Democracy News - Latest Updates & Headlines
Election Commission concludes largest engagement drive with political parties, holds 4,719 meetings nationwide
New Delhi, April 1: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has concluded its largest-ever engagement drive with political parties, conducting 4,719 meetings nationwide at the levels of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) as of March 31, the apex poll body said.
EU delegation visits imprisoned Istanbul Mayor in a show of solidarity
Istanbul, March 29: The European Union delegation visited jailed Istanbul Mayor and Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu in a show of solidarity after he was arrested.
Pakistan rejects 'Democracy Act' bill by US lawmakers to sanction Pak army chief
Islamabad, March 27: The Pakistan Foreign Office (PFO) has taken a serious note of a bipartisan bill introduced by US lawmakers in the House of Representatives seeking sanctions against the country's state officials, including the Army Chief, over alleged human rights violations. Pakistan dismissed the bill on Thursday, calling it an "isolated act" and the opinion of individuals, which does not represent the bilateral relations between Islamabad and Washington.
How will democracy be protected if LoP is not allowed to speak: Congress' Harish Rawat
Haridwar, March 27: Congress leader Harish Rawat said that if the Leader of Opposition is not given a chance to speak, it raises concerns about how democracy and public interest can be protected.
Telangana: KTR slams Congress Ministers for interrupting Assembly, urges patience and restraint
Hyderabad, March 26: In a heated exchange in the Telangana Assembly on Wednesday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi working president, KT Rama Rao (KTR) urged Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to take note of repeated interruptions by Congress Ministers, emphasizing the importance of patience and restraint from the Treasury bench.
Rajasthan Assembly speaker calls upon youth to 'actively engage' in nation-building processes
Jaipur, March 26: Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, addressing the Vikas Bharat Yuva Sansad, emphasised that today's youth represent the true spirit of India. He highlighted that the nation's future rests on the strong shoulders of young citizens and stressed the importance of upholding democratic values.
Foundation of democracy built on right to speak: Priyank Kharge supports Kunal Kamra
Bengaluru, March 26: Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT, and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, voiced his support for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra.
People's support decides government in democracy: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on third-term prospects
Lucknow, March 26: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has the distinction of becoming the longest-serving CM of the state as well as one who has served two back-to-back terms, in an exclusive interview with ANI, addressed the possibility of a hat trick in the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections stating that "in a democracy government will be formed by whoever the people support."
People will change govt if you try to change Constitution, Oppn warns Mahayuti
Mumbai, March 25: The Congress Legislature Party leader, Vijay Wadettiwar, on Tuesday warned the Mahayuti government that if any attempt is made to change the Constitution, the people will change the government.”
South Korea: Nobel laureate Han Kang joins fellow writers in calling for Yoon's removal over failed martial law bid
Seoul, March 25: Writer Han Kang, the winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, was among hundreds of South Korean authors calling for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol to be removed from office over his failed martial law bid.
Where is freedom of speech?: Jaya Bachchan reacts to Kunal Kamra controversy
New Delhi, March 24: In the ongoing row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's recent remarks, several political figures, including Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Jaya Bachchan and Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, have come forward to defend Kamra's freedom of expression and criticize the actions of those who vandalized the Mumbai venue where his show was filmed.
Prez Murmu calls to end Maoism, praises exemplary traditions of Chhattisgarh Assembly
Bhopal, March 24: The silver jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly marked a historic moment with a strong call for eradicating Maoism, as leaders and dignitaries celebrated the state’s democratic journey. President Draupadi Murmu, while addressing the occasion on Monday in Raipur, highlighted unity, empowerment, and development as pivotal for shaping Chhattisgarh's future.
Chhattisgarh Assembly sets unique example of parliamentary conduct: President Murmu
Raipur, March 24: President Murmu on Monday said that the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has set a unique example of parliamentary democracy in India.
Unnecessary concerns raised, mistrust created on delimitation: RSS
Bengaluru, March 22: Commenting on the Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting in Chennai and concerns raised by various state governments across the country regarding delimitation, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said on Saturday that unnecessary concerns are being raised and mistrust is being created over the issue.
Will oppose unfair, faulty, undemocratic delimitation, says Punjab CM
Chennai, March 22: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced his state will vehemently oppose the "unfair, faulty, and undemocratic delimitation" being done by the BJP-led Union government "to muzzle the voice of the opposition parties".
Bihar's rich culture, knowledge and art enhanced prestige of India: LoP Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi, March 22: On the occasion of Bihar Diwas, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Bihar, highlighting the state's rich cultural, historical, and intellectual contributions to the prestige of India.
'Rajasthan Fighters of Democracy Honour Bill' passed in Assembly
Jaipur, March 22: The Rajasthan Fighters of Democracy Honour Bill 2024 was passed by voice vote in the Rajasthan Assembly on Friday (March 21) after an intense debate.
Will achieve fair delimitation: CM Stalin on Joint Action Committee meet
New Delhi, March 21: Tamil Nadu Chief on Friday said that fair delimitation was crucial for the state's rights and what started as Tamil Nadu's initiative has now grown into a national movement.
