News for 'UP Election Watch'

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

War, Elections Take Backseat As IPL Fever Reigns Supreme

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

In crowded Mumbai trains, passengers, despite being crushed and unable to breathe, watch the IPL action on their phones. Oxygen may be optional, but the live score is not.

Trans Tamil immigrant wins Scotland poll, sparks debate

Trans Tamil immigrant wins Scotland poll, sparks debate

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Indian doctoral student from Tamil Nadu, Q Manivannan, has sparked a debate on immigration and representation in UK politics after winning a local election in Scotland. Manivannan's victory has drawn criticism from anti-immigration voices, highlighting the rules that allow foreign nationals to contest elections in Scotland.

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.

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.

7 lakh new voters added in West Bengal ahead of poll

7 lakh new voters added in West Bengal ahead of poll

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The commission, however, has not specified how many among these new entrants are first-time voters who have just turned 18, nor has it given a detailed gender break up of these voters.

3 yrs after Karnataka polls, Cong MLA loses votes in recount

3 yrs after Karnataka polls, Cong MLA loses votes in recount

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A recount of postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency has resulted in a reduction of votes for Congress MLA T D Raje Gowda, following a High Court order. The Election Commission has been notified for further action.

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor Vijay's political party, TVK, has significantly impacted the Tamil Nadu political landscape in its debut election, challenging established political norms and achieving notable success.

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

Rediff.com7 days ago

The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Rediff.com5 days ago

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

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Sharad Pawar admitted to Mumbai hospital

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has been admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai for a health check-up.

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, has refuted allegations of potential malpractices at counting centres, assuring that robust security measures are in place. This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about possible tampering with EVMs.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com4 days ago

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Shakib Al Hasan laments Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 'blunder'

Shakib Al Hasan laments Bangladesh's T20 World Cup 'blunder'

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Former captain Shakib Al Hasan has criticised Bangladesh's absence from the T20 World Cup in India, calling it a 'blunder'. He also expressed hope that bilateral cricket ties could improve with future series.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Tamil Nadu poll campaign ends, voting on Thursday

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-intensity election campaign in Tamil Nadu concluded with accusations and counter-accusations between the DMK and AIADMK, while new entrant TVK made its presence felt. Key issues included state autonomy, corruption, law and order, and the delimitation bill.

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Banerjee Accuses BJP Of Dividing Bengal On Religious Lines

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.

No Israeli push, no nuclear Iran: Trump hardens Iran stance, targets media

No Israeli push, no nuclear Iran: Trump hardens Iran stance, targets media

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his hardline stance against Tehran while dismissing mainstream media narratives regarding his foreign policy motivations.

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to resolve the decades-old Gorkha issue within six months if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, addressing a rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district.

Summer Holiday Travel Insurance: Key Things To Know

Summer Holiday Travel Insurance: Key Things To Know

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Understand your travel insurance policy before travelling abroad this summer. This article outlines what travel insurance covers, including trip cancellations, missed connections, and medical emergencies, and what it excludes, such as war-related disruptions and pre-existing conditions.

Post Bengal rally surprise: Modi stops for jhalmuri, shares with locals

Post Bengal rally surprise: Modi stops for jhalmuri, shares with locals

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

After completing a power-packed schedule of four back-to-back rallies in Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur and Bishnupur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen unwinding in a light-hearted moment as he relished West Bengal's popular street snack "Jhalmuri" near a small local shop.

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Puducherry records highest-ever turnout in assembly polls

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Puducherry witnessed a historic voter turnout of 89.87% in the recent Assembly elections, the highest since 1964. The election saw a contest between the NDA and Congress-led bloc, with other parties also vying for influence. Polling was largely peaceful, with a minor clash reported.

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Has Baazigar Modi Fired His Best Shot?

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

What is missing in the BJP's armour is dominance over 50 percent of the electorate: Women. And this is a gamble Modi-Shah have indicated that they are willing to take, explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

'Had Chanakya been alive...': Priyanka Gandhi's banter with Shah in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's handling of the women's quota bill, accusing them of political maneuvering and neglecting the rights of OBCs.

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Even If US, Iran Signed Deal Today, Hormuz Strait Won't...

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The BJP-led government in Bihar secured a vote of confidence in the state assembly, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary pledging economic development and significant investments. The motion was passed amidst heated debates and accusations between the ruling NDA and the opposition, highlighting political tensions and differing views on issues like women's reservation.

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

As Jana Nayagan and Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender become victims of piracy even before they got an official release, Sreeju Sudhakaran looks back at some of the major Indian movies that were impacted by pre-release leaks.

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

War In The Strait Has Reached A Condom Factory!

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Karex, the Malaysian company that makes roughly one in five of the world's condoms -- about five billion a year, supplying Durex and Trojan among others -- announced this week that it is raising prices by up to 30 percent. The reason is the Strait of Hormuz.

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.

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Babri mosque row turns Murshidabad into Bengal's hottest poll flashpoint

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque in West Bengal's Murshidabad district has become a focal point in the upcoming elections, reshaping voter loyalties and raising communal tensions.

IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane Faces Backlash Over Captaincy Calls

IPL 2026: Ajinkya Rahane Faces Backlash Over Captaincy Calls

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Ajinkya Rahane faces criticism for his captaincy decisions and a controversial 'jealousy' remark during IPL 2026, sparking debate among fans and experts.

'BJP Was Waiting To Get Rid Of Nitish Kumar'

'BJP Was Waiting To Get Rid Of Nitish Kumar'

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'The BJP must have decided to replace Nitish with a green signal from JD-U leaders close to him.'

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Will Trump Attend Islamabad Peace Talks?

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The intriguing bit is that Trump is likely to attend the talks in Islamabad this weekend -- if he does, it will be the clearest signal yet that the US is ready to exit the war with some sort of win to show, since he cannot afford to go for the talks and return empty-handed, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

US Needs Iran Back At The Table FAST!

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The question is whether the clocks allow enough time for two deeply mistrustful sides to get there, and whether the surface calm holds long enough for the paddling to produce something before the ceasefire ends on April 22, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Democrats Demand Trump's Removal After 'Civilisation' Threat to Iran

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

What Happens When Trump's Deadline Expires?

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Trump may strike. He may announce productive talks and extend again. He may do both at the same time. Iran will not open the Strait on someone else's terms, so no matter what happens, that problem will remain unsolved. And the IRGC will still be collecting its $2 million toll from every ship bold enough to ask permission to pass.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.