News for 'Elections and Democracy'

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, sparking a political blame game.

Kerala Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Against SIR

Kerala Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Against SIR

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan questioned the attempts being made to implement the SIR in poll-bound Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal while the Constitutional validity of the Bihar SIR process is under consideration by the Supreme Court.

Thackeray cousins, Pawar lead 'Satyacha Morcha' over 'vote theft'

Thackeray cousins, Pawar lead 'Satyacha Morcha' over 'vote theft'

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi, along with MNS, held a protest march in Mumbai against alleged irregularities in the voters list, claiming it favors the ruling BJP. Key leaders participated and addressed a rally highlighting issues like multiple entries and wrongful deletions.

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Pak's 27th Amendment seeks to clip SC powers, triggers protest calls

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

It also aims to reduce the powers of the Supreme Court, with some authorities shifted to the proposed Constitutional Court, and immunity to the president from criminal proceedings for life.

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Bihar to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, police, administrative officials, and state leaders to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The visit follows the publication of the final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision, which has sparked controversy among political parties.

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday posted its second worst performance in Bihar's electoral history, managing to win only six of the over 50 seats it contested and losing deposits in most seats as its 'vote chori' pitch failed to make any impact on the ground.

Intimidate rivals, says Union minister in Bihar; booked

Intimidate rivals, says Union minister in Bihar; booked

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

The video is said to be of Mokama, which falls under Lalan's Munger Lok Sabha seat, where the former Janata Dal-United president's defence of party candidate Anant Singh in a murder case has already drawn flak from the Opposition.

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

AAP's Malik becomes first sitting MLA to be detained under PSA in J-K

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Jammu and Kashmir AAP chief and MLA Mehraj Malik was detained under the Public Safety Act for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district. The detention has sparked condemnation from opposition parties.

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Celebrating Indonesia's Festival Of Democracy

Rediff.com13 Feb 2024

The 'Pesta Demokrasi' is a cause for celebration not only for Indonesia but also for democracy and forces for peace all over the globe, notes Sandeep Chakravorty, India's Ambassador to Indonesia.

Elections Are MUST For Democracy

Elections Are MUST For Democracy

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

Democracy is the heart of our body politic and elections are its life blood. Because there is some disease that affects it, we cannot apply leeches to drain it off, killing the body in the process, asserts Shreekant Sambrani.

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Justice Surya Kant Takes Oath As Chief Justice of India

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

He will hold the office till February 9, 2027.

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking a special investigation team (SIT) probe into alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bengaluru Central and other constituencies, advising the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India.

How India Can Beat Global Tech Giants

How India Can Beat Global Tech Giants

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

With a confident new generation of innovators, India now has the scale and self-belief to shape its own digital destiny marked by creation, observes Ajay Kumar chairman, UPSC.

Bihar polls: EC launches ECINet app among 17 new initiatives

Bihar polls: EC launches ECINet app among 17 new initiatives

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Election Commission (EC) has announced 17 new initiatives for the Bihar Assembly polls, including compulsory webcasting, mobile phone-deposit facilities, and measures to improve voter turnout and accessibility.

EC notice to PK over name in voter lists of Bihar, Bengal

EC notice to PK over name in voter lists of Bihar, Bengal

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

According to official records, Kishor is enrolled as a voter in West Bengal at 121, Kalighat Road, the address of the Trinamool Congress headquarters in Kolkata's Bhabanipur assembly constituency, which is Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee's seat, he said.

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise.

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Anjani Mishra, a resident of Prayagraj, is planning to file a police complaint after his mobile number was shared by Rahul Gandhi at a press conference, leading to hundreds of unwanted calls.

'Mahagathbandan Lost Steam After Vote Chori Campaign'

'Mahagathbandan Lost Steam After Vote Chori Campaign'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'The campaign by the Mahagathbandan has failed to capture the imagination of the electorate given the fatigue factor with the Nitish government.'

This is theft by govt: Rahul slams Modi's silence on Pune land deal row

This is theft by govt: Rahul slams Modi's silence on Pune land deal row

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Maharashtra government of a land scam involving government land reserved for Dalits being sold to a company linked to a state minister's son. He questions Prime Minister Modi's silence on the issue.

'EC must act': Tharoor backs Rahul on 'vote theft'

'EC must act': Tharoor backs Rahul on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged the Election Commission to address Rahul Gandhi's claims of poll rigging, calling them 'serious questions' that must be addressed in the interest of all voters.

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

'Loktantra, not Loktantar': BJP mocks Oppn over misspelling in banner

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The BJP criticized opposition parties for misspelling 'loktantra' (democracy) on a protest banner during a demonstration against electoral roll revisions in Bihar.

