagraha" hunger strike in Palghar, Maharashtra, protesting poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure, has entered its sixth day, drawing support from various political parties.

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

2 youths abused by right-wing activist for Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Two youths from Bareilly, allegedly harassed and assaulted by an activist linked to a Hindu outfit while en route to a NEET paper leak protest in Delhi, have demanded strict legal action. The incident, captured in a viral video, has drawn condemnation from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, who called for the accused's immediate arrest.

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Jarange agrees to drink water, take saline but continues fast

Rediff.com2 days ago

Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange has agreed to take water and saline treatment but vowed to continue his indefinite fast until all demands for Maratha reservation and Kunbi certificates are met. His health is deteriorating, prompting concerns from doctors and appeals from authorities. Jarange criticised the state government and mediating ministers, alleging political infighting and a lack of serious engagement on the issue.

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Chirag Paswan rejects 'elder brother' claim by Swatantra Bhardwaj

Rediff.com1 days ago

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has pledged to ensure justice for Nishu Azad's father, who was severely injured during protests at Jantar Mantar. Paswan has filed a formal complaint against Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who allegedly assaulted Azad's father and boasted about it, claiming political connections. Bhardwaj has since been detained. Paswan also called for an investigation into molestation allegations against a state minister from his party.

CJP splits, Manish Brahmbhatt launches 'democratic' faction

CJP splits, Manish Brahmbhatt launches 'democratic' faction

Rediff.com2 days ago

Activist Manish Brahmbhatt has launched the Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic (CJP-D) as an alternative to the existing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Brahmbhatt alleges that the CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, has deviated from its student-led origins, becoming too aligned with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and failing to represent its diverse volunteer base, particularly regarding issues like examination paper leaks.

'Hindutva Influencer' Swatantra Bhardwaj sent to 1-day police custody

'Hindutva Influencer' Swatantra Bhardwaj sent to 1-day police custody

Rediff.com9 hours ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been remanded to one-day police custody by a Delhi court judge, facing charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, criminal intimidation, and the POCSO Act following allegations of assault and online harassment.

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem is dead

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem is dead

Rediff.com2 days ago

Emerging as a prominent voice in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Steinem transformed the national discourse around gender equality, civil rights, and reproductive freedom. She first gained widespread media attention in 1963 with her investigative expos, "I Was a Playboy Bunny," which revealed the sexist and underpaid conditions faced by workers at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Club.

Two Arrested in India Over Murder of Bangladeshi Activist

Two Arrested in India Over Murder of Bangladeshi Activist

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

A Delhi court has granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of two men accused of murdering Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi, whose death sparked widespread unrest in Bangladesh. The suspects, arrested in West Bengal, are believed to have fled Bangladesh after committing the crime.

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Youth Protests: Political Parties Must Absorb An Important Lesson

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

Voters who exercise their franchise in favour of a particular political dispensation do not do so unconditionally. Their loyalty is subject to maintaining trust and living up to their expectations. It is subject to allowing the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Swatantra Bhardwaj was invited to Modi's swearing-in, I-Day celebration

Rediff.com1 days ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, known for provocative social media posts and claims of political proximity, has been detained in Bulandshahr. His detention follows a viral video where he boasted about assaulting a Jantar Mantar protester's father, leaving him with severe injuries, and claiming to have avoided jail due to political connections. Police acted after public outcry and protests.

Tension in Navi Mumbai as BJP, Uddhav Sena workers clash over SIR forms

Tension in Navi Mumbai as BJP, Uddhav Sena workers clash over SIR forms

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Navi Mumbai after thousands of SIR forms, used for voter list revision, were allegedly found at a photocopy shop. This led to a clash between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP activists, with allegations of voter list manipulation and questions raised about the transparency of the electoral process.

Swatantra Bharadwaj now claims he acted in self-defence

Swatantra Bharadwaj now claims he acted in self-defence

Rediff.com1 days ago

Swatantra Bharadwaj, accused of assaulting Nishu Azad's father during a CJP protest, claims he acted in self-defence against a mob, stating he has video evidence and that medical reports show no serious injuries, contradicting earlier claims of a skull fracture.

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Satluj Review: Brave Political Drama

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Satluj is a chilling reminder of what happens when a state is allowed to become judge, jury and executioner, asserts Sreeju Sudhakaran.

Indian Police Arrest Two Suspects in Bangladeshi Activist's Murder

Indian Police Arrest Two Suspects in Bangladeshi Activist's Murder

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Two individuals accused of the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Osman Hadi have been arrested in West Bengal, India, by the special task force (STF). The suspects, both Bangladeshi nationals, were apprehended in Bongaon while allegedly attempting to cross back into Bangladesh.

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

'SIR Is Legal. But Is it Fair'

Rediff.com1 days ago

'Now the institutions which have the might of law invested in them think that whatever they do is right.'

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Punjab Activist's Murder Triggers Opposition Fury

Rediff.com30 May 2026

The murder of a Jalandhar-based RTI activist has sparked outrage and political condemnation in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government's handling of law and order.

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Will Dara Singh Be Released Soon?

Rediff.com3 days ago

'Dara's case can strengthen the perception among sections of the BJP's traditional support base.'

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Maharashtra plans Devabhau, Chhava taxis to take on Uber/Ola, activists cry foul

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maharashtra BJP MLC Pravin Darekar announced the launch of 'Devabhau' and 'Chhava' cooperative taxi services in Mumbai, aiming to counter private aggregators and benefit drivers directly, but the scheme has drawn sharp criticism from social activist Anjali Damania and the Opposition Congress over the proposed use of Mumbai Bank funds and its political branding.

