News for 'civic body'

Assembly elections voter list to be used for Maha civic polls: SEC

Assembly elections voter list to be used for Maha civic polls: SEC

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

The State Election Commission will adopt the voters' list of the assembly elections for civic polls, the Bombay high court was told on Tuesday, while hearing a plea by an 18-year-old woman who claimed her application to enrol as a voter after she turned 18 in April 2025 was not accepted.

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

Polling held for over 100 civic bodies in Punjab

Polling held for over 100 civic bodies in Punjab

Rediff.com14 Feb 2021

Polling was held for over hundred civic bodies in Punjab on Sunday amid stray incidents of skirmishes at some places.

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

BMC results: Congress reduced to marginal force

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Congress party experienced a significant decline in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning a mere 15 seats out of 227. Analysts attribute the poor performance to strategic missteps, infighting, and a failure to connect with voters amidst linguistic and religious polarization.

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

With local body elections approaching in Maharashtra, a significant portion of the Congress party is advocating for contesting independently to regain lost ground amidst the BJP's growing influence. The party is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Fadnavis slams decision to postpone local body polls

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has criticized the State Election Commission's decision to postpone some local body elections, calling it unfair to candidates. The decision follows petitions and sub judice matters, which Fadnavis argues should not halt the election process. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also expressed disappointment, while tensions rise between BJP and Shiv Sena in Sindhudurg ahead of local polls.

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

BJP dominates Maha municipal polls, tops five of six divisions

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

The BJP has emerged as the most dominant force in the recently-held municipal council and nagar panchayat elections in Maharashtra, securing the highest number of seats in five out of the state's six administrative divisions.

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

HC defers counting of votes in Maha local polls to Dec 21

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule blames the State Election Commission (SEC) for the Bombay High Court's decision to defer the counting of votes for local bodies polls, citing 'misinterpretation of laws'.

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Mumbai to get world-standard exotic birds park in eastern suburbs

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will develop an international-standard exotic birds park at Nahur to create a new tourism attraction. The park will feature 24 independent habitats designed to replicate the birds' natural environments and will house rare and colourful species from Australia, Africa and America.

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Following the UDF's victory in local body polls, KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph suggests Kerala Congress (M) consider rejoining the UDF. He also discusses expanding the UDF base and potentially including Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar.

BMC, 9 other Maha civic bodies go to polls on Feb 21

BMC, 9 other Maha civic bodies go to polls on Feb 21

Rediff.com11 Jan 2017

Counting of votes will take place on February 23. Model code comes into force.

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Maha civic polls marred by violence, bogus voting allegations

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The first phase of polling for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra was disrupted by violence and allegations of bogus voting. Clashes occurred between supporters of ruling allies BJP, NCP, and Shiv Sena. The Bombay High Court directed the SEC to postpone the counting of votes.

Bombay plans to allow pigeon feeding for 2 hours a day

Bombay plans to allow pigeon feeding for 2 hours a day

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

The Bombay High Court has directed the city civic body to invite objections before allowing controlled pigeon feeding at Dadar Kabutarkhana.

Absconding Kerala MLA turns up to vote in civic polls

Absconding Kerala MLA turns up to vote in civic polls

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil cast his vote in the local body polls after securing protection from arrest in two sexual assault cases. He faced protests from CPI(M)'s youth wing.

After assembly rout, BRS voted out of many civic body posts

After assembly rout, BRS voted out of many civic body posts

Rediff.com28 May 2024

The number of no-confidence motions is seen as unprecedented and the Congress bagging the posts of chiefs of Urban Local Bodies is expected to strengthen the party in urban areas.

Jain monk begins indefinite fast over kabutarkhana closure

Jain monk begins indefinite fast over kabutarkhana closure

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

The monk claimed that since the closure of the feeding area, the pigeon population has drastically declined.

Day after Bihar drubbing, Cong signals to fight BMC poll solo

Day after Bihar drubbing, Cong signals to fight BMC poll solo

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad announced the party's intention to contest the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections independently, signaling a potential strain within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

UP: Cow stranded on 4th floor sends locals in panic

UP: Cow stranded on 4th floor sends locals in panic

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

A cow stranded on the fourth floor of a building in Lucknow was rescued by authorities after residents raised concerns.

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

When Votes Come With a Price Tag, Is It Still Democracy?

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra municipal elections showed a troubling shift, where votes were traded for cash, convictions no longer mattered, and ideology became an afterthought, observes Ramesh Menon.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

'Devendra Fadnavis Is King of Kings'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

'If the BJP had contested all 227 seats, I believe they would have managed to secure a majority on their own.'

