News for 'local body polls'

'Vijay's Economic Policies Are Ultra-Left, Like MamataDi's'

'Vijay's Economic Policies Are Ultra-Left, Like MamataDi's'

Rediff.com7 May 2026

'If you read the TVK manifesto, it is doles and much more doles. But the state has been habituated to this.' 'In no way is he distinct or different from the DMK regime.'

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Legislature vs Executive: Fadnavis rejects call to suspend Satara SP

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the separation of powers between the legislature and executive branches following a directive to suspend a Satara Superintendent of Police. He emphasised that while the executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature cannot assume the executive's role.

Congress suspends 12 councillors for tieup with BJP in Maharashtra

Congress suspends 12 councillors for tieup with BJP in Maharashtra

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Congress party has suspended 12 newly-elected councillors in Maharashtra's Ambernath Municipal Council and its block president for forming an alliance with the BJP after recent civic polls. The BJP, along with the Congress and NCP, secured a majority in the council, despite Shiv Sena being the single largest party.

I support those who...: Fadnavis on BJP-Shiv Sena Spat

I support those who...: Fadnavis on BJP-Shiv Sena Spat

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The Sindhudurg police on Saturday registered an FIR against Nilesh Rane, an MLA of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, for "trespassing" into a BJP supporter's house. The Shiv Sena leader had 'raided' the BJP supporter's home and claimed to have found bags of cash meant for distribution to voters ahead of civic polls.

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

'To make contest easier': Pawars tie-up for another civic poll

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

Ajit Pawar on Sunday announced the alliance between the factions for the Pimpri Chinchwad civic polls.

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Pune civic polls: Ajit Pawar, Supriya Sule share stage

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

The Nationalist Congress Party, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar, headed by his uncle Sharad Pawar, on Saturday released a joint manifesto for the upcoming elections to the Pune municipal corporation.

Devendra Fadnavis is BJP's man of the match in Maharashtra polls

Devendra Fadnavis is BJP's man of the match in Maharashtra polls

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis orchestrated a significant victory for the BJP in the recent civic polls, solidifying his position as a key strategist and influential leader within the party.

'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.

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Sharad Pawar doubtful over merger of NCP factions

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

The process to merge the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar and the Nationalist Congress Party may now face a roadblock due to the death of Ajit Pawar, said Sharad Pawar on Saturday.

Day after civic poll drubbing, Ajit meets uncle Sharad Pawar

Day after civic poll drubbing, Ajit meets uncle Sharad Pawar

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP stunned the Pawars in the Pune polls, clinching 119 seats. The NCP came a distant second with 27 seats, while its ally, NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar, won three. The Congress managed 15 seats.

Stop calling Mumbai as 'Bombay' or 'Bambai': MNS warns Kapil Sharma

Stop calling Mumbai as 'Bombay' or 'Bambai': MNS warns Kapil Sharma

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'You (Sharma) have been working in Mumbai for so many years...Mumbai has been your 'karmabhoomi' (land of work). The people of Mumbai like you and watch your shows. Mumbai is in our hearts, don't insult this city, don't insult the people of Mumbai...I am warning Kapil Sharma'

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

How Mamata Banerjee Fared In Her 15 Year Rule

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

TMC manifesto bets on women voters, ramps up welfare push

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has released its manifesto for the West Bengal elections, focusing on welfare politics and women's empowerment with pledges to expand existing schemes, improve healthcare, and develop infrastructure.

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

After Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pawars unite for Pune civic polls

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The NCP and NCP (SP), led by Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar respectively, have formed an alliance for the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. This development follows a similar alliance for the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation elections and aims to consolidate their position in the region.

Alliance or solo? Cong to finalise Mumbai civic poll strategy on July 7

Alliance or solo? Cong to finalise Mumbai civic poll strategy on July 7

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Asked about going with Raj Thackeray, who has spoken often against north Indians in Mumbai, Chennithala said, "We do not agree with Raj Thackeray's statement about ousting people from North from Mumbai."

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

Congress gets edge over BJP in Karnataka urban bodies poll

Congress gets edge over BJP in Karnataka urban bodies poll

Rediff.com3 Sep 2018

The ULB polls were also considered as indicative of the voters' mood before the next Lok Sabha elections.

Uddhav, Raj come together for Bal Thackeray's death anniversary

Uddhav, Raj come together for Bal Thackeray's death anniversary

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, cousins and leaders of rival political parties, came together at Bal Thackeray's memorial on his 13th death anniversary, fueling speculation of a possible alliance ahead of local body polls.

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Ajit Pawar's death puts question mark over NCP's future

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has created a leadership crisis within the NCP, raising questions about the party's future and potential reunification with the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).

