News for 'political appointments'

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

Cockroach Party appoints journalist, filmmaker as spokespersons

Cockroach Party appoints journalist, filmmaker as spokespersons

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

CJP, launched last month, has rapidly gained social media traction among students and young people focusing on youth and education issues

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust on Monday accepted the resignations of Champat Rai as its general secretary and member Anil Mishra in the wake of embezzlement of donations. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been named as interim general secretary. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust also announced the formation of a three-member committee to identify a chief executive officer (CEO) for the temple trust.

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

MP's Hindu-inclusive Waqf Board sparks political row; Cong moves SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Congress leaders on Monday termed the reorganisation of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board with the inclusion of two Hindu members as "inappropriate" and said they would challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Haryana BJP Appoints Archana Gupta As State President

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Haryana BJP appointed Archana Gupta as its new president, making her the second woman to hold the position in over four decades. Gupta, a radiologist and current state general secretary, succeeds Mohan Lal Badoli.

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Dinesh Trivedi's Dhaka Challenge Has Begun

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Dinesh Trivedi's success or failure in this fragile diplomatic equilibrium will have consequences extending well beyond the Indian high commission in Dhaka. It will shape India's eastern strategic environment for years to come.

Russia controversy derails Andrea Pirlo's Italy hopes?

Russia controversy derails Andrea Pirlo's Italy hopes?

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach is facing significant political opposition due to his commercial ties as a global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, with Italian parliamentarians and football federation figures expressing concerns.

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has sparked a political controversy, with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of double standards regarding appointments of election officials.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

CPI(M) Alleges Sabotage In Sabarimala Gold Case Over Lawyer Appointment

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress-led UDF government's decision to appoint a defence lawyer for the accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case as a Devaswom advocate has drawn strong criticism from the opposition CPI(M), which alleges the move is an attempt to sabotage the ongoing probe and protect political figures.

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.

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Andy Burnham takes charge as UK PM, promises 'circuit breaker' for Britain

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Andy Burnham has officially taken office as the new UK Prime Minister, pledging to make politics more about problem-solving and usher in a 'circuit breaker' moment for the country with significant political and economic changes.

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

Rediff.com2 days ago

'I remember that Indira Gandhi was virtually worshipped as a goddess. The kind of power wielded by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s was much more than what Modi does today, but in just three years down the line Indira Gandhi faced defeat.' 'So you cannot take people's sentiments for granted. That is a lesson that the BJP should learn.'

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Rediff.com5 days ago

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

The Week's OTT Releases: Main Vaapas Aaunga, Governor, Operation Safed Sagar

Rediff.com1 days ago

Discover the top OTT releases this week, featuring a compelling mix of Hindi dramas like Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga and Manoj Bajpayee's Governor, alongside regional and international titles.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Parliamentary panel recommends sending envoys to North, South Poles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

A parliamentary panel has strongly recommended that the Indian government appoint a dedicated 'polar ambassador' to enhance its strategic engagement and diplomatic influence in the critical Arctic and Antarctic regions, aligning with global trends and India's growing focus on polar affairs.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Why Bangladesh Matters For India's Future

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

For India, the guiding principle should remain clear: Engage Bangladesh as a sovereign nation and society rather than through the prism of any individual leader or political party, suggests Manoj Mohanka.

Shakib ready to return to Bangladesh, but sets big condition

Shakib ready to return to Bangladesh, but sets big condition

Rediff.com1 days ago

Bangladeshi cricket legend Shakib Al Hasan, an ally of ousted PM Sheikh Hasina, is willing to return from exile in the US to face charges, including murder, if the government guarantees his safety. He hopes to play a farewell series and represent Bangladesh in the 2027 World Cup, highlighting the challenges faced by Hasina's allies after her government's fall.

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation: First Crack In Modi's Fortress?

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

The rise and fall of Dharmendra Pradhan

Rediff.com25 Jul 2026

Dharmendra Pradhan's political career faced an unexpected jolt as he resigned as Education Minister following nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, marking a significant departure from the government's initial dismissive response to the agitation.

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Ravneet Bittu Accuses AAP's Arora Of Lowering Political Discourse

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has launched a strong attack on Punjab AAP chief Aman Arora, accusing him of lowering the standards of political discourse by resorting to personal attacks against his family instead of answering questions on governance.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

The dramatic postponement came while members were voting on the committee's five principal recommendations, making it an unprecedented moment in the functioning of a parliamentary committee.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

After NEET backlash, BJP turns to Instagram to win back young voters

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The BJP is significantly increasing its digital engagement with young people on Instagram, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union ministers, in response to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and subsequent student protests. This strategic shift aims to counter the narrative and communicate government actions on examination reforms.

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Amit Shah ordered use of force against students, he must quit: Dipke

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has demanded Union Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation, alleging that orders to use force against students during the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march over the NEET exam paper leak must have come from Shah himself. Dipke also criticised the appointment of Pralhad Joshi as the new Education Minister and dismissed Yoga guru Ramdev's comments on Gen Z.

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Now rebel TMC camp approaches EC, stakes claim over party

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has formally staked claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, alleging widespread support and opposing the current leadership's "dynastic politics." The main TMC leadership has strongly criticised the Election Commission for granting an audience to expelled members, accusing the BJP of influencing the poll body.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

'We Need To Stop Coaching Classes'

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

'We can integrate AI and tech into education, but that is just a means and not an end.' 'Ultimately, we need to control what happens in a classroom and we need to let teachers innovate their teaching style to suit the needs of Gen Z and beyond.'

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Trump aide Graham, who backed tariffs on India, passes away

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent ally of former President Donald Trump and an influential voice on American foreign policy, has passed away at 71 following a 'brief and sudden illness', leaving a significant void in Washington's political landscape.

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Punjab CM rejects 'Guru Dokhi' tag, claims video is fake

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly refuted the 'Guru Dokhi' edict issued by the Sikh clergy, asserting that the controversial video at the heart of the dispute is not him and accusing religious bodies of political manipulation.

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Omar's 'If Only!' spoof on Trump support for statehood sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a fabricated social media post attributed to former US President Donald Trump, captioned 'If only!', to highlight his demand for the restoration of J&K's statehood, drawing significant criticism online.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com7 days ago

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

MP Cabinet clears UCC Bill; covers marriage, inheritance, live-in relations

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, which will be introduced in the state assembly's monsoon session. The proposed legislation, excluding the tribal community, addresses marriage, live-in relationships, adoption, and inheritance, aiming for women's empowerment and social harmony. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted broad support and criticised the Congress for its stance.