NEW DELHI, Dec 18: The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the partys highest decision-making body, will meet on December 27 to deliberate on the Governments move to replace MGNREGA with a new legislation as well as the current political situation, sources said on Thursday. This would be the first meeting of the CWC following the Bihar polls debacle. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp It also assumes significance as the partys strategy for the next round of Assembly elections in [] The

While the elections witnessed fierce contests among Congress, BRS and BJP supporters, violence in Paidipalli village of Velgatoor mandal drew statewide attention after clashes led to injuries and property damage.

State Election Commission secretary I. Rani Kumudini said all three phases of the gram panchayat elections were conducted peacefully, without a single incident of recounting, postponement of voting, or delays in counting.

NEW DELHI: Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-GRAMG) 2025 past midnight on Thursday amidst protest and sloganeering by the Opposition. It was earlier passed in Lok Sabha on Wednesday and subsequently introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA). Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan moved the Bill to establish a modern statutory framework ali

MUMBAI: The BJP has finalised a seat-sharing formula of 150:50:27 for the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election, Asias largest civic body, scheduled for January 15 next year. Under the formula, the BJP plans to contest 150 seats, while 50 seats have been offered to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shindeled Shiv Sena, and 27 seats to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawarled NCP, if it comes on board. The seat-sharing arrangement was discussed at a meeting between BJP Mumbai unit pr

NT Reporter Panaji The State Election Commission (SEC) said that 8,69,356 voters are eligible to vote in the elections to both zilla panchayats in Goa scheduled for December 20, 2025. The commission has set up 1,284 polling booths across the state for the polling for the district-level local bodies. Campaigning for the ZP elections ended [] The post More than 8.69 lakh voters to decide fate of ZP nominees appeared first on The Navhind Times .

NT Reporter Margao The low-profile and largely complaint-free zilla panchayat election campaign across Goa concluded on Thursday, with 226 candidates111 from North Goa and 115 from South Goaset to contest 50 seats statewide. A total of 40 independent candidates in South Goa and 23 in North Goa are contesting the elections, with their political futures [] The post Low-key campaign ends; 226 candidates vie for 50 zilla seats appeared first on The Navhind Times .

TGPSC clarified that the provisional selections are subject to the outcome of writ petitions currently pending before the courts.

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has told a parliamentary committee that India is closely monitoring Chinas expanding presence in Bangladesh, particularly in strategic infrastructure, ports and defence-related projects. It added that New Delhis ties with Dhaka remain independent of third-country relationships, according to a report on the future of India-Bangladesh relations tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Responding to queries from the Standing Committee on External Affair

Revanth Reddy said the people of Telangana had consistently delivered a clear mandate in favour of the Congress in every election held after the 2023 Assembly polls, including the by-elections in Secunderabad Cantonment and Jubilee Hills

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Thursday said the Congress won 66 percent of gram panchayats in the rural local body elections. Of the 12,702 gram panchayats where elections were held in three phases this month, Congress-backed candidates won 7,527, while rebel candidates of the party secured 808 villages, he said. Whether it is Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribin

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the second phase of SIR from Thursday in West Bengal by sending notices for hearing on the claims and objections to the draft voters list. Sources said the ECI has started sending notices to the unmapped voters -- those voters who have no connection with the voters list for 2002 -- either through self-mapping or through progeny mapping. Self-mapping voters are those who have their names in both the current voters list of October 202

CHANDIGARH: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has swept the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections across the state. Of the 2,838 panchayat samitis, the AAP won 1531, Congress 612, Shiromani Akali Dal 445, BJP 83, BSP 28 and independents 144. The ruling party also won 218 zila parishads, while the Congress bagged 62, SAD 46, BJP 7, BSP 3 and independents 10. AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal said his party's strong showing in these polls showed that people in rural areas have put their

The Union Public Service Commission has declared the final results of the Engineering Services Examination 2025, recommending 458 candidates for central government engineering posts. Civil Engineering led selections, while category-wise data and PwBD representation were also released. With 554 vacancies notified, several posts remain unfilled, and a reserve list has been prepared for contingencies.

With elections and a referendum due in 2026, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads as Pakistan's ISI seeks influence and India recalibrates ties.

With elections and a referendum due in 2026, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads as Pakistan's ISI seeks influence and India recalibrates ties.

