News for 'new voters'

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Bihar records highest-ever 65% turnout in first phase of polls

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The first phase of Bihar assembly elections saw a moderate pace of polling across 121 constituencies, with 53.77% voter turnout reported till 3 pm. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported. Key leaders are in the fray for both the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc.

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

As if it was Russia-Ukraine alliance: Fadnavis' dig at Thackerays

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismisses the alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray's parties as a move for political survival, asserting it won't significantly impact Mumbai's political landscape. BJP leader Ashish Shelar questions the motives behind the reunion, highlighting past criticisms and the Thackerays' changing stances.

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Cong divided over tie-up with MNS for Mumbai civic polls

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal has reiterated that the party would never join hands with "those who indulge in violence".

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

More than 10 lakh SIR forms 'uncollectable' in Bengal: CEO

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer reports over 10 lakh SIR enumeration forms identified as 'uncollectable' due to absentee voters, duplicates, deaths, or permanent relocation. The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is underway with significant BLO involvement.

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Zohran Mamdani thanks family from 'Kampala to Dilli'

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Zohran Mamdani, of Indian origin, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, promising an agenda of affordability and inclusivity. He is the first South Asian and Muslim to hold the position.

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

SIR begins in 12 states, UTs; Oppn claims poll rigging

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters' list commenced in nine states and three Union territories on Tuesday, amid objections from several parties with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leading the anti-SIR offensive in West Bengal with a rally in Kolkata and alleging 'silent, invisible rigging' through the exercise.

Bihar Verdict: NOTA Votes Increase Marginally

Bihar Verdict: NOTA Votes Increase Marginally

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The share of none of the above (NOTA) option went up marginally this time in the Bihar assembly polls as compared to the last elections but is still much lower than 2015, data shared by the Election Commission shows.

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Assam Intensifies Eviction Drives

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'Losing a house is a terrible feeling... We were not given enough time to shift our belongings.'

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

EC dismisses Trinamool charge of SIR-related deaths

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

A Trinamool Congress delegation on Friday alleged before the Election Commission top brass that around 40 SIR-related deaths had occurred in West Bengal so far, a charge junked by the poll authority.

Tejashwi claims his name missing from Bihar voter list; EC refutes

Tejashwi claims his name missing from Bihar voter list; EC refutes

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

The Election Commission released a copy of the electoral rolls showing his details, confirming that he was listed at a booth in the Veterinary College in Patna.

Bengal's demography dangerously altered due to infiltration: Amit Shah

Bengal's demography dangerously altered due to infiltration: Amit Shah

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of facilitating illegal immigration from Bangladesh, leading to demographic changes. He promises to end infiltration if BJP wins the upcoming elections.

Raj Thackeray to join MVA protest rally in Mumbai

Raj Thackeray to join MVA protest rally in Mumbai

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Top leaders of Maha Vikas Aghadi, including Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray, Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar head Sharad Pawar along with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray, will lead the Opposition's November 1 protest march in Mumbai against alleged irregularities in voters' lists.

Rs 14,000 crore from World Bank used in Bihar polls: Jan Suraaj

Rs 14,000 crore from World Bank used in Bihar polls: Jan Suraaj

Rediff.com16 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Spokesperson and one of the key architects of the Party, Pavan Verma, levelled serious allegations that funds from the World Bank meant for some other project were diverted for the Bihar Assembly elections by the central government and distributed to women voters in the state.

Not disclosing prior conviction can void election: SC

Not disclosing prior conviction can void election: SC

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has ruled that non-disclosure of a conviction in a nomination form will lead to the disqualification of an elected candidate. The ruling came on an appeal filed by a former councillor who was unseated for failing to disclose her conviction in a case.

Mahua challenges EC's Bihar voter list revision in SC

Mahua challenges EC's Bihar voter list revision in SC

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

Trinamool Congress leader and Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra has moved the Supreme Court challenging an order of the Election Commission of India for special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Bihar: Phase 1 voting today; Tejashwi, Samrat in fray

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The stage is set for the crucial first phase of the assembly elections in Bihar on Thursday, as 3.75 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 1,314 candidates, including top leaders such as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance's (INDIA's) chief ministerial face Tejashwi Yadav and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

The Blasphemous Idea Dhurandhar Promotes

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

Dhurandhar's most dangerous idea is that Director Aditya Dhar envisions an Indian state run by a deep state -- an intelligence machinery not accountable to Parliament, courts, or voters. A future political system where unelected officials decide when Indian democracy is 'fit' to function, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Bengal sees 2 more suicides due to 'anxiety' over SIR

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

A 30-year-old man in West Bengal's Howrah district died allegedly by suicide on Tuesday, as he was reportedly distressed over errors in his identity document amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a police officer said.

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Systematic 'vote chori' evolved by Modi: Rahul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday claimed that a 'systematic vote chori' method, evolved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission to 'kill Indian democracy', will be deployed in the Bihar assembly polls as well.

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Why The '2 Gujaratis' Chose Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Nitin Nabin's selection is a bold political decision by the Two Gujaratis. When Rahul Gandhi has resurrected the issue of social justice, the BJP and the Two Gujaratis are sticking to their plan and agenda, explains Sheela Bhatt.

