News for 'Election X'

'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.

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.

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.

Why Voters Reject India's Left Despite Its Ideas

Why Voters Reject India's Left Despite Its Ideas

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

A century on, India has adopted the Left's welfare ideas, but not the Left. Why do people borrow the promises, then vote for the temple? questions Binu Alex.

CPI-M, AAP leaders detained during protests against CEC

CPI-M, AAP leaders detained during protests against CEC

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Opposition leaders from CPI-M and AAP faced detention in Delhi and Chandigarh while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over serious allegations of voter-list manipulation and suppression of democratic rights.

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

CJP stir: 200 detained as protest enters Day 2, police excesses alleged

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Several protesters, including CPI(M) MP John Brittas, were detained in Delhi as the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation entered its second day on Sunday. Protesters alleged manhandling by security personnel, while police maintained extensive security arrangements, detaining thousands over the weekend.

US lawmakers ask Rubio to question India on CJP protests

US lawmakers ask Rubio to question India on CJP protests

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Six US Democratic lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal and Ilhan Omar, have urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address alleged excessive force during student protests in India and concerns over voter purges during his upcoming visit. They also accused Indian diplomatic missions of surveillance of protesters in the US and called for investigations into human rights violations and potential arms sales implications.

Amit Shah meets Punjab drug victims' families, seeks CBI probe into deaths

Amit Shah meets Punjab drug victims' families, seeks CBI probe into deaths

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday met the families of individuals who lost their lives due to drug-related issues in Punjab, saying he had never felt so deeply saddened in life as he did while meeting them and also called out the AAP government for failing to curb the menace.

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Police Crackdown Amid Puja Stampede Probe

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Police Crackdown Amid Puja Stampede Probe

Rediff.com4 days ago

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the lack of arrests of BJP leaders associated with the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee following a stampede that killed 19 people. He alleged that police are instead targeting citizens who question the government, while Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned against "fake narratives" and police made an arrest for spreading misinformation. Banerjee accused the police administration of being exploited for political gain and protecting BJP leaders.

Be it Modi, Shah, or CEC Gyanesh, none will be spared: Rahul

Be it Modi, Shah, or CEC Gyanesh, none will be spared: Rahul

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi has ignited a political storm by accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, and CEC Gyanesh Kumar of "vote chori" and "treason".

Anti-CEC stir: Rahul Gandhi, other Cong leaders released after detention

Anti-CEC stir: Rahul Gandhi, other Cong leaders released after detention

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with approximately 250 others including 50 MPs, were detained by Delhi Police after an eight-hour sit-in protest at Akashvani Bhawan. They were attempting to march to the Election Commission's office to protest alleged "vote chori" and irregularities in electoral rolls.

'Right to vote at great peril': SC ex-judge Justice Nariman on EC functioning

'Right to vote at great peril': SC ex-judge Justice Nariman on EC functioning

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has voiced serious concerns regarding the Election Commission's functioning, stating that the right to vote is 'at great peril'. He called for the Supreme Court's intervention to address 'disturbing developments' within the poll panel, particularly citing issues like voter disenfranchisement during electoral roll revisions and the controversial appointment process of Election Commissioners.

CJP protests: 1,000 protesters detained, 2 cops injured

CJP protests: 1,000 protesters detained, 2 cops injured

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Two Delhi Police personnel, including a female Pink Force member, were injured during the detention of approximately 1,000 protesters across New Delhi district on Saturday, following a denied protest permission by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the Election Commission.

Kolkata lottery firm donates Rs 260 cr to DMK, AIADMK in 2025-26

Kolkata lottery firm donates Rs 260 cr to DMK, AIADMK in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

A Kolkata-based lottery firm, Tiger Associates, donated Rs 260 crore to Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK in 2025-26, significantly increasing its contributions from the previous financial year. The firm accounted for nearly 74% of the combined contributions reported by the two parties, highlighting a concentration of political funding. The disclosures also revealed contributions from electoral trusts and a link between Tiger Associates' partner and lottery magnate Santiago Martin, whose other firm was a major electoral bond purchaser.

HC rejects Neha Bora's plea against notice to sign peace bond

HC rejects Neha Bora's plea against notice to sign peace bond

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Delhi High Court has upheld a police notice requiring All India Students' Association president Neha Bora to execute a peace bond, stating there was sufficient material for the Special Executive Magistrate to take such action against her.

