Election 2026 Highlights: TMC has destroyed Bengal with its 'cut-money' politics, says Amit Shah at rally in Debra

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata holds road show in Medinipur town

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday led a colourful road show in this Paschim Medinipur district town in support of Trinamool Congress candidates for the assembly elections.

People lined the streets through which Banerjee's road show passed, adorned with party flags and balloons.

The TMC supremo walked nearly 2 km from College Ground to Lord Jagannath temple in Medinipur town, greeting people with folded hands.

She was accompanied by party MP from Medinipur Lok Sabha constituency, June Malia, and local TMC leaders and workers.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Dilip Ghosh exudes confidence in BJP victory, says 'violence, atrocities in Bengal will end after May 4'

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency Dilip Ghosh on Friday said that violence and atrocities in West Bengal would come to an end after May 4 (counting day for polls), expressing confidence that the electorate is seeking change in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said that Union home minister Amit Shah has fulfilled commitments made regarding curbing Maoist violence.

"The home minister fulfils what he says. See, the date for the end of the Maoist movement and Maoist violence was given as March. That has ended. Now, there is no trace of Maoists. This time, violence and atrocities in Bengal will come to an end after May 4," he said.

Referring to recent incidents in the state, Ghosh said people are dissatisfied and are looking for political change through elections.

"Whether it's Sandeshkhali, R.G. Kar, or Kasba Law College, there's a series of such incidents. People are troubled and want a change. Everyone has this grievance in their heart. Now the opportunity is coming. This time, there will be a change through the election. We will transform Bengal," he added.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: TMC's Tanmay Ghosh alleges Owaisi's moves split minority votes, help BJP in elections

Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate from Srirampur, Tanmay Ghosh, on Friday claimed that Asaduddin Owaisi's political interventions in several states have contributed to the division of minority votes, alleging that such moves indirectly benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in polls.

Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said, "...Throughout India, we have seen that in many states, Asaduddin Owaisi put up candidates, and it helped the BJP by dividing minority votes. Similarly, in Bengal, they tried this, and they could not trust each other...Our party exposed the deal between Humayun Kabir and the BJP directly...Minority of Bengal knows who is standing beside them, it is TMC, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee."

His remarks come after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has announced its decision to withdraw its alliance with a party headed by Humayun Kabir.

The announcement follows remarks and revelations attributed to Kabir, which AIMIM said raised concerns regarding the "integrity of Muslims."

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: BJP brought people from outside for Assam polls as it was not confident of win: Mamata

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday claimed that the BJP brought people from outside for the Assam elections as it was not confident of victory with the votes of the northeastern state's residents.

Addressing an election rally at Tentulia in North 24 Parganas district, she alleged that no agency in the country was neutral under the BJP government at the Centre as "the saffron party has bought them all".

"A trainload of 50,000 people was brought to Assam from Uttar Pradesh," she claimed.

Elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly were held in a single phase on Thursday.

"Even a snake can be trusted, but not the BJP," she added, as acrimony between the TMC and the BJP gained temperature ahead of the two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Bengal minister Shashi Panja declares movable assets worth Rs 4.06 crore

West Bengal minister Shashi Panja, who is seeking reelection from the Shyampukur assembly seat here, has declared movable assets worth over Rs 4 crore and showed a steady rise in her annual income, according to her affidavit.

In the affidavit, the 63-year-old minister, who is a doctor by profession, stated that salary, fees for her professional service and returns from financial investments are the source of her income.

She reported an income of Rs 14.01 lakh in the 2020-21 fiscal, Rs 14.36 lakh in 2021-22, and Rs 13.41 lakh in the financial year 2022-23. Her annual earnings increased significantly thereafter, to Rs 24.10 lakh in 2023-24 and Rs 29.22 lakh in 2024-25.

Shashi Panja has declared movable assets worth Rs 4.06 crore in 2025-26, while her husband's movable assets stand at Rs 1.88 crore in the same period.

She has Rs 22,500 in cash, bank deposits, including a fixed deposit of Rs 2.47 crore, and Rs 32.06 lakh in another account. Her husband has Rs 19,300 in cash, a fixed deposit of Rs 91 lakh and Rs 5.79 lakh in a bank account.

