News for 'UP Polls'

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Refusal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Reports hint at CM change in Karnataka, Cong defers decision

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Sources said the party top brass including Gandhi and Kharge held several hours of discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, apart from meeting them separately, and is likely to take a call on a possible change of guard in the state after the Rajya Sabha polls, which are due next month.

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

Bhagwant Mann Accuses Majithia Of Rowdyism, Obstruction Of Justice

Bhagwant Mann Accuses Majithia Of Rowdyism, Obstruction Of Justice

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia for allegedly storming into a police station in Amritsar to forcibly release a detainee.

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Donald Trump greeted with boos at NBA Finals in Madison Square Garden

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Basketball fans greeted US President Donald Trump with a chorus of loud boos on Monday, as the Republican became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals.

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'Now if you break the party under the 10th Schedule you have to join another party.' 'You cannot join the NDA as it is not a party. You can only join another party, and that is the BJP.' 'So the question to ask is that these so-called 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs who are parting ways with the TMC, are they ready to join the BJP and accept Narendra Modi as their leader?'

Rebel MPs to meet Speaker to get recognition as 'real TMC'

Rebel MPs to meet Speaker to get recognition as 'real TMC'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A group of dissident Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs, led by Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, plans to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as the 'real TMC' parliamentary group, claiming the support of 19 members amidst an escalating internal party crisis.

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, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly 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.

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maha local polls rescheduled due to mourning

Ajit Pawar plane crash: Maha local polls rescheduled due to mourning

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Voting for zilla parishads and panchayat samitis in Maharashtra has been rescheduled to February 7 due to a three-day mourning period declared after the death of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar.

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Mamata Banerjee Vows To Protest Despite Police Obstruction

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has declared that the TMC will proceed with its planned sit-in protest against alleged attacks on party leaders and workers, as well as the Railways' hawker eviction drive, despite the police denying permission for the event.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Punjab Police Raid Bikram Majithia's Home In Custody Case

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police conducted raids on the residence of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others in connection with an incident where they allegedly stormed a police station and attempted to forcibly release a detainee. Police have also issued a lookout circular against Majithia to prevent him from leaving the country.

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

How BJP Plans To Win Punjab After West Bengal Victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Following their success in the West Bengal assembly elections, BJP leaders are now focusing on winning the Punjab assembly polls in 2027, promising to rid the state of corruption and drugs under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Abhishek Banerjee meets Rahul Gandhi amid merger buzz

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a deepening internal crisis marked by fresh resignations and an escalating rebellion, even as its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to discuss opposition coordination and the future of the INDIA bloc.

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Did split in minority votes help BJP in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Odisha Cong MLAs 'offered' Rs 5 cr ahead of RS poll; 2 arrested

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly attempting to bribe Odisha Congress MLAs, who are staying at a resort, as part of what Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar claims is the BJP's 'Operation Lotus'.

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.

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

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.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Bihar polls: Tej Pratap's security beefed up after death threats

Bihar polls: Tej Pratap's security beefed up after death threats

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

He also wished his estranged brother, Tejashwi Yadav, on his 36th birthday, wishing him the best and a bright future.

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Trump-Xi Engagement Raises India's Concerns

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The US-China rapprochement, however tenuous, is not without implications for India. Both China and Pakistan have become closer to the US, notes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

West Bengal Sees High Voter Turnout In First Phase Of Elections

West Bengal Sees High Voter Turnout In First Phase Of Elections

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a high voter turnout across 152 constituencies, with nearly 90 per cent of electors participating till 5 pm. Polling was conducted amid tight security, with reports of clashes and intimidation in some areas.

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Magnus Carlsen Grapples With Ageing And Chess Challenges

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Magnus Carlsen reflects on the challenges of ageing and memory as he struggles at the Norway Chess tournament, revealing his reliance on coffee and longing for a distraction with the Champions League final.

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

RS polls: Sharad Pawar to get fresh term; BJP fields 4 nominees in Maha

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

The Congress party has announced its support for Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Maharashtra.

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Mamata storms EVM strong room amid rigging claims

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Banerjee reached the venue in the evening, ignoring torrential rains in Kolkata and was still seated inside till reports last received.

Teenager Dies After Stabbing In Ghaziabad, India

Teenager Dies After Stabbing In Ghaziabad, India

Rediff.com30 May 2026

A Class 11 student in Ghaziabad, India, died after being stabbed during an altercation. Police have arrested three of the five accused and are searching for the remaining two. The incident has sparked outrage, with officials promising strict action.

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Opposition gears up for showdown with govt over delimitation

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government and opposition parties are set for a showdown in Parliament over a Constitution amendment bill concerning the implementation of the women's quota law and the delimitation exercise. The Opposition is concerned about the potential impact of delimitation on the political representation of southern states.

UP electoral roll swells by 84 lakh after special revision

UP electoral roll swells by 84 lakh after special revision

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh's electorate has increased by over 84 lakh following the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), according to the final voter list. The revision exercise, conducted across all 75 districts, aimed to update and refine the electoral roll, resulting in a significant rise in both male and female voters, as well as an improved gender ratio.

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political experts are observing an increasing trend of temple-mosque disputes in the state, leading to heightened polarization. Recent bypolls saw the use of divisive slogans, and analysts believe this trend will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. The recent surge in claims about the existence of Hindu temples at the sites of mosques in various cities has fueled this polarization. The BJP-led government has been accused of promoting communal polarization, while opposition parties like the SP have criticized the ruling party's actions. The RSS chief has called for restraint in raising new temple-related disputes. Experts predict that communal polarization is likely to escalate in the coming days.

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

The Only Pollster Who Predicted Vijay's Victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'Tamil Nadu has 42% of its population in the 18 to 39 age group. The bulk of the population in this age group voted for Vijay and women voters too voted for him in big numbers.'

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.

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

CM Vijay begins welfare push, but Tamil Nadu's debt crisis looms large

Rediff.com10 May 2026

TVK founder Vijay, upon becoming Chief Minister, approved free electricity units and special forces for women's safety and anti-drug efforts. He pledged a commitment to secularism and social justice, asserting his authority as the sole power centre.