News for 'General Elections'

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India has to fill in all the critical gaps in missiles, ammunition, sensors and stockpile in the fastest possible manner, focusing on the critical instruments that worked this time, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Let The Election Games Begin!

Let The Election Games Begin!

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

Polling and police officers travel in a boat with election materials to reach to a remote polling station ahead of the first phase of India's general election in the Majuli district, Assam, April 18, 2024.

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

TN ex-CM Panneerselvam exits NDA, hints at future alliances

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The O Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Cadres Rights Retrieval Committee has withdrawn from the BJP-led NDA coalition, a year after joining. The move follows meetings between Panneerselvam and DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin, fueling speculation about future alliances.

Rajeev Shukla set to take over as BCCI president

Rajeev Shukla set to take over as BCCI president

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

Rajeev Shukla is set to replace Roger Binny as BCCI president in an interim capacity after the latter turns 70 next month.

Will govt cut petrol, diesel prices before Maha election?

Will govt cut petrol, diesel prices before Maha election?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

International oil prices continue to be extremely volatile, falling on one day and rising thereafter, a top oil ministry official said explaining the reason behind no reduction in petrol and diesel prices despite softening in input cost, but could not say if the rates will be cut before Maharashtra elections. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell below $70 per barrel last week -- the first time since December 2021 -- but gained thereafter. Brent was trading at $74.58 per barrel on Thursday while West Texas Intermediate advanced to trade at $71.71.

'For The First Time Voters Will Have To Prove Their Indian Citizenship'

'For The First Time Voters Will Have To Prove Their Indian Citizenship'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'40 percent of voters in Bihar will be excluded.'

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.

Maha to act on forced conversions, SC quota misuse: Fadnavis

Maha to act on forced conversions, SC quota misuse: Fadnavis

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the state government's intention to introduce strong provisions to deal with religious conversions done using force or cheating. A panel has submitted recommendations, and the government will study and implement necessary changes. The move comes amid claims of misuse of religious freedom and concerns about conversions through coercion and deceit.

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.

IOA impasse over CEO appointment to end soon

IOA impasse over CEO appointment to end soon

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

Appointment of IOA CEO to be ratified by EC, announcement likely on Thursday

'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?'

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Deepfakes And The Threat To 2024 Elections

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

If left unchecked, the 2024 elections may be infamously remembered as the election of deepfakes. The ECI has a tough task ahead, but, more importantly, it has an opportunity to become a global model for scores of countries going to polls this year, notes Ajay Kumar.

IGNOU Launches MSc Home Science In Community Development

IGNOU Launches MSc Home Science In Community Development

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The MSc in home science, with a specialisation in community development and extension management, is for students aspiring to work on community-based projects in health, education, livelihoods and social change.

'No Point In Giving Election Commission Such Power'

'No Point In Giving Election Commission Such Power'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

'They have been found wanting in taking stern measures to stop this because the Constitution has given them this authority and the power to ensure a free and fair election in the country.'

Mamata's message to Kalyan Banerjee: Fall in line or fall out

Mamata's message to Kalyan Banerjee: Fall in line or fall out

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

TMC accepts Kalyan Banerjee's resignation and appoints new leaders, signaling a crackdown on dissent within the party.

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.'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

Pakistan pleaded for ceasefire, govt tells Parliament

Pakistan pleaded for ceasefire, govt tells Parliament

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The government stated that Operation Sindoor was launched in response to a 'barbaric' attack by 'Pakistan-sponsored terrorists,' focusing on dismantling terror infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists likely to be sent across to India.

Trump Pops Up From A Manhole!

Trump Pops Up From A Manhole!

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

Glimpses from around the world that will make you smile and cry.

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.

Dismissal of state govts, Emergency disrupted simultaneous polls: Govt

Dismissal of state govts, Emergency disrupted simultaneous polls: Govt

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

Ahead of the introduction of bills on holding simultaneous polls, the government Tuesday said the concept is not new to the country.

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

'According To Govt, There's Hardly Any Poverty'

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

'All governments are scared of a negative image.' 'Somehow, this government has a tendency to create a narrative that things are improving.' 'When the real data gives a different picture, they are upset.'

