News for 'Elective General Assembly'

Centre upgrades EPS security to Z-Plus post threat assessment

Centre upgrades EPS security to Z-Plus post threat assessment

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

The decision comes amid an assessment of potential security threats and follows standard protocol based on inputs from central security agencies.

Cong launches web portal to register 'vote chori'

Cong launches web portal to register 'vote chori'

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The Congress party has launched a web portal where people can register to demand accountability from the Election Commission over alleged vote rigging, following Rahul Gandhi's claims of 'vote chori'.

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Sonam Wangchuk arrested under NSA, to be shifted to Rajasthan jail

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested Friday by a police party in Leh, two days after violent protests by supporters of the movement for statehood and extension of Sixth Schedule of Constitution left four persons dead and 90 others injured, officials said.

Ex-VP Dhankhar applies for MLA pension in Rajasthan

Ex-VP Dhankhar applies for MLA pension in Rajasthan

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Dhankhar, who represented the Kishangarh Assembly constituency as a Congress MLA from 1993 to 1998, received pension as a former legislator until July 2019. It was discontinued after he was appointed the governor of West Bengal.

Can Zohran Mamdani Be New York Mayor?

Can Zohran Mamdani Be New York Mayor?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

Zohram Kwame Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim and Indian American mayor if elected New York mayor this November.

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.

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

'BJP-nominated' EC trying to rig Bihar polls: Rahul leads protest in Patna

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of rigging the Maharashtra assembly elections and expressed concerns about similar tactics being used in the upcoming Bihar polls. He alleged that the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is an attempt to manipulate the election process.

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Sidda minister Rajanna axed after remarks on 'vote theft'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Karnataka Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna has been asked to resign after allegedly blaming his own Congress government for 'vote theft' in an Assembly segment. The issue sparked controversy and led to demands for clarification in the state assembly.

India to get new Vice President on September 9

India to get new Vice President on September 9

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The election for the post of Vice President will be held on September 9, with the notification being issued on August 7 and the last date for filing nominations on August 21.

Will Jarange cost Bhujbal his election?

Will Jarange cost Bhujbal his election?

Rediff.com11 Nov 2024

Bhujbal stridently opposed Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange's demand for Maratha quota from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) share.

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Not justifying Guv's sitting over bills but...: Centre in SC

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

The Centre told the Supreme Court that governors are not indefinitely sitting on bills passed by state legislatures, and that barring a few exceptions, most have acted in a way which the apex court would have perhaps desired. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a Governor is "not a rubber stamp" and has a duty to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Wayanad, 31 assembly seats face bypoll test on Wednesday

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Bypolls will be held on Wednesday in 31 assembly seats spread across 10 states and Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, from where Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is making her electoral debut. Though these bye-elections are not going to have any bearing on the governments, they are seen as a big test for the Congress and the INDIA bloc which failed to put up a united show in the recent Haryana assembly polls. Most of these seats fell vacant after the sitting MLAs contested the Lok Sabha elections and won while in some constituencies, the bypolls are being held due to death of the representatives. The Wayanad seat was vacated by Rahul Gandhi, who also won from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency which he kept. Voting will be held in seven seats in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, five in Assam, four seats in Bihar, three in Karnataka, two seats in Madhya Pradesh, and one seat each in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala and Meghalaya. Votes will be counted on November 23.

Oppn MPs protest in T-shirts featuring '124-year-old Minta Devi'

Oppn MPs protest in T-shirts featuring '124-year-old Minta Devi'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

INDIA bloc MPs protest against the Election Commission's voter roll revision in Bihar, alleging irregularities and disenfranchisement of voters.

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.

'Gen Z Want Radical Change In Nepal'

'Gen Z Want Radical Change In Nepal'

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'They mean business, but business as usual is unacceptable to them'

Maharashtra Oppn questions short 35-day runup to elections

Maharashtra Oppn questions short 35-day runup to elections

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

Lok Sabha polls held over 5 phases so why hold assembly elections in single phase, asks Oppn.

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

Kolkata varsity students attacked, branded 'Bangladeshis'; 2 held

Kolkata varsity students attacked, branded 'Bangladeshis'; 2 held

Rediff.com21 Aug 2025

A group of students from Kolkata University's Carmichael Hostel were allegedly attacked near Sealdah and branded as "Bangladeshis" by shopkeepers and miscreants, triggering a political row.

Paper leak: HC cancels 2021 Rajasthan police recruitment exam

Paper leak: HC cancels 2021 Rajasthan police recruitment exam

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Justice Sameer Jain cancelled the exam 2021 which was the bone of contention for both Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress governments in the state and gave a detailed verdict.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

INDIA bloc slams Bihar electoral roll overhaul, says 2 crore voters at risk

INDIA bloc slams Bihar electoral roll overhaul, says 2 crore voters at risk

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar and raised concerns over its timing, alleging that over two crore voters of the state may be disenfranchised by this mammoth exercise being done just ahead of assembly elections.

