News for '-election-commission'

SIR Phase 2: 6.5 cr voters dropped from draft rolls of 12 states

SIR Phase 2: 6.5 cr voters dropped from draft rolls of 12 states

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission removed 6.5 crore electors from the draft electoral rolls of nine states and three Union territories as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The removals are due to voters being absent, shifted, deceased, or duplicates.

AI Cameras: RCB's Proposal To Keep IPL In Bengaluru

AI Cameras: RCB's Proposal To Keep IPL In Bengaluru

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

IPL champions RCB have proposed the installation of 300-350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue and offered to bear the estimated cost of Rs 4.50 crore for this crowd management initiative.

'BLO visited 3 times': Ex-Navy chief asked to prove identity under SIR

'BLO visited 3 times': Ex-Navy chief asked to prove identity under SIR

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Admiral Prakash, who has been settled in Goa since his retirement, said SIR forms should be revised if they are not "evoking" the required information.

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'I don't want to be called a new Indian voter when I am an old Indian voter.'

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) clarified that Nobel laureate Amartya Sen is not required to appear for a hearing regarding discrepancies in the spelling of his name in the voter list. The correction will be handled administratively. The EC also issued instructions to ensure timely delivery of notices related to voter list discrepancies.

Vote chori is biggest anti-national act, Rahul tells BJP

Vote chori is biggest anti-national act, Rahul tells BJP

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the BJP of 'vote chori' in collusion with the Election Commission, calling it an anti-national act. He raised concerns about election reforms and institutional capture.

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the Maharashtra government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme in advance, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal elections. The decision follows complaints about the timing of the release, coinciding with upcoming municipal elections.

I know you won't...: Mamata in 3rd letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

I know you won't...: Mamata in 3rd letter to CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

In her third letter to Kumar since the SIR began, Banerjee accused the Election Commission of political bias, insensitivity, and high-handedness during the exercise.

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Since 2004, 12 states have added 160 million people to their rolls.

'Vague Allegations Against Election Commission Unfair'

'Vague Allegations Against Election Commission Unfair'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'To attribute motives to the individual election commissioner or the Election Commission as a group is very unfair.'

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Will Nitin Nabin Really Be Modi's 'Boss'?

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Given Modi's track record from the time he became Gujarat chief minister in October 2001, it is highly improbable that Nabin will get opportunities to display his individual capacity. Even the team of organisational leaders that he will 'appoint' in a few weeks or months, will unlikely to be his choice, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A Trinamool Congress councillor in West Bengal protested being listed as deceased in the draft electoral rolls by walking into a crematorium, highlighting concerns about voter list accuracy ahead of state elections.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

BJP-led Mahayuti clinches 25 of 29 Maha civic bodies

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Breaking the nearly three-decade-old dominance of the undivided Shiv Sena, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday emerged victorious in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, and also vanquished the alliance of Nationalist Congress Party factions led by Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in the Pune civic body.

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The publication of the draft rolls will mark the end of the enumeration phase and the beginning of a far more contentious stage - claims, objections and hearings that will stretch into February 2026.

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead in West Bengal's Bankura district, leading to allegations that work-related pressure from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may have been a factor. Political accusations have followed.

EC extends SIR timeline in 6 states, UTs

EC extends SIR timeline in 6 states, UTs

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

The Election Commission on Thursday extended the timeline for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in six states and Union territories following requests from the chief electoral officers.

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Halt 'flawed' SIR or risk mass disenfranchisement, Mamata warns EC

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged the Election Commission to halt the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, citing irregularities and potential disenfranchisement.

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Will move court on Tuesday against inhuman conduct of SIR: Mamata

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announces legal action against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision, alleging disenfranchisement and procedural flaws.

'Special Revision Of Assam Voters Is An Eyewash'

'Special Revision Of Assam Voters Is An Eyewash'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

'Even today illegal foreign immigrants live in Assam and their names might be on the voters list. This we can get rid of only by doing SIR.'

SC asks EC to consider extending deadline for Kerala SIR drive

SC asks EC to consider extending deadline for Kerala SIR drive

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to consider extending the deadline for submitting enumeration forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala, due to the ongoing local body elections.

Pawars reunite for Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls

Pawars reunite for Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Pawar was addressing an election campaign rally in Pimpri-Chinchwad and announced the development.

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Mumbai has reached a consensus on seat distribution for the upcoming civic polls, with the BJP contesting 128 seats and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 79.

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

'Don't rob Gen Z of votes': Uddhav seeks to scrap 'unopposed' civic poll wins

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demands cancellation of civic elections where candidates won unopposed, alleging corruption and manipulation by ruling parties. He also criticizes the Maharashtra legislative assembly speaker and the misuse of BMC funds.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

SC to hear on Tuesday TVK plea against electoral roll revision in TN

SC to hear on Tuesday TVK plea against electoral roll revision in TN

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. The court is also addressing concerns about disenfranchisement and citizenship issues related to the revision process.

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A BMC spokesperson said the average voter turnout stood at 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm in the metropolis, which has more than 1 crore eligible electors.

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'They refuse to be transparent. They refuse to be accountable.'

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

SIR not held earlier no ground to challenge it, says SC

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court is examining the validity of the Election Commission's decision to conduct special intensive revisions of electoral rolls in several states, focusing on concerns about democratic participation and the burden on ordinary voters.

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The application claimed that since the inception of the SIR process in the state, the EC has issued instructions to officers at the ground level through "informal and extra-statutory channels", such as WhatsApp messages and oral directions conveyed during video conferences, instead of issuing formal written instructions.

Rahul meets Kharge after Cong's Bihar poll drubbing

Rahul meets Kharge after Cong's Bihar poll drubbing

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Gandhi did not speak to the media persons after the meeting, as the leaders of the Mahagathbandhan, of which the Congress is a part, remained in a state of disbelief after the NDA swept the polls.

CPI-M's Md Salim becomes 'Awasthi' in Bengal voter list

CPI-M's Md Salim becomes 'Awasthi' in Bengal voter list

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

In a social media post on Tuesday, Aziz said he is a registered voter of the Kolkata Port assembly constituency and that his name is Atish Aziz.

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The second phase of the Systematic Integration of Rolls (SIR) in West Bengal is causing distress among elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters, leading to political accusations ahead of the assembly polls.

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Tamil Nadu's electoral roll has been revised, resulting in the removal of 9.74 million voters following an enumeration exercise. The state's electoral roll now stands at 5.43 crore voters.

Can MVA, Ajit Pawar's NCP strike a seat deal for Pune polls?

Can MVA, Ajit Pawar's NCP strike a seat deal for Pune polls?

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Kakade said they will hold talks with the Congress and the Shiv Sena-UBT as well.

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer announces that over 2.4 million voters are untraced after the enumeration stage of electoral roll revision, raising concerns among political parties.

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload on booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the special revision of electoral rolls, following concerns about extreme work pressure and related issues.