News for 'Key Points Election Commission'

Assam election: BJP ahead in most Barak Valley seats

Assam election: BJP ahead in most Barak Valley seats

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The BJP is currently leading in eight out of the 13 seats in Assam's Barak Valley, while the Congress is ahead in the remaining five constituencies, according to the latest Election Commission data.

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

Sajjan Kumar, jailed in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, dies

Sajjan Kumar, jailed in 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, dies

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, has died. He was convicted in two separate cases related to the killings of Sikhs during the riots and was lodged in Tihar Jail.

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

HC appoints special officer to manage TMC's frozen bank accounts

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

The Calcutta High Court has appointed a retired judge as a special officer to manage the day-to-day expenses of the Mamata Banerjee-aligned Trinamool Congress (TMC) from three debit-frozen bank accounts. The accounts were frozen following a complaint by a rival TMC faction alleging they held proceeds of crime. The court allowed transactions for party expenses and legal costs, noting that the initial freezing lacked specific material basis and that the complainant had previously benefited from these accounts.

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts, Alleges Election Plot

Bhagwant Mann Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts, Alleges Election Plot

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar as part of their strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, alleging the party seeks to create an atmosphere of fear to influence voters.

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Scolded by Mamata, Bengal TMC chief quits, may join rebels

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Chandrima Bhattacharya has resigned as the party's West Bengal president and from all other posts, citing a loss of trust after an admonishment from Mamata Banerjee. She has since been seen meeting with the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction, further deepening the organisational crisis within the TMC following its recent Assembly election defeat.

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Phase I: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The polling for the Tamil Nadu Elections will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Out of the 294 assembly seats, 152 seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the first phase on Thursday.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

Complaint Filed Against Anurag Sharma Over Alleged Election Rule Violations

Complaint Filed Against Anurag Sharma Over Alleged Election Rule Violations

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

A complaint has been filed against Rajya Sabha member Anurag Sharma, alleging concealment of property details and violation of election rules during the nomination process.

Court Grants Bail To Bangla Pokkho Founder In Misinformation Case

Court Grants Bail To Bangla Pokkho Founder In Misinformation Case

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A court in Kolkata granted bail to Bangla Pokkho's founder, Garga Chatterjee, who was arrested for allegedly spreading misinformation through social media posts during the West Bengal Assembly elections.

No print ads by political parties on April 8-9 without clearance: EC

No print ads by political parties on April 8-9 without clearance: EC

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India has issued directives to political parties and candidates in Kerala, restricting the publication of print advertisements on the eve and day of the Assembly elections without prior certification.

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Passports 'regulate departure' of Indians from country: MEA

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued to regulate the departure of citizens and is not intended as proof of citizenship. This statement comes amidst a debate on its use for verifying citizenship, particularly concerning electoral rolls, and has drawn criticism from opposition parties.

New Punjab BJP Chief Dhillon Sets Sights On 2027 Assembly Elections

New Punjab BJP Chief Dhillon Sets Sights On 2027 Assembly Elections

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Newly appointed Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon has outlined his plans to strengthen the party in the state, aiming for a majority in the 2027 assembly elections. He criticised the ruling AAP government and promised to address key issues such as crop diversification and law and order.

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge to her rejected Rajya Sabha nomination, reaffirming that the Election Commission is the sole recourse for such disputes and citing Article 329(b) of the Constitution which bars judicial interference in electoral matters.

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal prohibits victory rallies following election result announcements and addresses concerns regarding agents' access to counting centres.

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nepalese citizens are voting in the general election, the first since protests toppled the previous government. Over 18.9 million are eligible to vote for the 275-member House of Representatives.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

Rediff.com4 May 2026

In a dramatic election mirroring the Nandigram contest, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, marking a significant victory for the BJP and a setback for the Trinamool Congress.

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

NDA alleges 'massive irregularities' in Karnataka SIR, demands probe

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A delegation of NDA leaders in Karnataka has formally complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging "massive irregularities" in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanding an immediate inquiry and door-to-door re-verification.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leaders have raised concerns about the vote counting process in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging irregularities and lack of cooperation from the Election Commission.