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

'Caste-based politics dangerous': SC rejects plea against AIMIM

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

The bench, which asked Jain to withdraw the plea filed against a Delhi high court order that dismissed a writ petition challenging the registration and recognition of the AIMIM by the Election Commission (EC), granted liberty to the petitioner to file a writ petition, wherein he may make a wider prayer for reforms in respect of political parties on different counts.

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Seshan wanted to halt polls after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination: Book

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

A new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi claims that former chief election commissioner T N Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process after Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 and even offered to become home minister. Gandhi, who was joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman, writes that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president and arrived at the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night. According to Gandhi's account, Seshan told Venkatraman that he felt the election process needed to be stopped and that he was ready to take on the role of home minister if necessary. However, Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and Cabinet Secretary Naresh Chandra assured the president that the situation was under control and that there was no need to pause the election process. Seshan's suggestions were ultimately ignored, but he did manage to postpone the second and third phases of polling.

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Stalin Can Win 2026 Poll If...

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

...the DMK chief minister's campaign -- which includes criticism of the BJP's 'pro-Hindutva, anti-Tamil, anti-federal' policies and building on his own government's social welfare programmes targeting especially women and youth -- appeals to Tamil Nadu's voters in next year's assembly election, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

More to Dhankhar's resignation than health issues: Congress

More to Dhankhar's resignation than health issues: Congress

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Congress on Tuesday claimed that there are "far deeper reasons" for Jagdeep Dhankhar's resignation as the vice president than the health reasons cited by him, and said his resignation speaks highly of him but poorly of those who got him elected to the post.

Should India Be Worried About Asim Munir?

Should India Be Worried About Asim Munir?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

India had better be prepared. Munir could be back at our throats soon, even within the next 12 months, warns Shekhar Gupta.

Trump's Election Should Worry The World

Trump's Election Should Worry The World

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'There are ominous portents of an isolationist administration not only building a physical wall to the south to prevent unwanted immigrants from entering the land of milk and honey, but also trade walls not just against China, but all nations,' foresees Sreekant Sambrani.

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The 21-month-long Emergency also saw the government amend the Constitution several times, including to keep the elections to the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker beyond the scrutiny of courts and insert the words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' in the Preamble.

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The nuns were subjected to abusive language and all types of mental torture.'

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.

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

AAP quits INDIA bloc, Trinamool to attend meet

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) distanced itself from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) on Friday, saying it is not part of the opposition alliance anymore and questioning the Congress party's role in leading it.

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest amid political row

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the arrest and the Chief Minister defending the police action.

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'According to JP, Indira Gandhi was not much of a danger to democracy. He said, it was Sanjay Gandhi and his gang.'

Sidda, DKS present united front amid leadership change buzz

Sidda, DKS present united front amid leadership change buzz

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Amid Congress leaders in Karnataka openly discussing possible change of Chief Minister in the state, All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said it is up to the party high command to decide on such matters and that one should not create any unnecessary problem.

Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy named in 3,500 cr liquor scam chargesheet

Ex-Andhra CM Jagan Reddy named in 3,500 cr liquor scam chargesheet

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A chargesheet filed by Andhra Pradesh police in connection with the Rs 3,500 crore alleged liquor scam mentions former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as one of the recipients of kickbacks. The chargesheet alleges a complex scheme involving shell companies, policy manipulation, and extortion to generate funds that were ultimately routed to Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Railways plan to carry 45 pc of national cargo by 2030

Railways plan to carry 45 pc of national cargo by 2030

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Experts say Indian Railways must grow its share in the freight market to remain financially sustainable.

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Can EPS Outwit Amit Shah?

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami is under pressure from his party as his unclear stand on the BJP alliance has brought back fears among party workers that the party may lose its identity, be forced into an unwanted coalition, and be taken over by the BJP later, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

What option do I have?: DKS after Sidda says he will be CM for 5 yrs

What option do I have?: DKS after Sidda says he will be CM for 5 yrs

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah asserted that he will be in office for a full five-year term.