News for 'National Election Watch'

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Bihar Polls: Non-Stop Contest For Sops

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Both NDA and INDIA are racing to woo marginalised groups with Assembly polls fast approaching.

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

26/11 Hero Bajrang Singh's Downfall And Capture

26/11 Hero Bajrang Singh's Downfall And Capture

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

How a Legendary Commando's Downfall Began with a Simple Meal: The Tale of Bajrang Singh's Capture.

'It's A Big Day, Anything Is Possible'

'It's A Big Day, Anything Is Possible'

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

'Many are saying that some significant announcement regarding Jammu and Kashmir or even separate statehoods might come; that possibility cannot be ruled out given today's date.'

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Modi turns 75; fortnight-long celebrations begin

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching over a fortnight long 'Sewa Pakhwada' to mark the birthday of its preeminent leader.

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

What C P Radhakrishnan's Choice Means For Modi, BJP

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

By naming a sworn swayamsevak for vice president, the Modi-Shah duo have sent out a clear and positive message to Nagpur, where the RSS headquarters is located, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Can CBI Karur Stampede Probe Impact TN Polls?

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

If the TVK joins the NDA, there is every likelihood of the AIADMK winning an absolute majority in the 234 seat assembly and wanting to form a stand-alone government. In turn, it could mean that the BJP especially and the TVK equally so, will want to restrict the AIADMK's seat share closer to the cut-off figure, if only to ensure that EPS won't get the absolute majority that he desires (if the NDA won, that is) and will have to settle for a coalition government, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Barack Obama arrested? Trump posts 'video'

Barack Obama arrested? Trump posts 'video'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

United States President Donald Trump on Monday shared an AI-generated video of showing former President Barack Obama being arrested.

Boarded up but open: Stores in DC ready for election day unrest

Boarded up but open: Stores in DC ready for election day unrest

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Several cafes and restaurants are boarded up from outside but still promising they are open. As Americans voted Tuesday, the capital prepared itself for potential unrest.

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.

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

'My opponent is quintessential RSS man, I am far away from it'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'Earlier, we used to talk about a deficit economy. There is a deficit in democracy' 'If you read superficially Gandhi and Ambedkar and Nehru, some misconceptions and misunderstanding come to mind, as if they were at loggerheads and they differed radically in their views' 'India is one nation. There is only one citizenship. No citizenship for South India and no citizenship for North India and another for the Northeast'

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

When Voter ID Matters And When It Doesn't

Rediff.com23 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.

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Govt closely watching Bangladesh developments: Union minister

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Union Minister of State BL Verma expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh and said the government is closely monitoring it. Addressing a Rozgar Mela in Jammu, he lauded the BSF for its role in safeguarding India's borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. He also responded to questions on the Samajwadi Party's controversial statement labelling the BJP government as a "Hindu terrorist organisation", the Congress's allegations of EVM fraud, and Rahul Gandhi's call for a caste census.

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

India Unlikely To Retaliate Against US

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

India would neither succumb to the Americans on issues of national security, such as its defence ties with Russia, nor cede ground on its domestic interests in the agriculture and dairy sectors.

Kamala not to address supporters tonight, to wait for final count

Kamala not to address supporters tonight, to wait for final count

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

As the poll projections start for the United States presidential elections, Vice President and Democrat Candidate Kamala Harris will not address supporters on Wednesday night (local time), but is expected to speak on Thursday (local time).

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The delayed timing of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's admission has more to do with deflecting the thrust of the Opposition attack on the prime minister and Union home minister during the monsoon session of Parliament, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

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.

Ministers with criminal antecedents

Ministers with criminal antecedents

Rediff.com29 May 2009

Nine ministers in the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government have criminal records pending against them. Of the nine ministers, one minister face serious charges, according to a National Election Watch report.

Meet the poorest MPs

Meet the poorest MPs

Rediff.com22 May 2009

The Association for Democratic Reforms, in association with the National Election Watch, has compiled the list of the poorest Members of Parliament. The list is based on the assets declared by the candidates, before the Election Commission, when they had filed their nominations for the Lok Sabha polls.

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

'Election Commission Has Been Found Wanting'

Rediff.com14 Jun 2024

'One of the principles of the MCC that you should not make hate speeches and create hatred between communities on the basis of religion was violated on a scale that was never seen before.' 'Religious symbols were very liberally used and speeches were made to polarise people on the basis of religion.'

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.