Shashi Panja has also paid Rs 90 lakh as an advance for a flat, according to the affidavit.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah pitches comman civil law in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would implement the RSS and his party's ambitious Uniform Civil Code (UCC) once they are voted to power in high-stakes West Bengal elections.

Shah, who has pulled out all the stops ahead of votings in Bengal, in no uncertain terms, has said that the UCC would be rolled out within six months of the BJP coming to power. Read full story

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah’s swipe at Mamata Banerjee over Humayun Kabir clip row

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday outrightly rejected any deal between former Trinamool Congress legislator Humayun Kabir's party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for ‘polarising’ Assembly elections in West Bengal, stating that the two are poles apart.

He took a swipe at the Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, hinting that the ruling party was behind the viral audio clip of Humayun Kabir, in which the latter purportedly "assures" state BJP leaders of "unflinching support in dislodging the Trinamool from power".

Amit Shah, when questioned about the 'Kabir-BJP deal’ to create a religious divide in poll-bound Bengal, said, “You aren’t aware of Mamata’s capabilities; she can make 2,000 such videos.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday unveiled its election manifesto for the West Bengal Assembly polls, making a wide range of promises covering welfare, governance reforms, security and economic development.

Releasing the ‘Sankalp Patra’, Union home minister Amit Shah described it as a roadmap for building a “Sonar Bangla”, while launching a sharp attack on the ruling All India Trinamool Congress government, alleging 15 years of misgovernance.

Assam Elections 2026 Live: Gaurav Gogoi expresses confidence in Congress victory after higher turnout

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaurav Gogoi said the party is encouraged by an increase in voter turnout compared to the last Assembly elections.

Speaking in Guwahati, he noted that turnout has risen by around 1.6 to 1.7 per cent and claimed this reflects strong public response in favour of change. Gogoi said the Congress has received “tremendous feedback” from voters and expressed confidence that the results on May 4 would lead to a Congress-led government in Assam.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah promises youth support measures in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah announced a set of promises for young job seekers in West Bengal, if the BJP comes to power.

He said that youths preparing for competitive examinations would receive Rs 15,000 in support, along with a five-year age relaxation for candidates who he claimed were deprived of jobs due to corruption.

Shah said these steps would aim to provide relief to unemployed youth and improve access to government opportunities in the state ahead of the Assembly elections.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah lists governance and welfare promises in Kolkata

Union home minister Amit Shah said that if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, the government will complete the allocation of all land required by the ministry of home affairs within 45 days.

He added that a BJP government would also push forward key central schemes such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana, PM KUSUM Yojana, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and Khelo India, focusing on welfare, skill development, clean energy, and sports promotion.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee dances during a rally in North 24 Parganas

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'Even a snake can be trusted, but not BJP' - Mamata Banerjee attacks BJP at North 24 Parganas rally

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at an election rally in Tentulia, North 24 Parganas, launched a sharp attack on the BJP.

She said that “even a snake can be trusted, but not the BJP,” as she stepped up her criticism of the opposition party during the ongoing election campaign.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee targets BJP over Assam voter allegations

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, addressing an election rally in Tentulia, North 24 Parganas, accused the BJP of electoral manipulation in other states.

She alleged that the BJP brought people from outside to vote in Assam, claiming the party was not confident of winning with the support of local residents alone.

The remarks come amid intensifying political exchanges between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly poll campaign.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah outlines key promises in BJP manifesto launch

Union home minister Amit Shah, while unveiling the BJP’s manifesto for West Bengal Assembly elections, said that if the party comes to power, it will ensure “one law for all” and adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy against infiltration.

He said the government will strengthen border security and take firm action to stop cattle smuggling in the state. Shah also announced plans to build a Vande Mataram museum to highlight Bengal’s cultural heritage.

He added that a law will be brought to ensure freedom of religion for all citizens, while also promising 33 per cent reservation for women in all state government jobs, including the police force.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah promises commission on political violence, White Papers on governance

Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP, if voted to power in West Bengal, will set up a commission headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to probe all cases of political violence in the state, irrespective of party affiliation.