SC advances hearing on Delhi's SIR pleas to October 28

SC advances hearing on Delhi's SIR pleas to October 28

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on October 28 regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral roll. Petitioners seek transparency from the Election Commission on voter deletion reasons and a simplified re-inclusion process for those omitted, especially concerning Form 6. The court had previously raised concerns about "mechanical" notice issuance during the SIR, which led to 47 lakh voter deletions in Delhi.

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Bypolls: BJP wins big in Bengal, TVK gains 2 seats in TN

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.

EC limits filing of voter removal forms to 10 per person

EC limits filing of voter removal forms to 10 per person

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

The Election Commission of India has introduced new restrictions on the number of Form 7 applications an individual can submit, both online and offline. This move aims to prevent bulk or malicious attempts to remove legitimate voters from electoral rolls and streamline the objection process, especially after reports from states like Karnataka and Odisha.

Neha Bora released, Dipke to be produced in SEM court today

Neha Bora released, Dipke to be produced in SEM court today

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora was released early Saturday morning after preventive detention, while Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke is set to be produced before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court in Delhi for breach of peace following the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest march.

Sonia Gandhi makes Instagram debut, shares 1st look of her memoir

Sonia Gandhi makes Instagram debut, shares 1st look of her memoir

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has made her Instagram debut to announce her upcoming memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The book, set to be published by HarperCollins India on November 10, details her life from childhood in Italy to her political journey in India, including personal tragedies and her decision not to become prime minister in 2004. Her social media entry marks a significant shift, as she previously avoided such platforms. The memoir's publication also follows a controversy with its initial publisher, Penguin Random House India, over editorial differences.

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

High drama near EC office as Rahul-led INDIA bloc protests

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

High drama unfolded as INDIA bloc leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Election Commission headquarters in Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and his misleading statements regarding Supreme Court observations on Form 6.

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rahul's AIR standoff signals escalation in Oppn's 'vote chori' campaign

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi led a significant opposition protest in New Delhi, attempting to march to the Election Commission office to allege "vote chori" and demand the CEC's resignation. The protest resulted in a lockdown of Parliament Street, a standoff at the All India Radio premises, and detentions of several opposition MPs, drawing strong reactions from the ruling BJP.

'Our path is independent': DMK exits INDIA bloc, cites Congress 'betrayal'

'Our path is independent': DMK exits INDIA bloc, cites Congress 'betrayal'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The DMK has announced its exit from the INDIA bloc, citing "betrayal" by the Congress and asserting its independent political path. The party accused Congress leaders, including TNCC chief B Manickam Tagore, of making unsavoury remarks and acting as "sleeper cells," which contributed to the DMK's electoral setbacks. The DMK warned Congress leaders against further criticism and stated it would not participate in Congress-led agitations.

Dipke to reach Delhi on Wednesday to join CJP protest against Gyanesh

Dipke to reach Delhi on Wednesday to join CJP protest against Gyanesh

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that banning protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar would lead to nationwide agitations. He stated that CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning after attempting to protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Dipke accused the government of suppressing democratic dissent and vowed to continue the protest.

Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Mamata Banerjee likely to join CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indicated her potential participation in a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. She strongly criticised the BJP and the Election Commission over alleged electoral malpractices and "SIR anomalies" in Bengal. Banerjee also expressed solidarity with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra regarding their treatment during recent protests and plans to approach President Droupadi Murmu.

Minister Rekha Arya Dismisses Husband's Baseless Corruption Allegations

Minister Rekha Arya Dismisses Husband's Baseless Corruption Allegations

Rediff.com7 days ago

Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya has vehemently denied corruption allegations made by her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, calling them "100 per cent baseless." Sahu accused her of possessing illegal assets worth Rs 210 crore after Arya filed a complaint against him for domestic violence, harassment, and caste-based slurs. Arya asserted her life is transparent and welcomed any investigation, while also defending her decision to speak out against domestic violence.

The Making Of Brand Shashi Tharoor

The Making Of Brand Shashi Tharoor

Rediff.com2 days ago

Brand Tharoor is not perfect. But it is lovable. In a country of 1.4 billion where most politicians sound the same, a man who makes you open a dictionary before breakfast has already won, points out Sandeep Goyal.

