News for 'election setback'

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Pinarayi Vijayan Accepts Election Defeat In Kerala

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acknowledges the LDF's defeat in the Assembly elections, vowing to serve as a responsible opposition and address shortcomings.

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The BJP has secured victories in the Mandi, Dharamshala, and Solan municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, dealing a blow to the Congress party, which managed to retain control only in Palampur.

TMC Leaders Discuss Strategy After Bengal Election Results

TMC Leaders Discuss Strategy After Bengal Election Results

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Senior TMC leaders and newly-elected MLAs met at Mamata Banerjee's residence to discuss strategy and allocation of responsibilities following the party's performance in the West Bengal assembly elections.

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has secured significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, winning in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Is a quick comeback within reach for Mamata after this setback?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee's defeat in West Bengal marks a significant turning point in her political career, challenging her ability to rebuild and regain influence after a long period of dominance.

'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.

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Mamata Banerjee Shares Poem 'Brave' After Election Loss

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee shared a poem titled 'Brave' after her party's defeat in the West Bengal Assembly polls. The poem invokes courage, dignity, and inner strength, serving as a message to the TMC cadre.

Pandian's wife, ex-IAS officer Sujata joins Biju Janata Dal

Pandian's wife, ex-IAS officer Sujata joins Biju Janata Dal

Rediff.com4 days ago

Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, wife of former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian, has formally joined the BJD. Naveen Patnaik welcomed her, emphasising her experience as an IAS officer and her work with women. Patnaik also clarified that he would continue to lead the BJD in the next elections, despite speculation about Sujata taking over. Sujata expressed her dedication to serving the people of Odisha under Patnaik's leadership. Her entry into politics follows her husband's withdrawal after the BJD's recent electoral defeat.

'We Will Soon Have Another Election In Tamil Nadu'

'We Will Soon Have Another Election In Tamil Nadu'

Rediff.com4 May 2026

'Even if they align with the TVK now, I don't think the AIADMK leadership will completely surrender to the dominance of Vijay.'

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

How BJP's Setback On Women's Bill Fuels Mamata's Attack

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP after the central government failed to pass a Constitution amendment bill for women's quota in legislatures, accusing the BJP of using the bill as a political ploy to divide the country and Bengal.

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

Rediff.com7 days ago

Rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar has justified his crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena, saying if the people are gravitating towards power, he is merely following the trend.

'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.

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.

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.

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com7 days ago

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Cross-voting blow to BJP, JD-S as Cong wins 5 of 7 Karnataka MLC seats

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

In the first electoral battle since the new government under Chief Minister D K Shivakumar took charge in Karnataka, the ruling Congress on Thursday won five of the seven Legislative Council seats that went to polls, while the opposition Bhjaratiya Janata Party bagged two.

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

History In Minutes: The Man Who Challenged A Prime Minister

Rediff.com4 days ago

Jayaprakash Narayan was called the 'Second Mahatma'. He issued the clarion call against government corruption in June 1974 that ignited a fierce student movement that shook the Indira Gandhi government from the foundation to the rafters. His modest home in Patna is almost forgotten, only remembered on special anniversaries.

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Fresh blow to Mamata: TMC's Rs 675-cr war chest becomes new battleground

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The internecine war within the Trinamool Congress took a new turn on Thursday with "party treasurer" Aroop Biswas writing to a bank seeking restrictions on the operation of the party's accounts, citing uncertainty over its legitimate leadership amid rebellions by MLAs and MPs.

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Op Tiger turns real; 2 Uddhav MPs switch to Shinde Sena

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Two Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena-UBT, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have confirmed their defection to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing reasons including a fund crunch and Thackeray's absence from local body polls. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde have virtually acknowledged the success of 'Operation Tiger', aimed at splitting Thackeray's faction.

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Unnao rape case: Setback for Sengar as SC revokes suspension of life term

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court overturned a Delhi High Court order that had suspended the life sentence of former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case, instructing the High Court to reconsider the plea.

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

INDIA bloc to meet after 2 years amid churn, TVK to join

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Top leaders of opposition parties including Congress' Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, TMC's Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal and Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, besides Left leaders and those from smaller parties, are likely to attend the meeting at the Constitution Club in the national capital.