He said every case would be taken to its “logical conclusion” to ensure accountability.

Shah also announced plans to bring out three White Papers focusing on corruption, political violence, and restoration of law and order, framing them as key priorities of a future BJP government in the state.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah vows strict anti-infiltration policy in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP, if voted to power in West Bengal, will adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach towards infiltration.

He said there is growing concern among people that continued infiltration could impact the state’s identity.

Shah assured that a BJP government with a full majority would implement a “detect, delete and deport” policy to identify and remove infiltrators, claiming it would ensure safety and security in the state and across the country.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah promises UCC in 6 months, border crackdown in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP, if voted to power in West Bengal, will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within six months.

He said the move would ensure a single set of laws for all citizens in the state, adding that several BJP-ruled states have already taken similar steps.

Shah also promised strict action to seal borders against infiltrators and prevent cow smuggling from the state, as part of a broader push for law and order enforcement.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah reveals key BJP promises in Kolkata

Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP, if voted to power in West Bengal, will follow a “zero tolerance” policy towards infiltrators.

He added that Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and pensioners will be ensured, and the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission will be implemented within 45 days.

Shah also promised a monthly transfer of Rs 3,000 to every mother’s bank account between the 1st and 5th of each month, along with full implementation of Central schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, in the state.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah says BJP manifesto offers roadmap for ‘developed India’ in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah said the BJP’s manifesto for West Bengal aims to bring all sections of society out of “despair” and provide a new direction for farmers facing uncertainty and fear.

He said the document presents the roadmap for a “developed India” envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding that people in the state are “frightened and disillusioned” and seeking change.

Shah also noted that the BJP is currently functioning as the main opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and claimed there is a strong desire for transformation among voters.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah lists BJP’s key promises in Sankalp Patra

Union home minister Amit Shah outlined the following major promises in the BJP’s manifesto for West Bengal:

Promise 1: Detect, delete and deport illegal immigrants
Promise 2: Implement 7th Pay Commission within 45 days
Promise 3: Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
Promise 4: Extend Ayushman Bharat scheme benefits in West Bengal
Promise 5: Crack down on cow smuggling in border areas
Promise 6: Clear DA arrears within 45 days
Promise 7: Provide ₹3,000 to women heads of families
Promise 8: Ensure implementation of all Central government schemes in the state

Shah said these commitments form the core of the BJP’s governance roadmap for the state if voted to power.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah promises UCC, Ayushman Bharat rollout, crackdown on cow smuggling

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday outlined key promises in the BJP’s manifesto for West Bengal, including implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) if the party comes to power.

He also pledged to roll out the Ayushman Bharat scheme for the poor in the state, crack down on cow smuggling in border areas, and fast-track cases related to political violence.

Shah said these measures are part of the party’s broader plan to strengthen law and order and improve welfare delivery in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah says BJP manifesto aims to end ‘despair’ in Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the West Bengal Assembly elections seeks to overcome “deep despair” across the state.

After unveiling the manifesto, Shah said it offers a new direction for farmers facing crop losses, unemployed youth and women, while aiming to restore confidence among citizens concerned about Bengal’s culture and pride.

He added that the document lays out the party’s vision to address key challenges ahead of the upcoming polls.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah says BJP manifesto reflects ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, calls TMC rule a ‘dark period’

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for West Bengal reflects the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and presents a roadmap for the state’s future.

After releasing the manifesto, Shah termed the past 15 years under Mamata Banerjee a “dark period”, claiming that the expectations with which people gave her repeated mandates were not fulfilled. He said voters had backed her to move beyond communist rule but alleged that those hopes remained unmet, as the BJP sharpened its campaign ahead of the Assembly polls.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah calls TMC rule ‘nightmare’, says BJP manifesto offers hope

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday described the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in West Bengal as a “nightmare” for the state.

Speaking after releasing the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’, Shah said the manifesto aims to bring “new hope” for women and youth, while addressing key issues faced by the people.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah says BJP manifesto offers ‘new direction’ for Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the West Bengal Assembly elections offers a “new direction” to the state.

