News for '-polls'

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh belongs to Muslims, Hindus all: Tarique Rahman

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged people to maintain peace as he presented a vision of an inclusive society, saying the country belongs to people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

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.

Iltija Mufti defends cricketer after Palestine flag sparks probe

Iltija Mufti defends cricketer after Palestine flag sparks probe

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

PDP leader Iltija Mufti defends a cricketer who displayed the Palestine flag on his helmet, criticizing restrictions on freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir and accusing the BJP of imposing Hindutva ideology.

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

NDA plans to repeat Haryana-style poll theft in Bihar: Priyanka Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accuses the NDA of plotting to steal the Bihar assembly elections, alleging collusion with the Election Commission and voter roll manipulation.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad elected KSCA president

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad elected KSCA president

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Prasad now will have the onerous task of bringing top-flight cricket back to the state, which got sidelined after the stampede near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 in which 11 Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans were killed.

Tarique Rahman ends 17-yr exile, lands in Dhaka amid rousing welcome

Tarique Rahman ends 17-yr exile, lands in Dhaka amid rousing welcome

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman has returned to Dhaka after 17 years in self-exile in the UK, amid political instability following the killing of a youth leader. His return is significant as BNP emerges as a forerunner in the changed political landscape.

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

If the TVK joins the NDA, there is every likelihood of the AIADMK winning an absolute majority in the 234 seat assembly and wanting to form a stand-alone government. In turn, it could mean that the BJP especially and the TVK equally so, will want to restrict the AIADMK's seat share closer to the cut-off figure, if only to ensure that EPS won't get the absolute majority that he desires (if the NDA won, that is) and will have to settle for a coalition government, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

CEC to check Bihar's poll readiness on October 4-5

CEC to check Bihar's poll readiness on October 4-5

Rediff.com3 Oct 2025

A team of Election Commissioners will visit Patna to review poll preparedness in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The team will meet with political parties, police, administrative officials, and observers to ensure a free and fair election.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The Congress will launch a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the United Progressive Alliance-era rural employment legislation Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on January 5, similar to the pushback against the three farm laws which eventually forced the Narendra Modi government to rollback its decision, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said.

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'Pakistan's role in Bangladesh will always be negative, since it's a one-point agenda is hostility against India.'

Bihar polls: Gehlot meets Lalu, Tejashwi as Congress, RJD patch up

Bihar polls: Gehlot meets Lalu, Tejashwi as Congress, RJD patch up

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Internal discord within the INDIA bloc has led to alliance partners contesting against each other in at least eight assembly seats in Bihar. The Congress, RJD, and Left parties are facing challenges in seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming elections.

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian origin, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, promising an agenda of affordability and inclusivity. He is the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position.

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Mamdani takes oath as NYC Mayor at a subway station

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian descent, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, marking a historic moment as the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position. The ceremony took place in an old subway station, symbolizing a new era for the city.

Never allowed use of our territory against B'desh: India on Hasina remarks

Never allowed use of our territory against B'desh: India on Hasina remarks

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

India has rejected assertions by the interim government of Bangladesh, stating it has never allowed its territory to be used for activities against Bangladesh's interests. It also called for peaceful elections in the country.

BJP forced 3 Jan Suraaj candidates to withdraw from Bihar polls: Kishor

BJP forced 3 Jan Suraaj candidates to withdraw from Bihar polls: Kishor

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Poll strategist Prashant Kishor alleges that the BJP pressured three Jan Suraaj Party candidates to withdraw from the Bihar elections, accusing the ruling NDA of threatening opposition candidates and urging the Election Commission to ensure candidate security. The BJP denies the allegations.

2,900 incidents: India on unabated minority attacks in Bangladesh

2,900 incidents: India on unabated minority attacks in Bangladesh

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

India expresses concern over the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, condemning violence and calling for justice. They also address the return of a BNP leader and reiterate support for free and fair elections.

EC directs crackdown on illicit cash, liquor, drugs in Bihar polls

EC directs crackdown on illicit cash, liquor, drugs in Bihar polls

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Election Commission has directed enforcement agencies and security forces to take proactive measures during the Bihar elections to prevent the use of drugs, liquor, and cash to influence voters.

