News for 'Media and Elections'

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

'Reporter with a poet's pen': Sankarshan Thakur dies at 63

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

Sankarshan Thakur, editor of The Telegraph whose prowess with words added that extra edge to his analyses and ground reports, died at a Gurgaon hospital on Monday after prolonged illness. He was 63.

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Dog Babu', son of 'kutta babu', 'kutiya devi', gets Patna residence certificate

'Dog Babu', son of 'kutta babu', 'kutiya devi', gets Patna residence certificate

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The certificate of residence was issued last week in Masaurhi circle, falling under the eponymous sub-division, apparently as part of a scramble for such documents during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

RJD To Boycott Bihar Polls?

RJD To Boycott Bihar Polls?

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

'When the time comes, we will take a decision following a discussion with the alliance partners.'

Owaisi writes to Lalu, seeks alliance in Bihar polls

Owaisi writes to Lalu, seeks alliance in Bihar polls

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

AIMIM's Bihar state president Akhtarul Iman, the party's lone MLA in the state, has written to RJD president Lalu Prasad, formally requesting inclusion in the grand alliance.

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

EC is 'deleting evidence' instead of giving answers: Rahul

Rediff.com21 Jun 2025

Gandhi has been demanding voter lists, poll data and video footage from the election commission, alleging irregularities in Maharashtra assembly elections.

BJP Made Muslim Support For MVA An Election Issue

BJP Made Muslim Support For MVA An Election Issue

Rediff.com24 Nov 2024

In doing so, it further cemented the community's determination to support the opposition. But at the same time, it consolidated its Hindu vote bank like never before.

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Will Harivansh Singh Be The Next Veep?

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'When Harivansh sits in the chair, you feel your voice will be heard.'

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray denies making remarks about a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the media of misquoting him. He clarifies his statements regarding a joint rally with Uddhav Thackeray.

Sign declaration or apologise, says EC; Rahul hits back

Sign declaration or apologise, says EC; Rahul hits back

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has asked Rahul Gandhi to share details of wrongful entries and omissions in voters' list. Gandhi hit back, asserting he has already taken oath in Parliament to uphold the Constitution.

Will Shashi Tharoor Succeed Dhankhar?

Will Shashi Tharoor Succeed Dhankhar?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

What piques the narrative is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah decide on crucial matters, they play it close to their chest, and revel in springing a surprise.

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

'Like vampires sucking blood dry': Trump's aide slams BRICS

'Like vampires sucking blood dry': Trump's aide slams BRICS

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has criticised India for continuing to procure Russian oil, alleging profiteering and contributing to the Russia-Ukraine war. India defends its energy procurement as driven by national interest and market dynamics.

'It was a people's election'

'It was a people's election'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

'There was a strong undercurrent of deprivation, and also frustration against misuse of power and authority.' 'This election was an opportunity for the manifestation of this discontentment.'

Cong hits back at CEC, says poll panel failed to answer Rahul's queries

Cong hits back at CEC, says poll panel failed to answer Rahul's queries

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The Congress party has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of incompetence and partisanship following the Chief Election Commissioner's (CEC) defense of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The party alleges the CEC failed to address concerns about voter list irregularities and is acting in favor of the ruling BJP.

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

When the government chooses to either ignore or use identity documents only when it suits them, it shakes people's sense of stability, notes Shyam G Menon.

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Will Language Politics Help Didi Win 4th Term?

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

Will Mamata's bhasha andolan campaign sway Bengal's bhadralok before the 2026 election in the TMC's favour?

1st decide which party...: Cong leader's jibe at Tharoor over CM survey

1st decide which party...: Cong leader's jibe at Tharoor over CM survey

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The survey, reportedly conducted by a private agency, found that 28.3 per cent of respondents believe Tharoor is best suited to lead the state.

Rahul disowns lawyer's 'life threat' claim, seeks withdrawal in court

Rahul disowns lawyer's 'life threat' claim, seeks withdrawal in court

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The Congress party stated that Rahul Gandhi's lawyer raised the issue of a threat to his life without his consent and will withdraw the statement in court. The lawyer filed an application stating Gandhi could face harm from followers of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Nathuram Godse's ideology.

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

SEE: Suvendu Adhikari's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The convoy of West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, was allegedly attacked by TMC workers during a protest in Cooch Behar. Bulletproof glasses of Adhikari's vehicle were smashed. TMC denies involvement, calling it a 'well-scripted drama'.

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.

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Elon Musk launches 'America Party' to 'give back freedom'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

United States tech billionaire Elon Musk said he has formed a new political party to give Americans their freedom back, after a dramatic falling out with Donald Trump.

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.

Bihar SIR: Another dog 'applies' for residence proof

Bihar SIR: Another dog 'applies' for residence proof

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

Following the 'dog babu' incident, another canine application for a residence certificate has surfaced in Nawada, Bihar. An FIR has been registered for the attempt.

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Under New Bill Modi, Mantris Face Risk Of Arrest Too

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

BJP strategists are missing something somewhere, and they have not acknowledged it, to be able to repair it in good time, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

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.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

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.

'Bharat Is Blessed To Have Bhupen Hazarika'

'Bharat Is Blessed To Have Bhupen Hazarika'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

'That a song can carry the weight of a people's dreams and move hearts across the world.' On Bhupen Hazarika's 99th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays rich tribute to the legendary singer and composer.

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Rise And Fall Of Jagdeep Dhankhar

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The RSS which catapulted Jagdeep Dhankar to national prominence after 21 years of hibernation could not come to his rescue when BJP higher ups decided to seek his resignation, points out Prakash Bhandari.

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

'Declaring End Of Maoist Insurgency By March 2026 Is Foolish'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

'Handling or mitigating a rebellion is not a corporate plan with quarterly, half-yearly and annual goals and results but an aggregation of the effort of several years.'

Jarange demands GR from govt, warns of giving up water

Jarange demands GR from govt, warns of giving up water

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Activist Manoj Jarange's hunger strike demanding Maratha quota continues for the third day in Mumbai, following a meeting with a government delegation. The protest has caused traffic disruptions and highlights the ongoing debate over reservation policies in Maharashtra.

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Vijay's Political Challenge Begins Now

Rediff.com22 Aug 2025

Vijay, with his chief ministerial ambitions, is a one-man army, at least as of now, and his campaign team considers him omnipresent. He has to be present in all districts, if not all constituencies at the same time, as there is no second-line leader or platform speaker in the party, who can draw crowds, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Will Vijay's CM Googly Win TN Poll Match?

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

Vijay is counting on what was once proclaimed as his last filmi outing, Jana Nayagan, or 'People's Hero', to do the trick for him, when it releases on January 9, 2026, only months before the assembly poll, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

PIX: Rinku Singh gets engaged to SP MP Priya Saroj

PIX: Rinku Singh gets engaged to SP MP Priya Saroj

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

India's T20 star Rinku Singh and Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj got engaged on Sunday in a grand ceremony graced by a host of prominent political figures on Sunday.

US govt restricts sports visas for transgender women

US govt restricts sports visas for transgender women

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

Trump to sign order creating Olympics task force ahead of 2028 games

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Rajya Sabha session was marred by heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches regarding the deployment of security personnel in the House. The session was adjourned amidst protests and accusations of undemocratic conduct.

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.