News for 'assembly elections'

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

AIADMK legislators moved to Puducherry amid TVK push for majority

Rediff.com7 May 2026

AIADMK MLAs have been moved to Puducherry amid TVK's efforts to secure a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, according to an AIADMK spokesperson.

2 held for throwing eggs on Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh

2 held for throwing eggs on Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Two individuals have been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly throwing eggs at Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh outside Mamata Banerjee's residence. The incident, which saw one egg strike Ghosh, is under police investigation to determine the motive, with Ghosh expressing concern over potential minor charges leading to quick bail. This attack is part of a series of protests faced by TMC leaders across West Bengal following recent Assembly elections.

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Kerala CM's New Secretary Faces Political Firestorm

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The appointment of senior IAS officer Rathan U Kelkar as secretary to Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ignited a political controversy, drawing criticism from the CPI(M), CPI, and BJP.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Why Congress Is Suspicious About CJP

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

A Congress spokesperson, quoted in media reports, summed up the party's thinking by saying, 'Whenever BJP is in trouble on the ground, a new 'apolitical' or 'alternative' party appears with the same ideology and the same backers.'

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Hours after joining BJP, three ex-TMC MPs get RS tickets from Bengal

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Three former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MPs, including Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday and, within hours, were named the saffron party's candidates for the Rajya Sabha bypolls from West Bengal, underlining both their political rehabilitation and the party's calibrated shift in inducting leaders from the erstwhile ruling dispensation.

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming elections, following twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Who will win UP, Punjab in 2027? Pollster Pradeep Gupta predicts

Rediff.com20 May 2026

With Uttar Pradesh assembly elections approaching, an analyst suggests the BJP is in a strong position. Meanwhile, Punjab's political landscape is described as fluid with mixed public satisfaction towards the ruling AAP.

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Meet Prashant Kishor's Wife, Jahnavi Das

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Prashant Kishor and Dr Jahnavi Das first met while working on a United Nations public health initiative.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

Vijay mirrors NTR feat, races to power within two years of party launch

Vijay mirrors NTR feat, races to power within two years of party launch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Vijay's TVK party is on the verge of forming a government in Tamil Nadu, drawing parallels to NTR's earlier success in Andhra Pradesh. Both achieved electoral success shortly after forming their parties, highlighting the potential for film popularity to translate into political gains.

Calcutta High Court Grants Relief To TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das

Calcutta High Court Grants Relief To TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das in connection with six FIRs registered against him. The court directed that the investigation would continue and asked the MLA to cooperate with the investigating agency.

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Omar Abdullah's Kashmir Challenge Revives July 2, 1984 Memories

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Omar Abdullah has so far laboured hard to make best of a bad bargain. Even so, the ground reality is anything but reassuring. The Opposition parties, including notably the PDP, appear to be gaining ground, though more by default. Public patience with Omar's government has nearly run out, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

AIADMK divided on backing Vijay; some MLAs want EPS to step down

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The AIADMK is grappling with a deepening internal rift as factions vie for leadership, threatening the party's stability and future in Tamil Nadu politics.

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Small parties have the capacity to play both ends against the middle. Puducherry could be heading that way, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

BJP rejig: Smriti Irani makes comeback, Ram Madhav gets key role

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a significant overhaul of its national team under party president Nitin Nabin, introducing numerous new faces and promoting prominent leaders like former Union minister Smriti Irani to general secretary and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav to vice president. The revamp aims to balance youth and experience while preparing for upcoming assembly and general elections.

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India's campaign posters carry the message: 'To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities,' and urges voters to press the symbol of a pen nib.

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

TMC, Congress dismiss reports of merger talks

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has dismissed "baseless" rumours of a possible merger with the Congress, despite recent meetings between TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, which occurred amidst significant internal rebellion within the TMC following its recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Kerala BJP Confident Of Future Power After Assembly Poll Wins

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar expressed confidence in the party's future in the state, drawing parallels with the BJP's growth in West Bengal. He highlighted the party's focus on development and its commitment to addressing people's issues in the Assembly.

MAPPED: Five state results, constituency-wise

MAPPED: Five state results, constituency-wise

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Here are the constituency-wise mapped leads/results for the West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu assembly elections!

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly 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.

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Jolt to Vijay as AIADMK refuses to back TVK in govt formation

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The AIADMK has stated it will not support the TVK in forming a government in Tamil Nadu, dismissing reports of a potential post-poll alliance.

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

No petrol, diesel price hike after assembly polls: Govt

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The government has dismissed speculation of an imminent increase in petrol and diesel prices, assuring citizens that there are no plans for a hike despite rising crude oil costs.

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Assam Elections: Will BJP Score A Hatrick?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

EC bans exit polls from April 9 to 29

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India has prohibited the conduct and dissemination of exit polls from April 9 to April 29 during the upcoming assembly elections in several states. Violators face imprisonment or fines.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Akhilesh reaches out to Brahmins, says 'PDA' includes pandits

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday reached out to the Brahmin community, asserting that 'PDA' includes Pandits, and also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh of targeting opposition workers, Brahmins, and religious leaders, including Shankaracharya.

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

TMC's Banerjee Alleges BJP Plot to Alter Bengal's Demography Ahead of Elections

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of attempting to alter West Bengal's demography by importing voters from other states ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy to undermine the democratic rights of local residents.

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Kerala Minister Sunny Joseph Defends Brother-in-Law's Appointment

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Kerala Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has defended the appointment of his brother-in-law, Benny Thomas, as his Additional Private Secretary, citing Thomas's public service record and political experience. The appointment has sparked controversy, with the opposition CPI(M) accusing the minister of nepotism and hypocrisy, demanding his resignation.

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

Vishy Anand Changes His Mind, Will Contest FIDE Poll

Vishy Anand Changes His Mind, Will Contest FIDE Poll

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand has reversed his earlier decision not to seek another term and will contest the election for the FIDE Deputy President's post.

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Assam Elections: Who Are the Richest Candidates?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Election affidavits in Assam have unveiled significant financial disparities among key candidates, with some declaring extensive assets, multiple bank accounts, and numerous vehicles, while others report more modest holdings.

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

DMK signals shift on delimitation bill, says will decide on merits

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The DMK has announced it will meticulously examine the proposed delimitation Bill when it is introduced in Parliament, making a decision based on its merits to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. The party's stance will be independent, without consultation with the Congress party, despite their former alliance.

Gulal, jalebis: Workers celebrate as BJP surge ahead in Bengal, Assam

Gulal, jalebis: Workers celebrate as BJP surge ahead in Bengal, Assam

Rediff.com4 May 2026

BJP workers celebrated in West Bengal as the party took an early lead in the state assembly elections, raising slogans and exchanging sweets.

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has completed one year, leading to the deletion of nearly six crore voters across 19 states and Union territories. This exercise, which began in Bihar, has faced opposition criticism but was upheld by the Supreme Court. The purification drive has significant implications, including linking voter data to social security benefits in some states.

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

West Bengal Trader Files Complaint Against TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A trader in Siliguri, West Bengal, has lodged a police complaint against Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee for alleged provocative remarks made during the recent Assembly polls, targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.