News for 'polling'

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

Rediff.com4 days ago

A Calcutta High Court judge, Gaurang Kant, disclosed that his elder brother is a national spokesperson for the BJP while hearing Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the Bhabanipur assembly seat poll result. Despite the disclosure, Banerjee's lawyer expressed full confidence in the judge.

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Jharkhand RS elections: NDA MLAs shifted to hotel; INDIA bloc holds mock poll

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Opposition NDA legislators in Jharkhand have been moved to a hotel ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections for two seats. The BJP-backed independent candidate, Parimal Nathwani, faces a challenge as the NDA lacks the required numbers, necessitating potential cross-voting for victory.

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

BJP rebel stuns Mahayuti, defeats Sena nominee in Nashik council polls

Rediff.com5 days ago

BJP rebel Gokul Gite secured a surprising victory in Maharashtra legislative council's Nashik district local governing body constituency, defeating the ruling Shiv Sena nominee Narendra Darade by 109 votes, despite senior Mahayuti leaders' attempts to resolve his independent candidature.

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Why TMC Leader Jahangir Khan Is Under Police Scrutiny For Post-Poll Violence

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

TMC leader Jahangir Khan taken to Falta in 2021 post-poll violence probe

TMC leader Jahangir Khan taken to Falta in 2021 post-poll violence probe

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

TMC leader Jahangir Khan, a close aide to Abhishek Banerjee, was made to walk through areas of Falta as part of an investigation into the 2021 post-poll violence. Khan, currently in police custody, was arrested while allegedly trying to flee and is being investigated for his role in the alleged violence.

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

NDA ally SBSP seeks 32 seats in UP polls; BJP says....

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, a constituent of the Bhaatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance, has staked claim to 32 seats for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, with the aim to wrest the Samajwadi Party's stronghold of Azamgarh.

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Kejriwal claims Punjab polls likely in Nov; Mann to be AAP's CM face

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday claimed that Punjab assembly elections may be held in November this year as against the expected February 2027. Kejriwal also projected Bhagwant Mann as the party's chief ministerial face.

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

BJP sweeps Himachal civic polls, Congress suffers setback

Rediff.com31 May 2026

The BJP has secured victories in the Mandi, Dharamshala, and Solan municipal corporation elections in Himachal Pradesh, dealing a blow to the Congress party, which managed to retain control only in Palampur.

Mamata back to street politics, sits on dharna in Kolkata over post-poll violence

Mamata back to street politics, sits on dharna in Kolkata over post-poll violence

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The protest was triggered by alleged attacks following the BJP's victory in recent assembly elections.

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Annamalai to launch new political party; will contest next TN polls

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has resigned from the party's primary membership, a move accepted by BJP chief Nitin Nabin. Annamalai's resignation follows his replacement as state president and the BJP's renewed alliance with AIADMK. He is expected to address his future plans, including the possibility of launching a new political party, during a social media interaction.

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

RS poll: MP Cong to move MLAs to K'taka amid poaching fears

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The Congress party is reportedly considering moving its Madhya Pradesh MLAs to a party-ruled state, likely Karnataka, ahead of the June 18 Rajya Sabha elections. This move aims to prevent potential cross-voting after the BJP fielded a surprise third candidate, intensifying the contest for three Rajya Sabha seats.

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

'SIR breathes life into fair polls': SC upholds EC exercise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The pleas challenging SIR claimed that the Election Commission does not have powers under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Rules made under it to carry out SIR in a larger form.

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

EC's SIR exercise marks 1 year; Nearly 6cr names deleted so far

Rediff.com1 days ago

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has completed one year, leading to the deletion of nearly six crore voters across 19 states and Union territories. This exercise, which began in Bihar, has faced opposition criticism but was upheld by the Supreme Court. The purification drive has significant implications, including linking voter data to social security benefits in some states.

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Controversial SIR included in NCERT's Class 9 textbook

Rediff.com1 days ago

The NCERT's Class 9 Social Science textbook now includes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, explaining its purpose to ensure accurate voter lists. The textbook also commends the Election Commission of India (ECI) for conducting impartial polls despite challenges, highlighting the scale and autonomy of India's electoral process.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 25% Voter Turnout Till 1 PM

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Polling is underway for local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat. An average voter turnout of 25 per cent was recorded till 1 pm. The main contest is expected between the Congress and the ruling BJP.

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Poll defeat conceded? Mamata updates bio on X, Facebook

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister, updated her social media profiles to reflect her position as Founder Chairperson of the All India Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister of West Bengal, despite the party's recent electoral defeat.

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Mamata Banerjee LLB appears before Calcutta HC in post-poll violence case

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee appeared before the Calcutta High Court alleging police inaction during post-poll violence in West Bengal and sought judicial intervention to protect citizens.

Kerala Parties React Differently To Assembly Exit Polls

Kerala Parties React Differently To Assembly Exit Polls

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Political parties in Kerala, including the ruling LDF, opposition UDF, and BJP-led NDA, have reacted to the exit poll predictions for the Assembly elections, with varying degrees of confidence and skepticism.

Setback for Stalin as Vaiko's MDMK exits DMK alliance

Setback for Stalin as Vaiko's MDMK exits DMK alliance

Rediff.com16 minutes ago

The MDMK general council, led by Vaiko, has announced its decision to withdraw from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance. The party accused the DMK of attempting to prop up an AIADMK government, which they claim goes against the people's mandate and the alliance's secular ideology.

