News for 'State Election Commission'

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Dies After Corruption Case Bail

Former SriLankan Airlines CEO Dies After Corruption Case Bail

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kapila Chandrasena, former CEO of SriLankan Airlines, was found dead at his home in suspicious circumstances after securing bail in a corruption case. He was charged with taking a kickback on aircraft purchases for the national carrier and had allegedly admitted to bribing former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming assembly polls as a form of 'revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging foul play and urging vigilance during the election process.

Less than 1%, NOTA fails to make a mark in state elections

Less than 1%, NOTA fails to make a mark in state elections

Rediff.com3 Dec 2023

The counting of votes in three out of four states on Sunday showed that less than 1 percent of the voters exercised the 'none of the above' option in the just-concluded assembly polls, according to the election commission.

Sena-UBT, MNS form 'thrashing squads' for polling day

Sena-UBT, MNS form 'thrashing squads' for polling day

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut announced a joint squad with MNS to 'thrash' dual and bogus voters during the upcoming civic polls, raising concerns about potential violence.

'Nobody Is A Permanent Friend Or Enemy In Politics'

'Nobody Is A Permanent Friend Or Enemy In Politics'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'EPS exposed all the traitors. The DMK has given them political asylum. They are political orphans.'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

Gujarat AAP Candidate Arrested Over Fabricated Shooting Story

Gujarat AAP Candidate Arrested Over Fabricated Shooting Story

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Police in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district have arrested an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for allegedly fabricating a shooting incident and possessing a live bullet. The arrest followed a forensic investigation that debunked the candidate's claims of being fired upon.

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Why ED Raided Former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Residences

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of a money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter, Veena Vijayan.

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

IOC Pays Tribute To Randhir Singh's Legacy

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The International Olympic Committee mourns the death of veteran Indian sports administrator Randhir Singh, recognising his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement in India, Asia, and worldwide.

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Why Government Wanted To Rush Delimitation Bill

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'The reason why they rushed through the bill was they wanted to avoid using the 2026 Census because the 2026 Census by their own decision will be a caste census.' 'The BJP knows that a significant share of the OBCs who will get captured in the census, for the first time after the 1931 Census, are against the BJP. Only a segment of the OBCs are in their favour.' 'So they wanted to avoid the OBC reservation among women, which is a demand of a lot of Opposition parties.'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Supreme Court Condemns West Bengal's Handling of Judicial Officer 'Attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the West Bengal government's handling of an incident in Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly attacked. The BJP has accused the TMC of orchestrating the event to obstruct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and protect Rohingyas.

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

BJP Promises to Replicate Assam Model in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

BJP national president Nitin Nabin announced the party's plan to replicate Assam's 'detect, delete and deport' model to expel alleged Bangladeshi infiltrators in West Bengal if voted to power.

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Raises Concerns Over BJP's Governance

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Raises Concerns Over BJP's Governance

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has responded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'chargesheet' against the West Bengal government, accusing the BJP of attempting to polarise voters and evade accountability on issues such as women's safety and infiltration.

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

What happens if Mamata doesn't resign? Experts weigh in

What happens if Mamata doesn't resign? Experts weigh in

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Legal experts suggest West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should resign following her party's defeat in the assembly elections, or face potential dismissal by the governor.

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Protests erupted across several districts of West Bengal over alleged harassment of people in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leading to road blockages and tyre burning. Demonstrations were held in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Purba Medinipur.

Assam Congress Arrests Spark Controversy Over Anti-CM Pamphlets

Assam Congress Arrests Spark Controversy Over Anti-CM Pamphlets

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Four Assam Congress workers have been arrested for allegedly possessing and transporting pamphlets containing allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, sparking controversy and accusations of undemocratic action.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

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

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

Rediff.com9 May 2026

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.

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Thousands of West Bengal residents whose names were deleted from electoral rolls are awaiting decisions from tribunals, the final recourse after initial appeals were rejected. The fate of around 2.3 million people hinges on these adjudications, raising concerns about voting rights and citizenship.

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Union Minister Nadda Criticises TMC's Governance in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, accusing it of disregarding democratic procedures, the judiciary, and the Election Commission of India. He alleged that the rule of law has been compromised in the state, particularly concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

Election Commission or Mamata, who will blink first?

