News for 'uttar pradesh politics'

Man threatens terror attack during Maha Kumbh on X

Man threatens terror attack during Maha Kumbh on X

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A police case was filed here on Tuesday after a video turned up on X showing a person making threats to spread terror during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, an officer said.

Denied Sambhal visit, Rahul meets victims' kin in Delhi

Denied Sambhal visit, Rahul meets victims' kin in Delhi

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with the families of victims of violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and offered them all possible help to ensure justice. The incident in Sambhal, which resulted in four deaths, occurred during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque on November 24. The Congress blamed the violence on the BJP's hate politics, while the Uttar Pradesh government had earlier denied permission for Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi to visit the victims' families.

UP Bypolls: Litmus Test For Yogi

UP Bypolls: Litmus Test For Yogi

Rediff.com9 Sep 2024

For Adityanath, it's not just a chance to reaffirm his dominance in Uttar Pradesh, it's an opportunity to solidify his narrative as a vote-winner.

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Tax officer who arrested Kejriwal, Soren resigns

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Kapil Raj, a former Enforcement Directorate (ED) officer who supervised the arrests of two chief ministers under the anti-money laundering law, has resigned from government service after serving for about 16 years, citing personal reasons.

Ahead of Maha poll, Yogi's 'Batenge toh katenge' posters in Mumbai

Ahead of Maha poll, Yogi's 'Batenge toh katenge' posters in Mumbai

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had in August made a strong pitch for national unity as he cited the turmoil in Bangladesh to warn against the consequences of divisions in society.

V K Malhotra: Professor, Politician, Gentleman

V K Malhotra: Professor, Politician, Gentleman

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

In seniority in the BJP leadership team, V K Malhotra, who passed into the ages this week, was next only to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Nanaji Deshmukh, notes Sudhir Bisht.

Why BJP Plans To Drop 2 Dozen Bihar MLAs

Why BJP Plans To Drop 2 Dozen Bihar MLAs

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Winnability to be paramount in selection of candidates, followed by clean public image and proven loyalty to the BJP.

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Adityanath slams celebrating Salar Masood over Suheldev

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

"I had said on the soil of Bahraich that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and that the national heroes must be honoured. And 1,000 years ago, such a tale of courage and bravery was written by Maharaja Suheldev on this very soil of Bahraich," Adityanath said.

Delhi polls: EC bans exit polls on February 5 till...

Delhi polls: EC bans exit polls on February 5 till...

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The Election Commission has issued a notification banning the conduct, publication or publicising of exit polls between 7.00 am to 6.30 pm on February 5 (Wednesday) when votes will be cast for the Delhi assembly and two bypolls in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Jobs will come only when...: Akhilesh on UPPSC exam row

Jobs will come only when...: Akhilesh on UPPSC exam row

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

"If the BJP had governed with the same intensity with which it is running the bulldozer of injustice, today its members wouldn't have to hide in their homes, fearing the anger of students," he said.

ED conducts multi-state raids in Bihar constable recruitment 'scam'

ED conducts multi-state raids in Bihar constable recruitment 'scam'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The agency seized documents like answer sheets, OMR codes, hand-written notes related to IDs and names of candidates apart from their education certificates, the sources said.

People buried politics of caste, religion: Yogi after UP win

People buried politics of caste, religion: Yogi after UP win

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

Addressing party workers at the state headquarters after the poll results and trends showed a clear BJP majority, he said the 'misleading' campaign run by the Opposition over the past 2-3 days have been set aside by the people who reposed faith in the good governance of the BJP.

'Sushasan Babu' Nitish Under Fire Over Rise In Crime

'Sushasan Babu' Nitish Under Fire Over Rise In Crime

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Ahead of the impending assembly polls, the rising crime graph and poor law and order situation have led to demands being revived to adopt UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's 'bulldozer' and police encounter policy in Bihar to deal with criminals.

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam has sparked a controversy over the celebration of Holi at Aligarh Muslim University, declaring that "no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus". The controversy erupted after members of right wing Hindu groups accused the AMU administration of denying permission to the Hindu students to organise a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. Gautam has extended his support to Hindu students, saying, "If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, then I am there to help him."

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 63.

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

How Educated Are Your MLAs?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Association for Democratic33 per cent of 4,092 sitting MLAs were non-graduates.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

BJP's Rudy wins Constitution Club poll with INDIA backing

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Rajiv Pratap Rudy secured another term as Secretary (Administration) of the Constitution Club of India, defeating Sanjeev Balyan in a closely watched election that saw participation from prominent political figures.

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Maha Kumbh as a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Death Kumbh), accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of suppressing the actual toll in the stampede that occurred at the religious gathering. Banerjee also criticized the lack of planning and management at the event, highlighting the plight of Bengal residents who died in the stampede. The BJP, however, has condemned Banerjee's remarks, calling her an "anti-Hindu chief minister" and accusing her of political opportunism.

