News for 'elections'

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

BJP's Rajya Sabha Picks Spark Cabinet Reshuffle Talk

Rediff.com5 days ago

The BJP has announced 11 candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, notably omitting Union ministers Ravneet Singh Bittu and George Kurian, whose terms end soon. This decision, alongside other recent appointments, has fuelled speculation about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. The list includes new faces and senior party leaders from various states.

Bhangar Bomb Blast: NIA Nabs Driver, Searches MLA's Hideouts

Bhangar Bomb Blast: NIA Nabs Driver, Searches MLA's Hideouts

Rediff.com5 days ago

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Sainur Molla, the driver involved in transporting victims of the Bhangar bomb blast in West Bengal, bringing the total arrests to three. The agency also conducted extensive searches at eight locations, including those linked to former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, a prime suspect, as part of its ongoing investigation into the crude bomb explosion that occurred before the recent state elections.

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.

Kolkata Police Designates IPS Officers for Election Duties

Kolkata Police Designates IPS Officers for Election Duties

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

The Kolkata Police has appointed four senior IPS officers as nodal officers to oversee specific responsibilities related to the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, ensuring smooth and fair conduct.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Operation Crown Prince and the revolt that split TMC

Rediff.com6 days ago

What began with an apparently chance encounter between rebel TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Banga Bhavan on May 22 ended on Wednesday with 58 MLAs wresting control of the party's legislature wing, electing Ritabrata as their leader and securing recognition from the assembly Speaker.

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

How Small Parties Could Swing Puducherry Election Results

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Small parties have the capacity to play both ends against the middle. Puducherry could be heading that way, points out Aditi Phadnis.

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.com2 days ago

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.

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

After quitting BJP, Annamalai launches 'common man politics' for Tamil Nadu

Rediff.com4 days ago

Former Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai has launched a new political movement focused on 'common man politics,' rejecting personality cults and hereditary power, aiming to position Tamil Nadu as the premier state in India.

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Maha minister calls Operation Blue Star a 'black day', sparks row

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has ignited a political controversy by labelling Operation Blue Star a 'black day' and referring to those killed as 'martyrs', while criticising former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and likening the military action to an invasion.

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 days ago

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.

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

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

Rediff.com5 days ago

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.

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.com1 days ago

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.

Voter ID, Aadhaar Cards Found At TMC Office In Kolkata

Voter ID, Aadhaar Cards Found At TMC Office In Kolkata

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A large number of voter ID, Aadhaar, and ration cards were allegedly recovered from a TMC office in Kolkata's Tangra area. BJP workers claim the cards were deliberately kept to prevent people from voting.

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Union Minister Bittu Apologises For Casteist Remarks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has apologised to the Scheduled Caste community for his recent objectionable remarks, stating that as a minister, he should not have used such language.

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Abhishek Banerjee Condemns Arrest of I-PAC Co-founder as Election Intimidation

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

New Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy Vows To Bring Back Tatas

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Newly appointed Bengal Industries Minister Tapas Roy has announced ambitious plans to attract significant investments, particularly from the Tata Group, to revive industrial growth in West Bengal. He aims to restore investor confidence, bring back businesses that left the state, and create an industry-friendly environment focused on manufacturing, services, and renewable energy.

Mamata's crisis deepens as another TMC leader arrested

Mamata's crisis deepens as another TMC leader arrested

Rediff.com1 days ago

Trinamool Congress leader and former Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation chairman, Sabyasachi Dutta, has been arrested in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation following a businessman's complaint.

Day after Abhishek, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee hurt in Hooghly attack

Day after Abhishek, TMC's Kalyan Banerjee hurt in Hooghly attack

Rediff.com31 May 2026

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee claimed he suffered head injuries after being mobbed in front of a police station in West Bengal's Hooghly district. He alleged BJP supporters were responsible for the attack after he visited to submit a memorandum against the arrest of party workers after the Assembly elections.

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Modi Has Transformed The Vocabulary Of Indian Politics

Rediff.com3 hours ago

Few leaders since Independence have been able to establish such a direct connection with the electorate or shape the national conversation to the extent that Narendra Modi has done over the past decade, points out former Union minister Dr Karan Singh.

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Misleading Election Projections

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form the government after the Assembly poll results.

Bomb Blast at Nadia School Raises Pre-Election Tensions in West Bengal

Bomb Blast at Nadia School Raises Pre-Election Tensions in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A crude bomb exploded on the rooftop of a school in Nadia district, West Bengal, ahead of upcoming elections, prompting investigations and political accusations.

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

AJP Slams Assam CM After Candidate Summoned in Election Case

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case, alleging political harassment and misuse of power by the ruling BJP.

