News for 'state legislative assembly'

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Row as MLA alleges hospital mortuary staff sexually abused female corpses

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh has sparked a major controversy by alleging that staff at Rewa's Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital mortuary sexually abused the corpses of "beautiful" women and extorted money for post-mortems. The hospital administration has vehemently denied these claims as baseless, while the MLA insists an investigation will reveal the truth, citing a past incident where employees were sacked for irregularities.

Mumbai's first desalination plant on course, to add 200 MLD a day

Mumbai's first desalination plant on course, to add 200 MLD a day

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Maharashtra government has confirmed that Mumbai's first desalination project is moving forward, with a work order issued and key clearances secured. This 200 MLD project, undertaken by the BMC, aims to address the city's growing water demand and will result in a minor tariff hike of 15-17 paise per litre.

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Kerala government has filed a statement in the High Court opposing former minister Antony Raju's plea to suspend his conviction in an evidence-tampering case, arguing it would undermine the electoral process.

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Punjab Assembly Approves Prison Reform, Societies Amendment Bills

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, to modernise the prison system, and the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, to enhance transparency and accountability of societies.

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

10-day delay in Parliament prorogation fuels delimitation bill speculation

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Ten days after both Houses of Parliament were adjourned sine die, the Monsoon session is yet to end formally, giving rise to speculation that the government wants to pass a key legislation without convening a new session.

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

AIADMK rift ends as Velumani camp reunites with EPS

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The AIADMK factions have reconciled after a period of division, with leaders claiming it was merely a 'difference of opinion' rather than a split. Rebel MLAs expressed their support for party chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, and both sides withdrew petitions seeking disqualification of legislators.

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The AIADMK is grappling with a deepening internal rift as factions vie for leadership, threatening the party's stability and future in Tamil Nadu politics.

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Amaravati made sole Andhra capital as LS passes bill amid YSRCP walkout

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill recognising Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, solidifying the city's status after years of debate and uncertainty. The bill aims to prevent future changes to the capital and received support from both the ruling NDA and the opposition Congress, while the YSR Congress Party opposed the bill.

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Haryana boycotted a special session of the state assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of using the platform for political propaganda related to a defeated Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The BJP criticised the Congress's move as anti-women.

'Zealots overlooked...': Tharoor questions full Vande Mataram rendition

'Zealots overlooked...': Tharoor questions full Vande Mataram rendition

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre's new mandate requiring the full rendition of the National Song, Vande Mataram, alongside the National Anthem at official functions. Tharoor argues that the extended duration could lead to a decrease in respect rather than an increase, citing practical considerations for audiences. The amendment bill, which grants Vande Mataram equal statutory penal protection as the National Anthem, recently received presidential assent.

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Modi seeks unity on women's quota in Independence Day address

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to opposition parties to support the delimitation-linked Women's Reservation Bill, highlighting its 40-year struggle. The bill aims to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures and increase Lok Sabha seats, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing efforts to secure numbers, the government continues to push for this crucial legislation.

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Former deputy speaker of Bengal found hanging at Trinamool office

Rediff.com16 Aug 2026

Police are investigating the mysterious death of Asish Banerjee, former deputy speaker of the West Bengal Assembly and a prominent TMC leader, who was found hanging in a party office with a purported suicide note expressing regret over entering politics and denying corruption.

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Maharashtra govt contractor dies by suicide over unpaid dues

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

A 37-year-old government contractor in Navi Mumbai died by suicide due to severe financial strain from unpaid bills for completed work. Opposition parties in Maharashtra have accused the state government of negligence, demanding a culpable homicide case against the administration and highlighting a pattern of such incidents among Marathi contractors.

MLA funds-for-commission: BJP MLA among 3 Raj legislators face probe

MLA funds-for-commission: BJP MLA among 3 Raj legislators face probe

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The Rajasthan government has ordered a high-level inquiry into allegations against three legislators seeking commissions for the release of MLA funds, freezing their accounts pending the investigation.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Udhayanidhi Stalin arrested for 'double-meaning' remark, released

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was arrested for an alleged 'double-meaning' remark alluding to actor Trisha, leading to widespread protests by DMK cadres and condemnation from various political leaders.

Another student suicide rocks BITS Pilani Goa campus

Another student suicide rocks BITS Pilani Goa campus

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A 26-year-old PhD student from Kerala allegedly died by suicide at his rented flat near the BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus in Vasco, marking the seventh such incident in the last one-and-a-half years.

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

An employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the management of donations at Badrinath Dham. Both the BKTC and the Uttarakhand government have launched separate investigations into the matter, which gained attention after social media allegations and a formal complaint. The government committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Maharashtra to make domicile must for driving licence from Aug 1

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Maharashtra plans new policy to make domicile certificate mandatory for driving licence from August 2026, alongside efforts to regulate bike taxi services for revenue and job creation.

