News for 'assembly polls'

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur believes PM Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' in Jhargram will influence the West Bengal Assembly polls, contrasting it with CM Mamata Banerjee's actions. He also criticised the TMC government for blocking central schemes and failing to ensure women's safety.

Stalin steps down as Tamil Nadu chief minister

Stalin steps down as Tamil Nadu chief minister

Rediff.com5 May 2026

DMK President M K Stalin has resigned as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following his party's defeat in the recent Assembly elections. The resignation letter has been sent to the state Governor. DMK secured 59 seats and will serve as the principal opposition party.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

Mamata removes Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy from key party positions

Mamata removes Saayoni Ghosh, Mala Roy from key party positions

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress has replaced Saayoni Ghosh as youth wing president and Mala Roy as women's wing president, amidst a significant rebellion within the party where dissident MPs claim to have the support of 20 of the party's 28 Lok Sabha members.

NIA charges 31 accused in SIR-linked road blockade cases in Bengal

NIA charges 31 accused in SIR-linked road blockade cases in Bengal

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The NIA has filed chargesheets against 31 individuals in connection with road blockades and illegal detention of judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district.

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles during the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP-led Centre of using government resources to favour their party. She also addressed concerns of potato farmers and urged them to sell their produce in other states.

West Bengal Polls Phase II: Touch And Go Seats

West Bengal Polls Phase II: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Polling for West Bengal's remaining 142 assembly seats will be held in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

TMC, Humayun Kabir's workers clash; stones, bricks hurled

TMC, Humayun Kabir's workers clash; stones, bricks hurled

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Supporters of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and the ruling TMC clashed in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during the first phase of the state assembly polls, leading to police intervention and heightened security measures.

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Why Haryana Congress Boycotted Special Assembly Session

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

The Congress party in Haryana boycotted a special session of the state assembly, accusing the ruling BJP of using the platform for political propaganda related to a defeated Constitution amendment bill on women's reservation. The BJP criticised the Congress's move as anti-women.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com20 May 2026

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

2 Cong MLAs to join Vijay cabinet, share power in TN after 59 yrs

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Congress party will join the Tamil Nadu cabinet after a 59-year hiatus, with two of its MLAs set to be sworn in as ministers.

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the West Bengal Assembly elections by reshuffling senior officers and deploying IAS and IPS officers in key poll management roles.

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Ruling Congress in Karnataka on Monday retained Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats, giving a respite to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership, amid the ongoing power tussle over the leadership issue.

700 CAPF companies to stay in Bengal after polls: EC

700 CAPF companies to stay in Bengal after polls: EC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to remain deployed across West Bengal after the completion of polling, an Election Commission official said on Wednesday.

IUML Support For Satheesan Sparks Political Debate In Kerala

IUML Support For Satheesan Sparks Political Debate In Kerala

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has voiced its support for V D Satheesan as the potential Chief Minister of Kerala if the Congress-led UDF alliance wins, drawing criticism from SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, who suggests this indicates the IUML would effectively rule the state.

10 Foreign Nationals Arrested For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Arrested For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chennai police arrested ten foreign nationals, including four women, for allegedly casting illegal votes in the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent identity documents.

'Thalapathy' Vijay to become 'Muthalamaichar' Vijay?

'Thalapathy' Vijay to become 'Muthalamaichar' Vijay?

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Supporters of actor Vijay's party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), celebrate as the party appears to be nearing a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

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.

Vijay's TVK ends Dravidian grip, echoes Kejriwal's AAP surge in Delhi

Vijay's TVK ends Dravidian grip, echoes Kejriwal's AAP surge in Delhi

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Vijay's TVK is poised to win its debut Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, drawing parallels to Arvind Kejriwal's AAP's rise in Delhi. Both parties capitalised on public disenchantment with established political structures, promising change and fighting corruption.

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Vijay's government to hold social justice survey, move court for financial devolution

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor RV Arlekar announced that the TVK regime, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, will take steps to ensure fair financial devolution from the Centre, including pursuing the matter in the Supreme Court. The government also plans to conduct a 'Social Justice Survey' and address the state's severe financial deterioration.

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.

Revanth unveils NTR statue in outreach to TDP sympathisers

Revanth unveils NTR statue in outreach to TDP sympathisers

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of TDP founder N T Rama Rao in Hyderabad, aiming to appeal to TDP supporters ahead of upcoming civic polls. The move is seen as an attempt by the Congress to gain ground in areas with a significant Andhra Pradesh-native voter base.

'BJP Wants Opposition-Mukt Bengal'

'BJP Wants Opposition-Mukt Bengal'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'BJP wanted a compromised Opposition and found a match in this faction of the Trinamool.'

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chennai police arrested 10 foreign nationals for allegedly casting illegal votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent documents.

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

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.

Bengal polls: Security forces clash with locals over EVM glitch in Birbhum

Bengal polls: Security forces clash with locals over EVM glitch in Birbhum

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Clashes erupted between locals and security personnel in West Bengal's Birbhum district after allegations of EVM malfunctioning triggered tension during the first phase of the state assembly elections.

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.

Only illiterate people in Gujarat...: Kharge sparks row

Only illiterate people in Gujarat...: Kharge sparks row

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial statement during an assembly poll campaign speech in Kerala, referring to the people of Gujarat as 'illiterate' and claiming they are being 'fooled' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Violence reported during early hours of polling in Bengal, BJP agent assaulted

Violence reported during early hours of polling in Bengal, BJP agent assaulted

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from parts of West Bengal during the early hours of voting in the second phase of the assembly elections on Wednesday, police said. The incidents were reported from multiple locations, including Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala and Bhangar, they said.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

New CM Shivakumar battles discontent over portfolio allocation

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Karnataka Minister K H Muniyappa has publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the new D K Shivakumar government, citing a lack of consideration for seniority. He urged the Congress leadership to review the assignments, highlighting his preference for portfolios like Social Welfare or Agriculture, and noted that another senior minister, Ramalinga Reddy, also resigned over the issue.

'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.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Ex-Uttarakhand CM B C Khanduri Dies At 91

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Major General Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri (retd), former Uttarakhand chief minister and respected BJP leader, has died at 91.

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

3 yrs on, defeated BJP leader wins Sringeri in recount; Cong MLA loses seat

Rediff.com5 May 2026

D N Jeevaraj of the BJP has been declared the MLA for Sringeri after a recount of postal ballots, following a High Court order. This reverses the 2023 election result where Congress candidate T D Raje Gowda had won.

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Shiv Sena at 60: Uddhav group fights for existence, Shinde's for relevance

Rediff.com7 days ago

As the Shiv Sena marks 60 years, political experts highlight the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction's existential crisis and the Eknath Shinde-led group's struggle for relevance in the face of a dominant BJP, a significant shift from the party's historical 'elder brother' status in Maharashtra.

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

West Bengal CID Takes Over Probe Into Abhishek Banerjee's Alleged Inflammatory Statements

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The West Bengal CID has taken over the investigation into alleged inflammatory statements made by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee during the assembly election campaign. An FIR was registered against Banerjee based on a complaint alleging provocative comments on post-poll violence and vote counting, with links to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The CID will now examine all evidence and proceed with the investigation.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com4 days ago

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.