News for 'election-commission'

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Nitish didn't leave INDIA bloc because of me: Rahul

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told INDIA bloc leaders that despite public anger indicating a win for the opposition, the main challenge is the alleged lack of free and fair elections due to the BJP's control over state institutions. He urged unity and a strategy of 'resistance' against what he termed election 'theft'.

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Amid TMC split, LS speaker gave Abhishek Banerjee just 2-hour notice

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will hear both the defected TMC MPs and the faction led by Mamata Banerjee before deciding on recognising the breakaway group's proposed merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Plea in SC seeks seat-wise list of voter deletions in Bengal

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a detailed constituency-wise disclosure of disenfranchisement caused by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Motto of Manipur party TMC rebels merged with: Reject turncoats

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India's campaign posters carry the message: 'To save your rights, reject political turncoats. Support social workers, not political personalities,' and urges voters to press the symbol of a pen nib.

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

EC orders probe into foreigners voting in Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered an investigation into allegations that foreign nationals fraudulently voted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The probe was initiated after police arrested ten foreign nationals with indelible ink on their fingers at Chennai and Madurai airports.

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

J'khand: Cross-voting rocks INDIA bloc, hands RS win to NDA-backed candidate

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting, National Democratic Alliance-supported Independent candidate Parimal Nathwani on Thursday won one of the two Rajya Sabha seats in Jharkhand, defeating the Congress's Pranav Jha, an official said.

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.

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Why Change India's Electoral System?

Rediff.com23 May 2026

'Why are we deliberately taking apart an electoral system that has worked?' 'There is no answer to that, and there is no data and has never been any on the absurd slander that foreigners are voting here,' asserts Aakar Patel.

Kerala Assembly Elections: Cash And Contraband Worth Over Rs 80 Crore Seized

Kerala Assembly Elections: Cash And Contraband Worth Over Rs 80 Crore Seized

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Election Commission reports the seizure of cash and contraband worth Rs 80.67 crore in Kerala during enforcement activities related to the recent Assembly elections.

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

What Modi Govt Plans To Do About Illegal Immigration

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The NDA government has gradually nuanced its position on the issue of demographic challenge.

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

Deleted votes exceeded victory margins on 31 seats: TMC in SC

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 were less than the deletion of votes during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

BJP eyeing 2/3rd majority to end reservations: Jairam Ramesh

Rediff.com3 days ago

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the BJP's "real and ultimate target" in seeking a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha is to amend the Constitution to end reservation, rather than genuinely implement women's reservation.

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

SC raps politicians over 'irresponsible' remarks in Shiv Sena symbol row

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over statements made by politicians regarding the Shiv Sena symbol row case, cautioning them about making irresponsible comments.

Court Grants Bail To Bangla Pokkho Founder In Misinformation Case

Court Grants Bail To Bangla Pokkho Founder In Misinformation Case

Rediff.com22 May 2026

A court in Kolkata granted bail to Bangla Pokkho's founder, Garga Chatterjee, who was arrested for allegedly spreading misinformation through social media posts during the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Out of 25 lakh SIR appeals, 4043 names back in Bengal voter rolls

Out of 25 lakh SIR appeals, 4043 names back in Bengal voter rolls

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Appellate tribunals in West Bengal have only disposed of a small fraction of the appeals filed against decisions made during the electoral roll revision, raising concerns about the efficiency of the process.

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

TVK allocates lone Rajya Sabha seat to Cong

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

The TVK's decision to offer the lone Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress came against the backdrop of key meetings between national party leaders, including former union finance minister P Chidambaram and Congress Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar at the Secretariat.

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

We are still ahead in 170 seats: Mamata as BJP leads in Bengal

Rediff.com4 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged TMC candidates and agents to remain vigilant at counting centres, alleging a 'game plan' by the BJP and the Election Commission to show the BJP taking an early lead.

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

No milestone but millstone around India's neck: Congress on Modi's tenure

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a 'millstone' around India's neck and accusing him of presiding over the 'murder of democracy', even as he achieved the milestone of becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

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.

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Speaker Om Birla to decide fate of rebel TMC bloc as NCPI eyes major LS leap

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

The Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) has named Jyotiprakash Chatterji as its new president, a development that follows the merger of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) rebel Lok Sabha faction with the party. This announcement by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, a key figure in the dissident camp, comes amidst speculation about the party's leadership after its founder stepped down. However, details about Chatterji and the party's internal workings remain unclear, with some existing members expressing unawareness of the change.

