News for 'Central Election Commission'

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Mumbai, home to 1 crore voters and 420 candidates vying for 36 assembly seats, is gearing up for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed all preparations for smooth conduct of the polls, ensuring a robust security arrangement and dedicated facilities for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. The BMC has also urged citizens to exercise their franchise, emphasizing the importance of active participation in strengthening democracy.

Putin wins 5th term, warns of World War 3

Putin wins 5th term, warns of World War 3

Rediff.com18 Mar 2024

Putin received more votes in comparison to the 2018 elections where he bagged 76.69 per cent of the total votes counted. The performance of the other candidates was lower than that of the previous competitors of Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, according to reports.

'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.'

Fadnavis or Shinde: Who Will Be Maharashtra CM?

Fadnavis or Shinde: Who Will Be Maharashtra CM?

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The formation of a new government in Maharashtra has been delayed due to a disagreement between the Shiv Sena and BJP over who should be the next chief minister. Shiv Sena insists on Eknath Shinde continuing as CM while the BJP favors Devendra Fadnavis. The delay comes despite the BJP-led coalition winning a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections. Sources suggest that the coalition has not reached a consensus on the CM, with various leaders from both parties voicing their opinions on the matter.

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.

Mumbai turnout falls to 52.2% from 2019 despite star power

Mumbai turnout falls to 52.2% from 2019 despite star power

Rediff.com21 May 2024

The constituency of Mumbai South, home to industrialists as well as high-ranking government officials, fared the worst with 47.7 percent voting.

'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.'

'The First Time I Haven't Voted Since 1962'

'The First Time I Haven't Voted Since 1962'

Rediff.com27 May 2024

The Election Commission refuses to tell how many people have voted in each phase.

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.

Karnataka elections 2023: Big winners and losers

Karnataka elections 2023: Big winners and losers

Rediff.com13 May 2023

Here's how some of the heavyweights fared in the Karnataka elections.

Setback to Mamata as SC upholds order to deploy central forces in Bengal

Setback to Mamata as SC upholds order to deploy central forces in Bengal

Rediff.com20 Jun 2023

The apex court, which dismissed the pleas filed by the West Bengal government and the State Election Commission (SEC) challenging the high court order, said the tenor of the high court order was ultimately to ensure free and fair election in the state.

Panchayat polls: Bengal SEC didn't give info on sensitive booths, says BSF

Panchayat polls: Bengal SEC didn't give info on sensitive booths, says BSF

Rediff.com9 Jul 2023

The state declared only 4834 sensitive booths on which only CAPFs are deployed but actually, there were more sensitive polling booths, DIG Guleria said.

Justice Mathur to head 7th Central Pay Commission

Justice Mathur to head 7th Central Pay Commission

Rediff.com4 Feb 2014

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved composition of the 7th Pay Commission, which will revise the salaries of over 50 lakh Central government employees.

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.

EC asks CBDT to verify Rajeev Chandrasekhar's poll affidavit

EC asks CBDT to verify Rajeev Chandrasekhar's poll affidavit

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

The Congress had moved the poll panel claiming a mismatch in actual and declared assets in the affidavit filed by Chandrasekhar, who is in the fray against former UN diplomat Shashi Tharoor.

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.

'Rahul Shouldn't Have Called Kejriwal Deshdrohi'

'Rahul Shouldn't Have Called Kejriwal Deshdrohi'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

'The Congress cannot speak the BJP's words while targeting Kejriwal.' 'What is the difference between the two? Where is the unity of INDIA then?'

Maha polls: '1,440 VVPATs matched with EVM counts'

Maha polls: '1,440 VVPATs matched with EVM counts'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

'These machines are standalone devices with no external connectivity, making hacking impossible. The chip in EVMs is one-time programmable, ensuring no changes can be made. Strict security and administrative protocols further prevent any tampering'

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.

7th Pay Commission for central govt staff announced

7th Pay Commission for central govt staff announced

Rediff.com25 Sep 2013

The setting up of the Commission, whose recommendations will benefit about 50 lakh (5 million) central government employees, including those in defence and railways, and about 30 lakh (3 million) pensioners, comes ahead of the Assembly elections in 5 states in November and the general elections next year.

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Can Kejriwal Make It Three In A Row?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The BJP may win more seats in the February 5 assembly election, but not enough to trump AAP, notes Ramesh Menon.

EC issues certificate of election to Droupadi Murmu

EC issues certificate of election to Droupadi Murmu

Rediff.com22 Jul 2022

The Election Commission on Friday issue a 'certificate of election' to NDA nominee Droupadi Murmu who has emerged victorious in the presidential poll.

