News for 'Election Commission'

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) clarified that Nobel laureate Amartya Sen is not required to appear for a hearing regarding discrepancies in the spelling of his name in the voter list. The correction will be handled administratively. The EC also issued instructions to ensure timely delivery of notices related to voter list discrepancies.

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission served a notice to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding electoral roll discrepancies, sparking a political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has criticized the move as a politically motivated attack.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.

Sindhu To Champion Player Voices On BWF Council

Sindhu To Champion Player Voices On BWF Council

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has been appointed to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council, where she will represent the voices of badminton players globally.

Amit Shah Leads Massive Roadshow in Kharagpur, West Bengal

Amit Shah Leads Massive Roadshow in Kharagpur, West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a roadshow in Kharagpur Sadar, West Bengal, attracting large crowds and highlighting the BJP's campaign efforts in the region ahead of the assembly elections.

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.

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Rediff.com9 May 2026

In West Bengal's political circles, it was widely believed that after Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikhari was perhaps the only leader with a truly significant mass base of his own.

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.

SC directs public display of voter discrepancies in Bengal

SC directs public display of voter discrepancies in Bengal

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to display the names of those on the 'logical discrepancies' list at various public offices in West Bengal, addressing concerns about irregularities in the voter rolls.

Voting in BMC polls? Must carry one of these ID proofs

Voting in BMC polls? Must carry one of these ID proofs

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Electors in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls will be required to present either a voter photo ID card or any one of the 12 alternative identity documents approved by the State Election Commission to cast their vote, officials said.

Cong moves SC against amendments to election rules

Cong moves SC against amendments to election rules

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

The Congress on Tuesday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the recent amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and expressed hope that the apex court will help restore the 'fast eroding' integrity of the electoral process.

Bihar Polls: Phase 2: Touch And Go Seats

Bihar Polls: Phase 2: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

The final phase of the two-phase Bihar elections takes place today, November 11.

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.

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking a special investigation team (SIT) probe into alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bengaluru Central and other constituencies, advising the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India.

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The International Olympic Committee mourns the death of veteran Indian sports administrator Randhir Singh, recognising his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement in India, Asia, and worldwide.

EC flags 26 lakh Bengal voter mismatches with 2002 list

EC flags 26 lakh Bengal voter mismatches with 2002 list

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The Election Commission reports a discrepancy of nearly 26 lakh voters' names in West Bengal's current electoral rolls when compared to the 2002 voter list.

Union Minister Majumdar Criticises Banerjee's Protest, Outlines BJP's Promises for West Bengal

Union Minister Majumdar Criticises Banerjee's Protest, Outlines BJP's Promises for West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna and outlined the BJP's promises for the upcoming assembly elections, including job creation, increased financial assistance for women, and proper DA for state government employees.

Shami summoned for voter verification in Kolkata, seeks time

Shami summoned for voter verification in Kolkata, seeks time

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Cricketer Mohammed Shami was asked to appear for the SIR verification hearing in Kolkata, officials said on Tuesday.

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Maha local body poll results depend on final quota verdict: SC

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra government and its state election commission to conduct local body elections, clarifying that the results will be subject to the court's final verdict, especially concerning the 50% quota limit. The court will hear pleas regarding OBC reservation in local bodies in January 2026.

Bihar Polls: Phase 1: Touch And Go Seats

Bihar Polls: Phase 1: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

According to data available from the Election Commission of India, 17 seats in the 2020 Assembly elections had a victory margin of less than 1.5%

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Anjani Mishra, a resident of Prayagraj, is planning to file a police complaint after his mobile number was shared by Rahul Gandhi at a press conference, leading to hundreds of unwanted calls.

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of presenting a misleading picture of West Bengal's development and employment situation during a rally in Kolkata, alleging that he is acting more as a BJP campaigner than as the Prime Minister.

'Dhurandhar Devendra' posters appear in Mumbai after BMC results

'Dhurandhar Devendra' posters appear in Mumbai after BMC results

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Large hoardings praising Fadnavis' leadership appeared across the city, reflecting a celebratory mood within the BJP camp following its strong performance in the country's richest civic body.

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.

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Opposition parties are questioning the Election Commission's intentions behind the second phase of special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. The BJP has slammed the Congress and called the opposition a 'herd of dissatisfied souls'.

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

If you reject votes, I will reject funds: Ajit Pawar to voters

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

The remarks drew flak from the Opposition, with Shiv Sena-UBT leader Ambadas Danve accusing Pawar of threatening voters.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload on booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the special revision of electoral rolls, following concerns about extreme work pressure and related issues.

SIR: UP district administration announces sops for BLOs

SIR: UP district administration announces sops for BLOs

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

In a unique initiative to speed up the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls, the Pilibhit administration has announced a set of incentives, including a family safari and lunch, for booth-level officers who fills up the maximum number of digitised forms in their respective assembly constituencies.

Court Ruling Highlights Rights Of Minority Institutions In Principal Appointments

Court Ruling Highlights Rights Of Minority Institutions In Principal Appointments

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A 2008 court judgment has brought renewed focus on the provisions given to minority institutions in choosing their heads, amid a fresh tussle between Delhi University and St Stephen's College over the appointment of the college principal.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Trinamool MP gets notice to appear for SIR hearing

Trinamool MP gets notice to appear for SIR hearing

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Election Commission has issued a notice to Trinamool Congress MP and actor Deepak Adhikari, popularly known as Dev, to appear for SIR hearing, officials said on Monday.

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

'Nehru did vote chori', Shah defends SIR; Oppn walks out

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday challenged Home Minister Amit Shah to debate with him on his three press conferences in which the Congress leader alleged 'vote chori' by the Bharatiya Janata Party in collusion with the Election Commission.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Banerjee Hits Back at Modi's Claims on Bengal's Fish Production

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

Modi Vows to End 'Fear' and Corruption in West Bengal

Modi Vows to End 'Fear' and Corruption in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal, promising development, accountability, and an end to corruption if the BJP wins the upcoming assembly elections.

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'.

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Protesting BLOs, BJP delegation in face-off outside Kolkata CEO office

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

A section of BLOs in West Bengal protested excessive workload during the SIR process, leading to clashes with BJP supporters outside the CEO's office. The protest highlights concerns over the enumeration exercise and accusations of political interference.