News for 'panchayat elections'

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Govt likely to bring 3 bills to implement 'one nation, one election' plan

Rediff.com29 Sep 2024

The proposed first constitutional amendment bill would deal with making provisions for holding Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections together.

Bihar panchayat poll goes hi-tech, to use AI to count votes

Bihar panchayat poll goes hi-tech, to use AI to count votes

Rediff.com28 Oct 2021

AI implementation enabler Staqu will deploy its proprietary video analytics system JARVIS to count votes directly from the camera by monitoring the electronic voting machines screens at the counting centre.

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Gogoi's wife collected sensitive info for Pakistan: Sarma

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi's British wife of collecting intelligence documents on behalf of the Pakistani climate lobby. Sarma claims to have documentary evidence of Gogoi and his wife's ties with Pakistan and will reveal everything publicly by September 10. Gogoi has denied the allegations, calling them a "C-grade Bollywood movie" and stating that he has only visited Pakistan once 12 years ago. Sarma alleges that Gogoi's wife, Elizabeth Colburn, worked for the climate lobby and had a close relationship with Pakistan.

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

With local body elections approaching in Maharashtra, a significant portion of the Congress party is advocating for contesting independently to regain lost ground amidst the BJP's growing influence. The party is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

BSP pulls out of panchayat chief's election to prepare for UP polls

BSP pulls out of panchayat chief's election to prepare for UP polls

Rediff.com28 Jun 2021

BSP president Mayawati on Monday said her party will not contest the zila panchayat chairpersons' elections so that it can focus on next year's assembly polls, drawing accusations from the Congress that she is pulling out to help the ruling BJP.

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

How 33% reservation empowered women at panchayat level

Rediff.com24 Sep 2023

In the three decades since reservation of seats for women in panchayati raj institutions was introduced, the country saw women dismantling gender barriers to take the lead in the political field at the grassroots level and excel in it.

Fresh violence erupts in Malda after TMC worker killed

Fresh violence erupts in Malda after TMC worker killed

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

A Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker was shot dead and two others, including a local committee president, were critically injured in a gun attack in Malda district, West Bengal, on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the Kaliaganj area when TMC workers were attending a program. Police suspect factionalism within the party could be behind the attack, while senior TMC leaders blame external forces. The killing comes less than a fortnight after the murder of another TMC councillor in the same district, adding to the tension in the area ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.

J-K Panchayat polls in March, 1st political exercise in 6 months

J-K Panchayat polls in March, 1st political exercise in 6 months

Rediff.com13 Feb 2020

Polling will be held in eight phases. The first phase of polling will take place on March 5, while the second phase is scheduled for March 7. The third, fourth and fifth phase of voting will take place on March 9, 12 and 14 respectively. The EC has marked March 16, 18 and 20 for sixth, seventh and eighth phases.

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

How Women Voters Cemented Nitish Kumar's Political Fortress

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

For nearly two decades, Nitish Kumar has cultivated women as a distinct constituency. 'To create a broader vote base, he thought it would be better to bring women to electoral politics.'

UP panchayat polls: 2 killed, 18 hurt

UP panchayat polls: 2 killed, 18 hurt

Rediff.com14 Oct 2010

Two persons, including a woman, were killed and 18 others were injured on Thursday in clashes between rival groups during the second phase of three-tier panchayat elections across Uttar Pradesh, which recorded 75 per cent polling.

Counting begins for UP panchayat polls, to take two days

Counting begins for UP panchayat polls, to take two days

Rediff.com3 May 2021

Counting of votes began on Sunday for lakhs of panchayat seats in Uttar Pradesh, a process expected to take two days across 829 centres. There were scuffles involving the supporters of candidates in three districts and social distancing to fight the spread of coronavirus went for a toss at several places, reports said.

Panchayat officer who hoisted Hanuman flag in Mandya suspended

Panchayat officer who hoisted Hanuman flag in Mandya suspended

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

Amid simmering tension in Mandya over the removal of Hanuman flag from a 108 feet tall flagpost, the Keragodu village Panchayat Development Officer has been suspended.

