"election-commission"

A delegation of 32 international observers from 16 countries and International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance praised India’s election process in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, calling it a “festival of democracy” and commending the Election Commission of India for efficient and inclusive polling management

The Election Commission of India announced a strict security plan for West Bengal’s second-phase polls, deploying central forces, motorcycles, CCTV, and vulnerability mapping to prevent booth capture and intimidation, ensuring voters can cast ballots safely across 142 constituencies

The Election Commission of India warned Kolkata Police and South 24 Parganas authorities of strict action for negligence in preventing voter intimidation and explosives use ahead of West Bengal’s April 29 polls, ordering accountability of police officers and disciplinary measures

Clashes broke out between AJUP and TMC supporters in Murshidabad during the first phase of West Bengal Assembly polls. Police and central forces used baton charge to control the situation. The Election Commission has sought a report on the incident

The Election Commission suspended all polling staff at a booth in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur after they allegedly left it unattended during voting hours. A reserve team was deployed, and an inquiry ordered while polling continued in the constituency

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded unusually high voter turnout, reaching 89.93% and 82.24% respectively by 5 PM, according to the Election Commission. Both states surpassed 2021 figures amid strong voter participation, with polling seen as largely unaffected by controversies

The Calcutta High Court strongly criticised the Election Commission’s restrictions on bike movement before Bengal polls, calling them excessive and potentially abusive of power. The court questioned the justification and asked for evidence, while EC will file an affidavit explaining its decision

Voter turnout reached 78.77% in West Bengal and 70% in Tamil Nadu as of 3 p.m. during ongoing Assembly elections, with strong public participation, long queues at booths, and hundreds of complaints filed with the Election Commission amid multi-phase polling

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Election Commission for largely peaceful first-phase polling in West Bengal, highlighting high voter turnout and enthusiasm. He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging misgovernance and corruption, while expressing confidence in BJP’s victory in the ongoing Assembly elections

A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam worker was arrested in Tirupattur for secretly recording a vote inside a polling booth and sharing it online. Election officials acted on CCTV evidence, citing violation of voting secrecy rules during Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for prima facie violating the Model Code of Conduct after calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "terrorist" during a press conference in Chennai. The EC clarified that Kharge must respond within 24 hours or face action.

Trinamool Congress accused Central forces in Nandigram of assaulting and intimidating villagers during election-related activity, alleging BJP misuse of CRPF. The party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding action, suspension of personnel, and measures to prevent further incidents

Election Commission of India imposed strict restrictions on motorcycle movement in West Bengal ahead of April 23 polls, banning rallies, limiting riding hours, and regulating pillion use to ensure voter safety and prevent election-related intimidation.

Election Commission of India directed officials in Kerala to avoid opening strong rooms before counting day after reports from Kozhikode and Palakkad, while opposition leaders alleged procedural violations and demanded scrutiny ahead of the May 4 election results

Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Narendra Modi of “terrorising” opposition using central agencies, alleging bias in the Election Commission and attacking policies on reservation and delimitation during a Chennai press briefing alongside KC Venugopal

Mamata Banerjee alleged selective targeting of Trinamool Congress workers ahead of West Bengal polls, accusing central agencies and the Election Commission of India of bias, while claiming attempts to influence arrests, EVM handling, and campaign operations

The Supreme Court of India refused a “fishing inquiry” into alleged addition of 5–7 lakh voters in West Bengal electoral rolls, urging challenges through proper legal process while reviewing related Special Intensive Revision (SIR) petitions ahead of upcoming Assembly elections

The Election Commission of India ordered a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ in poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu under the Representation of the People Act, restricting liquor sales to ensure free, fair elections and prevent voter influence

Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission is planning “slow polling” and “slow counting” to mislead voters and weaken TMC agents. She also accused the Centre of misuse of agencies and raised concerns over EVM manipulation ahead of elections

The Election Commission directed West Bengal officials to inspect violence-prone areas and report security measures ahead of Assembly polls. It also mandated enhanced communication systems, strict polling protocols, and action on pending warrants to ensure smooth voting across constituencies