News for 'Election Commission of India'

Election Commission says EVMs are 'non-tamperable'

Election Commission says EVMs are 'non-tamperable'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2015

Dismissing Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal's apprehensions that electronic voting machines could be rigged to favour BJP in the Delhi Assembly polls, the Election Commission on Wednesday said the machines are "non-tamperable".

Congress Alleges 'Vote Chori' In Bihar

Congress Alleges 'Vote Chori' In Bihar

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday alleged that the election results in Bihar reflect 'vote chori on a gigantic scale' with Rahul Gandhi vowing an in-depth review of the outcome and saying, 'we could not achieve victory in such an election that was not fair from the very beginning.'

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.

Has ex-CEC Rajiv Kumar left India?

Has ex-CEC Rajiv Kumar left India?

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections were held under Kumar's supervision. He demitted office in February this year.

What Election Commission can learn from US

What Election Commission can learn from US

Rediff.com31 Oct 2020

India needs to examine some way in which, assuming that there is either no vaccine or a delay in administering it to everyone, voting can be made safer, notes Aakar Patel.

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.

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'.

Will Nitish get a record 5th term? Bihar to decide today

Will Nitish get a record 5th term? Bihar to decide today

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

People of Bihar wait with bated breath for Friday's counting of votes polled in the recent assembly elections, which will decide whether Janata Dal-United supremo Nitish Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister, will get a record fifth term or whether a change in government will be witnessed.

Kerala Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Against SIR

Kerala Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Against SIR

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the attempts being made to implement the SIR in poll-bound Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal while the Constitutional validity of the Bihar SIR process is under consideration by the Supreme Court.

Want To Donate To A Political Party? Read This!

Want To Donate To A Political Party? Read This!

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Avoid donating without checking the receipt proforma showing the political party's ECI registration number and PAN.

CJI considers virtual hearings due to Delhi's air pollution

CJI considers virtual hearings due to Delhi's air pollution

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Chief Justice of India considers shifting Supreme Court hearings to virtual mode due to severe air pollution in Delhi after experiencing its effects firsthand.

CJI Gavai recommends Justice Surya Kant as next Chief Justice of India

CJI Gavai recommends Justice Surya Kant as next Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant, who was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court on May 24, 2019, would have a tenure of over 1.2 years as the CJI. He is due to retire on February 9, 2027.

CBI should be autonomous like Election Commission: Madras HC

CBI should be autonomous like Election Commission: Madras HC

Rediff.com18 Aug 2021

"The CBI Director should be empowered to report directly to the minister and the prime minister with exclusive powers like the Cabinet secretary and should act alone without being under the administration of the central government," the judgment further read.

Was Guaranteed 160 Seats For MVA In Maha Polls: Pawar

Was Guaranteed 160 Seats For MVA In Maha Polls: Pawar

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

Sharad Pawar claimed that two individuals had met him in New Delhi before the 2024 Maharashtra assembly polls and 'guaranteed' the Opposition's victory in 160 of 288 constituencies.

Poll panel to 'verify' Bengal voters with AI help

Poll panel to 'verify' Bengal voters with AI help

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Election Commission is set to introduce artificial intelligence-based verification systems during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in West Bengal to prevent the inclusion of fake or deceased voters, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Tharoor backs Bihar voter review, hails GST reforms

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday said the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) was 'essential', as electoral rolls were not perfect.

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.

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Lok Sabha will debate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms after an all-party agreement, potentially breaking the logjam over discussions on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

EC not disclosing gender breakup of voters, says Tejashwi

EC not disclosing gender breakup of voters, says Tejashwi

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticizes the Election Commission of India (ECI) for not disclosing gender-wise data of electors in the Bihar assembly polls, alleging bias and conspiracy with the BJP.

Pan-India SIR: 50% voters may not have to show any proof, says EC

Pan-India SIR: 50% voters may not have to show any proof, says EC

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Election Commission is preparing to roll out a special intensive revision of voter lists across India, potentially before the end of the year. Most voters may not need to provide additional documents if they are already on the electoral roll from the last special intensive revision in their state.

Give proof, don't use dirty phrases like 'vote chori': EC to Oppn

Give proof, don't use dirty phrases like 'vote chori': EC to Oppn

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has responded to allegations of voter data fudging made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to provide proof instead of creating a false narrative.