For How Long Will Nitish Hold The Fort?

For How Long Will Nitish Hold The Fort?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

Now it's all jibes about his chameleon-like politics and fading grip on the administration. But there was a time Nitish had the BJP trembling in the state, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

On June 26, for the likes of me, the music died. Any impression of potential change held forth by the outcome of the 2024 general election, was vaporised, reveals Shyam G Menon.

Dr Manmohan Singh's richest ministers

Dr Manmohan Singh's richest ministers

Rediff.com29 May 2009

Dr Manmohan Singh's government has 47 crorepati ministers in it. Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel is the richest of the lot with assets worth Rs 89.9 crore.

WATCH LIVE: PM addresses the nation

WATCH LIVE: PM addresses the nation

Rediff.com27 Mar 2019

Do watch the address HERE.

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Modi Isn't Going To Retire On September 17

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

'Mr Modi has the power and pre-eminence in the BJP-RSS to choose how long he wants to serve, and he is definitely going to want to contest in 2029.' 'He will only be 79, as old as Donald Trump now, and fitter,' observes Shekhar Gupta.

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.

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

BJP workers ransack Cong headquarters in Patna, Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

Workers from the BJP and Congress clashed in Patna during a protest march organized by the BJP against the use of abusive language towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late mother. The protest turned violent, with stone pelting and vandalism reported. Police intervened to control the situation, and an investigation is underway.

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Will Shashi Tharoor Quit Congress?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

Sources close to the top BJP leadership tell me that Tharoor has already had secret meetings with the BJP's top brass and is waiting patiently to make his next move, reports Ramesh Menon.

Why You Must Watch Freedom at Midnight

Why You Must Watch Freedom at Midnight

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Freedom At Midnight is a bold attempt to revisit the whole discourse about Partition, its causes, and the predicament under which the Congress leaders accepted it. It perfectly captures the extremely confused and complicated situation to which it seemed the only viable solution, observes Utkarsh Mishra.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

'Every Election, BJP Unleashes This Demon...'

'Every Election, BJP Unleashes This Demon...'

Rediff.com3 May 2024

'... dividing society not just on religious lines, but also creating rift in families and among brothers and sisters.'

President to be elected by 141 murder, 6 rape accused

President to be elected by 141 murder, 6 rape accused

Rediff.com13 Jul 2012

The next President of India will be chosen by the electoral college which includes 141 murder accused, six alleged rapists and 90 members with charges of kidnapping, reports Vicky Nanjappa

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Election 2024: The Big Fights In Kerala

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

Kerala's election discourse operates surreptitiously. Its explicit face focuses on important national and local issues. At the same time, it seeks to secure apt communal equations to ensure votes, notes Shyam G Menon.

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Chirag Paswan Wants To Be Bihar CM

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

While the BJP backs Nitish Kumar as chief minister, Chirag isn't hiding his readiness for the role, reports Aditi Phadnis.

45 bills passed in Lok Sabha same day they were introduced: Report

45 bills passed in Lok Sabha same day they were introduced: Report

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Among parties, the NCP stood out with five of its MPs raising an average of 410 questions each. On the other hand, two Apna Dal (Soneylal) raised only five questions each on average.

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Singapore's ruling party sweeps back to power

Rediff.com4 May 2025

Singapore's long-ruling People's Action Party (PAP), led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, has secured a landslide victory in the country's general election. The PAP won 87 of 97 seats, with voters endorsing the party's focus on stability and economic security amidst global uncertainties. Wong expressed gratitude for the strong mandate and vowed to tackle concerns about the cost of living and housing. The results mark a significant win for the PAP, which has been in power since Singapore's independence in 1965.

Trump Shows Off Dances Moves

Trump Shows Off Dances Moves

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

US President-elect Donald J Trump dances to the tune of Y.M.C.A., a classic song by the Village People.

Key contests to watch for, from Rae Bareli to Thiruvananthapuram

Key contests to watch for, from Rae Bareli to Thiruvananthapuram

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

A number of high-profile electoral battles, starring veterans and debutants, formidable opponents and unlikely contestants, feature in Tuesday's outcome.

Congress backs Uddhav, Sharad; distances from Raj Thackeray buzz

Congress backs Uddhav, Sharad; distances from Raj Thackeray buzz

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Chavan, however, made it clear that if the NCP merger happens and if that party goes with the National Democratic Alliance, it would become difficult for the Congress to continue the alliance with them in Maharashtra.