News for 'Election Process'

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

ED seeks CBI probe against Mamata after raid disruption

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the role of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata against political consultancy firm I-PAC and its director in connection with an alleged coal scam.

Assam CM To BJP Workers: Don't Be Overconfident

Assam CM To BJP Workers: Don't Be Overconfident

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Himanta Biswa pointed out that it was 'too early' for surveys to accurately capture the electoral mood, as several key developments vis-a-vis seat-sharing arrangements among NDA partners are yet to be finalised.

Singapore PM removes Indian-origin Pritam Singh as LoP

Singapore PM removes Indian-origin Pritam Singh as LoP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has removed Indian-origin Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and asked the opposition party to nominate another Member of Parliament (MP) to fill the position following Singh's conviction for lying to a parliamentary committee.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

'This Election Commission Has To Go!'

'This Election Commission Has To Go!'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'The current Election Commission functions more like a government department than an autonomous body.'

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Shifting My House Erased My Voter Record!

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

'I don't want to be called a new Indian voter when I am an old Indian voter.'

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Another BLO found dead in Bengal; work pressure alleged

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

A Booth Level Officer (BLO) was found dead in West Bengal's Bankura district, leading to allegations that work-related pressure from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls may have been a factor. Political accusations have followed.

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Mumbai has reached a consensus on seat distribution for the upcoming civic polls, with the BJP contesting 128 seats and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 79.

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Amid claims of Amartya Sen being summoned over Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal has clarified that the notice to the Nobel laureate was issued after the Electoral Roll Officers' Network (ERONET) portal flagged a 'logical discrepancy'.

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) defended its power to revise electoral rolls and ensure no foreigners are registered as voters before the Supreme Court. The EC argued it has a constitutional duty to maintain the purity of electoral rolls and exclude those not eligible to vote.

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

'Maoist Leadership Has Been Totally Eliminated'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

'The Maoist leadership spread fear that surrender meant torture or death. Once that false narrative collapsed and our operations proved transparent and credible, the surrender momentum became irreversible.' 'From 42,000 square kilometres, Maoist activity is now confined to barely 500-600 square kilometres -- less than two per cent of Bastar. This is their last remaining base area.'

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission served a notice to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding electoral roll discrepancies, sparking a political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has criticized the move as a politically motivated attack.

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The application claimed that since the inception of the SIR process in the state, the EC has issued instructions to officers at the ground level through "informal and extra-statutory channels", such as WhatsApp messages and oral directions conveyed during video conferences, instead of issuing formal written instructions.

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Lok Sabha will debate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms after an all-party agreement, potentially breaking the logjam over discussions on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Assam: Row Over Reservation For Muslims

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The BJP alleged that the move would undermine existing reservation norms and was aimed at consolidating a particular vote bank.

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

From BJP war room to TMC strategist: Who is Pratik Jain?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Despite his influence, Pratik Jain avoids the spotlight. Credit is routinely passed on to colleagues. He maintains no visible faction within the TMC, no personal coterie.

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Reddy vs Radhakrishnan: MPs vote to elect new Vice President

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

The poll is witnessing a direct contest between ruling NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan and joint opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy, with the BJP-led alliance having a clear edge in the poll necessitated due to the sudden resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar.

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

EC to publish Bengal draft electoral rolls on Tuesday

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

The Election Commission is set to publish the draft electoral rolls for West Bengal on Tuesday following the completion of the statewide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The publication of the draft rolls will mark the end of the enumeration phase and the beginning of a far more contentious stage - claims, objections and hearings that will stretch into February 2026.

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive "anonymous" cash donations below Rs 2,000.

Mumbai electoral roll shows over 11 lakh duplicate voters

Mumbai electoral roll shows over 11 lakh duplicate voters

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

Data from the State Election Commission reveals that over 11 lakh voters in Mumbai have duplicate enrolments in the electoral roll. The SEC has extended the deadline for submitting objections, and opposition leaders have alleged irregularities in the voter list revision.

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A Trinamool Congress councillor in West Bengal protested being listed as deceased in the draft electoral rolls by walking into a crematorium, highlighting concerns about voter list accuracy ahead of state elections.

Bengal Guv leads search at Raj Bhavan after TMC's arms stash charges

Bengal Guv leads search at Raj Bhavan after TMC's arms stash charges

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose led a search operation at the Raj Bhavan following allegations by a TMC MP that arms and ammunition were stored there.

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Mamata storms I-PAC chief's house during ED raid, alleges bid to seize TMC data

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dramatically turned up at the residence of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) chief Pratik Jain amid an ongoing Enforcement Directorate raid, alleging that the central agency was attempting to seize the Trinamool Congress's internal documents, hard disks and sensitive data linked to its election strategy.

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Tamil Nadu's electoral roll has been revised, resulting in the removal of 9.74 million voters following an enumeration exercise. The state's electoral roll now stands at 5.43 crore voters.

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an "airline-like travel experience at economical fares," a statement issued by the PMO stated.

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

'Wherever Cricket Is Played In The World, Indian Audiences, Indian Sponsors, Indian Corporate Houses Provide Funding, Make It A Success'

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Inderjit Bindra, who raised Indian cricket on the world stage in the 1990s and early years of this century, passed into the ages on Sunday. 26 years ago, Mr Bindra spoke at length to Rediff about his vision for Indian cricket, an interview which we republish in his memory.

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Can democracy be safe if infiltrators decide PM: Shah defends SIR

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Lok Sabha, accusing the opposition of spreading falsehoods and questioning the safety of democracy if leaders are chosen by infiltrators.

Expelled Cong MLA Rahul held in third rape case; targeted housewives

Expelled Cong MLA Rahul held in third rape case; targeted housewives

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil was arrested in connection with a sexual assault case after being taken into custody from Palakkad in the small hours on Sunday, police sources said.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Mob fury has become very common these days. And these attacks are all planned very well.' 'In all these attacks, you see that they have a very clear cut plan to make the victims as the oppressors and the guilty.' 'The attackers escape and they face no consequences as they have the backing of some political leaders.'

Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde to fight Pune civic polls together?

Sharad Pawar, Eknath Shinde to fight Pune civic polls together?

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that his party, the NCP, is in discussions with the Shiv Sena regarding seat sharing for the upcoming Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls. This comes as alliances blur in the state-level elections.

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Mamata's Bhabanipur sees high voter deletions, surpasses Nandigram

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Election Commission data reveals Bhabanipur constituency in West Bengal recorded significantly higher voter deletions compared to Nandigram, sparking political debate ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

'India should let domestic process play out in Nepal'

'India should let domestic process play out in Nepal'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

Former Indian ambassadors urge New Delhi to closely monitor the unfolding political crisis in Nepal, citing regional instability and potential implications for India's interests.

BFI postpones elections citing cramped timeline

BFI postpones elections citing cramped timeline

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Boxing Federation of India postponed its election scheduled for March 28, saying it's "impossible to complete the process within originally planned timelines" after the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh high courts directed the body to reinstate the names omitted from the electoral college.

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

'Yunus Government Has Given Space To Pakistanis'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'There is no substantive basis for Bangladesh-Pakistan relations. The only real link they can have is mischief, with Pakistan's intelligence agency using Bangladesh to create trouble along our eastern borders.'

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer announces that over 2.4 million voters are untraced after the enumeration stage of electoral roll revision, raising concerns among political parties.

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).

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.

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march in Kolkata against Enforcement Directorate searches linked to I-PAC, signaling a show of strength ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The march featured cultural elements and participation from party members and celebrities.