News for 'politicians'

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Messi Tour: Bhutia lambasts VIPs for chaos in Kolkata

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Sports must get priority over political, bureaucratic formalities: Bhutia

KKR release Mustafizur on BCCI instruction

KKR release Mustafizur on BCCI instruction

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

KKR acquired the left-arm pacer for Rs 9.20 crore (Rs 92 million) at last month's IPL mini auction in Abu Dhabi, making him the most expensive Bangladeshi player in IPL history.

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Messi arrives in Hyderabad for second leg of GOAT India Tour

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi arrived in Hyderabad for the second leg of his GOAT India Tour 2025 on Saturday evening, after a chaotic start to the much-anticipated event in Kolkata.

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Mob fury has become very common these days. And these attacks are all planned very well.' 'In all these attacks, you see that they have a very clear cut plan to make the victims as the oppressors and the guilty.' 'The attackers escape and they face no consequences as they have the backing of some political leaders.'

'Nitish Kumar Owes An Unconditional Apology To The Lady'

'Nitish Kumar Owes An Unconditional Apology To The Lady'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'If I was in Nitish Kumar's place I would firstly never even think of crossing the boundary with a lady, and secondly if I did something so contemptible by mistake, I would apologise immediately.'

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Messi arrives in Delhi, meet with PM Modi cancelled

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Messi is currently at the Mumbai airport and is expected to leave shortly for the final set of engagements, which includes an appearance at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium for a ticketed event.

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

SC pulls up NIA on Shabir Shah's long detention in terror funding case

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has questioned the NIA regarding the detention of Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a terror funding case, asking the agency to justify his detention for over six years.

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that forces opposing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after independence are still active and that India needs to be vigilant and united to counter them. He highlighted the temple's history of resilience against repeated attacks and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to protect it.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.

CPI-M's Md Salim becomes 'Awasthi' in Bengal voter list

CPI-M's Md Salim becomes 'Awasthi' in Bengal voter list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

In a social media post on Tuesday, Aziz said he is a registered voter of the Kolkata Port assembly constituency and that his name is Atish Aziz.

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Nitin Nabin's selection is a bold political decision by the Two Gujaratis. When Rahul Gandhi has resurrected the issue of social justice, the BJP and the Two Gujaratis are sticking to their plan and agenda, explains Sheela Bhatt.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan release delayed again, HC stays own order

Vijay's Jana Nayagan release delayed again, HC stays own order

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Madras high court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a censor certificate to actor-turned-politician Vijay's upcoming film Jana Nayagan, setting aside the board's directive to refer the matter to a review committee.

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Security breach, crowd chaos mar Messi's Kolkata visit

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's brief appearance in Kolkata was marred by security breaches and crowd management issues, raising concerns about planning and coordination. Eyewitness accounts and social media footage reveal a chaotic scene with organizers and VIPs crowding the player, leading to his early withdrawal and subsequent protests.

Vaa Vaathiyaar Review: Karthi's Swashbuckling Entertainer

Vaa Vaathiyaar Review: Karthi's Swashbuckling Entertainer

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Vaa Vaathiyar ends up being a bland yet fascinating iteration of a masala film funnelled through the prism of a quirky humorist, notes Arjun Menon.

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

No plan to attack Europe, but response will be devastating, warns Russia

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia does not intend to attack Europe, but any attack on Russia would face a devastating response. He also accused the EU's 'war party' of hindering Ukraine peace efforts and pledged support for China on Taiwan.

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

Ghar ka mamla: Hema Malini on separate prayer meets for Dharmendra

Ghar ka mamla: Hema Malini on separate prayer meets for Dharmendra

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Hema Malini discusses the family's decision to hold separate prayer meetings after Dharmendra's death, emphasizing it was a private matter. She also shares memories of Dharmendra and their life together.

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

'All The Ministers Surrounded Messi, We Couldn't See Anything'

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi's much-hyped visit to the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Saturday lasted 22 minutes, just enough to underline everything that is wrong in Indian football and the state administration's mismanagement.

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

'Free speech isn't the issue anymore, survival is'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Leading Bangladeshi newspapers report increasing threats to media freedom following attacks on newspaper offices, raising concerns about journalists' safety and freedom of expression.