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Bengal LoP row: Mamata-led TMC moves HC against Speaker's decision

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress has moved the Calcutta High Court to challenge the West Bengal Assembly Speaker's decision to recognise Ritabrata Banerjee as the Leader of Opposition, citing that 58 of its 80 MLAs supported him over the party's official nominee. The court has scheduled an urgent hearing for June 11, ahead of the 18th Assembly session starting June 18.

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Letter with names of TMC rebels backing BJP goes viral

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

A significant parliamentary revolt within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged, with purported signatures of 19 MPs on a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate bloc under Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and extending support to the BJP-led NDA.

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Minister's exit rocks Shivakumar govt; damage control begins

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from his ministerial position in the newly formed Shivakumar government in Karnataka, expressing strong displeasure over the portfolio allocated to him. He had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was given Major and Medium Irrigation projects, leading to a significant setback for the new administration.

Bangladesh make history with first-ever ODI series win over Australia

Bangladesh make history with first-ever ODI series win over Australia

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Bangladesh secured a landmark series victory over a second-string Australian side with a composed chase in a rain-affected second One-Day International in Dhaka on Thursday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

What Jawaharlal Nehru Did for India

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Through his commitment to democratic norms, debate, dissent and constitutionalism, Jawaharlal Nehru helped ensure that parliamentary democracy took deep root in independent India. Utkarsh Mishra evaluates Nehru's 17 years as India's first prime minister, examining his role in nation-building, democratic institution-building, economic planning, scientific advancement and foreign policy.

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

TMC crisis: After Kalyan's 'arrogance' attack, Abhishek extends olive branch

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Under attack from senior Trinamool Congress lawmaker Kalyan Banerjee amid turmoil within the party, its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday struck a conciliatory note, describing the Serampore MP as an elder who has "brought him up" and therefore had every right to criticise him.

Why Shiv Sena (UBT) Wants President's Rule In West Bengal

Why Shiv Sena (UBT) Wants President's Rule In West Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded the imposition of president's rule in West Bengal, citing alleged attacks on Trinamool Congress MPs and accusing the BJP government of sponsoring violence and undermining democracy.

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

After assembly revolt, TMC stares at rebellion in Parliament

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Veteran Rajya Sabha MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy has suggested that the rebellion within the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s legislative wing could extend to its Members of Parliament, following an unprecedented revolt by MLAs and the party's recent electoral defeat in West Bengal.

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

DMK to boycott INDIA meet, to sit separately in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reportedly set to skip the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, signalling a growing rift with the Congress party. This development follows a political realignment in Tamil Nadu where Congress allied with the TVK, leading to the end of its long-standing cooperation with the DMK and a request for separate seating in the Lok Sabha.

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Shiv Sena-style split in Bengal? 58 MLAs back expelled TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee has garnered support from 58 legislators, who have proposed him as the new leader of the legislative party to West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Bose, while still acknowledging Mamata Banerjee as their 'chairperson'.

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Cracks in TMC? Senior MP quits party post, takes swipe at I-PAC

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Senior TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has resigned as the Barasat organisational district president, taking 'moral responsibility' for the party's poor performance in the recent West Bengal assembly polls. Her resignation letter and subsequent comments sharply criticised the party's campaign strategy, the influence of election strategist I-PAC, and alleged criminalisation within the party, calling for a return to 'street politics' and engagement with 'honest, old and dedicated workers'.

Mamata in Delhi for INDIA bloc huddle amid split scare, meets Kejriwal

Mamata in Delhi for INDIA bloc huddle amid split scare, meets Kejriwal

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

23 political parties of the INDIA bloc will meet on Monday to redraw their strategy to take on the BJP and iron out differences amid changed power dynamics after the defeat of regional anchors TMC and DMK in the recent assembly polls.

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

INDIA bloc may meet next month to chalk out anti-BJP strategy: Mamata

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said members of the INDIA bloc were likely to meet in the first week of June to discuss a joint strategy, while asserting that the opposition camp was prepared for a prolonged political battle.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Bengal polls: BJP heavyweights shine, a few big names stumble

Bengal polls: BJP heavyweights shine, a few big names stumble

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP experienced a mixed bag of results in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with several heavyweight candidates securing victories while others faced defeat. Key wins included Dilip Ghosh, Suvendu Adhikari, and others, but some prominent faces failed to win.

From 215 to 20: How Mamata's political empire fell in a month

From 215 to 20: How Mamata's political empire fell in a month

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is grappling with an unprecedented political crisis following its recent electoral defeat, which has seen a significant number of its legislators openly challenging her authority and forming a rebel faction.