The Chief Minister posed a challenge to the former Chief Minister and BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) for a debate in the Assembly on the issue related to Krishna water dispute

Hyderabad: A sub-inspector from the Gudihatnoor police station was injured due to stone pelting at the Sitagondi counting centre in Adilabad district in Telangana on Wednesday, December 17, as votes were being counted for the third phase of the gram panchayat elections. As the counting of votes was underway, police issued standard prohibitory orders against Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by su

17,082 Kudumbashree members contested the local body elections; Kozhikode has the highest number of winners, 709

DHAKA, Dec 18: Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam is likely to brief foreign diplomats, development partners, and key stakeholders on the countrys overall situation on Thursday afternoon, amid grave concerns expressed by Western countries, including neighbouring India, over the deteriorating law and order situation. Sources said the briefing will focus on the roadmap for the next parliamentary elections, the current security environment, and the process of transferring power to an elect

Former KPCC president says results of Kerala local body elections have shattered the Lefts dream of a third Pinarayi government

KOLKATA: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived at Bagdogra airport on Thursday to begin a four-day visit to West Bengal, during which he is scheduled to take part in several organisational programmes of the Sangh across the state. During his stay, on Thursday, Bhagwat will attend a youth programme in Siliguri in Darjeeling district . On Friday, he is slated to address a meeting of RSS functionaries in Siliguri, where he is expected to issue guidelines to Sangh activists. He wil

Hyderabad: Telanganas ruling party Congress has bagged over 53 per cent of Sarpanch posts in the Gram Panchayat elections held in three phases. The party continued its dominance in the final phase held on Wednesday (December 17) to secure a clear majority. Out of 4,159 Gram Panchayats notified for the third phase of polls, Congress-backed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our ch

Bill Gates unveiled his winter reading list, featuring five thought-provoking books. His selections span a heartwarming novel about an unlikely friendship at an aquarium, a clear-eyed guide to climate science, a candid business memoir, a deep dive into human cognition and societal awareness, and an analysis of America's stalled progress. These picks offer both emotional resonance and intellectual stimulation.

Elections to the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will take place on January 15, 2026 and the counting will be held a day later

MUMBAI: The NCP (SP) forging an alliance with the Ajit Pawar-led NCP for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls would be akin to joining hands with the BJP, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said on Thursday. Talking to reporters, Raut said he will meet NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and hold discussions on various issues, including any understanding between the two rival factions for the Pune civic body polls. Having an alliance with Ajit Pawar would be akin to joining hands with the BJP. Ajit

NEW DELHI: Recent remarks about pollution from two Indian officials have increased frustration among residents who say policymakers are unwilling to acknowledge the severity of India's air quality crisis . When Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav told Parliament earlier this month that Indias capital, New Delhi, has seen 200 days with good air quality readings, pollution experts and opposition leaders said he chose a figure that overlooked the worst pollution months. A week later, Delhi Chief M

Uttar Pradesh's State Election Commission has updated its electoral roll for upcoming Panchayat elections, adding over 40 lakh new voters. The revision, which involved extensive additions, modifications, and deletions, significantly enhanced accuracy. Technology, particularly the e-BLO App, played a crucial role in processing these changes and eliminating duplicate entries, ensuring a more robust voter database for the 2025 polls.

NT Reporter Panaji As campaigning for the zilla panchayat (ZP) elections comes to an end on Thursday evening, all political parties and their leaders, including ministers and MLAs, have intensified door-to-door campaigning in an effort to convince voters in rural Goa. Sitting MLAs are making all-out efforts to secure their political bastions in view of [] The post ZP polls: Parties pull out all the stops to woo voters appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Candidates who contested the elections say they borrowed heavily, sold land, gold and other assets, and spent lavishly on liquor, meat, sarees and cash handouts to woo voters.

Humayun Kabir, who was recently suspended by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after repeated clashes with the party's leadership, has decided to float his own political party ahead of the high-stakes assembly elections in West Bengal next year.

