News for 'electoral process'

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Why Mamata Banerjee Accuses BJP Of 'Breaking India'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of using the proposed amendment to the women's quota law as a front for the Delimitation Bill, which she claims will divide the country. She asserted that her party will fight this move at every step.

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Hooda Slams Haryana Government Over Crop Procurement Conditions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has accused the state government of imposing arbitrary conditions on crop purchases, alleging anti-farmer policies and demanding compensation for weather-related crop damage.

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Muslim names in LD lists exceed population share in 4 Kolkata seats: Study

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A new study alleges that Muslim voters are disproportionately represented in Logical Discrepancy (LD) lists during Kolkata's voter roll revision, raising concerns about potential bias in the electoral process.

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Long-pending electoral cases fuel distrust, says outgoing CEC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

Outgoing Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has expressed concerns about long-pending cases questioning electoral processes, arguing they fuel distrust and should be scheduled with consideration for election periods. He also advocated for enhanced transparency in political promises, with clear disclosures on financial viability and impact on state finances. Kumar further stressed the need for a totaliser system to maintain polling station-wise voting confidentiality and urged the empowerment of NRIs to vote remotely. He highlighted the potential of biometric authentication and technology to address issues like impersonation and multiple voting.

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.

SIR hearing: Will Mamata argue in SC today?

SIR hearing: Will Mamata argue in SC today?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court will hear on Wednesday a plea filed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee challenging the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Mamata govt transfers over 500 bureaucrats amid electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

The West Bengal government has transferred over 500 bureaucrats ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The move has drawn criticism from the opposition BJP, who allege it is an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for key battles with the AIADMK and other parties.

Banerjee Claims BJP Stoking Social Discord to Loot India

Banerjee Claims BJP Stoking Social Discord to Loot India

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of stoking fights among all sections of society and attempting to loot the country by exploiting these divisions. She also criticised the BJP's economic policies and alleged discrimination in welfare schemes.

Shah Alleges West Bengal Government Aided Infiltration, Defends Voter List Revision

Shah Alleges West Bengal Government Aided Infiltration, Defends Voter List Revision

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses the West Bengal government of openly facilitating infiltration, defends the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, and asserts BJP's prospects in upcoming elections.

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

No proof, no benefits: Govt clarifies limits of census data use

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, Mritunjay Kumar Narayan, has reassured the public that individual data collected during the upcoming census will remain confidential and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical aggregation.

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

BLO's death triggers political storm in Bengal; TMC, BJP trade charges

Rediff.com6 Feb 2026

The death of a booth level officer in West Bengal due to cardiac arrest has ignited a political battle between the ruling TMC and the BJP, with accusations of workload pressure and politicization of the tragedy.

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

A War With No Exit Strategy, No Victory To Declare

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Both sides have now revealed a preference for escalation over strategic defeat, and each new provocation narrows the space for the next pause. The Touska seizure, Iran's refusal to negotiate under blockade, Israel's strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure -- all of these add up to an increasingly untenable situation. This makes the wild card -- Trump and his motormouth -- more consequential than ever, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.

Rahul, Venugopal not on same page on CEC impeachment?

Rahul, Venugopal not on same page on CEC impeachment?

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal indicated the opposition is seriously considering the proposal, while Rahul Gandhi declined to comment.

No roadblocks in SIR: SC's clear message to states in Bengal case

No roadblocks in SIR: SC's clear message to states in Bengal case

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N V Anjaria said it would issue whatever orders or clarifications are required in the matter.

EC publishes draft electoral rolls for Bihar

EC publishes draft electoral rolls for Bihar

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The Election Commission (EC) has published the draft electoral rolls for Bihar, marking a key step ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The publication follows a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Bihar electoral rolls: Deleted 65L names published online post SIR

Bihar electoral rolls: Deleted 65L names published online post SIR

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

Following a Supreme Court directive, details of names deleted from Bihar's draft electoral rolls have been published online. The Election Commission defends the special intensive revision process.

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Banerjee Questions President's Silence on Tribal Issues, Alleges Political Interference

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused President Droupadi Murmu of acting on the advice of the BJP and questioned her silence on issues affecting tribal communities in other states. This comes after Murmu raised concerns about the pace of tribal development in West Bengal.

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

All parties involved in electoral roll revision despite objection: EC

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) asserts that major political parties participated in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, deploying booth level agents despite opposing the exercise in the Supreme Court. The ECI defends its authority to conduct the revision to maintain the integrity of elections.

