News for 'POLL'

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language.

LDF To Attend UDF Oath Ceremony, Vows To Be Responsible Opposition

LDF To Attend UDF Oath Ceremony, Vows To Be Responsible Opposition

Rediff.com15 May 2026

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan announced that the LDF will attend the UDF's oath-taking ceremony, signalling a shift from the Congress-led front's boycott in 2021. The LDF aims to be a responsible opposition, supporting correct actions and criticising errors. Pinarayi Vijayan's selection as opposition leader was unanimous. The party is analysing the reasons for their defeat in the Assembly polls and plans to take corrective measures.

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Local clubs hope World Cup fuels soccer growth in the United States

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the United States, Bay Area soccer clubs and supporters hope the tournament will inspire a new generation of fans and strengthen the region's thriving grassroots football culture.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee personally argued a case in the Calcutta high xourt regarding attacks on Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal.

Vijay's TVK did no field work, won through social media, says Stalin

Vijay's TVK did no field work, won through social media, says Stalin

Rediff.com18 May 2026

DMK President M K Stalin has alleged that the ruling TVK won the April 23 Assembly polls by influencing people through social media, without doing any field work. He said social media was used to influence family members through children and that the DMK has realised this and will be very careful from now on. Stalin also mentioned that the DMK has set up a committee to tour all the 234 constituencies in the state to assess the ground situation and find out the reasons for the debacle.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

Teenager Dies After Ghaziabad Stabbing; Arrests Made

Teenager Dies After Ghaziabad Stabbing; Arrests Made

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Class 11 student in Ghaziabad, India, died after being stabbed during an altercation. Police have arrested three suspects and are searching for the remaining two. The incident has sparked concern, with calls for increased vigilance and justice.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police conducted raids on the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others in connection with an incident where they allegedly stormed a police station and attempted to forcibly release a detainee. Police have also issued a lookout circular against Majithia to prevent him from leaving the country.

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Mamata reaches out to rebels to save TMC from historic split

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee is actively trying to prevent further defections from the TMC after a significant split, personally contacting rebel MLAs and deploying MPs for damage control. The crisis, stemming from a challenge to Abhishek Banerjee's influence, sees rebels trying to maintain Mamata's symbolic leadership while consolidating their own position, marking a critical period for the party's future.

Voter ID, Aadhaar Cards Found At TMC Office In Kolkata

Voter ID, Aadhaar Cards Found At TMC Office In Kolkata

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A large number of voter ID, Aadhaar, and ration cards were allegedly recovered from a TMC office in Kolkata's Tangra area. BJP workers claim the cards were deliberately kept to prevent people from voting.

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The US-China rapprochement, however tenuous, is not without implications for India. Both China and Pakistan have become closer to the US, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Assembly elections see high turnout, women voters outnumber men

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Recent assembly elections across several states in India saw exceptionally high voter participation, with women voters outnumbering men in turnout percentages, according to Election Commission data.

Ghaziabad Teenager Dies After Motorcycle Dispute Stabbing

Ghaziabad Teenager Dies After Motorcycle Dispute Stabbing

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Class 11 student in Ghaziabad died after being stabbed during an altercation. Police have arrested three suspects and are searching for the remaining two. The incident stemmed from a dispute over riding a motorcycle.

Bhagwant Mann Accuses Majithia Of Rowdyism, Obstruction Of Justice

Bhagwant Mann Accuses Majithia Of Rowdyism, Obstruction Of Justice

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia for allegedly storming into a police station in Amritsar to forcibly release a detainee.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

G Sudhakaran Claims No Enmity With Pinarayi Vijayan

Rediff.com20 May 2026

G Sudhakaran, the pro tem Speaker, stated he has no personal enmity with former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, emphasising that personal grudges have no place in politics.

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra have been disqualified from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme after failing to meet the e-KYC deadline, leading to accusations from opposition parties that the state government is reducing beneficiaries due to financial constraints.

