News for 'assembly elections'

BJP announces 1st Assam list; Himanta, Cong turncoats in fray

BJP announces 1st Assam list; Himanta, Cong turncoats in fray

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The BJP has announced its initial list of 88 candidates for the Assam Assembly elections, featuring key contests and strategic reassignments, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's bid to retain his Jalukbari seat.

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister, updated her social media profiles to reflect her position as Founder Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister of West Bengal, despite the party's recent electoral defeat.

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Vijay's cabinet expansion signals new coalition era in TN politics

Rediff.com22 May 2026

AM Shahjahan and Vanni Arasu from IUML and VCK respectively were sworn in as ministers in Tamil Nadu, increasing the number of allies in the TVK government. This marks the first time representatives from both parties have been inducted into the state cabinet, signifying a shift in Tamil Nadu's coalition dynamics.

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Cong snaps ties with DMK, offers 'conditional' support to Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Congress Legislature Party have decided to extend its full support to the TVK to form the government, AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar said in a statement citing TVK chief Vijay's request seeking support.

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

In a first, the Bihar assembly polls this time saw no voting day deaths and no re-polling being ordered in any constituency.

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Rediff.com2 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with TMC counting agents to prepare for the vote counting of the assembly elections.

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Nitin Nabin Criticises Mamata Banerjee's Focus on Politics Over Sports in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

BJP National President Nitin Nabin has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly prioritising political games over sports and cultural activities, leading to the state's decline in these areas. He also accused the TMC government of using sports clubs for political purposes.

Thunderstorms, gusty winds likely during Bengal BJP govt oath ceremony

Thunderstorms, gusty winds likely during Bengal BJP govt oath ceremony

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The IMD has forecast thunderstorms and gusty winds across south Bengal on Saturday, the day the first BJP government in West Bengal is scheduled to be sworn in at the Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata. Rain and thundershowers are likely to occur across all districts until May 14.

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for key battles with the AIADMK and other parties.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. She criticised the BJP's chargesheet against the TMC and alleged corruption in the Haldia dock complex. Banerjee also questioned Prime Minister Modi's claim of being the BJP candidate in all West Bengal seats.

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Political Parties Sees 1,123 Defections In 15 Years

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Most defections originated from three major parties -- the Congress, BJP and BSP.

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Punjab Opposition Demands Clarity On Blast Investigation

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Punjab's Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has criticised the government's conflicting statements regarding recent blasts, calling for transparency and accountability instead of political theatrics.

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Why ED Raided Pinarayi Vijayan's Residence

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residences of former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family members as part of its money laundering probe linked to the CMRL case involving his daughter.

Shirtless protest at AI Summit: Two more arrested, funds under lens

Shirtless protest at AI Summit: Two more arrested, funds under lens

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Delhi Police have arrested two more Indian Youth Congress workers in connection with a 'shirtless' protest at the AI Summit, bringing the total arrests to 14. Authorities are investigating the financial trail behind the protest, suspecting funds meant for Bihar Assembly elections may have been diverted.

Why Haryana CM Accused Punjab CM Of Losing Mental Balance

Why Haryana CM Accused Punjab CM Of Losing Mental Balance

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for blaming the BJP for recent blasts in Punjab, accusing Mann of losing his mental balance and making irresponsible statements.

BMC election: Colaba ward sees dismal 20.88% voter turnout

BMC election: Colaba ward sees dismal 20.88% voter turnout

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The civic ward was unable to manage even half of Mumbai's overall voter turnout of 52.94 per cent, which means only 9,614 residents of the total 46,036 exercised their franchise.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Actor-politician Vijay discloses 603 crore in assets ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay declared assets worth 603.20 crore in his election affidavit, including luxury cars and significant bank deposits, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

India trashes claim of declining minority rights, media freedom

Rediff.com17 May 2026

India has rejected allegations of declining media freedom and erosion of religious and minority rights, asserting that the country is a vibrant democracy that guarantees free speech to all.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

'Betrayed again': Modi accuses TMC of denying Bengal women 33% quota

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of betraying women by obstructing the passage of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aimed to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women. Modi asserted that women in West Bengal would punish the TMC in the upcoming assembly elections.

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.

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Kerala Minister K M Shaji admitted that distributing welfare pensions from a UDF political office in Malappuram's Pulpatta panchayat was improper, leading to the removal of the responsible official. The incident, which sparked allegations of rule violation, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather, with the minister assuring steps to prevent recurrence.

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Odisha BJD Accuses BJP Of Poaching Leaders With Inducements

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Odisha's BJD has accused the BJP of luring its leaders with inducements after Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray resigned and joined the BJP. The BJD spokesperson criticised Samantaray for criticising the party after enjoying benefits during its tenure.

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'.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Amid a significant split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), two "dissident" MPs, June Maliah and Deepak Adhikari (Dev), along with an MLA, attended an administrative meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This event follows a major rebellion within the TMC, where 20 Lok Sabha MPs reportedly declared support for the BJP-led NDA as a separate bloc.

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

ED Arrests I-PAC Co-founder in Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel in connection with a money laundering case linked to the coal scam probe in West Bengal, escalating tensions ahead of the state's Assembly elections.

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Newly appointed Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy has announced ambitious plans to attract significant investments, particularly from the Tata Group, to revive industrial growth in West Bengal. He aims to restore investor confidence, bring back businesses that left the state, and create an industry-friendly environment focused on manufacturing, services, and renewable energy.

Satheesan meets Venugopal, rejects reports of rift in party

Satheesan meets Venugopal, rejects reports of rift in party

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan met with senior Congress leader K C Venugopal to address reports of internal discord, as discussions surrounding the formation of the new cabinet continue.

Siddaramaiah all set to step down, holds breakfast meet

Siddaramaiah all set to step down, holds breakfast meet

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Amidst growing speculation about a potential leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leaders are meeting to discuss the future of the state government. The meeting follows months of rumours regarding a transition, with D K Shivakumar potentially succeeding Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Kerala's new government has increased the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 3,000 following protests demanding better pay. The decision was made during the first Cabinet meeting, raising the honorarium to Rs 12,000. ASHA worker leaders have expressed gratitude while criticising the previous government's response to their demands.

Police Hunt Akali Dal Leader Over Police Station Incident

Police Hunt Akali Dal Leader Over Police Station Incident

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Punjab Police have formed teams to arrest Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia and others for allegedly creating a disturbance at Majitha police station and attempting to free a detainee. Police are conducting searches, while the Akali Dal claims political vendetta.

Assam Congress Candidate Injured in Alleged Attack During Campaigning

Assam Congress Candidate Injured in Alleged Attack During Campaigning

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Congress candidate Sunil Kumar Chetry was allegedly attacked and injured during campaigning in Assam's Naduar constituency. The Assam Pradesh Congress President has accused the ruling party's supporters of carrying out the attack.

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran has not yet elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, following his assassination. The process to elect a new leader is underway, with several candidates being considered.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Congress picks Satheesan as next Kerala CM; swearing-in on May 18

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Congress party has announced VD Satheesan as the next chief minister of Kerala, ending days of speculation. The decision was revealed at a press conference in New Delhi.