News for 'urban local bodies'

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Campaigning Concludes For Himachal Pradesh Urban Local Body Polls

Rediff.com15 May 2026

The campaign for elections to 51 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations in Himachal Pradesh, concluded on Friday, with key issues including infrastructure, tourism, and fuel prices taking centre stage.

SC stays HC order on no OBC quota in UP urban local body polls

SC stays HC order on no OBC quota in UP urban local body polls

Rediff.com4 Jan 2023

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the state government, and directed that a panel appointed by the state government will have to decide the OBC quota related issues for the local bodies poll by March 31, 2023.

Violence erupts in Nagaland over urban local body poll

Violence erupts in Nagaland over urban local body poll

Rediff.com2 Feb 2017

The violent protests forced the Nagaland CM to call off the elections.

K'taka urban local body polls: Setback for BJP, KJP

K'taka urban local body polls: Setback for BJP, KJP

Rediff.com11 Mar 2013

The split in the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka caused by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa quitting the BJP to form his own party has adversely affected both parties.

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Will Mahayuti's sweep carry into Dec 2 Maha local body polls?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections on December 2 for municipal councils and nagar panchayats. The polls are seen as a test of the ruling coalition's strength after their recent assembly election victory.

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Congress to ditch MVA for Maharashtra local body polls?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

With local body elections approaching in Maharashtra, a significant portion of the Congress party is advocating for contesting independently to regain lost ground amidst the BJP's growing influence. The party is currently part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance.

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

In Rs 1 trn urban fund, cities to get Rs 10K cr for capacity building, credit guarantee

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The Indian government has launched the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) with a total outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aiming to leverage private and market finance for urban infrastructure projects by providing state support in capacity building and credit guarantees.

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.

HC orders local body polls in UP without OBC quota

HC orders local body polls in UP without OBC quota

Rediff.com27 Dec 2022

A division bench of Justice D K Upadhyay and Justice Saurav Lavania also annulled the draft notification issued by the Uttar Pradesh government on December 5 for reservation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the urban local body elections.

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

BJP bags 50%+ votes across all categories in Gujarat local polls

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

The BJP has secured a majority vote share across all categories in the recent local body elections in Gujarat, according to data released by the State Election Commission (SEC). The ruling party swept the elections, winning a significant number of seats across municipal corporations, municipalities, district panchayats, and taluka panchayats.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Woman's Body Found Stuffed In Drum In Patiala

Woman's Body Found Stuffed In Drum In Patiala

Rediff.com27 May 2026

The body of a 25-year-old woman, identified as Neha, was found stuffed inside a plastic drum near the DMW Railway Colony in Patiala, Punjab; police are investigating the case and have detained two local youths for questioning.

Chhattisgarh: People recall 3 local body heads

Chhattisgarh: People recall 3 local body heads

Rediff.com18 Jun 2008

For the first time in the history of Chhattisgarh, people of three urban local bodies have recalled their chairpersons after a vote, a top election official said. "As per Section 47 of the Chhattisgarh Municipality Act 1961 through recall votes three chairpersons of an equal number of urban local bodies had lost their seats on Tuesday," Chief Election Commissioner of Chhattisgarh, Dr Sushil Trivedi told reporters.

Urban India likely to account for 70% of GDP in FY26

Urban India likely to account for 70% of GDP in FY26

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

India's urban areas are projected to contribute 70 per cent of gross domestic product in 2025-26, up from 45 per cent in the 1990s, according to a report by Dun & Bradstreet.

Conduct local bodies' poll in 4 months: SC tells TN

Conduct local bodies' poll in 4 months: SC tells TN

Rediff.com27 Sep 2021

The Supreme Court on Monday granted four more months to the Tamil Nadu State Election Commission's (TNSEC) for concluding the poll process for the urban local bodies' elections in the state.

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Haryana Voters Affirm Trust In BJP's Development Model

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the BJP's victory in the recent civic body elections, attributing the win to public confidence in the party's development-focused governance and rejection of the Congress' negative politics.

J&K: Terrorists kill 2 NC workers ahead of local body polls

J&K: Terrorists kill 2 NC workers ahead of local body polls

Rediff.com5 Oct 2018

Meanwhile, home minister Rajanth Singh said 90 per cent people in J&K keen to participate in panchayat polls.

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Hand over Bangladeshi infiltrators to BSF, not courts, Suvendu tells police

Rediff.com21 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will be directly handed over to the BSF for deportation, bypassing court appearances, following a new rule.

'Jagan Wash': YSR Cong sweeps Andhra local body polls

'Jagan Wash': YSR Cong sweeps Andhra local body polls

Rediff.com14 Mar 2021

The humiliation for the Telugu Desam Party was such that it could cross the double digit in only five urban local bodies while other opposition parties Bharatiya Janata Party and Jana Sena Partymade little gains.

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

'Pressure To Bear A Son Is More In The City'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'Even lower middle class parents in cities opt for just one child. A son is a must.'

UP local body polls: BJP shines, Cong washed out

UP local body polls: BJP shines, Cong washed out

Rediff.com8 Jul 2012

The Bharatiya Janata Party swept urban local body elections in Uttar Pradesh winning 10 of 12 mayoral posts in municipal corporations with Congress failing to open its account.

