News for 'state assembly'

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

BJP storms to power in Bengal, ends Mamata's 15-year rule

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

TN poll: DMK to contest 164 seats; Cong 27; OPS, Balaji in fray

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The DMK has announced its candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, setting the stage for key battles with the AIADMK and other parties.

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Amit Shah Promises Jobs, End To Infiltration In Bengal If BJP Wins

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the West Bengal election, and also pledged to make the state free of infiltrators.

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

'BJP-flagged cars' spark ruckus at counting centre in Mamata's constituency

Rediff.com3 May 2026

TMC workers allege that cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept, a day ahead of the counting of votes in West Bengal. The Election Commission has denied any irregularities.

Madhya Pradesh: BJP Protest After Leader Allegedly Slapped By Cop

Madhya Pradesh: BJP Protest After Leader Allegedly Slapped By Cop

Rediff.com8 May 2026

BJP workers in Indore protested after a party leader claimed he was slapped by a traffic police officer. Disciplinary action has been taken against three police personnel.

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Bengal Ministers Skip ED Summons In Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Two outgoing West Bengal ministers, Sujit Bose and Rathin Ghosh, under scrutiny in a recruitment scam case, did not appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as scheduled, citing health and post-election duties.

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over ED Raids, Alleges Political Vendetta

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led central government of playing 'dangerous games' with Punjab, alleging the misuse of agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI for political purposes.

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

'Intimidating me?' Mamata questions CRPF deployment during Bengal polls

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles during the Assembly elections, accusing the BJP-led Centre of using government resources to favour their party. She also addressed concerns of potato farmers and urged them to sell their produce in other states.

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.

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Mann urges President to terminate defector MPs; raises recall demand

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met with President Droupadi Murmu to request the termination of Rajya Sabha MPs from Punjab who defected to the BJP. Mann also advocated for a constitutional provision allowing voters to remove elected officials who fail to perform.

Vinesh Phogat Faces Warning After Missed Doping Test

Vinesh Phogat Faces Warning After Missed Doping Test

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been notified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for a missed out-of-competition doping test dating back to December 18, 2025. This marks her first whereabouts failure in the last 12 months and triggers a warning under anti-doping regulations.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Why Vinesh Phogat Received Doping Test Warning

Why Vinesh Phogat Received Doping Test Warning

Rediff.com5 May 2026

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been notified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) for a missed out-of-competition doping test dating back to December 18, 2025. This marks her first whereabouts failure in the last 12 months and serves as a warning under anti-doping rules.

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

TVK chief Vijay meets guv again, swearing-in likely on Saturday

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay, buoyed by the support from the Left parties, on Friday called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at the Lok Bhavan in Chennai in connection with securing an invite from him to form the government.

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Suspense Remains: Will Bihar Get A BJP Chief Minister At Last?

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Political activity in Bihar is all set to intensify once the inauspicious kharmas period ends on April 14. Will Nitish Kumar pull another rabbit out of his hat? M I Khan reports.

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Vijayvargiya: Bengal Victory A Gift From Modi, Shah To India

Rediff.com4 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressed his joy over the BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, calling it a significant gift to the nation from PM Modi and Amit Shah, while also alleging the previous TMC government fostered anti-national activities.

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

ED Arrests Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged fake GST purchases and round-tripping of funds. Raids were conducted at multiple locations, and Arora was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This follows previous actions against Arora and other politically connected individuals in Punjab.

Fadnavis's big claim: Neighbour wanted to break Assam but...

Fadnavis's big claim: Neighbour wanted to break Assam but...

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday claimed India's neighbours wanted to "break up" Assam by taking advantage of the unrest in the state earlier, but their "dreams were shattered" as the Narendra Modi government brought peace to the region.

Mariamma Oommen Claims Conspiracy in Kerala Government's Decision on Husband's Medical Board

Mariamma Oommen Claims Conspiracy in Kerala Government's Decision on Husband's Medical Board

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Mariamma Oommen, wife of the late former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, has alleged a conspiracy behind the Kerala government's decision to form a medical board to investigate her husband's illness in 2023.

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

BJP, LDF eye hat-tricks in Assam, Kerala; NDA aims for Puducherry

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Voting has commenced for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with millions of voters deciding the fate of numerous candidates across various constituencies. The elections are crucial for determining the future governance and political landscape of these regions.