MUMBAI: The BJP said on Wednesday that it will not have a tie-up with its MahaYuti ally NCP for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections as Deputy CM Ajit Pawars party has named Nawab Malik, an accused in a money laundering case linked to gangster Dawood Ibrahims aides, as the poll in-charge. We have been opposing Nawab Malik who faces serious charges related to money laundering and underworld links with Haseena Parker. Malik cannot be endorsed by the BJP, senior BJP minister Ashis

KOCHI: The long-drawn-out widening of NH 66 in Kerala is now targeted for a phased completion between March and August 2026, with most major stretches unlikely to be ready before the upcoming assembly elections. Revised timelines released by the Ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) indicate that the bulk of the work will be completed only by the middle of next year. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on December 11, the ministry said work is under way on 16 s

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 17: The newly elected executive committee of Amar Singh Club, Jammu, today held a courtesy meeting with Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, who also serves as the vice president of the Club. During the discussion, Vijay Saraf highlighted the smooth, transparent and impartial conduct of the recently concluded Club management committee elections, which were carried out under the supervision and guidance of the Divisional Commissioner. He noted that the f

Karnataka: Of bankruptcy and fresh elections Deccan Herald

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, Dec 17: Amid claims by rival parties that the United Democratic Party (UDP) is sinking, party leader Kyrmen Shylla on Wednesday said that only elections would reveal whether the party is sinking or growing. But as far as our preparation is concerned, we feel we will grow, he said. He also []

BRS gets 25%, BJP 4%; high turnout and close contests mark three-phase elections

India's economy receives a boost as oil prices drop below $60 a barrel. This eases the nation's import bill and significantly increases profits for state-run fuel retailers. While pump prices remain steady, potential cuts are anticipated before upcoming assembly elections. Lower crude costs offer a welcome tailwind to the already robust economic growth.

Counting of votes for the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in Punjab was underway on Wednesday even as the ruling AAP claimed it registered victories in more than 900 zones.

The cyber crime wing of the Kerala Police has registered a case against unknown persons over a parody song titled Pottiye Kettiye that circulated during the recent local body elections in the state and allegedly hurt religious sentiments, PTI reported. The parody, based on a popular devotional song dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, makes references to the Sabarimala gold loss case and the alleged role of prime accused Unnikrishnan Potty. According to PTI, the complaint was received on Tuesday by State

Muhammad Yunus call for parliamentary elections next February confirms that Bangladesh remains a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma

DHAKA: Police stopped a group of protesters marching towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka's Gulshan area on Wednesday afternoon, demanding the return of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others who fled during and after the July uprising last year, according to The Daily Star. The protest followed threats against Indian diplomats, prompting India to summon Bangladesh's envoy. The MEA said it expects the interim government to ensure the safety of Missions and Posts in Bangladesh in

In the third phase, 19 of the 165 sarpanch posts were filled unanimously by the close of nominations, while elections were held for the remaining 146 posts

NEW DELHI: After completing the first phase of the three-stage Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal with the publication of the draft electoral rolls on Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will now focus on strict monitoring of the hearings on claims and objections, scheduled to begin next week. Sources in the ECI said that, in view of large-scale irregular voters data detected during progeny mapping, where, in several cases, the age difference between father and child was

Hyderabad: More than 85 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise in the final phase of gram panchayat elections in Telangana on Wednesday, the SEC said. The elections were held peacefully, and counting of votes was underway, officials said. Of the 50,56,344 eligible voters, 43,37,024 cast their votes, recording a turnout of 85.77 per Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing t

Gita Gopinath and Sanjeev Sanyal spoke at Wednesday's JPC meeting on why synchronising elections could have far-reaching consequences for the countrys growth trajectory

India has summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah. This action follows threats from extremist groups targeting the Indian mission in Dhaka. India also voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. The nation reiterated its call for free and fair parliamentary elections. These polls are scheduled for February 12.

PATNA: The Bihar government has ordered an investigation into the alleged transfer of Rs 10,000 each into the bank accounts of some male members instead of women entrepreneurs under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojna ahead of the recently concluded state Assembly elections. The beneficiaries have been served notices asking them to return the amounts wrongly credited to their bank accounts. The beneficiaries, however, are reluctant to return the money, claiming they have already spent it. Bihar

BJP outspent Congress in Delhi assembly elections, with total expenses of Rs 57.65 crore compared to Congress's Rs 46.19 crore. While Congress led in party propaganda and social media spending, BJP's overall expenditure was higher, despite failing to win any seats.

