News for 'State Assembly'

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.

'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.

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the 'hostage' situation involving seven judicial officials in West Bengal's Malda district, demanding explanations from state officials and authorising the Election Commission to seek a CBI or NIA probe.

'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.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an independent MLA backed by the UDF, has stated he would accept a ministerial position if offered, despite not seeking one. He highlighted his past experience as a minister and his willingness to serve if chosen, while also noting that he has not been contacted regarding any potential cabinet discussions.

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.

FIR against Mamata for remarks 'hurting religious sentiments'

FIR against Mamata for remarks 'hurting religious sentiments'

Rediff.com27 May 2026

An FIR has been lodged against former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly hurting religious sentiments based on a complaint by a lawyer.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

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.

Kerala Government: Full Cabinet Expected To Be Sworn In On Monday

Kerala Government: Full Cabinet Expected To Be Sworn In On Monday

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The entire Cabinet of the new Kerala government is expected to be sworn in on Monday, with the list of ministers likely to be finalised soon, according to UDF convenor Adoor Prakash. Leaders of UDF allies held a meeting to discuss the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony.

Kerala Police Arrests 12 Over Attack On ED Officials

Kerala Police Arrests 12 Over Attack On ED Officials

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Kerala Police have arrested 12 people in connection with the violent attack on Enforcement Directorate officials who had searched the residence of former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED searches were linked to financial dealings between Vijayan's daughter's firm and a sand mining company.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

Phone Snatching From BJP MLA Sparks Political Storm

Phone Snatching From BJP MLA Sparks Political Storm

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Unidentified men allegedly snatched the mobile phone of BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik during his morning walk in Raipur, leading to a political row over law and order in Chhattisgarh.

'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.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Why BJP Says Mamata Banerjee Is Making Herself A 'Laughing Stock'

Why BJP Says Mamata Banerjee Is Making Herself A 'Laughing Stock'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for refusing to resign after the party's decisive defeat in the assembly elections, calling her stance a 'laughing stock'. The BJP alleges that Banerjee's claims of irregularities are aimed at remaining in the spotlight.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Stars Salute Vijay's Win: 'The People Have Chosen You'

Stars Salute Vijay's Win: 'The People Have Chosen You'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has made a historic debut in the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, securing a landslide victory in the Perambur constituency and leading his party to a strong performance across the state, with congratulatory messages pouring in from fellow film personalities.

Majithia Will Not Flee, Will Fight Legally: Wife

Majithia Will Not Flee, Will Fight Legally: Wife

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Akali Dal MLA Ganieve Kaur Majithia says her husband Bikram Singh Majithia will pursue his case through the courts and has not fled the country, despite allegations and a lookout circular.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The AIADMK is grappling with a deepening internal rift as factions vie for leadership, threatening the party's stability and future in Tamil Nadu politics.

Haryana CM Saini Accuses AAP Of Failing On Punjab Promises

Haryana CM Saini Accuses AAP Of Failing On Punjab Promises

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the AAP government in Punjab, alleging unfulfilled promises, deteriorating law and order, and a failed anti-drug campaign. He also highlighted the welfare initiatives of Haryana's 'double-engine' government and expressed confidence in the BJP's future prospects in Punjab.

Jharkhand Police Nab PLFI Chief Commander Amrit Horo

Jharkhand Police Nab PLFI Chief Commander Amrit Horo

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Jharkhand Police have arrested Amrit Horo, the 'chief commander' of the banned People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI), a splinter group of the Maoists. Horo, who carried a bounty of Rs 10 lakh, was apprehended in a raid in the Mahugaon forest area.

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.

Court Rejects Bail For Accused In Zubeen Garg Death

Court Rejects Bail For Accused In Zubeen Garg Death

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A special court in Assam has rejected the bail petition of Shyamkanu Mahanta, the prime accused in the death of singer Zubeen Garg, citing a risk of him fleeing the country.

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.

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.

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.

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Modi touches feet of 98-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar in Bengal. Who is he?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court alleging police inaction during post-poll violence in West Bengal and sought judicial intervention to protect citizens.

Election Commission Orders Repoll In Falta Constituency

Election Commission Orders Repoll In Falta Constituency

Rediff.com2 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 due to electoral offences.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

8 arrested after attack on ED team raiding Pinarayi Vijayan's house

8 arrested after attack on ED team raiding Pinarayi Vijayan's house

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Kerala Police have arrested eight people in connection with the violent attack on Enforcement Directorate officials who raided the residence of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The investigation is ongoing, and more individuals involved in the violence have been identified.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister, updated her social media profiles to reflect her position as Founder Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister of West Bengal, despite the party's recent electoral defeat.

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

BJP Alleges TMC Inciting Violence By Disguising Workers As BJP Supporters

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal of inciting post-poll violence by disguising its workers as BJP supporters. The BJP asserts its cadres have never engaged in violence after election victories and claims the TMC is acting out of frustration after suffering a crushing defeat in the assembly polls.

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Bengal to build 'holding centres' for illegal foreigners

Rediff.com25 May 2026

West Bengal's Bharatiya Janata Party government has moved to institutionalise its "detect, delete and deport" policy by directing all district administrations to set up "holding centres" for suspected illegal foreigners and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation -- a step that appeared to give administrative shape to one of the party's most potent political themes in the state.

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

14 first-time ministers to be inducted in Satheesan cabinet

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate, V D Satheesan, has announced his new ministerial team, emphasising social and regional balance within the coalition. Senior leaders like Ramesh Chennithala and K Muraleedharan are set to be inducted, with Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan nominated as Speaker.