The TMC has refuted Prime Minister Modi's claim that high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls indicates a mandate for change, asserting it reflects support for Mamata Banerjee and her government's development agenda.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC, alleging corruption and 'mafia rule' have created an 'identity crisis' in West Bengal. He urged voters to support the BJP in the upcoming elections, promising a 'double-engine' government for development.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.
The BJP has launched accusations against Arvind Kejriwal, alleging lavish spending and corruption related to his new bungalow in Delhi's Lodhi Estate, sparking a political row.
'The BJP's tally may dip, but the NDA is likely to retain power.'
West Bengal's final phase of assembly elections focuses on the TMC's southern stronghold, where the BJP aims to make inroads. The outcome will determine whether Mamata Banerjee's party retains its dominance or if the BJP can secure a path to power.
The Allahabad High Court has deferred its order directing an FIR against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in connection with the alleged dual citizenship controversy, pending a review of whether prior notice to the accused was legally required.
Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.
West Bengal and Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw a massive voter participation during the ongoing assembly elections, with turnout reaching 89.93 per cent and 82.24 per cent respectively by 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections was disrupted by EVM glitches and overnight violence in several districts. Polling was halted or delayed at multiple booths due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines. Incidents of violence were reported in Murshidabad and Cooch Behar, with political parties trading accusations.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has criticised the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging it's a politically motivated attempt to intimidate the opposition and undermine the fairness of the upcoming West Bengal elections.
Nepal's Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, who was detained in connection with a money laundering case. The court cited unlawful detention and insufficient evidence as reasons for its decision.
A US trade representative described India as a 'tough nut to crack' during trade agreement negotiations in Washington, highlighting India's protection of its agricultural markets and the ongoing discussions on specific commodities.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expresses confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) prospects in the upcoming Kerala elections, predicting a stronger mandate and criticising the Congress and BJP.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and attempting to divide people on religious and caste lines during a community outreach programme in her Bhabanipur constituency.
The Election Commission suspended three central armed police force personnel after a video surfaced showing them playing carrom inside a Trinamool Congress office in West Bengal. A departmental inquiry has been ordered into the matter.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence in the Left Democratic Front's (LDF) victory in the upcoming Kerala elections, dismissing allegations of a CPI(M)-BJP understanding and criticising the Congress party's approach.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the central government of withholding funds from West Bengal to punish voters for supporting the TMC, while highlighting state-led initiatives to support the population.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who made "number 16" jibe at the treasury benches during his speech in Lok Sabha on Friday on three new bills, refused to elaborate on it in his brief interaction with reporters and said "it is a puzzle" and he "won't tell the answer just like that".
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at the residence of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the school jobs scam. This follows his release on bail after being arrested in 2022.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP and LDF in Kerala of colluding, citing the lack of action by central agencies against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan despite corruption allegations.
The Punjab government has withdrawn Z-plus security cover for MP Raghav Chadha following a public disagreement with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). This decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties and raised questions about political motivations.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the government's decision to link women's reservation with the expansion of Parliament, calling delimitation a 'political demonetisation'. He argued that women's reservation should be implemented immediately based on existing parliamentary strength.
India observed the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, with leaders paying homage to the victims and asserting the country's commitment to fighting terrorism.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government of diverting resources to 'Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators' and warned of losing Bengal if she remains in power.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of striking a Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat the Trinamool Congress (TMC) from power in the state, alleging bribery, manipulation of electoral rolls, and disrespect towards women by central forces.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has refuted claims by the TMC that the BJP would ban meat and fish consumption if it wins the West Bengal assembly elections. Sarma clarified that only beef consumption is restricted in Assam and accused the TMC of wanting to continue cattle smuggling to Bangladesh for their own benefit.
Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda has criticised the Centre's latest notification regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it 'anti-Haryana' and raising concerns about the state's water rights and employment opportunities.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin has pledged to change place names deemed antithetical to West Bengal's culture and address Bangladeshi infiltration if the party wins the state election.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh of inconsistencies in his claims of injury during protests, urging voters to verify the truth. Banerjee also criticised the BJP's neglect of Siliguri and the CPI(M)'s alleged support for the BJP.
Voters in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry are voting in crucial assembly elections.
Trinamool Congress MP Nadimul Haque criticised the Jan Vishwas (Amendment and Provisions) Bill, 2026, in the Rajya Sabha, questioning the government's approach to amending multiple central laws through a single piece of legislation and raising concerns about its impact on public health and federal funds owed to West Bengal.
'Remember Vijay had never spoke of himself as a Christian when he was a film star.' 'The BJP strategy is they want the Christian minority constituency to move away from the DMK.' 'That is what the BJP wants so that it will be very easy to mobilise Hindu votes.' 'This strategy is to weaken the Dravidian ideology and bring in religion based politics into Tamil Nadu.'
'Workers are the people who create all the wealth in this country. How can you call them anti-national?'
Enforcement Directorate officials conducted a raid at the Kolkata residence of former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee in connection with the ongoing school jobs recruitment scam investigation.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has accused the opposition of misleading farmers regarding crop procurement, assuring that all produce will be purchased and that the government is addressing any difficulties in grain markets.
...reopen for up to six months. Until then, the Strait stays nearly closed. The world pays. And no one, including the man who started this, can say when it ends, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War.
'Even if the war ends tomorrow, which is unlikely, and we go back to the pre-war status quo, the world will still need some time to get over the sudden shock of oil price increases.'
The Punjab Police has requested the Centre to direct ZEE5 to halt the airing of the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, citing a significant risk to public order and potential influence on youth towards criminal activities.
Despite numerous appeals, only two names have been restored to the West Bengal electoral rolls after 2.7 million deletions, raising concerns about voter access and the functionality of proposed tribunals.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances