News for 'election commission'

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

EC asks Tejashwi Yadav to hand over voter ID for probe

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

The Election Commission has asked RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav to hand over a voter ID card for investigation after he claimed to possess it despite it not being officially issued. The controversy arose after Yadav alleged discrepancies in the electoral rolls and claimed his voter ID number was changed.

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Are There Infiltrators On Bihar's Voter Lists?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

'If this is true, the Election Commission should come forward with data and officially confirm it.'

'For The First Time Voters Will Have To Prove Their Indian Citizenship'

'For The First Time Voters Will Have To Prove Their Indian Citizenship'

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'40 percent of voters in Bihar will be excluded.'

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In another post, Trump is seen hoisting a US flag in Greenland, with a milepost that reads, "Greenland US Territory Est 2026".

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

'Dholak, gulal, firecrackers': NDA celebrates Bihar victory

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

"2005 se lekar aaj tak... logon ne dekha hai kaun sarkar chalata hai aur kaun sirf hawa banata hai, (From 2005 till today, people know who actually governs and who just makes noise)," said Ramesh Yadav, a booth worker from Nalanda who claimed he had attended every JD-U celebration since Nitish's debut win.

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

EC bars bulk SMSes, political ads in Bihar's 'silent hour'

EC bars bulk SMSes, political ads in Bihar's 'silent hour'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

The Election Commission has warned against the use of bulk SMSes and audio messages during the 48-hour 'silence period' before the conclusion of voting in the Bihar assembly polls. The EC has also mandated pre-certification of political advertisements on electronic media, including social media.

Govt may not discuss Bihar SIR in Parliament

Govt may not discuss Bihar SIR in Parliament

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defends Parliament's inability to discuss the Election Commission's functioning, citing a former speaker's ruling. The Opposition's demand to discuss the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls continues to disrupt the Monsoon session.

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Rahul alleged that 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana through 5.21 lakh duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid voters, and 19.26 lakh bulk voters.

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.

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

SIR row: Centre gives Y-plus security to Bengal CEO after threat

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The central government has provided armed security to West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer following potential threats related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were underway in West Bengal, focusing on 'unmapped' voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll. Many people are being asked to prove their citizenship.

Starting with Bihar, EVMs to have candidates' colour photos

Starting with Bihar, EVMs to have candidates' colour photos

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will now feature color photographs of candidates, starting with the Bihar assembly elections. This change aims to improve clarity and recognition for voters.

RBI yet to hear from Election Commission on bank licences

RBI yet to hear from Election Commission on bank licences

Rediff.com20 Mar 2014

A section of the media on Thursday reported, quoting an unnamed EC official, that it may not allow RBI to go ahead with the plan before the polls and that they need more clarity from the Mint Road on certain aspects.

Oppn MPs protest in T-shirts featuring '124-year-old Minta Devi'

Oppn MPs protest in T-shirts featuring '124-year-old Minta Devi'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

INDIA bloc MPs protest against the Election Commission's voter roll revision in Bihar, alleging irregularities and disenfranchisement of voters.

'All options open': Cong on Bihar 'poll boycott'

'All options open': Cong on Bihar 'poll boycott'

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Congress party has voiced its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, calling it a 'Tughlaqi process'. The party stated that all options are open for the INDIA bloc to collectively decide on the issue.

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Will set aside Bihar voter revision in case of illegality: SC

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has warned that it will set aside the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar if any illegality is found. The court is reviewing the validity of the Bihar SIR and its potential impact on a similar exercise across India.

AAP wants Election Commission to set clear guidelines on opinion polls

AAP wants Election Commission to set clear guidelines on opinion polls

Rediff.com3 Mar 2014

Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged the Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath to issue clear guidelines to organisations conducting opinion polls as well as the media for ensuring their authenticity so that those indulging in "frivolous activities" do not get away easily.

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A 30-year-old man in West Bengal's Howrah district died allegedly by suicide on Tuesday, as he was reportedly distressed over errors in his identity document amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a police officer said.