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has voiced his support for the TMC and DMK after their losses in recent assembly elections, while criticising the Congress party.

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Mamata was more feared than loved, and in politics when people start fearing you then they start hating you.' 'So Mamata's comeback now is impossible.'

West Bengal Minister Attends Fish Fest, Denies Dietary Restrictions

West Bengal Minister Attends Fish Fest, Denies Dietary Restrictions

Rediff.com10 May 2026

West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh attended a fish festival, refuting claims that the BJP would restrict fish and meat consumption if it won the assembly elections. He accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of spreading false narratives during the campaign.

Sachin Pilot Alleges BJP-LDF Alliance in Kerala Polls

Sachin Pilot Alleges BJP-LDF Alliance in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Congress leader Sachin Pilot accuses the BJP of indirectly supporting the ruling LDF in the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, alleging a hidden alliance for mutual benefit.

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.

'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.

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Minutes before poll date announcement, Mamata rolls out sops

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Political observers said the announcement assumes significance as the state prepares for the assembly elections, with political parties stepping up outreach to various community groups.

BJP Candidates Booked For Alleged Voter Intimidation In Punjab

BJP Candidates Booked For Alleged Voter Intimidation In Punjab

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Two BJP candidates and three others have been booked for allegedly distributing liquor to influence voters and attacking those who objected during the Garhshankar Municipal Council elections in Punjab.

Teenager Dies After Stabbing In Ghaziabad, India

Teenager Dies After Stabbing In Ghaziabad, India

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Class 11 student in Ghaziabad, India, died after being stabbed during an altercation. Police have arrested three of the five accused and are searching for the remaining two. The incident has sparked outrage, with officials promising strict action.

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

EC announces assembly poll dates for WB, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

The counting of votes for all 824 seats across four states and one Union Territory will be held on May 4.

I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel gets bail day after Bengal polls

I-PAC director Vinesh Chandel gets bail day after Bengal polls

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A Delhi court has granted bail to I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel in a money laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal, as the Enforcement Directorate did not oppose the bail plea.

Sobha Surendran Responds to 'Cash-for-Vote' Claims in Kerala Assembly Polls

Sobha Surendran Responds to 'Cash-for-Vote' Claims in Kerala Assembly Polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

BJP leader Sobha Surendran appeared before the District Returning Officer in Kerala to address allegations of offering cash for votes during the recent Assembly polls. The controversy stems from a video allegedly showing money being exchanged, leading to complaints from both Congress and Surendran herself.

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee has urged Trinamool Congress candidates to rebuild the party organisation after facing an electoral setback in the recent assembly polls. She asserted that those wishing to leave the party are free to do so, and encouraged those remaining to revitalise the party's presence.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Magnus Carlsen reflects on the challenges of ageing and memory as he struggles at the Norway Chess tournament, revealing his reliance on coffee and longing for a distraction with the Champions League final.

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Election Commission reports a significant increase in seizures of inducements during recent assembly elections, with Tamil Nadu leading in cash seizures and West Bengal in liquor and drugs.

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered an investigation into allegations that foreign nationals fraudulently voted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The probe was initiated after police arrested ten foreign nationals with indelible ink on their fingers at Chennai and Madurai airports.

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Why Was An FIR Filed Against Abhishek Banerjee?

Rediff.com16 May 2026

West Bengal Police have registered an FIR against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for allegedly making inflammatory statements during the recent assembly elections, based on a complaint filed by a social activist.

Pawan Khera Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Polls

Pawan Khera Accuses CPI(M) and BJP of Collusion in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

AICC leader Pawan Khera has accused the CPI(M) and BJP of having a tacit understanding in the Kerala Assembly elections, alleging that both parties are deliberately fielding weak candidates to help each other. Khera expressed confidence in the Congress-led UDF's victory due to strong anti-incumbency sentiment.

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, the Congress CM candidate for Kerala, expressed his gratitude to the party high command and key leaders for their support after being named Chief Minister.