News for 'Central Election Commission'

Congress deploys seniors to assess Haryana poll rout

Congress deploys seniors to assess Haryana poll rout

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Sources said the party has also tasked its senior leaders to be observers at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party in Haryana to elect its new leader.

Long hunt ends: Maoist chief Basavaraju gunned down

Long hunt ends: Maoist chief Basavaraju gunned down

Rediff.com21 May 2025

Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the powerful general secretary of Communist Party of India-Maoist killed in an encounter along with 26 others on Wednesday, had masterminded several major attacks on security forces in Chhattisgarh and his death is a big blow to the armed movement, said officials.

'AAP drowned due to liquor policy'

'AAP drowned due to liquor policy'

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

'AAP lost as it failed to understand the need to serve people selflessly and took the wrong path. Money took the front seat which dented AAP's image, leading to its defeat'

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

What's Holding Up Candidate Lists In Maharashtra?

What's Holding Up Candidate Lists In Maharashtra?

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The strains are telling as old friends and new enemies face each other in the battlefield.

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Bengal Guv, NHRC, NCW teams meet Murshidabad victims as TMC fumes

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A delegation of the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by its chairman Vijaya Rahatkar, met with riot-affected women in Murshidabad district of West Bengal, assuring them of safety and demanding an NIA probe into the recent communal clashes. The women narrated their harrowing experiences and demanded permanent BSF camps in select areas of the district. The NCW team also visited relief camps in Malda district and assessed the condition of women affected by the violence.

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

The North-South Battle Gets Ugly

Rediff.com20 Mar 2025

With its age-old fascination for education, southern states have done better than the North. Start-ups, IT hubs, and industry majors setting up shop have changed the face of the South. Nearly 79% of global offices set up by international conglomerates in India are in the South. Almost 46% of tech unicorns are from the South. The GDP per person in the South is 4.2 times higher than the North. None of these indicators can be ignored by any central government, whatever the political compulsions, notes Ramesh Menon.

BJP overnight meet to discuss LS candidates focuses on lost seats

BJP overnight meet to discuss LS candidates focuses on lost seats

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The meeting, which began around 10:30 pm on Thursday, lasted for more than four hours and was held at the party's headquarters in New Delhi.

Bigwigs to lock horns in 2nd phase of J-K polls

Bigwigs to lock horns in 2nd phase of J-K polls

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates in the fray for 26 Jammu and Kashmir assembly seats in the second phase of the election to be held in the Union territory on Wednesday.

HC orders central forces for July 8 West Bengal panchayat polls

HC orders central forces for July 8 West Bengal panchayat polls

Rediff.com13 Jun 2023

The court also left it to the discretion of the State Election Commission to take a call on extension of time for filing of nominations, refusing to consider a prayer in this regard.

CVC to probe renovations at Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal'

CVC to probe renovations at Kejriwal's 'Sheesh Mahal'

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Central Vigilance Commission has directed the Public Works Department of Delhi government to conduct a detailed probe into the alleged merger of properties to expand the 6, Flagstaff Road bungalow and the expenditures incurred on its interiors, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijender Gupta said on Saturday.

TMC leaders end 24-hr dharna at Delhi police station

TMC leaders end 24-hr dharna at Delhi police station

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

Raising slogans against the Bharatiya Janata Party, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders ended their 24-hour protest at the Mandir Marg police station in New Delhi on Tuesday evening, a day after they were detained while staging a dharna outside the Election Commission's office.

J-K completes 5 years without elected govt

J-K completes 5 years without elected govt

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

Mufti resigned from the post of the chief minister on June 19, 2018 after alliance partner BJP withdrew support to her coalition government.

EC asks Atishi to back allegations against BJP with facts

EC asks Atishi to back allegations against BJP with facts

Rediff.com5 Apr 2024

The Election Commission on Friday issued a show-cause notice to Delhi minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Atishi, asking her to back with facts her statement that the Bharatiya Janata Party approached her to join the party.

Hattrick for AAP or comeback for BJP? Delhi counting today

Hattrick for AAP or comeback for BJP? Delhi counting today

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Several exit polls have given the BJP an edge over the AAP, which has been ruling in Delhi since 2015.

DMK's long battle for state autonomy: From Annadurai to Stalin

DMK's long battle for state autonomy: From Annadurai to Stalin

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

This article traces the history of the DMK's fight for state autonomy, beginning with C.N. Annadurai's advocacy in the 1960s and culminating in M. Karunanidhi's resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 1974. The article highlights the key figures involved, the arguments presented, and the impact of the Rajamannar Committee Report.

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Can Owaisi, Panda Convince The Saudis?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Their shared brief: To assert India's case with clarity, rebut hostile narratives, and secure enduring partnerships for global counter-terror cooperation.

'A Faulty EVM Can Be Manipulated'

'A Faulty EVM Can Be Manipulated'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

'The fraud is the electronic voting machine is being manipulated by humans, and not counting the votes that is shown on VVPAT.'

High drama as TMC leaders holding dharna outside EC office held

High drama as TMC leaders holding dharna outside EC office held

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

A 10-member delegation of Trinamool Congress (TMC) had announced the dharna after meeting a full bench of the Election Commission (EC) to press their demand.

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

'They Don't Want To Hear The Word Waqf'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'So, they have taken away the word Waqf from the Bill.' 'It will now be known as the UMEED Act.'

Why Asim Munir Wanted War

Why Asim Munir Wanted War

Rediff.com19 May 2025

The launch of the first-ever direct train service from Delhi to Kashmir would be a big turning point in the Valley's mood and its integration with India. He had to thwart it at any cost, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Differences with Modi govt or BJP ticket?: Oppn on Goel resignation

Differences with Modi govt or BJP ticket?: Oppn on Goel resignation

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

Taking potshots at the Bharatiya Janata Party, some opposition leaders also wondered if Goel resigned to contest the Lok Sabha polls on its ticket like former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.

