News for 'assembly polls'

Banerjee Accuses Shah of Misdeeds, Defends TMC's Record

Banerjee Accuses Shah of Misdeeds, Defends TMC's Record

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to Amit Shah's chargesheet against her government, accusing him of misdeeds and alleging the BJP would halt welfare schemes if elected.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Assam polls: Congress, Raijor Dal finalise alliance

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Congress and Raijor Dal have finalised a seat-sharing agreement for the Assam assembly elections, with Congress leaving 11 constituencies for Raijor Dal and a friendly contest in two others. The alliance aims to defeat the BJP government.

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav has criticised the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, alleging neglect of farmers and the enabling of mafia activities.

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

EC bans victory rallies in Bengal after poll results

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal prohibits victory rallies following election result announcements and addresses concerns regarding agents' access to counting centres.

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.

What happens if Mamata doesn't resign? Experts weigh in

What happens if Mamata doesn't resign? Experts weigh in

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Legal experts suggest West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should resign following her party's defeat in the assembly elections, or face potential dismissal by the governor.

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Advocate Mamata Banerjee Faces 'Thief' Slogans At Calcutta High Court

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee personally argued a case in the Calcutta high xourt regarding attacks on Trinamool Congress workers in West Bengal.

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

BJP alleges Suvendu aide was assassinated, TMC hits back

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari was shot dead in West Bengal, leading to accusations of political violence and demands for investigation.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

BJP brought 50,000 people from UP for Assam polls: Mamata

BJP brought 50,000 people from UP for Assam polls: Mamata

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of importing voters for the Assam elections and plotting similar interference in West Bengal, raising concerns about electoral integrity and potential cultural restrictions.

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Vijay launches free power, women's safety, anti-drug schemes

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has launched three key schemes focusing on electricity subsidies, women's safety, and drug eradication, fulfilling his election promises after his party's recent victory.

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Prashant Kishor moves to ashram on outskirts of Patna, to live there till...

Rediff.com3 days ago

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has moved to an ashram on the outskirts of Patna to continue his political activities ahead of the next assembly elections. He criticised Nitish Kumar and urged voters to prioritise their own interests.

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.

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.

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.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Alleges LDF-BJP Alliance in Kerala Polls

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala of striking a secret deal with the BJP for the upcoming Assembly elections, alleging suppression of dissent and targeting of minorities by both the state and central governments.

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.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Protecting Infiltrators

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state.

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata, including the residence of TMC MLA Debashis Kumar and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Mamata Banerjee's candidature. The TMC alleges the raids are politically motivated.

Puducherry Polling Disrupted by BJP-Congress Worker Clash

Puducherry Polling Disrupted by BJP-Congress Worker Clash

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Clashes between BJP and Congress workers briefly disrupted polling in the Mannadipet Assembly Constituency in Puducherry. Police intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Another DMK ally VCK to join Vijay govt in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com2 days ago

VCK chief Thol Thirumavalan announced that his party has decided to join the TVK-led cabinet in Tamil Nadu, with Vanni Arasu nominated for induction. The decision follows an invitation from TVK and reflects VCK's long-standing philosophy of sharing power.

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Suvendu Adhikari Promises To Restore Voter Rights In Falta

Rediff.com7 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has alleged that the people of Diamond Harbour have been unable to exercise their voting rights for a decade. He assured people that the scenario has now changed, and the May 21 repolling in the Falta Assembly seat will re-establish voter rights.

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.

Owaisi announces poll tie-up with Humayun Kabir in Bengal

Owaisi announces poll tie-up with Humayun Kabir in Bengal

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised the alliance between AIMIM and a suspended TMC MLA for the West Bengal Assembly elections, fearing it will divide votes and weaken secular parties.

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections focuses on the TMC's southern stronghold, where the BJP aims to make inroads. The outcome will determine whether Mamata Banerjee's party retains its dominance or if the BJP can secure a path to power.

Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder: Accused Remanded To Police Custody

Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder: Accused Remanded To Police Custody

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three individuals arrested in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, have been remanded to 13-day police custody.

Amit Shah Focuses on Infiltration Issue in West Bengal Poll Campaign

Amit Shah Focuses on Infiltration Issue in West Bengal Poll Campaign

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserts the BJP will form a government in West Bengal and address the issue of infiltration, accusing Mamata Banerjee of allowing it for vote-bank politics.

'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.

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

G Sudhakaran Open To Ministerial Role If Offered

Rediff.com7 days ago

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an independent MLA backed by the UDF, has stated he would accept a ministerial position if offered, despite not seeking one. He highlighted his past experience as a minister and his willingness to serve if chosen, while also noting that he has not been contacted regarding any potential cabinet discussions.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

TN, Bengal poll rout jolts INDIA bloc, strengthens BJP's 2029 pitch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces challenges after recent state election defeats for key members like TMC and DMK, potentially shifting internal dynamics and leadership considerations.

Suvendu aide murder: CBI probe hints at Rs 1 cr contract killing

Suvendu aide murder: CBI probe hints at Rs 1 cr contract killing

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The CBI has registered an FIR in the alleged murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, taking over the investigation from the state police following a request from the state government.

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

AIADMK stares at split, 30 rebel MLAs support Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com12 May 2026

A faction of the AIADMK, led by S P Velumani and C Ve Shanmugam, has announced its support for the TVK government led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, citing opposition to Edappadi K Palaniswami's alleged plans to align with the DMK.

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

65% of Bengal's new MLAs face criminal cases, up sharply from 49% in 2021

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals a significant increase in West Bengal MLAs with declared criminal cases, rising from 49% in 2021 to 65% in the latest assembly. The report also highlights a rise in the number of 'crorepati' MLAs.

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.

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.

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

TMC, BJP face off in Bengal; 3-way battle in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote in 152 constituencies in Bengal and 5.73 crore voters in Tamil Nadu. Security measures are heightened to ensure free and fair polling.

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.