News for 'polling officer'

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of having a 'deeper connection' with a Pakistani national and violating FCRA rules, prompting calls for a national probe.

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.

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

'Unsettling precedent': I-PAC breaks silence over ED raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Political consultancy firm I-PAC has reacted to the Enforcement Directorate's raids at its Kolkata premises, calling it an "unsettling precedent." The raids have triggered political upheaval in West Bengal, where elections are due in months. The firm, engaged by the TMC, said it would continue to work in an "unfazed and unperturbed" manner.

EC orders destruction of poll recordings after 45 days

EC orders destruction of poll recordings after 45 days

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Fearing use of its electronic data to create 'malicious narratives', the Election Commission has instructed its state poll officers to destroy CCTV camera, webcasting and video footage of the election process after 45 days, if the verdict is not challenged in courts within that period.

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Mamata hits streets, ups ante against Centre as ED row escalates

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a protest march in Kolkata against Enforcement Directorate searches linked to I-PAC, signaling a show of strength ahead of the 2026 assembly polls. The march featured cultural elements and participation from party members and celebrities.

BJP defeats united NCP in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad

BJP defeats united NCP in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday trounced the opposition including the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar by winning decisive mandates in Pune and neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad in the civic polls, retaining power in both municipal corporations.

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

BJP-Sena capture BMC, break Thackeray hold after 25 yrs

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance secured a majority in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, winning 118 out of 227 seats and ending the Thackeray family's long-standing control.

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

BJP set to end Thackeray era as Ritu Tawde to become Mumbai mayor

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated corporator Ritu Tawade for the Mumbai mayor election, while its ally Shiv Sena declared Sanjay Ghadi as its candidate for the deputy mayor's post.

Congress led propaganda spend, BJP led results in Delhi polls: ADR

Congress led propaganda spend, BJP led results in Delhi polls: ADR

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Analysis of election expenditure reports reveals Congress spent more on propaganda and social media, while BJP's overall expenses were higher in the Delhi assembly elections.

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Ajit Pawar's Balancing Act With Muslims

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

Ajit Pawar became a ray of hope for Muslims, the only man in power who could resolve their grievances.

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's appointment of Nitin Nabin as its new president, questioning the election process and mocking the role of the Election Commissioner.

K'taka CEO issues notice to Rahul over 'vote chori' claim

K'taka CEO issues notice to Rahul over 'vote chori' claim

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The Karnataka chief electoral officer has issued a notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, requesting documents supporting his allegation that a woman voted twice. The Election Commission has also asked Gandhi to either substantiate his claims of vote theft or apologize.

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

10.56 lakh voters deleted after SIR in Assam

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Over 10.56 lakh voters have been deleted from Assam's electoral rolls following a Special Revision, ahead of upcoming assembly elections. The revision included house-to-house verification and aims to create an error-free electoral roll.

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin has been formally declared as the BJP national president, succeeding J P Nadda. The leadership transition was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers.

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

'Democracy Is On Sale In Maharashtra'

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

'This daylight robbery of elections is happening in the commercial capital of India, Mumbai city, so you can imagine what they will do to win elections in the interiors of India.'

Bihar polls: Gehlot meets Lalu, Tejashwi as Congress, RJD patch up

Bihar polls: Gehlot meets Lalu, Tejashwi as Congress, RJD patch up

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Internal discord within the INDIA bloc has led to alliance partners contesting against each other in at least eight assembly seats in Bihar. The Congress, RJD, and Left parties are facing challenges in seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming elections.

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

BJP vs Thackeray cousins: All eyes on BMC showdown

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Maharashtra heads to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, with Mumbai's BMC election taking center stage as the BJP-led Mahayuti faces off against the Thackeray front. Key issues include promises for women, pollution control, and the city's financial health.

EC directs crackdown on illicit cash, liquor, drugs in Bihar polls

EC directs crackdown on illicit cash, liquor, drugs in Bihar polls

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

The Election Commission has directed enforcement agencies and security forces to take proactive measures during the Bihar elections to prevent the use of drugs, liquor, and cash to influence voters.

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Assam Opposition Files FIR Against Alleged 'Vote Chori'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Stepping up political pressure ahead of the assembly elections, the Congress-led Opposition bloc in Assam has lodged an FIR against state Bharatiya Janata Party President Dilip Saikia, accusing him of directing BJP MLAs to delete Opposition voters during the ongoing Special Revision of electoral rolls.

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

BLOs stir over poll official's suicide halts Kerala SIR

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Booth-level officers in Kerala boycotted work following the suicide of a colleague allegedly due to work strain related to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Trade unions and political leaders are demanding investigations and changes to the process.

