News for 'election duties'

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Showdown in Rajya Sabha over 'deployment' of CISF

Rediff.com5 Aug 2025

The Rajya Sabha session was marred by heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches regarding the deployment of security personnel in the House. The session was adjourned amidst protests and accusations of undemocratic conduct.

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Social unrest, SC order: What led to Emergency in 1975

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Amid this unrest came the verdict of the Allahabad high court on June 12, 1975 that found Gandhi guilty over discrepancies in the electoral campaign, which led to the Emergency on the night of June 25.

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Why did Indira govt amend Constitution several times during Emergency?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

The 21-month-long Emergency also saw the government amend the Constitution several times, including to keep the elections to the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Speaker beyond the scrutiny of courts and insert the words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' in the Preamble.

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

'Things Have Improved In Kashmir'

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

'Often people outside paint a wrong picture of us of Kashmiris. We are not like that. We are cool and bindaas,' said the lady, a teacher, caressing my cheeks in the pressing crowds.

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'According to JP, Indira Gandhi was not much of a danger to democracy. He said, it was Sanjay Gandhi and his gang.'

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

The Leverage Trump's US Has On Xi's China Has Shrunk

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

The stock and bond markets told Trump firmly that any idea of isolating China would lead to harming the US economy and this forced Trump to backtrack, points out Aakar Patel.

Will govt cut petrol, diesel prices before Maha election?

Will govt cut petrol, diesel prices before Maha election?

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

International oil prices continue to be extremely volatile, falling on one day and rising thereafter, a top oil ministry official said explaining the reason behind no reduction in petrol and diesel prices despite softening in input cost, but could not say if the rates will be cut before Maharashtra elections. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures fell below $70 per barrel last week -- the first time since December 2021 -- but gained thereafter. Brent was trading at $74.58 per barrel on Thursday while West Texas Intermediate advanced to trade at $71.71.

Govt bill explains plan for simultaneous polls

Govt bill explains plan for simultaneous polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2024

There is an imperative need for holding simultaneous elections for various reasons as polls have become expensive and time-consuming, according to the proposed bill being brought to implement the ambitious 'one nation, one election' plan.

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Bharat Mata Dispute Rocks Kerala Academia

Rediff.com25 Jul 2025

The Bharat Mata controversy in Kerala shows how political and symbolic fights between the state and the Centre have taken attention away from education, throwing the state's oldest university into confusion and disorder, observes Shyam G Menon.

Shivakumar may replace Sidda in 2-3 months, claims Congress MLA

Shivakumar may replace Sidda in 2-3 months, claims Congress MLA

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

These remarks from a legislator considered close to Shivakumar come amid renewed speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka later this year.

Electoral rules changed to check misuse of postal ballot

Electoral rules changed to check misuse of postal ballot

Rediff.com12 Sep 2023

The Election Commission (EC) had in September last year recommended to the Union law ministry to tweak the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 to ensure that voters on poll duty cast their vote at voter facilitation centre located where they are deployed.

Rahul warns of strict action after UP man votes for BJP '8 times'

Rahul warns of strict action after UP man votes for BJP '8 times'

Rediff.com20 May 2024

Uttar Pradesh's Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said in post on 'X' that an FIR has been registered in the matter at the Nayagaon police station in Etah district.

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Dhankhar Failed To Understand Modi

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

By getting Jagdeep Dhankhar to resign at short notice, Narendra Modi has sent a message to his own ideological clan that he brooks no one trying to get too big for their boots, observes Modi biographer Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Why Calcutta Remains A City Of Bhoy

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

A year after the RG Kar rape-murder Swarupa Dutt/Rediff look at the city where it happened, Kolkata -- its study in dichotomy, at once the self-proclaimed cultural capital of India as also a petri dish for a peculiar rage that breeds crimes against women.

Rajasthan Cong rebel who slapped SDM held after violence, arson

Rajasthan Cong rebel who slapped SDM held after violence, arson

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Independent MLA candidate Naresh Meena was arrested on Thursday following high drama and escalating violence in which a mob assaulted a PTI reporter and video cameraperson and burnt their camera.

