News for 'chief election commissioner'

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar: Oppn on NDA's big Bihar win

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance appeared to register a landslide victory in Bihar, opening up impressive leads in more than 180 of the state's 243 assembly seats, with early trends also indicating that the saffron party was on track to post its biggest tally.

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is expected to initiate a phased, pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list, prioritizing states with upcoming assembly elections. This cleanup exercise aims to weed out illegal foreign migrants and ensure accurate electoral rolls.

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Right now, only a little, will release more: Rahul on vote theft charges

Rediff.com9 Nov 2025

Rahul Gandhi alleges that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an attempt to cover up "vote theft" and institutionalize it, claiming similar incidents occurred in other states.

EC warns parties over 'misuse' of AI tools in Bihar poll

EC warns parties over 'misuse' of AI tools in Bihar poll

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Publishing and transmitting synthetically generated information is a deep threat and challenge because of its ability to masquerade as the truth, it said in a communication addressed to party presidents, chairpersons and general secretaries.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that a 'systematic vote chori' method, evolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission to 'kill Indian democracy', will be deployed in the Bihar assembly polls as well.

Rahul warns CEC, 2 ECs of stern action when INDIA bloc forms govt

Rahul warns CEC, 2 ECs of stern action when INDIA bloc forms govt

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on the Election Commission, accusing them of 'vote chori' and warning of action if the INDIA bloc forms the government. He alleged a 'new special package' for Bihar, named SIR (Special Intensive Revision), is a 'new form of vote theft'.

'Vague Allegations Against Election Commission Unfair'

'Vague Allegations Against Election Commission Unfair'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'To attribute motives to the individual election commissioner or the Election Commission as a group is very unfair.'

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

2 more BLOs die, outrage over 'work load' intensifies

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

This is the fourth such death reported in the state since the exercise began on November 4, sparking a political blame game.

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Man to drag Rahul Gandhi to police for sharing phone number

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

Anjani Mishra, a resident of Prayagraj, is planning to file a police complaint after his mobile number was shared by Rahul Gandhi at a press conference, leading to hundreds of unwanted calls.

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Ex-CEC calls EC's response to Rahul 'objectionable'

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defends its directive to verify the identity of burqa-clad women at Bihar polling stations, citing a 1994 order issued during T N Seshan's tenure.

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Security beefed up at Indian mission in Bangladesh

Security beefed up at Indian mission in Bangladesh

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

Security has been strengthened at the Indian Assistant High Commission office and the visa application centre in Bangladesh's Sylhet city in the wake of heightened tensions following the death of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, officials said on Saturday.

CJI recuses from plea over EC selection panel

CJI recuses from plea over EC selection panel

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday recused from hearing a batch of pleas challenging the exclusion of the CJI from the panel meant for selecting the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. The CJI, who was sitting on the bench with Justice Sanjay Kumar, told the advocates appearing for the PIL petitioners that he couldn't hear the pleas now. The cases will now be listed before another bench after the winter break.

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Hindu youth jumps into canal to escape mob in Bangladesh, dies

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A 25-year-old Hindu man died after jumping into a canal to escape a mob which accused him of theft in northwestern Bangladesh, in the latest incident of violence targeting the minority community. The incident highlights rising concerns about communal violence in the lead-up to general elections.

NDA ally to contest separately in Bihar after snub

NDA ally to contest separately in Bihar after snub

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), an NDA member, announced it will contest 153 seats in the upcoming Bihar elections after not being allocated any seats by the NDA. The party claims the BJP's Bihar unit provided a negative report regarding their strength.

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

We will deport every infiltrator from India: Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar polls was a mandate against infiltrators in the country because citizens will never favour those parties that support such illegal immigrants.

Mamata took away 'key evidence' during raid: ED's big charge

Mamata took away 'key evidence' during raid: ED's big charge

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The ED said the actions of Banerjee and the Kolkata Police commissioner resulted in "obstructions" in the ongoing investigation and proceedings being undertaken as per the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

'My Enemy's Enemy Is My Friend' Is Bangladesh's Dictum'

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

'Pakistan's role in Bangladesh will always be negative, since it's a one-point agenda is hostility against India.'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

SC refuses plea for SIT probe into Rahul's Bengaluru 'vote chori' charge

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking a special investigation team (SIT) probe into alleged electoral roll manipulation in Bengaluru Central and other constituencies, advising the petitioner to approach the Election Commission of India.

