News for 'independent candidates'

Rajasthan civic polls: Cong wins 6 of 9 wards in repolling

Rajasthan civic polls: Cong wins 6 of 9 wards in repolling

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

The Congress party won six out of nine wards where repolling was conducted across four urban local bodies in Rajasthan, while the BJP secured three. These results finalise the tally for all 10,244 wards, with the BJP holding the overall lead in total wards won, followed by Congress and Independents. The process for electing mayors and chairpersons is now underway.

Vishy Anand Re-elected FIDE Deputy President

Vishy Anand Re-elected FIDE Deputy President

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Anand's re-election as Deputy President means Bharat Singh Chauhan's bid for vice president is ineligible due to FIDE rules against multiple representatives from the same federation on the council.

CPI(M) MLA Downplays G Sudhakaran's Independent Candidacy

CPI(M) MLA Downplays G Sudhakaran's Independent Candidacy

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

CPI(M) MLA H Salam dismisses the potential impact of senior leader G Sudhakaran contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming Kerala Assembly election, following Sudhakaran's decision to leave the party.

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Cong chief Kharge, BJP leader among 4 candidates elected to RS from K'taka

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three Congress candidates, including All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge, and one Bharatiya Janata Party nominee were declared elected "unanimously" to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka on Thursday, election officials said.

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Mamata-Congress tie-up in Nandigram: Has Bengal Oppn politics changed?

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Former West Bengal Chief Minister's faction has announced support for the Congress candidate in the Nandigram assembly bypoll, marking a significant shift in state politics. This move comes amidst an internal party dispute within the Trinamool Congress and is seen as an attempt to consolidate anti-BJP votes and strengthen the INDIA bloc, despite a history of acrimonious rivalry between the two parties.

Rajya Sabha polls announced in 3 states, all eyes on UP's 10th seat

Rajya Sabha polls announced in 3 states, all eyes on UP's 10th seat

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has announced elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal on October 16. The BJP is expected to retain eight seats in UP and gain one in West Bengal, increasing its overall strength. The Samajwadi Party is also likely to gain one seat in UP, while Mayawati's BSP faces the prospect of losing its representation in Parliament.

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Vijay Kumar Demands Transparency In NRAI Coaching Appointments

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar has called for an independent review of the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) coaching appointments, citing concerns about transparency, eligibility criteria, and potential conflicts of interest. The NRAI, however, asserts that appointments are merit-based and views Kumar's concerns as 'sour grapes' after his own non-selection.

RS polls: Left to back Cong nominated independent candidate

RS polls: Left to back Cong nominated independent candidate

Rediff.com24 Jan 2014

The Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front has decided to support the Congress-nominated independent candidate for the ensuing Rajya Sabha elections in the state.

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Infantino's reform pledge fails to satisfy federations seeking sweeping FIFA overhaul

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and Wales have questioned Infantino's reform pledge, arguing that FIFA needs deeper governance changes, stronger accountability and broader leadership reforms to restore trust.

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Trump Can't Concede Defeat; He Doesn't Know How To Win

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

There are only bad and worse options before him, points out Aakar Patel.

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

EC announces schedule for polls to 12 RS seats in UP, Uttarakhand, Bengal

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has announced that elections for 12 Rajya Sabha seats across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal will take place on October 16. This includes 10 seats from Uttar Pradesh, one from Uttarakhand, and a bypoll in West Bengal, with significant implications for party representation, particularly for the BJP and BSP.

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Mamata faction gets 'football player' as symbol for bypolls

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

The Election Commission has allotted the 'Football Player' symbol to the Mamata Banerjee-led faction of the Trinamool Congress for the upcoming West Bengal bypolls, while the rival Arup Roy-led group will contest with the 'Envelope' symbol.

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Nitish-Nishant share stage amid cheers: Is JD-U signalling succession?

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

JD(U) president Nitish Kumar and his son Nishant Kumar made a joint appearance at a party orientation programme, sparking speculation about Nishant's political future and potential leadership roles within the party. The event, aimed at training parliamentarians and legislators, also saw Nishant urging attendees to uphold his father's principles of "zero tolerance for crime, corruption and communalism."

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

NEET leak fallout: CISF to guard NTA's 'confidential' areas

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has moved to a new office and deployed CISF security to safeguard confidential areas, following a major controversy over the NEET paper leak and administrative lapses. This move aims to implement foolproof security arrangements and restore public trust in the examination system.

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

How BJP Dominated Haryana Municipal Corporation Elections

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has secured significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, winning in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

Kareena: 'I Couldn't Wear Tight Clothes In Daayra'

Kareena: 'I Couldn't Wear Tight Clothes In Daayra'

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'She's kind, loving...but on the sets, she's a taskmaster.'

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

'Tatas May Challenge RBI's Decision'

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

'...but should prepare for listing unless a court grants effective interim relief.'

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has achieved significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, securing wins in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Mahayuti bags 16 of 17 MLC seats in Maha amid cross-voting row; Oppn routed

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Amid cross-voting from both ruling and Opposition ranks, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti on Monday swept 16 of the 17 Maharashtra Legislative Council seats from local authorities' constituencies even as Nashik delivered a surprise defeat to the governing bloc.

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The BJP has secured victories in the Mandi, Dharamshala, and Solan municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, dealing a blow to the Congress party, which managed to retain control only in Palampur.

