National

ECI Invites Political Parties to Contribute Ideas for Enhancing Electoral Processes

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

On Tuesday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced its initiative to gather input from all national and regional political parties to enhance electoral processes by April 30. This announcement follows the Congress party’s request in Parliament for a thorough examination of alleged inconsistencies in the voters’ list.

The ECI stated, “We have reached out to all national and state political parties, inviting their suggestions on any unresolved issues that may exist at the level of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), District Election Officer (DEO), or Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Additionally, the Commission plans to facilitate discussions with party leaders and senior members at a mutually convenient time to bolster electoral practices in line with established laws.”

In its correspondence to the parties, the ECI emphasized the importance of the Representation of the People Act (1950 and 1951), the Registration of Electors Rules (1960), the Conduct of Election Rules (1961), as well as relevant Supreme Court orders and instructions. These components collectively form a robust, transparent, and decentralized legal framework aimed at conducting free and fair elections.

During a recent ECI conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had directed CEOs, DEOs, and EROs across all States and Union Territories to maintain regular dialogues with political parties. He instructed them to address any feedback received in these meetings within the existing legal framework and to submit an action report to the Commission by March 31. The ECI also encouraged political parties to actively participate in this decentralized engagement process.

The ECI highlighted that political parties are essential stakeholders among the 28 entities identified by the Commission, as outlined by the Constitution and relevant statutory frameworks governing electoral processes.

In response to criticisms from opposition parties, including the Congress—regarding issues with the duplication of Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)—the ECI has committed to resolving this long-standing concern within the next three months.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.