News for 'POLL'

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

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.

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.

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

Why Did CID Visit Abhishek Banerjee's Home Again?

Why Did CID Visit Abhishek Banerjee's Home Again?

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

CID officers visited TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's residence for the second time in 48 hours regarding a signature forgery case. This occurred after Banerjee requested a 15-day extension due to health reasons. The investigation concerns alleged forged signatures of party legislators submitted to the assembly secretariat.

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.

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, reshaping voter loyalties and raising communal tensions.

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the new D K Shivakumar government, citing a lack of consideration for seniority. He urged the Congress leadership to review the assignments, highlighting his preference for portfolios like Social Welfare or Agriculture, and noted that another senior minister, Ramalinga Reddy, also resigned over the issue.

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay declared assets worth 603.20 crore in his election affidavit, including luxury cars and significant bank deposits, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Amarinder Singh's Daughter Meets New Punjab BJP Chief

Amarinder Singh's Daughter Meets New Punjab BJP Chief

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Jai Inder Kaur, BJP leader and daughter of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh, met newly appointed state BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon to congratulate him on his appointment. The meeting is significant given Amarinder Singh's earlier concerns about Dhillon's appointment.

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening internal crisis marked by fresh resignations and an escalating rebellion, even as its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss opposition coordination and the future of the INDIA bloc.

TMC vs TMC: Meeting records from Mamata's home surface online

TMC vs TMC: Meeting records from Mamata's home surface online

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A fresh controversy has erupted within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding the leadership of its legislature party, as documents purportedly from two MLA meetings on May 6 and May 19 have surfaced on social media. Rebel Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee has questioned the authenticity of these documents, which list MLAs' attendance and support for the election of the leader of the opposition, amidst ongoing allegations of signature forgery.

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.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com31 May 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. The apology follows a controversy stemming from an incident on May 26 where Bittu allegedly used casteist remarks against police officers in Dhuri.

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.

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'.

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Eradicating Cockroaches Isn't Easy

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A wellspring fuelling the CJP tsunami is the high levels of youth unemployment. Millions of youngsters, including extremely over-qualified people, apply in desperation for any job that is advertised. No government has been able to deliver on this front and things may get worse as artificial intelligence enters the workforce, points out Devangshu Datta.

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Amid new party buzz, Annamalai heads to Delhi to meet BJP top brass

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai left for Delhi from Chennai on Monday amid growing speculation on social media over his political future and reports suggesting he may be planning to launch a new political platform.

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Cong MLAs face action after cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Rajya Sabha elections in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana were marred by allegations of cross-voting and 'horse trading', leading to suspensions and warnings from the Congress party.

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Migration debate takes centre stage in Kerala polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Migration from Kerala has become a significant issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, with political parties promising to create more opportunities within the state to discourage emigration for studies and jobs. Experts suggest focusing on 'brain gain' strategies to attract talent back to Kerala after gaining experience abroad.

'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.

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.

'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.

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for key battles with the AIADMK and other parties.

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.

Owaisi announces poll tie-up with Humayun Kabir in Bengal

Owaisi announces poll tie-up with Humayun Kabir in Bengal

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised the alliance between AIMIM and a suspended TMC MLA for the West Bengal Assembly elections, fearing it will divide votes and weaken secular parties.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified the UDF's campaign for the Kerala polls, accusing the CPI(M) of stealing gold from the Sabarimala temple and questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue. He also addressed concerns about rubber prices and the FCRA amendments.

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.

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

AI enters Kerala poll arena, reshaping campaigns and voter perception

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Political parties in Kerala are increasingly using AI-generated content to influence voters in the upcoming elections, raising concerns about the blurring lines between reality and fiction in political messaging.

'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.

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.

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.

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'The AIADMK front comes second, and then the TVK.'

How RSS Helped BJP Wrest Bengal

How RSS Helped BJP Wrest Bengal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) conducted extensive voter awareness campaigns and small group meetings across West Bengal, encouraging people to vote without fear, while also providing valuable feedback to the BJP on public sentiment and rival strategies.