News for 'vika'

Maha polls: Cong to persuade rebels to withdraw nominations

Maha polls: Cong to persuade rebels to withdraw nominations

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday said the Maharashtra party leadership has been asked to ensure all rebels withdraw nominations and asserted there will be no friendly fights among the Maha Vikas Aghadi allies in the state assembly polls.

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Sarpanch murder: Walmik, two aides seen with suspended cop in video

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

A video clip of three accused in an extortion case linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, walking together has emerged on social media. The video also shows a suspended police officer in the group accompanying the accused. The video has sparked controversy and raised questions about the involvement of the police in the case. BJP MLA Suresh Dhas has demanded that the suspended police officer be named as a co-accused in the case and that action be taken against other police officers who have been accused of wrongdoing.

Meet Uddhav's Muslim Mavalas

Meet Uddhav's Muslim Mavalas

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

'If there is Sabka Saath, then why are you only talking about Hindu-Muslim?'

Eknath Shinde elected as Shiv Sena legislature party leader

Eknath Shinde elected as Shiv Sena legislature party leader

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was on Sunday night elected as the leader of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party.

Apologise or face protests: BJP's Shelar to Rahul Gandhi

Apologise or face protests: BJP's Shelar to Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party chief Ashish Shelar attacked the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi ahead of his upcoming visit to Maharashtra and sought an apology for his remarks on 'reservation ' and 'Veer Savarkar'.

SC questions how convicted people can return to Parl, legislature

SC questions how convicted people can return to Parl, legislature

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

The Supreme Court of India expressed concern about the "criminalization of politics" and questioned how convicted individuals can return to Parliament. The court sought the assistance of the attorney general on this issue, highlighting the apparent conflict of interest and the need for clarity on the Representation of People Act's provisions. The court also raised concerns about the slow pace of trials against lawmakers, with a significant number of cases pending. The issue has been referred to a larger bench for consideration.

BJP's Shaina, ex-minister Danve's daughter in Shinde Sena's third list

BJP's Shaina, ex-minister Danve's daughter in Shinde Sena's third list

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, announced the latest list which also has the name of Sanjana Jadhav, daughter of former Union minister and BJP leader Raosaheb Danve.

We too should have committed cadre like RSS: Pawar

We too should have committed cadre like RSS: Pawar

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has praised the RSS for its dedicated cadre and urged his party to create a similar base committed to progressive ideas. He attributed the NCP's recent electoral setbacks to complacency and a failure to communicate its work for the OBC community. Pawar also emphasized the need for social engineering to address caste tensions and announced that 50% of the tickets for upcoming local body elections will be given to new faces.

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Budget 2025: More credit for farmers, 6 new schemes announced

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

In a significant policy shift aimed at boosting agri-productivity and rural prosperity, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced six new agricultural schemes while increasing the subsidised Kisan Credit Card loan limit to Rs 5 lakh from the existing Rs 3 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers.

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Modi pat for Sitharaman: 'People's Budget, force multiplier'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the Union Budget as a "people's budget" that fulfills the dreams of every Indian and said that it is a "force-multiplier" that will boost consumption, investment and growth. He highlighted a host of measures for different sectors, including welfare initiatives for gig workers, tax relief for the middle class, and support for the manufacturing sector.

Is Uddhav leaving MVA after poll debacle? Raut says...

Is Uddhav leaving MVA after poll debacle? Raut says...

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'Karyakartas felt we should have fought independently'

MVA manifesto promises period leaves, free cervical cancer vaccine

MVA manifesto promises period leaves, free cervical cancer vaccine

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi on Sunday released its manifesto for the Maharashtra assembly polls, promising free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 and and two optional leave days for women employees during menstruation.

Major Manjit, martyred Naik Khan of RR awarded Kirti Chakra

Major Manjit, martyred Naik Khan of RR awarded Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

President Droupadi Murmu has approved gallantry awards to 93 armed forces personnel, including two Kirti Chakras and 14 Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of Republic Day. The Kirti Chakras, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award, have been awarded to Major Manjit from 22 Rashtriya Rifles and posthumously to Naik Dilwar Khan, 28 Rashtriya Rifles. The president also approved 305 defense decorations to Armed Forces and other personnel.

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality in Muzaffarnagar, was reopened on Monday after being closed for over 30 years. The temple, built in 1971, was shut down during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992. The reopening ceremony was conducted peacefully with a 'havan' and local Muslims showering flowers on a procession of Hindu activists. The event was marked by a display of harmony, highlighting the importance of religious tolerance and understanding.

Sharad Pawar speaks on MVA loss and retirement plan

Sharad Pawar speaks on MVA loss and retirement plan

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar chief Sharad Pawar on Sunday said the Ladki Bahin scheme, women's participation in voting in large numbers, and religious polarisation may have played a role in Mahayuti's victory in Maharashtra assembly polls.

