All stories by Upasna Pandey
'Kejriwal has become larger than the party now, but it won't last'
Rediff.com1 Apr 2015'I think the AAP is still in transition from being a movement to a political party so there is a mix of people who form the party. So there is somewhat of a overlapping and commonality of purpose.' 'Look at the way the government and party is functioning, not a single woman minister in the cabinet, or no woman member in the political affairs committee, it is all very tactical now.' 'After the 'sting' I decided to step back. I realised that my moral basis has been questioned by Kejriwal, it is truly despicable. He is around 15 years younger to me, I was aghast by his words.' AAP 'rebel' Prof Anand Kumar speaks of what went wrong with the party in the last few days in this interview with Upasna Pandey.
Delhi street play row: 'Banning things has become popular'
Rediff.com26 Mar 2015A Delhi University college play on religious intolerance is caught up in controversy as the ABVP-run students' union runs pillar-to-post to get it banned for reported 'anti-Hindu' content. Watch it once at least before forming an opinion -- that's all that play director Guneet Singh has to say.
Meet the litigant whose PIL struck down Sec 66A
Rediff.com24 Mar 2015'I am ecstatic as I believe this is not my victory but it is a win for the people of the country who have a right to freely express themselves. It is the victory for everyone who uses the internet and social media.' 'I think the internet is all about self regulation, and as long it is about people expressing themselves and not causing any criminal harm to anyone, it should be allowed.' Shreya Singhal, whose PIL resulted in Section 66A of the IT Act being struck down by the Supreme Court, speaks to Upasna Pandey.
'Don't accept the stereotype of being the weaker sex'
Rediff.com11 Mar 2015Winners of the Stree Shakti Puruskars share their stories on how they are empowering women. Upasna Pandey/Rediff.com reports
Has CM Mufti emboldened separatists in J&K?
Rediff.com3 Mar 2015Not everyone in Jammu and Kashmir is optimistic about the alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and Bhartaiya Janata Party. Upasna Pandey/Rediff.com spoke to Kashmiri pandit organisations to find out how they view the new coalition politics in the valley.
'Won't ask our children to pursue a research career in India'
Rediff.com3 Mar 2015Research scholars took to the streets against the Union government's neglect towards raising the fellowship amount
'Our biggest challenge is to develop alternate model for politics'
Rediff.com18 Feb 2015In an exclusive chat with Rediff.com, AAP leader Ashutosh says the biggest challenge for the party would be to "develop a model for alternate politics"
'AAP used guerrilla and ambush techniques against me'
Rediff.com13 Feb 2015AAP's campaign against me was unethical and false, says Kiran Bedi
'Delhi election won't be a cakewalk for any party'
Rediff.com5 Feb 2015The Delhi BJP leadership believes that they can prove the pollsters wrong.
Will it be AAP or BJP? What does youngistaan have to say
Rediff.com5 Feb 2015Upasna Pandey goes out on the streets to gauge the mood ahead of the polls
Battle for Delhi is as tough online as it is on the ground
Rediff.com30 Jan 2015Social media teams of the Aam Aadmi Party, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are trying to engage with the voter on Facebook, twitter and Whatsapp as they try to set the agenda in the online space. Upasna Pandey/Rediff.com reports.
Meet the young 'uns who risked their lives for others
Rediff.com29 Jan 2015Meet the proud recipients of the National Bravery Awards 2014.
Why some in the Army are upset with their chief
Rediff.com29 Jan 2015Some officers in the Army have written to the Controller of Defence Accounts, stating that no deductions be made in their salary without their instructions. Upasna Pandey/Rediff.com reports
So how do those without big pockets contest polls?
Rediff.com23 Jan 2015With help from family members and pension amounts, some Delhi electoral hopefuls are managing to stay afloat financially in the battle for ballots. Their sole prayer -- let there not be another hung assembly. Rediff.com contributor Upasna Pandey reports.
'If the Modi magic is working, why does BJP need Kiran Bedi?'
Rediff.com19 Jan 2015The Bharatiya Janata Party is merely replicating our agenda, which show the bankruptcy of ideas, credibility and leadership in the party, Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashutosh tells Rediff.com's Upasna Pandey.
'The PM must react now to protect India's secular credentials'
Rediff.com16 Jan 2015'The prime minister spoke of inclusive growth and being representative of the aspirations of 125 crore people of this country but clearly, he is not being allowed to play that role,' All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Kamal Faruqui tells rediff.com's Upasna Pandey.
Women's Safety Guide: 'Better to be paranoid than careless'
Rediff.com11 Dec 2014'The 5 to 10 minutes drive on a deserted stretch was enough to give me goosebumps; I resolved not to commit myself to any such engagements which would require me to travel alone at night in cabs.'
A women's guide: Staying safe in Delhi after dark
Rediff.com9 Dec 2014'Once you book a cab a woman needs to get into high alert mode till the time she reaches her destination.'
'It is great to focus on the PM's personality and vision, but...'
Rediff.com18 Nov 2014'We cannot ignore the role of public institutions in driving development... I don't see much focus on institutional renewal.'
'Why is govt delaying relief for families of anti-Sikh riot victims?'
Rediff.com17 Nov 2014As Delhi gears up for assembly polls, Upasna Pandey speaks to Aam Aadmi Party leader HS Phoolka about the Modi factor, the issues on which the Sikh electorate and why the AAP is likely to return to power.