News for 'Election X'

'Undeclared Emer-GenZ': Tharoor slams 'war-like deployment'

'Undeclared Emer-GenZ': Tharoor slams 'war-like deployment'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the Modi government over the "war-like deployment" of police and paramilitary in Delhi to prevent a protest against the Election Commission. He highlighted extensive security measures, internet suspension, and detentions, calling it an "undeclared Emer-GenZ" and questioning the government's confidence in electoral integrity.

Shiv Sena symbol row: Shinde faction defends EC decision in SC

Shiv Sena symbol row: Shinde faction defends EC decision in SC

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Eknath Shinde faction on Wednesday defended the Election Commission's decision to recognise it as the real Shiv Sena and allot it the bow-and-arrow symbol in the Supreme Court. Senior advocate N K Kaul argued that no subsequent Shiv Sena constitution was submitted to the EC after 2011 and emphasised the importance of inner-party democracy. The hearing, which also touched upon the timing of the EC's decision and the pendency of disqualification petitions, remained inconclusive and will continue on Thursday.

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi booked for Akashvani Bhawan entry

Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi booked for Akashvani Bhawan entry

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with their supporters, for allegedly forcibly entering Akashvani Bhawan during an opposition march against the Chief Election Commissioner on October 6. The incident occurred after an INDIA bloc protest towards the Election Commission office was halted, leading to detentions.

Why CJI turned down Rahul, Kharge's meeting request

Why CJI turned down Rahul, Kharge's meeting request

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting request from opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that discussing sub judice matters would violate judicial ethics and the principle of Separation of Powers. He advised them to file a formal petition with the Supreme Court instead of seeking an administrative meeting. The opposition had sought to discuss issues including the Chief Election Commissioner, arrests, and public transport disruptions.

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging 'vote chori' and irregularities in electoral rolls.

'Lehra do Tiranga' protest: Delhi Police files multiple FIRs

'Lehra do Tiranga' protest: Delhi Police files multiple FIRs

Rediff.com7 days ago

Delhi Police has registered multiple FIRs against individuals who allegedly violated prohibitory orders in Connaught Place during the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra do Tiranga' protest. Despite warnings, a crowd gathered on Friday, leading to legal action. The protests, involving CJP supporters and student activists, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

INDIA bloc will hold major protest in Delhi on Monday, to meet CJI

INDIA bloc will hold major protest in Delhi on Monday, to meet CJI

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal announced that the INDIA bloc will stage a major protest in Delhi on Monday to protect voting rights, following meetings with the President and a planned meeting with the Chief Justice of India. He accused PM Modi and Amit Shah of attempting to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and criticised the Centre for denying an AIIMS facility to Keralam despite past assurances. Venugopal affirmed the bloc's commitment to ensuring free and fair elections and expressed hope for AIIMS if they come to power.

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Union Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to instigate a 'Bangladesh-like regime change' in India, leveraging youth energy for political confrontation and anarchy, rather than constructive nation-building.

UEFA presses FIFA's Infantino for answers on governance, FFE project

UEFA presses FIFA's Infantino for answers on governance, FFE project

Rediff.com4 days ago

UEFA has formally requested answers from FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding his presidency, specifically questioning the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project and the FIFA Peace Prize, with a deadline of November 2.

Abhijeet Dipke has Imran Khan's back: 'If Milliben can...'

Abhijeet Dipke has Imran Khan's back: 'If Milliben can...'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American citizen holding an OCI card, has been issued a 'Leave India' notice by Mumbai Police for participating in a protest, sparking debate over OCI cardholder rights and political expression.

Life Imprisonment For Five In Farmer Murder Case Linked To Village Polls

Life Imprisonment For Five In Farmer Murder Case Linked To Village Polls

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

A court in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the 2016 murder of farmer Fatte Khan. The murder stemmed from a dispute related to a village head election, intensifying after another murder in which Fatte Khan was an accused. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 1.55 lakh on the convicts, with a portion directed to the victim's family.

Bhupathi, Sania, Bopanna Eye AITA Governance Positions

Bhupathi, Sania, Bopanna Eye AITA Governance Positions

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Former Indian tennis greats Mahesh Bhupathi, Sania Mirza, and Rohan Bopanna, along with other prominent sportspersons, have applied for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) positions within the All India Tennis Association (AITA). This move aligns with new national sports governance rules aimed at increasing sportsperson representation in federations. The AITA received 26 applications, and the selection process for SOM representatives is expected to conclude on November 5, with AITA elections scheduled for November 27.

