News for 'State Assembly'

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A political row has erupted over the twin blasts in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accusing the BJP of trying to create fear ahead of next year's assembly elections. The BJP has hit back, terming the remarks condemnable and alleging that Mann ignored preliminary investigation findings pointing towards possible ISI involvement.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

TVK worker files SC plea against governor; party disowns

Rediff.com7 days ago

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.

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's Minister To West Bengal Chief Minister

Rediff.com7 days ago

In West Bengal's political circles, it was widely believed that after Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikhari was perhaps the only leader with a truly significant mass base of his own.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com4 days ago

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

UP's new cuisine map leaves non-veg off the menu

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government's 'One District One Cuisine' initiative, aimed at promoting local delicacies, has drawn criticism for omitting several iconic non-vegetarian dishes closely associated with the state's districts.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

Rediff.com5 May 2026

One of the standout stories of the TVK victory was that of 30-year-old R Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver from Virugambakkam.

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.

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Centre, Oppn spar over women's quota, delimitation bills

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

NDA leaders have defended proposed amendments to the Women's Reservation Act and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, arguing women have waited long enough for reservation, while opposition parties allege the process could undermine India's federal and democratic structure, particularly impacting southern states.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com3 days ago

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.

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.

Dev Congratulates BJP, Calls For Unity In Tollywood

Dev Congratulates BJP, Calls For Unity In Tollywood

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor-turned-TMC MP Dev congratulated the BJP on winning the West Bengal assembly elections and expressed hope that the new government would protect artistic freedom and unity within the Bengali film industry.

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

EC orders repoll at 15 polling stations in Bengal on Saturday

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered repolling in 15 polling stations across two Assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district following reports of electoral malpractices.

'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.

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Vijay allies flay third slot for TN anthem after Vande, Jana Gana

Rediff.com5 days ago

The precedence given to 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jana Gana Mana' over the 'Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu' has triggered a controversy in Tamil Nadu, with political parties condemning the decision to relegate the Tamil invocation to third place at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Joseph C Vijay.

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.

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Astrologer who predicted Vijay's win appointed OSD to CM

Rediff.com4 days ago

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has appointed Radhan Pandit Vettrivel, an astrologer and spokesperson for the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as his Personal Secretary. The appointment has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the need for an astrologer in such a role.

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Bengal records 17% surge in 'red alert' seats ahead of 2026 polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

A new report indicates a rise in 'red alert' constituencies in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with a significant number of candidates facing criminal charges.

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Action In Odisha Woman's Murder Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Action In Odisha Woman's Murder Case

Rediff.com6 May 2026

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking his intervention in the killing of a pregnant woman in Odisha's Ganjam district and demanding action against the culprits.

Why Ex-Bengal Minister Appeared Before ED After Skipping Summons

Why Ex-Bengal Minister Appeared Before ED After Skipping Summons

Rediff.com1 days ago

Former West Bengal food minister Rathin Ghosh appeared before the ED in connection with the alleged civic recruitment scam case after skipping summons on five earlier occasions.

Congress Accuses Rajasthan BJP Of NEET Paper Leak Cover-Up

Congress Accuses Rajasthan BJP Of NEET Paper Leak Cover-Up

Rediff.com2 days ago

Congress leaders in Rajasthan have accused the BJP government of attempting to suppress the NEET-UG paper leak, alleging the involvement of a local BJP leader. The BJP denies the claims, while the Congress demands answers and an impartial investigation.

Worli Woman Criticises Parties' Apathy Towards Public

Worli Woman Criticises Parties' Apathy Towards Public

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The woman who confronted BJP workers during a protest in Mumbai's Worli area last month has criticised all political parties for disregarding the general public.

UDF Government To Prioritise Ernakulam's Development

UDF Government To Prioritise Ernakulam's Development

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Ernakulam DCC president Mohammed Shiyas criticised the previous LDF government's neglect of the district and expressed optimism for development under the UDF regime, citing sufficient representation in the state cabinet and a focus on addressing key issues.

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Himanta Biswa Sarma: From AASU to BJP's Northeast face

Rediff.com4 days ago

Himanta Biswa Sarma's return as Assam's Chief Minister underscores the BJP's increasing dominance in the northeast, marked by both development and divisive policies.

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab's Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has criticised the government's conflicting statements regarding recent blasts, calling for transparency and accountability instead of political theatrics.

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Rajasthan's anti-conversion law

Supreme Court agrees to hear plea against Rajasthan's anti-conversion law

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the validity of the Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2025, potentially impacting religious freedom and state legislation.

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

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

Rediff.com6 days ago

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.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

Man Impersonating Rahul Gandhi's Aide Arrested In Ticket Scam

Man Impersonating Rahul Gandhi's Aide Arrested In Ticket Scam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A man impersonating an aide of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been arrested in Dehradun for allegedly swindling crores of rupees from ticket-seekers in multiple states.

Atul Bora Wins Bokakhat Seat For Third Time

Atul Bora Wins Bokakhat Seat For Third Time

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora of the AGP has won the Bokakhat assembly constituency for a third consecutive term, defeating Raijor Dal's Hari Prasad Saikia by a significant margin.

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Maharashtra Assembly Hears Claims of Political Protection for Teak Smuggling Operations

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The opposition in the Maharashtra assembly has alleged that teak wood smugglers in the Chandrapur district are receiving political protection, hindering efforts to combat illegal logging.

Crypto Hacker Arrested By ED In Money Laundering Probe

Crypto Hacker Arrested By ED In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate has arrested three individuals, including an alleged crypto hacker named Srikrishna Ramesh, in connection with a cryptocurrency-linked money laundering case. The arrests follow raids conducted in April, targeting individuals linked to the hacker and sons of a Karnataka Congress MLA.

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Govt lists women's quota, delimitation bills for Thursday

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

According to a bulletin issued on Wednesday, 'The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026', 'The Delimitation Bill, 2026' and 'The Union Territories Laws (Amendment Bill), 2026' will be introduced and debated for passage in the Lower House.

Suspended GRP constable lynched by mob over rape attempt in Odisha

Suspended GRP constable lynched by mob over rape attempt in Odisha

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A man was beaten to death and another critically injured by a mob for allegedly sexually assaulting two women on the outskirts of the city on Thursday, following which Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi asked the police to ensure no repeat of such incidents in future.

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in West Bengal MLAs with declared criminal cases, rising from 49% in 2021 to 65% in the latest assembly. The report also highlights a rise in the number of 'crorepati' MLAs.

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

'Women will strike back': Amit Shah warns Oppn on 33% quota bill defeat

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticises the Congress and its allies for the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing 33 per cent women's quota in legislative bodies before the 2029 Parliamentary polls.