News for 'Media and Elections'

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress party will join the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a 59-year hiatus, with two of its MLAs set to be sworn in as ministers.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Randhir Singh, Veteran Sports Administrator, Cremated In Haridwar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first Asian Games shooting gold medallist Randhir Singh was cremated in Haridwar. Singh died at his New Delhi residence after battling age-related ailments. He was 79.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.

'I won't step down,' Mamata dares Centre to dismiss her

'I won't step down,' Mamata dares Centre to dismiss her

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a meeting of newly-elected MLAs of her party and stated she will not resign from her post in the wake of assembly poll results and the Centre can dismiss her.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Sports World Mourns Demise Of Randhir Singh

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Veteran sports administrator and India's first shooting gold-medallist in Asian Games, Randhir Singh, has died at the age of 79. Leaders across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences.

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.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Car used in Suvendu aide's murder purchased in UP: Police

Car used in Suvendu aide's murder purchased in UP: Police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Police and eyewitnesses have revealed that the car used in the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, was purchased in Ballia. The CBI and Uttar Pradesh STF are intensifying raids to locate Gyanendra Pratap Singh, a key figure in the case.

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP and a Trinamool Congress worker were killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal on Tuesday, police said.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Congress Leader Urges Focus On Polls, Not CM Candidate

Congress Leader Urges Focus On Polls, Not CM Candidate

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Congress leader P T Ajay Mohan has discouraged discussions on who should be the CM before the Assembly poll results, expected on May 4.

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

HC relief for Delhi Gymkhana Club amid eviction row

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

BJP's Goswami halts Assam Cong chief Gogoi's assembly debut with decisive win

BJP's Goswami halts Assam Cong chief Gogoi's assembly debut with decisive win

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Veteran BJP leader Hitendra Nath Goswami defeated Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat, securing his sixth term in the assembly. Goswami's grassroots campaign and extensive experience led to his victory.

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Bengal: TMC lawmakers at BJP meets trigger speculation

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Apart from Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, the Barasat MP, those attending the meeting included TMC MLAs Anisur Rahaman Biswas of Deganga, Bina Mondal of Swarupnagar, Mohammad Abdul Matin of Haroa and three more legislators from the Basirhat subdivision of North 24 Parganas district.

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an Independent MLA backed by the UDF, has criticised Left leaders for targeting him over his late brother Bhuvaneswaran, considered a party martyr. Sudhakaran claims the CPI(M) lost votes by politicising Bhuvaneswaran's memory during the election campaign.

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The International Olympic Committee mourns the death of veteran Indian sports administrator Randhir Singh, recognising his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement in India, Asia, and worldwide.

Draft US-Iran truce deal eyes Hormuz reopening, American troop pullback

Draft US-Iran truce deal eyes Hormuz reopening, American troop pullback

Rediff.com27 May 2026

As tensions in the Middle East approach a critical juncture, reports have surfaced regarding a draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday.

Report reveals US-Israel regime change plan in Iran

Report reveals US-Israel regime change plan in Iran

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A media report suggests the US and Israel considered installing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's president as part of regime change plans.

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal of inciting post-poll violence by disguising its workers as BJP supporters. The BJP asserts its cadres have never engaged in violence after election victories and claims the TMC is acting out of frustration after suffering a crushing defeat in the assembly polls.

Siddaramaiah all set to step down, holds breakfast meet

Siddaramaiah all set to step down, holds breakfast meet

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Amidst growing speculation about a potential leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders are meeting to discuss the future of the state government. The meeting follows months of rumours regarding a transition, with D K Shivakumar potentially succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

Rajinikanth: 'Why Should I Be Jealous Of Vijay?'

Rajinikanth: 'Why Should I Be Jealous Of Vijay?'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'When I am not in politics, why should I be jealous of him?...'

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The International Olympic Committee mourns the death of veteran Indian sports administrator Randhir Singh, recognising his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement.

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Congress-led UDF closely monitoring CPI(M) leader's independent election bid in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The Congress-led UDF is closely monitoring CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran's decision to contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming Assembly election. UDF leaders are considering supporting Sudhakaran, while the CPI(M) expresses disappointment and denies mistreatment.

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Tamil Nadu has 42% of its population in the 18 to 39 age group. The bulk of the population in this age group voted for Vijay and women voters too voted for him in big numbers.'

'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.

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Venugopal, Chennithala or Satheesan: Who'll win Kerala CM race?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Intense lobbying is underway in Kerala as V D Satheesan, K C Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala vie for the chief minister's post, with their camps citing popularity, MLA support, and experience as key factors for the Congress high command's decision.

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Veteran Congress leader P J Kurien stated that the party has several qualified candidates for the Kerala CM post if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly elections, but only three names are currently under consideration.

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The TMC has challenged the BJP to win the Falta assembly seat in West Bengal, where a re-election has been ordered due to electoral offences. The TMC has dared the BJP to deploy its full resources, including top leaders and central forces, while expressing confidence in the electorate's support.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

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.

Trump 'seriously considering' strikes against Iran if...: Report

Trump 'seriously considering' strikes against Iran if...: Report

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering launching fresh strikes against Iran if ongoing negotiations fail to produce a peace deal, according to US media outlet Axios. This development comes as diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan and Qatar attempting to broker an agreement.

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Vijay expands cabinet, Cong ministers join TN govt

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay expanded his Cabinet, inducting 23 more legislators as ministers, including two from the Congress party, marking their return to governance in the state after nearly 60 years.

Vijay Delivers Political Blockbuster With Whistle Revolution

Vijay Delivers Political Blockbuster With Whistle Revolution

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Launched in 2024, the TVK has Vijay's shift into politics was not sudden as he had been doing groundwork since 2009, when he launched his fan club, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam.

Mamata camps for 4 hours at EVM strong room, leaves after midnight

Mamata camps for 4 hours at EVM strong room, leaves after midnight

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned against any attempts to tamper with the counting process, following a visit to an EVM strong room in Bhabanipur where she alleged possible malpractice.