News for 'election update'

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Increasing strength of Parliament to 850 a 'joke': Tharoor

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the proposal to increase the Lok Sabha's strength to 850, while BJP leaders defended delimitation as a democratic necessity at the Stanford India Conference 2026.

'Opportunistic tilt': DMK attacks Cong after shock tie-up with Vijay

'Opportunistic tilt': DMK attacks Cong after shock tie-up with Vijay

Rediff.com8 May 2026

The DMK has strongly criticised the Congress party for exiting their alliance in Tamil Nadu, accusing them of betrayal and opportunistic behaviour. The DMK claims the Congress has undermined the stability of the state government and risked the progress made in the last five years.

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.

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Vijay meets Stalin ahead of crucial floor test in TN

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay met with his predecessor, DMK President MK Stalin, at his residence in Alwarpet, Chennai, ahead of a crucial floor test for the government. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, occurred after Vijay's criticism of the previous DMK regime's debt burden.

Kerala Government Orders Reinvestigation Into Attack On Congress Workers

Kerala Government Orders Reinvestigation Into Attack On Congress Workers

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The Kerala government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to reinvestigate the alleged assault on Youth Congress workers by the gunmen of then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a protest in Alappuzha in 2023.

'Vijay Won't Ask Anybody For Support'

'Vijay Won't Ask Anybody For Support'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'The TVK might form a minority government.'

Vijay mirrors NTR feat, races to power within two years of party launch

Vijay mirrors NTR feat, races to power within two years of party launch

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Vijay's TVK party is on the verge of forming a government in Tamil Nadu, drawing parallels to NTR's earlier success in Andhra Pradesh. Both achieved electoral success shortly after forming their parties, highlighting the potential for film popularity to translate into political gains.

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Bengal turns saffron, Vijay shakes TN; Mamata, Stalin lose; BJP scores hat-trick in Assam

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP is showing strong leads in West Bengal and Assam, while actor Vijay's party is making a significant debut in Tamil Nadu. The Congress is ahead in Kerala, offering some consolation amid the changing political landscape in the state elections.

Suvendu aide's murder likely to fuel post-poll violence in Bengal

Suvendu aide's murder likely to fuel post-poll violence in Bengal

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal has ignited post-election violence, raising concerns about political stability and the transition of power.

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

What I Expect From A BJP Government In Bengal

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

What Suvendu Adhikari Must Understand

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

Rajinikanth: 'Why Should I Be Jealous Of Vijay?'

Rajinikanth: 'Why Should I Be Jealous Of Vijay?'

Rediff.com18 May 2026

'When I am not in politics, why should I be jealous of him?...'

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Two outgoing West Bengal ministers, Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, under scrutiny in a recruitment scam case, did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as scheduled, citing health and post-election duties.

EC assessing repoll plea in 77 booths in Bengal

EC assessing repoll plea in 77 booths in Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Demands for repolling are generally made by political parties, candidates, polling agents, or even observers, citing specific irregularities such as EVM malfunction, booth capturing, intimidation, or violation of the secrecy of voting.

VCK keeps TVK guessing as wait for TN govt formation continues

VCK keeps TVK guessing as wait for TN govt formation continues

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The VCK party, led by Thol Thirumavalavan, will announce its official position on supporting Vijay's TVK in forming the government. The decision follows discussions regarding power-sharing and key positions within the new government.

'Time, muhurta will answer': Shivakumar on CM ambitions

'Time, muhurta will answer': Shivakumar on CM ambitions

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has reiterated that time will tell whether he will become the Chief Minister of the state, amid speculation of a leadership change within the Congress party.

Car used in Suvendu aide's murder purchased in UP: Police

Car used in Suvendu aide's murder purchased in UP: Police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Police and eyewitnesses have revealed that the car used in the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, was purchased in Ballia. The CBI and Uttar Pradesh STF are intensifying raids to locate Gyanendra Pratap Singh, a key figure in the case.

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.

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

BJP Serves Defamation Notice To Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Rediff.com7 May 2026

BJP leader Tarun Chugh has served a legal notice to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann for linking the BJP to recent blasts, demanding proof or resignation.

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

CM Vijay resigns from Tiruchurapalli East seat, retains Perambur

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Before assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay submitted his resignation letter from the post of member of the legislative assembly representing the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Rediff.com6 May 2026

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.

Mojtaba, Ayatollah Khamenei's son, elected Iran's new Supreme Leader: Report

Mojtaba, Ayatollah Khamenei's son, elected Iran's new Supreme Leader: Report

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been chosen to assume control of the country.

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Vijay Is The New Chennai Super King!

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Unlike films that end with the underdog becoming winner and being sworn in at a public ceremony, Vijay's trial by fire is only about to begin, predicts Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Infantino Eyes Fourth Term as FIFA President

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Gianni Infantino confirms he will seek a fourth term as FIFA president, with elections set for 2027 amid ongoing expansion reforms and criticism.

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Inside Vijay's Cabinet: A Blend of Youth and Veterans

Rediff.com10 May 2026

A look at the profiles of the ministers in the new Tamil Nadu government led by Joseph C Vijay of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

BJP's first govt in Bengal to take oath on May 9; Modi, Shah, Nabin to attend

BJP's first govt in Bengal to take oath on May 9; Modi, Shah, Nabin to attend

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The BJP is set to form its first government in West Bengal, with the oath-taking ceremony scheduled for May 9 at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata. The event is expected to be attended by prominent BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

'In India Politics Has Taken Over Business'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'When we start describing somebody as an enemy that is the start of politics and emotion after which no business can take place.' 'We need to get out of this, allow Indian businessmen to do business with China.'

West Bengal Election Watch: Criminal Cases Against Sitting MLAs

West Bengal Election Watch: Criminal Cases Against Sitting MLAs

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant percentage of sitting MLAs in West Bengal, where assembly polls are scheduled, have declared criminal cases against themselves.

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.

3 yrs after Karnataka polls, Cong MLA loses votes in recount

3 yrs after Karnataka polls, Cong MLA loses votes in recount

Rediff.com3 May 2026

A recount of postal ballots in the Sringeri Assembly constituency has resulted in a reduction of votes for Congress MLA T D Raje Gowda, following a High Court order. The Election Commission has been notified for further action.

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Karnataka bypoll: Cong retains two assembly seats despite power tussle

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Ruling Congress in Karnataka on Monday retained Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly seats, giving a respite to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the party leadership, amid the ongoing power tussle over the leadership issue.

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Kerala Offers Congress Golden Chance; Will It Deliver?

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Stage set for counting day showdown in 5 states

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.

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.

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

NDA govt in Assam to be sworn-in on May 12

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led NDA government in Assam will be sworn in on May 12, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries expected to attend. Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and secure ceremony.

Atul Bora Wins Bokakhat Seat For Third Time

Atul Bora Wins Bokakhat Seat For Third Time

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora of the AGP has won the Bokakhat assembly constituency for a third consecutive term, defeating Raijor Dal's Hari Prasad Saikia by a significant margin.

Bangladesh Is All Set For Election Day

Bangladesh Is All Set For Election Day

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Bangladesh holds its general election on Thursday, February 12, amid an intense political campaign across major cities. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party and student-led National Citizen Party mobilise supporters through rallies in Dhaka and Sylhet.

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Bengal Government To Prioritise Women's Safety And Complaints

Rediff.com13 May 2026

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the state government will ensure women's freedom of movement at any time and prioritise their complaints. CCTV monitoring will be introduced across civic bodies to enhance transparency and curb corruption. The government also plans to address illegal activities such as toll plazas, sand extraction, and coal mining, while streamlining welfare schemes and improving infrastructure projects.