News for 'political candidates'

BJP's Rajya Sabha nominations signal strategic shift in Bengal politics

BJP's Rajya Sabha nominations signal strategic shift in Bengal politics

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

The BJP's decision to nominate three former TMC MPs for Rajya Sabha bypolls immediately after their induction into the party signals a strategic shift towards consolidating its position in West Bengal politics through selective accommodation of opposition leaders and organisational expansion.

Several TET candidates miss exam due to BJP leader's roadshow in UP town

Several TET candidates miss exam due to BJP leader's roadshow in UP town

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Traffic congestion allegedly caused by Uttar Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Durvijay Singh Shakya's roadshow triggered a political row in Budaun on Friday after several candidates claimed they missed the second shift of the state Teacher Eligibility Test.

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

BJP's New Game: Political Engineering

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Ideology is dead; long live the numbers game that is being played with the sole intention of securing a two-third majority in the Lok Sabha for the NDA, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Brahmin Discontent May Reshape UP Politics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

A caste recalibration is simmering just below the surface in UP.

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

AJP Accuses Assam CM of Political Vendetta After Candidate Summoned

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its Guwahati Central candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case. The AJP alleges the ruling BJP is using intimidation tactics due to Chowdhury's strong performance.

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

BJP plans action against rebels after Datia bypoll loss

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Bharatiya Janata Party's decision to replace six-time MLA Narottam Mishra with a rookie candidate in the Datia Assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh led to a significant defeat, with the Congress retaining the seat. This loss is seen as a major setback for the BJP's image of discipline, with the party indicating possible disciplinary action against those who defied the central leadership's choice.

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

How BJP Outplays Congress On Political Chessboard

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The rejection of senior Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan's nomination papers transformed what should have been a routine Rajya Sabha election into a lesson in contemporary political warfare.

Bankipur bypoll: 'Lalu, Nitish' lose deposits

Bankipur bypoll: 'Lalu, Nitish' lose deposits

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prashant Kishor, founder of Jan Suraaj Party, secured a significant victory in the Bankipur Assembly bypoll, breaching a BJP bastion, while independent candidates sharing names with Bihar's political stalwarts, Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar, failed to make an impact and lost their security deposits.

Can Prashant Kishor Pull Off The Impossible In Bankipur?

Can Prashant Kishor Pull Off The Impossible In Bankipur?

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Bankipur assembly bypoll is a high-stakes electoral debut for Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor as he challenges the BJP in a constituency that has been a BJP stronghold for nearly two decades.

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

'An Earthquake Is Coming In Maharashtra Politics'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

'Delimitation is scheduled for 2028. No matter how much the BJP currently depends on the Shinde Sena or NCP factions, it may not need them after delimitation.'

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Who's Rahul Gandhi's favourite BJP politician? He reveals

Rediff.com2 days ago

Rahul Gandhi recently connected with Gen Z through an engaging 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram, offering candid responses on student protests, his views on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and even his philosophy on pet ownership.

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

BJP's Assam Sweep Redrew Political Map

Rediff.com12 May 2026

The 2026 election appears to have reinforced a new political formula in Assam: Strong organisation, continuous grassroots engagement, effective alliance management and welfare-based voter outreach.

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Bypolls: Prashant Kishor breaches BJP bastion of Bankipur, Cong wins Datia, BJP retains Manjalpur

Rediff.com5 days ago

Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor made a stunning electoral debut by winning Bihar's Bankipur assembly seat, a long-held BJP bastion. Concurrently, the Congress retained the Datia assembly seat in Madhya Pradesh, while the BJP successfully held onto the Manjalpur seat in Gujarat, showcasing mixed results for the ruling and opposition parties in these crucial by-elections.

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Shakib Al Hasan's Home Attacked After Sheikh Hasina Vows Return to Bangladesh

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan's ancestral home was attacked with petrol bombs and smashed windows after he participated in an online media interaction where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh despite facing a death sentence.

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

'BJP Feels They Can Get Away With Anything'

Rediff.com3 days ago

'I remember that Indira Gandhi was virtually worshipped as a goddess. The kind of power wielded by Indira Gandhi in the early 1970s was much more than what Modi does today, but in just three years down the line Indira Gandhi faced defeat.' 'So you cannot take people's sentiments for granted. That is a lesson that the BJP should learn.'

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Prashant Kishor on Bankipur win: CJP stir may have helped

Rediff.com5 days ago

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor secured a significant victory in the Bankipur assembly bypoll, defeating the BJP candidate by over 19,000 votes. Kishor attributed his win to support from disgruntled members of major parties and potentially Gen Z protests, while firmly rejecting any future political alliances. He claimed the mandate was a wake-up call for the BJP-led government in Bihar and its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, giving his party its maiden presence in the state assembly.

Court summons Uddhav, Shinde in 17-year-old defamation case

Court summons Uddhav, Shinde in 17-year-old defamation case

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) head Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have been directed by a Thane magistrate's court to appear in connection with a 17-year-old defamation complaint. The case, filed by late NCP leader Vasant Davkhare, relates to a controversial video screened during the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Andrea Pirlo's Italy coach bid ends amid Russian betting company controversy

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has withdrawn from contention for the national team's head coach position after his commercial ties to Russian betting company Fonbet drew significant criticism and opposition from Italian football officials and lawmakers.

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Bankipur win gives Prashant Kishor's party a foothold in Bihar

Rediff.com6 days ago

Political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party has secured its first seat in the Bihar Assembly, with Kishor winning the Bankipur bypoll in his electoral debut, stunning the BJP in its long-held bastion.