Rahul Gandhi's Congress Janta Party

Rahul Gandhi's Congress Janta Party

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

With the anti-Gyanesh Kumar campaign, Rahul Gandhi is showing he is determined to not let anyone else claim credit for what follows, notes Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

By-poll debacle signals deep crisis for AIADMK in Tamil Nadu

By-poll debacle signals deep crisis for AIADMK in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

The AIADMK suffered a significant blow in the recent Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-polls, seeing a sharp decline in its traditional vote base. The party came in a distant third in both seats, which were previously its strongholds, raising concerns about its leadership, strategy, and future in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, especially with the rise of the TVK.

Sonia Gandhi debuts on X, recalls how she met Rajiv in book preview

Sonia Gandhi debuts on X, recalls how she met Rajiv in book preview

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has made her debut on social media platform X, sharing a video about her upcoming memoir, "Belonging - a journey of love." In the video, she reminisces about meeting Rajiv Gandhi in Cambridge, describing him as gentle and good-looking, and shares details about their early romance. The book, set to launch on November 10, covers her life from childhood in Italy to her marriage, adaptation to India, family tragedies, and political journey.

Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal, Neha Bora detained during CJP protest

Mamata Banerjee, Kejriwal, Neha Bora detained during CJP protest

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, and several other opposition leaders were detained by Delhi Police during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

CJP leaders to reach Delhi airport amid govt crackdown

CJP leaders to reach Delhi airport amid govt crackdown

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is organising a protest in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities and the deletion of names from voter rolls. CJP leaders claim activists have been detained and faced restrictions while travelling to the capital for the demonstration.

Family alleges police barred Dipke from grandmother's funeral; cops deny

Family alleges police barred Dipke from grandmother's funeral; cops deny

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) convenor Abhijeet Dipke was detained by Delhi Police ahead of a protest, leading to him missing his grandmother's funeral. His family alleges police denied release requests, while police claim they offered assistance. The CJP continues its protest against the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged voter roll irregularities.

UP Rajya Sabha polls: 8 BJP, two SP candidates set for unopposed win

UP Rajya Sabha polls: 8 BJP, two SP candidates set for unopposed win

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Eight BJP and two Samajwadi Party candidates are set to be elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh after the nomination papers of two independent candidates were rejected. This ensures all 10 available seats will be filled without a contest, with the BJP fielding new faces ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

600 Detained During Gyanesh Kumar Mumbai Protest

600 Detained During Gyanesh Kumar Mumbai Protest

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Mumbai police detained 400 individuals, including Tushar Gandhi, for protesting without permission.

US weighs 'mother of all bombs' for strikes on Iran nuke sites, energy infra

US weighs 'mother of all bombs' for strikes on Iran nuke sites, energy infra

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The United States military has developed fresh strike options against Iran that include the potential use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), widely known as the "mother of all bombs", to target energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, CNN reported, citing multiple US officials familiar with military planning discussions.

No meet was sought, offer turned down: EC on Oppn protest

No meet was sought, offer turned down: EC on Oppn protest

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Election Commission of India clarified its position after INDIA bloc MPs marched to its office, stating that no formal appointment was sought until late afternoon. The EC later declined a request to meet 240 MPs at the Parliament House Annexe, citing protocol that meetings must be held at the EC premises. The incident involved a protest march led by Rahul Gandhi and a standoff with police.

System can't be honest only...: 124 ex-officers support EC, SIR

System can't be honest only...: 124 ex-officers support EC, SIR

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A group of 124 former IAS, IFS, IPS, and allied services officers have issued an open letter defending the Election Commission (EC) and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. They argue that the electoral system cannot be deemed rigged only when a party loses, citing instances where the ruling BJP lost elections under the same EC. The officers highlight the legitimacy and necessity of the SIR for cleaning voter rolls and underscore the robust safeguards within India's electoral system.

Union Home Minister Assures Justice To Families Affected By Punjab's Drug Menace

Union Home Minister Assures Justice To Families Affected By Punjab's Drug Menace

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet families of individuals who died in incidents linked to the state's drug menace. He assured justice to the families of Gulzar Singh, Bikramjit Singh, and anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who were victims of drug-related issues. The visit comes amidst a political slugfest ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, with opposition parties criticising the AAP government over the drug problem.

Can Imran Khan Be Deported For Taking Part In Protest?

Can Imran Khan Be Deported For Taking Part In Protest?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The controversy surrounding actor Imran Khan's participation in a Mumbai protest, and BJP leader Kirit Somaiya's demand for his deportation, raises critical questions about the legal rights of Overseas Citizen of India cardholders to engage in political dissent and the grounds for their expulsion from India.

Is That MamataDi In Detention?