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

5 dead, 20 rescued as under-construction warehouse collapses in Kolkata

Rediff.com5 days ago

A three-storey under-construction warehouse in Kolkata's Taratala area collapsed, killing three people and trapping several others. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 18 individuals already saved, amid allegations of substandard construction materials and illegal building practices.

Alliances fall apart as TN heads for local bodies poll

Alliances fall apart as TN heads for local bodies poll

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

An interesting multi-cornered contest is on the cards for the urban local body elections in Tamil Nadu scheduled for February 19 with opposition parties, which were with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam till a few days ago, set to take on the ruling DMK banking on their respective party's own strength.

Why Indian Cities Need Smarter Greening Strategies

Why Indian Cities Need Smarter Greening Strategies

Rediff.com11 May 2026

A study by IIT Gandhinagar researchers reveals that urban greening alone is insufficient to reduce heat stress in Indian cities, highlighting the need for climate-responsive planning that considers humidity, ventilation, and urban compactness.

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Mumbai grinds to a halt as BEST strike pulls 2,700 buses off roads

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Employees of Mumbai's BEST undertaking have launched an indefinite strike, severely impacting public transport and electricity services. The strike, called by a joint action committee, demands budget merger with BMC, settlement of dues, and implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, among other issues. Despite court orders and MESMA invocation, the strike continues, causing widespread inconvenience to millions of commuters and electricity consumers.

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Maha set for first phase of local polls on Tuesday amid nomination issues

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

Maharashtra is set to hold local body elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats, marking the first phase of a Supreme Court-mandated process. The elections are seen as a key indicator of political sentiment following the BJP-led Mahayuti's victory in the assembly elections.

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Is MVA staring at another setback in civic body elections?

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faces a crucial test in the upcoming municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra after being defeated by the BJP-led Mahayuti in recent local polls. Political observers are calling the upcoming contest for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai, a mini assembly election.

Centre to retain states' tax share at 41% for next five years

Centre to retain states' tax share at 41% for next five years

Rediff.com1 Feb 2026

The 16th Finance Commission, led by Arvind Panagariya, has recommended maintaining the states' share in central taxes at 41% for the five-year period starting April 1, 2026. The government has accepted this recommendation, with Rs 1.4 lakh crore allocated to states for FY 2026-27 as Finance Commission Grants.

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Haryana CM Releases 2,115 Crore For Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini released over 2,115 crore directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, benefiting over 58 lakh eligible individuals.

Congress props up ex-BSP leaders ahead of UP local bodies polls

Congress props up ex-BSP leaders ahead of UP local bodies polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2022

While Brijlal Khabri, former BSP MP from Jalaun, is UP Congress Committee chairman, former UP cabinet minister and Mayawati's once close confidant Naseemuddin Siddiqui heads the party's state media department. Completing the ex-BSP troika, Nakul Dubey, former UP cabinet minister in the Mayawati dispensation (2007-12), is one of the six UP Congress regional presidents. He is reckoned among the most active of the three.

The Many Self Contradictions Of San Francisco

The Many Self Contradictions Of San Francisco

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

San Francisco is a coastal megacity yet at times it can feel like a foggy hill station full of picturesque views, recalls Dinesh Raheja after visiting one of America's prettiest cities.

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Odisha forest department buys Mahindra Thars from disaster fund, finds CAG

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed that Odisha's forest and environment department sidestepped central guidelines, procuring and customising Mahindra Thar SUVs worth 17 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for forest protection, despite the funds being earmarked for 'preparedness and capacity building'.

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

The perfect pitch is the goal for World Cup grass growers

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

From Mexico to Canada, across 16 stadiums in wildly different climates, the continental tournament is putting turf science to its ultimate test. The goal: creating living surfaces that can withstand kicks, studs, tackles and scorching summer heat.

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

21, mostly foreigners, killed in massive fire at Delhi hotel

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The building suffered extensive damage in the fire, with debris, shattered glass and burnt materials strewn in the vicinity. A large crowd gathered near the site as authorities cordoned off the spot and diverted traffic to facilitate rescue operations.

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

CAG to conduct pan-India audit on ease of doing biz for MSMEs

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has launched an integrated audit across 32 states and Union Territories to assess the ease of doing business for the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector.

BJP sweeps local body elections in Gujarat

BJP sweeps local body elections in Gujarat

Rediff.com2 Mar 2021

Polling in 31 district panchayats, 231 taluka panchayats and 81 municipalities of Gujarat and by-elections of 23 municipalities and 3 taluka panchayats were held on Sunday.

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Economic Syrvey flags India's siloed city governance model

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Through policy interventions, Indian cities need to be reimagined as a network of inter-connected assets and services which serve to strengthen the social contract between citizens and their cities by improving their quality of life, the Economic Survey has flagged.

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

'Tamil Nadu Has Produced Most Dramatic Political Debut'

Rediff.com6 May 2026

'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'

Cong sweeps Rajasthan urban body polls

Cong sweeps Rajasthan urban body polls

Rediff.com19 Nov 2019

The Congress won nearly half of the 2,105 wards in the contest in the first local elections held in the state after the party came to power in Rajasthan last December.

Moderate polling in TN local body polls

Moderate polling in TN local body polls

Rediff.com13 Oct 2006

Moderate polling was witnessed in the first phase of local body elections, which began on Friday morning amidst tight security in Tamil Nadu.