Defeated MVA candidates to seek EVM-VVPAT verification

Defeated MVA candidates to seek EVM-VVPAT verification

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Candidates from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) opposition alliance in Maharashtra have decided to seek verification of the EVM-Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) units in their segments, following their defeat in the recent assembly polls. The move comes after several losing candidates, including those from the Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) might have been tampered with. The MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP, lost to the Mahayuti coalition, which includes the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP. The MVA candidates are seeking verification based on a Supreme Court ruling that allows for checking the burnt memory/microcontroller in 5% of EVMs after the announcement of results.

Sensex, Nifty end flat in highly volatile trade

Sensex, Nifty end flat in highly volatile trade

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Zomato surged over 7 per cent. Maruti, ITC Hotels, ITC, Mahindra & Mahindra, Asian Paints, Titan and IndusInd Bank were among the biggest gainers. Power Grid, Larsen & Toubro, NTPC, UltraTech Cement, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys and Adani Ports were among the laggards.

Raut hints at Uddhav's Sena going solo in BMC poll

Raut hints at Uddhav's Sena going solo in BMC poll

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

'Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders (about whether to go solo) for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo'

Maha alliances struggle to strike seat deals as polls near

Maha alliances struggle to strike seat deals as polls near

Rediff.com26 Oct 2024

Maha Vikas Aghadi constituents -- the Congress, the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar -- are still struggling to resolve internal differences over certain seats and fix an agreeable formula for the assembly polls even though the deadline for filing nominations is closing on October 29.

Will introspect and rebuild the party: Supriya Sule

Will introspect and rebuild the party: Supriya Sule

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar working president Supriya Sule has said her party, which won just 10 seats in the Maharashtra assembly elections, will introspect over the poll results and pledged to work towards a capable, inclusive and progressive state.

Maha Guv's indecision on MLC recommendations 'disturbing': HC

Maha Guv's indecision on MLC recommendations 'disturbing': HC

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The indecision of the then Maharashtra governor on the state government's recommendation to appoint 12 persons as MLCs is 'quite disturbing', the Bombay high court has said.

Shami to be rested ahead of Bengal's Vijay Hazare Trophy opener

Shami to be rested ahead of Bengal's Vijay Hazare Trophy opener

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Veteran India pacer Mohammad Shami will be rested for Bengal's Vijay Hazare Trophy opener against Delhi on Saturday in Hyderabad, the Cricket Association of Bengal announced on Thursday.

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

You will be CM one day, Fadnavis tells Ajit Pawar in Maha assembly

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that he, his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, will work in shifts to ensure round-the-clock governance. Fadnavis will work from 12 noon to midnight, Ajit Pawar, known for his early rising habits, will be on duty in the morning, and Shinde, known for his late-night work ethic, will handle the night shift. This arrangement comes after Ajit Pawar's controversial return to the BJP-led government following a split from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). The NCP, under Sharad Pawar's leadership, is now a part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance with the Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT). The recent assembly elections saw the Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP faction, securing a comfortable majority.

Cash-for-vote: BJP's Tawde, party candidate booked on eve of Maha polls

Cash-for-vote: BJP's Tawde, party candidate booked on eve of Maha polls

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Police in Maharashtra have registered two FIRs against BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde, party candidate Rajan Naik and others for allegedly distributing cash to voters at a hotel in Palghar ahead of the state assembly elections. A separate FIR was also registered against BJP and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi functionaries for allegedly attempting to hold a press conference, violating election code of conduct. The incidents occurred on the eve of the Maharashtra assembly polls, with allegations of cash distribution and attempts to influence voters.

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Cong sends Gehlot, Baghel to Maharashtra ahead of results

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

A day before the assembly poll results, the Congress on Friday appointed observers for Maharashtra and Jharkhand to oversee the post-election scenarios.

MVA parties reach consensus on 270 seats, talks still on

MVA parties reach consensus on 270 seats, talks still on

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

The Maha Vikas Aghadi of the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, and the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Wednesday announced to contest 85 seats each in Maharashtra assembly elections even as deliberations to seal a final seat-sharing pact are still underway.

Never called for dissolving INDIA bloc or MVA: Sanjay Raut

Never called for dissolving INDIA bloc or MVA: Sanjay Raut

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has stated that his party wants to go solo in the upcoming local body elections to strengthen its base. This statement has raised questions about the unity of the opposition INDIA bloc and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). Raut clarified that the party has not called for the dissolution of either bloc and that the local body elections are an opportunity to empower party workers at the grassroots level. He also criticized Congress leaders for reacting to his comments without hearing the full context.