Delhi Smoking Row: Man Shot As Argument Turns Violent

Delhi Smoking Row: Man Shot As Argument Turns Violent

Rediff.com7 May 2026

A dispute over smoking escalated into a violent clash between two groups in Delhi's Patel Nagar, resulting in one man being shot and two others injured.

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Poll Outcome Predictions

Kerala Minister Alleges UDF Fundraising Scheme Based on Poll Outcome Predictions

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas has accused the UDF leaders of attempting to raise funds by falsely claiming they will form a government after the Assembly poll results.

Explosives Seized In Kerala CM's Constituency Before Vote Count

Explosives Seized In Kerala CM's Constituency Before Vote Count

Rediff.com3 May 2026

Police in Kerala seized explosive materials, including crude bombs and gunpowder, in the Dharmadam Assembly constituency, represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, just before the vote counting. The search followed a tip-off about illegal firecracker manufacturing.

BJP win 'immoral': Mamata claims over 100 seats were looted

BJP win 'immoral': Mamata claims over 100 seats were looted

Rediff.com5 May 2026

TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has criticised the BJP's victory in the West Bengal state elections, calling it 'immoral' and alleging that the mandate in over 100 seats was 'looted'. She also criticised the Election Commission's role.

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

ED Issues Lookout Notice For Kolkata Police Officer In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a lookout notice against Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas in connection with a money laundering case after he evaded multiple summons.

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Bengal polls: Can BJP breach Mamata's southern stronghold this time?

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections focuses on the TMC's southern stronghold, where the BJP aims to make inroads. The outcome will determine whether Mamata Banerjee's party retains its dominance or if the BJP can secure a path to power.

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

'BJP Will Have To Show It Can Govern Bengal Without...'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'...appearing culturally coercive or administratively vindictive.' 'If it governs as a conquering force, resistance will build.'

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Income Tax Raids Target TMC Leaders: What It Means

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The Income Tax Department conducted searches at multiple locations in Kolkata, including the residence of TMC MLA Debashis Kumar and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Mamata Banerjee's candidature. The TMC alleges the raids are politically motivated.

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Mamata, Suvendu land in same booth; take swipes at each other

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The Bhabanipur assembly segment is Banerjee's political bastion, where she is locked in a prestige battle against Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in what is being seen as a symbolic rematch of Nandigram, where he had defeated her in the 2021 assembly polls.

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Naveen Patnaik Seeks Sitharaman's Intervention In Tribal Man's Case

Rediff.com2 May 2026

BJD president Naveen Patnaik has requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's intervention in a case where an Odisha tribal man was forced to exhume his sister's skeleton to prove her death to a rural bank. Patnaik seeks accountability for the incident, which has sparked public outrage.

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP Of False Promises

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP for not fulfilling its promises to the people of West Bengal, highlighting the success and continuation of the state's 'Lakshmir Bhandar' scheme.

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Lessons that opposition party needs to learn after Bengal elections

Rediff.com5 May 2026

What lessons opposition parties need to learn post defeat of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal elections? The election saw spectacular victor of BJP which rose from 3 seats in 2016 to 206 seats in 2026 assembly elections.

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

WFH, no gold purchases, foreign travel, reduce fuel use: Modi calls for Covid-era methods

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for restraint in the use of petro products due to the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to save foreign exchange and reduce the impact of war. He also highlighted India's progress in solar power and ethanol blending, while assuring support to Telangana's development.

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

What The Opposition Must Learn From Mamata's Defeat

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'

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.

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

'Get out of here': Woman's outburst at Maha minister leaves BJP red-faced

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

An irate woman confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan during a BJP demonstration in Mumbai, blaming him for the traffic chaos caused by the protest over the women's reservation bill. The incident, captured on video, has sparked criticism of the BJP's protest tactics.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Tamil Nadu Elections: Vanniyars Hold Key To 70-75 Seats

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Vanniyar vote can tip the balance in 70 to 75 assembly constituencies of the 234 in the state, mainly in the Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruppathur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts.

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Left parties face existential crisis after Kerala drubbing

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Left Democratic Front's defeat in Kerala marks a historic moment as Left parties are without power in any state for the first time in decades, highlighting their diminishing political influence across India.

Three Arrested In UP Over Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder

Three Arrested In UP Over Suvendu Adhikari Aide Murder

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Three individuals have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The arrests were made by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.