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Tharoor admits to differences with Congress leadership

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Shashi Tharoor on Thursday said he has differences of opinion with some in the party leadership, but he is not going to speak about them in light of the bypoll in the Nilambur constituency.

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Cooking gas to be costlier by Rs 50 from Tuesday

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Cooking gas or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) price has been raised by Rs 50 per cylinder by distribution companies, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday.

'It's pretty cool': Sunita Williams to vote in US elections from space

'It's pretty cool': Sunita Williams to vote in US elections from space

Rediff.com14 Sep 2024

Sunita and Butch did not indicate which presidential candidate -- either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris -- would get their vote.

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

5 bypolls peaceful across 4 states; high turnout in Bengal's Kaliganj

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

Moderate turnout was recorded in the first four hours of polling across five assembly constituencies across Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat and Kerala where bypolls are underway on Thursday.

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Evil In Rustic Paradise

Panchayat Season 4 Review: Evil In Rustic Paradise

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Panchayat Season 4 is watchable, mainly because of the wonderful actors, who, over the seasons have developed a warm rapport, notes Deepa Gahlot.

SC caps IPS deputation in CAPFs, boosts cadre officers

SC caps IPS deputation in CAPFs, boosts cadre officers

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has ordered a progressive reduction in the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) over the next two years, citing concerns over the delayed promotions of cadre officers. The court's decision aims to address the long-standing grievances of CAPF officers who feel their promotional prospects are hampered by the presence of IPS officers in higher ranks. The ruling also mandates a cadre review of the CAPFs to be completed within six months, addressing the issue of stagnation in the service hierarchy. The court's decision acknowledges the valuable contributions of CAPF officers while also recognizing the need to balance their promotional prospects with the operational requirements of the forces.

Oil: India to save Rs 1.8 lakh cr on import bill

Oil: India to save Rs 1.8 lakh cr on import bill

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India, the world's third largest oil importing and consuming nation, is likely to save as much as Rs 1.8 lakh crore on import of crude oil and LNG if the trend of softening international energy rates continues, Icra said Wednesday. India, which meets over 85 per cent of its crude oil needs through imports, spent $242.4 billion on buying crude from overseas in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.

Maharashtra final voter turnout revised to 66.05%

Maharashtra final voter turnout revised to 66.05%

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

The final turnout in the Maharashtra assembly polls was 66.05 percent, up from 61.1 percent in 2019, according to the Election Commission. The polling percentage for the Nanded Lok Sabha bypoll was 67.81 percent. The increase, excluding postal ballots, highlighted the EC's efforts to engage a broader electorate, the statement added. Kolhapur led with 76.63 per cent, followed by 75.26 per cent in Gadchiroli, while the lowest was in Mumbai island city at 52.07 per cent and 55.95 per cent in the metropolis' suburban district. More than 68,000 citizens aged over 85 and 12,000 individuals with disabilities cast their votes through home voting.

How Indira govt tried to control media during Emergency

How Indira govt tried to control media during Emergency

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Skirmishes with officials in the Press Information Bureau were an everyday affair as the newspapers sought clearances from the media censors for publishing the next day's editions'

EC acts over EVM complaints, 3 UP officials removed from poll duty

EC acts over EVM complaints, 3 UP officials removed from poll duty

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

The nodal officer for EVMs in Varanasi, a returning officer (RO) in Sonbhadra district and an additional election officer in Bareilly district have been pulled out from election duties, a day ahead of the counting of votes in UP.

Don't want Kejriwal performing official duties if granted bail: SC

Don't want Kejriwal performing official duties if granted bail: SC

Rediff.com7 May 2024

The bench has divided the hearing on Kejriwal's petition against his arrest into two parts. His main petition challenges his arrest by the ED and seeks it to be declared as illegal, while the second aspect pertains to grant of interim bail keeping in mind the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The court has reserved the order on the issue of grant of interim bail.

'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.'

