News for 'POLL'

BJP MLA Criticises Mamata Banerjee After Meeting CM Adhikari

BJP MLA Criticises Mamata Banerjee After Meeting CM Adhikari

Rediff.com27 May 2026

BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and criticised TMC leader Mamata Banerjee over her election loss, linking it to her fight for justice in her daughter's case.

Why TMC Leader Santanu Sen Resigned As Party Spokesperson

Why TMC Leader Santanu Sen Resigned As Party Spokesperson

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former Rajya Sabha MP and TMC leader Santanu Sen resigned as the party's national spokesperson, citing the R G Kar rape and murder case controversy and the recent election defeat as reasons for his decision. His resignation highlights the internal dissent and organisational challenges facing the TMC.

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

K'taka CM change buzz reignites as Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been called to Delhi by the Congress high command for a meeting, fuelling speculation about a potential leadership change and Cabinet reshuffle as his government completes three years in office.

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (retd), former Uttarakhand chief minister and respected BJP leader, has died at 91.

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Kerala CM's new secretary faces political backlash: Here's why

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has sparked a political controversy, with the CPI(M) accusing the Congress of double standards regarding appointments of election officials.

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Women voters in West Bengal appear to be shifting their priorities beyond financial assistance, placing greater emphasis on governance and accountability, according to post-election analysis. This shift may have contributed to the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) losses in the recent assembly election, as the BJP's promises and other factors influenced voter sentiment.

BJP MLA Booked For Assaulting Official In Chhattisgarh: Details

BJP MLA Booked For Assaulting Official In Chhattisgarh: Details

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Chhattisgarh have registered a case against BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo for allegedly assaulting a revenue official. A counter-case has been filed against the official for allegedly misbehaving with Toppo's sister. The incident has sparked protests and demands for the MLA's arrest.

TVK seeks SC intervention to form govt in Tamil Nadu

TVK seeks SC intervention to form govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Actor Vijay's TVK party, despite being the single largest party in Tamil Nadu, has approached the Supreme Court seeking a directive for the Governor to invite them to form the government.

AAP Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts Ahead Of Elections

AAP Blames BJP For Punjab Blasts Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh has accused the BJP of orchestrating blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to destabilise Punjab ahead of elections, alleging a connection between the BJP and ISI.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

West Bengal Elections 2026: Mamata, Ganguly cast votes

West Bengal Elections 2026: Mamata, Ganguly cast votes

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Politicians and celebrities lined up at polling stations to cast their votes.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Should we label BJP MPs as 'ghuspethiya'?: Rahul's fresh claim

Should we label BJP MPs as 'ghuspethiya'?: Rahul's fresh claim

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused BJP MPs of securing their seats through 'vote chori' and claims the BJP would struggle to win even 140 seats in fair elections.

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Counting of votes is underway for municipal corporations in Ambala, Panchkula, Sonipat, and other civic bodies in Haryana. Polling was held on Sunday for mayor and ward councillor elections.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A member of actor-turned-politician Vijay-led Tamilaka Vettri Kazhagam on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to invite his single largest political party to form the government in the state.

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Aadhaar not proof of citizenship, says SC in SIR ruling

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the Election Commission's documentation framework for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, affirming the commission's authority and stating that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has launched three key schemes focusing on electricity subsidies, women's safety, and drug eradication, fulfilling his election promises after his party's recent victory.

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

Cash In Circulation Hits Record Rs 42.86 Trillion

Cash In Circulation Hits Record Rs 42.86 Trillion

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Cash remains dominant for many transactions despite continued expansion in digital payments across the country.

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.

EC to reduce counting centres in Bengal

EC to reduce counting centres in Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Election Commission is likely to reduce the number of counting centres for the West Bengal Assembly polls to 77 from 87 earlier, even as questions were raised by the ruling Trinamool Congress over the move just days ahead of counting, an official said on Thursday.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee shared a poem titled 'Brave' after her party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls. The poem invokes courage, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a message to the TMC cadre.

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Lottery King Santiago Martin's kin in poll fray from 3 different parties

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Members of lottery 'king' Santiago Martin's family are contesting in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections through three different political parties.

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

'No genuine voter will be axed': CEC stresses fear-free Bengal polls

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has stated that the primary goal of the Election Commission is to ensure all voters in West Bengal can participate in the upcoming assembly elections without violence or intimidation.

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Siddaramaiah seeks guv's appointment, to make way for Shivakumar

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is likely to resign, potentially paving the way for his deputy DK Shivakumar to take over. The move follows reported pressure from the Congress high command, though the party has denied any official decision. Speculation is rife as political tensions rise in the state.

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Tamil Nadu has 42% of its population in the 18 to 39 age group. The bulk of the population in this age group voted for Vijay and women voters too voted for him in big numbers.'

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Several incidents of post-poll violence have been reported across West Bengal, with tension escalating in various districts following the recent assembly elections. Clashes between political party supporters have led to injuries, arrests, and heightened security measures.

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In the Opposition camp, the Congress, which contested 99 seats, won 19 constituencies, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency.

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com22 May 2026

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan announced that his party has decided to join the TVK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu, with Vanni Arasu nominated for induction. The decision follows an invitation from TVK and reflects VCK's long-standing philosophy of sharing power.

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Two outgoing West Bengal ministers, Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, under scrutiny in a recruitment scam case, did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as scheduled, citing health and post-election duties.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal, leading to accusations of political violence and demands for investigation.

TMC Demands CBI Investigation Into BJP Leader's PA Murder

TMC Demands CBI Investigation Into BJP Leader's PA Murder

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Trinamool Congress has condemned the murder of Chandranath Rath, personal assistant to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, and demanded a court-monitored CBI probe into the incident.

Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Muraleedharan Claims BJP 'Irrelevant' in Kerala Ahead of Assembly Polls

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan has dismissed the BJP's influence in Kerala ahead of the Assembly elections, citing unfulfilled promises and a lack of tangible benefits for the state.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.