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Verification of burqa-clad women introduced by TN Seshan: EC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Election Commission defends its directive to verify the identity of burqa-clad women at Bihar polling stations, citing a 1994 order issued during T N Seshan's tenure.

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

SC calls ED obstruction claim against Mamata serious; stays FIR

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the Enforcement Directorate's allegations of obstruction by the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during raids related to a coal-pilferage scam. The court intends to examine the matter and has also taken note of the commotion at the Calcutta High Court during hearings related to the case.

If someone tries to hit me...: Mamata after I-PAC raids

If someone tries to hit me...: Mamata after I-PAC raids

Rediff.com10 Jan 2026

Turning her guns on the Election Commission, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had "stolen" the mandate in Maharashtra with the poll panel's help and was now attempting to replicate it in Bengal through the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise by deleting genuine voters' names.

Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rajshree reveal their assets

Bihar polls: Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rajshree reveal their assets

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, contesting from Raghopur, declares assets worth Rs 8.1 crore, while his wife owns assets worth Rs 1.88 crore.

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

SIR Exercise Covers Half Of Electorates

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Since 2004, 12 states have added 160 million people to their rolls.

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Fear, anxiety and long journeys: SIR hearings in Bengal

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The second phase of the Systematic Integration of Rolls (SIR) in West Bengal is causing distress among elderly, disabled, and vulnerable voters, leading to political accusations ahead of the assembly polls.

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

After failed alliance move,12 Maha Cong councillors join BJP

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Twelve newly-elected councillors in the Ambernath Municipal Council, suspended by the Congress for joining a post-poll front led by the BJP, have formally joined the saffron party. The Congress criticized the BJP, highlighting the hypocrisy of welcoming defectors despite the Chief Minister's disapproval of the alliance.

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

EC notice to Amartya Sen over voter list revision sparks political row

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Election Commission served a notice to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen regarding electoral roll discrepancies, sparking a political controversy in West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress has criticized the move as a politically motivated attack.

Mob attacks police station in Bengal's Sandeshkhali, 6 cops injured

Mob attacks police station in Bengal's Sandeshkhali, 6 cops injured

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Six policemen were injured and a police vehicle vandalised in a mob attack during an attempt to arrest a TMC worker in Sandeshkhali, once again pushing the coastal block into political focus ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

2025: Modi's Busiest Foreign Travel Year In A Decade

2025: Modi's Busiest Foreign Travel Year In A Decade

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

The PM's overseas visits in 2025 picked up sharply after May, particularly following Operation Sindoor.

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Maha set for major civic battle in Mumbai, 28 bodies on Jan 15

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Votes will be counted on January 16 and the outcome will be keenly watched as the BJP-led Mahayuti will seek to stamp its supremacy in urban landscape, especially in Mumbai, while the Opposition parties will try to redeem themselves after last year's rout in assembly polls.

BCB's annual income could dwindle by 60 pc

BCB's annual income could dwindle by 60 pc

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Bangla Inside Story: Players kept mum in-front of Nazrul, BCB's annual income could dwindle by 60%

Cong mulls action against 43 Bihar leaders after poll rout

Cong mulls action against 43 Bihar leaders after poll rout

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Congress party has issued show-cause notices to 43 leaders, including former ministers, accusing them of anti-party activities during the Bihar assembly elections.

How Khaleda Zia rose to dominate Bangladesh's politics

How Khaleda Zia rose to dominate Bangladesh's politics

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Khaleda Zia, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and a dominant figure in the country's politics, has died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. Her career spanned decades and included periods of both power and controversy.

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

VP election: Opposition MPs to practise with 'mock poll' on Monday

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

They said a 'mock poll' would be conducted in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan at around 2:30 PM on Monday after the briefing on the procedure to vote in the vice presidential polls.

Another Hindu man crushed to death in Bangladesh

Another Hindu man crushed to death in Bangladesh

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

The UK government has condemned violence in Bangladesh and called for peaceful elections after reports of killings of Hindus and other religious minorities. Concerns were raised in the House of Commons, with calls for UK intervention to protect minorities.

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Raj Thackeray's corporators support Sena-BJP in KDMC

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Amid the race for mayoral posts across civic bodies in Maharashtra, a new political equation emerged in the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation on Wednesday with five corporators of Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena offering support to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Bengal: 32 lakh 'unmapped' voters queue up as SIR hearings begin

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were underway in West Bengal, focusing on 'unmapped' voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll. Many people are being asked to prove their citizenship.

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Bihar poll dates soon? Gyanesh Kumar-led team visits Patna

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Bihar to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, police, administrative officials, and state leaders to ensure smooth conduct of the polls. The visit follows the publication of the final electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision, which has sparked controversy among political parties.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.