PATNA: A Pakistan-based underworld don has triggered a controversy by objecting to the removal of a woman doctors hijab by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during an official function held in the state capital on Monday. The underworld don, Shahzad Bhatti, has demanded an apology from the Chief Minister over the incident. In a video message circulated on social media, Shahzad questioned how a man at the helm of affairs could behave in such a manner with a Muslim woman at a public function. He s

New Delhi, Dec 17: Congress spent more money than the BJP on party propaganda and social media campaigns in the Delhi assembly elections this year, but lagged on expenses on candidates, data shows. BJPs total expenses were higher at Rs 57.65 crore for the elections than those of Congress at Rs 46.19 crore, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) of the election expenditure reports filed by the parties with the Election Commission of India. In [] The post Congress

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner, M Riaz Hamidullah, and expressed concern regarding the deteriorating security environment in the neighbouring country and the recent anti-India remarks made by a political leader. The Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was today summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs and apprised of Indias strong concerns at the deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh, the ministry said in

Election results Punjab: The ruling Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are locked in a neck-and-neck fight as vote counting is underway for Punjab's zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections, with tight security in place. AAP has taken early leads in Zila Parishad and Block Samiti polls in Ludhiana. Counting of ballot papers started at 8 am at 154 centres set up across the state.

After a six-month gap, the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce elections are scheduled to be held on December 28, with members currently in the process of forming two panels

DARBHANGA/PATNA: Officials of the Bihar government are facing difficulties in recovering Rs 10,000 allegedly credited to male villagers under a cash-transfer scheme meant exclusively for women in the state's Darbhanga district. A group of male villagers whose bank accounts received Rs 10,000 each have already spent the money, some during Chhath Puja and Diwali, while others purchased ducks and goats and are now unwilling or unable to return the amount. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched t

PM Modi had launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana ahead of the Assembly elections, under which 10,000 was transferred to the bank accounts of around 1.4 crore women entrepreneurs

A voter turnout of 48% was recorded in the daylong polling, with over 9,000 candidates in the fray

Vote counting is underway for Punjab's zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections, with tight security in place. Over 9,000 candidates vied for seats in 347 zila parishad zones and 2,838 panchayat samiti zones, recording a 48% voter turnout. Opposition parties had previously alleged electoral malpractices by the ruling AAP during the December 14 polls.

NEW DELHI: National Conference MPs in Rajya Sabha have submitted a memorandum to Union home minister Amit Shah seeking the transfer of J&K prisoners currently lodged in other states to prisons within the Union Territory, and the release of those against whom charges have not been proven. Raising humanitarian concerns regarding prisoners lodged outside J&K, the Rajya Sabha members of the party -- Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan -- also sought restoration of s

Hyderabad: Polling has commenced for the third and final phase of the Panchayat elections in Telangana. A total of 53,06,395 eligible voters, including 26,01,861 men, 27,04,394 women, and 140 from other categories, are set to cast their votes across 36,452 polling stations. Voting will continue until 1 pm, after which counting will begin at 2 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to ou

A total of 12,652 Sarpanch candidates are in the fray, while 75,725 are contesting for ward member posts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after the local body election results, a flex appeared at Thirumala junction We dedicate this victory to our Ani chettan. The person mentioned was Thirumala Anil, a BJP councillor who died by suicide due to financial issues in the cooperative bank he led, two months before the local body polls. However, despite ambiguity over who the voters would choose, the public decided to side with the BJP. Even in neighbouring Thrikkannapuram ward, where BJP member Anand K Thampi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After months-long standoff, Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have finally reached a consensus on the appointment of vice chancellors (VC) to two universities. The governors secretariat on Tuesday issued orders appointing Ciza Thomas as VC of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Saji Gopinath as VC of Digital University Kerala (DUK). Ciza Thomas and Saji Gopinath were the candidates preferred by the governor and the state government,

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF, at its first meeting after the local body elections, on Tuesday, decided to take up a detailed discussion on the poll outcome in the first week of January. At the meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary M V Govindan did not comment on the election results, leaving the matter to LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan. He told the leaders that the issue would be taken up after the constituent parties complete their organisational reviews. CPM has decide

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sensing a chance to come back to power in Kerala, the Congress high command is set to play a more decisive role in the partys state unit in the run-up to the 2026 assembly election. Following its unprecedented, direct intervention in the recently concluded local body elections, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) is expected to exercise a strong say in key aspects of the assembly polls. Sources said the high command would play an active role in framing strict criteria for