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?'

Women voters outnumber men in 8 Srinagar assembly constituencies

Women voters outnumber men in 8 Srinagar assembly constituencies

Rediff.com7 Sep 2024

Women outnumber men in six of the eight assembly constituencies with Central Shalteng and Eidgah segments being the exceptions.

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

'U-turn' vs 'game changer': Caste census sparks war of words

Rediff.com1 May 2025

Caste census politics took centre stage on Thursday with the Congress terming the government's decision as a 'diversionary tactic' and a move for headlines management and the Bharatiya Janata Party saying it has exposed the difference between the Centre's 'true intentions' and the 'empty sloganeering' of the opposition party.

Electoral bonds: SC to hear SBI's plea and contempt petitions tomorrow

Electoral bonds: SC to hear SBI's plea and contempt petitions tomorrow

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

The apex court bench, also comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, will assemble at 10.30 am to hear the two petitions.

'One nation, one election is a very funny suggestion'

'One nation, one election is a very funny suggestion'

Rediff.com7 Sep 2023

'This means the remedy will be worse than the disease. The thing which you want to avoid will happen.'

Kolkata civic polls: Move HC, SC tells WB BJP over central forces plea

Kolkata civic polls: Move HC, SC tells WB BJP over central forces plea

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea from the BJP seeking a direction to the West Bengal government, state election panel and other functionaries to prepare a comprehensive action plan and deploy sufficient central police forces to ensure free and fair municipal polls in Kolkata.

SC to hear SBI's plea on electoral bonds on Mar 11

SC to hear SBI's plea on electoral bonds on Mar 11

Rediff.com8 Mar 2024

The bench, headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, will also hear a separate plea which has sought initiation of contempt action against the SBI alleging it "wilfully and deliberately" disobeyed the apex court's direction to submit details of the contributions made to political parties through electoral bonds to the Election Commission by March 6.

BJP storms to power in Delhi after 26 yrs as AAP bites dust

BJP storms to power in Delhi after 26 yrs as AAP bites dust

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday returned to power in Delhi after more than 26 years to sweep away the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party with a two-thirds majority on the back of a hyper localised campaign and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'AAP-da'(disaster) blitzkrieg.

'Government Is Constantly Trying To Subvert RTI'

'Government Is Constantly Trying To Subvert RTI'

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

'The government does not want to be transparent or accountable. Therefore, they do not want to appoint information commissioners.'

Phase 5: Mumbai voting hampered by delays, long queues, sweltering heat

Phase 5: Mumbai voting hampered by delays, long queues, sweltering heat

Rediff.com20 May 2024

While at some places people who had turned up at polling booths early in the morning left without casting their vote after waiting in line for a long time, Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the process was slowed down deliberately.

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

'People Will Have More Money In Their Hands'

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

'When people have money in their hands, they make their judgment about whether they want to spend it entirely or spend some out of it.'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

Mamata, BJP trade verbal blows over NIA team attack in Bengal

Mamata, BJP trade verbal blows over NIA team attack in Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday accused NIA officials of attacking villagers in Purba Medinipur district, the BJP hit back at her saying that the attack on the NIA officials is Sandeshkhalli 2.0 orchestrated by the state.

Will disclose electoral bonds details in time: CEC

Will disclose electoral bonds details in time: CEC

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

The assertion comes in the wake of the Supreme Court directing the SBI to submit the details of the electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019 to the EC.

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

TN sets up panel headed by SC ex-judge on state autonomy

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced the formation of a panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to study the relationship between the Union and state governments and ensure state autonomy. The panel, which will submit its interim report in January 2026 and its final report in two years, will examine the transfer of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, citing the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) as an example of a subject outside state purview.

Mayawati says BSP will skip by-elections in UP

Mayawati says BSP will skip by-elections in UP

Rediff.com30 May 2014

The Bahujan Samaj Party will not contest by-elections for 12 seats in Uttar Pradesh, which would fall vacant due to the legislators being elected as members of Parliament, party supremo Mayawati said on Friday.

High Court Restores Construction Workers' Rights

High Court Restores Construction Workers' Rights

Rediff.com9 Nov 2024

Justices Arif S Doctor and Somasekhar Sundaresan held there was nothing in the MCC that would interfere with the Board's ongoing activities.

Ex-bureaucrat who oversaw Article 370 abrogation picked as new EC

Ex-bureaucrat who oversaw Article 370 abrogation picked as new EC

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

Addressing reporters at his residence soon after the meeting ended, Chowdhury said six names came up before the panel for the selection of the two ECs and the names of Sandhu and Kumar were finalised by a majority of members of the high-powered panel.