News for 'election security'

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, has refuted allegations of potential malpractices at counting centres, assuring that robust security measures are in place. This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about possible tampering with EVMs.

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

'Abandon in difficult times': Akhilesh's cryptic dig at Cong

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has voiced his support for the TMC and DMK after their losses in recent assembly elections, while criticising the Congress party.

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

UK health minister quits, may challenger Starmer for PM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned from the Cabinet, citing a loss of confidence in Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership, potentially triggering a Labour leadership contest.

Former Uttar Pradesh Legislator Sentenced To Life In 46-Year-Old Murder Case

Former Uttar Pradesh Legislator Sentenced To Life In 46-Year-Old Murder Case

Rediff.com13 May 2026

A special MP-MLA court in Prayagraj sentenced former legislator Vijay Mishra and three others to life imprisonment in a 46-year-old murder case. The court convicted them under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict.

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Nepal votes in 1st general election since Gen Z protests

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

Nepalese citizens are voting in the general election, the first since protests toppled the previous government. Over 18.9 million are eligible to vote for the 275-member House of Representatives.

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Rediff.com9 May 2026

West Bengal's chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari announced the beginning of 'Sonar Bangla' with the formation of the first BJP government in the state, heralding an era of 'peace and prosperity'. The oath-taking ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures, marks a significant political shift for West Bengal.

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Victory margin less than deleted votes: SC allows Mamata, others to file fresh pleas

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Supreme Court has allowed former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and others to file fresh applications regarding their claim that victory margins in 31 constituencies in the recent assembly polls were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

BJP's Goswami halts Assam Cong chief Gogoi's assembly debut with decisive win

BJP's Goswami halts Assam Cong chief Gogoi's assembly debut with decisive win

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Veteran BJP leader Hitendra Nath Goswami defeated Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi in Jorhat, securing his sixth term in the assembly. Goswami's grassroots campaign and extensive experience led to his victory.

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led government in West Bengal will take oath on May 9, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, according to West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya. He also addressed post-election incidents and urged party workers to celebrate responsibly.

HC nullifies MP Congress MLA's election for concealing criminal case

HC nullifies MP Congress MLA's election for concealing criminal case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has nullified the election of a Congress MLA due to the deliberate suppression of information regarding criminal charges, declaring the runner-up BJP candidate as the elected representative.

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

V D Satheesan: Opposition Firebrand to Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

V D Satheesan, a 61-year-old lawyer-turned-politician, has emerged as a prominent figure in Kerala politics, known for his aggressive opposition to the Left government and his role in revitalising the Congress party. His journey from student politics to a key leadership position highlights his strategic acumen and dedication to addressing local issues.

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

RG Kar victim's mother alleges heckling by TMC workers at polling booth

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

BJP's Panihati candidate Ratna Debnath faced protests by TMC workers when she visited a booth in the assembly constituency in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district where polling was underway. She also accused the ruling party activists of preventing her from leaving the booth premises, following an altercation with them over an allegation of influencing voters.

How police used a ruse to capture TCS harassment accused Nida Khan

How police used a ruse to capture TCS harassment accused Nida Khan

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar used a clever ruse to arrest Nida Khan, accused in a sexual harassment and conversion case at TCS Nashik. Khan was arrested after police put an AIMIM corporator under surveillance and discovered he was providing her shelter.

Bangladesh seeks friendly ties with India amid border killing concerns

Bangladesh seeks friendly ties with India amid border killing concerns

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A senior adviser to Bangladesh's Prime Minister has expressed a desire for friendly relations with India, while also voicing concern over the recent killings of Bangladeshi nationals along the border.

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Suvendu Adhikari to be Bengal's first BJP CM; to take oath on Saturday

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in West Bengal, paving the way for him to become the state's first BJP chief minister.

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Punjab CM Accuses BJP Of Fearmongering After Blasts

Rediff.com6 May 2026

A political row has erupted over the twin blasts in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accusing the BJP of trying to create fear ahead of next year's assembly elections. The BJP has hit back, terming the remarks condemnable and alleging that Mann ignored preliminary investigation findings pointing towards possible ISI involvement.

Vijay unlikely to take oath on Thursday as TVK falls short of majority mark

Vijay unlikely to take oath on Thursday as TVK falls short of majority mark

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is unlikely to take oath on Thursday as chief minister as the actor-turned politician firms up support to cross the majority mark in the Tamil Nadu assembly, sources said on Wednesday.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

TVK: 34.91%. DMK: 24%. AIADMK: 21%.