Election Commission to use Census data, GPS

Election Commission to use Census data, GPS

Rediff.com25 Aug 2008

In an attempt to curb bogus voting and monitor the migration of voters across India, the Election Commission is planning to link the Census data of 2011 with its electoral rolls. The EC then plans to use global positioning system to automatically record the voters' migration or shifting of residence.Once the Census data is made available to the Election Commission, it will be clubbed with the electoral rolls. The GPS chip would be added to the electronic photo identity cards.

Is this INDIA bloc's best chance to defeat Nitish-led NDA?

Is this INDIA bloc's best chance to defeat Nitish-led NDA?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

A SWOT analysis of the INDIA bloc, led by the RJD-Congress combine, as Bihar prepares for Assembly elections. Examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the opposition alliance.

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the 3.66 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The court's direction came after concerns were raised by petitioners about the lack of notice or reasons given to the excluded voters.

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'The Election Commission's involvement in the avoidable SIR controversy has carried a message down to the last voter -- who just does not like it,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Modi again uses 'katta, dunaali' to hit out at RJD-Cong

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the record turnout in the first phase of the Bihar assembly polls indicates people's trust in the NDA government. He predicted victory for the NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and lauded the Election Commission for conducting successful elections.

B'desh envoy summoned over security threat to Indian mission

B'desh envoy summoned over security threat to Indian mission

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

India summoned the Bangladesh envoy to express strong concerns over extremist elements planning to create a security situation around the Indian mission in Dhaka.

'RJD-Cong Will Win 160-170 Seats'

'RJD-Cong Will Win 160-170 Seats'

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

'When maximum voter participation occurs, they do not vote to re-elect the incumbent government. They vote to change it.' 'How can anyone credibly suggest that crores of young voters -- particularly the unemployed youth -- would vote to re-elect an existing government that has demonstrably failed them?'

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Jan Suraaj Party heading for whitewash, promises 'serious review'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party spokesperson Pavan K Varma said the party would undertake a "serious review" of its performance in the Bihar Assembly elections after early trends showed Prashant Kishor's outfit making little impact despite a grassroots campaign.

OPS takes AIADMK leadership row to Election Commission

OPS takes AIADMK leadership row to Election Commission

Rediff.com28 Jun 2022

The power struggle in Tamil Nadu's main opposition party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, appears set to go on for a long time with sidelined leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) approaching the Election Commission and the influential Edappadi K Palaniswami camp refusing to budge.

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'There is no substantive basis for Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. The only real link they can have is mischief, with Pakistan's intelligence agency using Bangladesh to create trouble along our eastern borders.'

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.

CEC slams Oppn over SIR, says some parties spreading misinformation

CEC slams Oppn over SIR, says some parties spreading misinformation

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gynaesh Kumar rejects allegations of 'vote theft' and misinformation surrounding the electoral roll revision in Bihar, as the INDIA bloc launches a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'.

Wake up at 4 am, eliminate 2 votes: Rahul's dig at EC

Wake up at 4 am, eliminate 2 votes: Rahul's dig at EC

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday reiterated his 'vote chori' allegations and took a swipe at the Election Commission, calling it an 'election watchman' who 'stayed awake, watched the theft, and protected the thieves'.

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The INDIA bloc is set to field a joint candidate for the upcoming vice presidential elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is engaging with opposition parties to identify potential candidates and build consensus. The decision reflects a unified front among opposition parties aiming to send a strong political message.

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Verify identity of burqa-clad voters: Bihar BJP to EC

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

The RJD, which has been voicing apprehensions that the SIR might have been carried out to "help" the BJP-led NDA, also urged the EC to divulge details of the 3.66 lakh persons whose names were deleted from the final electoral roll published earlier this week.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

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.

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A 30-year-old man in West Bengal's Howrah district died allegedly by suicide on Tuesday, as he was reportedly distressed over errors in his identity document amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a police officer said.

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

When Turkman Gate Was Demolished In 1976

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A legend that sprang up after the Turkman Gate killing is that when the shrine is disturbed, the government will fall, as it happened with the Indira Gandhi government.