News for 'kerala polls'

Kerala Minister's Wife Drops Complaint Against Him After Apology

Kerala Minister's Wife Drops Complaint Against Him After Apology

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The wife of Kerala Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar has dropped her complaint against him after he apologised, providing relief to the ruling LDF ahead of upcoming elections. However, the Congress party is demanding the minister's resignation, arguing the issue is not easily settled.

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

'Not only Hindu votes': Top pollster decodes BJP's Bengal win

Rediff.com20 May 2026

According to pollster Pradeep Gupta, years of TMC "misrule" that created a "climate of fear", Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charisma and the organisational abilities of Amit Shah and the RSS brought the BJP to power in West Bengal.

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Kerala Govt Opposes Plea to Suspend Antony Raju's Conviction in Evidence Tampering Case

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Kerala government has filed a statement in the High Court opposing former minister Antony Raju's plea to suspend his conviction in an evidence-tampering case, arguing it would undermine the electoral process.

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Congress Slams Kerala Government for Ads Attacking Oommen Chandy Administration

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The Congress party in Kerala has strongly criticised the state government's Public Relations Department (PRD) for publishing advertisements in major newspapers that highlight alleged shortcomings of the previous Oommen Chandy administration, accusing the government of misusing public funds for political gain ahead of upcoming elections.

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rs 1,445 Crore In Inducements Seized During Assembly Elections

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Election Commission reports a significant increase in seizures of inducements during recent assembly elections, with Tamil Nadu leading in cash seizures and West Bengal in liquor and drugs.

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Congress Has Many Qualified CM Candidates, Says P J Kurien

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Veteran Congress leader P J Kurien stated that the party has several qualified candidates for the Kerala CM post if the UDF wins the upcoming Assembly elections, but only three names are currently under consideration.

Battle for 5 states: THE VERDICT

Battle for 5 states: THE VERDICT

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Track the 2026 assembly election results for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Puducherry, and Kerala with live vote counting updates, candidate leads, and interactive doughnut graphs. Stay informed with real?time numbers, trends, and comprehensive state?wise coverage.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

'Where's The Letter Which Says 20 MPs Are Leaving TMC?'

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

'Now if you break the party under the 10th Schedule you have to join another party.' 'You cannot join the NDA as it is not a party. You can only join another party, and that is the BJP.' 'So the question to ask is that these so-called 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs who are parting ways with the TMC, are they ready to join the BJP and accept Narendra Modi as their leader?'

IUML Asserts Seat Count for Assembly Polls Amid UDF Alliance Talks

IUML Asserts Seat Count for Assembly Polls Amid UDF Alliance Talks

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

IUML leader P K Kunhalikutty confirms the party will contest the same number of seats in the upcoming Assembly elections as in 2021, amidst ongoing seat-sharing discussions within the UDF alliance.

EC Probes LDF's Campaign Announcement Amidst UDF's Communal Campaign Claims in Kerala

EC Probes LDF's Campaign Announcement Amidst UDF's Communal Campaign Claims in Kerala

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has issued a notice to LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan following a complaint by the UDF regarding a recorded announcement from an LDF campaign vehicle, which allegedly made communal remarks against the IUML. The UDF claims the LDF is running a communal campaign, similar to a previous controversy during the 2024 general elections.

Only illiterate people in Gujarat...: Kharge sparks row

Only illiterate people in Gujarat...: Kharge sparks row

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge made a controversial statement during an assembly poll campaign speech in Kerala, referring to the people of Gujarat as 'illiterate' and claiming they are being 'fooled' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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.

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

'Every Political Party Will Be BJP-ised'

Rediff.com20 May 2026

'Look at the way SIR that was implemented in Bengal. They wanted to entirely curate the voter list in order to suit their purposes and victory.' 'Look at the targeted deletions and the targeted voting list.' 'The difference between the TMC and the BJP was only about 4% but that 4% vote was done so selectively that the difference ultimately showed up as 100 seats!'

Kerala CPI(M) Leaders Trade Barbs with G Sudhakaran Over Manifesto

Kerala CPI(M) Leaders Trade Barbs with G Sudhakaran Over Manifesto

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

A war of words has erupted between CPI(M) leaders and G Sudhakaran, who left the party to contest as an independent in Ambalapuzha, with accusations flying over his understanding of the Communist Manifesto and his political ambitions.

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Ex-CPI(M) Leader Accuses Party of Caste-Based Campaigning in Kerala

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Former CPI(M) leader G Sudhakaran has accused the party of engaging in caste-based campaigning in the Ambalapuzha constituency, leading to a heated exchange with party officials.

