News for 'Election Observer'

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Feud erupts in Matua head family in Bengal; BJP uneasy

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

A family feud within the politically influential Matua community has erupted between Union minister Shantanu Thakur and his brother, BJP MLA Subrata Thakur, creating ripples in West Bengal's political landscape and posing a challenge for the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'Handling or mitigating a rebellion is not a corporate plan with quarterly, half-yearly and annual goals and results but an aggregation of the effort of several years.'

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'Karur could still impact Jana Nayagan's box-office success if Vijay and the TVK do not get their act together,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Going by political tradition, another formation will likely come to power in Karnataka in the next assembly election, due 2028. And if that happens, Mr Shivakumar will have to sit it out till 2033, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

If left unchecked, the 2024 elections may be infamously remembered as the election of deepfakes. The ECI has a tough task ahead, but, more importantly, it has an opportunity to become a global model for scores of countries going to polls this year, notes Ajay Kumar.

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Will Marathi Unite Thackeray Cousins?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

'Let's see how this love story shapes up in the run up to the municipal corporation election.'

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

BJP's Rs 1,494 cr accounts for nearly half of 2024 LS poll spending: ADR

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Congress followed next with Rs 620 crore or 18.5 percent of the total expenses among the 32 national and regional parties whose records were analysed, the ADR said.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Cong observers meet Himachal MLAs one-on-one; 6 rebels disappear

Cong observers meet Himachal MLAs one-on-one; 6 rebels disappear

Rediff.com29 Feb 2024

uring the meeting at the Cecil Hotel in Shimla, discussions were being held and feedback taken from MLAs, sources said.

Chloe Malle: Vogue's New Anna Wintour

Chloe Malle: Vogue's New Anna Wintour

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

From social editor to Vogue's new leader, Chloe Malle embraces her 'nepo baby' status, ready to shape the future of fashion media.

Modi's Approach To Election Is Intriguing

Modi's Approach To Election Is Intriguing

Rediff.com8 May 2024

The big surprise is that Narendra Modi, the greatest conjurer in our national politics, has not yet presented a theme to this election, observes Shekhar Gupta.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

I'll be back: How Fadnavis lived up to his 2019 election promise

I'll be back: How Fadnavis lived up to his 2019 election promise

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Devendra Fadnavis, a veteran politician from Maharashtra, is set to become the state's chief minister for the third time following a decisive victory by the BJP in the recent assembly elections. Fadnavis' political journey has been marked by resilience, strategic manoeuvring and a string of successes, including becoming the youngest mayor of Nagpur. He is known for his articulate speeches and effective governance, but his tenure has also been marked by challenges, including the Maratha reservation issue and the irrigation scam. He faces a new set of challenges, but his ability to adapt and make tactical decisions could prove crucial for him and his party in the coming days.

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vijay, with his chief ministerial ambitions, is a one-man army, at least as of now, and his campaign team considers him omnipresent. He has to be present in all districts, if not all constituencies at the same time, as there is no second-line leader or platform speaker in the party, who can draw crowds, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

'BJP Not Ready To Play Second Fiddle In Bihar'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

'Our party has formed governments independently in all neighbouring states except West Bengal; now it's Bihar's turn.'

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'Mr Modi has the power and pre-eminence in the BJP-RSS to choose how long he wants to serve, and he is definitely going to want to contest in 2029.' 'He will only be 79, as old as Donald Trump now, and fitter,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

'One of the principles of the MCC that you should not make hate speeches and create hatred between communities on the basis of religion was violated on a scale that was never seen before.' 'Religious symbols were very liberally used and speeches were made to polarise people on the basis of religion.'

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Why BJP Wants JMM To Contest Bihar Polls

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'It is good for us if the JMM contests. That will divide the Opposition and give us the upper hand.'

BFI to take IOA to court over 'illegal' ad hoc panel

BFI to take IOA to court over 'illegal' ad hoc panel

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

'The IOA has no jurisdiction over the conduct of elections for NSFs, yet this order has been issued in a manner that clearly questions its intent.'

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Rajya Sabha session was marred by heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches regarding the deployment of security personnel in the House. The session was adjourned amidst protests and accusations of undemocratic conduct.

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Kerala ex-CM, veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan dies at 101

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Former Kerala Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader V S Achuthanandan, a key figure in Kerala's political history, died on Monday at the age of 101. He was a founding member of the CPI(M) and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011.

Asiad champ Bahadur Sagoo is AFI president

Asiad champ Bahadur Sagoo is AFI president

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

Sagoo was the lone candidate left in fray after incumbent senior vice president Anju Bobby George opted out of the race for the position.

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) distanced itself from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Friday, saying it is not part of the opposition alliance anymore and questioning the Congress party's role in leading it.

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

SC backs EC's Bihar voter list drive, flags concerns over timing

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, however, questioned the timing of the exercise, besides offering its prima facie view that Aadhaar card, voter ID card and ration cards could be considered during the SIR in Bihar.

'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.'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The bench, which asked Jain to withdraw the plea filed against a Delhi high court order that dismissed a writ petition challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM by the Election Commission (EC), granted liberty to the petitioner to file a writ petition, wherein he may make a wider prayer for reforms in respect of political parties on different counts.

Ganguly Open To Coaching Team India

Ganguly Open To Coaching Team India

Rediff.com22 Jun 2025

Former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly has categorically stated that he has no desire to pursue a career in politics, but said he is open to coaching the national side.

Pak welcomes poll observers

Pak welcomes poll observers

Rediff.com10 Jan 2008

Asserting that there will be no further delay in the February 18 parliamentary elections in the country, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf rejected the allegations of pre-poll rigging and setting up ghost polling stations.

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Vijay is counting on what was once proclaimed as his last filmi outing, Jana Nayagan, or 'People's Hero', to do the trick for him, when it releases on January 9, 2026, only months before the assembly poll, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

Why Chandrasekaran skipped TCS AGM for the 2nd consecutive day

Why Chandrasekaran skipped TCS AGM for the 2nd consecutive day

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran on Thursday skipped the Annual General Meeting of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), marking his absence from the group's shareholder gathering for the second consecutive day. This is the first time in over 17 years that Chandrasekaran, who was elevated as the chairman of the diversified conglomerate after working as TCS's chief executive, has missed the AGM of the largest IT services company.

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Will BJP Be The New Congress?

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Only in the event of the RSS managing to force Modi into accepting a consensual candidate, will the party not continue to 'being' the 'next Congress', observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Is Election Commission Scared Of Modi?

Is Election Commission Scared Of Modi?

Rediff.com25 May 2024

This election will be remembered for being the first election where the Election Commission failed to take action on gross violations involving the ruling party that repeatedly used religion, communal slurs, lies and undocumented allegations, observes Ramesh Menon.

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Kerala govt's decision on Bakrid holiday triggers uproar

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid.

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Trump couldn't care less anymore about the Israeli demand for Iran's 'de-nuclearisation' and 'de-militarisation.' Trump pins hopes on a grand bargain with Iran as a partner in America First, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is under pressure from his party as his unclear stand on the BJP alliance has brought back fears among party workers that the party may lose its identity, be forced into an unwanted coalition, and be taken over by the BJP later, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope's funeral.