News for 'Media and Elections'

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14 per cent in the second and final phase of the assembly elections. The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishanganj recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26.

Want To Donate To A Political Party? Read This!

Want To Donate To A Political Party? Read This!

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Avoid donating without checking the receipt proforma showing the political party's ECI registration number and PAN.

After reminding Cong of the 'word', Shivakumar to visit Delhi

After reminding Cong of the 'word', Shivakumar to visit Delhi

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

As the Congress government in Karnataka completed the halfway mark of its five-year tenure on November 20, the power tussle within the party has intensified over a possible change of guard in the state, with a section claiming an alleged "power-sharing" agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.

'Money Alone Does Not Buy Trust Or Votes'

'Money Alone Does Not Buy Trust Or Votes'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

'Bihar's voters' electoral memory is long, and their evaluations are relational; who came to the village, who followed up, who resolved a problem.'

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Opposition parties are questioning the Election Commission's intentions behind the second phase of special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. The BJP has slammed the Congress and called the opposition a 'herd of dissatisfied souls'.

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.

Rahul's 'vote chori' twist: Brazilian model speaks out

Rahul's 'vote chori' twist: Brazilian model speaks out

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

In videos circulating on social media, the model -- identified as Lariss Nery -- claimed that the picture shown in Gandhi's presentation was taken when she was "about 20 years old."

Why steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is leaving UK

Why steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is leaving UK

Rediff.com23 Nov 2025

Indian-origin steel magnate Lakshmi N Mittal, until now based in Britain and a regular on the country's richest billionaires tally, has decided to quit the UK as the Labour Party-led government's feared tax shake-up for the super-rich nears, according to a UK media report on Sunday.

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.

'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.'

Don't Vote For Dubious Candidates: BJP Leader

Don't Vote For Dubious Candidates: BJP Leader

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'If you want a bright future of Bihar and your children, I urge you not to vote for anyone with a criminal background or corrupt candidates even if they belong to your caste.'

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Four Indian cardinals eligible to vote for electing new pope

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Four cardinals from India, including two from Kerala, are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the new Pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, as per the regulations. Anthony Poola, the Archbishop of Hyderabad; Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman; Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Church; and George Koovakkad, the newly appointed cardinal, are the four who can cast votes in the upcoming conclave.

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

India rejects Canada's election-meddling 'insinuations'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The government of India was suspected of using proxy agents to provide "clandestine financial support" to candidates from three political parties in a federal election, Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail reported.

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

MP minister calls Raja Ram Mohan Roy 'British agent'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Madhya Pradesh Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Inder Singh Parmar has sparked controversy by saying that social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a 'British agent' who started a 'vicious cycle of religious conversion', prompting the Trinamool Congress to call the remarks an insult to Bengal.

DMK moves SC against EC's electoral roll revision in Tamil Nadu

DMK moves SC against EC's electoral roll revision in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission's plan to implement the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state.

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Accused of 'fundraising' for Bihar polls, Karnataka CM says...

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah refuted BJP's claims of Congress funding Bihar elections and defended the state's decision on mandatory permissions for using public premises, stating it's a continuation of a previous BJP policy.

'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.'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

'Bulldozer Justice Continues Despite SC Verdict'

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

'Even as the Supreme Court's anti-punitive demolition judgment nears its first anniversary, no formal contempt proceedings have been initiated either by the Supreme Court or any high court against officers or demolition squads who have acted in violation of it.'

CM change issue 'secret deal' among 4-5 people: DKS

CM change issue 'secret deal' among 4-5 people: DKS

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified, amid speculation about chief minister change in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, citing an alleged "power-sharing" agreement involving CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.

Bihar: Gangster-turned-politician, who backed PK, killed

Bihar: Gangster-turned-politician, who backed PK, killed

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav, once known for rubbing shoulders with the who's who of politics in Bihar, was allegedly shot dead near the state capital during an election campaign on Thursday, police said.

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Bihar BJP springs surprise with first list, drops speaker

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday sprang surprises with its first list of 71 candidates for the Bihar assembly polls, denying a ticket to Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, a seven-term MLA, while fielding Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary in a direct election after over a decade.

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

'We Carried BJP to Power, Now They Crush Us'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'If all of us (all the 57 Shiv Sena MLAs) stand together we can change the dynamic. We are not afraid of anyone.'

Is Yathindra backing Satish Jarkiholi to succeed Siddaramaiah?

Is Yathindra backing Satish Jarkiholi to succeed Siddaramaiah?

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Statement by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's son about his father's political future and potential successors sparks speculation about leadership change within the ruling Congress party.

INDIA bloc names Tejashwi as CM face, Sahni as deputy

INDIA bloc names Tejashwi as CM face, Sahni as deputy

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The opposition INDIA bloc has declared RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.