Election Commission or Mamata, who will blink first?

Rediff.com8 Apr 2014

The confrontation between the Election Commission and the West Bengal government escalated by a few notches on Tuesday, with Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath asking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to transfer five superintendents of police and one district magistrate (North 24-Parganas) by 2.30 pm on Tuesday, after Opposition parties complained against these officers and accused them of being biased.

Modi Slams TMC for Allegedly Protecting Infiltrators to Preserve Vote Bank

Modi Slams TMC for Allegedly Protecting Infiltrators to Preserve Vote Bank

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC of opposing the SIR exercise to protect its vote bank of infiltrators, alleging that unchecked illegal immigration under its rule in West Bengal has altered the demography of many areas.

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces a crucial test in the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra after being defeated by the BJP-led Mahayuti in recent local polls. Political observers are calling the upcoming contest for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, a mini assembly election.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Will the Iran War Disrupt IPL 2026?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

The ongoing Iran-US conflict is casting a shadow over global cricket, potentially disrupting the IPL 2026 due to travel disruptions and logistical challenges.

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Marked dead in SIR, TMC councillor demands his last rites

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A Trinamool Congress councillor in West Bengal protested being listed as deceased in the draft electoral rolls by walking into a crematorium, highlighting concerns about voter list accuracy ahead of state elections.

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Don't keep saying 'by the inspiration of CM': Suvendu to officials

Rediff.com11 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari has directed senior officials to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to rules in governance. He emphasised the importance of honest opinions and actions for the state's development, urging officials to restart stalled centrally sponsored schemes and implement promises from the BJP's election manifesto.

Voting in BMC polls? Must carry one of these ID proofs

Voting in BMC polls? Must carry one of these ID proofs

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Electors in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls will be required to present either a voter photo ID card or any one of the 12 alternative identity documents approved by the State Election Commission to cast their vote, officials said.

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Is Vijay planning poll debut from two Chennai seats?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Actor-politician Vijay is reportedly considering contesting from either Velachery or Virugambakkam constituencies in Chennai for the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, according to sources within his party, TVK.

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

BJP Fields Sanjay Bhatia for Haryana Rajya Sabha Seat

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The BJP has nominated Sanjay Bhatia, its former MP from Karnal, for the upcoming Rajya Sabha poll from Haryana. This decision comes as two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana are set to fall vacant, prompting elections scheduled for March 16.

'Bengali Nationalism May Help Mamata Banerjee Retain Power'

'Bengali Nationalism May Help Mamata Banerjee Retain Power'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

'If the BJP becomes our political identity, our political face, if we are represented by the BJP, then what happens to our identity as Bengalis?'

Abhishek Banerjee: TMC Vote Only Way To Stop BJP

Abhishek Banerjee: TMC Vote Only Way To Stop BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, particularly in areas with a strong Congress base. He accused the BJP of dividing communities and failing to address key issues such as river erosion and farmer distress, while outlining the TMC's welfare plans.

Modi Slams TMC's 'Jungleraj' in Bengal, Cites Malda Incident

Modi Slams TMC's 'Jungleraj' in Bengal, Cites Malda Incident

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, citing the Malda incident as evidence of lawlessness and accusing the party of 'maha jungleraj'. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', addressing issues such as infiltration, corruption, and demographic change.

Maha Oppn to protest on Nov 1 asking EC to remove 1 cr bogus voters

Maha Oppn to protest on Nov 1 asking EC to remove 1 cr bogus voters

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

He said that ruling party MLAs Manda Mhatre (BJP) and Sanjay Gaikwad (Shiv Sena) have also spoken about the duplication of voters and irregularities in the electoral rolls.

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is ramping up preparations for a special intensive revision of voter lists across India, assessing the progress made on mapping current electors with voters as per the last SIR in different states.

Modi Slams TMC Over Malda Incident, Promises Justice for Bengal's 'Atrocities'

Modi Slams TMC Over Malda Incident, Promises Justice for Bengal's 'Atrocities'

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of 'maha jungleraj' following an incident in Malda where judicial officers were allegedly held hostage. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', promising accountability for alleged atrocities and a focus on development.