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

SC censures Rahul Gandhi's 'irresponsible' remark on Savarkar

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India reprimanded Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, calling them "irresponsible." The court stayed criminal proceedings against Gandhi in a case filed in Uttar Pradesh for his comments but warned him against making such statements in the future. The court also asked Gandhi's lawyer if he was aware that even Mahatma Gandhi used terms like "your faithful servant" in his communications with the British.

5 Attempts, 1 Dream: Meet UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey

5 Attempts, 1 Dream: Meet UPSC Topper Shakti Dubey

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A biochemistry postgrad with a passion for poetry and science, Prayagraj's Shakti Dubey credits her family, teachers and her sheer persistence for her success.

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh is on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaz, prompting authorities to implement additional security measures in the state, including enhanced patrolling, surveillance drones, and strict monitoring of social media. The decision follows controversial remarks made by some politicians and a police officer, raising concerns about potential incidents in mixed population localities. The administration has also decided to cover mosques to prevent them from being stained with colors, while several mosques have shifted the timing of Friday prayers.

Mayawati sacks nephew, rules out naming successor in her lifetime

Mayawati sacks nephew, rules out naming successor in her lifetime

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

BSP chief Mayawati removed her nephew Akash Anand from all party posts and said that she will not name her successor till she is alive. In a slew of other significant changes in the BSP leadership announced at a high-level meeting of the party's office-bearers from across the country, Mayawati appointed her brother Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as national coordinators. Mayawati also criticized the budgets of both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments, saying they were "unrealistic" and detached from ground realities.

INDIA bloc names Tejashwi as CM face, Sahni as deputy

INDIA bloc names Tejashwi as CM face, Sahni as deputy

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The opposition INDIA bloc has declared RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Will UP bypoll results heal BJP's Lok Sabha wounds?

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

While the results of the bypolls will not directly impact the composition of the 403-member state Assembly, the contest is being seen as a prestige fight between the BJP and opposition parties.

Bypolls in 15 assembly seats across 4 states on Wednesday

Bypolls in 15 assembly seats across 4 states on Wednesday

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Bypolls will be held on Wednesday in 15 assembly seats spread across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttarakhand. The bypolls, however, will not have any direct impact on the respective legislative assemblies. The results will be declared on November 23. In Uttar Pradesh, polling will be held in Katehari, Karhal, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur and Kundarki. Ninety candidates are in the fray in these seats with the maximum of 14 in Ghaziabad. This will be the first electoral test of the INDIA bloc as well as the NDA in the politically-crucial state after the Lok Sabha elections. In Punjab, bypolls will be held in four assembly seats - Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala. The bypolls were necessitated after MLAs representing them were elected to the Lok Sabha. Polling will also be held for the Palakkad seat in Kerala and Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

An analysis of the upcoming Bihar elections, focusing on the key players, alliances, and issues that will shape the outcome. The article examines the strength of the ruling NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar and the challenge posed by the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, as well as the potential impact of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party.

38, including children, killed in stampede at Vijay's rally

38, including children, killed in stampede at Vijay's rally

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Thirty-six people, including eight children, 16 women died in a stampede at the actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur on Saturday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Tension in UP's Fatehpur as Hindu groups claim mausoleum was temple

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Members of Hindu right-wing outfits allegedly created ruckus at a mausoleum in Fatehpur district in Uttar Pradesh, demanding permission to offer prayers and claiming a temple had previously existed at the site. The incident has led to heightened security and political reactions.

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world's largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days, with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite a stampede that killed at least 30 people, millions continued to visit the Kumbh, seeking salvation through the ritual bath. The event saw a mix of faith, tradition, and technology, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Why Educated Muslim Youth Join Terror Modules

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman.

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

India tightens border security after Nepal unrest

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A high alert has been sounded in Uttar Pradesh's seven districts bordering Nepal. The districts are Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit.

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.

SC rejects criminalisation of politics plea against heads of parties

SC rejects criminalisation of politics plea against heads of parties

Rediff.com5 Aug 2022

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against heads of political parties for not following its directions to prevent criminalisation of politics in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls held earlier this year.

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Dussehra marks the day the holy river Ganga descended to Earth from Lord Shiva's locks, moved by King Bhagirath's penance. The day is considered highly auspicious and symbolises virtue, penance, and the collective well-being of humanity.

Political parties, not farmers, behind Lakhimpur violence: BKS

Political parties, not farmers, behind Lakhimpur violence: BKS

Rediff.com4 Oct 2021

Eight people were killed -- four farmers allegedly run over and four people in a convoy of BJP workers who were lynched -- on Sunday as violence erupted during a farmers' protest in Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh.

'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.'

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Will Mukesh Sahni Quit Mahagathbandhan To Join NDA?

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'If the Mahagathbandhan ignores Mukesh Sahni's demands as it did in 2020, he will be left with no option but to join hands with the BJP.'