Political bigwigs, film celebs queue up to vote

Political bigwigs, film celebs queue up to vote

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Here are glimpses of famous faces who got their fingers inked.

Absconding Kerala MLA turns up to vote in civic polls

Absconding Kerala MLA turns up to vote in civic polls

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil cast his vote in the local body polls after securing protection from arrest in two sexual assault cases. He faced protests from CPI(M)'s youth wing.

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Several hurt as local poll results trigger violence in Kerala

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

According to an FIR registered at Edachery police station, around 200 people marched towards the Congress office carrying dangerous weapons and vandalised the building, causing damage estimated at around Rs five lakh.

Why IUML Thinks Congress CM Candidate Debate Is Unnecessary

Why IUML Thinks Congress CM Candidate Debate Is Unnecessary

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a key ally of the Congress in Kerala, has criticised the public discussions and arguments regarding who should be the chief ministerial candidate of the United Democratic Front (UDF). IUML leader P M A Salam stated that such debates could lead to discontent among party workers and the general public.

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Following the UDF's victory in local body polls, KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph suggests Kerala Congress (M) consider rejoining the UDF. He also discusses expanding the UDF base and potentially including Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Tharoor named star campaigner day after meeting Rahul

Tharoor named star campaigner day after meeting Rahul

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Shashi Tharoor's relationship with Congress leaders in Kerala appears to be improving after a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. A prominent state leader announced Tharoor will be a star campaigner for the party-led UDF in the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls.

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Were The West Bengal Elections Fair?

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Arun Yadav Accuses BJP of Neglecting Farmers and Enabling Mafias in Madhya Pradesh

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Senior Congress leader Arun Yadav has criticised the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, alleging neglect of farmers and the enabling of mafia activities.

'Upset' Tharoor meets Kharge, Rahul; says 'all is good'

'Upset' Tharoor meets Kharge, Rahul; says 'all is good'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi amid reports of discontent, stating that he is on the 'same page' with the leadership.

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the ruling Left and Congress in Kerala, raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue and accusing the Congress of aligning with hardline elements. He urged voters to choose the BJP for development and good governance.

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.

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is reportedly upset and likely to skip a strategy meeting for the upcoming Kerala polls due to perceived slights and attempts to sideline him within the party.

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Election over, petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3/litre

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Petrol and diesel prices in India have been increased by Rs 3 per litre each, marking the first rate hike in over four years. This decision follows a period of stable prices during recent state elections, despite rising global crude oil prices and significant losses for fuel retailers.

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

'INDIA Alliance Is Dead'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

'Congress needs a positive agenda rather than primarily picking up on two business houses.'

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Why a two-thirds RS majority out of reach for NDA despite Bengal win

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.

K V Thomas Predicts LDF Victory, Cites Congress Infighting

K V Thomas Predicts LDF Victory, Cites Congress Infighting

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

K V Thomas, Kerala's Special Representative in New Delhi, forecasts a third term for the CPI(M)-led LDF government, attributing the UDF's potential failure to internal conflicts and criticising the BJP for introducing 'consumerism' into Kerala politics.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

My stand not pro-BJP, but...: Tharoor after meeting Kharge, Rahul

My stand not pro-BJP, but...: Tharoor after meeting Kharge, Rahul

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Tharoor, on Thursday, met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for redressal of his grievances, after which he said "all is good" and "we are all on the same page".

Venugopal Files Defamation Suit Over Election Accusations

Venugopal Files Defamation Suit Over Election Accusations

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

Congress leader K C Venugopal has filed a defamation complaint against a Haryana-based man, alleging politically motivated accusations ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Congress Leader Venugopal Alleges Vijayan's Collusion with BJP in Open Letter

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal has released an open letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging secret deals with BJP leaders and the central government, raising questions about the LDF government's functioning ahead of the Assembly elections.

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Southern LS seats may jump from 129 to 195, up 50%: Amith Shah

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced a significant increase in Lok Sabha seats for the five southern states following delimitation, countering misinformation and clarifying the timeline for women's reservation implementation.

Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises BJP for Obstructing UDF Candidate's Campaign in Palakkad

Pinarayi Vijayan Criticises BJP for Obstructing UDF Candidate's Campaign in Palakkad

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Congress-led UDF candidate in Palakkad, Ramesh Pisharody, was allegedly prevented from entering a BJP stronghold, leading to condemnation from various political figures, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The incident occurred during Pisharody's campaign tour, with BJP women workers blocking his path and raising slogans.