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In a momentous occasion after the Bharatiya Janata Party's win, the Durga temple in Asansol, reopened its doors to devotees after remaining shut for several years.

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India has prohibited the conduct and dissemination of exit polls from April 9 to April 29 during the upcoming assembly elections in several states. Violators face imprisonment or fines.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

TMC power battle explodes as Ritabrata-led rebel camp captures party HQ

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A rebel faction of the Trinamool Congress, led by Ritabrata Banerjee, has taken control of the party's organisational headquarters in Kolkata. This move follows their claim to the party's name and symbol before the Election Commission, intensifying the power struggle with the Mamata Banerjee-led faction. Both sides are now preparing submissions for the Election Commission regarding the party's control.

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Sonia Gandhi files reply in voter list dispute

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has filed a reply in a legal matter concerning her inclusion in the voter list, which is alleged to have occurred before she became an Indian citizen. The case, initiated by Advocate Vikas Tripathi, seeks the registration of an FIR against Gandhi and is currently pending before a sessions court.

Kerala's LDF Accuses UDF Candidate of Bribery in Kuttanad Assembly Election

Kerala's LDF Accuses UDF Candidate of Bribery in Kuttanad Assembly Election

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The LDF has filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that UDF candidate Reji Cheriyan engaged in cash-for-vote practices during the Kuttanad Assembly election campaign.

2.37 Crore Cash Seized in Tamil Nadu Amid Election Expenditure Monitoring

2.37 Crore Cash Seized in Tamil Nadu Amid Election Expenditure Monitoring

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Authorities in Tamil Nadu have seized 2.37 crore in cash, along with precious metals, liquor, and freebies worth crores, as part of election expenditure monitoring ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Election Commission will examine a complaint filed by opposition parties alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation violated the Model Code of Conduct for elections.

X Under Investigation for Allegedly Defamatory AI Video Targeting PM and ECI

X Under Investigation for Allegedly Defamatory AI Video Targeting PM and ECI

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Police have registered a case against X and one of its handles for circulating an AI-generated video allegedly depicting the Prime Minister and the Election Commission of India in a misleading and defamatory manner.

CEC asks TMC delegation to 'get lost'; O'Brien accused of 'shouting'

CEC asks TMC delegation to 'get lost'; O'Brien accused of 'shouting'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

A Trinamool Congress delegation reported a contentious meeting with the Election Commission, alleging the chief election commissioner dismissed them abruptly, while the EC has accused the TMC of disruptive behaviour.

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The TVK's decision to offer the lone Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress came against the backdrop of key meetings between national party leaders, including former union finance minister P Chidambaram and Congress Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar at the Secretariat.

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A CISF jawan was injured in a firing incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in West Bengal, prompting an Election Commission report. The incident occurred amidst tensions between TMC and BJP supporters, with both parties trading accusations of instigating violence.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

If he's Singham, I'm Pushpa: TMC leader vs UP-cadre IPS in Bengal

If he's Singham, I'm Pushpa: TMC leader vs UP-cadre IPS in Bengal

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress supporters protested against an Election Commission-appointed IPS officer in West Bengal, accusing him of intimidating party workers ahead of the second phase of polling.

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Cong hints at equal seat-sharing with SP in 2027 UP assembly polls

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

EC makes elaborate security measures for second phase of Bengal polls

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.

Former AAP minister Satyendar Jain among 6 held in Jal Board tender scam

Former AAP minister Satyendar Jain among 6 held in Jal Board tender scam

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and ex-Delhi Jal Board CEO Udit Prakash Rai are among six individuals arrested by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in connection with an alleged corruption case. The case involves irregularities and manipulation in the tendering process for sewage treatment plant projects of the Delhi Jal Board, with allegations of favouring a specific technology provider and significant financial implications for the government exchequer. The investigation has also revealed a money trail involving substantial transfers to the accused.