News for 'phase 2 polling'

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Why Congress Is Eyeing A Rajya Sabha Seat In Jharkhand

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

The Congress party is seeking one Rajya Sabha seat in Jharkhand from the JMM and plans to discuss the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, according to AICC Jharkhand in-charge K Raju.

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Saini Criticises Punjab's Instability, Pledges Haryana's Industrial Advancement

Rediff.com1 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticises the AAP-led Punjab government for political instability and lack of industrial development, while promoting Haryana's investor-friendly policies and industrial growth initiatives.

Slain BSP chief's wife gets ticket as AIADMK names final candidates

Slain BSP chief's wife gets ticket as AIADMK names final candidates

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The AIADMK has released its final list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, including nominees to contest against prominent DMK leaders. The party is contesting in alliance with the BJP, AMMK and PMK.

Why Rahul Gandhi Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Aiding BJP

Why Rahul Gandhi Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Aiding BJP

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Rahul Gandhi accuses Mamata Banerjee of not directly fighting the BJP, alleging that this indirect approach benefits the ruling party. He also criticised her government's performance on job creation and handling of corruption.

Amit Shah Promises Action on Infiltration and Gorkha Concerns in West Bengal

Amit Shah Promises Action on Infiltration and Gorkha Concerns in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies in West Bengal, promising to address infiltration issues, resolve the Gorkha issue, and tackle corruption if the BJP wins the upcoming elections.

Enforcement Directorate Uncovers Cash, Arms in Kolkata Money Laundering Probe

Enforcement Directorate Uncovers Cash, Arms in Kolkata Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized approximately 1.2 crore in cash and a country-made pistol during raids in Kolkata as part of a money laundering investigation targeting Biswajit Poddar, an alleged criminal, and his associates.

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

AAP exodus: What the loss of 7 MPs means for Kejriwal's party

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faces a significant setback with the departure of seven MPs, including prominent figures, impacting its parliamentary strength and preparedness for upcoming elections. This exodus follows a turbulent period marked by the arrests of key leaders and raises questions about the party's future.

Union Minister Pradhan Alleges TMC Mismanagement of Funds, Criticises Bengal's Education System

Union Minister Pradhan Alleges TMC Mismanagement of Funds, Criticises Bengal's Education System

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of diverting central funds for party activities and destroying the state's education system. He also criticised the teacher recruitment process and expressed confidence in the BJP's victory in the upcoming assembly polls.

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.

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Amit Shah Accuses Mamata Banerjee Of Turning Kolkata Into 'City Of Slums'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused the TMC government of turning Kolkata into a 'city of slums' and using infiltrators as a vote bank, sparking a strong reaction from the TMC, which accused him of insulting the people of Bengal.

Abhishek Banerjee: TMC Vote Only Way To Stop BJP

Abhishek Banerjee: TMC Vote Only Way To Stop BJP

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged voters to support the TMC as the only way to defeat the BJP, particularly in areas with a strong Congress base. He accused the BJP of dividing communities and failing to address key issues such as river erosion and farmer distress, while outlining the TMC's welfare plans.

Banerjee Disputes Modi's Fish Production Claims in West Bengal

Banerjee Disputes Modi's Fish Production Claims in West Bengal

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims that the state lags in fish production, asserting significant increases during her tenure.

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Delimitation, not women's reservation, real issue: Sonia

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.

TMC Leader Accuses BJP of Betraying Rajbanshi Community in North Bengal

TMC Leader Accuses BJP of Betraying Rajbanshi Community in North Bengal

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of failing to honour promises made to the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal, including recognising their language and raising a 'Narayani Sena' battalion.

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Abhishek Banerjee Warns of Potential Fuel Price Surge After West Bengal Polls

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee alleges the BJP-led government may increase fuel prices after the West Bengal assembly elections, accusing them of neglecting the common man and withholding funds from the state.

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Assam Elections: Acid Test For Badruddin Ajmal's AIUDF

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The outcome of the assembly elections will not only determine AIUDF's immediate relevance but could also shape its long-term role in Assam's political landscape.

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

23 lakh voters in limbo as Bengal sees massive rush to tribunals

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Thousands of West Bengal residents whose names were deleted from electoral rolls are awaiting decisions from tribunals, the final recourse after initial appeals were rejected. The fate of around 2.3 million people hinges on these adjudications, raising concerns about voting rights and citizenship.

TMC Leader Murdered in West Bengal Ahead of Elections

TMC Leader Murdered in West Bengal Ahead of Elections

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

A local TMC leader was allegedly hacked to death in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, triggering political tension ahead of the assembly elections.

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Modi vows to expedite citizenship for Matua, Namasudra refugees if BJP wins Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Katwa, West Bengal, promising to expedite the process of granting citizenship to Matua and Namasudra refugee families if the BJP comes to power. He also criticised illegal immigration and the Trinamool Congress government.