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

2nd phase of voter revision in 12 states, UTs from Nov-Feb

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Election Commission will conduct phase two of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union territories between November and February, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Monday.

New CEC Takes Charge

New CEC Takes Charge

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar took charge in New Delhi.

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

SIR to begin in 9 states, 3 UTs tomorrow

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Election Commission's voters' list cleanup exercise, will commence in nine states and three Union territories from Tuesday.

Being spied upon by Mumbai police, claims Maha Cong chief

Being spied upon by Mumbai police, claims Maha Cong chief

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal alleges Mumbai police surveillance, claiming an officer entered his room. He questions if CM Fadnavis ordered the snooping. BJP denies the allegations. Sapkal also raises questions about a hostage situation and accuses the CM of shielding criminals.

Protesters in Bangladesh demand 'ban on Indians'

Protesters in Bangladesh demand 'ban on Indians'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

A rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, organized by the Inqilab Moncho party, demanded justice for slain student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and called for the cancellation of work permits for all Indians residing in Bangladesh. The protest also sought the repatriation of alleged killers believed to be in India, further straining relations between the two countries.

Bihar polls: EC launches ECINet app among 17 new initiatives

Bihar polls: EC launches ECINet app among 17 new initiatives

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Election Commission (EC) has announced 17 new initiatives for the Bihar Assembly polls, including compulsory webcasting, mobile phone-deposit facilities, and measures to improve voter turnout and accessibility.

2 BLOs 'succumb to SIR work pressure' in MP; 1 found dead in WB

2 BLOs 'succumb to SIR work pressure' in MP; 1 found dead in WB

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

Two teachers-cum-Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Madhya Pradesh died of illness while conducting voter list surveys. Relatives allege heavy workload and pressure to meet targets as the cause. A third BLO is missing.

Vote deletion can't be done online: EC on Rahul charge

Vote deletion can't be done online: EC on Rahul charge

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Election Commission has refuted allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that CEC Gyanesh Kumar is protecting 'vote chors,' calling the claims incorrect and baseless.

Such egregious behaviour...: Cong on new CEC's appointment

Such egregious behaviour...: Cong on new CEC's appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said in a hasty midnight move, the government has notified the appointment of the new CEC.

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Khaleda Zia laid to rest with state honour amid tight security

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Funeral prayers were held for Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia amid tight security. Millions joined the namaz-e-janaza of Zia, a three-time Prime Minister and political icon of Bangladesh.

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Indian EVMs tamper-proof: EC after US intel chief's remark

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The Congress demanded that the government and the Election Commission come clean on the EVM issue and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

Bihar electoral rolls: Deleted 65L names published online post SIR

Bihar electoral rolls: Deleted 65L names published online post SIR

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Following a Supreme Court directive, details of names deleted from Bihar's draft electoral rolls have been published online. The Election Commission defends the special intensive revision process.

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Why matches were moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The Karnataka State Cricket Association has failed to comply with the safety and security requirements at M Chinnaswamy stadium, said Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara.

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted allegations by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the Commission is being run by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The ECI said it is a three-member body and has collectively noted "repeated deliberate pressure tactics" to malign the poll authority in the Delhi elections. The ECI has decided to exercise constitutional restraint and not be swayed by such insinuations. The AAP has alleged that the EC has been ignoring the BJP's alleged violations of poll code, and that Kumar is not taking action against the BJP to secure a post-retirement assignment. Delhi goes to polls on Wednesday.

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Midnight decision disrespectful: Rahul on CEC appointment

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's decision to appoint Gyanesh Kumar as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in the middle of the night, arguing that it is "disrespectful" and "discourteous" given the ongoing Supreme Court challenge to the selection process. Gandhi presented a dissent note to the selection committee, stating that the process violates the Supreme Court order and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Bihar to vote on Nov 6, 11 in 2 phases; results on Nov 14

Bihar to vote on Nov 6, 11 in 2 phases; results on Nov 14

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The entire election process will be concluded by November 16.