News for 'Election Commissioner'

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Mamata Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Inflate West Bengal Voter Rolls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of attempting to illegally include voters from outside the state in West Bengal's electoral rolls, alleging a coordinated effort to interfere with democratic rights.

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Why Bengal Will Now Hand Over Infiltrators To BSF

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be handed over to the BSF instead of being produced in courts, following a new rule. Instructions have been issued to the police and RPF to directly transfer detainees to the BSF at the Bangladesh border, with weekly reports submitted to the CMO.

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Bangladesh will hold general elections on February 12, 2026, the first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. A referendum on reform proposals will be held simultaneously.

MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning': Cong's dig at EC

MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning': Cong's dig at EC

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The Congress party has accused the Modi government of abusing its power and distorting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry. The party alleges that the MCC has become 'Modi's Code of Campaigning' filled with defamation and lies.

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, has refuted allegations of potential malpractices at counting centres, assuring that robust security measures are in place. This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about possible tampering with EVMs.

Sunil Arora is next Chief Election Commissioner, to take charge on Dec 2

Sunil Arora is next Chief Election Commissioner, to take charge on Dec 2

Rediff.com26 Nov 2018

The Election Commission will hold the 2019 general election under Arora .

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a lookout notice against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with a money laundering case after he evaded multiple summons.

An open letter to the new Chief Election Commissioner

An open letter to the new Chief Election Commissioner

Rediff.com22 Jun 2012

Making the electoral process inclusive and giving voting rights to the maximum number of citizens is worthy cause to make our democracy better, says Col Anil Athale.

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.

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.

TMC-backed BLOs clash with police in Kolkata over voter list row

TMC-backed BLOs clash with police in Kolkata over voter list row

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Tension flared outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Kolkata following a confrontation between Trinamool Congress supporters and police over alleged voter list manipulation, with accusations of illegal voter enrolment from other states.

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

Rediff.com5 May 2026

D N Jeevaraj of the BJP has been declared the MLA for Sringeri after a recount of postal ballots, following a High Court order. This reverses the 2023 election result where Congress candidate T D Raje Gowda had won.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Bengal: Tensions flare in Howrah after clashes between TMC, BJP workers

Bengal: Tensions flare in Howrah after clashes between TMC, BJP workers

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Chaurabasti area of Shivpur turned into a flashpoint of political violence on Thursday as supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly engaged in a violent face-off.

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

In a first, the Bihar assembly polls this time saw no voting day deaths and no re-polling being ordered in any constituency.

'Picture abhi baaki hai': Raghav Chadha responds to AAP

'Picture abhi baaki hai': Raghav Chadha responds to AAP

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has responded to criticism that he has not adequately raised Punjab-related issues in Parliament by sharing a video showcasing his interventions on key concerns affecting the state.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

AMMK chief files plaint against TVK over 'forged' support letter

AMMK chief files plaint against TVK over 'forged' support letter

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The AMMK has filed a complaint against the TVK, alleging the use of a forged support letter to claim government formation. The Guindy police are conducting a preliminary inquiry into the matter.

AIMIM corporator sheltered TCS accused Nida Khan, family: Police

AIMIM corporator sheltered TCS accused Nida Khan, family: Police

Rediff.com8 May 2026

An AIMIM corporator allegedly harboured Nida Khan, an accused in the alleged sexual harassment and religious coercion case at TCS, and her family in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the police said on Friday.

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.

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.

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Mumbai gets BJP mayor after 44 years; Ritu Tawde elected unopposed

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Ritu Tawde of the BJP has been elected as the new Mumbai Mayor, marking a historic moment as the party secures the position after 44 years in the BMC.

Voter list 'purified', Bihar elections before...: CEC

Voter list 'purified', Bihar elections before...: CEC

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed satisfaction over the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, stating that the exercise has 'purified' the voters' list after 22 years. He made the announcement during a press conference in Patna.

Former MP IAS officer O P Rawat appointed as new Election Commissioner

Former MP IAS officer O P Rawat appointed as new Election Commissioner

Rediff.com13 Aug 2015

Om Prakash Rawat, a former Madhya Pradesh cadre IAS officer who till recently was Secretary at the Centre, was on Thursday appointed as the new Election Commissioner.

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has stated that the primary goal of the Election Commission is to ensure all voters in West Bengal can participate in the upcoming assembly elections without violence or intimidation.

Himanta Sarma Warns Top Cop Over Delay In Pawan Khera's Arrest

Himanta Sarma Warns Top Cop Over Delay In Pawan Khera's Arrest

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The chief minister is 'more upset with the Assam police than with Pawan Khera.'

Meghalaya: Former MLA Surrenders in Connection with Garo Hills Violence

Meghalaya: Former MLA Surrenders in Connection with Garo Hills Violence

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Former MLA Estamur Mominin surrendered to police in Meghalaya's Ri Bhoi district after evading arrest related to violence following tensions over the GHADC elections.

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

'Vote chori in BJP DNA': Cong attacks Modi, EC at Delhi rally

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Top Congress leaders attacked the BJP and election commissioners at a rally in Delhi, alleging election irregularities and demanding action against those involved in 'vote chori'.

There is vacuum in J-K, needs to be filled, says chief election commissioner

There is vacuum in J-K, needs to be filled, says chief election commissioner

Rediff.com29 Mar 2023

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday said the fresh revision of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir does not disturb the schedule or conduct part of polls and the poll panel is aware that there is a "vacuum" in the Union territory which needs to be filled.

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

65 candidates from ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra were declared elected unopposed ahead of elections held on January 15, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). The BJP led with 43 unopposed candidates.

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, met with the Chief Election Commissioner to voice their concerns and demand a halt to the revision process.

BJP's Dubey stirs up row again, calls ex-CEC Quraishi 'Muslim commissioner'

BJP's Dubey stirs up row again, calls ex-CEC Quraishi 'Muslim commissioner'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has come under fire for his controversial remarks against the Chief Justice of India and now, he has targeted former Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi, calling him a "Muslim commissioner". Dubey's comments come after Quraishi criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act as a "sinister and evil plan of the government to grab Muslim lands". Dubey's remarks have been met with widespread condemnation, with many calling them inflammatory and divisive.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

Kolkata Businessman Arrested In Money Laundering Investigation

Kolkata Businessman Arrested In Money Laundering Investigation

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate arrested a Kolkata-based businessman, Kamdar, after conducting searches against him and a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged criminal syndicate in West Bengal.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.