All in blood and family, uncle Ajit Pawar and nephew Rohit Pawar recently flew together in one private jet from Mumbai to Delhi for Sharad Pawars pre-birthday celebration. The duo stayed together, even travelling in one car. The Pawar family not only easily forgot the bitterness but also began to share the missing bond. Supriya Sule tried to rescue Ajit Pawars son, Parth, in the Pune land scam, claiming Parth is innocent and he cannot do anything wrong. Even senior Pawar remained silent on the i

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A UDF candidate who was reportedly distressed over his defeat in the local body elections died by suicide in Aruvikkara grama panchayat. Vijayakumar, 59, the UDF candidate from Manambooru ward, passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here on Tuesday. Vijayakumar had ended up in the third place in Manambooru ward, securing 149 votes. The BJP won the ward. On Saturday, Vijayakumar allegedly attempted to take his own life by hanging on a tree near his house.

In a wide-ranging interaction at the 30th edition of Delhi Dialogues , Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran challenges prevailing narratives on rural distress, private investment, inequality and data credibility, arguing that Indias policy choices must be judged against global realities rather than static benchmarks. Excerpts: Santwana Bhattacharya: There is a perception of rural economic stress and a call for a major course correction in economic policy. How do you assess the rural econo

London, Dec 16: England have reached a defining moment in their Ashes campaign, with hindsight now casting a harsh spotlight on decisions made long before the first ball was bowled. Trailing 2-0 in the series, defeat in the third Test in Adelaide would deepen scrutiny on selections, preparation and the overall direction of the team []

The countrys election commission announced last week a timetable for the long-awaited general election; despite political parties welcoming the news, pre-poll buzz remains muted; questions arise on security concerns, public trust and poll bodys capability to conduct free and fair elections

Mr. Raut said that the formal announcement about the alliance is expected to be made this week

Mr Modi's congratulations and blessings will be a shot in the arm for the BJP for its campaign for the Assembly elections due in April-May 2026, but it is doubtful if that is sufficient for the saffron party to confidently aim big, if the performance in the local body elections across the state is a pointer

With Tamil Nadu's assembly elections slated for 2026, RSS is intensifying its efforts in Tamil Nadu, aiming to expand the BJP's political base by strengthening its ideological foundation. Through a twin strategy of outreach and training, the organization is actively engaging youth and new recruits, seeking to counter rival ideologies and foster a stronger cadre base for the BJP.

Aafreen Hussain From Kolkata The Lionel Messi event in Kolkata has rapidly evolved from a sports celebration into a political scandal with unmistakable electoral overtones. What was marketed as a landmark moment for Bengals football culture has instead triggered allegations of elite capture, administrative failure, and questionable financial priorities providing the opposition with a powerful []

Polling in over 3,700 panchayats today; counting to begin an hour after voting ends

The Election Commission has launched the Enumeration Phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across Goa, marking a key step to ensure accuracy, inclusiveness and transparency ahead of future elections, officials said on Tuesday. The drive involves a comprehensive, house-to-house verification exercise aimed at updating voter details, identifying eligible new electors and Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and To

Former ruling parties have started campaigning but the Topplers of Oli Govt are lagging By Nitya Chakraborty Is Bangladeshs pre-election scenario is being repeated in Nepal which was the seat of a two day revolt by Gen Z of the country against the ruling K S Oli government in the second week of [] The post As Nepal readies for national elections on March 5, 2026, where is Gen Zs Party? appeared first on Northlines .

MUMBAI: The NCP minister Manikrao Kokate is in trouble after the Nashik District Session court upheld the order of the First Class court on Tuesday, confirming the two years imprisonment and fine of Rs 50,000 for falsifying the income proof documents. The minister falsified the documents to get two swanky apartments in the Chief Ministers 10 per cent housing quota. The verdict of the district court is a big setback for Minister Kokate. If Kokate did not get respite by the Bombay High Court immed

Guwahati, Dec 16: Ahead of the next years Assembly elections in the state, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has taken up an initiative to reach out to every village across the state. The programme titled Raijor Podulit Raijor Congress will begin in full swing across the state from December 20, with the objective of []

A day after the announcement of the Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra, a series of meetings began in Mumbai to decide on possible alliances.

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad: Bengaluru is likely to host the opening match of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) formally requesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to conduct the marquee fixture in the city. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on December 12 had announced that cricket matches will be allowed at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium with safety measures. We've allowed cricket matches to be held

Estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray are set to unite their Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS parties for upcoming civic polls in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik. A formal announcement is expected next week, marking a significant political realignment after recent electoral setbacks. This alliance will contest elections in major cities, with local units deciding on tie-ups elsewhere.

