News for '-association-for-democratic-reforms'

West Bengal Elections: How Many Crorepatis In Phase II?

West Bengal Elections: How Many Crorepatis In Phase II?

Rediff.com4 days ago

142 assembly seats will go to the polls on April 29 in phase 2.

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Tamil Nadu Elections?

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Tamil Nadu Elections?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly's 234 seats will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

West Bengal Elections: How Many Crorepatis In Phase I?

West Bengal Elections: How Many Crorepatis In Phase I?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Out of the 294 West Bengal Assembly seats, 152 will go to the polls in the first phase on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Kerala Polls?

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Kerala Polls?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Crorepati Candidates: Congress (61). BJP (52). CPM (52).

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A new report indicates a rise in 'red alert' constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a significant number of candidates facing criminal charges.

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Assam Elections?

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Assam Elections?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Total number of 722 candidates are in the fray for 126 seats.

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch reveals that nearly 23% of candidates in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of candidates contesting the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

SC reserves verdict on plea against Bihar electoral roll revision

SC reserves verdict on plea against Bihar electoral roll revision

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on a petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, following arguments from various lawyers and the Election Commission of India.

BJP got 10 times more donations than all other national parties in 2024-25: ADR

BJP got 10 times more donations than all other national parties in 2024-25: ADR

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in donations to national parties in India, with the BJP receiving the overwhelming majority, surpassing the combined total of all other national parties by more than tenfold.

West Bengal Election Watch: Criminal Cases Against Sitting MLAs

West Bengal Election Watch: Criminal Cases Against Sitting MLAs

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant percentage of sitting MLAs in West Bengal, where assembly polls are scheduled, have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Report Reveals High Number of West Bengal MLAs with Criminal Cases

Report Reveals High Number of West Bengal MLAs with Criminal Cases

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A new report reveals that nearly half of West Bengal's MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves, and over half are crorepatis. The report analyses the criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds of the state's legislators based on affidavits submitted during the 2021 elections.

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

'Conflict of interest': CJI recuses from hearing plea on CEC appointment

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has recused himself from hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law regarding the appointment of election commissioners, citing a potential conflict of interest.

BJP leads with Rs 6,769 cr income in FY25; Congress second at Rs 918 cr

BJP leads with Rs 6,769 cr income in FY25; Congress second at Rs 918 cr

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the BJP declared the highest income among national parties in FY 2024-25, while the Congress's income declined.

Over 100 MPs' assets grew by 110% between 2014-2024: ADR

Over 100 MPs' assets grew by 110% between 2014-2024: ADR

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 102 re-elected Members of Parliament experienced an average asset growth of over 100% between 2014 and 2024. The report highlights the MPs with the highest asset increases.

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

Bihar Polls: How Many Crorepatis In Phase 2?

Bihar Polls: How Many Crorepatis In Phase 2?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

562 Crorepatis!

Congress led propaganda spend, BJP led results in Delhi polls: ADR

Congress led propaganda spend, BJP led results in Delhi polls: ADR

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Analysis of election expenditure reports reveals Congress spent more on propaganda and social media, while BJP's overall expenses were higher in the Delhi assembly elections.

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Odisha Gives MLAs A 200% Pay Hike

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

In terms of MLA salaries, Odisha is followed by Telangana (about Rs 2.7 lakh), Maharashtra (Rs 2.6 lakh), Manipur (Rs 2.5 lakh), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 2.4 lakh).

59% of Bihar's unregistered parties skip audit, donation reports

59% of Bihar's unregistered parties skip audit, donation reports

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of registered unrecognised political parties in Bihar have not made their mandatory financial disclosures public for 2023-24.

How Many Candidates In Bihar Have Criminal Records?

How Many Candidates In Bihar Have Criminal Records?

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

33 candidates face cases of murder, 86 candidates face cases related to attempted murder, 42 candidates have cases related to crimes against women with two of them facing rape cases.

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

SC asks poll panel to respond to parties' pleas on SIR in 2 weeks

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to respond to petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The court has also asked the Madras and Calcutta High Courts to keep proceedings on similar petitions in abeyance.

