News for 'Election Commission's'

He destroyed...: Kejriwal launches blistering attack on CEC

He destroyed...: Kejriwal launches blistering attack on CEC

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Kejriwal's remarks came shortly after the EC expressed dissatisfaction with his reply to its notice and gave him a fresh opportunity to explain his charges against the Haryana government.

India's 2036 Olympic Games Bid Under Review

India's 2036 Olympic Games Bid Under Review

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Mandaviya addresses state of Indian football

Raj Thackeray's MNS may lose recognition, symbol

Raj Thackeray's MNS may lose recognition, symbol

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) is at risk of losing its status as a recognised political party and its railway engine poll symbol after its dismal performance in the recently concluded state assembly election, where it failed to win even one seat.

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, however, questioned the timing of the exercise, besides offering its prima facie view that Aadhaar card, voter ID card and ration cards could be considered during the SIR in Bihar.

BJP wasn't in power then: EC sources on duplicate voters

BJP wasn't in power then: EC sources on duplicate voters

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Amid opposition allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls, sources in the Election Commission Monday said the matter related to duplicate voter identity card numbers is a 'legacy issue' with such cards being issued even between 2008 and 2013 when the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance was not in power.

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India would neither succumb to the Americans on issues of national security, such as its defence ties with Russia, nor cede ground on its domestic interests in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Kejriwal says he won't go to Rajya Sabha, hails AAP victories

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hailed the party's performance in the Gujarat and Punjab bypolls, calling them a 'semi-final to 2027' and a clear sign that voters would reject both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.

Poll code: EC stays Army col's appointment as SSP by J-K admin

Poll code: EC stays Army col's appointment as SSP by J-K admin

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

In its order to the J-K chief secretary, the EC said there is a ban on transfer of officers connected to elections as the Model Code of Conduct is in force in the Union Territory.

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'All governments are scared of a negative image.' 'Somehow, this government has a tendency to create a narrative that things are improving.' 'When the real data gives a different picture, they are upset.'

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted allegations by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the Commission is being run by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The ECI said it is a three-member body and has collectively noted "repeated deliberate pressure tactics" to malign the poll authority in the Delhi elections. The ECI has decided to exercise constitutional restraint and not be swayed by such insinuations. The AAP has alleged that the EC has been ignoring the BJP's alleged violations of poll code, and that Kumar is not taking action against the BJP to secure a post-retirement assignment. Delhi goes to polls on Wednesday.

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Protests against new law in Dhaka, secretariat locked down

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Government employees in Bangladesh locked down the main gate of the Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka, protesting a new service law that allows for easier dismissal of officials for misconduct. The protest, which lasted for about half an hour, disrupted government operations. The employees also threatened to continue their protests until the ordinance was scrapped. Meanwhile, the protest by employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding the installation of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor, has brought administrative services to a halt. These protests, coupled with concerns raised by the business community and the military, highlight a growing sense of unease in Bangladesh over the policies of the interim government.

Law Commission meets Kovind panel on simultaneous polls

Law Commission meets Kovind panel on simultaneous polls

Rediff.com25 Oct 2023

Sources said the report of the law panel on simultaneous polls is not yet finalised. They said "some more things are required to be done", indicating that the law panel will be invited again by the high-level committee.

'EC Can Shut Mouths Once And For All'

'EC Can Shut Mouths Once And For All'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'If machines (EVMs) are so reliable, if our electoral system is so reliable, then why has the Election Commission so far not even responded to an ADR plea to share data of 79 (Lok Sabha) constituencies where there's a (alleged) dispute?'

What Kejriwal, Atishi said after AAP rout in Delhi polls

What Kejriwal, Atishi said after AAP rout in Delhi polls

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday conceded his party's defeat in the high-stakes Delhi Assembly elections.

'BJP has sent electronic experts': JMM's plea to EC ahead of counting

'BJP has sent electronic experts': JMM's plea to EC ahead of counting

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in Jharkhand wrote to the Election Commission on Friday night and demanded the suspension of internet services within 2 km radius of the counting centres, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party has deputed 'highly qualified' electronic experts from other states.

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Kamal Haasan to enter Rajya Sabha with DMK support

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Actor Kamal Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Miam at a public meeting in Madurai in 2018.

PM-led panel may appoint 2 election commissioners by Mar 15

PM-led panel may appoint 2 election commissioners by Mar 15

Rediff.com10 Mar 2024

Sources said the selection committee could meet either on March 13 or 14 depending on the convenience of the members and the appointments are likely to be made by March 15.

AAP alleges BJP bringing 'fake' voters, EC orders probe

AAP alleges BJP bringing 'fake' voters, EC orders probe

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

The Election Commission on Thursday asked its Delhi chief electoral officer to probe the Aam Aadmi Party's complaints against Bharatiya Janata Party leader Parvesh Verma and allegations of additions and deletions in the electoral roll of the New Delhi assembly seat.

EC invites Cong team to discuss concerns over Maha poll results

EC invites Cong team to discuss concerns over Maha poll results

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

The EC reiterated that the process was transparent with the involvement of candidates or their agents at every stage.

BJP urges EC to change Haryana assembly poll date

BJP urges EC to change Haryana assembly poll date

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The BJP cited holidays before and after the election date that could lead to lower voter turnout.

Show how EVMs can be hacked: Now TMC differs ally Cong

Show how EVMs can be hacked: Now TMC differs ally Cong

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

He termed the allegations as "just random statements" and demanded that people making such allegations should demonstrate how the EVMs can be "hacked"

New Sports Bill: Many Positives, Some Concerns!

New Sports Bill: Many Positives, Some Concerns!