Postponement was on account of death of candidates. Polled votes to be counted on January 14

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted in the Assembly that he will complete his full five-year term and aims to lead Congress back to power in 2028. His comments address speculation over leadership changes within the ruling party, highlighting his significant political experience and strategic importance for the Congress ahead of the next state elections.

West Bengal's draft electoral rolls have been released ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress claims the rolls refute BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari's assertion of one crore illegal voters. The draft rolls show 1,83,328 'fake' or 'ghost' voters.

The United States Embassy in Dhaka has issued a nationwide security alert for American citizens following Bangladesh's announcement that its next parliamentary election and a national referendum will be held simultaneously on February 12, 2026.

KOLKATA: The EC on Tuesday published the draft electoral rolls of West Bengal based on its enumeration feedback. The commission also published on its website the names of voters whose names were included in the electoral rolls of the state in 2025 but were deleted from the draft rolls of 2026, stating reasons for their deletion. The draft rolls have been made available on the official website of CEO, West Bengal, ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/Electors as well as the voter portal of the EC, voters.eci.

KOLKATA: Barely hours ahead of the publication of the draft electoral rolls of West Bengal , where assembly elections are due early next year, the Election Commission on Tuesday morning released the names of deleted voters on its website. The list features voters whose names were included in the electoral rolls of the state in 2025 but were deleted from the draft rolls of 2026. The list is currently available on the commission's portal link ceowestbengal.wb.gov.in/asd_sir. The number of uncollec

The Government Resolutions included major policy decisions impacting Mumbai and other urban centres, fund allocations for various departments, and approvals for projects

KOZHIKODE: IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal has said the situation is favourable for a broadening of the UDF base ahead of next years assembly elections. Addressing reporters in Kozhikode on Monday, he said the LDF has some disgruntled parties which are expected to come to the UDF fold, adding that these like-minded parties should be accommodated after discussing with UDFs other constituents. He did not give a direct answer to the question whether the Welfare Party wil

KOTTAYAM: Asserting that the UDFs base would be expanded ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said more parties will join the coalition soon. Speaking to reporters in Kottayam on Monday, he said, Currently, the UDF is not holding any discussions with anyone. However, the UDFs base will be expanded ahead of the assembly elections in many ways. It may include parties from both LDF and NDA, as well as those not affiliated with either. Lets maintain some suspense

CMs jibe on corruption steals spotlight While inaugurating and laying foundation stones for development projects worth over Rs 600 crore in Surat recently, CM Bhupendra Patel used the public platform to send a pointed message on corruption. Addressing an event organised by the Surat Municipal Corporation and SUDA at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Patel, in his trademark soft but firm tone, congratulated the civic body and said Congratulations to the corporation for taking only the amount

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram corporation results have thrown up clear signals of an evolving political churn across key assembly constituencies in the capital, offering an early glimpse of the ground realities ahead of the forthcoming assembly elections. The BJPs sharp rise - from 34 to 50 seats -has altered the political balance in assembly constituencies such as Nemom, Kazhakoottam and Vattiyoorkavu. In Nemom - a BJP stronghold - the party consolidated its position by winning 17

KOTTAYAM: Close on the heels of a significant setback to the LDF in the local body elections, discussions are gathering momentum again on bringing the Kerala Congress (M) back into the UDF fold to further strengthen the coalitions base ahead of the assembly elections. The talks initiated by Congress state president Sunny Joseph, however, have encountered obstacles due to differing opinions within the UDF. The UDF initiative aims to convey to the KC (M) that their position in the LDF is precariou

NEW DELHI: A day after being named as BJPs new working president, Nitin Nabin took charge of his new responsibility at the party headquarters here on Monday in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah and outgoing national president JP Nadda. Thousands of workers and office-bearers welcomed Nabin (45), who arrived at the party headquarters after a delay of several hours, reportedly due to his flight being late. He was received at the airport by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and several other BJP leaders.

Calling it a tough decision, Tejasvi said, I want to do a lot of development work in my constituency and expect that under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis I would be able to do that. It is hard and painful to leave the party, who gave me identity.

The UDF starts as the front runner in Kerala Assembly election