Opposition leaders in Maharashtra request Governor's intervention over bias in legislative proceedings
Mumbai, March 20: Opposition leaders in Maharashtra have raised concerns over what they allege is a biased approach by the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council.
Turkiye: Mass protests erupt in Istanbul after Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu's arrest
Istanbul, March 20: Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Istanbul on Thursday following the arrest of the city's Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, France 24 reported.
Opposition moves no-confidence motion against Maha Legislative Council Chairman
Mumbai, March 19: The opposition parties on Wednesday moved a no-confidence motion against the Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde accusing him of holding the proceedings of the Upper House in a biased and one-sided manner.
ECI meets with Election Commissioner of Bhutan Ugyen Chewang
New Delhi, March 18: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi met his Bhutan counterpart Ugyen Chewang in the national capital on Tuesday.
Opposition's demand for debate on PM Modi's Maha Kumbh statement contradicts Parliamentary rule
New Delhi, March 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement on the Maha Kumbh led to an uproar in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with the opposition demanding a discussion on his remarks. However, this demand is not in line with parliamentary rules, particularly Rule 372 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
Want to see India overtake China, become 'real leader' of free world: Former Australian PM
New Delhi, March 18: Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and the country's rise over the last decade, former Australian PM Tony Abbott said on Tuesday that he would like to see India overtake China as a critical supplies chain leader and also as one of the "real leaders" of the free world.
Foundation of democracy based on dialogue, consensus: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
New Delhi, March 18: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday urged Delhi MLAs to make the Delhi assembly a model legislature and said that dialogue and discussion are the basic mantras to become a good public representative.
Delhi is seen as a mini-India: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at two-day Orientation Programme for MLAs
New Delhi, March 18: Asserting that Delhi is seen as a "mini India," Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that the MLA's thoughts and views should be about the social welfare of the people of the national capital.
Goal is to develop Delhi; both ruling party, opposition necessary for development: CM Rekha Gupta
New Delhi, March 18: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday emphasised the city's development and said that both the ruling party and the opposition are necessary for its progress.
South Korea: Opposition parties to ask global legislature body to investigate Yoon's martial law bid
Seoul, March 17: Five opposition parties of South Korea decided on Monday to file a petition with a global body of legislatures to request an investigation into South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid.
Looking at PM's podcast with political lens: BJP's Praveen Khandelwal attacks opposition
New Delhi, March 17: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Praveen Khandelwal on Monday slammed the opposition, accusing them of looking at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's podcast with Lex Fridman from a "political lens" and suggested they look after themselves first.
980 million people registered to vote in 2024 general elections: PM Modi
New Delhi, March 16: Interacting with renowned podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday apprised about the efforts made by the state machinery in conducting elections and said that 980 million people registered to vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, which exceeds the entire population of North America and European countries.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath emphasises role of media in democracy at Gorakhpur Press Club
Gorakhpur, March 16: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Sunday underscored the significance of responsible journalism in a democracy, stating that presenting accurate facts to the public is crucial.
Ban on protests in Osmania University attack on democracy, says KTR
Hyderabad, March 16: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. Taraka Rama Rao has strongly condemned the Telangana Congress government’s decision to ban protests at Osmania University, calling it a direct attack on democracy.
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal defends 'One Nation, One Election' as poll reform
Jaipur, March 15: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on Saturday, defended the concept of "One Nation, One Election", addressing concerns raised by some political parties that it threatens federalism.
'One Nation, One Election' a step in democratic reform not imposition, says TN BJP chief Annamalai
Bengaluru, March 14: Tamil Nadu BJP chief and retired IPS officer Annamalai stated that implementing 'One Nation, One Election' would make regional parties think nationally and national parties consider regional interests.
Would encourage regional parties to think nationally, national parties to think regionally: Annamalai highlights benefits of One Nation, One Election
Chennai, March 14: In a detailed explanation of the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) proposal, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai outlined the significant benefits of aligning elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies on Friday.
K'taka Dy CM Shivakumar to attend meeting on March 22 in Chennai to oppose delimitation
Bengaluru, March 13: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, will attend the meeting called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K.
Hong Kong activist convicted for involvement in pro-democracy demonstrations
Hong Kong, March 13: A social worker and rights activist, Jackie Chen, was found guilty of participating in a riot during Hong Kong's 2019 pro-democracy protests, as reported by Radio Free Asia(RFA).
Parliamentary delegation from Madagascar calls on Lok Sabha Speaker
New Delhi, March 12: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday highlighted that India holds Madagascar in the highest regard as a cherished and reliable friend, as well as a steadfast partner in its journey of progress, said a statement from the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
Stalin writes to Siddaramaiah, invites him for meeting on March 22 to oppose delimitation
Bengaluru, March 12: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written a letter to his Karnataka counterpart, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, seeking his support in opposing delimitation.
JPC to seek public opinion through website on 'One Nation, One Election'
New Delhi, March 11: In a significant development, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on "One Nation, One Election" on Tuesday convened with two legal luminaries -- former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi and former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court Rajendra Menon -- delivering in-depth presentations.