Assembly elections voter list to be used for Maha civic polls: SEC

Assembly elections voter list to be used for Maha civic polls: SEC

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

The State Election Commission will adopt the voters' list of the assembly elections for civic polls, the Bombay high court was told on Tuesday, while hearing a plea by an 18-year-old woman who claimed her application to enrol as a voter after she turned 18 in April 2025 was not accepted.

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

India moves closer to simultaneous LS, state polls with Cabinet nod

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took a major step to implement its key plank of "one nation, one election" as the Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the constitutional amendment bill to roll out the concept of simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, sources said.

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Bangladesh to hold crucial general elections on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Bangladesh is set to hold parliamentary elections with unprecedented security measures in place, following a period of interim governance and political changes.

Uddhav, Raj unite for MNS Deepotsav, fuelling alliance buzz

Uddhav, Raj unite for MNS Deepotsav, fuelling alliance buzz

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, along with their families, reunited at a Diwali event in Mumbai, fueling speculation about a potential political alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS ahead of local body polls.

Nearly 15L new voters added in Maharashtra since assembly poll but...

Nearly 15L new voters added in Maharashtra since assembly poll but...

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Mumbai suburban district saw an addition of 95,630 new voters, taking its tally to 77.81 lakh, while Mumbai city added 18,741 names, raising its voter base to 25.62 lakh.

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

'Miya Vs Indigenous' Politics Reshaping Assam Poll

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Once demographic fear becomes campaign language, it legitimises social targeting.'

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

BJP Claims Mamata Banerjee's Allegations Show Election Desperation

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

West Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya refutes Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claims of the BJP bringing in outsiders to cause trouble, accusing her of desperation ahead of the assembly elections and highlighting alleged failures of the TMC government.

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the Maharashtra government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme in advance, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal elections. The decision follows complaints about the timing of the release, coinciding with upcoming municipal elections.

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Opposition questions EC intentions behind electoral roll revision

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Opposition parties are questioning the Election Commission's intentions behind the second phase of special intensive revision of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories. The BJP has slammed the Congress and called the opposition a 'herd of dissatisfied souls'.

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Maha civic results may trigger MVA churn as Cong pulls ahead

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

With the Congress coming third overall and having done much better than Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP, its allies in Maha Vikas Aghadi, political analysts said it will force a rethink as far as coordination, seat-sharing and leadership are concerned ahead of the 2029 assembly polls.

Alliance helps Thackeray cousins hold Marathi bastions

Alliance helps Thackeray cousins hold Marathi bastions

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The tactical alliance between the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) may not have aided the Thackeray cousins to win the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, but the pact helped them keep intact their traditional strongholds.

Uddhav visits Raj's home on Ganesh Chaturthi

Uddhav visits Raj's home on Ganesh Chaturthi

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray visited MNS president Raj Thackeray on Ganesh Chaturthi, further fueling speculation of a potential alliance between the two parties ahead of local body elections.

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kerala boycotted work following the suicide of a colleague allegedly due to work strain related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Trade unions and political leaders are demanding investigations and changes to the process.

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Fadnavis firefights after Amit Shah says 'don't need crutches'

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenged BJP cadre to ensure the opposition is defeated in the upcoming local body polls in Maharashtra. He emphasized the party's strength and commitment to performance-based politics, citing PM Modi as an example.

Raut hints at Uddhav's Sena going solo in BMC poll

Raut hints at Uddhav's Sena going solo in BMC poll

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

'Talks are on between Uddhav Thackeray and other party leaders (about whether to go solo) for the BMC polls. Workers want the party to contest the polls solo'

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rahul accuses EC of 'gaslighting citizens'; BJP responds

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges 'vote chori' amid controversy over the quality of indelible ink used in Maharashtra civic polls. The Election Commission has launched a probe into the matter.

BJP launches Muslim outreach programme in Kerala; says not for votes

BJP launches Muslim outreach programme in Kerala; says not for votes

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The BJP in Kerala announced the launch of a 'Muslim Outreach Programme' aimed at building trust and dispelling what it claims are lies spread by other parties about the BJP's stance towards the Muslim community.

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Not aware of, nor accepted: Tharoor says NO to Veer Savarkar Award

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Tharoor later told reporters in the national capital that he heard about the award on Tuesday and that he was not going for the ceremony.

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Won't accept Savarkar award or attend event: Tharoor

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Shashi Tharoor categorically stated that he would not accept an award named after VD Savarkar, nor attend a related event, even as a senior party colleague wanted the Congress MP to not accept any honour named after the ideologue whom he claimed "bowed before the British."

'Raj Thackeray wants Cong on board': Raut hints at MNS joining MVA

'Raj Thackeray wants Cong on board': Raut hints at MNS joining MVA

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Following Raut's statement, the MNS, however, said the party's stand is decided by its chief.