News for 'polling officer'

AAP, BJP trade allegations over 'fake voting' in Delhi

AAP, BJP trade allegations over 'fake voting' in Delhi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

As Delhi voters cast their ballots for the assembly polls on Wednesday, allegations of fake voting emerged in some parts of the national capital, including Seelampur and Kasturba Nagar.

Exit polls: Cong to wrest Haryana from BJP; NC-Cong ahead in JK

Exit polls: Cong to wrest Haryana from BJP; NC-Cong ahead in JK

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

The results of the assembly elections will be announced on October 8.

More than 6K poll code violations filed in Delhi in 25 days: CEO

More than 6K poll code violations filed in Delhi in 25 days: CEO

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Moreover, the CEO said that citizens can also lodge complaints through the cVIGIL application, where the complaint needs to be addressed within a 100-minute time frame.

Phase 1 sees nearly 63% polling amid stray incidents of violence

Phase 1 sees nearly 63% polling amid stray incidents of violence

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

"The voting percentage is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained as polling is scheduled till 6 pm in many constituencies. Final figures will be known on Saturday after the scrutiny of form 17A," the EC said.

Will popular Jat face Kailash Gahlot's exit hurt AAP in Delhi polls?

Will popular Jat face Kailash Gahlot's exit hurt AAP in Delhi polls?

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

Kailash Gahlot, a key minister in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, has resigned, potentially impacting the party's ambitious plan to roll out a Rs 1000 monthly honorarium scheme for women ahead of the Assembly polls in February. Gahlot, who represented the Jat-dominated Najafgarh constituency in West Delhi, cited several issues, including the "Sheeshmahal" controversy over his former official residence, the Delhi government's tussle with the Centre, and the failure to clean the Yamuna River, in his resignation letter. Delhi BJP leaders welcomed Gahlot's resignation, fueling speculation that he could join the party before the assembly polls. However, AAP leaders claimed Gahlot resigned due to pressure from central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate, and that joining the BJP was his last option. Gahlot's resignation has sparked speculation about his future and the impact it will have on the AAP's electoral prospects.

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

This BJP leader wants Nitish Kumar as Deputy PM

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Choubey has expressed his desire to see Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the Deputy Prime Minister. However, the JD(U) and the RJD have dismissed Choubey's remarks as inconsequential, with the JD(U) pointing to Amit Shah's recent statement that Nitish Kumar is the coalition's leader for the upcoming assembly polls. The RJD has also ridiculed Choubey's statement, stating that the BJP is looking to get rid of Nitish Kumar and that Tejashwi Yadav will be the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

K'taka ex-minister Janardhana Reddy gets 7-year jail in mining case

K'taka ex-minister Janardhana Reddy gets 7-year jail in mining case

Rediff.com6 May 2025

A special CBI court in Hyderabad convicted former Karnataka minister and MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy and three others in the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) illegal iron ore mining case after a prolonged trial spanning nearly 14 years. The court sentenced them to seven years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each. Reddy was named accused number two. The court imposed a Rs 1 lakh fine on the company. The CBI took Reddy and others into custody soon after the judgment.

Congress deploys seniors to assess Haryana poll rout

Congress deploys seniors to assess Haryana poll rout

Rediff.com16 Oct 2024

Sources said the party has also tasked its senior leaders to be observers at the meeting of the Congress Legislature Party in Haryana to elect its new leader.

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

New CEC who played key role in Art 370 abrogation, Ram temple trust

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Kumar, who played a key role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir during his stint in the Union home ministry, took charge as an election commissioner on March 15, 2024.

Maha polls: Parties need to justify picking tainted nominees, says CEC

Maha polls: Parties need to justify picking tainted nominees, says CEC

Rediff.com28 Sep 2024

Besides disclosing in their affidavits, candidates have to prominently declare criminal cases they are facing, if any, thrice in newspapers in print as well on television, he said, adding that political parties too have to publish within three days of nomination why a candidate with criminal background was selected. "You (political parties) have to tell the public whether you did not get any (other) candidate and why was it necessary to select them (those with criminal background)," he said.

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Left maintains foothold in JNU, ABVP wins joint secy post

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

The RSS-affiliated ABVP has won the post of joint secretary in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) election, ending a nine-year period out of office. The ABVP's victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of JNU, breaking the Left's long-standing dominance. Left candidates won the remaining three central panel posts, but the ABVP's victory is seen as a major gain for the right-wing group.