Ready for another language war, warns Stalin

Ready for another language war, warns Stalin

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday warned of "another language war" amid the ongoing Hindi imposition row, stating that the state is "ready" for it. He also expressed concerns about the potential loss of Lok Sabha seats due to the proposed delimitation process, which he believes will disadvantage states that have successfully implemented population control measures. Stalin has called for an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the issue, urging unity across political lines to address the perceived threat to Tamil Nadu's representation in Parliament.

AAP claims Delhi office 'sealed'; police refute charge

AAP claims Delhi office 'sealed'; police refute charge

Rediff.com23 Mar 2024

In a post on X, Atishi questioned the "sealing" of the party office, saying it is against the "level playing field" promised by the Constitution.

ECI Factor Gives BJP Poll Advantage!

ECI Factor Gives BJP Poll Advantage!

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

'Unlike in the sporting arena, where sports federations moved from partisan to impartial referees, in Indian democracy's biggest festival, it appears we are moving backward from unbiased and objective to one-sided and partisan,' observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

What The Next Census Will Discover

What The Next Census Will Discover

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The next Census' findings will help identify the extent of India's ageing population and vulnerability levels.

We have no choice but to move court: Cong's reply to EC

We have no choice but to move court: Cong's reply to EC

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The Congress on Friday hit out at the Election Commission after it rejected allegations over irregularities in the Haryana assembly polls, saying if the poll panel's goal is to 'strip itself of the last vestiges of neutrality', then it is doing a 'remarkable job' at creating that impression.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

Anup Pandey retires as EC creating vacancy in three-member panel

Anup Pandey retires as EC creating vacancy in three-member panel

Rediff.com15 Feb 2024

Pandey's retirement comes days before the Election Commission is to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls.

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

If left unchecked, the 2024 elections may be infamously remembered as the election of deepfakes. The ECI has a tough task ahead, but, more importantly, it has an opportunity to become a global model for scores of countries going to polls this year, notes Ajay Kumar.

Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential vote

Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake wins Sri Lanka's presidential vote

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna's (JVP) broader front National People's Power (NPP), on Sunday consolidated his lead in the Sri Lanka's presidential election.

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

How Shastri Buried Pakistan's Kashmir Dream

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The high point of the 19 Shastri months was the 22-day war that he fought against great odds and won in principle, even if military historians often call it a stalemate. Pakistan saw a great opportunity to conquer Kashmir and lost. It was the last time they had the relative strength militarily and diplomatically to take Kashmir. Shastri's resolve buried that dream forever, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Will J&K See Assembly Elections In 2024?

Will J&K See Assembly Elections In 2024?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

'If Modi is re-elected again, we can forget these things for a long time.'

Central forces reach Bengal as poll preparation begins

Central forces reach Bengal as poll preparation begins

Rediff.com20 Feb 2021

At least 12 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) reached West Bengal on Saturday morning as the state prepares to go to elections, officials said.

SBI seeks time till after LS elections to reveal electoral bond names

SBI seeks time till after LS elections to reveal electoral bond names

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

State Bank of India on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time till June 30 to disclose details of each electoral bond encashed by political parties.

ED, CBI ramp up probe against Bitcoin Ponzi scam suspect

ED, CBI ramp up probe against Bitcoin Ponzi scam suspect

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have intensified their investigations against Gaurav Mehta, a suspect in a Bitcoin Ponzi scam, following allegations that politicians may have been involved in using cryptocurrency to influence Maharashtra assembly polls. The ED searched Mehta's residence in Raipur and seized computers and digital devices. The CBI summoned him to appear before investigators. The ED is probing Mehta's potential links to politicians, politically exposed persons, and bureaucrats as part of its money laundering probe. The allegations came after BJP released purported voice notes suggesting that Congress and NCP leaders were attempting to use cryptocurrency for election campaigning. Both parties denied the claims, calling the voice notes fake.

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

'Modiji Has Tamed The People Of India'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The BJP has killed public anger. They have killed people's self-respect.'

Central govt employees' DA hiked to 50% of basic pay

Central govt employees' DA hiked to 50% of basic pay

Rediff.com7 Mar 2024

The Centre on Thursday hiked Dearness Allowance (DA) to 50 per cent of basic pay from the existing rate of 46 per cent effective from January 1 this year, benefitting over 1 crore employees and pensioners ahead of general elections. The Union Cabinet has approved to release an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to pensioners from January 1, 2024, representing an increase of 4 percentage points over the existing rate of 46 per cent of the basic pay/pension, to compensate against price rise, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said after the Cabinet meeting.

Shinde's Sena knocks out Uddhav's Sena in 36 seats

Shinde's Sena knocks out Uddhav's Sena in 36 seats

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

Shinde had retained most of the sitting MLAs, who chose to be with him when he led the rebellion two years ago. They delivered for him on Saturday when votes for the state polls were counted.

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

SC seeks govt reply on plea against CAG appointment process

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the government's response on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that challenges the appointment process of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), arguing it's unconstitutional. The PIL, filed by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation, claims the current process, solely through executive appointment by the Prime Minister, undermines the CAG's independence and violates constitutional principles. The court, while acknowledging the importance of institutional trust, questioned the extent to which it should intervene in the appointment process and whether this would constitute rewriting constitutional provisions. The PIL suggests the CAG's appointment should be similar to other independent bodies, with a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India. The case has implications for the independence and transparency of India's audit system.