Prashant Kishore claims aides detained ahead of Bankipur bypoll

Prashant Kishore claims aides detained ahead of Bankipur bypoll

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishore has accused the ruling BJP and the state government of using police to harass his party workers, alleging that over 16 leaders were detained ahead of the Bankipur Assembly by-election. Despite the alleged intimidation, Kishore expressed "200 per cent" confidence in his victory.

Is Priyanka Chaturvedi Secretly Negotiating With The BJP? She Says...

Is Priyanka Chaturvedi Secretly Negotiating With The BJP? She Says...

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

'The made-up stories really angered me. Forget angering me, it actually made me feel, okay, if they want to play this game, let me play along.'

Russia controversy derails Andrea Pirlo's Italy hopes?

Russia controversy derails Andrea Pirlo's Italy hopes?

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach is facing significant political opposition due to his commercial ties as a global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, with Italian parliamentarians and football federation figures expressing concerns.

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Audio of special exam centre offer for Rs 12 lakh puts Maha CET under cloud

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Maharashtra's CET Cell has lodged a police complaint after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly showing a woman offering a 'special' exam centre for the MH-CET engineering entrance test for Rs 12 lakh, promising a high percentile.

CBI charges 13 in NEET-UG paper leak case; names experts, coaching links

CBI charges 13 in NEET-UG paper leak case; names experts, coaching links

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case, including three paper experts, two associated with coaching centres, middlemen and a number of beneficiary candidates, officials said on Tuesday.

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Jharkhand protestors seek probe by ex-judge from outside state into exam paper leaks

Rediff.com5 days ago

Job aspirants in Jharkhand are protesting alleged paper leaks in PSC and other recruitment exams, demanding an independent inquiry by retired high court judges from outside the state. They have lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation, citing past failures, and threaten to intensify their agitation if their demands for a CBI or independent judicial probe are not met. The protests have garnered support from various organisations, with one leader on an indefinite hunger strike.

NEET UG 2026 Results: Meet The Toppers

NEET UG 2026 Results: Meet The Toppers

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 toppers are Punjab's Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal, who secured joint All India Rank 1 with 715 out of 720 marks each.

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

BJP sweeps Falta repoll by 1.5 lakh votes; TMC candidate loses deposit

Rediff.com24 May 2026

The BJP has won the repoll to Bengal's Falta Assembly seat with a significant margin, marking a dramatic shift in the political landscape of West Bengal. The TMC's candidate slipped to fourth place and forfeited his deposit in what was once considered a TMC stronghold.

Infantino's FIFA future in jeopardy after World Cup stake sale gamble backfires

Infantino's FIFA future in jeopardy after World Cup stake sale gamble backfires

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's ambitious plan to sell a 20% stake in a commercial entity managing the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has been abandoned following widespread opposition, including a boycott threat from UEFA.

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

How actor Vijay transformed his popularity into political power

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Actor Vijay's political party, TVK, has significantly impacted the Tamil Nadu political landscape in its debut election, challenging established political norms and achieving notable success.

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Can FIFA's small nations save Infantino's presidency?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Gianni Infantino's bid for a fourth term as FIFA president faces challenges from traditional football powers, but his strategy relies heavily on the support of smaller, emerging nations that benefit significantly from FIFA's development grants.

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

One in Four West Bengal Election Candidates Face Criminal Charges: Report

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that a significant number of candidates contesting the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.

How Prashant Kishor Shattered BJP Fortress In Bankipur

How Prashant Kishor Shattered BJP Fortress In Bankipur

Rediff.com5 days ago

Prashant Kishor's stunning Bankipur victory has broken the BJP's three-decade dominance in one of its safest urban strongholds, signalling a major political shift in Bihar.

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Can India Become New Power Centre Of Global Chess?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

'India should hold several high-level chess tournaments that would attract the world's top players so that the country will have a say in the game.'

How BJP Plans To Scuttle Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Campaign

How BJP Plans To Scuttle Prashant Kishor's Bankipur Campaign

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

'It is a well calculated strategy of the BJP to hit the JSP and widely propagate that leaders have been leaving PK sensing his defeat in the bypoll.'

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

10-yr-jail, Rs 1 cr fine: Cabinet approves stricter anti-paper leak bill

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a draft bill to introduce stricter punishments for examination paper leaks, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement. This new legislation builds upon the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, aiming to curb cheating in public examinations conducted by various central agencies amidst recent controversies like the NEET and NET paper leaks.

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Prashant Kishor enters Bihar's Bankipur bypoll fray, challenges BJP

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor has announced his decision to contest the Bankipur assembly by-election in Bihar. He frames the bypoll as a "referendum" on the performance of the current BJP-led government under Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. Kishor, a former poll strategist, aims to challenge the established parties in a seat traditionally held by the BJP.

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

CISF Jawan Injured In Firing Near BJP Candidate's Residence

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A CISF jawan was injured in a firing incident outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh in West Bengal, prompting an Election Commission report. The incident occurred amidst tensions between TMC and BJP supporters, with both parties trading accusations of instigating violence.

Assam Candidate Alleges Deepfake Smear Campaign

Assam Candidate Alleges Deepfake Smear Campaign

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

Opposition Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury has filed a police complaint regarding alleged deepfake videos circulating on social media that defame her family, following claims made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about her mother's food habits.

Political Clash In Gujarat Leaves One Dead

Political Clash In Gujarat Leaves One Dead

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A relative of a BJP candidate was stabbed to death and two others were injured in a clash between Congress and BJP supporters in Mehsana, Gujarat, ahead of local body polls.

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

TMC slips to single digits in RS as Koel Mallick resigns; more exits likely

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Actor-turned-politician and Trinamool Congress MP Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, on Thursday resigned from the Rajya Sabha, the fourth TMC MP to do so ever since the Mamata Banerjee-led party was ousted from power in West Bengal.