The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a high voter turnout across 152 constituencies, with nearly 90 per cent of electors participating till 5 pm. Polling was conducted amid tight security, with reports of clashes and intimidation in some areas.
The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of fostering a 'mafia culture' and 'maha jungle raj' in West Bengal following the killing of an aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. The party alleges the incident reflects institutionalised post-poll violence in the state and demands a CBI probe.
A protest march by KSU activists in Malappuram, Kerala, demanding justice for a BDS student's death in Kannur, turned tense as activists clashed with police and briefly blocked a national highway.
The INDIA bloc faces challenges after recent state election defeats for key members like TMC and DMK, potentially shifting internal dynamics and leadership considerations.
The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed confidence that the BJP will form a government in West Bengal, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and citing high voter turnout as a sign of public trust.
Jeetu Munda, who carried his sister's skeleton to a bank in Odisha to withdraw money, has stated he does not want action taken against the bank officials after they released the funds. He received approximately Rs 15 lakh in donations following the incident.
Opposition parties in Jharkhand are demanding the release of salaries for police personnel, which have been withheld following the discovery of irregularities in treasury funds across several districts. The police association claims that over 70,000 personnel have not been paid since March, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and prompt action from the state government.
The Ghazipur administration has imposed prohibitory orders, banning demonstrations and visits to a village, following concerns over law and order after the death of a teenager. The Uttar Pradesh government claims that 'unverified rumours' are being spread and opposition parties are attempting to sensationalise the matter.
A river cruise boat carrying 29 passengers overturned in the Bargi dam reservoir near Jabalpur after encountering a sudden storm, resulting in four deaths and a large-scale rescue operation.
The TMC has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging unauthorised sorting of postal ballot covers at an EVM strongroom in Kolkata. TMC workers protested outside the Khudiram Anushilan Kendra, claiming that postal ballots were taken to a room without CCTV coverage. Similar protests occurred at a strongroom in North 24 Parganas, while the BJP shared a video from Purba Bardhaman district.
Following the death of a teenager in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, the local administration has imposed prohibitory orders, banning demonstrations and restricting visits to the victim's village. The government cites concerns over law and order and alleges that opposition parties are attempting to sensationalise the matter.
The TMC's defeat in West Bengal signals an institutional breakdown, highlighting the collapse of its organisational core and raising questions about its sustainability beyond its top leadership.
Trinamool Congress offices across West Bengal were allegedly defaced and damaged following the BJP's victory in the Assembly polls, with the TMC alleging BJP involvement, which the BJP denies.
NDA partner Bodoland People's Front (BPF) is expected to secure a majority of the 15 Assembly seats in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam, leading in 10 constituencies, according to Election Commission data. The BJP, a major partner in the ruling NDA, leads in three seats, while the UPPL and Congress are ahead in one seat each.
'How does the person responsible for the leader's defeat stand before the leader, showing his face, without even a shred of shame, fear, apprehension, or embarrassment?'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar at a swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal. Sarkar, 98, is an early grassroots figure associated with the nationalist movement. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister after defeating Mamata Banerjee.
Police in Odisha have made a fifth arrest in connection with the lynching of a man accused of attempted sexual assault. The victims, however, are requesting the release of those arrested, claiming they saved their lives.
A man and his female friend were assaulted in Berhampur, Odisha, leading to political condemnation and allegations of deteriorating law and order under the BJP government.
The murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal has ignited post-election violence, raising concerns about political stability and the transition of power.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.
NCP leader Rupali Chakankar appeared before a special investigation team (SIT) for questioning regarding her alleged association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is under arrest in rape and sexual exploitation cases. Chakankar, who resigned as the state women's panel chief, has pledged full cooperation with the probe.
BJP leader Sobha Surendran appeared before the District Returning Officer in Kerala to address allegations of offering cash for votes during the recent Assembly polls. The controversy stems from a video allegedly showing money being exchanged, leading to complaints from both Congress and Surendran herself.
BJP leader Sobha Surendran appeared before the District Returning Officer in Kerala to give her statement regarding the 'cash-for-vote' allegation against her during the Assembly polls.
A BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh is facing criticism after his son was accused of injuring five people in a car accident. The MLA allegedly made disparaging remarks against an IPS officer who took action in the case, further escalating the controversy.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing them of favouring the wealthy over the poor and prioritising power.
'Vijay entered politics at a much better age compared to Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan. His fans are young and he has at least 2-3 decades ahead of him.'
A medical board from AIIMS Delhi will conduct a second post-mortem examination on former model-turned-actor Twisha Sharma in Bhopal, following her family's concerns about the initial autopsy and allegations of dowry harassment.
The last rites of former actor-model Twisha Sharma, who was allegedly harassed for dowry, were conducted in Bhopal. Her family continues to seek justice, with the Supreme Court taking cognisance of the case.
A relative of a BJP candidate was stabbed to death and two others were injured in a clash between Congress and BJP supporters in Mehsana, Gujarat, ahead of local body polls.
Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has announced the end of his association with the Trinamool Congress, alleging widespread corruption within the party and claiming he was denied a ticket for refusing to pay a substantial sum.
A significant 7.87 per cent increase in the BJP's vote share in West Bengal, reaching 45.84 per cent, propelled the party to secure an additional 130 assembly seats, bringing their total to 207, while the Trinamool Congress experienced a 7.22 per cent decline, losing 135 seats and falling to 80.
A Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader was attacked and seriously injured by unidentified assailants in Maharashtra's Beed district, prompting a police investigation.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) seized cash and gold worth crores during searches related to the alleged Rs 2,800-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The raids targeted liquor traders, chartered accountants, and corporate entities suspected of handling proceeds from the scam.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP over the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the delay in recognising the Kurmali language, accusing the party of dividing people and making false promises.
Rahul Gandhi accuses Mamata Banerjee of not directly fighting the BJP, alleging that this indirect approach benefits the ruling party. He also criticised her government's performance on job creation and handling of corruption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the TMC's rule in West Bengal is nearing its end, citing corruption and unfulfilled promises. He also pledged support for the fisherfolk and a zero-tolerance policy for infiltrators.
Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.
The Congress party has criticised the Modi government on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that Pakistan has gained global respectability due to the failure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy.
In West Bengal's political circles, it was widely believed that after Mamata Banerjee, Suvendu Adhikhari was perhaps the only leader with a truly significant mass base of his own.
