News for 'electoral mandate'

Decoding West Bengal verdict: BJP grew as TMC's organisation shrank

Decoding West Bengal verdict: BJP grew as TMC's organisation shrank

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The TMC's defeat in West Bengal signals an institutional breakdown, highlighting the collapse of its organisational core and raising questions about its sustainability beyond its top leadership.

Indian Olympic Association Establishes Committee to Oversee Equestrian Federation

Indian Olympic Association Establishes Committee to Oversee Equestrian Federation

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a four-member ad-hoc committee to manage the affairs of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), following a directive from the Delhi High Court to restore democratic governance within the sport.

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

'Rahul Needs To Project Something Positive'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'People don't like leaders who just crib and complain without offering a clear objective.' 'Theoretically and pragmatically, Rahul has to show an agenda beyond bad-mouthing Mr Modi on economic policies, foreign policy...'

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Violence fails to dent massive turnout in Bengal Phase 1; BJP, TMC claim edge

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

'You Are Killing Lakhs And Lakhs Of Citizenships'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'98 lakhs in Bengal, 97 lakhs in Tamil Nadu, 2.83 crores in Uttar Pradesh.'

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

BJP attacks TMC over 'mafia culture' after killing of Suvendu aide

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Suvendu Adhikari takes oath as 1st BJP CM of West Bengal

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.

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.

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

EC tells SC it has power to conduct SIR of electoral rolls

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) defended its power to revise electoral rolls and ensure no foreigners are registered as voters before the Supreme Court. The EC argued it has a constitutional duty to maintain the purity of electoral rolls and exclude those not eligible to vote.

No print ads by political parties on April 8-9 without clearance: EC

No print ads by political parties on April 8-9 without clearance: EC

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

The Election Commission of India has issued directives to political parties and candidates in Kerala, restricting the publication of print advertisements on the eve and day of the Assembly elections without prior certification.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

DMK, AIADMK uneasy as Vijay's TVK hunts for allies

DMK, AIADMK uneasy as Vijay's TVK hunts for allies

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In Tamil Nadu, the political landscape is shifting as the TVK party's attempt to form a government faces challenges from its potential allies. Both the DMK and AIADMK are experiencing internal divisions regarding extending support to the TVK, leading to uncertainty and speculation about potential realignments.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

May 9 set for Bengal govt swearing-in: State BJP chief

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The newly elected BJP-led government in West Bengal will take oath on May 9, coinciding with Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary, according to West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya. He also addressed post-election incidents and urged party workers to celebrate responsibly.

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

What's Rajendra Arlekar Up To?

Rediff.com9 May 2026

By asking Vijay to produce letters of majority support before inviting him to form the government, the governor risks overstepping established Constitutional principles, notes Harishchandra.

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

TVK shatters 10% third-front barrier with 35% vote share

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Actor Vijay's newly formed party, TVK, has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing a commanding vote share and disrupting the state's traditional bipolar political system.

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

TMC claims high voter turnout backs Mamata's governance

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Bengal sees massive turnout in final phase too; repoll likely at some booths

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Assembly elections 2026: Bengal sees 92% polling; TN sees record 85% turnout

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Vijay takes a selfie with Rahul Gandhi after swearing-in

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Actor Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ceremony included a selfie with Rahul Gandhi and a 360-degree video of the cheering crowd. Vijay's party achieved a historic debut, ending the duopoly of DMK and AIADMK.

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

TMC Demands Probe into Alleged Video Showing Conspiracy to Defeat Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video purportedly showing Humayun Kabir claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Did Modi's 'address to nation' breach poll code? 700 citizens move EC

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Over 700 citizens, including former civil servants, academics, activists, and journalists, have written to the Election Commission alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national address on April 18 violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. They are seeking an inquiry and remedial action.

'BJP seal' on affidavit: EC orders police action

'BJP seal' on affidavit: EC orders police action

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Kerala Police have initiated a crackdown on misleading election-related news circulating on social media platforms, following a controversy over an Election Commission letter bearing the BJP Kerala unit's seal.

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.

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of candidates contesting the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

'Ready to Take the Risk': Inside Congress's Vijay Bet

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Whether Vijay has the political spine to stitch together a stable government from this patchwork of conditions, demands, and midnight drama is the question Tamil Nadu is living through right now.

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Can West Bengal Regain Its Lost Pride?

Rediff.com1 May 2026

If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

73 Oppn members move fresh notice in RS seeking CEC's removal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

HC nullifies MP Congress MLA's election for concealing criminal case

HC nullifies MP Congress MLA's election for concealing criminal case

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has nullified the election of a Congress MLA due to the deliberate suppression of information regarding criminal charges, declaring the runner-up BJP candidate as the elected representative.

Vijay's TVK falls short of majority: What might unfold next?

Vijay's TVK falls short of majority: What might unfold next?

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The TVK has ended the nearly six-decade dominance of DMK and AIADMK in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, securing 108 out of 234 constituencies in its debut, but falls short of the 118 seats needed for an absolute majority, prompting discussions on coalition options and the governor's role.

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Bengal's upcoming 2026 election may hinge on the impact of recent electoral roll revisions, particularly in 65-70 closely contested constituencies where victory margins are slim. The deletion of over 90 lakh names, especially in key areas like Nandigram, Bhabanipur, and the Matua belt, has redrawn the electoral map, potentially influencing the outcome for both the TMC and BJP.

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.

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

'Bihar Has Never Delivered Such A One-Sided Mandate'

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

'This outcome is thoroughly unexpected.' 'I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback.' 'Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude.'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

'Real Issue Is Land, Not Religion In Assam'

Rediff.com5 May 2026

'The real fault line in Assam is not Hindu versus Muslim. It is Assamese versus Bengali -- and within that, the specific anxiety about undocumented Bangladeshi settlers claiming land and altering the demographic balance of the state.'

TMC seeks probe into Humayun Kabir video, alleges BJP conspiracy

TMC seeks probe into Humayun Kabir video, alleges BJP conspiracy

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has shared a purported video of Humayun Kabir, alleging a BJP conspiracy to influence the West Bengal elections. The video claims Kabir discussed strategies to divert minority votes and received funds for the plan. The BJP has denied the allegations, while Kabir claims the video is AI-generated and threatens legal action.

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

SIR effect or anti-incumbency? Kerala sees high turnout

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Kerala recorded a high voter turnout in the Assembly elections, with over 77 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots. The election is crucial as it will determine whether the LDF secures a rare third consecutive term, the UDF stages a comeback, or the NDA makes deeper inroads into Kerala's political landscape.

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Humayun Kabir Video Sparks Political Storm in West Bengal

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following the emergence of an alleged video of Humayun Kabir, purportedly claiming links with senior BJP leaders and efforts to defeat Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Cong alleges Sarma's wife holds 3 passports, CM threatens lawsuit

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has denied allegations made by the Congress party that his wife possesses multiple passports and concealed property information, vowing to take legal action against the Congress leader who made the claims.