Bihar polls: Less than 70 seats for Cong? Oppn manifesto this week

Bihar polls: Less than 70 seats for Cong? Oppn manifesto this week

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

The 'Mahagathbandhan' alliance in Bihar is expected to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement and announce candidates along with a joint manifesto soon. Talks between RJD and Congress are ongoing, with potential meetings in Delhi. The Congress is aiming for a respectable number of seats and highlighting the desire for change in Bihar.

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.

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kerala boycotted work following the suicide of a colleague allegedly due to work strain related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Trade unions and political leaders are demanding investigations and changes to the process.

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is ramping up preparations for a special intensive revision of voter lists across India, assessing the progress made on mapping current electors with voters as per the last SIR in different states.

Bihar polls: BJP, JD-U to contest 101 seats each; Paswan gets 29

Bihar polls: BJP, JD-U to contest 101 seats each; Paswan gets 29

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

The BJP and JD(U) will each contest on 101 seats in the Bihar assembly elections, while the LJP will field candidates on 29 seats. Other NDA partners will contest on fewer seats.

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Police stop protesters' march towards Indian mission in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

A protest march towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka was halted by police, prompting India to express strong concerns about the security of its mission. The protesters demanded the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others involved in the 'July Uprising'.

Bihar Polls: JD-U To Drop 4 Non-Performing MLAs

Bihar Polls: JD-U To Drop 4 Non-Performing MLAs

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

'The seats which we would be contesting have been identified. Respective candidates have also been finalised. Four non-performing sitting MLAs will be replaced with fresh faces.'

Cong mulls action against 43 Bihar leaders after poll rout

Cong mulls action against 43 Bihar leaders after poll rout

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Congress party has issued show-cause notices to 43 leaders, including former ministers, accusing them of anti-party activities during the Bihar assembly elections.

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Election Commission data reveals Bhabanipur constituency in West Bengal recorded significantly higher voter deletions compared to Nandigram, sparking political debate ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

Will Rahul Field Mountain Man's Son In Bihar Polls?

Will Rahul Field Mountain Man's Son In Bihar Polls?

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'Rahul Gandhi has promised me to give a Congress ticket to contest the polls.'

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Bihar polls: Will Oppn's SIR protests or NDA's dominance prevail?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

An analysis of the upcoming Bihar elections, focusing on the key players, alliances, and issues that will shape the outcome. The article examines the strength of the ruling NDA coalition led by Nitish Kumar and the challenge posed by the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan, as well as the potential impact of Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party.

Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rajshree reveal their assets

Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rajshree reveal their assets

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, contesting from Raghopur, declares assets worth Rs 8.1 crore, while his wife owns assets worth Rs 1.88 crore.

Will Bihar Lift The Liquor Ban After Polls?

Will Bihar Lift The Liquor Ban After Polls?

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Voters are weighing a stark trade-off -- between preserving a socially driven policy and reversing course to revive revenue, restore fiscal balance, and rein in the underground liquor economy.

EC extends SIR schedule by a week amid Opposition concerns

EC extends SIR schedule by a week amid Opposition concerns

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The Election Commission has extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in several states and Union Territories following concerns raised by opposition parties.

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's First Woman PM, Passes Away

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's former first female prime minister and chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness.

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Bihar Polls: Makhana Turns Into Political Hot Potato

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

As it gains commercial viability, the food will likely become a powerful political currency.

Ahead of polls TN offers free meals for sanitation workers

Ahead of polls TN offers free meals for sanitation workers

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has launched a free nutritious meals scheme for sanitation workers in Chennai, with plans to expand it statewide. The initiative aims to improve their working conditions and health, acknowledging their essential service.

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Top Congress leaders attacked the BJP and election commissioners at a rally in Delhi, alleging election irregularities and demanding action against those involved in 'vote chori'.

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Fresh unrest grips Bangladesh, govt orders security clampdown

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

Bangladesh's interim government has ordered a nationwide security clampdown following the shooting of a youth leader and election candidate, leading to renewed unrest.

Shinde will be Maha CM again: Sena minister amid rift

Shinde will be Maha CM again: Sena minister amid rift

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Shiv Sena minister Dada Bhuse claims that despite being Deputy CM, Eknath Shinde is still considered the Chief Minister in the hearts of the people and predicts he will lead the state again.