News for 'election duty'

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

EC removes Mamata's chief secy, DGP ahead of Bengal poll

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Election Commission's move to transfer West Bengal's chief secretary and DGP soon after the announcement of Assembly poll dates triggered a political slugfest.

BJP Accuses TMC of Neglect as Farmers in West Bengal Face Crisis

BJP Accuses TMC of Neglect as Farmers in West Bengal Face Crisis

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The BJP's West Bengal unit chief, Samik Bhattacharya, has alleged that at least five farmers have died by suicide in the state since February due to a potato price crisis, accusing the TMC government of negligence.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Why Rijiju Is Calling TMC Anti-Women

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of being 'anti-women' and obstructing the passage of the women's reservation bill in Lok Sabha. He criticised the TMC's opposition to the bill and defended the BJP's commitment to increasing women's representation in politics.

Odisha Police Visit BJD MLA's Residence Amidst Husband's Threat Allegations

Odisha Police Visit BJD MLA's Residence Amidst Husband's Threat Allegations

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Odisha Police visited the residence of BJD MLA Manorama Mohanty in connection with a case against her husband for allegedly threatening a tehsildar. The MLA alleges political vendetta and misconduct by the police, while the BJP calls for due process.

SC asks EC to consider extending deadline for Kerala SIR drive

SC asks EC to consider extending deadline for Kerala SIR drive

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has requested the Election Commission to consider extending the deadline for submitting enumeration forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala, due to the ongoing local body elections.

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Bengal 'most polarised state': SC orders CBI/NIA probe, CAPF deployment

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the 'hostage' situation involving seven judicial officials in West Bengal's Malda district, demanding explanations from state officials and authorising the Election Commission to seek a CBI or NIA probe.

Not afraid of Trump admin, will speak out loudly against war: Pope Leo XIV

Not afraid of Trump admin, will speak out loudly against war: Pope Leo XIV

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Pope Leo XIV on Monday underscored his commitment to spiritual advocacy over political friction, stating that he has no desire to engage in a confrontation with the US administration.

BLO Allegedly Dies by Suicide After Leave Denied for Daughter's Wedding

BLO Allegedly Dies by Suicide After Leave Denied for Daughter's Wedding

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Uttar Pradesh allegedly died by suicide after being denied leave for his daughter's wedding. Family members and villagers protested, accusing the administration of ignoring repeated pleas for leave.

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Under EC pressure, Bengal acts on voter list fraud; books 5 employees

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The West Bengal government has filed FIRs against five state government employees for alleged lapses in electoral roll revisions, following an Election Commission ultimatum. The action comes after the EC directed the state to initiate criminal cases against the accused for adding fictitious names to voter lists.

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

BJP, Oppn spar over delay in Women's Quota Act notification

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The BJP and opposition parties are engaged in a political battle over the implementation of the Women's Reservation Act, with the BJP defending it as historic and the opposition accusing the government of delaying its notification and using it to push an unconstitutional delimitation exercise.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The death of a booth level officer in West Bengal due to cardiac arrest has ignited a political battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of workload pressure and politicization of the tragedy.

Suvendu Adhikari Praises Modi's Women Empowerment Schemes in West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari Praises Modi's Women Empowerment Schemes in West Bengal

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives for women's empowerment, citing the Swachh Bharat Mission and PM Awas Yojana. He also criticised the Trinamool Congress government's handling of food distribution and women's security in the state.

BMC Polls: Kareena-Saif Vote!

BMC Polls: Kareena-Saif Vote!

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Film folk stepped out to vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections on January 14, and paused to show off their inked fingers as well as encourage the rest of the voting population to cast their votes too.

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Additions, deletions part of electoral roll revision process, says SC

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court of India resumed hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, addressing the use of Aadhaar and concerns about voter deletions.

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

TMC Slams Modi for 'False Narrative' on Bengal's Economy and Employment

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of presenting a misleading picture of West Bengal's development and employment situation during a rally in Kolkata, alleging that he is acting more as a BJP campaigner than as the Prime Minister.

RG Kar Victim's Mother On Why She Joined BJP: 'If TMC And Mamata Banerjee Are Wrenched Out Of Bengal, Why Not Join Politics?'

RG Kar Victim's Mother On Why She Joined BJP: 'If TMC And Mamata Banerjee Are Wrenched Out Of Bengal, Why Not Join Politics?'

