News for 'constituent assembly'

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

India's Republic Faces Ambedkar Test

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

TMC alleges attacks on party offices, BJP denies involvement

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.

'Worst own goal': Mani Shankar Aiyar slams Cong-TVK tie-up

'Worst own goal': Mani Shankar Aiyar slams Cong-TVK tie-up

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has criticised his party's decision to ally with the TVK in Tamil Nadu, calling it 'dreadful' and 'low political opportunism'. He fears it could facilitate the entry of the BJP into Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political landscape.

Assam Congress Candidate Sunil Kumar Chetry Attacked During Campaigning

Assam Congress Candidate Sunil Kumar Chetry Attacked During Campaigning

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Congress candidate Sunil Kumar Chetry was injured in an attack during campaigning in Assam's Naduar constituency, leading to accusations against the BJP.

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Budget Session may be extended to increase Lok Sabha seats to 816

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Parliament is expected to extend its budget session to introduce a bill increasing Lok Sabha seats to 816, reserving 273 for women, and amending the women's reservation law.

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Intense battle of ballot in Tamil Nadu's cradle Of democracy

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

There is something that makes the Uthiramerur assembly constituency in Kancheepuram district special.

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Bengal's upcoming 2026 election may hinge on the impact of recent electoral roll revisions, particularly in 65-70 closely contested constituencies where victory margins are slim. The deletion of over 90 lakh names, especially in key areas like Nandigram, Bhabanipur, and the Matua belt, has redrawn the electoral map, potentially influencing the outcome for both the TMC and BJP.

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged TMC candidates and agents to remain vigilant at counting centres, alleging a 'game plan' by the BJP and the Election Commission to show the BJP taking an early lead.

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata, including the residence of TMC MLA Debashis Kumar and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Mamata Banerjee's candidature. The TMC alleges the raids are politically motivated.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee shared a poem titled 'Brave' after her party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls. The poem invokes courage, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a message to the TMC cadre.

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Vijay to take oath as TN CM on Sunday; vote of confidence by May 13

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Vijay was appointed CM after he presented letters of support from the VCK and the IUML who have two MLAs each.

Praveen Chakravarthy: Meet The Man Behind The Congress-TVK Alliance

Praveen Chakravarthy: Meet The Man Behind The Congress-TVK Alliance

Rediff.com21 May 2026

'On the day of the results itself, Vijay personally requested Rahul Gandhi for support from the Congress.'

TVK chief Vijay updates poll affidavit, declares pending FIRs

TVK chief Vijay updates poll affidavit, declares pending FIRs

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

TVK chief Vijay, a candidate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, has filed a revised election affidavit disclosing two pending FIRs, addressing discrepancies in his initial filing.

Why An MP Was Booked For Calling Modi 'Anti-National'

Why An MP Was Booked For Calling Modi 'Anti-National'

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Samajwadi Party MP Ajendra Singh Lodhi has been booked in Mahoba for allegedly assaulting a public official and promoting hate speech after referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'anti-national'. The BJP is staging protests across Uttar Pradesh in response to the remarks.

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Women voters shift away from TMC despite welfare push

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Women voters in West Bengal appear to be shifting their priorities beyond financial assistance, placing greater emphasis on governance and accountability, according to post-election analysis. This shift may have contributed to the Trinamool Congress's (TMC) losses in the recent assembly election, as the BJP's promises and other factors influenced voter sentiment.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries expected to attend. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and secure ceremony.

TVK chief Vijay booked for poll code breach during Chennai campaign

TVK chief Vijay booked for poll code breach during Chennai campaign

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

TVK chief Vijay and his party cadres have been booked under various sections of BNS 2023, including alleged violation of MCC regulations during his campaign in Chennai for the upcoming polls.

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Cong keeps Kerala CM decision under wraps after key meet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan said the party high command was likely to take a final decision on Kerala's next CM within 24 hours as lobbying intensifies among the three top contenders for the chief minister's post.

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Tamil Nadu Elections?

How Many Crorepatis Are Fighting Tamil Nadu Elections?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

The polling for the Tamil Nadu Assembly's 234 seats will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Support for TVK: Left in huddle, VCK to announce stand on Sat

Rediff.com8 May 2026

TVK's chances of forming a government in Tamil Nadu are uncertain as it seeks support from Left parties and VCK after winning its maiden Assembly election. The Left parties are deliberating, while VCK will announce its decision on Saturday, adding suspense to the political situation.

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.

RR skipper Riyan Parag casts vote amid IPL 2026

RR skipper Riyan Parag casts vote amid IPL 2026

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag voted in the Assam Assembly elections in Guwahati, accompanied by his parents.

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Why Congress-DMK split threatens INDIA bloc's existence

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The INDIA bloc faces a significant challenge as the Congress and DMK part ways, raising questions about the alliance's future and unity.

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Left falls in Kerala, UDF storms back to power; BJP wins 3 seats

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Initial vote counting in the Kerala Assembly elections indicates a significant lead for the Congress-led UDF, suggesting a potential shift in power.

'Backstabber': DMK on ally Cong's decision to back Vijay's TVK

'Backstabber': DMK on ally Cong's decision to back Vijay's TVK

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The DMK has criticised its ally Congress for supporting Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) to form the government, calling the decision a 'backstab'. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused Congress of being an 'unstable partner' and betraying the INDIA alliance.

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

Rediff.com4 May 2026

In a dramatic election mirroring the Nandigram contest, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, marking a significant victory for the BJP and a setback for the Trinamool Congress.

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of candidates contesting the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for key battles with the AIADMK and other parties.

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Bengal polls: Why South Bengal's 91 seats will decide battle for Nabanna

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's electoral chessboard, governments are rarely made in the hills of North Bengal or the forested region of Jangalmahal. Power is usually decided in the crowded plains of South Bengal, where elections are won less by momentum and more by mathematics.

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Did These Election Promises Win Tamil Nadu For Vijay?

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor-politician Vijay's TVK party is likely to form the government, bringing focus to their election promises, including gold for marriage, financial assistance for women, and job creation.

CM vs LoP: Bhabanipur gears up for mega battle between Mamata, Suvendu

CM vs LoP: Bhabanipur gears up for mega battle between Mamata, Suvendu

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Bhabanipur is set to be the focal point of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari preparing for a high-stakes political battle. The constituency will witness rival processions and symbolic gestures as both parties aim to assert their dominance.

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

'BJP Has Seen Defeat For 40 Years. That's Why It Never Loses In Gujarat Today'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'

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.

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.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.