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Union minister to meet 'reservation reform' protesters: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak met with students leading a "reservation reform" movement, assuring them that their demands would be presented to the BJP's central leadership and a Union minister. The movement, led by anti-reservation activists, seeks equal opportunities, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the "reform" as a plot against the PDA community, asserting the permanence of reservation rights.

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Swatantra Bharadwaj to be arrested in 72 hours: CJP cites police 'assurance'

Rediff.com1 days ago

Delhi Police has assured the arrest of Swatantra Bharadwaj within 72 hours, who is accused of assaulting student activist Nishu Azad's father during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The assurance follows a video where Bharadwaj admitted to the assault and claims of political connections, prompting demands for stronger charges and action against online abuse targeting Nishu.

Pakistan Arrests Activists For Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Pakistan Arrests Activists For Anti-Army Social Media Posts

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Pakistani authorities have arrested eleven social media activists in Punjab province for allegedly spreading provocative content against the army and inciting public unrest.

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Will show my scholarship letter if PM shows his degree: Dipke

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has publicly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to disclose his educational degree. Dipke stated he is ready to make his US scholarship and loan documents public if PM Modi reveals his degree, amidst ongoing demands for verification of the Prime Minister's academic qualifications. Dipke also criticised the current political climate, citing concerns about party defections and the use of central agencies.

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj held hours after viral video

Rediff.com1 days ago

Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh following a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) demanding his arrest for allegedly assaulting a student's father and bragging about it, while the victim's daughter reported receiving rape threats and online abuse.

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

JNUSU holds Umar Khalid book discussion despite venue cancellation

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) proceeded with a discussion on former student Umar Khalid's book, "Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power," despite the university cancelling the original venue booking. The event, planned to observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, was held outside an academic building after the JNUSU condemned the university's "arbitrary" decision.

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Centre defers Census in Manipur amid NRC demands

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Union government has deferred census operations in Manipur, originally scheduled to begin on September 1, following persistent demands from civil society organisations for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to address concerns about demographic changes due to alleged illegal immigration.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Sumit Sarkar: The Historian Who Transformed Indian History

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Sumit Sarkar was never intellectually dismissive of the Hindutva project. He took it with deadly seriousness for he grasped the challenge it posed to the aspirations and ideals of the anti-imperialist movement that generated multiple imaginings of freedom and ways to attain it, recalls Pradeep Kumar Dutta.

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

New BJP team: Many sidelined faces make a comeback

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Several prominent BJP leaders, including former Union minister Smriti Irani, RSS veteran Ram Madhav, and former chief ministers Biplab Kumar Deb and Tirath Singh Rawat, have been reinstated into significant roles within the party's national team. This reshuffle marks a political recovery for many who had previously seen their influence wane or lost electoral battles, positioning them for key organisational responsibilities ahead of upcoming elections.

Will end fast only if govt...: Wangchuk sets 3 conditions before Parl march

Will end fast only if govt...: Wangchuk sets 3 conditions before Parl march

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared his hunger strike will persist beyond the 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding government accountability for education system failures or assurances from political leaders to address the issue in Parliament. He also alleges 'illegal detention' at Safdarjung Hospital.

'No life-threatening injury': Police reject CJP claim over Bankura death

'No life-threatening injury': Police reject CJP claim over Bankura death

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

The West Bengal police rejected claims that a Bankura man died following a "brutal physical assault" on the father of a CJP activist, saying he had sustained only a minor injury during an alleged attack at his residence and later died after being admitted to hospital following severe blood pressure fluctuations.

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Jharkhand: 6th round of talks held as student leader's health worsens

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government is holding fresh discussions with student aspirants protesting alleged recruitment exam irregularities, even as the health of key protest leader Devendra Nath Mahto has significantly deteriorated after being on an indefinite hunger strike for about a week.

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

'Why Are Our Best Students Dying?'

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Poor families, she said, cut corners on their own needs to pay for coaching and fees, and when their child clears JEE, it's the happiest day the family has had in years. So why, she asked, her voice already starting to climb, does the same system that we're told is the best in the country keep pushing those very students toward what she called 'institutional deaths'?

'Sonam Wangchuk will end hunger strike if...': Gitanjali Angmo

'Sonam Wangchuk will end hunger strike if...': Gitanjali Angmo

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, announced that Wangchuk would end his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders assure him that education accountability will be a focus of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Wangchuk, currently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, continues his fast, demanding action against the alleged NEET paper leak and broader education reforms.

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Bihar Police, Students Clash Over BPSC Exam Demands

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Thousands of students clashed with Bihar Police in Patna while attempting to march to the chief minister's residence, protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission's (BPSC) examination system and alleged irregularities.

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

In letter to PM, Hazare favours govt-protesters talk; says minister's resignation will send message

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

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Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Hazare writes to Modi; says minister's exit won't weaken govt, favours talks

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying violence and police action during the students' ongoing protest in Delhi were "deeply distressing", and asserted that "dialogue" was always preferable to confrontation in a democracy.

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

J'khand recruitment exam scam: Student leader on hunger strike hospitalised

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

A student leader, Rahul Kranti, on a hunger strike against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment examinations, was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated. The protest, now in its 14th day, has drawn attention from political leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who visited the hospitalised students. Protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and comprehensive reforms in state recruitment bodies.