News for 'Election Commission'

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, claiming that other parties are indirectly aiding the BJP's influence.

Election Commission Crisis: A chronology

Election Commission Crisis: A chronology

Rediff.com2 Feb 2009

Chronological order of events leading up to Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami recommending the removal of Election Commissioner Navin Chawla.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state's first BJP chief minister.

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Why West Bengal Is Ending Religious Leader Payments

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The West Bengal cabinet has decided to discontinue assistance-oriented schemes based on religious categorisation for Imams, muezzins and purohits from June. The cabinet also approved the 'Annapurna' scheme of Rs 3,000 monthly support to women from June 1, and granted in-principle consent for their free travel in state-run buses.

Mumbai civic polls marred by voter list discrepancies, confusion

Mumbai civic polls marred by voter list discrepancies, confusion

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections were marred by widespread complaints of voter list discrepancies, missing names, and confusion, impacting voters and election staff alike.

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Rediff.com2 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with TMC counting agents to prepare for the vote counting of the assembly elections.

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Burglary At Ex-Union Minister's House Raises Security Concerns

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The house of former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Santosh Chowdhary in Hoshiarpur was allegedly broken into by unidentified persons who vandalised property and committed theft. Police have registered a case and are investigating.

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to resolve the decades-old Gorkha issue within six months if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, addressing a rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising jobs for youths and an 'infiltrator-free' state if the BJP wins the assembly elections. He also pledged to restore industrial glory, end syndicate raj, and ensure women's safety.

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Actor-politician Vijay is reportedly considering contesting from either Velachery or Virugambakkam constituencies in Chennai for the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, according to sources within his party, TVK.

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with millions of voters deciding the fate of numerous candidates across various constituencies. The elections are crucial for determining the future governance and political landscape of these regions.

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Technocrat-politician Ashok Lahiri to steer NITI Aayog with reform mandate

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Ashok Lahiri, a distinguished economist with experience in government, the private sector, and electoral politics, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, tasked with strengthening India's reform trajectory and policy-making.

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

K Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, accusing the party of failing to fulfil its promises to the state.

DGCA sets stricter rules for VIP flights after Ajit Pawar plane crash

DGCA sets stricter rules for VIP flights after Ajit Pawar plane crash

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

The DGCA has issued new guidelines for aircraft operators flying VIPs and VVIPs, including chief ministers and governors, emphasising safety and preventing undue pressure on flight crews.

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

Prez free to sign ordinances ahead of Delhi polls: Election Commission

Prez free to sign ordinances ahead of Delhi polls: Election Commission

Rediff.com12 Jan 2015

The Election Commission on Monday refrained from commenting on whether President Pranab Mukherjee is free to sign ordinances when the Model Code of Conduct is in force for Delhi assembly elections, saying he (the president) knows when to use his constitutional powers.

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

'People Voted In Anger Against Mamata Banerjee'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'The nepotism, corruption, bad governance and 15 years of rampant crime that has happened across West Bengal under her rule led to her ouster.'

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Kerala heads to key polls: 2.71 cr voters to decide LDF-UDF-NDA contest

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Kerala is set to hold its Assembly election, with the ruling LDF aiming for a historic third term, the UDF seeking a comeback, and the NDA striving to gain a foothold in the state's political landscape.

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

BNP nears clear victory in Bangladesh polls, set to form govt

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

The voting for the 13th parliamentary elections was held along with a referendum on a complex 84-point reform package.

The Rapper Who Will Be Nepal's New PM

The Rapper Who Will Be Nepal's New PM

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

With the Rastriya Swatantra Party likely to win a two thirds majority, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah will be Nepal's next prime minister.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.

The Tendulkars cast vote in BMC polls

The Tendulkars cast vote in BMC polls

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra.

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming assembly polls as a form of 'revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging foul play and urging vigilance during the election process.

Vijay takes 3D hologram route to appear in all constituencies

Vijay takes 3D hologram route to appear in all constituencies

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

TVK candidate Vinoth Ravi is using a 3D hologram of actor-turned-politician Vijay to campaign for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, aiming to reach voters across the state.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maha local polls rescheduled due to mourning

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maha local polls rescheduled due to mourning

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Voting for zilla parishads and panchayat samitis in Maharashtra has been rescheduled to February 7 due to a three-day mourning period declared after the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of disregarding democratic procedures, the judiciary, and the Election Commission of India. He alleged that the rule of law has been compromised in the state, particularly concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

VCK keeps TVK guessing as wait for TN govt formation continues

VCK keeps TVK guessing as wait for TN govt formation continues

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The VCK party, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, will announce its official position on supporting Vijay's TVK in forming the government. The decision follows discussions regarding power-sharing and key positions within the new government.

MVA, MNS to go ahead with Mumbai rally on fake vote row, defying police

MVA, MNS to go ahead with Mumbai rally on fake vote row, defying police

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

The rally is being organised to protest against alleged electoral roll manipulation in the Maharashtra assembly elections, with opposition parties alleging that there were around 96 lakh fake votes which had been added in the 2024 assembly elections.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of crushing democracy and fostering lawlessness in the state. He highlighted alleged political violence, economic decline, and disrespect for constitutional posts under the TMC's rule.