News for 'political consultancy'

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Why JPC Deferred Constitution Amendment Bill Report

Rediff.com1 days ago

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.

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Samajwadi Party has ended its association with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) due to a lack of funds, according to party president Akhilesh Yadav.

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

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

Rediff.com9 hours ago

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.

After revolt, Mamata, Abhishek return to grassroots, cuts I-PAC role

After revolt, Mamata, Abhishek return to grassroots, cuts I-PAC role

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Facing a massive rebellion of MLAs and MPs after its defeat in the West Bengal assembly polls, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has begun an organisational reset, with sources saying the focus is on top leaders increasing direct engagement with workers and reducing dependence on political-consultancy firm I-PAC.

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Supriya Sule rules out NDA switch, clarifies stand on delimitation bill

Rediff.com4 days ago

Amid renewed speculation about political realignments and a potential merger, senior leaders from two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) factions met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule clarified her party's position on the proposed Delimitation Bill, stating that while a uniform 50 per cent increase in seats across states would be hard to oppose, any final decision would be made after discussions within the INDIA bloc.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com2 days ago

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

One Nation One Election rollout possible by 2029: Panel chief

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

A parliamentary committee is actively working to establish a mechanism for implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' reform, with its chairperson, PP Chaudhary, indicating that it could be fully operational by the 2029 general elections. Chaudhary highlighted that nearly 99 per cent of civil society stakeholders consulted have supported the proposal, which aims to mitigate an estimated Rs 7 lakh crore economic loss due to frequent polls.

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

JPC defers bill to remove PM, CMs in the midst of voting

Rediff.com2 days ago

A Joint Committee of Parliament has deferred the adoption of a draft report on a bill proposing the suspension, not permanent removal, of the prime minister, Union ministers, and chief ministers if detained for 30 days on serious criminal charges, opting for more consultations.

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Now, TMC rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh's son sends legal notice to Mamata

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Rebel Trinamool Congress MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar's son Baidyanath Ghosh Dastidar has sent a legal notice to former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and several TMC leaders, including Mahua Moitra, Kalyan Banerjee, Sougata Roy and Sonali Guha, denying allegations that he had sought a party ticket from the Barasat Assembly Constituency.

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Birla approves 6 Sena-UBT MPs' merger; rebel TMC MPs get separate seats

Rediff.com1 days ago

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and allowed separate seating for 20 rebel TMC lawmakers who joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), ahead of the Monsoon session.

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Satheesan Consults Antony, Sudheeran After Being Named Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Newly appointed Kerala CM V D Satheesan seeks guidance from senior Congress leaders A K Antony and V M Sudheeran, receiving advice on navigating the challenges of leadership and addressing the state's financial and developmental issues.

I-PAC Director's Representative Assists ED With Data Extraction

I-PAC Director's Representative Assists ED With Data Extraction

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A legal representative of I-PAC director Rishi Raj Singh assisted the Enforcement Directorate in Delhi with data extraction from seized electronic devices. This follows raids and the arrest of another director, Vinesh Chandel, amid allegations of financial irregularities and money laundering.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

All Sikh MLAs, ministers to appear before Akal Takht: Punjab CM

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that all Sikh MLAs and cabinet ministers will appear before the Akal Takht on June 29 regarding the anti-sacrilege law. This decision follows a closed-door meeting in Amritsar, where Mann stated that representatives would present their views in writing. The Akal Takht had summoned Sikh legislators and ministers over objections to the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, which it claims was enacted without consulting the Sikh Panth. Mann also addressed accusations of challenging the Akal Takht's authority and criticised political appointees for one-sided decisions.

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

LS speaker to decide on defections in TMC, Sena-UBT before monsoon session

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the status of rebel factions from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the Monsoon session of Parliament begins on July 20, following demands for their disqualification by their parent parties.

Sena-UBT hopeful of Nimbalkar's stay as he is set to take a call today

Sena-UBT hopeful of Nimbalkar's stay as he is set to take a call today

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) remains optimistic that Osmanabad (Dharashiv) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of six dissident parliamentarians, will not abandon the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, despite his recent statement about deciding his political future after consulting his constituents.