Where Osama bin Laden...: India corrects UN rapporteur on Dawood

Where Osama bin Laden...: India corrects UN rapporteur on Dawood

Rediff.com2 days ago

India has strongly rejected a UN special rapporteur's report describing the Dawood Ibrahim-led D-company as an "India-based" criminal group, flagging "glaring inaccuracies" and cautioning against such incompetence. First Secretary Raghoo Puri stated that Dawood Ibrahim fled India much before his 2003 listing and is wanted in India for terror attacks since 1993, residing in the same country where Osama bin Laden was found. India also raised concerns about alleged bias in the report and funding allegations against the rapporteur.

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Former civil servants and rights activists have issued a "people's impeachment" notice demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege six charges against him, including undermining the Election Commission's functioning, mass disenfranchisement through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and compromising political impartiality. The group, including G K Pillai and Najeeb Jung, was prevented from submitting the notice at the EC office.

Rahul, Priyanka detained for second time during anti-CEC stir; released

Rahul, Priyanka detained for second time during anti-CEC stir; released

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc intensified their protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over 'vote chori' allegations, leading to the detention of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra by Delhi Police.

'If CEC is suspended...': SC refuses to restrain Gyanesh Kumar

'If CEC is suspended...': SC refuses to restrain Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Election Commission and the Centre regarding pleas alleging that the poll body made several decisions without the approval of the two election commissioners. The court stated it would annul any decisions found not to be in accordance with the law, while also refusing an interim order to restrain CEC Gyanesh Kumar from making decisions.

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.

Cong, INDIA bloc back Raihan Vadra over photo row; BJP says political launch

Cong, INDIA bloc back Raihan Vadra over photo row; BJP says political launch

Rediff.com2 days ago

A sharp political slugfest erupted on Thursday as Congress leaders and INDIA bloc allies rallied behind MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son, Raihan Vadra, accusing the authorities and Centre of censoring artistic expression after Bikaner House requested the removal of several photographs from his exhibition.

Who is Ajinkya Shinde? CJP's new face to lead Jantar Mantar protest

Who is Ajinkya Shinde? CJP's new face to lead Jantar Mantar protest

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Ajinkya Shinde, a native of Latur, Maharashtra, has taken charge of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Jantar Mantar 2.0" protest in Delhi. This follows the detention of CJP's top leaders, including Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, by Delhi Police on Saturday. Shinde, a former computer engineer and AAP activist, is leading the agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation. The national capital saw a significant crackdown on Saturday, with nearly 500 protesters and leaders detained.

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

'Modi govt has turned Mother of Democracy into muzzled democracy'

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal criticised the Centre for the security clampdown in central Delhi against the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, calling it "worse than Emergency" and alleging dictatorship. He also accused Prime Minister Modi of being scared and protecting "vote chori" by crushing democracy, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Protesters hide in gurudwara, sport cockroach helmets

Protesters hide in gurudwara, sport cockroach helmets

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

A protest organised by the proposed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi on Saturday led to the detention of around 500 people. Despite heavy security, protesters used various tactics, including unique attire and hiding in a gurdwara, to voice their dissent against perceived curtailment of freedom of expression.

No nod needed to hoist tricolour, Neha tells HC; challenges police notice

No nod needed to hoist tricolour, Neha tells HC; challenges police notice

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Delhi High Court is set to deliver its order on October 23 regarding a plea filed by AISA president Neha Bora. Bora is challenging a police notice that requires her to execute a "peace" bond before a special executive magistrate, arguing it's an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent and violates her fundamental rights.

Marc Faber: 'India Is In A Bear Market'

Marc Faber: 'India Is In A Bear Market'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'The Indian market has struggled over the past two years.' 'It peaked in September 2024, and although it has moved up and down since then, investors have not really made money.'

Political Dispute Behind Thane Shiv Sena Leader's Murder

Political Dispute Behind Thane Shiv Sena Leader's Murder

Rediff.com5 days ago

The murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar in Thane has been linked to an old political dispute concerning civic polls, according to Uttar Pradesh police statements cited in court. Two accused, Santosh Kanojia and Amit Singh, arrested from Prayagraj, had their police custody extended till October 22 as the investigation continues into the meticulously planned conspiracy.