Rediff.com5 May 2026

One of the standout stories of the TVK victory was that of 30-year-old R Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver from Virugambakkam.

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

West Bengal Parties React to Election Commission's Official Transfers

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.

Kerala CM Impasse: Congress Leaders Summoned To Delhi

Kerala CM Impasse: Congress Leaders Summoned To Delhi

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Amidst ongoing uncertainty regarding the selection of the next Kerala chief minister, the Congress high command has summoned key party leaders to New Delhi for discussions.

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Bhagwant Mann: BJP Creating Fear In Punjab Ahead Of Polls

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP of attempting to destabilise the state and create an atmosphere of fear ahead of upcoming elections, following twin blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar.

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Opposition Accuses Government of Lacking Energy Security Policy Amidst Rising LPG Prices

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha criticised the Modi government's economic policies, citing the LPG crisis, lack of energy security, and concerns over the Economic Stabilisation Fund.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Nine ministers sworn in along with Vijay in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), secured a notable victory in its debut election, ending the dominance of DMK and AIADMK.

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Punjab Minister Accuses BJP Of Trying To Disrupt Peace

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has condemned the recent blasts in Amritsar and Jalandhar, calling them a deliberate attempt to spread terror and disrupt the state's peace. He accused the BJP of trying to create an atmosphere of fear and division for political gains ahead of elections.

Gulal, jalebis: Workers celebrate as BJP surge ahead in Bengal, Assam

Gulal, jalebis: Workers celebrate as BJP surge ahead in Bengal, Assam

Rediff.com4 May 2026

BJP workers celebrated in West Bengal as the party took an early lead in the state assembly elections, raising slogans and exchanging sweets.

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

Rediff.com3 May 2026

TMC workers allege that cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept, a day ahead of the counting of votes in West Bengal. The Election Commission has denied any irregularities.

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

87% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm as Bengal repoll in 15 booths ends

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Repolling is taking place in 15 booths across two assembly constituencies in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, following reports of electoral malpractices during the previous phase of voting. The Election Commission ordered the repolls, and voting is being conducted under tight security with webcasting to monitor the proceedings.

Stalin steps down as Tamil Nadu chief minister

Stalin steps down as Tamil Nadu chief minister

Rediff.com5 May 2026

DMK President M K Stalin has resigned as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister following his party's defeat in the recent Assembly elections. The resignation letter has been sent to the state Governor. DMK secured 59 seats and will serve as the principal opposition party.

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal appointed chief secretary of Suvendu govt

Rediff.com12 May 2026

West Bengal's appointment of Manoj Agarwal, the former Chief Electoral Officer, as the new Chief Secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the state's electoral processes.

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Trinamool dares BJP after repoll order in Falta

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The TMC has challenged the BJP to win the Falta assembly seat in West Bengal, where a re-election has been ordered due to electoral offences. The TMC has dared the BJP to deploy its full resources, including top leaders and central forces, while expressing confidence in the electorate's support.

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Congress to join TVK govt in TN; may get two ministers, one RS seat

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K Selvaperunthagai announced that the Congress will be part of the new government in Tamil Nadu led by Vijay's TVK, with discussions underway for ministerial posts and a Rajya Sabha seat.

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

CM race quietly begins within Congress after Kerala victory

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Congress-led UDF has swept back to power in Kerala, sparking celebrations and discussions about forming the new government. Senior leaders are vying for the Chief Minister's post, while the defeated CPI(M)-led LDF grapples with the reasons for their loss after 10 years in power.

EC to reduce counting centres in Bengal

EC to reduce counting centres in Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Election Commission is likely to reduce the number of counting centres for the West Bengal Assembly polls to 77 from 87 earlier, even as questions were raised by the ruling Trinamool Congress over the move just days ahead of counting, an official said on Thursday.

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

How Satheesan Emerged As Consensus Choice For Kerala CM

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.

Bengal polls: Fresh tension grips Bhangar, NIA teams deployed

Bengal polls: Fresh tension grips Bhangar, NIA teams deployed

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Fresh tension gripped Bhangar and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas during the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, with the ISF alleging intimidation of polling agents and attempts to influence voters by TMC workers.

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Sharad Pawar, Athawale among 26 elected unopposed to RS

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Rajya Sabha elections saw several candidates elected unopposed, including Sharad Pawar and Ramdas Athawale, while Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana prepare for contested elections.

Mohan Yadav Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal

Mohan Yadav Predicts BJP Government In West Bengal

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed confidence that the BJP will form a government in West Bengal, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and citing high voter turnout as a sign of public trust.

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.