local body polls
Punjab High Court Issues Dual Setbacks to AAP Government Over Election Misconduct and Unlawful Detention
Dec 13, 2025 03:06 am CST
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered two major rebukes to Punjab's AAP government, criticizing election irregularities in upcoming local polls and condemning an unlawful detention case with political connections. The court censured the Election Commission for failing to maintain neutrality after a police official was recorded allegedly blocking opposition candidates from filing nominations, while separately reprimanding officials for obstructing the release of a politically-opposed individual despite available bail documentation.
Maharashtra Election Controversy: Shiv Sena MLA Charged for Violating Voting Privacy in Hingoli Polling Booth
Dec 03, 2025 02:47 am CST
A criminal case has been filed against Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangar for allegedly breaching voting confidentiality during Maharashtra's local body elections. Video evidence shows Bangar entering a polling booth and displaying his party's symbol to a female voter in Hingoli district, prompting an Election Commission investigation. The incident occurred during Tuesday's elections across 264 municipal councils where over 6,000 seats were contested.
Congress Rejects Alliance with MNS in Maharashtra Despite Local Leaders' Push for United Opposition
Nov 10, 2025 09:25 pm CST
Congress leadership firmly denies any alliance with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena despite Nashik opposition leaders suggesting local-level cooperation. This contradiction exposes internal divisions within Congress as district representatives seek tactical alliances against the ruling Mahayuti coalition while senior party officials maintain distance from MNS's controversial stance on regional identity politics.
BJP Launches Muslim Outreach Programme in Kerala: Building Trust Beyond Politics
Nov 07, 2025 08:48 pm CST
The BJP in Kerala has launched a 'Muslim Outreach Programme' led by state vice president Abdul Salam, aimed at building trust with the Muslim community. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized this is not a vote-seeking initiative but rather an effort to counter misconceptions and demonstrate the party's commitment to equal development for all Malayalis regardless of religion, in line with PM Modi's "Sabka saath, sabka vikaas" vision.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Commits to State Role Until 2029, Rules Out National Politics
Oct 22, 2025 11:11 pm CST
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly stated he will continue in his current position until 2029, dismissing speculation about national political ambitions. Speaking at a Diwali media interaction, he confirmed the stability of the BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP ruling coalition, addressed opposition criticisms regarding electoral rolls, and discussed potential alliances for upcoming local body elections while maintaining cordial relations with political rivals despite past tensions.
Telangana High Court Stays 42% BC Reservation Policy: Impact on Local Elections and Political Fallout
Oct 09, 2025 09:38 pm CST
The Telangana High Court has issued an interim stay on the Revanth Reddy-led government's notification increasing Backward Classes reservation to 42% for local body elections. This decision has sparked protests from BC communities and created political challenges for the Congress government, which must now defend its policy against claims that it exceeds the 50% reservation ceiling established by the Supreme Court. The court has given the government four weeks to file a counter-affidavit while opposition parties question the administration's legal approach.