News for 'POLL'

Assam: Congress Jolted As Candidate Quits Before Polls

Assam: Congress Jolted As Candidate Quits Before Polls

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'I repeatedly contacted the party leadership, but they didn't take my calls. The District Congress Committee offered no assistance.' 'I waited for a long time, and when no response came, I decided to quit the party.'

Kerala: Biryani, laddoos prepared for poll results day

Kerala: Biryani, laddoos prepared for poll results day

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Political parties in Kerala are making preparations for celebrations as the Assembly election results are set to be announced. Congress and UDF workers are preparing food and cultural programmes, while the BJP is also planning celebrations with laddoos and placards.

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Mamata Banerjee's Court Visit A 'Political Gimmick', Says BJP Leader

Rediff.com4 days ago

A senior BJP leader has dismissed West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's court appearance as a political gimmick, accusing her of seeking public attention after her party's electoral defeat. Banerjee appeared in court regarding alleged post-poll violence.

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.com5 hours ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Akhilesh cuts ties with I-PAC for 2027 UP Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Samajwadi Party has ended its association with the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) due to a lack of funds, according to party president Akhilesh Yadav.

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

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

Rediff.com4 days ago

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

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

West Bengal Polls: Nearly a Quarter of Candidates Face Criminal Charges

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch reveals that nearly 23% of candidates in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Security scaled back at Mamata's home, Abhishek's office post-poll rout

Security scaled back at Mamata's home, Abhishek's office post-poll rout

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Barricades outside the residence of outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in south Kolkata were partially removed on Tuesday, a day after the Trinamool Congress lost power in the state and she was defeated from the Bhabanipur seat.

7 lakh new voters added in West Bengal ahead of poll

7 lakh new voters added in West Bengal ahead of poll

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The commission, however, has not specified how many among these new entrants are first-time voters who have just turned 18, nor has it given a detailed gender break up of these voters.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

'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.com2 days ago

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.

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com2 days ago

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.com2 days ago

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.

SP Leader Azam Khan Sentenced To Jail For Remarks Against Officials

SP Leader Azam Khan Sentenced To Jail For Remarks Against Officials

Rediff.com1 days ago

A court in Uttar Pradesh sentenced Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan to two years in jail for making objectionable remarks against government officials during the 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign.

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.

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.

Trinamool Congress Accuses Centre Of Cheating Citizens

Trinamool Congress Accuses Centre Of Cheating Citizens

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Trinamool Congress has launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over rising fuel prices, economic concerns, and exam irregularities, accusing the Centre of betraying citizens.

TVK chief Vijay booked for poll code breach during Chennai campaign

TVK chief Vijay booked for poll code breach during Chennai campaign

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay and his party cadres have been booked under various sections of BNS 2023, including alleged violation of MCC regulations during his campaign in Chennai for the upcoming polls.

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Will take Venugopal, Chennithala into confidence: Satheesan

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

'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.

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

EC may roll out SIR in 22 states, UTs after 5-state assembly polls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India is considering launching the final phase of its special intensive revision of voters' lists in the remaining states and Union territories after the assembly elections conclude.

TMC Files Complaint Against Assam CM Over Bengal Poll Remarks

TMC Files Complaint Against Assam CM Over Bengal Poll Remarks

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The TMC has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he made polarising and criminally intimidating statements during election campaigning in West Bengal.

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

AIADMK faces vertical split as 25 MLAs back Vijay govt; EPS axes 26 rebels

Rediff.com4 days ago

The AIADMK is facing a potential split after post-election disagreements, with one faction voting against the government and another defying party orders. Key leaders have been removed from their posts, and accusations are flying between the opposing sides.

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

Rediff.com5 days ago

The BJP has secured significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, winning in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala of striking a secret deal with the BJP for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging suppression of dissent and targeting of minorities by both the state and central governments.

'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.

PM Modi visits tea garden in Assam ahead of polls

PM Modi visits tea garden in Assam ahead of polls

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The visit was part of Modi's campaign for BJP candidates in the poll-bound state of Assam.

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

West Bengal's New Legislators Sworn Into Assembly

Rediff.com5 days ago

Newly elected West Bengal legislators, including Chief Minister Sivendu Adhikari, were sworn into the Assembly on Wednesday. Pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy administered the oath to the new members.

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.

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

DMK writes to Speaker for separate seating in LS after Congress break-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

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 give her statement regarding the 'cash-for-vote' allegation against her during the Assembly polls.

Election Commission Suspends BDO Over Violence at West Bengal Poll Training

Election Commission Suspends BDO Over Violence at West Bengal Poll Training

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Election Commission (EC) has suspended a Block Development Officer (BDO) in West Bengal's Nadia district and initiated departmental proceedings against him following violence at a poll training venue where a teacher was allegedly assaulted for objecting to a government advertisement.

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 days ago

A faction of the AIADMK, led by S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, has announced its support for the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, citing opposition to Edappadi K Palaniswami's alleged plans to align with the DMK.

Govt's special session aims to influence Bengal, TN polls: Congress

Govt's special session aims to influence Bengal, TN polls: Congress

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Congress party has accused the government of scheduling a 'special session' to pass bills related to women's quota and delimitation with the intention of gaining political advantage in the upcoming West Bengal and Tamil Nadu elections, calling it a violation of the model code of conduct.

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Sanjay Singh's Model Code Violation Case: Cross-Examination Over

Rediff.com4 days ago

The cross-examination of a prosecution witness has concluded in a Model Code of Conduct violation case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The next hearing is scheduled for May 21.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.