'Democracy is not a destination'

'Democracy is not a destination'

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

'Democracy cannot be taken for granted. It has to be fiercely guarded.'

Elect me to save democracy, says Yashwant Sinha

Elect me to save democracy, says Yashwant Sinha

Rediff.com18 Jul 2022

'The presidential poll would decide the direction of the country as to whether democracy will remain or not'

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

'We Will Remove Modi From Delhi, BJP From Bihar'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

'Without our support Nitish Kumar wouldn't have become chief minister.' 'After the government was formed we became ministers, but our agenda remained the same: Amit Shah had promised reservation for Nishads.' 'He wouldn't listen, so we went to UP and contested 52 seats in the 2022 elections. He didn't like the idea of rebellion.' 'He saw that this man, coming from Bombay, is very sharp. He's made four MLAs now, tomorrow he'll make 40. A time will come when they will make it 125.' 'They bought our MLAs and ousted us from the government.'

Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd CJI

Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd CJI

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, succeeding Justice Bhushan R Gavai. He will assume office on November 24 and serve until February 9, 2027.

Ex-SC judge will be INDIA bloc's VP candidate

Ex-SC judge will be INDIA bloc's VP candidate

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Former Supreme Court judge B Sudhershan Reddy is the joint candidate of the Opposition parties for the Vice-Presidential polls, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced.

'Gen Z Knows Their Movement Has Been Hijacked'

'Gen Z Knows Their Movement Has Been Hijacked'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

'College-going Gen Z students are devastated by the killings and destruction.' 'These are not the kind of people who would burn somebody's home or beat up political leaders or set fire to people and snatch guns from the policemen.' 'So obviously a huge infiltration has happened.'

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Wearing white caps with a red cross on the words 'SIR' and "vote chori", the protesting MPs started their march from Parliament's Makar Dwar raising slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and "vote chori" while carrying placards and banners.

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

The Secret US Hand In 1962 War

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

India emerged from the war militarily bruised and strategically altered. The United States, under the guise of friendship, had succeeded in achieving what open alignment never could: The psychological and political repositioning of India within the Cold War order, points out Dr Kumar.

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Election Commission is colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, citing data analysis from a Karnataka constituency. He claims evidence of 'vote chori' and demands transparency from the EC.

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Presidential Reference: SC rejects objections by states

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accept the preliminary objections raised by opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala to maintainability of Presidential Reference, saying the issues raised in it pertain to the very core and foundational modalities of the constitutional machinery.

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

'Bihar Doesn't Predict Outcomes In Bengal, UP'

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

'The question for the TMC is not whether it can hold its bastions, but whether it can expand effectively into regions where the BJP already possesses a good ecosystem.'

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged BJP cadre to ensure the opposition is defeated in the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra. He emphasized the party's strength and commitment to performance-based politics, citing PM Modi as an example.

Form 7 was misused by BJP to delete voters en masse: Kharge

Form 7 was misused by BJP to delete voters en masse: Kharge

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge alleges that Form 7 was misused under the previous BJP government to delete voters 'en masse' ahead of the May 2023 Assembly polls. He claims a large-scale voter deletion attempt was made in the Aland constituency, targeting Congress supporters, especially Dalit and minority voters.

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader B K Hariprasad have raised concerns about the RSS not being a registered organization and questioned the sources of its funding, alleging that this lack of registration allows the RSS to evade government regulations. BJP leaders have defended the RSS, stating that registration is not mandatory for all organizations.

Justice Reddy Files Nomination For Veep Poll

Justice Reddy Files Nomination For Veep Poll

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy -- the joint candidate of the Opposition parties -- filed his nomination papers for the for the vice-presidential election on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

And the next Chief Election Commissioner is...

And the next Chief Election Commissioner is...

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The sources in the government said the notification announcing the name of the next CEC could be issued "in the next few hours".

'BJP murdered democracy in Surat'

'BJP murdered democracy in Surat'

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

'Can you imagine that Surat's voters won't have any say now in exercising their fundamental right to choose a candidate of their own choice? This is what the BJP has reduced India's democracy to.' 'With this ugly act, in one stroke, the BJP has disenfranchised the voters of Surat.'

Rahul Gandhi launches 'voter adhikar yatra' in Bihar for voting rights

Rahul Gandhi launches 'voter adhikar yatra' in Bihar for voting rights

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar to advocate for fair elections and protect voting rights, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and accusing the BJP of attempting to disenfranchise voters.

People recognise work, not...: Shinde on Uddhav-Raj reunion

People recognise work, not...: Shinde on Uddhav-Raj reunion

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Shinde He said anyone can go anywhere, it is their personal choice, but people support those who work for them and think about their welfare.