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Prez gives assent to bill criminalising insult to Vande Mataram

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a bill which now provides 'Vande Mataram' with the same legal protection and status as India's national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana'.

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

When Prez Murmu surprised ex-staffer at Odisha assembly

When Prez Murmu surprised ex-staffer at Odisha assembly

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Ananta Charan Behera went to his former workplace, the Odisha assembly, on Thursday to have a glimpse of President Droupadi Murmu, but was utterly surprised when she spotted him in the crowd and called him by his name.

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that his government has no information regarding alleged post-poll violence, as claimed by the opposition TMC. He assured that action would be taken after verifying any such charges. The statement came in response to allegations raised in the West Bengal assembly by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

TN Guv stops Rahul Gandhi mention during minister's oath taking

TN Guv stops Rahul Gandhi mention during minister's oath taking

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar intervened during the swearing-in ceremony of a new minister, S Rajesh Kumar, after he deviated from the written oath by hailing party leaders. The incident occurred during the expansion of the TVK Cabinet.

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Tamil Nadu Debt Nearly Doubles to 10 Trillion in Five Years

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

A new white paper released by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government reveals that Tamil Nadu's direct debt has nearly doubled to an alarming 10 trillion in the past five years, exposing significant fiscal strain and a substantial debt burden on every citizen.

Second DMK MLA arrested for defamatory speech against Vijay

Second DMK MLA arrested for defamatory speech against Vijay

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

DMK MLA G V Markandeyan was arrested for allegedly making defamatory remarks and threatening Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, leading to strong condemnation from DMK president M K Stalin, who accused the ruling TVK of political vendetta.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

Maha mulls stringent MCOCA against TET paper leak accused

Maha mulls stringent MCOCA against TET paper leak accused

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent MCOCA law against those accused in the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) question paper leak case. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse informed the assembly that three arrests have been made, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. The government also plans to form a committee to explore online modes for conducting state-level examinations to prevent future leaks.

Kerala HC Questions Intent in Antony Raju Evidence Tampering Case

Kerala HC Questions Intent in Antony Raju Evidence Tampering Case

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

The Kerala High Court has questioned the intent of former state Transport Minister Antony Raju in a 1990 drug case involving evidence tampering, as Raju seeks suspension of his conviction to contest upcoming Assembly polls.

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Government Skips Women's Quota, Delimitation In 5-Bill Slate

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

BJP sources said the government would introduce a fresh Bill on the issue and has reached out to parties that opposed the earlier legislation.

Former Uttar Pradesh Legislator Sentenced To Life In 46-Year-Old Murder Case

Former Uttar Pradesh Legislator Sentenced To Life In 46-Year-Old Murder Case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A special MP-MLA court in Prayagraj sentenced former legislator Vijay Mishra and three others to life imprisonment in a 46-year-old murder case. The court convicted them under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict.

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Empowering Women: FICCI FLO And MLA Launch Drone Pilot Training

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

FICCI FLO and UP BJP MLA Rajeshwar Singh are collaborating to train 100 women as 'drone pilots' in Lucknow. This initiative aims to provide employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the burgeoning drone economy. The announcement was made at an event where MLA Singh also highlighted his efforts in public grievance redressal and establishing women's empowerment centres in his constituency.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Cow protection row: What Muslim members told constituent assembly in 1948

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Amid calls from sections of the Muslim community that cow should be declared a national animal, a look at the Constituent Assembly debates shows that two Muslim members had sought an unambiguous spelling out of the state's stance on cow slaughter, with one of them even calling for prohibiting it as part of fundamental rights.

Centre notifies Women's Reservation Act for J-K, other UTs

Centre notifies Women's Reservation Act for J-K, other UTs

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Centre has notified the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act 2023, providing a 33 per cent quota for women in legislatures, Jammu and Kashmir, and Union Territories, with the provisions set to come into force on April 17, 2026.

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Bengal govt can now detain suspects without trial, raze rioters' properties

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

West Bengal has enacted two controversial legislations, the Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act and the Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, aimed at curbing organised crime and violent protests. These laws grant authorities significant powers, including preventive detention without trial and property attachment for riot damages, drawing both support and criticism.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

Maha schools must teach Marathi or lose recognition: Minister

Maha schools must teach Marathi or lose recognition: Minister

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Maharashtra minister Dada Bhuse on Monday said teaching of Marathi language and conduct of examination of the subject have been legally made mandatory in schools of all mediums across the state, and those institutions that fail to comply could face cancellation of recognition.

Ramban Girl's Death Sparks Murder Allegations and Investigation

Ramban Girl's Death Sparks Murder Allegations and Investigation

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A 15-year-old girl was found dead in Ramban district, Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a police investigation and murder allegations from her family.