News for 'phase 2 polling'

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Modi Over Yamuna Pollution Claims

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he could enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly in West Bengal due to its clean waters, unlike the polluted Yamuna in Delhi. She also defended women's safety in Bengal and criticised the BJP's governance in other states.

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rahul Gandhi Targets CPI(M) and BJP in Kerala Poll Campaign

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi intensified the UDF's campaign for the Kerala polls, accusing the CPI(M) of stealing gold from the Sabarimala temple and questioning PM Modi's silence on the issue. He also addressed concerns about rubber prices and the FCRA amendments.

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Courts And The Hate Speech Dilemma

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For Corruption, Infiltration In Bengal

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the TMC, accusing the party of looting West Bengal for 15 years, destroying the state's identity through corruption and infiltration, and turning Jadavpur University into a symbol of disorder.

RG Kar Case: Family Hails Suspension Of IPS Officers

RG Kar Case: Family Hails Suspension Of IPS Officers

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The victim's parents have expressed renewed hope for justice in the RG Kar rape-and-murder case after the West Bengal government widened the investigation and suspended three senior IPS officers.

Bengal voter list frozen, 2 of 27 lakh deleted names restored

Bengal voter list frozen, 2 of 27 lakh deleted names restored

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Despite numerous appeals, only two names have been restored to the West Bengal electoral rolls after 2.7 million deletions, raising concerns about voter access and the functionality of proposed tribunals.

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

SC refuses to intervene in TMC plea on vote counting deployment in Bengal

Rediff.com2 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the Election Commission's circular regarding the deployment of central government personnel for vote counting in West Bengal, dismissing a plea by the TMC.

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Drama outside EVM room in Kolkata: TMC alleges tampering, EC rejects claim

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.

Central forces to stay for 60 more days in Bengal even if BJP wins: Shah

Central forces to stay for 60 more days in Bengal even if BJP wins: Shah

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that central forces will remain deployed in West Bengal for at least seven more days after the assembly elections, assuring voters of security during and after the 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.

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Mamata Banerjee Alleges Car Search Attempt by Central Forces

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of attempting to search her car while en route to Kolkata airport, alleging misuse of central machinery by the BJP ahead of state elections.

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Amit Shah Promises To End Infiltration If BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the BJP would not allow any intruders into West Bengal if they win the state election, and would selectively root out illegal immigrants already present.

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

How BJP Secured a Foothold In Kerala

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP has made significant gains in the Kerala Assembly elections, securing three seats and marking a potential breakthrough in a state where it has traditionally struggled.

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

EC rejects rigging claims a day after Mamata stormed EVM strong room

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, has refuted allegations of potential malpractices at counting centres, assuring that robust security measures are in place. This comes after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about possible tampering with EVMs.

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Satheesan-led Kerala govt sworn in, announces key welfare measures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

V D Satheesan was sworn in as Kerala's Chief Minister, with Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administering the oath of office. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including Congress leaders and Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Centre of 'Taking' from People Amid LPG Price Hike

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticises the Union government over the hike in commercial LPG prices, accusing the Centre of 'taking' from people while the Mamata Banerjee administration provides relief. He also challenged the BJP to present a report card of its work in Rajganj constituency.

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Assam, Puducherry witness historic turnout; over 78% vote in Kerala

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.

Bengal SIR: Nearly 91 lakh names deleted from voter list

Bengal SIR: Nearly 91 lakh names deleted from voter list

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Election Commission reports a significant reduction in West Bengal's electoral rolls following a Special Intensive Revision, with nearly 9.1 million voters deleted.

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Infiltration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Infiltration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies in Birbhum, West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and infiltration if the BJP wins the upcoming elections. He criticised the TMC government and outlined welfare schemes for women, youth, and farmers.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

TMC Will Win Fourth Term, Says Mamata Banerjee

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth consecutive term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

EC orders action over offensive social media post targeting Mamata

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Election Commission has directed the police to take strict action regarding an objectionable social media post allegedly targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

BJP won't allow Babri Masjid to come up in Bengal, says Amit Shah

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, attacking Mamata Banerjee's TMC and promising development if the BJP wins the state elections. He accused Banerjee of appeasement politics and vowed to prevent the construction of a Babri Masjid-like structure in Bengal.