No Hooda, no Selja at meet to review Cong's Haryana poll rout

No Hooda, no Selja at meet to review Cong's Haryana poll rout

Rediff.com10 Oct 2024

Sources said the leaders during the meeting discussed the possible reasons for the "unexpected" results in Haryana and decided to set up the team to ascertain the reasons behind such results and also look into complaints of "discrepancies" in EVMs, as alleged by party candidates.

BJP urges EC to change Haryana assembly poll date

BJP urges EC to change Haryana assembly poll date

Rediff.com24 Aug 2024

The BJP cited holidays before and after the election date that could lead to lower voter turnout.

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Modi-led panel to meet next week to pick new poll panel chief

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet early next week to finalise the name of the next chief election commissioner. The panel will recommend a name from among the candidates shortlisted by a search committee. The president will then appoint the next CEC based on the recommendation. The panel comprises the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the prime minister.

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Amazon to invest Rs 2,000 cr in India to expand logistics, improve safety

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

Amazon will invest more than Rs 2,000 crore (about $233 million) in India in 2025 as it strengthens its logistics and safety standards, said the ecommerce company on Thursday.

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Bihar's Liquor Ban Faces Heat Ahead Of Elections

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

As the election nears, political positions on prohibition are shifting.

Maha polls: Shah tells BJP cadres to sink differences

Maha polls: Shah tells BJP cadres to sink differences

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

An organisation where workers function in different directions never succeeds, BJP sources quoted Shah as telling a party gathering in Mumbai on Tuesday. Shah has also asked the Maharashtra BJP to undertake 'Ghar Chalo Abhiyan' to reach out to every household in the state and called for strengthening the party's booth-level network, a party leader said.

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Gyanesh Kumar appointed as next CEC

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch Kerala Cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Kumar, who was previously an Election Commissioner, will serve until January 26, 2029. His appointment comes amidst controversy as the Congress party demanded the government defer its decision until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the composition of the selection panel. Kumar's tenure will see him oversee several state assembly elections, including Bihar, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

Epstein files, Impeachment: Trump-Musk feud gets nastier

Epstein files, Impeachment: Trump-Musk feud gets nastier

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

The feud reached its peak when Musk made explosive allegations about Trump's connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking a dramatic escalation in their increasingly personal conflict.

No decision on new CM; BJP must seek early polls: AAP

No decision on new CM; BJP must seek early polls: AAP

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

The ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Monday said it has put the ball in Bharatiya Janata Party's court by demanding early elections in Delhi in November, and now it is up to the opposition party to decide whether it was prepared to face CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Polls over, Maha govt reinstates controversial cop as DGP

Polls over, Maha govt reinstates controversial cop as DGP

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The Maharashtra government has reinstated IPS officer Rashmi Shukla as Director General of Police (DGP) after the conclusion of the assembly polls. Shukla was removed from the DGP's post on the Election Commission of India's directive ahead of the elections, with Congress demanding her removal. Sanjay Kumar Verma, who took over as the state's top police officer during the election period, has been relieved of his duties. The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition retained power with a thumping majority in the assembly elections.

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

SC rejects plea for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking a directive for 100% manual counting of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in addition to electronic counting. The court cited its previous rulings on the safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and stated that the issue was not open for reconsideration. The plea argued for a modified VVPAT system where voters could verify printed ballots before leaving the polling station, and for 100% manual counting of VVPAT slips. The court upheld the Delhi High Court's decision dismissing the plea, referring to previous Supreme Court judgments on the matter.

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

ED nabs Cong ex-MLA in Rs 500 cr scam after midnight brawl at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com5 May 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested former Haryana Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker from a five-star hotel in Delhi following a brief scuffle. Chhoker, along with his sons, is accused of defrauding over 1,500 homebuyers and siphoning off over Rs 500 crore through their real-estate companies. The ED had been seeking Chhoker's presence in the investigation since May 2022. The politician was caught at the Grappa Bar of the Shangri-La hotel on Ashoka Road. He is currently in ED custody for six days.

Liquor Flows In Dry Bihar During Polls

Liquor Flows In Dry Bihar During Polls

Rediff.com21 May 2024

Four times more liquor has been seized in the 2024 election than during the 2019 polls.

How To Cope With Rising Rents

How To Cope With Rising Rents

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Always ensure that lease terms are clearly written in the agreement, including rent escalation clauses and notice periods.'

Kejriwal to step down as CM, face 'agnipariksha' of polls

Kejriwal to step down as CM, face 'agnipariksha' of polls

Rediff.com15 Sep 2024

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday that he would resign after two days and sought early polls in the national capital while vowing not to sit in the chief minister's chair till people give him a 'certificate of honesty'.