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.

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Haryana Municipal Elections: Vote Counting Begins For Key Cities

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Counting of votes is underway for municipal corporations in Ambala, Panchkula, Sonipat, and other civic bodies in Haryana. Polling was held on Sunday for mayor and ward councillor elections.

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Punjab AAP Accuses BJP Leader Bittu Of Hooliganism

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Punjab's AAP president, Aman Arora, has criticised Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for alleged misconduct and objectionable behaviour towards police personnel in Dhuri, while Bittu accuses the AAP government of misusing the police to target BJP workers.

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

EC deploys 432 counting observers across Bengal

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.

TMC's existential crisis: Can Mamata Banerjee's party survive the internal rebellion?

TMC's existential crisis: Can Mamata Banerjee's party survive the internal rebellion?

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

A month after losing power in West Bengal and facing a rebellion by 58 MLAs, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) confronts an unprecedented challenge to Mamata Banerjee's absolute authority, raising questions about the party's survival and future.

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Return to Uddhav's Sena if you...: Raut to Shinde camp leaders

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT) has invited leaders who sided with Eknath Shinde to return to the party led by Uddhav Thackeray, while also stating that some individuals will not be welcomed back.

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

EC to begin Phase 3 of SIR, to cover 22 states

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Election Commission is preparing to launch the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' lists, potentially covering 22 states and Union Territories with approximately 40 crore electors.

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

HC orders notice to CM Vijay over use of children to influence electorate

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The Madras High Court has issued notices to key political figures and the Election Commission following a petition alleging corrupt practices during the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, including the use of children to influence voters.

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

'Not people's mandate': Mamata says she won't resign as CM

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, the outgoing Chief Minister of West Bengal, has refused to step down after her party's defeat in the assembly elections, alleging a conspiracy and irregularities in the counting process. She also accused the Election Commission of working in favour of the BJP and announced a fact-finding committee to investigate post-poll violence.

Haryana Municipal Polls: BJP Candidates Lead In Key Cities

Haryana Municipal Polls: BJP Candidates Lead In Key Cities

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Counting is underway for municipal corporations in Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, with BJP mayoral candidates leading. Elections were held on Sunday for various municipal bodies across Haryana.

BJP win 'immoral': Mamata claims over 100 seats were looted

BJP win 'immoral': Mamata claims over 100 seats were looted

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has criticised the BJP's victory in the West Bengal state elections, calling it 'immoral' and alleging that the mandate in over 100 seats was 'looted'. She also criticised the Election Commission's role.

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Election Commission reports a significant increase in seizures of inducements during recent assembly elections, with Tamil Nadu leading in cash seizures and West Bengal in liquor and drugs.

West Bengal Polls Phase II: Touch And Go Seats

West Bengal Polls Phase II: Touch And Go Seats

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Polling for West Bengal's remaining 142 assembly seats will be held in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Why AAP Is Accusing BJP's Ravneet Bittu Of Hooliganism

Why AAP Is Accusing BJP's Ravneet Bittu Of Hooliganism

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Punjab AAP president Aman Arora criticised Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu for alleged misconduct and objectionable behaviour towards police personnel in Dhuri, following an incident where Bittu intervened in the detention of a BJP leader during the election silent period.

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

'Subversion of democratic process': Bengal's Falta to see repolling on May 21

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Election Commission has ordered a repoll in all 285 polling booths of the Falta assembly constituency in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on May 21, following reports of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the second phase of the assembly elections.

Modi ji will not be PM in a year: Rahul's big claim

Modi ji will not be PM in a year: Rahul's big claim

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Addressing tribal leaders from across the country at an event organised by the Adivasi Congress at the Indira Bhawan in New Delhi, Gandhi warned that while an 'economic tsunami' is coming, the system is also revolting due to public pressure.

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.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

Man Arrested For Threatening Suicide Attack On Bengal CM

Man Arrested For Threatening Suicide Attack On Bengal CM

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A man has been arrested in Kolkata for allegedly sending an email threatening a suicide bomb attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

West Bengal Polls: TMC Alleges Irregularities In Vote Counting

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leaders have raised concerns about the vote counting process in the West Bengal Assembly elections, alleging irregularities and lack of cooperation from the Election Commission.