KOLKATA ELECTION COMMISSION VISIT
JPC to reach out to youth, institutions on Education Bill
The panel, headed by BJP MP D Purandeswari, has held consultations in Kolkata, Goa and Bengaluru to understand what students and young people want from higher education institutions and the proposed new regulatory framework.
How to avoid missing either mail voting deadline: One date to request your ballot and another to return it in the US midterm elections 2026
With midterm elections on the horizon, understanding the diverse mail voting deadlines unique to each state is vital for every voter. Make sure to request your mail ballots by the necessary thresholds well before Election Day. Additionally, completed ballots must be returned by defined deadlines to ensure they are counted. Always verify your state's specific requirements to guarantee your participation in this critical democratic exercise.
Mallikarjun Kharge calls meet of opposition MPs, to sign letter seeking audience with CEC
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, has invited Opposition MPs for a lunch meeting regarding electoral concerns. This meeting will focus on submitting a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar. It follows a protest against the Election Commission and its handling of electoral rolls. Several Opposition leaders have been detained during recent protests, while Delhi Police has communicated about the meeting requests.
INDIA bloc march: EC says no party requested meeting till 4 pm
The Commission said it learnt through the media that during the march of certain political parties towards the commission headquarters, some MPs wanted to meet the poll panel along with their delegation.
Rahul Gandhi says 'none will be spared', alleges Modi, Shah, RSS chief hijacked country through vote chori
Police detained Congress workers and supporters marching towards the Election Commission to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were prevented from entering the Election Commission office. The protests escalated outside the office as opposition members faced heavy police presence. Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the police deployment and claimed it undermined democracy in the capital.
Barricades, slogans and a gatecrash: INDIA bloc’s march to EC turns dramatic
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, protested against the Election Commission's practices. They were stopped by police while attempting to reach the Election Commission headquarters. Many leaders were detained during the protest, highlighting tensions regarding electoral roll irregularities. The protest coincided with recent Supreme Court observations questioning the Election Commission's decisions. The Opposition plans further actions, including a major rally on November 1 to address their concerns.
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Centre extends West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta's tenure by 6 months
West Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta received a six-month extension in service approved by the Cabinet. He was originally set to retire on October 31 after previous extensions. The Appointments Committee made this decision based on public interest reasons. Gupta, a 1992-batch IPS officer, was appointed police chief by the Election Commission earlier this year. This extension relaxes rules governing retirement benefits for All India Services.
Protests erupt across India demanding resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter list manipulation
Protests have emerged across India as citizens demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators claim that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process threatens voter rights and favors the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics say this process requires complex documentation that may disenfranchise vulnerable communities and lead to significant voter list reductions. Opposition parties and activists are calling for more independent election oversight.
West Bengal bypolls: Over 70 pc voter turnout recorded in Nandigram, Rejinagar till 3 pm
Bypolls in Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly seats in West Bengal saw over 70 percent voter turnout. Polling began at 7 am and continued until 6 pm amidst mostly peaceful conditions. The Nandigram seat is significant due to its historical land acquisition movement, and the BJP has fielded Hasirani Rath. Multiple candidates from different parties are contesting, contributing to a complex political landscape.
‘Gyanesh, it’s done bro’: INDIA bloc MPs march to EC, demand CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
Opposition MPs, including important leaders, protested near Parliament demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over electoral issues. They were stopped by police while marching towards the Election Commission headquarters. The protest followed recent Supreme Court remarks regarding changes to the voter registration process. Opposition leaders accused Kumar of undermining public trust in the Election Commission. The MPs questioned security measures surrounding Parliament as they aimed to peacefully voice their concerns.
‘Who modified Form 6?’ Opposition sharpens attack after SC query
Opposition parties have expressed significant concern regarding changes to voter registration forms by the Election Commission of India. Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasized that public outrage over these issues is palpable across the country. Clyde Crasto also raised questions about the legitimacy of changes made to Form 6, criticizing the Election Commission for misleading the public.
SC issues notice to Centre, EC on plea seeking CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s suspension, may annul decisions if they breached law
The Supreme Court has issued notices regarding a plea seeking the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the unilateral decisions made during the electoral rolls revision process. Protests have occurred in multiple states, demanding Kumar's resignation and an end to the Special Intensive Revision exercise. The Election Commission maintains that its decisions were reached unanimously despite internal disagreements.
"Modified Form 6 not approved by us": CJI observes on modified form for enrolling new voters
The Supreme Court asserted that it has not approved any modified version of Form 6 for voter enrollment. During a hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of verifying who modified the form. Allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were also discussed, claiming he misrepresented court proceedings. The petition argued that the Election Commission's decisions should be made collectively, not unilaterally.