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

TMC dissidents attend CM Suvendu Adhikari's meeting amid huge party split

Rediff.com1 days ago

Amid a significant split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), two "dissident" MPs, June Maliah and Deepak Adhikari (Dev), along with an MLA, attended an administrative meeting chaired by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. This event follows a major rebellion within the TMC, where 20 Lok Sabha MPs reportedly declared support for the BJP-led NDA as a separate bloc.

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

How BJP Celebrated Modi's Milestone

Rediff.com1 hour ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming India's longest continuously serving elected prime minister.

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.com6 days ago

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.

Why Was TMC Leader Sabyasachi Dutta Arrested?

Why Was TMC Leader Sabyasachi Dutta Arrested?

Rediff.com1 days ago

Trinamool Congress leader Sabyasachi Dutta, former Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation chairman, has been arrested in West Bengal on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. The arrest stems from a 2018 complaint by a businessman alleging a demand of over Rs 1 crore. This development follows another recent high-profile arrest of a TMC leader, prompting a state minister to comment on a crackdown on corruption.

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Supreme Court's Electoral Roll Ruling: Key Takeaways

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee has commented on the Supreme Court judgment regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasising its specific application to the Bihar case and highlighting the Election Commission's limited authority in determining citizenship.

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Won't let our soil be used against India: Myanmar Prez

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Myanmarese territory would not be allowed to be used against India's security interests, as the two leaders held wide-ranging talks to boost bilateral ties in trade, defence, and energy.

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Kerala Minister Admits Impropriety In Pension Distribution

Rediff.com5 days ago

Kerala Minister K M Shaji admitted that distributing welfare pensions from a UDF political office in Malappuram's Pulpatta panchayat was improper, leading to the removal of the responsible official. The incident, which sparked allegations of rule violation, was attributed to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather, with the minister assuring steps to prevent recurrence.

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

BJP rigged vote counting in 177 seats, alleges Mamata

Rediff.com7 days ago

Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP rigged the West Bengal elections and announces plans for a nationwide anti-BJP alliance. She also protests against post-poll violence and arrests of TMC workers.

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Trinamool crisis deepens: RS MP quits, Chairman accepts resignation

Rediff.com2 days ago

Rajya Sabha MP Sukhen Shekhar Ray has resigned from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and his parliamentary seat, adding to the party's ongoing internal crisis and political turmoil.

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Top TMC leader Firhad Hakim quits as Kolkata mayor amid party turmoil

Rediff.com5 days ago

Senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim has resigned as the mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), citing an inability to function properly. His resignation, approved by Mamata Banerjee, comes amidst significant political turbulence within the TMC following recent election defeats and a wave of councillor resignations, raising questions about the party's urban political structure.

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

'Mamata Banerjee's Comeback Is Impossible'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'Mamata was more feared than loved, and in politics when people start fearing you then they start hating you.' 'So Mamata's comeback now is impossible.'

Karnataka MLA's Sons Face ED Grilling Over Crypto Money Laundering

Karnataka MLA's Sons Face ED Grilling Over Crypto Money Laundering

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Enforcement Directorate has summoned the two sons of Karnataka Congress MLA N A Haris for questioning in a crypto currency-linked money laundering case. The case involves hacking websites, stealing bitcoins, and selling virtual digital assets, with the Nalapad brothers previously denying wrongdoing and alleging political vendetta.

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

TMC's Jahangir Khan In Custody Over Extortion Charges

Rediff.com1 days ago

Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan has been remanded to five days police custody by a Diamond Harbour court on "extortion" and other charges. Khan was arrested near the India-Nepal border after seven FIRs were filed against him, and his interim protection from the Calcutta High Court was vacated.

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Aita Promises Player-Centric Approach, Transparent System

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The All India Tennis Association (AITA) leadership, led by President Chintan Parikh and Secretary General Sunder Iyer, has pledged to prioritise player welfare, transparent governance, and athlete representation if given a full term. They aim to transform Indian tennis by addressing past administrative issues and fostering a player-centric environment.

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Purav Raja Demands Accountability In Indian Tennis Administration

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Former India doubles player Purav Raja has called for a complete clean-up of Indian tennis administration, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency at all levels. He also questioned the eligibility of some office-bearers in the 2024 elections.

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

EC tells officials to flag suspected foreign nationals during SIR

Rediff.com3 days ago

The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

80 lakh women removed from Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin scheme

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Around 80 lakh women in Maharashtra have been disqualified from the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme after failing to meet the e-KYC deadline, leading to accusations from opposition parties that the state government is reducing beneficiaries due to financial constraints.