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

'People have lost hope of finding justice in this state ... I want to give these victims, their families, the people of this state, a voice.'

Punjab CM Questions Centre's 'Denial' of Bharat Ratna to Martyrs

Punjab CM Questions Centre's 'Denial' of Bharat Ratna to Martyrs

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reaffirmed his government's commitment to honouring martyrs and building a vibrant Punjab, while also criticising the central government for not awarding the Bharat Ratna to freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

'Auspicious ally': China backs Doraiswami as bridge to revive India ties

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

China has welcomed the appointment of Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing optimism for improved Sino-India relations. Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with experience in China, is expected to play a key role in managing complex bilateral issues and fostering cooperation.

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Decoding the Law: How Election Commissioners Can Be Removed

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

A look at the legal provisions governing the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in India, amid threats from opposition parties.

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Modi urged the youngsters to celebrate when they or a person around them becomes a voter for the first time.

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

'Trump's Aims In This War Have Been Inconsistent, Changing, Contradictory'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

'What we have yet to see on either the US or the Iranian side is willingness to compromise on their ultimate demands and the flexibility to reach an agreement to end the war.

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

No full stop in politics, says Modi as 59 Rajya Sabha MPs retire

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to honour 59 retiring members, emphasising their contributions to national life and urging them to continue their service.

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar becomes Maharashtra's first woman deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Sunetra Pawar, wife of late NCP leader Ajit Pawar, was sworn in as Maharashtra's first woman deputy Chief Minister after being elected as the leader of the NCP legislature wing.

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Tarique Rahman Sworn In As Bangladesh PM

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Sunetra Pawar's first remarks after becoming deputy CM

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar pledges to carry forward the legacy and ideals of her late husband, Ajit Pawar, focusing on duty, struggle, and commitment to the people. She was sworn in as the first woman Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) defended its power to revise electoral rolls and ensure no foreigners are registered as voters before the Supreme Court. The EC argued it has a constitutional duty to maintain the purity of electoral rolls and exclude those not eligible to vote.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

SC asks states to add more staff, ease pressure on BLOs

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has directed states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload on booth level officers (BLOs) engaged in the special revision of electoral rolls, following concerns about extreme work pressure and related issues.

Pollster gets SC protection in FIRs filed by Election Commission

Pollster gets SC protection in FIRs filed by Election Commission

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday granted protection from arrest to psephologist Sanjay Kumar in connection with two FIRs lodged by the Election Commission of India accusing him of spreading misinformation over Maharashtra's electoral rolls through posts on social media.

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

What Are Mohan Bhagwat's Views On Infiltration, Population Imbalance?

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

All along, we were told SIR was an essential exercise carried out as part of the Election Commission's regular duties. But now that the ideological mentor of the ruling party has declared that SIR is a means of detecting infiltrators, one understands the unseemly haste with which it is being carried out, notes Jyoti Punwani.

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

About 50% turnout in Maha civic polls; 41% polling in BMC

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

A BMC spokesperson said the average voter turnout stood at 29.96 per cent till 1.30 pm in the metropolis, which has more than 1 crore eligible electors.

1st T20I: Saim Ayub stars as Pakistan beat depleted Australia

1st T20I: Saim Ayub stars as Pakistan beat depleted Australia

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Saim Ayub produced a brilliant all-round display to power Pakistan to a 22-run victory against a largely second-string Australia in the first Twenty20 international between the teams in Lahore on Thursday.

Shivakumar like a railway engine, makes a lot of noise: Cong leader

Shivakumar like a railway engine, makes a lot of noise: Cong leader

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Shivakumar had said on February 14 that the Congress high command and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would examine the statements being made by party MLAs.

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Can Om Birla Be Removed As Speaker?

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Even if it is defeated and the Speaker remains, the Opposition parties that have lost faith in his impartiality will continue to have that feeling.' 'If the Speaker reflects on this and tries to be more neutral, more impartial, more objective in his conduct -- then one can say the resolution had a salutary effect. That would be the best outcome.'

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

What Happens To NCP After Ajit Pawar's Death?

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

With Ajit Pawar's passing, the 40 MLAs who remain will now have to decide whether they want to continue in Mahayuti in the company of the BJP and Shiv Sena -- or return to the Sharad Pawar fold.

Aamir Khan Casts His Vote

Aamir Khan Casts His Vote

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Film stars arrived at polling booths in Mumbai to cast their votes in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. The elections are seen as crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.