Stalemate ends, MVA likely to announce seat-sharing deal today

Stalemate ends, MVA likely to announce seat-sharing deal today

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Top leaders of the Opposition's Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance met in Mumbai late Tuesday night with indications that the seat-sharing arrangement for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections has been finalised.

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Jailed MP Engineer seeks custody parole to attend Parl; HC reserves order

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a plea by jailed MP Rashid Engineer, facing trial in a terror funding case, seeking custody parole to attend the ongoing Parliament session. Engineer, a Baramulla MP, was opposed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) who argued that he has no vested right to attend Parliament and there were security concerns. The court said though there might not be a vested right to attend the session, it could exercise its discretion. The NIA also argued that Rashid misused the telephone facility in Tihar jail and that allowing him to attend the session would be a security risk.

Battle for Maharashtra, Jharkhand: THE VERDICT

Battle for Maharashtra, Jharkhand: THE VERDICT

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti coloured Maharashtra a vivid saffron on Saturday as it swept aside the Maha Vikas Aghadi for a landslide win while the opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) retained Jharkhand, voters in both states giving the parties in power an emphatic thumbs up.

Cong wants separate Constitution in Kashmir: Modi

Cong wants separate Constitution in Kashmir: Modi

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress and its allies of plotting to have a separate Constitution for Kashmir and working to restore Article 370. Addressing a rally in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, Modi claimed the Congress is speaking the language of Pakistan and that every Indian wants only Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution in Kashmir. He also highlighted the BJP's fulfillment of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray's wish by renaming Aurangabad as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, emphasizing the Congress's opposition to the decision. Modi further contrasted the BJP's focus on national pride and development with the Congress's alleged support for Aurangzeb. He pointed out the BJP's achievements in granting classical language status to Marathi and attracting maximum FDI in Maharashtra after forming the Mahayuti government.

Sena pushes for 100 seats amid MVA seat-sharing tussle

Sena pushes for 100 seats amid MVA seat-sharing tussle

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

"There can be an exchange of seats," Raut on Thursday said, stressing merit and winnability will be the key factors in selecting a candidate.

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

'I Felt Enough Is Enough And Quit The BJP'

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'All senior Muslim leaders of the BJP are left behind.' 'Doodh mein se makhi jaisey nikaal dete hain.'

Amfi stock reclassification: Largecap cutoff likely to touch Rs 1 trn

Amfi stock reclassification: Largecap cutoff likely to touch Rs 1 trn

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

The market capitalisation (mcap) cutoff to qualify for mutual funds' (MFs') largecap universe is likely to go up for the fifth consecutive time to touch the Rs 1 trillion mark for the first time. A fresh list of largecap, midcap, and smallcap stocks is set to be released by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (Amfi) in the first week of January.

What you will see in Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path

What you will see in Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

India will display its military prowess and cultural heritage at the 76th Republic Day celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The parade will feature 16 tableaux from states and Union Territories, 15 from central ministries, and a tri-services tableau showcasing the spirit of "jointness" among the armed forces. The event will also include a flypast featuring 40 IAF aircraft and three Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft, as well as a display of cutting-edge defense platforms including BrahMos, Pinaka and Akash.

Saffron sweep in Maharashtra; Fadnavis poised to return as CM

Saffron sweep in Maharashtra; Fadnavis poised to return as CM

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance on Saturday retained power in Maharashtra, pocketing a whopping 230 of the 288 assembly seats, as the Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi's dream of wresting power fizzled, with the opposition combine managing to garner just 50 seats.

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

The 'Alien' Who's Made A Tiger Film

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

'I am fascinated by the lurking presence of the tiger.'

Fadnavis govt sails through Maha trust vote

Fadnavis govt sails through Maha trust vote

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

The Devendra Fadnavis-led ministry in Maharashtra has successfully passed a trust vote in the state assembly, securing a commanding majority of 230 seats in the 288-member house. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP 'Mahayuti' coalition, with a majority mark of 144, had a comfortable win with the support of smaller parties and independent MLAs. The trust motion was tabled by Shiv Sena MLA Uday Samant and others, and was passed by a voice vote. The 15th legislative assembly began its tenure on December 7, and the floor test was considered a mere formality. Fadnavis was sworn in as the chief minister for the third time on December 5, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as deputy chief ministers.

Doubting EVMs, Solapur villagers to hold 'repoll' with ballots

Doubting EVMs, Solapur villagers to hold 'repoll' with ballots

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

Residents of a village in Maharashtra's Solapur district on Monday said they have planned a 'repoll' using ballots as the results of the recently-concluded assembly polls were 'doubtful' due to the presence of electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Ajit and family turn up at Sharad Pawar's birthday celebrations

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

Nationalist Congress Party-SP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday turned 84 and celebrated his birthday with members of his family and well-wishers, including estranged nephew and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.