Mamata govt taken to court over panchayat poll dates

Mamata govt taken to court over panchayat poll dates

Rediff.com1 Apr 2013

While the state government, contending that it had the power to notify panchayat elections under section 42 of the state Panchayat Act and as such notified the election in two phases on April 26 and April 30, the poll panel refused to budge.

NC to boycott panchayat polls unless Centre protects Article 35A

NC to boycott panchayat polls unless Centre protects Article 35A

Rediff.com5 Sep 2018

The state government last week announced the schedule for holding elections to local bodies and panchayats in the state.

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Bureaucrats can't be allowed to frustrate grassroot democracy: SC

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court of India has upheld a Bombay High Court order reinstating a woman as the sarpanch of a Maharashtra village, stating that bureaucrats cannot be allowed to "frustrate grassroot democracy." The court criticized instances of bureaucrats misbehaving with elected representatives and attempting to disqualify them by reopening old cases. The case involved Kalavati Rajendra Kokale, whose resignation from the sarpanch's post was withdrawn, but the Raigad district collector declared a vacancy and conducted a fresh election. The court found the collector's actions illegal and upheld Kokale's reinstatement, highlighting the importance of respecting the democratic process and elected representatives at the grassroots level.

SC refuses to stay counting of votes for UP panchayat polls

SC refuses to stay counting of votes for UP panchayat polls

Rediff.com1 May 2021

The State Election Commission, it said will fasten responsibility on gazetted officers for the observance of COVID-19 protocols at counting centres.

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Has Vijay Changed After Karur Stampede?

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Vijay, despite the loud message from his delayed arrival at the road-show/stampede venue, and more so his continued inaccessibility for fans-turned-cadres after graduating from a super-star to a political party leader with electoral ambitions, refuses to change. Or, so it seems, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

99% of electors have already been covered in SIR: EC

99% of electors have already been covered in SIR: EC

Rediff.com24 Jul 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday said that 99 per cent of electors have already been covered under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar, ECI said.

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

SC allows excluded Bihar voters to submit claims with Aadhaar

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Expressing surprise over political parties not coming forward in filing objections related to 65 lakh excluded voters, the top court directed the chief electoral officer of Bihar to implead them in the court proceedings.

WB panchayat poll: HC rejects plea for armed police

WB panchayat poll: HC rejects plea for armed police

Rediff.com14 May 2013

The Calcutta high court on Tuesday refused to accept the West Bengal State Election Commission's plea for 800 companies of central armed police force for holding the panchayat poll in the state and directed that the state may requisition them from other states or the Centre if there was any shortfall.

J&K to hold panchayat polls in March

J&K to hold panchayat polls in March

Rediff.com10 Feb 2011

The Jammu and Kashmir government has finally decided to hold Panchayat elections in the state which were postponed last year in the aftermath of the deadly summer unrest, in March.

Why Are These Women Smearing Mamta?

Why Are These Women Smearing Mamta?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2023

Trinamool Congress supporters celebrate their party candidates' victory in the West Bengal panchayat elections 2023, at counting centres in North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Birbhum on Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

Relief to Mamata as SC refuses to cancel WB panchayat polls

Relief to Mamata as SC refuses to cancel WB panchayat polls

Rediff.com24 Aug 2018

The Trinamool Congress welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on panchayat polls in West Bengal as a "victory of democracy" and asked opposition parties to apologise to the people of the state.

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Was Ram Rahim BJP's trump card in Haryana?

Was Ram Rahim BJP's trump card in Haryana?

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

Was Ram Rahim's release on parole for the 10th time since his conviction in 2017 timed to coincide with the Haryana assembly elections? It does seem so when one considers he has been released mostly when there was an election in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Listing the times that Ram Rahim has been out on parole.

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

3rd Modi govt to implement 'one nation, one election': Sources

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government will implement 'one nation, one election' within its current tenure, sources said, exuding confidence that the reform measure would receive support across party lines.

