News for 'Election Commissioners'

EC 'Super Super Cautious' About Modi

EC 'Super Super Cautious' About Modi

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

The first time the Election Commission has taken cognisance of a model code of conduct complaint against a sitting prime minister.

Govt convenes all party meet on Saturday

Govt convenes all party meet on Saturday

Rediff.com30 Nov 2023

Ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, the government has convened a meeting of floor leaders of political parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on Saturday.

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Modi to attend G7 Summit in Canada after PM Carney's invite

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he will be attending the G7 Summit later this month in Canada and that he looked forward to meeting his newly elected Canadian counterpart Mark Carney.

Memes the weapon of choice as election wars go digital

Memes the weapon of choice as election wars go digital

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

From Instagram to X, social media platforms, in the run-up to the polls have seen bitter poster wars and even bitter meme battles for political one-upmanship.

Maha polls on Nov 20, J'khand to vote on Nov 13 and 20; results on Nov 23

Maha polls on Nov 20, J'khand to vote on Nov 13 and 20; results on Nov 23

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

The assembly polls in Maharashtra will be held in a single phase while Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases, the Election Commission of India announced on Tuesday.

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Canada snub? Modi to skip G7 summit amid strained ties with Ottawa

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

It is learnt that Ottawa is yet to send an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the summit, but Modi, in any way, would have skipped it as such a visit would have required a lot of groundwork considering the current state of ties between the two sides, said the people cited above.

SC verdict on pleas for collegium-like system for ECs, CECs on Thursday

SC verdict on pleas for collegium-like system for ECs, CECs on Thursday

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice KM Joseph is likely to give its verdict.

Rajya Sabha passes bill to appoint CEC, ECs as Opposition walks out

Rajya Sabha passes bill to appoint CEC, ECs as Opposition walks out

Rediff.com12 Dec 2023

Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners incorporating key amendments like retaining their status at par with Supreme Court judges, upgrading the search committee and inserting a new clause to protect them from court cases while discharging their official duties.

Bills to replace IPC, CrPC among 18 listed for Parliament's winter session

Bills to replace IPC, CrPC among 18 listed for Parliament's winter session

Rediff.com29 Nov 2023

Besides the bills, the government has listed the first batch of supplementary demands for grants for 2023-24 for presentation, discussion and voting during the session.

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

President Nominates Nikam, Shringla To Rajya Sabha

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

Former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Kerala BJP leader C Sadanandan Master and Delhi-based historian Meenakshi Jain have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

2 Indians killed, one abducted in terror attack in Niger

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

In a heinous terror attack, two Indians were killed while one was abducted in the Dosso region of Niger, as noted by the Indian Embassy in Niger.

Bypolls: EC acts against UP cops for 'stopping' voters

Bypolls: EC acts against UP cops for 'stopping' voters

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Acting on complaints, the Election Commission on Wednesday ordered suspension of police personnel violating its guidelines on checking of voters and stopping them from casting votes in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls, officials said.

Is Election Slipping Out Of Modi's Hands?

Is Election Slipping Out Of Modi's Hands?

Rediff.com1 May 2024

In nearly 100 seats, the BJP stands almost no chance of winning. In 200 seats, it is a direct fight between the BJP and the Congress where the BJP has an upper hand. In 243 seats, the BJP is pitted against regional parties and it is not going to be easy. That is why 400 seats may end up as a pipe dream, states Ramesh Menon, author of Modi Demystified: The Making of a Prime Minister.

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

India slams Canada over 'threatening' parade in Toronto

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India has lodged a strong protest with Canada over the "threatening language" and "unacceptable imagery" targeting Indian leadership at a parade held in Toronto. The floats at the parade reportedly featured pro-Khalistan propaganda and imagery attacking Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India conveyed its concerns to the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, calling on Canadian authorities to act against "anti-India elements" who are spreading hatred and advocating extremism and a separatist agenda. This incident comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's victory in the general election, which was seen as an opportunity to repair India-Canada ties that had been strained under Justin Trudeau's leadership. The two countries have been grappling with strained relations since Trudeau's allegations in September 2023 of the "potential" involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil.

26 assembly bypolls in 13 states to be held along with LS poll

26 assembly bypolls in 13 states to be held along with LS poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2024

Bypolls are due in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

India must be part of G7 discussions: Canadian PM

India must be part of G7 discussions: Canadian PM

Rediff.com7 Jun 2025

India is the fifth largest economy in the world and it is central to a number of critical global supply chains, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said, arguing that the leadership of the country must be part of discussions at the upcoming G7 summit.

Time to explore possibility of remote voting, says Election Commission

Time to explore possibility of remote voting, says Election Commission

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

Days after Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar undertook an hours-long trek to a remote polling station in Uttarakhand, the poll panel on Tuesday decided to double the remuneration of polling officials going to such booths as early as three days before voting day.

Parliament approves bill on process to appoint CEC, ECs

Parliament approves bill on process to appoint CEC, ECs

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

The Rajya Sabha has already given its nod to the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.

EC rejects 'slowdown' charge, Congress hits back

EC rejects 'slowdown' charge, Congress hits back

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Hitting back at the Election Commission after it dismissed allegations about slowing down the updating of Haryana election results, the Congress on Tuesday said the poll watchdog's reply degrades the conversational level to an 'unacceptable low' and 'misrepresents crucial facts' in a vein similar to that done by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

T N Seshan, who gave teeth to Election Commission, is dead

T N Seshan, who gave teeth to Election Commission, is dead

Rediff.com11 Nov 2019

The legendary Seshan was not keeping good health for the past couple of years and he passed away at about 9.30 pm, a senior police official told PTI.

