Panchayat Polls: Calcutta HC directs state EC to file report

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Department, Government of Karnataka, has expanded its partnership with the British Council to strengthen English language learning, library services, and knowledge access in rural areas through the state's Gram Panchayat Arivu Kendras (Knowledge Centres).

According to sources, the meeting involved extensive discussions on around 160 Assembly constituencies across the state. During the deliberations, the party is learnt to have finalised candidates for nearly 145 seats, out of 294 assembly seats in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, marking significant progress in the selection process.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday said she has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over alleged derogatory remarks made during a function held on the occasion of International Women's Day.

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala are expected to set a benchmark for democratic practices, expressing confidence in the preparedness of the state's election machinery and cooperation from political parties.

The West Bengal government on Thursday provided officers of requisite seniority for being appointed as Returning Officers for the forthcoming Assembly Elections, on the insistence of the Election Commission of India.