Is That MamataDi In Detention?

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee in a police van after being detained by the Delhi police during a peaceful protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, October 10, 2026

Protests Force Delhi Half Marathon Route Change

Protests Force Delhi Half Marathon Route Change

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon has announced a revised route for this year's edition, scheduled for Sunday. The change is due to ongoing protests near Rail Bhawan, Sansad Marg, and Patel Chowk, which were part of the traditional course. Organisers have communicated the new route to participants, while elite race timings and other run categories remain largely unaffected.

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

'SIR Is Bloodless Political Genocide'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'93 lakhs deletions in Bengal, 96 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 24 lakhs in Kerala, 77 lakhs in Gujarat, 45 lakhs in Madhya Pradesh, 44 lakhs in Rajasthan. 2.89 crores in Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 3 crores!'

Cricket crisis leaves Arunachal players in limbo before Ranji opener

Cricket crisis leaves Arunachal players in limbo before Ranji opener

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Arunachal Pradesh could be forced to forfeit their Ranji opener after an association dispute left the state without clarity over team selection and player travel.

DMK slams Rahul Gandhi for 'silence' over TN voter deletions

DMK slams Rahul Gandhi for 'silence' over TN voter deletions

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The DMK has launched a strong attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning his silence on alleged voter deletions in Tamil Nadu and accusing him of inconsistency regarding electoral roll revisions. This comes amidst a broader campaign by the INDIA bloc against the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will regret not meeting us'

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will regret not meeting us'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

INDIA bloc MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained during a protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with Congress MP Pawan Khera warning Kumar would 'regret' not meeting them and asserting the 'trouble' had only just begun.

'Constitutional sin': SC questions Shinde faction's Sena symbol claim

'Constitutional sin': SC questions Shinde faction's Sena symbol claim

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court is examining the Election Commission's decision to allot the Shiv Sena's bow-and-arrow symbol to the Eknath Shinde faction. The court questioned the validity of relying primarily on legislative strength, particularly when MLAs face disqualification. Arguments from the Shinde faction defended the EC's test, while the court raised concerns about the "sentiment of the symbol" for defectors and the practicalities of assessing grassroots support. The hearing remains inconclusive.

After Oppn complaints, EC replaces Nandigram police chief day before bypoll

After Oppn complaints, EC replaces Nandigram police chief day before bypoll

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Election Commission replaced the inspector-in-charge of Nandigram police station, Ajay Kumar Mishra, with Debashis Sarkar a day before the bypoll, following complaints from opposition parties alleging Mishra's closeness to the ruling party. This move comes amidst heightened political scrutiny and concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the fairness of the election process in Nandigram, a constituency with significant political history in West Bengal.

Despite The 3,000+ Arrests, GenZ Protests To Continue

Despite The 3,000+ Arrests, GenZ Protests To Continue

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party has pledged to continue its protests, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and the rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Maharashtra Drought: Why A Crisis Suits Everyone

Maharashtra Drought: Why A Crisis Suits Everyone

Rediff.com11 hours ago

Power, patronage and money fuel politics in drought: And the ruling party controls all of those, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire'

Trump announces Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire'

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine, noting that both the warring nations have agreed to the truce.

'We voted for PM, but he betrayed us': 200 detained in Mumbai

'We voted for PM, but he betrayed us': 200 detained in Mumbai

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Around 200 people, including Tushar Gandhi's organisation members and CPI(M) supporters, were detained in Mumbai for protesting.

Jignesh Mevani Booked Again For Obstructing Police Duties

Jignesh Mevani Booked Again For Obstructing Police Duties

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and three others have been booked in a second FIR for allegedly obstructing police, creating commotion at a police outpost, and violating the poll code during the Gandhinagar civic body elections. The charges include unlawful assembly and rioting, stemming from an incident where Mevani and supporters allegedly interfered with police questioning a man at a Sector-13 police outpost on October 9.

Delhi HC to hear Neha Bora's plea against 'peace' bond tomorrow

Delhi HC to hear Neha Bora's plea against 'peace' bond tomorrow

Rediff.com3 days ago

All India Students' Association (AISA) President Neha Bora has challenged a Delhi Police notice requiring her to execute a 'peace' bond, arguing it is vague and an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent.

SC to hear pleas seeking suspension of CEC on Monday

SC to hear pleas seeking suspension of CEC on Monday

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear pleas challenging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's alleged unilateral decisions without the concurrence of other election commissioners. The petitions seek his suspension and question actions like altering voter registration forms and handling electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal, highlighting concerns over the multi-member character of the Election Commission.