Bengal Guv flies to Delhi, likely to submit report on poll violence to Shah

Bengal Guv flies to Delhi, likely to submit report on poll violence to Shah

Rediff.com9 Jul 2023

Bose is likely to meet Shah on Monday morning, he said, adding that the governor has prepared a report on his views after visiting violence-hit areas in the backdrop of the rural polls.

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Congress Infighting Blocks Shivakumar's Rise

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Going by political tradition, another formation will likely come to power in Karnataka in the next assembly election, due 2028. And if that happens, Mr Shivakumar will have to sit it out till 2033, points out Aditi Phadnis.

K'taka panchayat polls: Cong edges ahead of BJP

K'taka panchayat polls: Cong edges ahead of BJP

Rediff.com23 Feb 2016

The ruling Congress was on Tuesday ahead of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the taluk panchayat and zilla panchayat elections in Karnataka as the two parties were locked in a keen contest.

Panchayat polls: Bengal SEC didn't give info on sensitive booths, says BSF

Panchayat polls: Bengal SEC didn't give info on sensitive booths, says BSF

Rediff.com9 Jul 2023

The state declared only 4834 sensitive booths on which only CAPFs are deployed but actually, there were more sensitive polling booths, DIG Guleria said.

J-K Panchayat polls postponed due to security reasons

J-K Panchayat polls postponed due to security reasons

Rediff.com18 Feb 2020

The polling was slated for March 5, March 7, March 9, March 12, March 14, March 16, March 18 and March 20.

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

SC asks EC to publish details of 65 lakh deleted voters with reasons

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish details of deleted names from the voters list in Bihar, along with reasons for non-inclusion, to enhance transparency in the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll.

Can spring be far behind?: Bengal guv after meeting Amit Shah

Can spring be far behind?: Bengal guv after meeting Amit Shah

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

The sources said Bose briefed Shah about the prevailing situation and his assessment of the polls marred by violence that claimed 15 lives.

K'taka panchayat poll: BJP wins 12 of 30 districts

K'taka panchayat poll: BJP wins 12 of 30 districts

Rediff.com4 Jan 2011

Karanatka's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party toll early leads in the crucial zilla and taluka panchayat elections on Tuesday by emerging victorious in 12 out of the 30 districts in the fray. However, party insiders say that the results were below their expectations.

CRPF to remain at Nandigram till Panchayat polls

CRPF to remain at Nandigram till Panchayat polls

Rediff.com6 Mar 2008

Clashes resurfaced after four months on Sunday and Monday morning. Guns were allegedly used in the clashes between CPI-M workers and Trinamool Congress-backed Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee members, leaving five injured.

Panchayat polls: WB EC moves court against Mamata  govt

Panchayat polls: WB EC moves court against Mamata govt

Rediff.com1 Apr 2013

The West Bengal state Election Commission on Monday moved the Calcutta high court appealing that the Panchayat election date notified by the state government be rejected.

WB panchayat polls: Six killed, 18 injured in violence

WB panchayat polls: Six killed, 18 injured in violence

Rediff.com22 Jul 2013

Six persons, including a woman, were killed and 18 were injured in violence and CRPF firing in the fourth phase of the West Bengal panchayat elections on Monday. Polling in four districts saw a voter turnout of 25 per cent.

'Mr Modi doesn't have majority for One nation, one election'

'Mr Modi doesn't have majority for One nation, one election'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

'One nation, one election' is not possible under the present Constitution. It requires at least five constitutional amendments'

Chopra flogging: TMC strongman charged with attempt to murder

Chopra flogging: TMC strongman charged with attempt to murder

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

Police have leveled serious charges, including attempt to murder, assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman, and causing grievous hurt, against arrested Trinamool Congress strongman Tajemul Islam in the Chopra flogging case, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.

Panchayat body to boycott council elections in J&K

Panchayat body to boycott council elections in J&K

Rediff.com7 Nov 2012

All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference on Wednesday said none of its members would contest the MLC election from panchayat quota. "We make it clear that no member of AJKPC shall contest the MLC's election and we shall continue our fight for the empowerment of the Panchayati Raj institution in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," chairman of AJKPC, Shafiq Mir, told reporters.