News for 'assembly elections'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

'All Is Not Well With Election Commission'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'They refuse to be transparent. They refuse to be accountable.'

EC refuses to upload Form 17C showing booth-wise votes: Kejriwal

EC refuses to upload Form 17C showing booth-wise votes: Kejriwal

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

On the eve of counting of votes for the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Election Commission (EC) of refusing to upload Form 17C, which contains details of votes polled per booth in each Assembly segment. In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a website where it has uploaded Form 17C data for all the Assembly seats. Kejriwal stated that ensuring such transparency should have been the responsibility of the apex poll body. The office of the chief electoral officer responded by saying that the rule requiring presiding officers to furnish Form 17C to polling agents was complied with on the day of polling.

Shinde Sena MLA in deeper trouble as viral 'cash bag' video adds to IT heat

Shinde Sena MLA in deeper trouble as viral 'cash bag' video adds to IT heat

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat denies allegations that a bag seen in a viral video contained money, claiming it only held clothes. The video surfaced amid scrutiny over a significant increase in his declared assets.

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Is One Nation, One Election A Ploy?

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

What India needs more than one simultaneous election is better governance both at the central and state level. Yes, we need reforms, but our priority should be to make elections less expensive, make it more democratic, do away with freebies which are actually bribes before elections, allow only those who are educated to contest, and bring in a bill to make it impossible for criminals to contest, advocates Ramesh Menon.

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Gujarat bypolls: BJP fails to break 18-yr Visavadar jinx

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat was unable to end its 18-year jinx in Visavadar as it lost the bypolls to Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party despite a strong campaign.

Vice President Has No Salary of His Own

Vice President Has No Salary of His Own

Rediff.com8 Sep 2025

'There is no provision for a specific salary for the vice president; instead, they receive remuneration and benefits commensurate with their role as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.'

Nepal PM Karki dials Modi in 1st foreign outreach

Nepal PM Karki dials Modi in 1st foreign outreach

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

PM Modi congratulated Karki on her historic appointment as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal.

'Bihar, bidis start with B': Congress's GST post triggers row

'Bihar, bidis start with B': Congress's GST post triggers row

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Union Minister Nityanand Rai launched a scathing attack on Congress, stating that the party takes "pleasure" in insulting Bihar and its people.

Modi sounds poll bugle in Bihar, promises Mumbai-like growth

Modi sounds poll bugle in Bihar, promises Mumbai-like growth

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sounded the poll bugle in Bihar, where assembly elections are due this year, calling for 'an NDA government, once again', which would protect the state from the 'evil intentions' of the Rashtriya Janata Dal-Congress combine.

Documents must, clarifies EC on Bihar voter list review

Documents must, clarifies EC on Bihar voter list review

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

The Election Commission has clarified that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is progressing as per its order, addressing concerns raised on social media and by opposition parties.

What stalls Centre on granting govt bungalow to ex-VP Dhankhar

What stalls Centre on granting govt bungalow to ex-VP Dhankhar

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has requested a government bungalow, as per his entitlement, following his resignation. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry is considering his request.

Thackeray cousins to share stage after 20 years

Thackeray cousins to share stage after 20 years

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

For the first time in 20 years, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will share the stage on July 5 at a joint 'victory' rally organised by the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to celebrate the rollback of the contentious government resolutions (GRs) on three-language policy.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

New threat for security agencies: 'Bedroom jihadis' stoking unrest in J-K

New threat for security agencies: 'Bedroom jihadis' stoking unrest in J-K

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir are facing a new threat from 'bedroom jihadis' who use social media to spread misinformation and incite communal discord. These individuals, operating from their homes, are part of a sophisticated cross-border effort to destabilize the region by disseminating inflammatory content and propaganda.

Potholes are everywhere, outside PM's house too: Shivakumar

Potholes are everywhere, outside PM's house too: Shivakumar

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

'I want to tell big IT companies and others that such things (pothole issue) are everywhere, we are doing our job. It is there across the country, but we have a duty, we will do it'

They voted for the first time in Jammu-Kashmir elections!

They voted for the first time in Jammu-Kashmir elections!

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Long denied the right to vote, members of the Valmiki community exercised their franchise for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Tuesday and termed it as a "historic moment".

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has asked RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to hand over a voter ID card for investigation after he claimed to possess it despite it not being officially issued. The controversy arose after Yadav alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls and claimed his voter ID number was changed.

Nitish Kumar's Sop Opera Ahead Of Polls

Nitish Kumar's Sop Opera Ahead Of Polls

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

Nitish Kumar has pledged to create 10 million jobs in the next five years apart from offering voters many other sops.

Whole country now knows...: Rahul mounts attack on EC in Bihar rally

Whole country now knows...: Rahul mounts attack on EC in Bihar rally

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Gandhi alleged that assembly and Lok Sabha polls were being "stolen" across the country and there was a "conspiracy" in Bihar to do the same through the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Bihar SIR: Claims can be filed beyond Sept 1, says EC

Bihar SIR: Claims can be filed beyond Sept 1, says EC

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

The Election Commission of India clarified that claims, objections, and corrections to the draft electoral roll in Bihar's special intensive revision exercise can be filed beyond September 1, but will be considered after the roll is finalized. The Supreme Court directed assistance for voters and parties in filing claims.

Will Chail MLA Pooja Pal join BJP after SP expulsion?

Will Chail MLA Pooja Pal join BJP after SP expulsion?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Chail MLA Pooja Pal, recently expelled from the Samajwadi Party, met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Pal praised Adityanath's actions against gangster Atiq Ahmed, who was accused of murdering her husband. She also addressed comments about her personal life and political career.

