News for 'State Election Commission'

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language.

Is Election Commission ready for 2019 polls?

Is Election Commission ready for 2019 polls?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2018

The poll watchdog faces two Heruclean tasks -- to produce over a million VVPATs in time for the 2019 elections and also iron out manufacturing tweaks in the machines which are already in use.

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) has invited leaders who sided with Eknath Shinde to return to the party led by Uddhav Thackeray, while also stating that some individuals will not be welcomed back.

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

TMC Accuses BJP's Rahul Sinha of Discrepancies in Rajya Sabha Nomination

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The TMC has written to the Election Commission alleging procedural irregularities in the scrutiny of nomination papers of BJP's Rajya Sabha candidate Rahul Sinha, claiming discrepancies in his election affidavit were overlooked.

V D Satheesan's Asset Declaration: A Detailed Look

V D Satheesan's Asset Declaration: A Detailed Look

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Senior Congress leader V D Satheesan has declared assets worth around 3 crore, including movable and immovable properties, in his affidavit filed before the Election Commission for contesting the polls from North Paravoor. Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani has also declared his assets.

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

US Court Dismisses Adani Criminal Case; Gautam Adani Says 'Truth Prevailed'

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

A US federal judge has permanently dismissed the criminal securities-fraud case against Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar, closing nearly two years of prosecution without a trial. Gautam Adani stated, "Truth has prevailed," in response to the ruling.

FIR registered against X for AI video on Modi, EC chief

FIR registered against X for AI video on Modi, EC chief

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Kerala Police have registered a case against X and one of its handles for circulating an AI-generated video allegedly depicting the Prime Minister and the Election Commission of India in a misleading and defamatory manner.

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Election Commission will conduct phase two of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union territories between November and February, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday.

'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.

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Muraleedharan Criticises Blaming Communities for Voting Choices in Kerala

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Congress leader K Muraleedharan criticises blaming communities for voting choices in Kerala, responding to BJP leaders' remarks about the Catholic church. He also expresses confidence in the UDF's prospects in the upcoming election and criticises the Election Commission's arrangements.

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP Of Orchestrating Punjab Blasts

Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP Of Orchestrating Punjab Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of orchestrating the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar to create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Mann alleges the BJP seeks to incite violence and intimidate the public to gain votes, a tactic he claims they employ in every state where they contest elections.

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload on booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the special revision of electoral rolls, following concerns about extreme work pressure and related issues.

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has secured a majority vote share across all categories in the recent local body elections in Gujarat, according to data released by the State Election Commission (SEC). The ruling party swept the elections, winning a significant number of seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth consecutive term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'.

The Tendulkars cast vote in BMC polls

The Tendulkars cast vote in BMC polls

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra.

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Amid the passport row, Shashi Tharoor has proposed legal changes to simplify proof of Indian citizenship.

Election Commission's real heroes

Election Commission's real heroes

Rediff.com12 Apr 2011

As you drive into Chennai, what is striking is the conspicuous absence of posters, banners, hoardings in the city, even though campaigning is at its peak for the April 13 elections in the state.

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Maha civic polls: 65 candidates win unopposed; BJP leads with 43

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

65 candidates from ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra were declared elected unopposed ahead of elections held on January 15, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). The BJP led with 43 unopposed candidates.

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.

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

No FIR against TMC MLA over SIR violence despite EC deadline

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Despite a directive from the Election Commission, no FIR has been filed against TMC MLA Monirul Islam in connection with vandalism at the Farakka Block Development Office in Murshidabad. The delay raises questions about the implementation of the Commission's orders ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Friday announced that Thursday, January 15, will be a public holiday in areas falling under the 29 municipal corporations where polling for civic elections will be held, an official said.

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Abhishek Banerjee Dares Amit Shah to Resign Amidst 'Clean Politics' Debate

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee challenges Amit Shah to resign, questioning his commitment to clean politics, citing Shah's past arrest and criticising the BJP's actions against allegedly corrupt leaders.

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Bangladesh to hold general elections on February 12

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Bangladesh will hold general elections on February 12, 2026, the first since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. A referendum on reform proposals will be held simultaneously.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

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.

TMC, BJP's battle now reaches Election Commission's doorstep

TMC, BJP's battle now reaches Election Commission's doorstep

Rediff.com2 Apr 2021

The Trinamool Congress on Friday complained to the Election Commission of partisan behaviour by central police forces in favour of its rival Bharatiya Janata Party, while the saffron party made a counter-complaint that Chief Minister Mamata Benerjee had violated the model code of conduct by being inside a polling booth in Nandigram for two hours on polling day.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the West Bengal election, and also pledged to make the state free of infiltrators.

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Mamata spends all night at Martyrs Day rally venue to prevent 'BJP-backed miscreants'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

West Bengal's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day observance has transformed into an unprecedented political contest, with three rival camps - Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, a breakaway TMC faction, and the Congress - holding parallel programmes in central Kolkata, each vying for legacy and organisational strength.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language. The apology follows a controversy stemming from an incident on May 26 where Bittu allegedly used casteist remarks against police officers in Dhuri.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of attempting to search her car while en route to Kolkata airport, alleging misuse of central machinery by the BJP ahead of state elections.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Jobs Promise Drives Voter Sentiment In Panapakkam

Tamil Nadu Elections: Jobs Promise Drives Voter Sentiment In Panapakkam

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

As industrial plants boost the village's profile, locals demand priority hiring, alongside better storage facilities and water security.

Banerjee Claims Voter Roll Purge Targets Matua and Minority Communities

Banerjee Claims Voter Roll Purge Targets Matua and Minority Communities

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused authorities of deleting names of people from the Matua and minority communities from voter rolls in the state following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

What BJP's Historic Bengal Win Means For India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Hopefully, the BJP will realise that it's the right time for parivartan (change) in its polarising poll strategies after achieving the impossible-looking goal of winning West Bengal, argues Sheela Bhatt.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

Tamil Nadu releases final electoral roll; 97 lakh names deleted

Tamil Nadu releases final electoral roll; 97 lakh names deleted

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

The Election Commission has released the final electoral roll for Tamil Nadu, revealing a significant decrease in the number of voters due to deletions and new additions.

Bengal Minister Alleges BJP Plot For Detention Camps

Bengal Minister Alleges BJP Plot For Detention Camps

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu has accused the BJP of planning detention camps for Bengali-speaking citizens in the state if they come to power, alleging a conspiracy to deport those whose names are missing from the electoral roll.