Exit polls: Sonia Gandhi expects 'totally opposite' results

Exit polls: Sonia Gandhi expects 'totally opposite' results

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Monday said her party is very hopeful that the results of the Lok Sabha elections will be totally opposite to what has been shown in the exit polls.

Forces gun down 5 Maoists, foil plan to disrupt Maha polls

Forces gun down 5 Maoists, foil plan to disrupt Maha polls

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

As many as 22 teams of C-60 commandos and two squads of the Central Reserve Police Force under the supervision of senior officials launched an anti-Naxal operation from two different points in the forest area, said the release.

Kerala CPM leader booked over postal ballot breach remarks

Kerala CPM leader booked over postal ballot breach remarks

Rediff.com16 May 2025

Following that, Sudhakaran, at another event in Alappuzha on Thursday, claimed that what he had said earlier was not completely true and he had added something extra to it from his "imagination".

Phase 3: Over 63% polling amid clashes in Bengal

Phase 3: Over 63% polling amid clashes in Bengal

Rediff.com7 May 2024

A voter turnout of 60.19 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories on Tuesday with sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal.

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Election Commission on Saturday deferred the Haryana assembly poll date to October 5 from October 1, saying the decision was taken keeping in mind a centuries-old festival of the Bishnoi community.

Imran's party claims victory in Pak poll, asks Sharif' to concede

Imran's party claims victory in Pak poll, asks Sharif' to concede

Rediff.com9 Feb 2024

The PML-N, however, rejected the demand and claimed that it was winning Thursday's elections.

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

How Will Lee's Election Impact Asia?

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Lee Jae-myung's decisive victory in South Korea's snap presidential election marks a major political shift driven by public backlash against authoritarian, with significant implications for domestic reform and the future of the US-South Korea alliance, observes Dr Rajaram Panda.

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rahul wears white t-shirt becasue he hates...: Union minister

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Rahul Gandhi has urged the youth of Bihar to join him in the march in Begusarai wearing "white T-shirts".

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Bangladesh's interim govt chief Yunus likely to resign

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Bangladesh's interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus is considering resigning after political parties failed to reach a common ground, according to the National Citizen Party (NCP) chief. Yunus, appointed after a student-led uprising toppled the previous government, expressed concerns about his ability to function in the current political climate.

BJP's best show in J-K polls is simply not good enough

BJP's best show in J-K polls is simply not good enough

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The BJP has emerged the second largest party by winning 29 constituencies in the maiden assembly polls post abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, improving its all-time high tally of 25 seats recorded in 2014 elections.

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

EC censures AAP's 'pressure tactics' in rare rebuke

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted allegations by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the Commission is being run by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The ECI said it is a three-member body and has collectively noted "repeated deliberate pressure tactics" to malign the poll authority in the Delhi elections. The ECI has decided to exercise constitutional restraint and not be swayed by such insinuations. The AAP has alleged that the EC has been ignoring the BJP's alleged violations of poll code, and that Kumar is not taking action against the BJP to secure a post-retirement assignment. Delhi goes to polls on Wednesday.

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Sukhbir Badal returns as Akali Dal chief

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The 62-year-old former deputy chief minister was first elected the party president in 2008. His re-election at the outfit's general delegate session in Amritsar comes barely four months after he quit after he was declared 'tankhaiya' (guilty of religious misconduct) by the Akal Takht for "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and its government from 2007 to 2017.

EC calls all-party meeting amid electoral roll fudging charges

EC calls all-party meeting amid electoral roll fudging charges

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

The Election Commission of India has invited all national and state political parties to provide suggestions by April 30 on any unresolved issues related to the electoral process. This call for feedback comes amid allegations of electoral roll manipulation, with opposition parties demanding a discussion in Parliament on the issue. The EC has also proposed an interaction with party presidents and senior members to further strengthen electoral processes.

AAP-Cong cross-voting puts BJP in Chandigarh mayor's seat

AAP-Cong cross-voting puts BJP in Chandigarh mayor's seat

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

The BJP won the Chandigarh mayoral election on Thursday, defeating the AAP-Congress alliance. Harpreet Kaur Babla of the BJP was elected as the new mayor, while the AAP-Congress alliance won the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. The victory of the BJP candidate indicated that cross-voting took place during polling. The Supreme Court had previously overturned the result of the 2023 mayoral poll, which had seen the BJP candidate win despite allegations of tampering with ballots. The court had ordered prosecution of the returning officer for the poll, Anil Masih, a BJP leader, for his "misdemeanour." The court had also declared defeated AAP-Congress alliance candidate Kuldeep Kumar as the new city mayor. This latest victory is a significant win for the BJP in the city and represents a setback for the AAP-Congress alliance.