Deputy ECs to visit 5 states as poll body steps up preparedness to hold high stakes elections
Senior Election Commission officials will begin visiting five poll-bound states this week to assess election preparedness at the field level, starting with Goa and followed by Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur. Uttar Pradesh is yet to get a visit schedule. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of EVMs and VVPAT machines as part of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
16 states await SSR, Hegde case, Attorney General opinion at centre of ECI rift
Both Election Commissioners -- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi -- are learnt to have interpreted that the AG opinion and Hegde case inputs favoured resuming the decades-old convention of annual SSR, which was paused after 2024, skipped in 2025 and is yet to be announced in 2026, already late given the usual announcement timeline of May-July.
‘Shivaji Park, Shivaji Park’: Abhijeet Dipke takes auto-driver disguise to drum up CJP protest
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke took an unusual route to rally support for Friday’s Mumbai protest, posing as an autorickshaw driver at Bandra station and calling out “Shivaji Park, Shivaji Park” to commuters. The outfit’s ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ sought Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation amid the SIR controversy.
SIR: CM DK Shivakumar hails ECI special drive to enrol voters claiming victory after dharna
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the Election Commission of India's decision for a nationwide voter enrollment drive. This initiative aims to include left-out voters and first-time electors, ensuring their voting rights are protected. The Election Commission has directed various officials to compare electoral rolls and facilitate the registration process. Awareness campaigns will also be launched to engage communities and improve voter participation.
Cal HC dismisses ISF's plea challenging EC's reassignment of 'envelope' poll symbol to another party
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a petition filed by the Indian Secular Front regarding a poll symbol dispute. The petition challenged the Election Commission's decision to reassign the 'envelope' symbol to the Democratic Trinamool Congress. The ISF argued it contested previous elections using the envelope symbol, but the court ruled against its claim.
Maharashtra CEO allows voter document submission via WhatsApp for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer has instructed poll officials to accept voter documents through WhatsApp. The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is ongoing, with an extended deadline. Booth Level Officers will conduct household verifications where necessary following the document submissions. The Congress has raised concerns regarding the ECINet software and its impact on electoral registration.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari targets Mamata over Delhi visit, says she has 'Jamaat in one hand, dimagi naxals in other'
In a pointed critique, Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata Banerjee for her planned trip to Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting, alleging she is conspiring with CPI(M) leaders on key electoral issues. This collaboration aims to push for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The upcoming Nandigram and Rejinagar bypolls have heightened political tensions. Additionally, Adhikari expressed support for the Calcutta High Court's ruling on the BJP candidate's nomination affidavit.
Rahul Gandhi alleges EC removed 727 of 728 voters from Delhi's Bela Estate, says homeless residents lost voting rights
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the Election Commission of voter name deletions in Bela Estate. He stated that 727 names were struck off from the voter list despite residents living there for years. Gandhi visited and spoke with affected residents, highlighting their loss of voting rights. He called this act vote theft and criticized Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
'Throwing mud on EC amounts to throwing mud on democracy': BJP's Prakash Reddy amid SIR row
BJP leader Prakash Reddy criticized Opposition parties for attacking the Election Commission of India. He explained that such actions undermine democracy and constitutional integrity. Reddy emphasized that individuals should respect institutional functions and not disrupt them. He also refuted claims of dissent within the Election Commission regarding electoral processes. Opposition parties are expected to meet to discuss their grievances over the Commission's functioning.
Suvendu Adhikari blames Mamata for deletion of 27 lakh names in Bengal SIR
Suvendu Adhikari criticized Mamata Banerjee for the deletion of 27 lakh names in Bengal SIR. He claimed that Banerjee, not the BJP or Election Commission, was responsible for these deletions. Adhikari also noted the alliance between CPI-M and Banerjee's party despite their historical rivalry. He asserted that recent political violence recalls past incidents during the Left Front's rule in West Bengal.
INDIA bloc meeting likely to be held in Delhi on September 30: Mamata Banerjee amid SIR row
Mamata Banerjee indicated an upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc in Delhi to address electoral concerns. She mentioned coordination among opposition parties regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Banerjee sent a message to Rahul Gandhi to convene this important meeting. Conversations also took place with CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby on these issues.
INDIA bloc parties likely to meet on September 30 to discuss EC related concerns: Report
Parties from the India bloc plan to meet in Delhi on September 30 to address various issues. Rising tensions surrounding the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision have prompted protests across several states. Demonstrations have been reported in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. Congress workers are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to alleged electoral roll manipulations.
Civic elections to be held in Kolkata, Howrah, 5 municipalities in first phase of Bengal ULB polls
The SEC said the amendment of Schedule II of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980 and the Howrah Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, and delimitation of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Dhupguri, Haldia and Jhargram municipalities have been completed.
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