News for 'Election Commissioners'

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet early next week to finalise the name of the next chief election commissioner. The panel will recommend a name from among the candidates shortlisted by a search committee. The president will then appoint the next CEC based on the recommendation. The panel comprises the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister.

Man kills 6-yr-old daughter to contest panchayat polls

Man kills 6-yr-old daughter to contest panchayat polls

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

A man from Maharashtra, aspiring to contest local body elections, allegedly killed his six-year-old daughter by throwing her into a canal in Telangana to circumvent rules regarding the number of children allowed for candidates.

Maharashtra civic polls: Personal campaign allowed after deadline

Maharashtra civic polls: Personal campaign allowed after deadline

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra State Election Commission has prohibited civic poll candidates from using microphones and moving in large groups during door-to-door canvassing after the end of the public campaign. Opposition parties have criticised the decision.

India, Canada take steps to repair security ties

India, Canada take steps to repair security ties

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Both countries also committed to formalising cooperation on cybersecurity policy and information sharing on cybersecurity issues.

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

BJP seeks apology from Rahul, Kharge over 'threat' to PM

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi after Congress workers allegedly threatened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life at a rally.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that a 'systematic vote chori' method, evolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission to 'kill Indian democracy', will be deployed in the Bihar assembly polls as well.

Masked men try to abduct 18 Congress corporators from bus in Maha

Masked men try to abduct 18 Congress corporators from bus in Maha

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

However, the timely arrival of party supporters and police intervention brought the situation under control, informed a senior Corporator who was traveling in the bus.

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance secured a majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning 118 out of 227 seats and ending the Thackeray family's long-standing control.

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Shivaji-Tipu remark: 9 injured as BJP, Cong workers clash

Shivaji-Tipu remark: 9 injured as BJP, Cong workers clash

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

BJP and Congress workers clashed in Pune following controversial remarks equating Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with Tipu Sultan, leading to injuries and police intervention.

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that actor Vijay's TVK is not a recognised political party during a hearing regarding a PIL seeking its derecognition following a stampede at a party rally.

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

India, Canada sign landmark nuclear agreement

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India and Canada solidify their partnership with a landmark uranium supply agreement and discussions to finalise a comprehensive economic partnership, signaling stronger ties and cooperation on key global issues.

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is expected to initiate a phased, pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list, prioritizing states with upcoming assembly elections. This cleanup exercise aims to weed out illegal foreign migrants and ensure accurate electoral rolls.

Assembly bypolls in J-K, 6 states to be held on Nov 11

Assembly bypolls in J-K, 6 states to be held on Nov 11

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The counting of votes will be done on November 14, along with the Bihar assembly election votes.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Bihar polls: Prashant Kishor to contest, announces candidates

Bihar polls: Prashant Kishor to contest, announces candidates

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor announces his participation in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with the candidate list to be revealed on October 9. He predicts a significant vote share for his party and claims it will be Nitish Kumar's last election as Chief Minister.

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an attempt to cover up "vote theft" and institutionalize it, claiming similar incidents occurred in other states.

'If you can't speak English...': HC slams Nainital ADM

'If you can't speak English...': HC slams Nainital ADM

Rediff.com26 Jul 2025

The Uttarakhand high court has asked two top officials of the state to find out whether an officer who has no knowledge of English can effectively control an executive position after an additional district magistrate responded in Hindi during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL).

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

EC to conduct house-to-house verification of voters in Assam

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Election Commission has ordered a 'Special Revision' of electoral rolls in Assam, with the final voter list to be published on February 10, 2026. The revision aims to ensure clean and accurate electoral rolls, with house-to-house verification taking place from November 22 to December 20.

'Mumbai mayor to be from...': Eknath Shinde meets new corporators

'Mumbai mayor to be from...': Eknath Shinde meets new corporators

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Amid speculation in political circles over Shiv Sena's stand vis-a-vis the next mayor of Mumbai, party leader and minister Uday Samant said the civic body polls were contested as the Mahayuti alliance.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Case

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Case

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Assam Cabinet has decided to request the Gauhati High Court to establish a fast-track court to expedite the trial in the Zubeen Garg death case, following a request from the singer's family.

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

2 officials die, another paralysed amid claims of 'SIR pressure'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

A series of deaths and health-related incidents involving staff deployed for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in multiple states has triggered alarm, even as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission, calling the ongoing exercise 'chaotic, coercive and dangerous'.

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Modi invites Bangladesh's new PM Tarique Rahman to visit India

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India, conveying his best wishes to the newly sworn-in leader.

Bihar Dy CM alleges RJD attack on convoy; EC directs DGP to act

Bihar Dy CM alleges RJD attack on convoy; EC directs DGP to act

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Reacting to the alleged incident, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the DGP to take "immediate action".

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

India ready to back new BNP govt: Om Birla in Dhaka

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla attended the swearing-in ceremony of Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka, conveying India's support for Bangladesh's democratic and progressive development and extending an invitation from PM Modi to visit India.

EC warns parties over 'misuse' of AI tools in Bihar poll

EC warns parties over 'misuse' of AI tools in Bihar poll

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Publishing and transmitting synthetically generated information is a deep threat and challenge because of its ability to masquerade as the truth, it said in a communication addressed to party presidents, chairpersons and general secretaries.

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.

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.

CJI recuses from plea over EC selection panel

CJI recuses from plea over EC selection panel

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday recused from hearing a batch of pleas challenging the exclusion of the CJI from the panel meant for selecting the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. The CJI, who was sitting on the bench with Justice Sanjay Kumar, told the advocates appearing for the PIL petitioners that he couldn't hear the pleas now. The cases will now be listed before another bench after the winter break.

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

India-Bangladesh Ties May Warm Up After BNP Win

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

'The people of Bangladesh have voted for a party that represents political interest.'
'It is a pro-Liberation party and it believes in the spirit of 1971, as opposed to the Jamaat-e-Islami, which was opposed to the Liberation struggle of Bangladesh in 1971.'

Mumbai civic poll: Phase-wise counting may delay result declaration

Mumbai civic poll: Phase-wise counting may delay result declaration

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Phase-wise counting of votes in Mumbai civic polls, instead of simultaneously across all 227 electoral wards as done in 2017, could delay the declaration of results when the enumeration process begins on Friday morning, civic officials said on Thursday.

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defends its directive to verify the identity of burqa-clad women at Bihar polling stations, citing a 1994 order issued during T N Seshan's tenure.

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer reports over 10 lakh SIR enumeration forms identified as 'uncollectable' due to absentee voters, duplicates, deaths, or permanent relocation. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway with significant BLO involvement.

Oppn plans to bring impeachment notice against EC chief over 'voter chori'

Oppn plans to bring impeachment notice against EC chief over 'voter chori'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Opposition INDIA Bloc leaders are considering an impeachment notice against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over concerns about voter roll revision in Bihar and alleged vote theft. The move comes after the CEC addressed a press conference without addressing the opposition's questions.

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance appeared to register a landslide victory in Bihar, opening up impressive leads in more than 180 of the state's 243 assembly seats, with early trends also indicating that the saffron party was on track to post its biggest tally.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

EC to train officials for voter revision in Bengal

EC to train officials for voter revision in Bengal

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Election Commission is set to begin training poll officers in West Bengal for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The training aims to equip officers to guide booth-level officers (BLOs) in ensuring a smooth and accurate voter list revision process.