ED Officers Honoured For Kolkata I-PAC Raid

ED Officers Honoured For Kolkata I-PAC Raid

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Two Enforcement Directorate officers who participated in the raid against I-PAC in Kolkata this January received an award for their 'exceptional competence'.

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.

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Exodus continues from AIADMK, 3 former ministers join Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Three former AIADMK ministers, Dr C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar, and M S M Anandan, along with their supporters, have joined the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), prompting the DMK to label the move as 'washing machine' politics, referencing allegations of corruption against the defectors.

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will hear both the defected TMC MPs and the faction led by Mamata Banerjee before deciding on recognising the breakaway group's proposed merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

ED Attaches 159 Crore Assets in West Bengal Coal Pilferage Case

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth 159 crore in connection with a money laundering investigation related to illegal coal mining in West Bengal. The case involves alleged pilferage and implicates various entities, including the political consultancy firm I-PAC.

Rebel MP Nimbalkar keeps Sena-UBT guessing, turns to voters for direction

Rebel MP Nimbalkar keeps Sena-UBT guessing, turns to voters for direction

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissidents, on Sunday said he will decide his political course only after consulting the people of his constituency, even as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party hopes he will not defect.

ED Intensifies Coal Scam Probe with Raids on I-PAC Executives

ED Intensifies Coal Scam Probe with Raids on I-PAC Executives

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids on executives of political consultancy firm I-PAC and others in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal.

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in connection with a money laundering case linked to the coal scam probe in West Bengal, escalating tensions ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.

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

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Inside Oval Office: What forced Trump to scrap Iran ceasefire

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

US President Donald Trump has abruptly withdrawn from a peace deal with Iran, citing fresh intelligence of Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The decision, made just a fortnight after celebrating the deal, has led to a significant military escalation in the region, with the US launching extensive counter-operations against Iranian military infrastructure.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Senior NCPI leader questions merger with rebel Trinamool MPs

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

A day after 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs announced their merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a senior functionary of the outfit questioned the decision, claiming the party leadership had never been consulted on the move and that such a decision could not be taken unilaterally.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Had no role in daily donation collection at Ram Temple: Trust treasurer

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Under the lens over serious lapses in the donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Govind Dev Giri, has said that all audit reports were "safe" and that he had no role in the daily donation collection process at the temple.

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

LS Speaker to decide on rebel TMC, Sena-UBT MPs before monsoon session

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to make crucial decisions regarding the disqualification petitions against rebel MPs from the Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Both parties have sought the disqualification of their defecting members under the anti-defection law, while the Speaker is consulting legal experts and examining precedents to ensure legally sound decisions.

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Why Modi Should Watch Japan's Transformation Under Sanae Takaichi

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

History may remember Takaichi Sanae not as the leader who simply accelerated Japanese rearmament, but as one who governed during Japan's transition from an industrial-age security model to a post-industrial strategic member of the global order, points out Varun Arya.

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

TMC merger: Strategic move to aid BJP without legal hurdles

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Twenty rebel Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MPs have merged with the obscure Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a move seen by political observers as a strategic way to support the BJP-led NDA without immediately joining the saffron party and bypassing legal complexities.

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

CPI(M) Leader Mocks Congress Over Kerala Leadership Race

Rediff.com11 May 2026

CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby criticised the Congress-led UDF over internal divisions and the leadership race in Kerala, mocking the frequent consultations between Kerala and Delhi.

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.

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Mamata rushes to Abhishek's house as cops raid at dawn

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence was raided by police and central forces for over four hours in connection with a financial fraud case, targeting his close aide Sumit Roy, whose mobile phone was last traced to the property.

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Why Indian Politicians Fear Youth Dissent

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Police Raid Abhishek Banerjee's Residence In Financial Fraud Probe

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal police, supported by central forces, conducted a four-hour predawn raid on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in connection with a financial fraud case involving his aide, Sumit Roy. The operation, which Banerjee claims involved forced entry, has been denounced by the TMC as "political vendetta" and comes as Banerjee faces multiple investigations from various agencies, further escalating political tensions in the state.