Revealed! How much money BJP spent on 2024 elections

Revealed! How much money BJP spent on 2024 elections

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spent Rs 1,737.68 crore for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, according to the expenditure report submitted to the Election Commission of India. A majority of the funds were allocated to general party propaganda and candidate-related expenses, with media advertisements accounting for a significant portion. The BJP's election outreach also included extensive use of publicity materials and campaign-related travel. The party's expenditure on public meetings, processions, and rallies, including arrangements for stages, audio setups, barricades, and vehicles, stood at Rs 19.84 crore. The travel expenditure of star campaigners authorized by the party's central headquarters amounted to Rs 168.92 crore, while Rs 2.53 crore was spent on the travel of other party leaders.

'Only BJP Can Defeat BJP In Gujarat'

'Only BJP Can Defeat BJP In Gujarat'

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

'The BJP's top leadership realised that their cadres are not happy with them, so they changed the ministers and got in new faces.'

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Nitish digresses from practice, gives tickets amid rift buzz

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Amidst speculation over the NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar distributed JD(U) tickets, while the BJP announced its first list of candidates. The INDIA bloc also faces internal challenges as parties prepare for the upcoming elections.

JD-U candidate Anant Singh held in Dularchand Yadav murder case

JD-U candidate Anant Singh held in Dularchand Yadav murder case

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Yadav died at Khushhalchak village three days ago during election campaigning. An assailant reportedly shot him, and an SUV crushed him, officials confirmed.

BJP attacks Siddaramaiah for promoting Wayanad as tourist destination

BJP attacks Siddaramaiah for promoting Wayanad as tourist destination

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

The KSTDC's post on 'X' on October 28, promoting its two-night and three-day tour package to the hill station said, " Seeking thrill or tranquillity? Find both in Wayanad! Trek scenic trails, chase waterfalls & meet the wild with KSTDC. Your perfect nature escape awaits."

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.

Omar resumes Darbar Move after 4 yrs, gets grand welcome in Jammu

Omar resumes Darbar Move after 4 yrs, gets grand welcome in Jammu

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday left his official residence on foot for his office at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, marking the resumption of the biannual 'Darbar Move' after a gap of four years.

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

'As Of Now Nitish Kumar Is Our Chief Minister'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

'Every party want to contest more seats, nothing wrong in it. We have to compromise to take all together as the NDA.'

'Khatron ke khiladi': How BJP, Cong reacted to Tharoor's 'dynasty' remarks

'Khatron ke khiladi': How BJP, Cong reacted to Tharoor's 'dynasty' remarks

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

The Congress claimed that dynastic politics exists across party lines and also hailed the Nehru-Gandhi family's leadership.

Bollywood meets NYC: Mamdani closes victory speech with 'Dhoom Machale'

Bollywood meets NYC: Mamdani closes victory speech with 'Dhoom Machale'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

'Dhoom Machale...' The exuberant, celebratory track from the 2004 blockbuster Dhoom rounded off Zohran Mamdani's victory speech, more evidence that New York's newly elected mayor embraces his many identities with a light-as-souffle touch.

SC notice to BJP's Assam unit over 'Muslim takeover' video on X

SC notice to BJP's Assam unit over 'Muslim takeover' video on X

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The application sought direction for 'X' to take down the video immediately to prevent further communal disharmony.

ICSSR to issue show cause notice to CSDS amid 'vote chori' row

ICSSR to issue show cause notice to CSDS amid 'vote chori' row

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The council said it takes serious cognisance of the alleged data manipulation by the CSDS and its attempt to create a narrative to undermine the sanctity of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Being spied upon by Mumbai police, claims Maha Cong chief

Being spied upon by Mumbai police, claims Maha Cong chief

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal alleges Mumbai police surveillance, claiming an officer entered his room. He questions if CM Fadnavis ordered the snooping. BJP denies the allegations. Sapkal also raises questions about a hostage situation and accuses the CM of shielding criminals.

Let Shivakumar become CM after...: Karnataka minister

Let Shivakumar become CM after...: Karnataka minister

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Rejecting speculation about 'November revolution', Karnataka Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan on Sunday said, Deputy CM D K Shivakumar has the desire to become the chief minister, and his wish is that he takes over after Siddaramaiah completes five-year term in 2028.

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

'This Is The End Of The Road For Nitish Kumar'

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

'If the BJP had its way, it would sideline him in favour of someone else. But that's not feasible. There is no vote catcher in Bihar for the BJP.'

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

From dubbing voices to putting faces with the help of AI, political campaigns are undergoing a Bollywood makeover. Among the favourites is a scene from the Anil Kapoor-starrer Nayak, posted by the BJP, where Kapoor asks about the Chunaavi Vaade (poll promise), with Arvind Kejriwal at the receiving end instead of Amrish Puri.