News for 'bihar elections'

Drunken Brawl Over Bihar Election Leads To Murder, Jail For MP Men

Drunken Brawl Over Bihar Election Leads To Murder, Jail For MP Men

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A court in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the murder of their relative following a drunken brawl over the Bihar assembly election results last year.

Voter list 'purified', Bihar elections before...: CEC

Voter list 'purified', Bihar elections before...: CEC

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar expressed satisfaction over the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, stating that the exercise has 'purified' the voters' list after 22 years. He made the announcement during a press conference in Patna.

Why actor Neetu Chandra was removed as Bihar election icon

Why actor Neetu Chandra was removed as Bihar election icon

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Chandra, a native of Patna, appeared in several Bollywood movies such as 'Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!' and 'Garam Masala'.

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

The Bihar I Have Begun To Believe In

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Bihar's greatest resource is not beneath its soil but above it -- its people. With a population approaching 140 million and one of India's youngest demographic profiles, Bihar possesses an asset many societies would envy, explains Bihar Governor Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

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.

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Petitions have been filed in the Patna High Court challenging the election of 45 members of the Bihar legislative assembly, including Speaker Prem Kumar.

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.com4 days ago

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.

Welfare Spending Pushes Four States Into Red

Welfare Spending Pushes Four States Into Red

Rediff.com4 days ago

Election-related freebies and populist measures are other factors crimping the revenue profile of these states.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

BJP's Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM on Wednesday

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Newly-elected leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislative party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state.

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Nitish Kumar Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

On Friday, April 10, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan administered the oath to Nitish Kumar as Bihar's elected Rajya Sabha MP at Parliament House, New Delhi.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com4 days ago

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Nitish Kumar steps down, makes way for BJP-Led government in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has resigned, dissolving his cabinet and paving the way for a potential BJP-led government in the state. The BJP, the largest party in the assembly, is set to elect its legislature party leader.

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

Rediff.com4 days ago

Jayaprakash Narayan was called the 'Second Mahatma'. He issued the clarion call against government corruption in June 1974 that ignited a fierce student movement that shook the Indira Gandhi government from the foundation to the rafters. His modest home in Patna is almost forgotten, only remembered on special anniversaries.

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Banerjee Alleges BJP Bribes Voters, Calls Electoral Roll Revision a 'Scam'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of bribing voters and has labelled the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a major scam. She also predicted the BJP government at the Centre would fall in 2026.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar MLC; all eyes on next CM

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Following his election to the Rajya Sabha, Nitish Kumar is set to resign from the Bihar Legislative Council, adhering to constitutional requirements and prompting speculation about future political strategies in Bihar.

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Bihar government drops Sanjay Gandhi's name from Patna zoo, dairy institute

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, has renamed the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park as 'Patna Zoo' and the Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology as 'Bihar State Institute of Dairy Technology'. The cabinet also approved significant allocations for electricity subsidies, college establishments, and infrastructure projects.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

'Nitish Kumar may switch sides after Bihar elections'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has predicted that JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will contest the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar in alliance with the BJP but may switch sides later, with hopes for another term as the chief minister. Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, also asserted that Kumar's popularity has declined and he is unlikely to win a fifth consecutive term. He challenged the BJP to declare Kumar as the chief ministerial candidate, arguing that they would struggle to win seats if they did so. Kishor also criticized Kumar's leadership, accusing him of being "physically tired and mentally retired" and of "bringing disrepute to Bihar" by touching Prime Minister Narendra Modi's feet. He said his new party will enter the fray to pull Bihar "out of the political rut" and that the state's much-touted prohibition policy is an example of the BJP's duplicity.

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Samrat Choudhary's govt wins trust vote in Bihar assembly

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The BJP-led government in Bihar secured a vote of confidence in the state assembly, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary pledging economic development and significant investments. The motion was passed amidst heated debates and accusations between the ruling NDA and the opposition, highlighting political tensions and differing views on issues like women's reservation.

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Bihar set for first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary to create history as CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the BJP legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The TMC has intensified its attack on the BJP, alleging a 'larger conspiracy' involving central agencies ahead of the second phase of West Bengal polls on April 29, while also questioning the credibility of the Election Commission.

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Nitish calls key Cabinet meet on Tuesday; exit likely, new CM on April 15

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a crucial Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

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.com21 May 2026

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.

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

JD-U reveals why it ceded Bihar's reins to BJP after Nitish exit

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The JD(U) stated that it supported the BJP for the Bihar chief minister's post to reciprocate past support, as the new government prepares for a vote of confidence.

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.com19 Jun 2026

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.

Samrat Choudhary's full circle: From sacked Rabri minister to Bihar CM

Samrat Choudhary's full circle: From sacked Rabri minister to Bihar CM

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

It has been a chequered political journey for Samrat Choudhary, who began his political career as a minister in Bihar nearly three decades ago, only to be removed by the then-Governor following allegations about his eligibility.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Political activity in Bihar is all set to intensify once the inauspicious kharmas period ends on April 14. Will Nitish Kumar pull another rabbit out of his hat? M I Khan reports.

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

How NDA Won All 5 Rajya Sabha Seats In Bihar

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

The Opposition had the numbers to win one Rajya Sabha seat from Bihar. As it turned out, four MLAs skipped the voting, helping the NDA to sweep the polls.

Bihar BJP supports Shah's accusations against West Bengal government

Bihar BJP supports Shah's accusations against West Bengal government

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Bihar BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi supports Amit Shah's allegations that the TMC government in West Bengal is harbouring infiltrators and obstructing border fencing.

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Bihar gets first BJP-led govt; Samrat Choudhary takes oath as CM

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Samrat Choudhary's appointment as Bihar's Chief Minister marks a significant milestone for the BJP, ushering in a new era of leadership in the state's political landscape.

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Pashupati Paras quits NDA ahead of Bihar elections

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras announced that his Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) is no longer part of the BJP-led NDA, citing the alliance's support for his estranged nephew Chirag Paswan. Paras also accused Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of being "anti-Dalit" and demanded a Bharat Ratna for his late brother Ram Vilas Paswan, calling him the "second Ambedkar."

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com4 days ago

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

India Under The Summer Sun

India Under The Summer Sun

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Summer, no matter how hot, cannot slow down life in India. The season's rhythms must go on. There is great beauty to an Indian summer and these 10 pics tell that story...

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

'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.

BJP leader Prem Kumar 'unanimously' elected Bihar Speaker

BJP leader Prem Kumar 'unanimously' elected Bihar Speaker

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Veteran BJP leader Prem Kumar was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Bihar assembly. The election took place on Tuesday, with Kumar being the sole candidate for the position.

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Time for change, not revenge: Modi hails Bengal victory

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed BJP workers after the party's performance in assembly elections, urging an end to political violence in West Bengal and a focus on the state's future.