News for 'election officials'

Arms Cache Seized In Kolkata Before West Bengal Elections

Arms Cache Seized In Kolkata Before West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Kolkata Police's Special Task Force seized a cache of arms and ammunition near Rajabazar Science College and detained a man days before the two-phase polling in West Bengal.

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Cabinet reshuffle imminent; Pradhan, a few others likely to lose ministry

Rediff.com2 days ago

There are strong possibilities of some Union ministers being sent to take organisational roles in the BJP and party office-bearers being inducted into the Modi ministry.

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Passport-citizenship row: Govt says no new move in 12 yrs; Oppn hits out

Rediff.com4 days ago

Government sources have clarified that a passport has never been considered proof of citizenship in India, a stance consistent for the past 12 years and rooted in the Passport Act 1967. This clarification, reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and public figures.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com7 days ago

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

Why IOA Sacked Official From Equestrian Federation Ad-Hoc Panel

Why IOA Sacked Official From Equestrian Federation Ad-Hoc Panel

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) removed Col Ashok Yadav (Retd) from the ad-hoc committee running the affairs of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) citing infighting and disagreements within the panel.

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

India bags first-ever vice presidency of Paris-based financial watchdog FATF

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

India was on Friday accorded the vice presidency of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, for the first time.

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

BJP govt to table UCC bill in Bengal assembly, face twin TMC challenge

Rediff.com1 days ago

Less than two months after ending the TMC's 15-year rule in the state, the BJP government is expected to table one of its most ambitious and politically sensitive promises, setting the stage for what could become the first major ideological confrontation of the post-election period.

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

10 Foreign Nationals Held For Illegal Voting In Tamil Nadu Polls

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Chennai police arrested 10 foreign nationals for allegedly casting illegal votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections using fraudulent documents.

West Bengal Sees High Voter Turnout In First Phase Of Elections

West Bengal Sees High Voter Turnout In First Phase Of Elections

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a high voter turnout across 152 constituencies, with nearly 90 per cent of electors participating till 5 pm. Polling was conducted amid tight security, with reports of clashes and intimidation in some areas.

Vijay's minister comes under fire over old viral video

Vijay's minister comes under fire over old viral video

Rediff.com1 days ago

Tamil Nadu Minister D Sarath Kumar is embroiled in controversy after an old viral video resurfaced, purportedly showing him crushing a pill. Opposition parties are demanding action, while the minister clarifies it was medicine for his sick daughter. The incident has led to protests and detentions, coinciding with an anti-drug campaign.

Decoding Vijay-Trisha's Romance

Decoding Vijay-Trisha's Romance

Rediff.com3 days ago

Explore the fascinating journey of Tamil cinema's iconic duo, Vijay and Trisha, from their blockbuster films to persistent rumours of their link-up.

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Passport not proof of citizenship: Shashi Tharoor has a solution

Rediff.com3 days ago

Amid the passport row, Shashi Tharoor has proposed legal changes to simplify proof of Indian citizenship.

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Suvendu plans stringent anti-conversion law, implementation of UCC in Bengal

Rediff.com3 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced plans to enact a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. He linked these measures to strengthening national security and preserving Bengal's cultural identity, citing concerns over infiltration and demographic changes. Adhikari also highlighted efforts in border security, distinguished between illegal immigrants and CAA refugees, and paid tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

West Asia on edge as US hits Iran again; Tehran vows fierce revenge

Rediff.com2 days ago

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted additional strikes against multiple targets in Iran, on Saturday (local time), at the commander in chief, US President Donald Trump's direction.

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Irregularities In West Bengal Assembly Polls

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Irregularities In West Bengal Assembly Polls

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has alleged large-scale irregularities in the West Bengal assembly polls, questioning the counting process and the role of election officials and security forces. He claimed EVMs could be replaced, influencing the election outcome.

TMC leader Jahangir Khan's wife arrested over police station attack

TMC leader Jahangir Khan's wife arrested over police station attack

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Regina Bibi, wife of TMC leader Jahangir Khan, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a violent attempt to free him from police custody and leading an attack on the Falta police station earlier this month.

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

From arson to clashes, post-election unrest spreads in West Bengal

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Several incidents of post-poll violence have been reported across West Bengal, with tension escalating in various districts following the recent assembly elections. Clashes between political party supporters have led to injuries, arrests, and heightened security measures.

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

SC takes up Natarajan's plea against RS nomination rejection

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge against the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, which was dismissed due to alleged concealment of information in her election affidavit.

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Why China's Bangladesh Push Should Worry India

Rediff.com6 hours ago

Beijing clearly intends to extend the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to Bangladesh as part of its larger Maritime Belt and Road Initiative to boost its Indian Ocean presence.

All six rebel Uddhav MPs join Shiv Sena; Shinde calls them Dhurandhar

All six rebel Uddhav MPs join Shiv Sena; Shinde calls them Dhurandhar

Rediff.com7 days ago

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the completion of "Operation Tiger" as six Lok Sabha members from the Shiv Sena (UBT) officially defected to the ruling Shiv Sena. This move further formalises a split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, strengthening Shinde's party and marking a significant political development in Maharashtra.

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Vijay's Election Triumph Set To Revive Jana Nayagan Release

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Vijay's electoral triumph in Tamil Nadu is poised to dramatically revive the fortunes of his much-anticipated final film, Jana Nayagan, which has been plagued by release delays, censorship battles, and a cancelled streaming deal.

