News for 'union ministers'

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state.

8 Union ministers, 2 ex-CMs, in fray in first phase of LS polls

8 Union ministers, 2 ex-CMs, in fray in first phase of LS polls

Rediff.com17 Apr 2024

Eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and one ex-governor are among those who are set to test their electoral fate in the first phase of elections on April 19 when 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Modi calls for action to protect citizens from West Asia conflict impact

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Committee on Security to address the impact of the West Asia conflict on Indian citizens, focusing on safeguarding them from the conflict's effects and ensuring the smooth flow of essential supplies.

Lakhimpur violence: Union minister's son gets bail

Lakhimpur violence: Union minister's son gets bail

Rediff.com10 Feb 2022

On October 3 last year, eight people were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri during violence that erupted when farmers were protesting against Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's visit to the area.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Chennithala Accuses BJP of Trying to Intimidate Kerala Church Leaders

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

'Make Kharge Karnataka to CM to end leadership tussle'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the Congress party would welcome Mallikarjun Kharge as the chief minister of the state, amid speculation about leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Institutional Neglect

Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Institutional Neglect

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that her leadership has led to the weakening of the state's institutions. The remarks follow Banerjee's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on Jadavpur University.

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

AI171 crash: Govt refutes media report blaming pilots

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol refutes a foreign media report regarding the Air India AI171 plane crash investigation, emphasizing that the probe is ongoing and trusting Indian agencies.

Education Ministry To Prioritise AI Training For Teachers

Education Ministry To Prioritise AI Training For Teachers

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Education Ministry will focus on training teachers in the use of Artificial Intelligence tools over the next three to four months to support classroom teaching, lesson planning and student assessment, a senior official said.

Who Will Be Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers?

Who Will Be Bihar's Deputy Chief Ministers?

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The National Democratic Alliance is busy with government formation in Bihar after its historic victory, and plans to distribute ministerial portfolios using the same formula as ticket allocation. Nitish Kumar will stay on as chief minister, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are likely to get one deputy chief minister each.

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Senior BJP leader Balbir Punj passes away at 76

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Balbir Punj, a former Rajya Sabha MP, journalist, and BJP leader, has died at the age of 76. Tributes have poured in from prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, recognising his contributions to the party and the world of media.

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Oppn to boycott RS deputy chairman election as mark of protest

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The opposition parties in India have announced a boycott of the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman election, citing the Modi government's failure to appoint a deputy speaker in the Lok Sabha for seven years and lack of consultation.

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

Fuel Crisis: Will There Be a Lockdown? Govt Says...

Fuel Crisis: Will There Be a Lockdown? Govt Says...

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Calling such reports baseless, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said there was no such move under consideration.

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

India Introduces AI Curriculum for Classes 3-8: What It Means for Students

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched an artificial intelligence and computational thinking curriculum for classes 3 to 8, aiming to integrate structured AI education into the school system.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

CAA will be implemented within 7 days: Union minister

CAA will be implemented within 7 days: Union minister

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

The CAA, enacted by the BJP-led government at the Centre in 2019, aims at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted non-Muslim migrants, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who entered India before December 31, 2014.

TMC Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Malda Unrest, Denounces Modi's Claims on Women's Safety

TMC Accuses BJP of Orchestrating Malda Unrest, Denounces Modi's Claims on Women's Safety

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The TMC has accused the BJP of instigating unrest in Malda, West Bengal, and criticised Prime Minister Modi for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding women's safety in the state. The BJP denies the allegations, asserting that the TMC is responsible for lawlessness.

Mahatma Gandhi was 'quite a complicated being': Union minister

Mahatma Gandhi was 'quite a complicated being': Union minister

Rediff.com19 Oct 2023

Puri said that Gandhi's "initial life" in the UK, his education prepared him for an "English-style barrister".

Biotechnology Facility Foundation Laid in Thiruvananthapuram

Biotechnology Facility Foundation Laid in Thiruvananthapuram

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated a new biotechnology facility and dedicated a national facility for recombinant cells and sensors at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in Thiruvananthapuram, highlighting India's focus on biotechnology and its potential for economic growth.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a surprising and strong showing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in nearly 100 constituencies and leaving established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK trailing.

BJP Stages Protest in Amritsar, Demands CBI Probe into Warehousing Official's Suicide

BJP Stages Protest in Amritsar, Demands CBI Probe into Warehousing Official's Suicide

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Punjab BJP staged a protest in Amritsar against the AAP government, demanding a CBI probe into the suicide of a warehousing corporation official and justice for his family.

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an Independent MLA backed by the UDF, has criticised Left leaders for targeting him over his late brother Bhuvaneswaran, considered a party martyr. Sudhakaran claims the CPI(M) lost votes by politicising Bhuvaneswaran's memory during the election campaign.

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where an Odisha tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank. Patnaik seeks accountability for the incident, which has sparked public outrage.

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

West Asia Conflict Deepens India's Economic Challenges

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Even if there is an early agreement on a cessation of hostilities in West Asia, the price shock will not go away easily, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The TMC has challenged the BJP to win the Falta assembly seat in West Bengal, where a re-election has been ordered due to electoral offences. The TMC has dared the BJP to deploy its full resources, including top leaders and central forces, while expressing confidence in the electorate's support.

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Harivansh poised for re-election as RS deputy Chairman amid Oppn boycott

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Harivansh is likely to be elected as the Rajya Sabha deputy chairman for a third term as the opposition has decided to boycott the election in protest.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

BJP Leader Giriraj Singh Slams Mamata Banerjee's 'Muslim Appeasement' Politics in West Bengal

BJP Leader Giriraj Singh Slams Mamata Banerjee's 'Muslim Appeasement' Politics in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of appeasing Muslims and protecting infiltrators, while the BJP promises to bring 'Ram Rajya' to the state if elected.

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

'Indians Are Not Buying Too Much Of Gold'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

'Even last year, when India bought gold, the physical quantity was much less than the previous years.'

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

'Give all your tickets to Muslim women': Shah vs Akhilesh in Parl

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Shah has firmly stated that providing reservation to Muslims based on religion is unconstitutional, while also confirming that a caste census will proceed alongside the population enumeration.

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Why Mamata Banerjee Opposes The Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party, the TMC, will fight this move at every step.

BJP names four Union ministers, 14 MPs in three state polls

BJP names four Union ministers, 14 MPs in three state polls

Rediff.com9 Oct 2023

The BJP has fielded 18 MPs, including four Union ministers, for the latest round of assembly polls so far -- seven each in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and four in Chhattisgarh.

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha is set to expand to 815 seats, with 272 seats reserved for women, according to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The move aims to implement the women's quota without disadvantaging men or any state. The proposed legislations also include provisions for reservation for women from SC and ST categories within the women's quota.

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

From troll target to TDP's future: Lokesh's long march

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Nara Lokesh, once heavily criticised, has risen to become the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), marking a significant generational transition within the party.