'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.

'Dead' voter visits Bihar CEO to plead he's alive

'Dead' voter visits Bihar CEO to plead he's alive

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

A resident of Bhojpur district in Bihar on Thursday called on the Chief Electoral Officer of the state to plead that he was alive.

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission (EC), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection.

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The proposed first constitutional amendment bill would deal with making provisions for holding Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections together.

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Unclear Goals Of The 130th Amendment

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

'Non-BJP state governments and their leaders, navigating today's political landscape, know well they have no clue what awaits around the corner.' 'The chances of charges pressed and oneself getting parked in custody play out on an uneven playing field,' points out Shyam G Menon.

Maharashtra assembly unlikely to have a Leader of Opposition

Maharashtra assembly unlikely to have a Leader of Opposition

Rediff.com23 Nov 2024

The Mahayuti landslide in Maharashtra will leave the state assembly without a leader of opposition as no party outside the ruling alliance has been able to get the mandatory minimum 29 seats.

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

After Dhankhar experience, BJP to go for tried, tested method

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

Several leaders of the BJP and its allies are of the view that the NDA this time is unlikely to follow the instincts that made it pick Dhankhar and will be more conventional in its search for his successor.

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Can Prashant Kishor Shake Up Bihar Politics?

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

'Prashant Kishor is a businessman before he is a politician, and given that the expected average turnout for JSP candidates is 5,000 to 6,000 votes and since Bihar has a significant number of seats where the margin between the winner and runner-up falls within that range he will capitalise on exactly that to showcase his presence.'

BJP anti-Bangla party, targets Bengalis for....: TMC's Abhishek

BJP anti-Bangla party, targets Bengalis for....: TMC's Abhishek

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of being 'Bangla-Birodhi' (anti-Bengal) and alleges they want to send Bengalis to detention camps. He vowed to electorally wipe out the BJP in the 2026 Bengal Assembly polls.

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Patna Sees Major Protest Against Waqf Act

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

This was probably the largest such gathering in the country to protest the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching over a fortnight long 'Sewa Pakhwada' to mark the birthday of its preeminent leader.

TMC names Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee as LS Parl party leader

TMC names Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee as LS Parl party leader

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Trinamool Congress (TMC) has appointed Abhishek Banerjee as its new parliamentary leader in the Lok Sabha, replacing Sudip Bandopadhyay. The decision was made during a virtual meeting chaired by Mamata Banerjee. This move is seen as a generational shift and a preparation for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Stalin Goes To Bihar: What Gives?

Stalin Goes To Bihar: What Gives?

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

Like his father Karunanidhi and AIADMK rivals MGR and Jayalalithaa, Stalin would like to confine his real political work to Tamil Nadu, and not want to take after the late Congress leader K Kamaraj and take up a national role, even if to create greater political space for son Udhayanidhi, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

15 Kashmiri Pandits fight elections from Valley

15 Kashmiri Pandits fight elections from Valley

Rediff.com6 Sep 2024

So far 14 Kashmiri Pandits have filed nominations to contest from the valley for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, aiming to ensure the return and rehabilitation of their fellow community members, whose number run up to 3 lakh.

'Election With EVM Is Not Fair Unless...'

'Election With EVM Is Not Fair Unless...'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'We accept EVMs cannot be hacked because it is not connected, but can they be manipulated?' 'Are you allowing us to check if EVMs can be manipulated?'

Alliance or solo? Cong to finalise Mumbai civic poll strategy on July 7

Alliance or solo? Cong to finalise Mumbai civic poll strategy on July 7

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Asked about going with Raj Thackeray, who has spoken often against north Indians in Mumbai, Chennithala said, "We do not agree with Raj Thackeray's statement about ousting people from North from Mumbai."

Bihar govt restricts 35% women jobs quota to permanent residents

Bihar govt restricts 35% women jobs quota to permanent residents

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The Bihar cabinet has decided to restrict the 35 per cent quota for women in government jobs to only permanent residents of the state, ahead of upcoming elections.

Will work for Hindutva: T'gana MLA Raja Singh after BJP exit

Will work for Hindutva: T'gana MLA Raja Singh after BJP exit

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

MLA T Raja Singh reaffirms his commitment to nationalism, Hindutva, and Sanatan Dharma after the BJP officially accepted his resignation. He clarifies his decision was not for personal gain and expresses disappointment over the party's choice of state president.

Gaurav Gogoi appointed Assam Congress chief ahead of 2026 polls

Gaurav Gogoi appointed Assam Congress chief ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Congress has appointed Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi as the new president of its Assam unit, replacing Bupen Kumar Borah, ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The party also appointed three new working presidents - Jakir Hussain Sikdar, Roselina Tirkey and Pradip Sarkar - to its Assam unit. Gogoi, the son of former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi, is currently the deputy leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha. The party is going all-out in its bid to wrest power from the BJP after losing two consecutive state polls.