News for 'UP assembly polls'

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.

The Luv Kush Factor: Why BJP Picked Samrat Choudhary

The Luv Kush Factor: Why BJP Picked Samrat Choudhary

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The BJP will use Samrat Choudhary to make a dent into Nitish Kumar's traditional social support base of Kurmi and Koeri/Kushwaha communities.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising jobs for youths and an 'infiltrator-free' state if the BJP wins the assembly elections. He also pledged to restore industrial glory, end syndicate raj, and ensure women's safety.

Banerjee Disputes Modi's Fish Production Claims in West Bengal

Banerjee Disputes Modi's Fish Production Claims in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims that the state lags in fish production, asserting significant increases during her tenure.

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Bengal CM Denies Vendetta In Signature Forgery Probe

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari denies political vendetta in the signature forgery probe involving TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, stating the investigation stems from complaints by TMC MLAs.

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.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Giriraj Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Protecting Infiltrators

Giriraj Singh Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Protecting Infiltrators

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators from the Muslim community for political gain. He also alleged corruption and economic decline under the TMC government.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Electoral Sabotage

Trinamool Congress Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as "Electoral Sabotage"

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has strongly condemned the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it is a politically motivated act of "electoral sabotage" ahead of the West Bengal elections.

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

TMC's 'Pushpa' Jahangir withdraws from May 21 repoll after 'CM's promise'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

TMC's Falta candidate Jahangir Khan withdrew from the May 21 re-election, citing Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's promise of a special development package for the area.

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Does Trouble Follow Dharmendra Pradhan?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Mr Pradhan is not an especially charismatic leader or a brilliant orator, but his understanding of realpolitik and organisational dynamics makes him the ultimate party man, points out Aditi Phadnis.

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.'

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

'Priyanka Gandhi is a national leader, not confined to UP alone'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

UPCC chief Ajai Rai clarifies Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's role in Uttar Pradesh Congress campaigns, emphasizing her national leadership while confirming her continued prominence in the state.

TN court defers divorce case of Vijay, Sangeetha to mid-June

TN court defers divorce case of Vijay, Sangeetha to mid-June

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The Chengalpattu Family Welfare court in Tamil Nadu has postponed the divorce proceedings of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay and his wife Sangeetha to June 15. The case, initiated by Sangeetha, involves allegations of infidelity against Vijay.

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rahul Gandhi Alleges LDF-BJP Collusion, Highlights Corruption and Drug Issues in Kerala

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Rahul Gandhi intensified the Congress campaign in Kerala, alleging collusion between the LDF and BJP, citing corruption cases and the drug issue in the state. He also criticised the LDF government's handling of the Sabarimala gold loss and unemployment.

Pawan Khera faces 3-4 FIRs over militant contacts: Himanta Sarma

Pawan Khera faces 3-4 FIRs over militant contacts: Himanta Sarma

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Pawan Khera of attempting to contact militant groups to influence election results, stating that several FIRs have been registered against him and an investigation is underway.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Twin blow to Assam Cong: Bhupen Borah heads to BJP; MLA joins Raijor Dal

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

In a significant development ahead of the assembly elections, former Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah is set to join the BJP, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'Mamata was more feared than loved, and in politics when people start fearing you then they start hating you.' 'So Mamata's comeback now is impossible.'

BJP Leader Giriraj Singh Slams Mamata Banerjee's 'Muslim Appeasement' Politics in West Bengal

BJP Leader Giriraj Singh Slams Mamata Banerjee's 'Muslim Appeasement' Politics in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of appeasing Muslims and protecting infiltrators, while the BJP promises to bring 'Ram Rajya' to the state if elected.

CBI Investigates Possible Contract Killing Of Adhikari Aide

CBI Investigates Possible Contract Killing Of Adhikari Aide

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI is investigating the murder of Suvendu Adhikari's aide, Chandranath Rath, suspecting it was a meticulously planned contract killing. The investigation involves forensic analysis and examination of potential interstate criminal links.

We are controlling...: Rahul predicts 4 assembly poll results

We are controlling...: Rahul predicts 4 assembly poll results

Rediff.com24 Sep 2023

Gandhi also said the idea of 'One Nation, One Election' was aimed at distracting from real issues of the people.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'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!'

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed BJP leaders to intensify grassroots outreach in West Bengal, setting performance benchmarks for the upcoming state elections. He emphasized party unity and the importance of booth-level workers.

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, attacking Mamata Banerjee's TMC and promising development if the BJP wins the state elections. He accused Banerjee of appeasement politics and vowed to prevent the construction of a Babri Masjid-like structure in Bengal.

SC refuses pre-arrest bail to Pawan Khera, asks him to move Assam court

SC refuses pre-arrest bail to Pawan Khera, asks him to move Assam court

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain Congress leader Pawan Khera's plea seeking protection against possible coercive action until April 20 in a case lodged against him for levelling allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife.

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

AIADMK, BJP begin preliminary talks for 2026 TN polls

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

NDA constituents AIADMK and BJP have started preliminary discussions for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Key leaders from both parties met to discuss strategies to defeat the DMK government and strengthen their alliance.

'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.

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The JD(U) stated that it supported the BJP for the Bihar chief minister's post to reciprocate past support, as the new government prepares for a vote of confidence.

Manoj Tiwary: TMC Chapter Is Over For Me

Manoj Tiwary: TMC Chapter Is Over For Me

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has announced the end of his association with the Trinamool Congress, alleging widespread corruption within the party and claiming he was denied a ticket for refusing to pay a substantial sum.

K'taka Cong chief's brother Suresh rules out contesting assembly polls

K'taka Cong chief's brother Suresh rules out contesting assembly polls

Rediff.com15 Mar 2023

He also said it will be difficult, as he is the lone Congress member in Lok Sabha from Karnataka.

Assam Delimitation Tilts Electoral Balance

Assam Delimitation Tilts Electoral Balance

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

While the total number of assembly seats remains unchanged at 126, the redrawing of boundaries has reshaped voter composition across constituencies -- a shift that is likely to influence electoral outcomes in the years ahead.

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Congress leaders and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.

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.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the TMC government of turning Kolkata into a 'city of slums' and using infiltrators as a vote bank, sparking a strong reaction from the TMC, which accused him of insulting the people of Bengal.

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

No Congress-Samajwadi alliance in 2027 UP polls?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

The Congress party is intensifying its efforts to strengthen its organizational base in Uttar Pradesh, with plans to contest all 403 seats in the 2027 Assembly elections. Senior leaders emphasize grassroots preparations, voter outreach, and public meetings to regain political ground in the state.

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.

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces a significant challenge as the Congress and DMK part ways, raising questions about the alliance's future and unity.