After releasing the manifesto, Shah said it aims to address “deep despair” across sections of society, promising solutions for farmers facing crop losses, unemployed youth and women’s safety concerns.

He added that the document seeks to restore confidence among citizens and protect Bengal’s culture and pride ahead of the upcoming polls.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah unveils BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Kolkata

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: DK Shivakumar says ‘film stunts don’t work in politics’, targets Vijay

Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Friday took a swipe at actor-turned-politician Vijay, saying “film dialogues and stunts don’t work in politics.”

Speaking on the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Shivakumar alleged that Vijay was trying to mislead the public, sharpening political attacks ahead of polling on April 23.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Supreme Court to hear pleas on electoral roll freeze on April 13

The Supreme Court of India on Friday agreed to hear on April 13 fresh and pending pleas challenging the freezing of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The poll panel finalised the rolls on April 9 for constituencies voting in the first phase. Petitioners argued that many appeals against voter deletions are still pending.

The court said it would consider the matter, noting that while elections require a cut-off date, the right to be on electoral rolls remains significant.

West Bengal will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah arrives in Kolkata to unveil BJP manifesto

Union home minister Amit Shah arrived in Kolkata on Friday to release the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ for the West Bengal Assembly elections and campaign for the party.

He was received at the airport by state BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar.

Shah is scheduled to unveil the manifesto in the city before heading to Paschim Medinipur, where he will address a public rally in Debra and later take part in a roadshow in Kharagpur.

Election 2026 Live: Sanjay Raut says Owaisi’s ‘Ekla Chalo’ stance benefits BJP

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, saying his political moves in West Bengal indirectly benefit the BJP.

Addressing a press conference, Raut said Owaisi’s “Ekla Chalo Re” approach weakens opposition unity and strengthens the BJP, urging leaders to avoid actions that could aid their political rival. His remarks come after AIMIM withdrew its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party, citing concerns over remarks affecting the “integrity of Muslims.”

Raut also said the Congress’ decision to withdraw from the Baramati seat was a strategic move, while calling for unity among opposition parties. He further targeted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over remarks related to West Bengal, escalating the political war of words ahead of key state elections.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: Post-poll violence reported in Taliparamba, cases filed against CPI(M) and UDF workers

Multiple incidents of violence were reported in Kerala’s Taliparamba constituency after polling ended on Thursday, with clashes involving CPI(M) and Congress-led UDF workers, police said.

A CPI(M) worker, Prakashan P, was allegedly stabbed near a polling station, with police booking a UDF activist for attempt to murder. In a separate case, CPI(M) workers were accused of attacking two UDF supporters with stones, leaving them injured.

Police also registered cases against CPI(M) activists for allegedly trespassing into a house and issuing death threats, while another case was filed against UDF workers for attacking a CPI(M) member. CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan termed the violence politically motivated. Authorities said a detailed probe is underway.

Election 2026 Live: Passport row - Pawan Khera gets anticipatory bail after FIR by Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife

The Telangana high court on Friday granted Congress leader Pawan Khera transit anticipatory bail for one week in an FIR by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

The court allowed Khera time to approach the competent court for regular anticipatory bail.

The case includes charges of defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy linked to his allegations against Sarma’s wife.

During the hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the charges were politically motivated and meant to harass Khera.

Meanwhile, Assam’s Advocate General opposed the plea, stating there was no threat to Khera and questioning why he approached the Telangana High Court instead of courts in Assam.

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday made a surprise appearance on the Chennai Metro, travelling from Chennai Central to DMS station as part of his election campaign ahead of the Assembly polls.

During the journey, the DMK chief interacted with passengers, spoke to daily commuters and sought support for his party, turning a routine metro ride into a public outreach exercise.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: LDF alleges ‘lies and personal attacks’ by UDF during campaign

LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan on Friday accused the Congress-led UDF of running a campaign based on “lies and personal attacks” during the Kerala Assembly elections, which concluded a day earlier.