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Meet 4 minority candidates who won Bangladesh election

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

In the recent Bangladesh elections, four minority candidates, including two Hindus, secured parliamentary seats, highlighting the evolving political landscape and representation of minority communities within the BNP's victory.

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Left to skip Vijay's meet called amid rift in alliance

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is set to chair a crucial TVK alliance coordination meeting in Chennai. The meeting aims to formalise the ruling coalition's structure, common minimum programme, and joint steering committee. However, the absence of key Left allies and a public rift between TVK and Congress over national leadership aspirations threaten to destabilise the alliance, highlighting a significant test for CM Vijay's political management.

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

This Is How We Remember Our Heroes

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Despite repeated demands over the years, the proposal to develop Khudiram Bose's cremation ground in Muzaffarpur into a martyr park has yet to see the light of day due to official apathy.

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rebellion in CPI: Dalit MLA Mukundan to Contest as Independent After Ticket Denial

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Sitting CPI MLA C C Mukundan from Nattika has declared he will contest as an independent after allegedly being denied a party ticket for the upcoming Assembly elections, citing party infighting and caste-related issues.

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Jharkhand govt's move to cancel 44 recruitment exams sparks fresh protests

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

The Jharkhand government has cancelled 44 recruitment examinations conducted by the state Public Service Commission (JPSC) and an outsourced agency since 2014, including the JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination, following a 25-day student agitation over alleged irregularities. This decision has led to protests from around 2,000 candidates who had already been appointed to various state government departments after clearing the JSSC-CGL exam.

Modi-Xi BRICS meeting: Beginning of a new era for India-China ties?

Modi-Xi BRICS meeting: Beginning of a new era for India-China ties?

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached a crucial consensus during the BRICS summit, agreeing that China and India should be partners, not rivals. The leaders pledged to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, deepen cooperation, and support each other in multilateral forums, aiming to strengthen the Global South and promote a multipolar world order.

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.

'AI Shouldn't Trigger Cognitive Surrender'

'AI Shouldn't Trigger Cognitive Surrender'

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

'My suggestion to Nandan Nilekani is that it would be worthwhile for him to take a holistic review in a manner in which examination is just one critical component.'

40% J-K candidates are Independents, rivals say 'backed by BJP'

40% J-K candidates are Independents, rivals say 'backed by BJP'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

More than 40 per cent of the 908 candidates contesting the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are Independents, leading to claims that a large number of them have been propped up by the Bharatiya Janata Party to divide votes.

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

AI Transition Is Irreversible, But Regulation And Cost Will Shape Its Future

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

TeamLease EdTech Founder and CEO Shantanu Rooj states that the AI-driven world transition is irreversible, with regulation and cost being crucial factors determining its speed and depth. He emphasizes that while AI will transform jobs, not eliminate them, continuous learning, domain expertise, and adaptability will be key for individuals and businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape. Rooj also highlights the need for universities to adapt their curricula to prepare a future-ready workforce.

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Why Sudhakaran Is Angry With CPI(M) Leaders

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran, now an Independent MLA backed by the UDF, has criticised Left leaders for targeting him over his late brother Bhuvaneswaran, considered a party martyr. Sudhakaran claims the CPI(M) lost votes by politicising Bhuvaneswaran's memory during the election campaign.

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Highest ever voter turnout in Bengal Phase 1 since Independence: CEC

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.

Dhoni-Pant Viral Video Sparks New Hookah Debate

Dhoni-Pant Viral Video Sparks New Hookah Debate

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

A recent viral video featuring M S Dhoni and Rishabh Pant has once again brought Dhoni's alleged hookah habit into the public spotlight.

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Axed over daughter's CM remarks? T'gana minister slams Revanth

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha was dropped from the state cabinet, leading her to accuse Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of "blackmail politics." Surekha claims her removal was due to critical remarks made by her daughter against the CM and other party leaders, despite the Congress high command not favouring her ouster. She has written to top Congress leaders seeking intervention.

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

RSS had no role in Hyderabad liberation, says Priyank Kharge; slams BJP

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Karnataka home minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader B L Santhosh's claim that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers had protected his (Kharge's) family from Razakars during Hyderabad state's integration with India, saying that his family and people of the region were protected by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian Army.

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Meenakshi Natarajan alleges 'seat chori' after SC dismisses plea

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Congress party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of being "partners in crime" in what it terms "seat chori" (seat theft), following the rejection of its Rajya Sabha candidate Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination. The party claims the rejection was based on "flawed and unreasonable" logic, alleging non-disclosure of a criminal case against Natarajan, despite her stating only a legal notice exists.

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Maria Goretti: 'I Miss Making Money'

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Maria Goretti details her journey of losing and rediscovering her identity, saying, 'After being home for so long, I think somewhere I lost myself. I had nothing.'

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are protesting alleged paper leaks in PSC and other recruitment exams, demanding an independent inquiry by retired high court judges from outside the state. They have lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation, citing past failures, and threaten to intensify their agitation if their demands for a CBI or independent judicial probe are not met. The protests have garnered support from various organisations, with one leader on an indefinite hunger strike.

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's CET Cell has lodged a police complaint after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly showing a woman offering a 'special' exam centre for the MH-CET engineering entrance test for Rs 12 lakh, promising a high percentile.