Wrong to say judge in EC selection panel will ensure transparency: Govt to SC

Wrong to say judge in EC selection panel will ensure transparency: Govt to SC

Rediff.com24 Nov 2022

Justice Rastogi asks Mehta if he thinks that in the absence of law, whatever appointments are being made in a process are appropriate.

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Will Budget Help BJP Bag Delhi?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Banking on the Budget's tax relief, the BJP seeks to energise Delhi's middle class; the AAP is doing its bit too. But will their outreach mobilise this politically crucial yet disengaged electorate?

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

About 2K illegal houses to be razed in Ahmedabad's Bangladeshi den

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

Ahmedabad civic authorities launched a massive demolition drive on Tuesday, razing over 2,000 illegally constructed houses and properties in the Chandola Lake area. The operation, which involved around 50 teams equipped with earthmovers and 2,000 police personnel, was carried out days after illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were detained from these settlements. The Gujarat High Court declined to stay the action, observing that the dwellings were situated on the periphery of the water body and therefore subject to demolition under the Land Revenue Code. Authorities also demolished the illegal farmhouse of Lalu Pathan, alleged mastermind behind the encroachments, who is suspected to have helped illegal immigrants obtain rental accommodation and Aadhaar cards.

Those weak-kneed before powerful cannot be EC, says Supreme Court

Those weak-kneed before powerful cannot be EC, says Supreme Court

Rediff.com2 Mar 2023

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Election Commission (EC) is duty bound to act in a fair and legal manner and a person who is weak-kneed before the powers cannot be appointed as an election commissioner.

Maha voter list row: Will approach judiciary if EC doesn't respond: Rahul

Maha voter list row: Will approach judiciary if EC doesn't respond: Rahul

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

Soon after Gandhi's press conference, the Election Commission said it will respond with full facts in writing.

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Can Tharoor & Co Win The Americans Over?

Rediff.com26 May 2025

A cross-party delegation led by Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is visiting key American nations to rally global support for India's counter-terror stance under Operation Sindoor, spotlighting regional stability and Pakistan-backed cross-border threats.

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'The people of Gujarat are more religious than people of other states, this gives the BJP an advantage.'

Maha polls likely after Diwali, says EC; MVA slams delay

Maha polls likely after Diwali, says EC; MVA slams delay

Rediff.com16 Aug 2024

Kumar also hinted that the Maharashtra elections could be held after Diwali.

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

BJP MP seeks privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi over LS speech

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking initiation of breach of privilege proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for making "blatant lies and vilification campaign" during his speech in the House. Dubey alleged that Gandhi used his parliamentary privilege to spread canards without authenticating his charges and distorted historical facts during his speech. Gandhi had claimed that mobile phones were not made in India but only assembled here, China has captured the Indian territory, and India had sent Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to the US to get an invite for Prime Minister Narendra Modi for US President Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony. He also made allegations related to the electoral rolls for the Maharashtra Assembly polls and the law for the appointment of the elections commissioner. Dubey accused Gandhi of misusing the Constitution's Article 105, which accords privileges to parliamentarians for their comments made inside the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He urged the Speaker to initiate proceedings against Gandhi, alleging that Parliament's records and proceedings are a testimony to his irresponsible attitude.

Arunachal, Sikkim, Odisha, AP to vote simultaneously with LS poll

Arunachal, Sikkim, Odisha, AP to vote simultaneously with LS poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2024

Assembly elections will be held in four states with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, which will start from April 19, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday.

Enthused over J-K LS turnout, will start assembly poll process soon: CEC

Enthused over J-K LS turnout, will start assembly poll process soon: CEC

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said the EC was very enthused by the voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir during the Lok Sabha elections, which showed the eagerness of the people to participate in the democratic process.

'VS Could Make Thousands Go Crazy With His Magic'

'VS Could Make Thousands Go Crazy With His Magic'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'VS was a man who devoted every moment of his life, from the beginning till his death at the age of 100, to the struggle against the injustices inflicted upon land, nature and the common man.'

5-state elections: Ban on public rallies, road shows till Jan 15, says EC

5-state elections: Ban on public rallies, road shows till Jan 15, says EC

Rediff.com8 Jan 2022

Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said the poll authority will review the COVID-19 situation on January 15 and take a further call on allowing public rallies.

Shah to review Chhattisgarh anti-Maoist ops during 2-day trip

Shah to review Chhattisgarh anti-Maoist ops during 2-day trip

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The meeting will focus on the current internal security scenario in the state, with a special emphasis on anti-Maoist operations, the release added.

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.

K'taka election seizures hit Rs 375 cr, sees 4.5 times surge from last polls

K'taka election seizures hit Rs 375 cr, sees 4.5 times surge from last polls

Rediff.com9 May 2023

It said that increased focus on expenditure monitoring was the reason being the seizures, which included freebies such as sarees, 'food kits', pressure cookers and kitchen appliances.

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

India-Canada relations 'extremely important': Modi

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said relations between India and Canada are 'extremely important' and the two nations should work together to achieve win-win cooperation in various sectors.

EC summons Andhra chief secy, DGP over poll violence

EC summons Andhra chief secy, DGP over poll violence

Rediff.com15 May 2024

Taking cognisance of post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh, the Election Commission of India has summoned the state's chief secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) on Thursday to 'personally explain' the administration's failure to contain the incidents, sources said.

EC to announce Gujarat poll schedule today

EC to announce Gujarat poll schedule today

Rediff.com3 Nov 2022

The poll panel has convened a press conference to announce the schedule. The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly ends on February 18 next year.

SEC prohibits exit polls before end of DDC elections

SEC prohibits exit polls before end of DDC elections

Rediff.com28 Nov 2020

The State Election Commission in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday imposed restrictions on conduct of exit polls till the last of the eight-phase District Development Council election is completed.