He alleged that such claims were amplified by sections of the media and included character assassination on social media. Contesting from Perambra, Ramakrishnan said he focused only on development, citing projects worth Rs 1,950 crore in his constituency.

CPI(M) leader Kadakampally Surendran also claimed he faced cyber attacks and a communal campaign, alleging that the BJP and UDF worked together against him.

Both leaders expressed confidence in winning their seats and the LDF securing a third consecutive term.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: MK Stalin says ‘state won’t bow down’, stresses federal rights ahead of polls

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday asserted that the state “won’t bow down”, emphasising that there will be no compromise on state rights or federalism ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections.

In a post on X, Stalin highlighted his government’s commitment to dignity, self-respect and inclusive, welfare-driven governance, while opposing any form of imposition. In an interview, he expressed confidence of securing a renewed mandate, citing what he called strong “pro-incumbency” sentiment and public trust in the DMK’s governance model.

He pointed to welfare schemes and economic growth, while reiterating demands for greater fiscal autonomy and opposition to policies like NEET. Stalin also framed the election as a contest between “Team Tamil Nadu and Team Delhi”. Voting will take place in a single phase on April 23, with results due on May 4.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar predicts shift to bipolar politics in state

BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Friday said the 2026 Assembly polls would be the last election in Kerala featuring three political fronts, predicting a shift to bipolar politics.

He said the state would eventually see a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and a Congress-CPI(M) alliance, alleging there is no difference between the two parties.

“On one side, it will be the NDA and on the other a Congress-CPI(M) alliance, which they have in 27 states and eight Union Territories. It will come here as well,” he said.

“Their politics, ideology and track record are the same. I see a big change coming, with Kerala moving towards bipolar politics. One pole will be the BJP-led NDA,” he added.

Contesting from Nemom, Chandrasekhar said the BJP has worked hard across constituencies and that the high voter turnout reflects people’s desire to shape their future. He said the results on May 4 will show the party’s growing acceptance.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Smriti Irani alleges harassment of RG Kar rape victim's mother

Union minister Smriti Irani accused the Trinamool Congress of harassing BJP candidate Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape victim, as she filed her nomination from Panihati.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Irani alleged that TMC workers insulted and threatened her, questioning why justice was not delivered to her daughter. Ratna Debnath said she is contesting to continue her daughter’s mission and fight for women’s safety.

The Panihati seat has emerged as a key contest, with TMC’s Tirthankar Ghosh expressing confidence of retaining it.

Assam Election 2026 Live: CM Himanta Sarma defends action against Pawan Khera, says police are doing their job

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said police were carrying out their duty in pursuing Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by his wife, rejecting claims of misuse of power.

"We have put the police after Khera. Whom else will we task it with? It is not the ULFA that is after him; it is the police. If there is an FIR, it is the duty of the police to act on it."

"Police are slaves of the law, and they're going to the house of a person named in a case, which is legal... The police are paid salaries to go to the houses of criminals," he said.

He also targeted state Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi over his family, questioning his ability to serve the state.

Sarma said the BJP would implement a Uniform Civil Code if re-elected, though not in haste, and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, saying it could win up to 100 seats in the 126-member Assembly.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Palaniswami jabs Kanimozhi with ‘Tihar Jail’ remark, DMK hits back

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami took a swipe at DMK MP Kanimozhi, saying if she continues to trust MK Stalin, she could “end up in Tihar Jail again,” referring to the 2G spectrum case.

He also alleged that the DMK is controlled by the Karunanidhi family.

Kanimozhi hit back, accusing Palaniswami of being disconnected from the people and reneging on his stance against aligning with the BJP. She said the election is about protecting Tamil Nadu’s dignity and urged voters to support DMK candidates.

Polling in the state will be held on April 23, with counting on May 4.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Yashwant Sinha slams EC, questions neutrality amid TMC row

Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha has criticised the Election Commission over its remarks directed at the Trinamool Congress, alleging the statement reflects the BJP’s stance and questioning the poll body’s neutrality.

He also targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of behaving like a ruling party functionary.

