Opposition parties
Sabarimala Gold Theft Controversy: How a Spoof Song Impacted Kerala Politics
Dec 17, 2025 02:10 pm CST
A viral political parody song 'Pootiye Kettiye' has sparked controversy in Kerala after becoming a powerful campaign tool against the ruling CPM government. The song, which references alleged gold smuggling at Sabarimala temple by CPM cadres, has led to a formal complaint claiming it offends religious sentiments of Ayyappa devotees. The controversy highlights the intersection of politics and religion in Kerala's recent local elections.
Controversy Erupts as MNREGA Renamed to G-RAM-G: Congress Leaders Protest Removal of Mahatma Gandhi's Name
Dec 15, 2025 10:04 pm CST
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor calls the renaming of MNREGA to Viksit Bharat Guarantee For Rozgar And Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) "unfortunate" as opposition parties strongly protest the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the flagship rural employment scheme. The controversial bill proposes a new cost-sharing structure between the Centre and states while sparking political confrontation in parliament.
Election Commission Extends Special Intensive Revision Deadlines in Six States While Bengal's Timeline Remains Unchanged
Dec 11, 2025 07:28 pm CST
The Election Commission has extended the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise for voter roll cleanup in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while maintaining original deadlines for West Bengal and other states. This extension follows criticism from opposition parties about impractical timelines overburdening election officials, with updated publication dates for draft electoral rolls now scheduled throughout December.
Election Commission Likely to Extend SIR Deadline for Multiple States Amid Opposition Criticism
Dec 11, 2025 01:15 am CST
The Election Commission is expected to extend the Special Intensive Revision deadline for Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and other states following widespread criticism from opposition parties. With 50.8 crore enumeration forms already digitized and 23.22 lakh pending, the decision will be finalized in Thursday's meeting as parties claim the current timeline places undue burden on officials and voters.
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya Exposes Nationwide Fake Birth Certificate Racket Threatening Electoral Integrity
Dec 09, 2025 08:59 pm CST
Former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya reveals evidence of a widespread fake birth certificate network operating across multiple Indian states, potentially compromising electoral rolls. Following his persistent efforts, authorities have begun taking action against fraudulent applicants, with the Mulund Tehsildar directing police to file FIRs against those submitting suspicious documentation. Somaiya claims this conspiracy extends beyond Maharashtra to cities like Saharanpur and Kolkata, accusing opposition parties of enabling what he terms "Vote jihad" in the electoral system.
Kiren Rijiju Open to Electoral Reform Discussions in Rajya Sabha But Requests More Preparation Time
Dec 02, 2025 02:43 am CST
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated in the Rajya Sabha that the government is willing to discuss Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and electoral reforms, but requested additional time for preparation. Opposition parties, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded immediate discussions, resulting in their walkout when the timeline request was denied. The Election Commission has announced SIR in multiple states, particularly those approaching 2026 elections.
Indian Parliament Winter Session: Opposition Demands Debate on Electoral Rolls Revision Amid BLO Death Concerns
Nov 30, 2025 05:48 pm CST
The winter session of the Indian Parliament faces immediate controversy as opposition parties demand discussions on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Concerns over booth level officers' deaths and workload have intensified following the Election Commission's seven-day extension of the revision process across 12 states and Union Territories, while the government maintains the parliamentary business advisory committee will determine the agenda.
Election Commission Extends Voter List Cleanup Deadline in 12 States Amid BLO Pressure
Nov 30, 2025 03:40 pm CST
The Election Commission has extended the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise deadline to February 14 across 12 states and Union Territories. Opposition parties have requested better planning amid reports of immense pressure on booth level officers, with some BLO suicides reported. In Bengal, where elections are approaching, the EC has identified 18.70 lakh dead voters and estimates approximately 35 lakh voters may be removed from draft lists.
Sharad Pawar Directs NCP to Prioritize Original OBC Candidates for Maharashtra Local Body Elections
Nov 10, 2025 12:00 am CST
Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar has instructed party leaders to prioritize original OBC candidates for upcoming Maharashtra local body elections, while firmly ruling out any alliance with BJP. The party will consider women candidates in multiple constituencies and allow district leaders flexibility for local-level opposition alliances, though discussions regarding potential collaboration with Ajit Pawar's faction remain ongoing.
Maharashtra Opposition Unites to Demand Electoral Transparency Ahead of Local Body Polls
Oct 14, 2025 11:33 pm CST
Leaders from major Maharashtra opposition parties jointly petitioned the Election Commission demanding greater transparency in the upcoming local body elections. They raised concerns about voter list management, VVPAT machine usage, and repeated election delays since 2022. The unified front, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, and other prominent leaders, called for electoral reforms to restore public trust in the democratic process ahead of polls mandated by the Supreme Court to be completed by January 2026.