US Tariffs Rattle India's Shrimp Sector

US Tariffs Rattle India's Shrimp Sector

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Trump's tariffs, falling shrimp prices, and fears of additional US levies, spark a crisis in Andhra Pradesh's politically vital aquaculture sector.

Delhi CM Atishi, Bidhuri's son booked for MCC violation

Delhi CM Atishi, Bidhuri's son booked for MCC violation

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

Delhi Police has registered an FIR against Atishi, the AAP candidate from Kalkaji, for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and obstructing public servants on duty. The FIR was registered at the Govindpuri Police Station based on allegations that Atishi was found with supporters and vehicles at Fateh Singh Marg, violating MCC guidelines. Atishi, however, alleged that BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri and his family were engaging in hooliganism without any action from the Election Commission.

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Maha polls: Will Mumbai voters show up for a record turnout?

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Mumbai, home to 1 crore voters and 420 candidates vying for 36 assembly seats, is gearing up for the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has completed all preparations for smooth conduct of the polls, ensuring a robust security arrangement and dedicated facilities for senior citizens and differently-abled voters. The BMC has also urged citizens to exercise their franchise, emphasizing the importance of active participation in strengthening democracy.

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Tharoor factually incorrect, but part of family: Cong

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tensions between the Congress and its leader Shashi Tharoor escalated on Thursday with the party saying he was very much part of their family but had erred in claiming that surgical strikes against Pakistan were held for the first time in 2016.

George Clooney wants Biden to drop re-election bid

George Clooney wants Biden to drop re-election bid

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

George Clooney, the Hollywood actor and influential Democratic financial supporter, has called for United States President Joe Biden to end his re-election campaign, arguing that the president is too old to run again.

She was spared because...: Ramgopal Yadav's claim on Vyomika sparks row

She was spared because...: Ramgopal Yadav's claim on Vyomika sparks row

Rediff.com15 May 2025

The SP MP said when the mentality is bad, then instead of telling about the achievements of the army, people start talking about their own achievements.

Questions on pacts with insurgents in northeast 'removed': Manipur MP

Questions on pacts with insurgents in northeast 'removed': Manipur MP

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Manipur MP A Bimol Akoijam has alleged that his questions about agreements the government has signed with insurgent groups in the northeastern states were removed from the list of starred questions scheduled for March 11, 2025. Akoijam, a Congress leader, claims this is a "serious infringement" on his rights as an elected Member of Parliament and undermines his legislative oversight function. He says he has met with the Speaker and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs to raise the issue.

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Have better...: Shashi Tharoor slams 'zealots' amid Cong criticism

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Tharoor said his remarks were preceded by a reference to the several attacks that have taken place in recent years alone, during which previous Indian responses were both restrained and constrained by India's responsible respect for the LoC and the IB.

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Has Modi Learnt Nothing From Election Result?

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

On June 26, for the likes of me, the music died. Any impression of potential change held forth by the outcome of the 2024 general election, was vaporised, reveals Shyam G Menon.

BFI secretary general Kalita suspended for financial fraud

BFI secretary general Kalita suspended for financial fraud

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Before being elected as secretary general for the 2021-25 term, Kalita had served as the treasurer of the apex boxing body.

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

It's treason: Rahul slams RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of treason for his remark that India got "true independence" after the Ram temple consecration. Gandhi also criticized the Election Commission, alleging a "serious problem" with the country's election system.

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Stage set for MVA vs Mahayuti as Maha to vote tomorrow

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly elections are taking place today, with the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance seeking to retain power and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) hoping for a comeback. The campaign saw prominent leaders like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra crisscrossing the state to garner votes. The Mahayuti is banking on popular schemes while the MVA focuses on issues like caste-based census and social justice. The elections have also seen a significant rise in the number of candidates and voters.

'We shouldn't become like Congress': Fadnavis' aunt

'We shouldn't become like Congress': Fadnavis' aunt

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The BJP is in power at the Centre and Maharashtra, while there is infighting in Chandrapur, she said.