The comments come after the EC said West Bengal elections would be “fear-free” and without malpractice, drawing a sharp response from TMC, which questioned the conduct of the constitutional body amid an ongoing dispute over electoral roll revisions.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Stalin attacks opposition, pitches ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ at rally

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin dismissed the opposition, saying they focus on criticism while his government is working for the people. Addressing a rally in Maraimalai Nagar, he said the DMK ended a decade of AIADMK rule and ushered in a “Dravidian Model” government, adding that “Dravidian Model 2.0” is a roadmap for the state’s future.

Stalin accused AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami of spreading falsehoods and engaging in personal attacks instead of discussing policy. He also targeted the BJP-AIADMK alliance, calling AIADMK a “slave” to Delhi.

Highlighting welfare schemes, he promised benefits including financial aid for women and housing projects, while claiming Tamil Nadu recorded 11.19% growth under his government.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah pitches BJP manifesto as blueprint to end TMC’s ‘reign of fear’

Union home minister Amit Shah said on Friday that he will release the BJP’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ in Kolkata, claiming West Bengal is seeking change after being “weary” of the TMC.

In a post on X, Shah said the manifesto is aimed at freeing the state from what he called TMC’s “reign of fear.”

He added that he will also address a public meeting in Debra, West Medinipur, and hold a roadshow in Kharagpur later in the day.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: Sukanta Majumdar says direct BJP-TMC fight, dismisses Humayun Kabir factor

Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the West Bengal elections are a direct contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, downplaying the role of Humayun Kabir and his party.

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said the BJP has “no reason to worry” about Kabir. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing rallies in the state, criticised the TMC over alleged protocol lapses during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, calling it an “insult” to the President and the Constitution.

Polling for the 294-seat Assembly will be held on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.

Election 2026 Live: Congress sees anti-incumbency in high turnout, confident of wins in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry

Congress leader Rashid Alvi said the high voter turnout in the Assembly elections across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry indicates strong anti-incumbency, expressing confidence that the party will form governments in all three regions.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Alvi said turnout levels—85.38% in Assam, nearly 80% in Puducherry and 78.03% in Kerala—suggest a shift in public mood. He claimed the sentiment is in favour of Congress, particularly in Kerala.

The Election Commission termed the polling “historic,” with over 5.31 crore voters participating across 296 constituencies, and record turnout reported in Assam and Puducherry.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: AIMIM says will contest independently after breaking alliance

Assam Election 2026 Live: Sarma expects 86-87% turnout, says NDA could cross 100 seats

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said voter turnout in the Assembly polls could reach 86-87%, adding it would not be surprising if the BJP-led NDA crosses the 100-seat mark.

He said both traditionally high-turnout and low-turnout communities participated enthusiastically this time, creating a competitive voting environment.

Assam recorded 85.38% turnout, its highest ever, with female participation at 85.96% slightly higher than male turnout at 84.80%.

In a post on X, Sarma called the polling “historic” and said people voted in large numbers to protect identity and culture. Votes will be counted on May 4.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Palaniswami defends remarks on Kanimozhi, says comments misinterpreted

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami dismissed the controversy over his remarks on DMK MP Kanimozhi, saying his statement was misinterpreted and that he only spoke about her position within her family.

He said Kanimozhi has not been given the status she deserves in M Karunanidhi’s family, adding that he did not intend to speak ill of anyone. His remarks had triggered a political row, with DMK accusing him of making inappropriate comments.

Palaniswami also expressed confidence in his party’s campaign, saying it is progressing well as AIADMK reaches out to voters ahead of the April 23 polls, with counting scheduled for May 4.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: AIMIM ends alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party, to contest alone

AIMIM has announced it is withdrawing its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s party ahead of the West Bengal elections, citing concerns over remarks that questioned the “integrity of Muslims.”

The party said it “cannot associate” with such statements and confirmed the split with immediate effect.

In a post on X, AIMIM said it will now contest the elections independently to give marginalised communities an “independent political voice.”

It also flagged the socio-economic condition of Muslims in the state, calling them “one of the poorest, neglected and oppressed” groups. Polling for the 294-seat Assembly will be held on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4.