News for 'Election Commission'

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday posted its second worst performance in Bihar's electoral history, managing to win only six of the over 50 seats it contested and losing deposits in most seats as its 'vote chori' pitch failed to make any impact on the ground.

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.

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Raj, Uddhav, Pawar meet poll officers over voter list anomalies

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

A delegation of Opposition leaders in Maharashtra, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and Raj Thackeray, met with the state's chief electoral officer to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the poll process, particularly regarding the voters' list, ahead of local body elections.

EVMs unaffected by water in strong-room: Election Commission

EVMs unaffected by water in strong-room: Election Commission

Rediff.com26 Feb 2012

The Election Commission has finally cleared the confusion over suspected damage to Electronic Voting Machines on account of seepage of water from an overhead water tank in a strong-room where the machines were kept after the voting on February 19.

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.

Produce list of infiltrators, Tejashwi dares Amit Shah

Produce list of infiltrators, Tejashwi dares Amit Shah

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'Main chunauti deta hun ke ek naam bhi ghuspaithiya ka bataye jiska SIR mein samne aya ho ya delete hua ho (I challenge you to name even one infiltrator who was identified or deleted in the SIR).'

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

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.

Security beefed up at Indian mission in Bangladesh

Security beefed up at Indian mission in Bangladesh

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Security has been strengthened at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Bangladesh's Sylhet city in the wake of heightened tensions following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, officials said on Saturday.

NDA sweep in Bihar would be fitting tribute to Nehru: Rajnath

NDA sweep in Bihar would be fitting tribute to Nehru: Rajnath

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said a two-thirds majority for the National Democratic Alliance in the 243-member Bihar assembly will be a fitting tribute to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birthday on November 14, the day poll results will be announced.

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

EC finalises Electoral College for vice presidential poll

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The vice president of India is elected by an Electoral College comprising the elected members and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

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.

Khurshid 'bows to the wisdom' of the Election Commission

Khurshid 'bows to the wisdom' of the Election Commission

Rediff.com14 Feb 2012

Seeking to end his row with the Election Commission over his comments on sub-quota for Muslims, Law Minister Salman Khurshid has expressed regret, saying it was never his intention to transgress the law and undermine the poll code of conduct.

Suspended Bareilly magistrate cries conspiracy amid probe

Suspended Bareilly magistrate cries conspiracy amid probe

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, resigned from service citing deep disagreement with government policies, especially the new UGC regulations.

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Will step in if there's mass exclusion: SC on Bihar voter list

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has stated it will intervene if there is mass exclusion in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, emphasizing the Election Commission's role as a constitutional authority.

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.

Prashant Kishor withdraws candidate to support BJP rebel

Prashant Kishor withdraws candidate to support BJP rebel

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday announced his support for rebel Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Anup Kumar Srivastava in Bihar's Gopalganj, alleging that his own nominee Shashi Shekhar Sinha withdrew from the contest under pressure from the saffron party.

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

Congress Will Split Soon: Modi

Congress Will Split Soon: Modi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'The Congress has no positive vision for the country. The truth is that today the Congress has become the Muslimleegi Maowadi Congress -- MMC. The Congress' entire agenda revolves around this, so now a new faction is emerging within Congress itself, which is uncomfortable with this negative politics.'

'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?'

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

'Bangladesh-Pakistan-China Nexus Is Alarming'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'Should China's interest in the Teesta River projects be approved, it would likely result in heightened Chinese presence near the Siliguri corridor.'

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.

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.

'Ignore baseless allegations': EC on Rahul's 'vote chori' remarks

'Ignore baseless allegations': EC on Rahul's 'vote chori' remarks

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of India of engaging in "vote chori" (vote theft) to benefit the BJP, claiming his party possesses substantial evidence of electoral irregularities.

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Suresh Kalmadi: From IAF Pilot To Powerbroker Of Indian Sport

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Suresh Kalmadi brought several top-class events to India including the 2003 Afro Asian Games, the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

SC asks EC for details of Bihar's 65 lakh deleted voters

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the approximately 65 lakh voters removed from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, a state preparing for elections. The court's order comes in response to a petition filed by an NGO challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

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.

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

"2005 se lekar aaj tak... logon ne dekha hai kaun sarkar chalata hai aur kaun sirf hawa banata hai, (From 2005 till today, people know who actually governs and who just makes noise)," said Ramesh Yadav, a booth worker from Nalanda who claimed he had attended every JD-U celebration since Nitish's debut win.

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

BMC polls on as SC asks Maha to notify local elections in 4 weeks

Rediff.com6 May 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra state election commission to notify local body elections in the state within four weeks. The court also ruled that the contentious issue of OBC reservation in local body polls will be as it existed prior to the 2022 Banthia Commission report. The court accepted the commission's report, which recommended a census to fix exact data on OBCs and reserve 27 per cent seats for the category in local body polls in Maharashtra. The bench on Tuesday fixed a timeline for concluding the local body polls and asked the state panel to conclude it in four months. The outcome of Maharashtra local body elections would be subject to decisions in pending petitions before the apex court.

EC to begin pan-India SIR next week in '10-15 states'

EC to begin pan-India SIR next week in '10-15 states'

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal will to polls in 2026 and they are amongst the states where the voters' list cleanup exercise will begin first.

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.

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has failed to comply with the safety and security requirements at M Chinnaswamy stadium, said Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

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.

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.

Lalu's son floats new political outfit ahead of Bihar polls

Lalu's son floats new political outfit ahead of Bihar polls

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

RJD president Lalu Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, recently expelled from the party, has announced the formation of a new political outfit, 'Jan Shakti Janata Dal', ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls in Bihar.

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.

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.

Bihar SIR: Over 98% submit documents as deadline nears

Bihar SIR: Over 98% submit documents as deadline nears

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

The Election Commission announced that it has received documents from 98.2% of electors in Bihar as part of the intensive revision of the voters' list. The deadline for claims and objections has been extended, allowing electors to rectify mistakes and submit necessary documents.

'EC must act': Tharoor backs Rahul on 'vote theft'

'EC must act': Tharoor backs Rahul on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged the Election Commission to address Rahul Gandhi's claims of poll rigging, calling them 'serious questions' that must be addressed in the interest of all voters.