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

As the National Sports Governance Bill is set to become a law, the country's national federations and Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P T Usha on Tuesday welcomed the landmark policy, calling it a step in the right direction as India gears up to bid for the 2036 Olympics.

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Oppn raises Pahalgam, Trump's remarks, Bihar SIR in session eve meet

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

At the customary meeting ahead of the session beginning Monday, the opposition raised various issues, including voter roll revision in Bihar, the Pahalgam terror attack and Trump's 'ceasefire' claims.

BJP Made Muslim Support For MVA An Election Issue

BJP Made Muslim Support For MVA An Election Issue

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

In doing so, it further cemented the community's determination to support the opposition. But at the same time, it consolidated its Hindu vote bank like never before.

What CEC Rajiv Kumar plans to do after retirement

What CEC Rajiv Kumar plans to do after retirement

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, set to retire next month, plans to spend several months in solitude in the Himalayas. He also expressed a desire to teach underprivileged children, recalling his own humble beginnings. Kumar's tenure as CEC saw him oversee landmark elections, including the 16th Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections in 2022 and assembly elections in 11 states.

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'It is good for us if the JMM contests. That will divide the Opposition and give us the upper hand.'

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

CEC Rajiv Kumar, a strong critic of exit polls, demits office

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Rajiv Kumar, the 25th chief election commissioner of India, has demitted office after a nearly three-year tenure marked by both electoral successes and allegations of bias from opposition parties. Kumar oversaw the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, among other major elections. During his tenure, he implemented reforms across various aspects of the Election Commission's functioning, including structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administration. However, he faced criticism from opposition parties and activists on several issues, including the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines, alleged fudging of voter data, and being "lenient" on the ruling BJP. While the Commission responded to the allegations, Kumar often defended himself and the poll authority through poetry. In his farewell address, Kumar expressed concerns about the timing of petitions raising doubts over poll processes and the impact of freebie promises on the fiscal health of the state. He also criticized the practice of showing early trends on counting day by news channels, calling it "nonsense". Kumar's tenure was marked by numerous controversies, with opposition parties and activists alleging bias and irregularities. While the Election Commission defended its actions, the allegations cast a shadow over his time in office.

Google Restricts AI Use for India Election

Google Restricts AI Use for India Election

Rediff.com14 Mar 2024

Google is also working with the Election Commission of India to enable people to easily discover critical voting information on its search platform -- like, how to register and how to vote -- in both English and Hindi.

Thumping win for Vinesh Phogat in political debut

Thumping win for Vinesh Phogat in political debut

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

'This fight was against the strongest oppressive forces in the country. And Vinesh emerged victorious.'

Bengal: Girl killed in violent 'celebration' after bypoll results

Bengal: Girl killed in violent 'celebration' after bypoll results

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

A female student of primary school was killed in Kaliganj in West Bengal's Nadia district on Monday after bombs were allegedly hurled from a Trinamool Congress victory celebration rally taken out even before the results of the assembly bypoll were officially announced.

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Voter turnout dips to 56% in phase 2 of J-K elections

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

The first phase of polling, held on September 18, saw an estimated 61.38 per cent voter turnout, while the final phase is set to take place on October 1 in the crucial elections being held after 10 years.

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

High-octane Delhi poll campaign ends; stage set for Feb 5

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The high-octane campaigning for the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections concluded at 6 pm on Monday, with big guns from all three major parties holding roadshows, public meetings, padayatras and bike rallies in a final push to sway voters. The Aam Aadmi Party remains confident of securing a third consecutive term, highlighting its governance record and welfare schemes. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aiming to reclaim power in Delhi after more than 25 years, held 22 roadshows and rallies across the city. The Congress, seeking a revival after failing to win any seats in the last two elections, also intensified its efforts. The election battle has seen sharp political exchanges, with AI-generated spoofs, catchy slogans, and roadshows dominating the discourse. The outcome of this fiercely contested election will determine whether the AAP continues its dominance, the BJP breaks its losing streak, or Congress makes a surprising comeback. The final verdict will be revealed on February 8, as Delhi awaits the results of what has been one of its most high-stakes electoral battles.

SC rejects plea to bar Modi from elections for poll code breach

SC rejects plea to bar Modi from elections for poll code breach

Rediff.com14 May 2024

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking to bar Prime Minister Narendra Modi from elections for allegedly making hate speeches and violating the Model Code of Conduct during campaigning.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of treason for his remark that India got "true independence" after the Ram temple consecration. Gandhi also criticized the Election Commission, alleging a "serious problem" with the country's election system.

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

For some...: Ex-CEC reacts to BJP MP's 'Muslim commissioner' attack

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Quraishi asserted that India has, is and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.

Will Jammu And Kashmir See Assembly Elections In 2024?

Will Jammu And Kashmir See Assembly Elections In 2024?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Although the Supreme Court has mandated the Centre to conduct the polls by the end of September, a spate of terrorist attacks in J&K could cause delays.

Nepal ex-PM Madhav Nepal gets bail in Patanjali land case

Nepal ex-PM Madhav Nepal gets bail in Patanjali land case

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Madhav, the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Socialist, was present in a special court to present his arguments relating to the land misappropriation case.

Ahead of Maha polls, Sharad Pawar faction moves SC over symbols

Ahead of Maha polls, Sharad Pawar faction moves SC over symbols

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, veteran leader Sharad Pawar led faction moved the Supreme Court on Friday seeking that both factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) be given new poll symbols.

'National Sports Bill will usher in new era for sports in India'

'National Sports Bill will usher in new era for sports in India'

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju feels that the National Sports Governance Bill, which is set to be tabled in the monsoon session beginning on Monday, will usher in a 'new era' for sports in India.