News for 'EC'

EC activates field machinery for pan-India voter review

EC activates field machinery for pan-India voter review

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India is preparing for a nationwide special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a Supreme Court ruling. This move aims to update voter lists and address concerns about illegal migrants.

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

A section of BLOs in West Bengal protested excessive workload during the SIR process, leading to clashes with BJP supporters outside the CEO's office. The protest highlights concerns over the enumeration exercise and accusations of political interference.

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.

Process to deport Luthra brothers in final stages: Sources

Process to deport Luthra brothers in final stages: Sources

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The much-anticipated deportation of Luthra brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, from Thailand to India is now in its final stage, with top sources indicating they are likely to be sent back to India soon.

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Mamata hits out at BJP over voter list 'deletions', attacks EC

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of 'linguistic terror' and plotting to delete Bengali voters from electoral rolls, vowing to protect voting rights.

Bangladesh EC Bars Hasina From Voting

Bangladesh EC Bars Hasina From Voting

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Bangladesh's election commission on Wednesday said it has 'locked' deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's national identity cards, effectively barring her from voting in the general elections scheduled for February next year.

Rahul trying to instigate Gen Z with vote theft claim: Rijiju

Rahul trying to instigate Gen Z with vote theft claim: Rijiju

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The BJP has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's claims of vote theft in the Haryana Assembly polls as false and baseless, accusing him of defaming India's democracy and questioning the Election Commission to hide his failures.

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.

EC to set up mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations

EC to set up mobile phone deposit facility at polling stations

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that it will set up mobile phone deposit counters at polling stations to ensure that voters do not have to carry their phones inside the polling booth. This decision was taken after it was observed that several voters were concealing their phones in their clothes due to the absence of a facility to deposit it. The ECI has also rationalized the permissible norms for canvassing in line with the electoral laws to 100 meters from the entrance of the polling station.

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

'Sweeping powers' to EC: Gogoi, other ex-CJIs flag concern

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Former chief justices of India, who have conveyed their views to a parliamentary committee on the bill proposing simultaneous polls, have endorsed the constitutionality of the 'one nation, one election' concept but have raised concerns over its various aspects, including the power given to the Election Commission, and offered suggestions.

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Bihar to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, police, administrative officials, and state leaders to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The visit follows the publication of the final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision, which has sparked controversy among political parties.

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an attempt to cover up "vote theft" and institutionalize it, claiming similar incidents occurred in other states.

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

EC kicks off process to elect Dhankhar's successor

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India has initiated the process to hold the vice presidential election following Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation. The electoral college is being constituted, and the election schedule will be announced soon.

Duplicate voter card number resolved: EC sources

Duplicate voter card number resolved: EC sources

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The number of similar electoral photo identity card or EPIC numbers found were "miniscule", averaging to around one in four polling stations, they said.

EC defends Bihar voter list revision as SC takes up Opposition pleas

EC defends Bihar voter list revision as SC takes up Opposition pleas

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

Election Commission officials defend the intensive revision of Bihar's voters' list as 'inclusive' amid criticism from opposition parties, who claim it will disenfranchise voters. The Supreme Court is set to hear petitions challenging the revision.

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh was published after a special intensive revision exercise, with 12.55 crore voters retained out of 15.44 crore listed earlier. Around 2.89 crore voters were excluded due to deaths, migration, or multiple registrations.

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Rahul alleged that 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana through 5.21 lakh duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid voters, and 19.26 lakh bulk voters.

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.

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The central government has provided armed security to West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer following potential threats related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

'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.'

Bihar Verdict: NOTA Votes Increase Marginally

Bihar Verdict: NOTA Votes Increase Marginally

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The share of none of the above (NOTA) option went up marginally this time in the Bihar assembly polls as compared to the last elections but is still much lower than 2015, data shared by the Election Commission shows.

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.

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

A series of deaths and health-related incidents involving staff deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in multiple states has triggered alarm, even as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission, calling the ongoing exercise 'chaotic, coercive and dangerous'.

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.

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Gandhi has been demanding voter lists, poll data and video footage from the election commission, alleging irregularities in Maharashtra assembly elections.

EC calls all-party meeting amid electoral roll fudging charges

EC calls all-party meeting amid electoral roll fudging charges

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Election Commission of India has invited all national and state political parties to provide suggestions by April 30 on any unresolved issues related to the electoral process. This call for feedback comes amid allegations of electoral roll manipulation, with opposition parties demanding a discussion in Parliament on the issue. The EC has also proposed an interaction with party presidents and senior members to further strengthen electoral processes.

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Don't conduct local body polls until...: MNS chief slams EC on voter list

Don't conduct local body polls until...: MNS chief slams EC on voter list

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Criticising the Election Commission ahead of the local body elections, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Monday claimed that 9.6 million fake voters have been added, as per the information received.

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Oppn seeks debate on SIR, national security in Parl; govt says...

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Opposition parties in India are demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and national security in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. They raised concerns about federalism, national security, and the purity of voter lists during an all-party meeting.

ISL clubs warn AIFF: 'Fix rules or hand us the League'

ISL clubs warn AIFF: 'Fix rules or hand us the League'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Twelve Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Thursday urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to amend the "commercially restrictive" clauses of its constitution during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 20, in another reminder that the domestic game may collapse if immediate steps are not taken.

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 gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

TMC gives 24-hr ultimatum to EC to 'accept mistake'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has demanded that the Election Commission (EC) accept its error in issuing duplicate voter card numbers within 24 hours, threatening to release more documents on the issue if the EC fails to do so. The party alleged that the EC issued the statement after the TMC announced it would hold a press conference on the issue, and termed it an "Epic Scam." The EC had said it would rectify the issue and update its technology-driven platform, but the TMC insists the EC must accept the error. The party also demanded an in-depth probe into the matter.

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

BJP, ally JD-U register vote share gains, RJD sees slight dip

BJP, ally JD-U register vote share gains, RJD sees slight dip

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Its ally JD-U recorded one of the most notable gains in this election, with its vote share jumping to 19.26 percent from 15.39 percent in 2020. The party also contested 101 seats this time, as against the 115 seats in the last elections, the EC said.

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Modi to open Vande Mataram debate in LS on Dec 8, Amit Shah in RS on Dec 9

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Parliament is set to debate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and election reforms, with key discussions led by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.

EC to train officials for voter revision in Bengal

EC to train officials for voter revision in Bengal

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Election Commission is set to begin training poll officers in West Bengal for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The training aims to equip officers to guide booth-level officers (BLOs) in ensuring a smooth and accurate voter list revision process.

84% Bihar voters verified for draft electoral roll, 12% pending: EC

84% Bihar voters verified for draft electoral roll, 12% pending: EC

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India is conducting a special intensive revision of the electoral roll in Bihar, with over 6.60 crore electors expected to be included in the draft roll.

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

SC directs Bihar legal service to assist excluded voters

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar State Legal Service Authority to assist voters excluded from the final electoral rolls in filing appeals with the Election Commission.

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.