Helicopter carrying Chief Election Commissioner makes emergency landing

Helicopter carrying Chief Election Commissioner makes emergency landing

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

There were three people on board the helicopter apart from the pilot. They are all safe and waiting for the weather to clear up to return to Munsiyari, the DM said.

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

One nation, one election bill likely to be tabled in LS today

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

The Indian Parliament will introduce a constitutional amendment bill on Tuesday that seeks to hold Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. The bill, popularly known as "one nation, one election", will be introduced by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and is likely to be referred to a joint committee of both houses for wider consultations. The bill also aims to align elections in the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, and the NCT of Delhi. The move has been met with mixed reactions, with some supporting the idea of reducing election-related expenses and others expressing concerns about its impact on democratic processes.

'Modi's Manipur Visit Will Be A Turning Point'

'Modi's Manipur Visit Will Be A Turning Point'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

'Around 15,000 people will be gathering.'

Raj-Uddhav tie-up: 'We are on ventilator, they are in ICU'

Raj-Uddhav tie-up: 'We are on ventilator, they are in ICU'

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS are likely to form an alliance for the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra, with the final decision expected closer to the election date. Leaders from both parties acknowledge public pressure and the need to rejuvenate their cadres after poor performances in previous elections.

Booth reconfiguration plan sparks major row in Bengal

Booth reconfiguration plan sparks major row in Bengal

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

A proposed polling booth reconfiguration in West Bengal has ignited a political battle, with the TMC, BJP, Congress, and CPI(M) raising concerns about bias, partisanship, and flawed processes.

Pahalgam terrorists identified, will be dealt with soon: J-K LG

Pahalgam terrorists identified, will be dealt with soon: J-K LG

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack have been identified and will soon face consequences. He highlighted the progress in the region, including development projects and improved security, since the removal of Article 370.

Himachal CM's wife win creates new record in assembly

Himachal CM's wife win creates new record in assembly

Rediff.com13 Jul 2024

In the 2017 assembly elections, a record was set as former chief minister Virbhadra Singh and his son Vikramaditya Singh were elected and incidentally the duo were oldest and youngest members of the house.

PIX: Rinku Singh gets engaged to SP MP Priya Saroj

PIX: Rinku Singh gets engaged to SP MP Priya Saroj

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

India's T20 star Rinku Singh and Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj got engaged on Sunday in a grand ceremony graced by a host of prominent political figures on Sunday.

Uproar in JK assembly's 1st session over Article 370

Uproar in JK assembly's 1st session over Article 370

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

People's Democratic Party MLA Waheed Para on Monday moved a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for the restoration of special status to the erstwhile state, leading to noisy scenes in the House.

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Wearing white caps with a red cross on the words 'SIR' and "vote chori", the protesting MPs started their march from Parliament's Makar Dwar raising slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and "vote chori" while carrying placards and banners.

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Why Did Manoj Sinha Accept Blame For Pahalgam Massacre?

Rediff.com23 Jul 2025

The delayed timing of J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's admission has more to do with deflecting the thrust of the Opposition attack on the prime minister and Union home minister during the monsoon session of Parliament, points out Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

AI Takes Over Delhi Election Campaign

Rediff.com9 Jan 2025

From dubbing voices to putting faces with the help of AI, political campaigns are undergoing a Bollywood makeover. Among the favourites is a scene from the Anil Kapoor-starrer Nayak, posted by the BJP, where Kapoor asks about the Chunaavi Vaade (poll promise), with Arvind Kejriwal at the receiving end instead of Amrish Puri.

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rahul alleges criminal fraud in polls; EC wants it on oath

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Election Commission is colluding with the BJP to manipulate elections, citing data analysis from a Karnataka constituency. He claims evidence of 'vote chori' and demands transparency from the EC.

'Linking Aadhar With Voter ID Is Very Dangerous'

'Linking Aadhar With Voter ID Is Very Dangerous'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

'The protection of secrecy and anonymity gets lost with this linking.'

'All options open': Cong on Bihar 'poll boycott'

'All options open': Cong on Bihar 'poll boycott'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Congress party has voiced its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, calling it a 'Tughlaqi process'. The party stated that all options are open for the INDIA bloc to collectively decide on the issue.

Now, Mamata calls for 'language movement' against BJP

Now, Mamata calls for 'language movement' against BJP

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

Addressing a massive Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata, Banerjee gave a clarion call to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2026 assembly elections and eventually oust it from power at the Centre, declaring, "If this linguistic profiling doesn't stop, our resistance movement will reach New Delhi."

Shinde Sena minister Shirsat gets tax notice over asset jump

Shinde Sena minister Shirsat gets tax notice over asset jump

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat received an Income Tax notice regarding an increase in his assets between the 2019 and 2024 elections. He initially claimed MP Shrikant Shinde also received a notice but later retracted the statement.

An interview with Loksatta Editor Kumar Ketkar on the Maharashtra assembly election

An interview with Loksatta Editor Kumar Ketkar on the Maharashtra assembly election

Rediff.com5 Oct 2009

On the eve of the Maharashtra assembly election, Loksatta Editor Kumar Ketkar, one of the most accomplished commentators on the state's politics, speaks to Prasanna D Zore.

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Will Vijay's Next Film Rescue His Political Career?

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

'Karur could still impact Jana Nayagan's box-office success if Vijay and the TVK do not get their act together,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.