News for 'VOTE'

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Lok Sabha seats to be increased by 50%; 272 reserved for women: Govt

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Lok Sabha is set to expand to 815 seats, with 272 seats reserved for women, according to Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The move aims to implement the women's quota without disadvantaging men or any state. The proposed legislations also include provisions for reservation for women from SC and ST categories within the women's quota.

Unemployed youth like cockroaches, become activists, attack system: CJI

Unemployed youth like cockroaches, become activists, attack system: CJI

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant likened some unemployed youngsters to cockroaches, saying they become media, social media, and RTI activists and attack the system. The comments were made while hearing a petition from a lawyer seeking senior advocate designation.

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP and a Trinamool Congress worker were killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal on Tuesday, police said.

Who Will Make The Perfect Don? VOTE!

Who Will Make The Perfect Don? VOTE!

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

With Ranveer out of the project, who do you think will make the perfect Don?

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Debate, vote on motion to remove Birla to be taken up on Mar 9: Rijiju

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announces the debate and vote on the no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will occur on March 9. The Budget Session's second part will also address important legislation and critical bills.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Why Abhishek Banerjee Says TMC Is Key To Stopping BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, claiming that other parties are indirectly aiding the BJP's influence.

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.

Central forces working to help BJP in Bengal polls: Mamata

Central forces working to help BJP in Bengal polls: Mamata

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of working in favour of the BJP during the ongoing assembly elections, alleging intimidation and unfair practices.

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.

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Who Will Win Kerala's Game Of Thrones?

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Already, within the week of the election results it became apparent that the Congress' DNA has not changed from its traditional approach to politics as but a game of thrones, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

'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.

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Tamil Nadu defeats Delhi: Stalin on women's quota bill's rout in LS

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has claimed victory for the state after the Constitution Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha. Stalin criticised the Centre's handling of the Women's Reservation Bill and delimitation process, accusing the BJP of prioritising political gain over fairness and consultation.

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.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

'I Am No More Urvashi, I Am India'

'I Am No More Urvashi, I Am India'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Urvashi Rautela made a stunning and unexpected return to Cannes on May 12, dazzling in a glamorous silver gown and a unique bird-inspired headpiece for her fifth consecutive appearance at the famed film fest.

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Did Modi violate poll code? EC to examine complaint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Election Commission will examine a complaint filed by opposition parties alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation violated the Model Code of Conduct for elections.

And That's What Natasha Poonawalla Wore To The Met Gala 2026

And That's What Natasha Poonawalla Wore To The Met Gala 2026

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Natasha Poonawalla made a striking appearance at the Met Gala 2026, wearing a sculptural creation by Marc Quinn and a custom couture ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana.

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.

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.

Vijay revokes astrologer's appointment as OSD after criticism

Vijay revokes astrologer's appointment as OSD after criticism

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Amidst public outcry and opposition criticism, the Tamil Nadu government has revoked the appointment of astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit Vettrivel as Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister.

Mamata's revenge for Bhabanipur defeat: Suvendu aide's mother on his killing

Mamata's revenge for Bhabanipur defeat: Suvendu aide's mother on his killing

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The mother of Chandranath Rath, who was murdered shortly after the Assembly poll results, is demanding life imprisonment for those responsible, alleging the killing was revenge for Mamata Banerjee's defeat against Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur.

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a petition concerning the deletion of names from voter lists in West Bengal, directing the petitioners to seek redressal through established appellate tribunals.

Mamata Banerjee Claims BJP Using All Resources To Win Bengal Election

Mamata Banerjee Claims BJP Using All Resources To Win Bengal Election

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of deploying its entire machinery, including Union ministers and NDA-ruled state CMs, to defeat her party in the West Bengal assembly elections. She also criticised the BJP's promises to migrant workers and alleged the misuse of central forces during the polls.

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of bribing voters and has labelled the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a major scam. She also predicted the BJP government at the Centre would fall in 2026.

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Today's Chanakya exit poll: BJP to win Bengal, DMK to retain TN, mega debut for Vijay

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Exit polls suggest significant shifts in Indian state assembly elections, forecasting BJP gains in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a tight race in Kerala.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Rivals of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee addressed a rally in Murshidabad, accusing political rivals of working for the BJP and promising to restore voting rights to disenfranchised citizens if his party returns to power.

Tamannaah, Nimrat, Huma Glam Up Devil Wears Prada 2 Screening

Tamannaah, Nimrat, Huma Glam Up Devil Wears Prada 2 Screening

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The special screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 looked like a catwalk, as film folk dressed glamorously to keep up with the film's theme.

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

BJP-led NDA scores hat-trick in Assam, bags 102 seats

Rediff.com5 May 2026

In the Opposition camp, the Congress, which contested 99 seats, won 19 constituencies, while the Badruddin Ajmal-led AIUDF and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal secured two seats each, and the Trinamool Congress bagged one constituency.

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers after the party's performance in assembly elections, urging an end to political violence in West Bengal and a focus on the state's future.

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

'DMK Holds Advantage In Tamil Nadu Polls'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'The AIADMK front comes second, and then the TVK.'

TMC MP Alleges BJP Involvement In NEET Paper Leak

TMC MP Alleges BJP Involvement In NEET Paper Leak

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad has accused the BJP of being linked to the alleged NEET paper leak, claiming that individuals associated with the ruling party are involved in the scandal. He alleges the BJP is an 'expert in theft,' citing previous instances of 'vote theft' and 'job theft'.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

NIA to probe crude bomb recovery in Bengal ahead of second phase polls

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal following a directive from the Union Home Ministry.

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

No Minority Consolidation Against LDF, Says Kerala Minister

No Minority Consolidation Against LDF, Says Kerala Minister

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeev dismisses claims of minority consolidation against the ruling LDF in the Assembly polls, stating minorities have no grievances and trust the Left's stance against the Centre.

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

'Modishree', 'Joy Bangla': Sweets ready for Bengal results day

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.