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Explained: What establishes citizenship in India

Rediff.com4 days ago

A clarification by the ministry of external affairs that the passport is not a proof of citizenship has once again brought to the fore the need for a legal framework to provide citizens with a single document to establish they are Indians.

'Loyalty up for sale': Aaditya hits out at 'greedy' MPs

'Loyalty up for sale': Aaditya hits out at 'greedy' MPs

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Aaditya Thackeray has vehemently condemned six rebel MPs, asserting that their "greed" led them to betray the voters' mandate for the INDIA bloc.

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

SC/ST Court Summons UP Police Officers Over Alleged Probe Manipulation In Dalit Atrocity Case

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A special SC/ST court in Sultanpur has summoned two senior Uttar Pradesh police officers, including a former Additional Superintendent of Police, to face trial for allegedly manipulating the investigation into a Dalit atrocity, assault, and attempted culpable homicide case. The court criticised the "deplorable" investigation process and noted attempts to derail justice by dropping an accused's name.

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Tension escalates as Iran's IRGC claims it hit 8 US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

Rediff.com2 days ago

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday claimed it had destroyed eight US military infrastructures in Kuwait and Bahrain in a joint missile and drone operation, describing the strikes as retaliation for a second wave of US military attacks on Iranian targets.

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Congress leaders undermined Meenakshi Natarajan's RS chances, says MP CM

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has dismissed allegations of 'seat theft' in the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, asserting that Congress candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination was deliberately undermined by her own party leaders who were vying for the same seat.

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Order rejecting Natarajan's RS nomination egregious: Cong after EC meet

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has formally appealed to the Election Commission, demanding an immediate reversal of the rejection of Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination for the Rajya Sabha polls, labelling the decision as 'egregious' and a 'subversion of democracy'.

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

SC dismisses Natarajan's plea against nomination rejection

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's challenge to her rejected Rajya Sabha nomination, reaffirming that the Election Commission is the sole recourse for such disputes and citing Article 329(b) of the Constitution which bars judicial interference in electoral matters.

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a severe leadership crisis as former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick resigned from all party organisational posts citing health, and senior North Bengal leader Goutam Deb stepped down as mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, amidst widespread internal rifts and electoral setbacks.

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The campaign for elections to 51 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations in Himachal Pradesh, concluded on Friday, with key issues including infrastructure, tourism, and fuel prices taking centre stage.

Kerala Police Arrest Man For Death Threats Against Chief Minister And Family

Kerala Police Arrest Man For Death Threats Against Chief Minister And Family

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

A man named Sony Thomas has been arrested in Kerala for allegedly making phone calls threatening to kill Chief Minister VD Satheesan and his family. Police tracked the calls made to the Thiruvananthapuram City District Police Command and Control Centre. In a separate incident, Thaliparamba MLA TK Govindan also received a death threat call, with the caller identified by police.

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

RG Kar doc's mother breaks down in assembly as CM Suvendu promises justice

Rediff.com6 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said in the assembly that justice would be delivered in the RG Kar hospital rape and murder case, leaving the victim's mother, a BJP MLA who was present in the House, in tears.

Why is EC delaying final Kerala election data, ask Cong, CPI-M

Why is EC delaying final Kerala election data, ask Cong, CPI-M

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The CPI-M and Congress in Kerala have raised concerns over the delay in the release of detailed polling data from the recent assembly elections.

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

300 mm rain in 24 hrs floods Mumbai; road, rail traffic hit

Rediff.com5 days ago

Mumbai experienced heavy overnight monsoon rains, with some areas receiving over 200 mm in 24 hours, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruptions in suburban train services, particularly on Central Railway lines due to a track cave-in.

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Uddhav demands disqualification of rebel MPs, alleges 'bigger conspiracy'

Rediff.com1 days ago

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led camp, alleging a larger political conspiracy. He accused the BJP of exploiting the Ram Mandir issue and systematically sidelining its own state leaders, while also questioning the rebel MPs' motives and wealth.

Gujarat High Court Slams Yusuf Pathan Over Land Occupation

Gujarat High Court Slams Yusuf Pathan Over Land Occupation

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Vadodara Municipal Corporation has valued a 978-square metre plot of land illegally occupied by Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan at Rs 2.10 lakh per square metre. Pathan has been occupying the land since 2012 despite the state government rejecting his proposal for allotment, and the Gujarat High Court has also ruled against him, criticising his continued possession.

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Why Modi Praised Nanded's Pethkars On Mann Ki Baat

Rediff.com5 hours ago

'We ourselves hadn't heard it initially. Many people called us. The entire village was overjoyed.'

It's 60-day ceasefire, not peace deal: Israeli expert

It's 60-day ceasefire, not peace deal: Israeli expert

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sagiv Steinberg, CEO of the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), described the recent US-Iran peace agreement as a temporary 60-day ceasefire, not a genuine peace deal, suggesting it's timed for the upcoming US midterm elections.

Seven Detained Following Election Violence in Assam

Seven Detained Following Election Violence in Assam

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Police in Assam have detained seven people in connection with election-related violence in Tamulpur and Sivasagar. Minor clashes also erupted at several polling booths, resulting in minor injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents and monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted polling.

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

How Modi's Jhalmuri Purchase Could Influence Bengal Elections

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

BJP MP Anurag Thakur believes PM Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' in Jhargram will influence the West Bengal Assembly polls, contrasting it with CM Mamata Banerjee's actions. He also criticised the TMC government for blocking central schemes and failing to ensure women's safety.