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The NCP and NCP (SP), led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar respectively, have formed an alliance for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. This development follows a similar alliance for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections and aims to consolidate their position in the region.

SC rejects TN plea to modify order on Karur stampede probe

SC rejects TN plea to modify order on Karur stampede probe

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court turned down Tamil Nadu government's plea to modify its order suspending a one-man enquiry commission and the SIT to look into the Karur stampede. The court also took a critical view of a report filed by the Madras High Court registrar general.

Akhanda 2 Review: Barely Watchable

Akhanda 2 Review: Barely Watchable

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Akhanda 2: Thandavam may appeal to Nandamuri Balakrishna's fans and will be a madcap awakening for those uninitiated in Boyapati Sreenu's no goofball ideas in constructing action, notes Arjun Menon.

Spend The Weekend With Revolver Rita On OTT

Spend The Weekend With Revolver Rita On OTT

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Men losing money, men turning money into superpower and lots more stranger things on OTT this week. Sukanya Verma lists them out.

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

'Keeping Modi-Shah Away From Mumbai Was Deliberate'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'It would have polarised the Marathi-non Marathi divide further. 'Fadnavis had a very clear strategy: Let all Marathi people campaign for us (the BJP), and whatever results we get will be delivered by Marathi people only.'

Messi's Brief Visit Sparks Chaos At Kolkata Stadium

Messi's Brief Visit Sparks Chaos At Kolkata Stadium

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Angry fans hurled bottles and damaged fibreglass seats, forcing the police to intervene as they struggled to bring the situation under control at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian origin, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, promising an agenda of affordability and inclusivity. He is the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position.

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

That a country thinks it has the right to randomly invade another country has repercussions that will for sure be played on the global arena in the years to come.

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'Every film had its challenges, but Mr India, Sadak and Gandhi were the toughest.' 'Mr India needed imagination, Sadak needed sensitivity and Gandhi demanded historical authenticity.'

Messi Thanks India After G.O.A.T. tour

Messi Thanks India After G.O.A.T. tour

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'...we carry all this love with us, and we will definitely return, hopefully one day to play a match or on another occasion, but we will definitely return to visit India.'

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Former Home Minister Shivraj Patil passes away

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Congress leader was Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008 and the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996. He was the Governor of Punjab and also served as Administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Sentencing of ex-ISI chief opens door to wider crackdown: Report

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The sentencing of Pakistan's former spy chief Faiz Hameed may just be 'the beginning', as it can herald a spate of new cases against politicians and activists for involvement in anti-army riots over two years ago, a report said.

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'Pakistan's role in Bangladesh will always be negative, since it's a one-point agenda is hostility against India.'

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

When Nitish Kumar Took On Bihar Dons

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Nitish thought that his stakes as chief minister were far greater than his stakes in protecting one of his party MLAs. He could not allow his rule-of-law train to be derailed by a small rock on the track. On the contrary, if he removed it to keep the train moving at a steady speed he would gain strong public admiration and sympathy that would help him take the masses along in carrying out other tasks. A fascinating excerpt from Arun Sinha's Nitish Kumar And The Rise Of Bihar.

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Will Kolkata fiasco dent India's Olympic hosting chances?

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) issued a statement clarifying that Lionel Messi's event in Kolkata was a private event organised by a PR agency and the federation was not involved in the "planning or execution" of the event at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.

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).

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

The Best Hindi 25 Films In 25 Years

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Over 25 years, societies evolve and tastes change. Cinema absorbs and reflects this transformation. Picking only 25 films from the first quarter of the century is tough.

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

NDA constituents AIADMK and BJP have started preliminary discussions for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Key leaders from both parties met to discuss strategies to defeat the DMK government and strengthen their alliance.

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Anti-India slogans raised at funeral of slain Bangladeshi leader Hadi

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Bangladesh is set to hold the funeral of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi amid tight security following unrest triggered by his death. The funeral prayer will be held at the National Parliament Building. The country is also observing a day of state mourning.

Delhi gives Messi's India Tour the perfect ending

Delhi gives Messi's India Tour the perfect ending

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour that began in shambolic fashion ended in a blaze of glory as devotional fans joyously gathered to catch a glimpse of a man that does things on the field that are often beyond human comprehension.