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

George Kurian, lone Christian face in Modi cabinet, resigns

Rediff.com4 days ago

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian has resigned from the council of ministers following the conclusion of his Rajya Sabha term. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation, which was effective immediately.

TMC Claims Workers Attacked In Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal

TMC Claims Workers Attacked In Post-Poll Violence In West Bengal

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The TMC has dispatched fact-finding teams to investigate alleged post-poll violence against its workers in West Bengal, accusing BJP-backed individuals of carrying out attacks and intimidation.

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

How BJP Secured Victory In Haryana Municipal Corporation Polls

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The BJP has achieved significant victories in the Haryana municipal corporation elections, securing wins in Ambala and Sonipat, and leading in Panchkula. The party also won the president's post in Sampla, a stronghold of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, where the Congress did not field a candidate.

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

'People gravitate towards power': Rebel Uddhav MP Omprakash defends switch

Rediff.com5 days ago

Rebel Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar has justified his crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena, saying if the people are gravitating towards power, he is merely following the trend.

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Exit polls mostly right, Axis My India nails TVK's debut

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A review of the accuracy of various exit polls in predicting the outcomes of recent assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the performance of different pollsters.

Punjab Municipal Polls Set For May 26: Key Details

Punjab Municipal Polls Set For May 26: Key Details

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The Punjab State Election Commissioner has announced that elections for 105 municipal bodies, including eight municipal corporations, will be held on May 26, with vote counting on May 29. The Model Code of Conduct is now in effect, and over 35,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure safety.

NDA Closes On Rajya Sabha Two-Third Mark

NDA Closes On Rajya Sabha Two-Third Mark

Rediff.com5 days ago

Its strength is set to increase by 3 seats once the current round of Rajya Sabha polls for 27 seats are concluded on June 28.

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

TMC Accuses Election Commission Of Partisan Conduct In Bengal Polls

Rediff.com9 May 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has questioned the credibility of the West Bengal assembly polls, accusing the Election Commission of partisan conduct and alleging large-scale irregularities during the elections.

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Haryana Local Body Polls Record 54.5 Per Cent Voter Turnout

Rediff.com10 May 2026

Local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, saw a 54.5 per cent voter turnout. Polling was held for mayor and ward councillor posts, with key contestants from BJP and Congress. The votes will be counted on May 13.

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

No reports of post-poll violence yet, says CM Adhikari amid TMC protest

Rediff.com15 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that his government has no information regarding alleged post-poll violence, as claimed by the opposition TMC. He assured that action would be taken after verifying any such charges. The statement came in response to allegations raised in the West Bengal assembly by Leader of the Opposition Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Bengal's mid-day meal shift sparks fresh egg vs veg debate

Rediff.com1 days ago

The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Akhilesh Yadav meets Mamata, extends support after Bengal poll rout

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav met TMC leader Mamata Banerjee to express solidarity after the TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections. The meeting highlights efforts by opposition parties to strategise and strengthen unity against the BJP.

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Bengal polls: Despite row, 'Singham' observer keeps vigil

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Special police observer Ajay Pal Sharma toured West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district during the second phase of Assembly elections, facing political controversy and allegations of intimidation from TMC leaders.

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Historic polling in Bengal: 92.47% turnout breaks all records

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

West Bengal recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in the 2026 assembly polls since Independence, with a cumulative 92.47 per cent polling in two phases, the Election Commission said on Wednesday.

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Kerala Assembly Polls: NSS Chief On UDF Victory

Rediff.com6 May 2026

NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair stated that the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly polls was due to public dissatisfaction with the government, not individual efforts. He also mentioned ongoing differences with Congress leader V D Satheesan but denied issuing directions on whom to support in the elections.

After revolt, Mamata, Abhishek return to grassroots, cuts I-PAC role

After revolt, Mamata, Abhishek return to grassroots, cuts I-PAC role

Rediff.com3 days ago

Facing a massive rebellion of MLAs and MPs after its defeat in the West Bengal assembly polls, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has begun an organisational reset, with sources saying the focus is on top leaders increasing direct engagement with workers and reducing dependence on political-consultancy firm I-PAC.

700 CAPF companies to stay in Bengal after polls: EC

700 CAPF companies to stay in Bengal after polls: EC

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Around 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will continue to remain deployed across West Bengal after the completion of polling, an Election Commission official said on Wednesday.

Central forces working to help BJP in Bengal polls: Mamata

Central forces working to help BJP in Bengal polls: Mamata

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused central forces of working in favour of the BJP during the ongoing assembly elections, alleging intimidation and unfair practices.

Bengal polls: Fresh tension grips Bhangar, NIA teams deployed

Bengal polls: Fresh tension grips Bhangar, NIA teams deployed

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Fresh tension gripped Bhangar and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas during the second and final phase of West Bengal Assembly elections, with the ISF alleging intimidation of polling agents and attempts to influence voters by TMC workers.

'Will kill you if...': Sena MP Patil threatens scribes; Shinde seeks apology

'Will kill you if...': Sena MP Patil threatens scribes; Shinde seeks apology

Rediff.com1 days ago

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Dina Patil allegedly abused and threatened journalists, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to ask him to express regret. The incident occurred after journalists questioned Patil about a letter from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and his daughter's political stance, leading to a political controversy.

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Now, row erupts in Kerala as chief poll officer appointed as CM's secretary

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The appointment of Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer as the Chief Minister's secretary has ignited a political firestorm, raising questions about election credibility and sparking accusations of hypocrisy among political parties.