The Supreme Court has questioned the Centre’s approach to appointing Election Commission of India commissioners, stressing that independence must be visible as well as real. During hearings challenging the Election Commissioners Act, 2023, judges Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma targeted the selection committee’s composition, arguing the Opposition role is effectively symbolic and a neutral selector is needed. The bench also questioned why the CJI was excluded and asked the attorney general to keep records ready, including for recent selections.
The Election Commission is gearing up to begin Phase III of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the coming days. The exercise will cover the remaining 22 states and Union Territories, updating rolls for nearly 40 crore electors. The move comes after assembly elections have been completed, setting the stage for an updated voter database.
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BJP has returned to power in Assam by winning 82 of 126 seats in the 2026 Assembly elections, granting it a clear two thirds mandate. Congress has slumped to 19 seats, while AGP and BPF each won 10. AIUDF and Raijor Dal were reduced to two seats apiece, and AITC opened its account with one seat.
2026 Assembly election results mark a rare political shift: for the first time in 50 years, India may have no Left Chief Minister in any state. The Left Democratic Front’s performance weakened its ability to retain key government positions, reshaping regional power balances and raising questions about the future footprint of Left politics across India.
In recent assembly elections, voters largely ignored the NOTA or None of the Above option, with usage remaining below one percent in most states, including Assam. The pattern mirrors a long-term decline seen since 2014 Lok Sabha polls. NOTA was introduced by the Election Commission after a 2013 Supreme Court order aimed at protecting voter secrecy.
Indian markets are bracing for the US Fed decision and election exit polls, with investors tracking HUL, Bajaj Finance and Adani Power closely. Adani Green is set to expand battery storage at scale, while Jaguar Land Rover faces a refund order. Vedanta warns aluminium production costs may rise due to geopolitical tensions.
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Exit polls indicating a BJP edge in West Bengal and Assam may shape tomorrow’s trading mood, but analysts expect a selective response rather than a broad rally. While state outcomes can influence regional policy and sector-specific business, the overall market direction will likely remain anchored to earnings, inflation trends, and global cues. Investors face a crucial, mixed setup.
Tamil Nadu’s assembly elections recorded an 85% voter turnout, up 9% from the 2011 high of 78%. Officials say the sharp rise reflects stronger political engagement among voters and a desire to shape governance. The polls also featured a high-stakes contest between major political coalitions and a rising new contender.
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