Bihar votes in phase 2 amid tight security; 31.38% turnout till 11 am

Bihar votes in phase 2 amid tight security; 31.38% turnout till 11 am

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Voting is underway for the second and final phase of the Bihar assembly elections across 122 constituencies. Key candidates and political dynamics are in focus as the state decides its next government.

'Vote chori' in Bihar polls, alleges Rahul; says EC main culprits

'Vote chori' in Bihar polls, alleges Rahul; says EC main culprits

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accuses the Election Commission of being complicit in 'vote theft' in Bihar, alleging manipulation of voter lists and preventing people from voting. He claims the EC officials are committing 'treachery against the Constitution'.

SC asks EC to rectify typos, errors in Bihar electoral roll

SC asks EC to rectify typos, errors in Bihar electoral roll

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to address typographical errors and other mistakes in the final Bihar electoral roll. The court will hear further arguments on November 4.

Court seeks response from Sonia Gandhi on plea over electoral roll case

Court seeks response from Sonia Gandhi on plea over electoral roll case

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A Delhi court has sought responses from Sonia Gandhi and the police on a plea challenging a magistrate's order refusing a probe into allegations that she was included in electoral rolls before acquiring Indian citizenship.

The AI Financial Bubble Is For Real

The AI Financial Bubble Is For Real

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

'I don't see how a company like OpenAI can honestly expect to generate revenue significant enough to maintain its spending habits via John and Jane Q. Public,' points out Sree Sreenivasan.

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

But he opposes SIR, poll officials hit back at Rahul Gandhi

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Rahul alleged that 25 lakh votes were stolen in Haryana through 5.21 lakh duplicate voters, 93,174 invalid voters, and 19.26 lakh bulk voters.

Bihar: EC to share list of 41 lakh suspect voters with parties

Bihar: EC to share list of 41 lakh suspect voters with parties

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

The Election Commission (EC) is sharing lists of Bihar electors with political parties and their booth-level agents to verify the status of voters before July 25. The lists include those who have likely died, permanently shifted, or enrolled at multiple places.

Trump lowers tariffs on coffee, tomatoes, and more...

Trump lowers tariffs on coffee, tomatoes, and more...

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order retroactively lowering tariffs on a range of agricultural imports, including beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas, with the change taking effect from November 20, CNN reported.

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Congress Rout: Rahul's 'Vote Chori' Has No Impact

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

The Congress on Friday posted its second worst performance in Bihar's electoral history, managing to win only six of the over 50 seats it contested and losing deposits in most seats as its 'vote chori' pitch failed to make any impact on the ground.

Migrant Biharis are X factor in polls, says Prashant Kishor

Migrant Biharis are X factor in polls, says Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com7 Nov 2025

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor believes migrant workers who stayed back after Chhath Puja are influencing the Bihar assembly elections.

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.

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Opposition walks out on question of voter list discrepancies

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Opposition parties in India, led by the Congress, have demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on alleged discrepancies in voter lists. Rahul Gandhi raised the issue in the Lok Sabha, highlighting concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The opposition alleges large-scale duplication of EPIC numbers, which they claim undermines voter integrity and the electoral process. They have also pointed out instances of inflated voter lists in states like Maharashtra and Haryana. The Election Commission has acknowledged discrepancies but maintains that these are not widespread and that corrective measures are being taken. The opposition, however, insists on a comprehensive discussion on the matter to ensure the integrity of elections in India.

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Cong announces farm laws-style stir against MGNREGA repeal

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

The Congress will launch a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the United Progressive Alliance-era rural employment legislation Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on January 5, similar to the pushback against the three farm laws which eventually forced the Narendra Modi government to rollback its decision, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said.

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Disruptor Or Decider? What Will Vijay Choose?

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

The likes of Sengottaiyan can help Vijay navigate it better and faster -- but not necessarily to his goal, which is farther, and can move towards or away from him as well in the weeks and months to come, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Handle threats to BLOs, else will cause anarchy, SC tells poll panel

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court expressed concern over threats to election officials in West Bengal and other states, urging the Election Commission to take action. The court also addressed the lack of cooperation from state governments in electoral roll revisions.

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Bihar sees first election without violence or repolling

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

In a first, the Bihar assembly polls this time saw no voting day deaths and no re-polling being ordered in any constituency.

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.

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

CPM in SC against SIR, asks to be heard with DMK on Tuesday

Rediff.com10 Nov 2025

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has approached the Supreme Court, contesting the legality of the Election Commission's order for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu, alleging it is arbitrary and unconstitutional.

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Pan-India SIR: EC to begin with states going to polls next year

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is expected to initiate a phased, pan-India special intensive revision (SIR) of the voters' list, prioritizing states with upcoming assembly elections. This cleanup exercise aims to weed out illegal foreign migrants and ensure accurate electoral rolls.

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

SC seeks Centre's response on plea against anonymous political donations

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and others on a plea challenging the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive "anonymous" cash donations below Rs 2,000.