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

MP: Cong councillor disqualified in 'love jihad' funding case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

Anwar Qadri, a Congress councillor in Indore, India, has been removed from his position due to allegations of funding 'love jihad'. This action follows his arrest and accusations of providing funds to lure women into converting to Islam. The move has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party facing criticism and the BJP accused of engaging in communal politics.

Downpour slows down Mumbai traffic, IMD issues alert

Downpour slows down Mumbai traffic, IMD issues alert

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and water-logging slowed down traffic in Mumbai, with the IMD issuing a 'red alert', predicting very heavy showers in the city and neighbouring areas. Commuters faced water accumulation on tracks and delays in local train services.

Three dead, over 100 hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in MP

Three dead, over 100 hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in MP

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

At least three people have died and over 100 hospitalized in Indore, India, after allegedly drinking contaminated water. Residents claim the death toll is higher. Authorities are investigating the source of the contamination and providing medical assistance.

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Fragmented opposition hands BJP its first shot at BMC

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Multi-cornered contests, deep divisions within the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, reflected in the Congress and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray fighting separately and lack of a robust plan among its rivals helped the Bharatiya Janata Party in Mumbai polls as it looks poised to rule India's richest civic body for the first time.

Will take up arms for religion: Jain monk on pigeon feeding ban

Will take up arms for religion: Jain monk on pigeon feeding ban

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

The BMC's decision to ban public feeding of pigeons in view of health hazards associated with the practice and close kabutarkhanas has led to a controversy. People who feed pigeons have challenged the civic body's decision in the Bombay high court.

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The process to merge the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.

Rebuilt British-era south Mumbai bridge named after Op Sindoor

Rebuilt British-era south Mumbai bridge named after Op Sindoor

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

The east-west connector, earlier known as the Carnac Bridge and named after former Bombay Province governor James Rivett Carnac, who held the office from 1839 to 1841, has been rechristened as 'Sindoor Bridge' (after Operation Sindoor).

SC stays MP civic body order, allows Christian prayer meeting

SC stays MP civic body order, allows Christian prayer meeting

Rediff.com10 Apr 2024

The petition was filed against the order of the high court upholding the revocation of the nod to hold the prayer meet.

ED chargesheets RG Kar ex-principal in medical college irregularities

ED chargesheets RG Kar ex-principal in medical college irregularities

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, naming former principal Sandip Ghosh and others as accused.

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

Only 8 shelters for 90,000 stray dogs: BMC on SC order

Only 8 shelters for 90,000 stray dogs: BMC on SC order

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

Mumbai faces a shortage of dog shelters following a Supreme Court order to relocate stray canines after sterilization and vaccination. The city has over 90,000 stray dogs but only eight shelters, requiring significant expansion to comply with the court's directive.

BMC scraps Turkish robotic lifebuoy deal over Pak support

BMC scraps Turkish robotic lifebuoy deal over Pak support

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

The remotely-operated rescue machines, designed to assist lifeguards in saving people from drowning, were to be deployed at Girgaum Chowpatty, Shivaji Park Dadar, Juhu, Versova, Aksa and Gorai beaches, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Monday.

Lodge FIR if dog feeders are harassed, says SC

Lodge FIR if dog feeders are harassed, says SC

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court declined to intervene in allegations of harassment against women dog feeders, stating it's a law and order issue. The court is hearing arguments in the stray dogs case and addressed concerns about unregulated breeding and exotic imports.

Mumbai, other civic polls to be held by Jan 31: SC

Mumbai, other civic polls to be held by Jan 31: SC

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Maharashtra State Election Commission to complete the stalled local body polls by January 31, 2026, criticizing the commission for non-compliance with previous orders.

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Bengal polls: Amit Shah lays tough rules for BJP, brings Dilip Ghosh back

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed BJP leaders to intensify grassroots outreach in West Bengal, setting performance benchmarks for the upcoming state elections. He emphasized party unity and the importance of booth-level workers.

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Raj Thackeray denies talk of alliance with Uddhav Sena

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray denies making remarks about a potential alliance with Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing the media of misquoting him. He clarifies his statements regarding a joint rally with Uddhav Thackeray.

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Through policy interventions, Indian cities need to be reimagined as a network of inter-connected assets and services which serve to strengthen the social contract between citizens and their cities by improving their quality of life, the Economic Survey has flagged.

Didn't order removal of every dog from streets: SC

Didn't order removal of every dog from streets: SC

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court clarified that it has not ordered the removal of all stray dogs, but rather that they should be treated according to Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The court heard arguments on the issue, addressing concerns about rodent populations, hospital safety, and the implementation of existing regulations.