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Amit Shah Vows to Tackle Corruption, Illegal Immigration in West Bengal

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to tackle corruption and illegal immigration if the BJP comes to power. He criticised the current TMC government and outlined the BJP's plans for the state.

TN polls: DMK, AIADMK allies in direct duel in 21 seats

TN polls: DMK, AIADMK allies in direct duel in 21 seats

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have allowed their allies in a direct duel in 21 constituencies in the April 23 assembly election to prove their strength in their respective strongholds.

Amit Shah: Mamata Banerjee Shielding Infiltrators In Bengal

Amit Shah: Mamata Banerjee Shielding Infiltrators In Bengal

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of shielding infiltrators, promoting dynastic politics, and supporting the construction of a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid.

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata, including the residence of TMC MLA Debashis Kumar and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Mamata Banerjee's candidature. The TMC alleges the raids are politically motivated.

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the BJP will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw cases against community leaders if elected in West Bengal. He criticised Mamata Banerjee's government for non-cooperation and assured a constitutional solution.

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Wrongly deported to B'desh, 6 Bengal men will vote to prove citizenship

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

After being wrongly deported and labelled as Bangladeshis, migrant workers in West Bengal's Murshidabad are heading to the polls to reclaim their Indian identity and fight for their right to belong.

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

HC rejects TMC plea on central staff for Bengal counting

Rediff.com1 May 2026

The Calcutta High Court dismissed a plea challenging the Election Commission's directive to deploy central government and PSU employees for vote counting in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Why Mamata Banerjee Is Confident Of TMC's West Bengal Win

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asserted that the TMC will return to power for a fourth term, urging opposition parties to unite against the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. She criticised the BJP's chargesheet against the TMC and alleged corruption in the Haldia dock complex. Banerjee also questioned Prime Minister Modi's claim of being the BJP candidate in all West Bengal seats.

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's confidant to archnemesis

Suvendu Adhikari: From Mamata's confidant to archnemesis

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Suvendu Adhikari's rise within the BJP in West Bengal has been marked by strategic victories and relentless opposition to the TMC, culminating in his leadership role within the party's legislative wing.

Mamata Banerjee Claims Central Forces Searched Her Car, Questions BJP Leaders' Exemption

Mamata Banerjee Claims Central Forces Searched Her Car, Questions BJP Leaders' Exemption

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of searching her car and criticised the BJP for alleged election misconduct during a rally in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur district.

Bomb Blast at Nadia School Raises Pre-Election Tensions in West Bengal

Bomb Blast at Nadia School Raises Pre-Election Tensions in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A crude bomb exploded on the rooftop of a school in Nadia district, West Bengal, ahead of upcoming elections, prompting investigations and political accusations.

Why Abhishek Banerjee Is Calling For TMC Votes In Murshidabad

Why Abhishek Banerjee Is Calling For TMC Votes In Murshidabad

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee is urging voters in Murshidabad to support the TMC to thwart the BJP's influence in West Bengal. He criticised the Congress and other parties, accusing them of indirectly supporting the BJP, and highlighted the TMC's commitment to protecting minority voters and preventing the implementation of NRC in Bengal.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises to the people of West Bengal, highlighting the success and continuation of the state's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme.

Man Held with 1 Lakh Cash Before West Bengal Polls

Man Held with 1 Lakh Cash Before West Bengal Polls

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

A man was detained in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, and over 1 lakh in cash was seized from his possession during a vehicle checking drive ahead of the assembly elections.

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

SC rejects plea on Bengal voter deletions, directs petitioners to tribunals

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has declined to intervene in a petition concerning the deletion of names from voter lists in West Bengal, directing the petitioners to seek redressal through established appellate tribunals.

Assam CM Sarma Denies BJP Will Ban Meat Consumption in West Bengal if Elected

Assam CM Sarma Denies BJP Will Ban Meat Consumption in West Bengal if Elected

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has refuted claims by the TMC that the BJP would ban meat and fish consumption if it wins the West Bengal assembly elections. Sarma clarified that only beef consumption is restricted in Assam and accused the TMC of wanting to continue cattle smuggling to Bangladesh for their own benefit.