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Mamata Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

BJP Candidate List 2026 West Bengal: Full Seat-Wise List of 144 Candidates

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

In a strategic move for the upcoming West Bengal elections, the BJP has announced its first candidate list, highlighted by Suvendu Adhikari challenging Mamata Banerjee in both Nandigram and Bhabanipur.

Bengal police ramp up security ahead of assembly elections

Bengal police ramp up security ahead of assembly elections

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Senior police officials in West Bengal are visiting police stations to ensure free and fair polling for the upcoming Assembly elections, focusing on maintaining law and order and preventing electoral malpractice.

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Banerjee Calls for 'Revenge' Votes Over Voter List Changes

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to cast their ballots in the upcoming assembly polls as a form of 'revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging foul play and urging vigilance during the election process.

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Trump's Blinks Bought Time, But What It Doesn't Buy...

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

...is a way out, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War. What the indefinite extension produces is a prolonged condition of not-war-not-peace, in which oil markets cannot stabilise, Asian refineries cannot plan, European governments cannot stop subsidising consumption they cannot afford, and the next flashpoint -- a seized tanker, a miscalculated drone strike, a Truth Social post that claims too much -- is one news cycle away.

Assembly elections for 4 states, 1 UT likely in April: Sources

Assembly elections for 4 states, 1 UT likely in April: Sources

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Last time, assembly polls in West Bengal were held in eight phases -- by far the maximum. In Assam, elections were held in two phases, and in a singular phase in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Karnataka MLAs want IPL tickets: Shivakumar backs them

Karnataka MLAs want IPL tickets: Shivakumar backs them

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister defends the demand by Congress MLAs for VIP IPL tickets, asserting their entitlement as part of the government.

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Illegal Call Centre Operations in West Bengal

Enforcement Directorate Investigates Illegal Call Centre Operations in West Bengal

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in West Bengal as part of an investigation into the operations of an alleged illegal call centre.

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Amit Shah Blasts Banerjee's Rule, Promises Change in West Bengal

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of playing the 'victim card' and pushing the state towards destruction. He promised to end the TMC's 'syndicate raj' and ensure justice for women if the BJP is voted to power.

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

West Bengal elections: BJP, Left put out first list; Suvendu to take on Mamata again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

The BJP has released its first list of candidates for the West Bengal assembly polls, featuring Suvendu Adhikari against Mamata Banerjee in a high-stakes electoral battle. The Left Front has also announced its initial list of candidates, setting the stage for a crucial election.

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

In Bengal, 90 lakh voter deletions may decide 70 crucial seats

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

West Bengal's upcoming 2026 election may hinge on the impact of recent electoral roll revisions, particularly in 65-70 closely contested constituencies where victory margins are slim. The deletion of over 90 lakh names, especially in key areas like Nandigram, Bhabanipur, and the Matua belt, has redrawn the electoral map, potentially influencing the outcome for both the TMC and BJP.

IPL 2026: Harbhajan Singh wishes to see a new champion this season

IPL 2026: Harbhajan Singh wishes to see a new champion this season

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed excitement ahead of the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying the tournament always brings energy, passion and unpredictable results.

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

AIMIM calls off tieup with Kabir's party after TMC posts 'sting video'

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

The alliance between Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and AIMIM in West Bengal has collapsed following allegations of a multi-crore deal with the BJP, leading to AIMIM's withdrawal and both parties planning to contest the elections independently.

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Record 69% turnout in Bihar's final phase, women voters lead

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Bihar recorded its highest-ever voter turnout of 67.14 per cent in the second and final phase of the assembly elections. The election is seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Kishanganj recorded the highest polling percentage at 76.26.

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

BJP Alleges Mamata Banerjee a 'Threat' to Bengal, Dismisses Danger Claims

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The BJP has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of using 'victim card' politics to gain sympathy during the assembly elections, dismissing claims of threats to her life as a political strategy.

Doval hosts Khalilur Rahman as India, Bangladesh move to reset ties

Doval hosts Khalilur Rahman as India, Bangladesh move to reset ties

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval hosted Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman for a dinner meeting, signalling efforts to repair bilateral ties after a period of heightened diplomatic tension.

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

EC to launch phased voter list revision, may start with poll-bound states

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The Election Commission is ramping up preparations for a special intensive revision of voter lists across India, assessing the progress made on mapping current electors with voters as per the last SIR in different states.

Bihar sees historic voter turnout in first phase: EC

Bihar sees historic voter turnout in first phase: EC

Rediff.com8 Nov 2025

The first phase of the Bihar assembly polls recorded a historic turnout of 65.08 per cent, the highest in the state's history, according to the Election Commission.

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Bihar's voter turnout nearly 69%; women outvoted men in both phases

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

An ECI statement issued from New Delhi put the voter turnout at 68.76 per cent. The female turnout (74.03 per cent) was significantly higher, compared with males (64.1 per cent).

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Modi Accuses TMC of Appeasement Politics, Banerjee Alleges BJP's Delimitation Plot

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Singham on the sidelines: Annamalai from BJP's TN candidate list

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the notable absence of K Annamalai, sparking speculation and discussion within the state's political circles.