News for 'elections'

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.

Should we label BJP MPs as 'ghuspethiya'?: Rahul's fresh claim

Should we label BJP MPs as 'ghuspethiya'?: Rahul's fresh claim

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused BJP MPs of securing their seats through 'vote chori' and claims the BJP would struggle to win even 140 seats in fair elections.

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

'Action replay': Suvendu beats Mamata in Bhabanipur

Rediff.com4 May 2026

In a dramatic election mirroring the Nandigram contest, BJP's Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur, marking a significant victory for the BJP and a setback for the Trinamool Congress.

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

'We Will See A Different BJP In Bengal'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'

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.

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.

'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.

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.

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Bengal on the boil as post-poll clashes leave BJP, TMC workers dead

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A BJP and a Trinamool Congress worker were killed in separate incidents of post-poll violence in West Bengal on Tuesday, police said.

'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.'

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).

'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.'

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.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Kerala Government Increases ASHA Workers' Honorarium After Protests

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Kerala's new government has increased the monthly honorarium for ASHA workers by Rs 3,000 following protests demanding better pay. The decision was made during the first Cabinet meeting, raising the honorarium to Rs 12,000. ASHA worker leaders have expressed gratitude while criticising the previous government's response to their demands.

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.

Cash row: Parliament to examine probe report on Justice Varma

Cash row: Parliament to examine probe report on Justice Varma

Rediff.com19 May 2026

An inquiry committee investigating allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, concerning unaccounted cash found at his residence, has submitted its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The report will be presented to both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session.

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

'2026 Could Be Warmest Year Ever Recorded'

Rediff.com25 May 2026

'We should expect extreme heat, extreme rains, floods, landslides and maybe cyclones. Not just this year, in the coming year as well.'

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.

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.

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.

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

In Norway, India rejects allegations of violation of human rights

Rediff.com20 May 2026

India has reiterated its commitment to human rights and democracy following criticism from a Norwegian newspaper commentator during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Norway.

CBI Nabs Accused In Adhikari Associate Murder Case

CBI Nabs Accused In Adhikari Associate Murder Case

Rediff.com21 May 2026

The CBI has arrested Naveen Kumar Singh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an associate of West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrest was made in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, following a coordinated effort with the UP STF and local police. The investigation continues to explore various angles, including arms supply networks and inter-district links.

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.

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Election of 45 Bihar MLAs challenged in HC

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Petitions have been filed in the Patna High Court challenging the election of 45 members of the Bihar legislative assembly, including Speaker Prem Kumar.

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.

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.

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

'Vijay Not Only Had Star Power. He Had Timing'

Rediff.com13 May 2026

'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'

EPS meets district secretaries amid rift in AIADMK

EPS meets district secretaries amid rift in AIADMK

Rediff.com15 May 2026

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met with new district secretaries to discuss the party's future strategy amid an ongoing internal rift. The meeting follows the removal of senior leaders and cross-voting during a recent confidence vote.

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.