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar State Legal Service Authority to assist voters excluded from the final electoral rolls in filing appeals with the Election Commission.

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Richest CMs: 931 Cr Naidu, 332 Cr Khandu

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

The CMs with lowest assets are West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with assets worth over Rs 15.38 lakh, Omar Abdullah, CM of Jammu and Kashmir, with assets worth over Rs 55.24 lakh, and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, who has assets worth Rs 1.18 crore.

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has warned that it will set aside the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar if any illegality is found. The court is reviewing the validity of the Bihar SIR and its potential impact on a similar exercise across India.

India's MLAs Richer Than 3 N-E State Budgets!

India's MLAs Richer Than 3 N-E State Budgets!

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The total assets of the country's sitting legislators amount to Rs 73,348 crore, which is more than the combined annual Budgets (2023-2024) of Nagaland (Rs 23,086 crore), Tripura (Rs 26,892 crore), and Meghalaya (Rs 22,022 crore), totaling around Rs 72,000 crore.

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the approximately 65 lakh voters removed from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, a state preparing for elections. The court's order comes in response to a petition filed by an NGO challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

Won't remove voters without notice: EC to SC on Bihar SIR

Won't remove voters without notice: EC to SC on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has assured the Supreme Court that no voter's name will be deleted from the draft electoral roll in Bihar without prior notice and a fair hearing. The EC also clarified that it is not required to share separate lists of those not included in the draft rolls.

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has stated it will intervene if there is mass exclusion in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, emphasizing the Election Commission's role as a constitutional authority.

Govt rejects demand to discuss SIR, Oppn proposes 'middle path'

Govt rejects demand to discuss SIR, Oppn proposes 'middle path'

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The government rejected the Opposition's demand for a discussion on electoral roll revision in Bihar, citing that the matter is sub judice and pending before the judiciary.

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Accept Aadhaar, voter ID: SC to poll panel on Bihar SIR

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

Underscoring the 'presumption of genuineness' of Aadhaar and voter ID, the Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar and said it would once and for all decide pleas against Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

SC to hear pleas against EC's Bihar voter list overhaul on Monday

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi is likely to take up the matter in which the EC has justified its ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, saying it adds to the purity of the election by "weeding out ineligible persons" from the electoral rolls.

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.

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Incomes of unrecognised parties grew by 223%: ADR

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The declared incomes of registered unrecognised political parties witnessed a 223 per cent spike in 2022-23 and more than 73 per cent of these parties failed to publicly disclose their financial records, according to poll rights body the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Congress followed next with Rs 620 crore or 18.5 percent of the total expenses among the 32 national and regional parties whose records were analysed, the ADR said.

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, however, questioned the timing of the exercise, besides offering its prima facie view that Aadhaar card, voter ID card and ration cards could be considered during the SIR in Bihar.

SC to hear plea for debarring candidates with serious crimes on Mar 18

SC to hear plea for debarring candidates with serious crimes on Mar 18

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on March 18 a plea seeking to debar from polls, candidates charged with serious offences. The plea, filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, seeks directions to the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to restrain such candidates put on trial for serious offences. The plea alleges that despite recommendations of the Law Commission of India and court's previous directions, the Centre and the ECI did not act. The plea also highlights the increasing number of MPs with declared serious criminal cases since 2009, with one MP declaring 204 criminal cases against him, including culpable homicide, house trespass, robbery, criminal intimidation, etc. It claims that political parties are competing with each other in a race to the bottom as they couldn't afford to leave their competitors free to recruit persons with criminal antecedents.

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking a directive for 100% manual counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in addition to electronic counting. The court cited its previous rulings on the safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and stated that the issue was not open for reconsideration. The plea argued for a modified VVPAT system where voters could verify printed ballots before leaving the polling station, and for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips. The court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision dismissing the plea, referring to previous Supreme Court judgments on the matter.

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Delhi Polls: Candidates With Assets Over Rs 5 Crore...

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Total assets of the 699 candidates are worth about Rs 3,952 crore...