News for 'Election Commission of India'

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

India awaits Bangladesh election outcome before addressing issues

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

India has stated it will wait for the outcome of the elections in Bangladesh and the resulting mandate before addressing any existing issues. The country also affirmed its support for free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections in Bangladesh.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

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.

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has filed a reply in a legal matter concerning her inclusion in the voter list, which is alleged to have occurred before she became an Indian citizen. The case, initiated by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks the registration of an FIR against Gandhi and is currently pending before a sessions court.

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Election Commission will examine a complaint filed by opposition parties alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation violated the Model Code of Conduct for elections.

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

In historic revolt, TMC rebels oust Mamata as chairperson, install Arup Roy

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

In a bid to wrest control of the Trinamool Congress, its rebel faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee on Monday elected MLA Arup Roy as chairperson, marking the sharpest challenge yet to the authority of party founder Mamata Banerjee.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

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.

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

Major Restructuring Proposed For All India Tennis Association

Major Restructuring Proposed For All India Tennis Association

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Court-appointed administrator Justice Gita Mittal has proposed extensive constitutional amendments for the All India Tennis Association (AITA). These reforms aim to align AITA with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, by significantly increasing athlete representation in decision-making bodies, downsizing the Executive Committee, and establishing independent ethics and dispute resolution committees. The changes, which include inducting Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit into key committees and reducing state association representation, await approval at an upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued to regulate the departure of citizens and is not intended as proof of citizenship. This statement comes amidst a debate on its use for verifying citizenship, particularly concerning electoral rolls, and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

When can Election Commission hold draw of lots to pick the winner?

When can Election Commission hold draw of lots to pick the winner?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

When the margin of victory is less than the number of postal ballot papers rejected, all such rejected postal ballot papers shall be mandatorily re-verified before declaration of the result.

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

'If The Economy Is Growing At 6.5-7%, Why Don't Wages Increase?'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'Wages have not risen. Rural wages have stagnated. The growth was 0.7 per cent last year. For casual and irregular labour, the wage growth is negative.'

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

'BJP Pressured EC To Oust Natarajan From RS Contest'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'We can never trust the BJP when it comes to elections.'

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting, National Democratic Alliance-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, defeating the Congress's Pranav Jha, an official said.

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The polling for the Tamil Nadu Elections will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Out of the 294 assembly seats, 152 seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the first phase on Thursday.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India has prohibited the conduct and dissemination of exit polls from April 9 to April 29 during the upcoming assembly elections in several states. Violators face imprisonment or fines.

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a detailed constituency-wise disclosure of disenfranchisement caused by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections with unprecedented security measures in place, following a period of interim governance and political changes.

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Can't have fishing inquiry: SC on alleged voter additions in WB

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court declined to initiate an inquiry into alleged voter roll irregularities in West Bengal, stating it would amount to a 'fishing inquiry'. The court's decision came after concerns were raised about the addition of a significant number of voters ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

X Under Investigation for Allegedly Defamatory AI Video Targeting PM and ECI

X Under Investigation for Allegedly Defamatory AI Video Targeting PM and ECI

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Police have registered a case against X and one of its handles for circulating an AI-generated video allegedly depicting the Prime Minister and the Election Commission of India in a misleading and defamatory manner.

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.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

'Government Did A U-Turn On Caste Census'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

'They want to sabotage the caste census and bury Muslim backward classes, Hindu backward classes, Sikh backward classes and Buddhist backward classes.'

'BJP seal' on affidavit: EC orders police action

'BJP seal' on affidavit: EC orders police action

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Kerala Police have initiated a crackdown on misleading election-related news circulating on social media platforms, following a controversy over an Election Commission letter bearing the BJP Kerala unit's seal.

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'Now if you break the party under the 10th Schedule you have to join another party.' 'You cannot join the NDA as it is not a party. You can only join another party, and that is the BJP.' 'So the question to ask is that these so-called 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs who are parting ways with the TMC, are they ready to join the BJP and accept Narendra Modi as their leader?'

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

How Modi's Political Aura Crumbled At Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

It was left to an incensed Gen Z to show the rest of India that enough was enough, and that the time had come to shatter the fear psychosis generated by the government's authoritarian approach to protests and criticism, points out M R Narayan Swamy.

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

MHA issues fresh National Anthem, National Song guidelines

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh directions to all state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central ministries, reiterating the rules governing the singing and playing of the National Anthem and the National Song, calling for their strict compliance.

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

TMC Candidate Ratna Chattopadhyay Faces FIR Over Alleged Vandalism

TMC Candidate Ratna Chattopadhyay Faces FIR Over Alleged Vandalism

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

An FIR has been lodged against Trinamool Congress candidate Ratna Chattopadhyay for alleged vandalism in the Parnasree area of Kolkata during election campaigning.

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

BJP wins all 3 RS seats in MP after Natarajan's nomination rejected

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three BJP candidates have been declared elected unopposed in the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh, while the Congress party has moved the Supreme Court against the rejection of its candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination.

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Political parties out of purview of RTI: Election Commission

Rediff.com27 May 2018

The order is is contrary to the Central Information Commission's directive bringing six national parties under the transparency law.