New twist in Karnataka State Cricket Association polls

New twist in Karnataka State Cricket Association polls

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

K N Shanth Kumar on Saturday expressed relief after the High Court declared his nomination papers for the post of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) valid.

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Panicked, defensive response: Rahul on Shah's remarks

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah's response to questions on electoral reforms, calling it 'completely defensive' and alleging 'vote chori' (vote theft).

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Mamata vs Delhi Police ahead of CEC meet over SIR

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi to meet Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Protests erupt across Bengal over SIR 'harassment'

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Protests erupted across several districts of West Bengal over alleged harassment of people in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, leading to road blockages and tyre burning. Demonstrations were held in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Purba Medinipur.

Post-poll violence grips Bangladesh's Panchagarh as BNP, NCP trade charges

Post-poll violence grips Bangladesh's Panchagarh as BNP, NCP trade charges

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the NCP for the northern region, alleged that attacks occurred at more than 30 locations involving the homes and business establishments of party leaders and activists after the results were declared.

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

TMC's Derek O'Brien moves SC alleging irregularities in Bengal SIR

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The application claimed that since the inception of the SIR process in the state, the EC has issued instructions to officers at the ground level through "informal and extra-statutory channels", such as WhatsApp messages and oral directions conveyed during video conferences, instead of issuing formal written instructions.

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

UP draft voter list published, 2.89 cr names dropped after revision

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh was published after a special intensive revision exercise, with 12.55 crore voters retained out of 15.44 crore listed earlier. Around 2.89 crore voters were excluded due to deaths, migration, or multiple registrations.

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Murmu's 'upset' remark sparks spat with Mamata; Modi jumps in

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee escalates tensions ahead of assembly polls by accusing President Droupadi Murmu of political bias and criticising her stance on tribal welfare, sparking a major controversy.

EC to publish Bihar draft electoral rolls on Friday amid exclusion fears

EC to publish Bihar draft electoral rolls on Friday amid exclusion fears

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

The Election Commission will publish the draft electoral rolls for Bihar assembly polls, triggering a period for claims and objections amid fears of voter exclusion.

Bihar electoral roll revision: 52 lakh voters missing, 18 lakh dead

Bihar electoral roll revision: 52 lakh voters missing, 18 lakh dead

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar reveals millions of voters missing or deceased, prompting Election Commission action.

Netaji's grandnephew calls Bengal SIR 'sheer harassment'

Netaji's grandnephew calls Bengal SIR 'sheer harassment'

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

Chandra Kumar Bose, grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, criticizes the ongoing electoral roll revision in West Bengal, calling it 'sheer harassment' and lacking clarity.

Bangladesh Election: Voters in Historic Poll

Bangladesh Election: Voters in Historic Poll

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

Bangladesh held its 13th general election on February 12, 2026, with voters across Dhaka casting ballots in a significant democratic exercise.

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

TN voter roll trimmed by about 1 cr after SIR exercise

Rediff.com20 Dec 2025

Tamil Nadu's electoral roll has been revised, resulting in the removal of 9.74 million voters following an enumeration exercise. The state's electoral roll now stands at 5.43 crore voters.

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

SC asks EC to furnish details of deleted voters in Bihar

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to provide details regarding the 3.66 lakh voters excluded from Bihar's final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The court's direction came after concerns were raised by petitioners about the lack of notice or reasons given to the excluded voters.

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Amartya Sen gets summons over SIR; no need to attend hearing, says EC

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) clarified that Nobel laureate Amartya Sen is not required to appear for a hearing regarding discrepancies in the spelling of his name in the voter list. The correction will be handled administratively. The EC also issued instructions to ensure timely delivery of notices related to voter list discrepancies.

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

SIR notice Amartya Sen: Bengal CEO cites 'logical discrepancy'

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Amid claims of Amartya Sen being summoned over Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal has clarified that the notice to the Nobel laureate was issued after the Electoral Roll Officers' Network (ERONET) portal flagged a 'logical discrepancy'.

MVA, MNS to go ahead with Mumbai rally on fake vote row, defying police

MVA, MNS to go ahead with Mumbai rally on fake vote row, defying police

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

The rally is being organised to protest against alleged electoral roll manipulation in the Maharashtra assembly elections, with opposition parties alleging that there were around 96 lakh fake votes which had been added in the 2024 assembly elections.

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

'Humiliated' Mamata storms out of meeting with CEC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with families affected by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, met with the Chief Election Commissioner to voice their concerns and demand a halt to the revision process.