News for 'chief electoral officer'

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

West Bengal Polls: Mamata Banerjee Can't Underestimate BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.

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.

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Shah plotting to spark unrest, impose President's rule in Bengal: Mamata

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the Election Commission for allegedly failing to protect judicial officers involved in electoral roll revisions in Malda district. She accused the EC of lacking control over law and order and enabling the BJP's alleged attempts to disrupt the election process.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal marks a significant turning point in her political career, challenging her ability to rebuild and regain influence after a long period of dominance.

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming assembly polls as a form of 'revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging foul play and urging vigilance during the election process.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

Vijay's unconventional journey from 'Thalapathy' to 'Muthalvan'

Vijay's unconventional journey from 'Thalapathy' to 'Muthalvan'

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay's journey from a shy film star to a political leader is explored, highlighting his unconventional methods and the key moments that shaped his transformation.

Be ready for SIR rollout by Sep 30: EC tells state officers

Be ready for SIR rollout by Sep 30: EC tells state officers

Rediff.com21 Sep 2025

Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal are due in 2026.

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

SC seeks EC response on TMC MPs' plea over Bengal electoral rolls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Election Commission on a plea by Trinamool Congress MPs alleging irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Stepping up political pressure ahead of the assembly elections, the Congress-led Opposition bloc in Assam has lodged an FIR against state Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Saikia, accusing him of directing BJP MLAs to delete Opposition voters during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls.

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Both Dravidian majors defeated for first time since 1967

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's newly formed party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a surprising and strong showing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leading in nearly 100 constituencies and leaving established Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK trailing.

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who won both the Nandigram and Bhabanipur seats in West Bengal, has announced he will vacate one of the constituencies within 10 days, leaving the decision to the party leadership.

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'.

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

High-pitched campaign for Phase 1 of Bengal polls ends

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Winning Bengal Was The Hard Part For The BJP... Governing It May Prove Even Harder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Guwahati Court Rejects NBW Against Pawan Khera

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'The grounds shown by the investigating officer (IO) for issuance of non-bailable warrant were 'entirely based on presumptions and conjectures, and are not supported by any material on record',' the court said.

Why Rajya Sabha Chairman Rejected Opposition Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Why Rajya Sabha Chairman Rejected Opposition Motion to Remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan rejected the opposition's motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing a lack of evidence of misbehaviour and the fact that some charges are under judicial review.

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Kerala Win, Assam Loss Exposes Congress Crisis

Rediff.com7 May 2026

If current trends persist, the Congress risks becoming increasingly regionally concentrated, dependent on a handful of states rather than functioning as a truly pan-India political force.

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

SIR process only for deletion, not inclusion, Mamata tells SC

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Banerjee is personally present in court room one along with her lawyers. A gate pass was issued in the chief minister's name on Tuesday.

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with millions of voters deciding the fate of numerous candidates across various constituencies. The elections are crucial for determining the future governance and political landscape of these regions.

TN governor says Vijay lacks majority; eyes on DMK allies' next move

TN governor says Vijay lacks majority; eyes on DMK allies' next move

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar informed TVK chief Vijay that his party lacks the necessary support to form the government. TVK is intensifying efforts to gain support from Left parties, VCK, and IUML. The Governor's decision has sparked protests and political debate in the state.

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

RS, LS reject Opposition motion to remove CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Lok Sabha Speaker reject opposition notices to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing insufficient grounds.

Bihar: VVPAT slips found on roadside, official suspended

Bihar: VVPAT slips found on roadside, official suspended

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

An assistant returning officer in Samastipur, Bihar, was suspended and a case registered against him after VVPAT slips were found on the roadside. The Election Commission initiated an inquiry after a video of the incident went viral.

Assam Candidate Alleges Deepfake Smear Campaign

Assam Candidate Alleges Deepfake Smear Campaign

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Opposition Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury has filed a police complaint regarding alleged deepfake videos circulating on social media that defame her family, following claims made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about her mother's food habits.

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

SC orders independent tribunals for Bengal voter list appeals

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the establishment of independent appellate tribunals, led by former high court judges, to address appeals related to voter list exclusions in West Bengal, while also cautioning against undermining judicial officers involved in the process.

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video purportedly showing Humayun Kabir claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Goa voter list revision reveals 90,000 discrepancies

Goa voter list revision reveals 90,000 discrepancies

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

As many as 90,000 electors in Goa have either been found absent, shifted, deceased or possessing duplicate voter cards in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, a senior official said on Sunday.

10 Vijay Films That Defined The Thalapathy

10 Vijay Films That Defined The Thalapathy

Rediff.com4 May 2026

As Vijay is set to lead Tamil Nadu after a historic electoral win, we take a look back at films that built his mass appeal while affirming how cinema shaped his larger-than-life public persona.

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Why BJP Claims TMC Rule Is On 'Borrowed Time' In Bengal

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, accusing it of crushing democracy and fostering lawlessness in the state. He highlighted alleged political violence, economic decline, and disrespect for constitutional posts under the TMC's rule.

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A new study alleges that Muslim voters are disproportionately represented in Logical Discrepancy (LD) lists during Kolkata's voter roll revision, raising concerns about potential bias in the electoral process.

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.

EC likely to hold special SIR camps for sex workers in Kolkata

EC likely to hold special SIR camps for sex workers in Kolkata

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

The decision came amid rising concerns in the city's red-light districts over difficulties in completing SIR enumeration forms.

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

About 24 lakh Kerala voters remain untraced after enumeration

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer announces that over 2.4 million voters are untraced after the enumeration stage of electoral roll revision, raising concerns among political parties.

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

'Bihar May Follow Gujarat Template'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'Samrat Chaudhury's limited independent standing within the party, his reliance on the central leadership for his elevation, and his lack of a personal mass base all point toward this outcome.'

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Congress of Aiding BJP in West Bengal

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.