News for 'Election Commissioner'

'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.

Maha: Two newly elected Uddhav Sena corporators go missing in Kalyan

Maha: Two newly elected Uddhav Sena corporators go missing in Kalyan

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) in Kalyan files a police complaint after two newly-elected corporators go missing following the Kalyan Dombivali civic polls. The party suspects foul play and seeks a thorough investigation.

Simultaneous polls not possible before 2024, says former election commissioner

Simultaneous polls not possible before 2024, says former election commissioner

Rediff.com22 Jan 2018

Ideally, it is good to have simultaneous elections, once every five years, former Chief Election Commissioner Krishnamurthy said, when asked to share his view on the issue, repeatedly advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Government To Take Strong Action Against Drug Smugglers

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to implement stringent measures, including mandatory drug testing for government jobs and 'bulldozer action' against drug smugglers, to combat the growing menace of 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) in the state.

Kerala final voting figures after 53,984 service voters are added, says poll chief

Kerala final voting figures after 53,984 service voters are added, says poll chief

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer, Ratan U Kelkar, addressed concerns regarding the release of detailed polling data from the recent Assembly elections, defending the timeline and transparency of the process.

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Friday announced that Thursday, January 15, will be a public holiday in areas falling under the 29 municipal corporations where polling for civic elections will be held, an official said.

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, Jay Kamdar, following searches against him and a Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner as part of a money laundering probe linked to an alleged criminal syndicate.

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the West Bengal Assembly elections by reshuffling senior officers and deploying IAS and IPS officers in key poll management roles.

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Harbhajan Singh moves HC after Punjab govt withdraws security

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has petitioned the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the restoration of his security cover after it was withdrawn following his defection from AAP to BJP. Singh cites a mob attack on his residence and potential threats as reasons for the plea.

Hawala Probe Focuses On AAP Funding Before Gujarat Polls

Hawala Probe Focuses On AAP Funding Before Gujarat Polls

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Police in Surat are investigating an alleged interstate hawala-linked political funding network involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) functionaries, with Rs 1.25 crore reportedly routed from Delhi to Surat ahead of Gujarat local body polls. The AAP has dismissed the claims as a conspiracy by the ruling BJP.

Congress Corporators in Indore Booked for Refusing to Sing National Song

Congress Corporators in Indore Booked for Refusing to Sing National Song

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Police in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, have registered a case against two Congress corporators for allegedly disturbing communal harmony after they refused to sing the national song 'Vande Mataram' during a municipal corporation session.

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Ensure no harm to Harbhajan, family: HC to Punjab govt

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to ensure the safety of Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and his family, following his defection from AAP to BJP and subsequent protests outside his residence.

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Bihar to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, police, administrative officials, and state leaders to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The visit follows the publication of the final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision, which has sparked controversy among political parties.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'

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.

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

Kerala Minister Criticises Former Police Chiefs' Comments

Kerala Minister Criticises Former Police Chiefs' Comments

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty has criticised former DGPs R Sreelekha and T P Senkumar for their alleged adverse remarks against the police, questioning the timing and appropriateness of their statements.

Canada Police: No clandestine activities linked to India

Canada Police: No clandestine activities linked to India

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Canada's police chief states there is no current evidence of clandestine activities or transnational repression linked to the Indian government within Canada, amidst improving diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resign, citing hypocrisy in Shah's call for 'clean politics' given his past arrest. Banerjee also criticised the Election Commission and defended his party's record.

EC to announce Bihar poll schedule today

EC to announce Bihar poll schedule today

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is set to announce the schedule for the Bihar legislative assembly elections on Monday. The announcement will be made at a press conference at 4 pm.

Kolkata Businessman Arrested For Money Laundering: What It Means

Kolkata Businessman Arrested For Money Laundering: What It Means

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Jay Kamdar, a Kolkata businessman, for alleged money laundering. The ED claims Kamdar had close ties with police officers and misused his influence in land-related matters. The investigation is linked to an alleged criminal syndicate led by Biswajit Podder.

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's appointment of Nitin Nabin as its new president, questioning the election process and mocking the role of the Election Commissioner.

Meghalaya LoP Files FIR Against Ex-MLA Over Alleged Provocative Speech

Meghalaya LoP Files FIR Against Ex-MLA Over Alleged Provocative Speech

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Meghalaya's Leader of the Opposition, Mukul Sangma, has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against former legislator Estamur Momin over an allegedly provocative speech concerning the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay declared assets worth 603.20 crore in his election affidavit, including luxury cars and significant bank deposits, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Vikram Doraiswami appointed as India's ambassador to China

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Vikram Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat, has been appointed as India's new ambassador to China, succeeding Pradeep Kumar Rawat. This decision comes as both countries attempt to improve bilateral relations following a period of strain.

Panel probing Justice Varma cash row reconstituted; gets extension

Panel probing Justice Varma cash row reconstituted; gets extension

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has reconstituted a three-member committee to investigate the potential removal of Justice Yashwant Varma following the recovery of cash from his residence. The committee has been granted a three-month extension.

Banerjee Calls for Modi's Resignation Over Voter List Allegations

Banerjee Calls for Modi's Resignation Over Voter List Allegations

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation, alleging manipulation of voter lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal. She also questioned the abrupt resignation of Governor C V Ananda Bose and accused the BJP of anti-women policies and spreading misinformation.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

Gold Coin Fraud Ring Busted: Police Recover Over Rs 2 Crore and Gold

Gold Coin Fraud Ring Busted: Police Recover Over Rs 2 Crore and Gold

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Police in Gurugram have arrested four individuals involved in an interstate gold coin fraud, recovering a substantial amount of cash and gold. The alleged mastermind, Solanki Prabhubhai Gulshanbhai, has a long history of fraud and is accused of targeting high-profile individuals.

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.

Can anyone vote twice in same election? Ex-CEC answers

Can anyone vote twice in same election? Ex-CEC answers

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

"The Election Commission's press conference should be welcomed because it is a good step to clear public doubts regarding the SIR process (in Bihar) and other issues," Rawat told PTI in Indore.

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.

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Curfew imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills after poll violence

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Curfew has been imposed in Meghalaya's East Garo Hills district as a precautionary measure following violent protests and police firing in the neighbouring West Garo Hills district during district council elections.

When CPR Met His Opponent

When CPR Met His Opponent

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

Newly elected Vice President C P Radhakrishnan met the Opposition's Vice-Presidential candidate retired Supreme Court Justice B Sudershan Reddy in New Delhi.

Ambdas Danve, Maharashtra Politician, Targeted with Death Threats

Ambdas Danve, Maharashtra Politician, Targeted with Death Threats

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Former leader of opposition in Maharashtra legislative council, Ambdas Danve, has received multiple threat calls in the last four days, leading to a police investigation.

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's response to questions on electoral reforms, calling it 'completely defensive' and alleging 'vote chori' (vote theft).

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted reports that indelible ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls. The BMC clarified that the Municipal Commissioner had not made any such statement.