News for 'secularism'

Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with DMK, to back Vijay's TVK

Vaiko's MDMK snaps ties with DMK, to back Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com2 days ago

The MDMK general council, led by Vaiko, has announced its decision to withdraw from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The party accused the DMK of attempting to prop up an AIADMK government, which they claim goes against the people's mandate and the alliance's secular ideology.

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Oath-taking only in name of god or by solemn affirmation: Kerala HC

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Kerala high court has ruled that elected local body representatives must take their oath strictly as prescribed by law, invalidating oaths that included names beyond "God" or solemn affirmation. The court directed affected councillors to retake their oaths within four weeks, clarifying that while their elections remain valid, actions by a panchayat member whose oath was invalid are also invalid.

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

'Annamalai Is A Proxy For The BJP'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

'The generational shift belongs to Vijay, Udhayanidhi and Annamalai.' 'The BJP cannot fit into the shift.' 'So they threw Annamalai into the situation where he is comparable with Vijay and Udhayanidhi.'

'Vijay's Government Will Be Pulled Down By December 2027'

'Vijay's Government Will Be Pulled Down By December 2027'

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

'You will have the President's rule for 7 to 8 months, And Annamalai will be the hero in those 7 months.'

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'In the (election) affidavit, he had declared Rs 1,400 crores as his assets. He has educational institutions, real estate, malls, etc.'

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

Centre turns down Karnataka's hate speech bill, says existing laws adequate

Centre turns down Karnataka's hate speech bill, says existing laws adequate

Rediff.com26 May 2026

The bill was passed by both houses of the state legislature during the winter session in Belagavi that concluded on December 19 last year, despite strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Janata Dal-Secular.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Siddaramaiah Wishes V D Satheesan Success As Kerala CM

Siddaramaiah Wishes V D Satheesan Success As Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated V D Satheesan on being named as the Kerala CM and expressed his desire to work together to protect the shared interests of both states.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Hindi Cinema Is Incomplete Without The Muslim

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

As time went by, different facets of the Hindi cinema started showing the complicated identity of Muslim -- sometimes tendentious and at other times perverse and unreliable.

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reportedly set to skip the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, signalling a growing rift with the Congress party. This development follows a political realignment in Tamil Nadu where Congress allied with the TVK, leading to the end of its long-standing cooperation with the DMK and a request for separate seating in the Lok Sabha.

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Satheesan's use of caste surname during swearing-in sparks row

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan faces criticism for using his caste surname 'Menon' during his swearing-in ceremony, igniting a debate on caste identity and political messaging.

Kingmaker? Congress claims Vijay seeks support to form govt in TN

Kingmaker? Congress claims Vijay seeks support to form govt in TN

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress party is considering supporting TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, following a request from TVK chief Vijay. The party leadership has directed the Tamil Nadu unit to make a final decision, keeping in mind the state's sentiments and commitment to a secular government.

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay's request seeking support.

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledges the LDF's defeat in the Assembly elections, vowing to serve as a responsible opposition and address shortcomings.

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.

Kerala CM says full Vande Mataram not compulsory after Guv's objection

Kerala CM says full Vande Mataram not compulsory after Guv's objection

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has expressed his displeasure over the incomplete rendition of 'Vande Mataram' in the state Assembly during his presence for the UDF government's policy address, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper protocol.

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ceremony included a selfie with Rahul Gandhi and a 360-degree video of the cheering crowd. Vijay's party achieved a historic debut, ending the duopoly of DMK and AIADMK.

The Importance Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi!

The Importance Of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi!

Rediff.com29 May 2026

If you are feeling depressed, just watch this 15 year old on your TV! Your blues will fly away, exclaims Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

'Never trust them again': Udhayanidhi blames Cong for BJP wins

Rediff.com24 May 2026

DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin has launched a scathing attack on the Congress, accusing the former ally of 'stabbing the DMK in the back' and blaming them for the BJP's consecutive national victories. He exhorted party cadre to 'never trust the Congress again'.

Assam assembly passes UCC bill, excludes scheduled tribes

Assam assembly passes UCC bill, excludes scheduled tribes

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Assam Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill, aiming to establish a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion. This makes Assam the third state in India to pass such a bill, following Uttarakhand and Gujarat.

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'Congress needs a positive agenda rather than primarily picking up on two business houses.'

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

'Congress Made A Mistake In Going With DMK'

'Congress Made A Mistake In Going With DMK'

Rediff.com21 May 2026

'If Congress had aligned with the TVK before the election, we would have won almost a two-thirds majority.'

'Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Won't Sabotage One Another'

'Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah Won't Sabotage One Another'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

'Both men understand the stakes. They are not about to squander what they have.'

Siddaramaiah begins 'new innings' with Delhi meetings

Siddaramaiah begins 'new innings' with Delhi meetings

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi to discuss his future role within the Congress party after resigning as Chief Minister of Karnataka. The meeting addressed his potential future roles and the formation of the new Karnataka government.

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Why CPI(M) Leaders Protested ED Raids On Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com27 May 2026

CPI(M) leaders, including Brinda Karat and M A Baby, were detained during a protest outside the ED headquarters in Delhi against searches at the residence of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan announced that his party has decided to join the TVK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu, with Vanni Arasu nominated for induction. The decision follows an invitation from TVK and reflects VCK's long-standing philosophy of sharing power.

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Why India Rejects Claims Of Human Rights Violations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of human rights violations for the second time in three days, emphasising its constitutional values of justice, liberty, and freedom of expression. The remarks were made by Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in response to questions from a Norwegian journalist.

'We Are A Secular Party': I.S.L.A.M. Party Leader

'We Are A Secular Party': I.S.L.A.M. Party Leader

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

'Of course, we are secular. Three of our Hindu brothers have won seats from our party. Tell me where AIMIM has managed that.'

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India has reiterated its commitment to human rights and democracy following criticism from a Norwegian newspaper commentator during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway.

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

Rediff.com10 May 2026

TVK founder Vijay, upon becoming Chief Minister, approved free electricity units and special forces for women's safety and anti-drug efforts. He pledged a commitment to secularism and social justice, asserting his authority as the sole power centre.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Before assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay submitted his resignation letter from the post of member of the legislative assembly representing the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Jharkhand Authorities Investigate Jail Sex Abuse Allegations

Rediff.com19 May 2026

A team from the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) is investigating allegations of sexual exploitation of a woman inmate at Birsa Munda Central Jail. The investigation was prompted by claims of abuse, pregnancy, and forced abortion, leading to calls for strict action and a high-level probe.

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Sheikh Hasina Congratulates Suvendu Adhikari On West Bengal Win

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Bangladesh's deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Suvendu Adhikari on assuming office as West Bengal's Chief Minister after the BJP's victory in the state.

No Minority Consolidation Against LDF, Says Kerala Minister

No Minority Consolidation Against LDF, Says Kerala Minister

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev dismisses claims of minority consolidation against the ruling LDF in the Assembly polls, stating minorities have no grievances and trust the Left's stance against the Centre.