News for 'Central Election Committee'

NDA seals Bihar seat pact, JD-U gets one more than BJP

NDA seals Bihar seat pact, JD-U gets one more than BJP

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

Senior BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and J P Nadda, met with party leaders and allies to discuss the upcoming Bihar polls. Seat-sharing arrangements with NDA partners are expected to be announced soon.

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

IPL 2026 to open with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru on March 28

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

PM's gift to women is wrapped in barbed wire: Tharoor on delimitation

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Congress party has directed its MPs to attend Parliament and protest against the FCRA Amendment Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to minority organisations. The government asserts the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds.

Karur stampede: TVK's Vijay grilled by CBI for over 7 hours

Karur stampede: TVK's Vijay grilled by CBI for over 7 hours

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Actor Vijay faces intense CBI questioning regarding the tragic stampede at his rally in Tamil Nadu, as the investigation seeks to uncover the truth behind the incident that claimed 41 lives.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Long wait ends! BFI set to elect new office-bearers

Long wait ends! BFI set to elect new office-bearers

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

Months of uncertainty due to governance issues, turf wars and internal power struggles are set to end when the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) holds its much-delayed elections on Thursday.

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

India now Maoist-free, declares Amit Shah in Lok Sabha; slams Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress party for its alleged inaction in addressing Maoist violence during its long rule, while highlighting the Modi government's success in nearly eradicating Maoists from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Maoist Surrenders Signal Insurgency's Endgame

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

As the March 31 deadline arrives, a wave of Maoist surrenders suggests insurgency's end, but political and social concerns remain.

Karur stampede: CBI to quiz TVK chief Vijay again on Sunday

Karur stampede: CBI to quiz TVK chief Vijay again on Sunday

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The CBI has summoned actor Vijay for questioning in connection with the 2025 Karur stampede case, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. The investigation follows a Supreme Court order emphasizing impartiality and thoroughness.

RSS chief criticises NOTA, says it indirectly promotes...

RSS chief criticises NOTA, says it indirectly promotes...

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) polls and commented on the NOTA option, stating it indirectly helps promote an unwanted candidate.

National Sports Governance Act Rolled Out

National Sports Governance Act Rolled Out

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Sports Governance Act: Tier System for Athletes, Convicted Ineligible

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

They said a 'mock poll' would be conducted in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan at around 2:30 PM on Monday after the briefing on the procedure to vote in the vice presidential polls.

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

UPCC chief Ajai Rai clarifies Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's role in Uttar Pradesh Congress campaigns, emphasizing her national leadership while confirming her continued prominence in the state.

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Congress sets sights on 100-seat comeback in Kerala polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced the Congress party's goal to win 100 seats in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. He highlighted the party's strategy, including early candidate selection, opportunities for youth, and addressing alleged alliances between CPI(M) and BJP.

Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Acquitted in 2002 Murder Case

Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Acquitted in 2002 Murder Case

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has acquitted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the 2002 murder case of a journalist, overturning a previous conviction by a special CBI court.

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

ED raids I-PAC office, director Pratik Jain's home

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the home of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata as part of a money laundering probe into an alleged multi-crore rupee coal pilferage scam.

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Talks on with AAP for alliance in Haryana, but...: Cong

Talks on with AAP for alliance in Haryana, but...: Cong

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

Earlier, AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh welcomed reports claiming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has shown interest in the possibility of an alliance with Arvind Kejriwal-led party in poll-bound Haryana.

Will it be Tejashwi vs Prashant Kishor? Jan Suraaj chief drops big hint

Will it be Tejashwi vs Prashant Kishor? Jan Suraaj chief drops big hint

Rediff.com11 Oct 2025

"I am going to Raghopur to get feedback from the people of the constituency, which wants an end to the supremacy of one family. Before Tejashwi Yadav, a second-term MLA, his father Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi had represented that seat. Yet, it is crying for basic amenities," alleged Kishor.

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Assam Cong ex-chief Borah quits, seeks time as BJP woos him

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Borah told reporters outside his residence that he has sought time from the Congress high command to reconsider his decision

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'Every party want to contest more seats, nothing wrong in it. We have to compromise to take all together as the NDA.'

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Kerala leader MA Baby elected CPM chief, first from minority group

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Former Kerala minister M A Baby was elected as the CPI(M) general secretary at the 24th party congress in Madurai. Baby, who was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 1986 to 1998, has been a member of the Politburo since 2012. He succeeds Sitaram Yechury, who passed away last year.

'It's Difficult To Be In The Congress'

'It's Difficult To Be In The Congress'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

A seasoned politician and two-term Member of Parliament, Dr Shakeel Ahmad, who has served as a Union minister and senior Congress leader, resigned from the Congress party, marking the end of his decades-long association with an organisation that his family has been part of for three generations. In an interview with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff he speaks why he quit the party.

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A 25-year-old Hindu man died after jumping into a canal to escape a mob which accused him of theft in northwestern Bangladesh, in the latest incident of violence targeting the minority community. The incident highlights rising concerns about communal violence in the lead-up to general elections.

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Enforcement Directorate's allegations of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids related to a coal-pilferage scam. The court intends to examine the matter and has also taken note of the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the case.

'Suddenly, LPG Supply Stopped On Sunday'

'Suddenly, LPG Supply Stopped On Sunday'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

'Nobody explained why. After that there was panic buying, there was hoarding -- and then nothing reached us.'

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Maha scraps 5% Muslim quota in jobs, education; Oppn slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The previous Congress-NCP government had issued an ordinance to grant a 16 per cent quota to Marathas and five per cent to Muslims.

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

SC observations on ED raids a 'serious indictment' of Mamata: BJP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The BJP has criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following Supreme Court observations regarding obstructions during ED raids at I-PAC premises, alleging abuse of power and shielding of those accused of corruption.

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

How Much Money Will Jana Nayagan Make?

How Much Money Will Jana Nayagan Make?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

When it eventually releases, Jana Nayagan is expected to have an opening day collection close to -- or even above -- Rs 100 crore, largely because it is being promoted as Vijay's final movie before he focuses entirely on politics.

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Despite his influence, Pratik Jain avoids the spotlight. Credit is routinely passed on to colleagues. He maintains no visible faction within the TMC, no personal coterie.

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

The Lady Who Got A Dreaded Maoist To Surrender

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'They are not abandoning their ideology. They now believe it is better to pursue their goals through the Constitution rather than from the barrel of a gun -- even if the ideology itself remains intact.'

Rahul for tie-up with AAP in Haryana, Hooda says difficult

Rahul for tie-up with AAP in Haryana, Hooda says difficult

Rediff.com3 Sep 2024

In the Congress's Central Election Committee (CEC) held to discuss ticket allocation for the forthcoming Haryana assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi discussed about the possibilities of contesting elections as INDIA bloc, said sources.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

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.

Kolkata: BLOs protesting over SIR workload clash with cops; EC calls them...

Kolkata: BLOs protesting over SIR workload clash with cops; EC calls them...

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kolkata scuffled with police during a protest against alleged excessive work pressure related to the ongoing SIR process. The officers allege unrealistic deadlines and lack of support from the Election Commission.

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Union Budget 2026: Sitharaman tries to cover all bases, leaves out markets

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

Budget 2026 sticks to fiscal discipline, shuns populist measures despite five key state elections coming up, but ends up rattling stock markets with a higher transaction tax on derivatives trading.

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of having a 'deeper connection' with a Pakistani national and violating FCRA rules, prompting calls for a national probe.