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.

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

'EC can't be churao aayog': Oppn MPs march to EC office

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Wearing white caps with a red cross on the words 'SIR' and "vote chori", the protesting MPs started their march from Parliament's Makar Dwar raising slogans against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar and "vote chori" while carrying placards and banners.

Pan-India SIR: 50% voters may not have to show any proof, says EC

Pan-India SIR: 50% voters may not have to show any proof, says EC

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Election Commission is preparing to roll out a special intensive revision of voter lists across India, potentially before the end of the year. Most voters may not need to provide additional documents if they are already on the electoral roll from the last special intensive revision in their state.

'Is EC Preparing To Manipulate The Elections?'

'Is EC Preparing To Manipulate The Elections?'

Rediff.com29 May 2024

'This is total fraud. You are showing me the slip of my vote but not counting it so this is fraud.'

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The second phase of the Systematic Integration of Rolls (SIR) in West Bengal is causing distress among elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters, leading to political accusations ahead of the assembly polls.

EC notice to PK over name in voter lists of Bihar, Bengal

EC notice to PK over name in voter lists of Bihar, Bengal

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

According to official records, Kishor is enrolled as a voter in West Bengal at 121, Kalighat Road, the address of the Trinamool Congress headquarters in Kolkata's Bhabanipur assembly constituency, which is Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee's seat, he said.

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Vijay's TVK not a recognised political party: EC

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Election Commission of India informed the Madras High Court that actor Vijay's TVK is not a recognised political party during a hearing regarding a PIL seeking its derecognition following a stampede at a party rally.

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.

Tejashwi claims his name missing from Bihar voter list; EC refutes

Tejashwi claims his name missing from Bihar voter list; EC refutes

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

The Election Commission released a copy of the electoral rolls showing his details, confirming that he was listed at a booth in the Veterinary College in Patna.

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Lok Sabha to discuss Vande Mataram, electoral reforms next week

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Lok Sabha will debate the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' and electoral reforms after an all-party agreement, potentially breaking the logjam over discussions on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Govt tweaks election rule; why is ECI afraid, asks Cong

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

Based on the recommendation of the Election Commission (EC), the Union law ministry on Friday amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to restrict the type of "papers" or documents open to public inspection.

Kerala minister claims voter list tampering in Thrissur LS seat

Kerala minister claims voter list tampering in Thrissur LS seat

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct a re-election in the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency, citing reports of widespread voters' list manipulation. The allegations follow BJP's victory in the constituency, with Suresh Gopi winning by a significant margin.

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Is Modi's 'Mr India' Image Fading?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'The Election Commission's involvement in the avoidable SIR controversy has carried a message down to the last voter -- who just does not like it,' observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

'BJP Isn't Undefeatable In North India, But...'

'BJP Isn't Undefeatable In North India, But...'

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

'...the electoral playing field is tilted significantly in its favour.'

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

VP polls: Despite number crunch, INDIA to put up joint candidate

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The INDIA bloc is set to field a joint candidate for the upcoming vice presidential elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is engaging with opposition parties to identify potential candidates and build consensus. The decision reflects a unified front among opposition parties aiming to send a strong political message.

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer reports over 10 lakh SIR enumeration forms identified as 'uncollectable' due to absentee voters, duplicates, deaths, or permanent relocation. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway with significant BLO involvement.

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The Election Commission is conducting the National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the backdoor.'

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

25-year-old Hindu youth burnt to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

He was sleeping in a garage when the fire broke out, and CCTV footage suggests foul play.

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Why Freebies May Not Save Stalin's DMK

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

While the DMK depends on a 'silver sieve' of welfare schemes to stay in power, its support is slowly draining away under the weight of poor governance, corruption, and voters who are no longer satisfied with benefits alone and now want basic administration to work, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Govt open to debate on SIR, but don't insist timeline, Rijiju tells Oppn

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated the government is open to discussing electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha, urging the Opposition not to impose a timeline. Opposition parties staged a walkout after demanding an immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.