This election is different. It is no longer simply about governance or welfare. It is about identity, fear, and who belongs. The BJP has successfully shifted the terms of the debate from what the government has delivered to who the real Bengali is and who is an outsider, points out Ramesh Menon.
Kerala's 2026 assembly election will see a three-cornered contest where religion and communalism have emerged as central themes for the first time, challenging the state's long-celebrated secular fabric.
Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP government of failing to honour promises made to the Rajbanshi community in north Bengal, including recognising their language and raising a 'Narayani Sena' battalion.
'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'
Indian police have arrested three more individuals allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 21. The suspects are accused of sending sensitive information to Pakistan.
Union Minister Giriraj Singh has accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of appeasing Muslims and protecting infiltrators, while the BJP promises to bring 'Ram Rajya' to the state if elected.
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple. A nine-judge bench is examining the scope of religious freedom and the exclusion of women based on age and menstrual status.
Indian police have arrested three more individuals allegedly involved in a Pakistan-linked espionage racket, bringing the total number of arrests to 21. The accused are suspected of sending sensitive information to Pakistan.
A 24-year-old man was allegedly stabbed to death by his neighbour in Delhi's Model Town area following a dispute over garbage disposal.
Sonia Gandhi criticises the government's proposed delimitation, claiming it's a politically motivated move to delay the caste census and gain an unfair advantage, rather than genuinely promoting women's reservation.
Opposition MPs, led by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, have written to Home Minister Amit Shah expressing concerns over alleged threats to Muslims in Uttam Nagar, urging him to direct the Delhi Police to take decisive action against those spreading hate and creating an atmosphere of fear.
'When Narendra Modi was here, he spoke only about development and what the BJP wanted to do in Kerala. That kind of sober rhetoric or argument is acceptable to the people here.'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged voters to 'take revenge' for the deletion of names from electoral rolls, alleging the BJP is behind the changes. She also addressed concerns about EVM tampering and the deployment of officers to other states.
A member of a Hindu right-wing organisation met with the family of a man killed in a brawl in Uttam Nagar following a Holi celebration, as tensions remain high in the area.
'Kashmir needs to be divided and we need the land of Panun Kashmir in Kashmir.'
Sukumaran Nair said he had noted Natesan's remarks and that a decision would be taken after a meeting scheduled for January 21.
The Allahabad High Court has ruled that interfaith live-in relationships are legal and protected under the Constitution, granting protection to a couple facing threats from the woman's family.
India has rejected a report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that criticised India's record on religious freedom and called for linking US security assistance and trade to improvements in this area.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the Election Commission for allegedly failing to protect judicial officers involved in electoral roll revisions in Malda district. She accused the EC of lacking control over law and order and enabling the BJP's alleged attempts to disrupt the election process.
The Income Tax Department has released all income tax return (ITR) forms for the assessment year 2026-27, enabling individuals, businesses, and other entities to begin filing their returns for the financial year 2025-26.
The Bombay High Court has requested a response from the Maharashtra Home Department and Nagpur police regarding a petition seeking action against a journalist and event organiser for allegedly making derogatory statements about Mahatma Gandhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of stoking fights among all sections of society and attempting to loot the country by exploiting these divisions. She also criticised the BJP's economic policies and alleged discrimination in welfare schemes.
West Bengal's upcoming 2026 election may hinge on the impact of recent electoral roll revisions, particularly in 65-70 closely contested constituencies where victory margins are slim. The deletion of over 90 lakh names, especially in key areas like Nandigram, Bhabanipur, and the Matua belt, has redrawn the electoral map, potentially influencing the outcome for both the TMC and BJP.
The Centre has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its judgements decriminalising adultery and same-sex relationships, arguing they were based on a subjective application of 'constitutional morality'.
A 30-year-old Dalit woman was stabbed to death in Uttara Kannada, allegedly by a man known to her. The accused was later found dead. The incident has sparked tension, with Hindu outfits alleging 'love jihad'.
Statues of Kakori train action martyrs in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, were allegedly demolished during road beautification work, sparking outrage and demands for action against those responsible.
Actress Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has denied reports that she is underage following her marriage in Kerala. She asserts she is 18 and legally married.
Film director Sanoj Mishra has alleged that the marriage of actress Monalisa Bhonsle to a Muslim man is a case of 'love jihad' and plans to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
'If I leave now, those whom I've acted against will regroup. Let me complete what I have started -- I will do that in the next five years.'
Film director Sanoj Mishra met the family of Monalisa Bhonsle, the viral Kumbh girl who recently married a Muslim man, alleging 'love jihad' and promising to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.
In an era where today's cricketers seldom read reports or build personal bonds with journalists, these four belonged to a different, warmer time. They valued relationships. They acknowledged the storyteller.
In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.
A gym trainer in Hubballi was allegedly assaulted following a dispute related to his relationship with a girl. Police are investigating the incident and have refuted claims of 'love jihad'.
A gym trainer in Hubballi was allegedly assaulted following a dispute related to his relationship with a girl. Police are investigating the incident and allegations of 'love jihad'.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accuses the West Bengal government of openly facilitating infiltration, defends the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists, and asserts BJP's prospects in upcoming elections.
The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.
The family of Harish Rana, who was granted permission for passive euthanasia by the Supreme Court, immersed his ashes in the Ganga River, marking the end of a 13-year ordeal following a tragic accident.
A young woman who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela has accused a film director of misbehaving with minor girls and claims she and her husband are receiving death threats.
Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has accused the West Bengal government of deliberately withholding central allocations for social welfare projects, including Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana, impacting millions of citizens. He also criticised the state's handling of farmer support and public distribution systems.
Political observers said the announcement assumes significance as the state prepares for the assembly elections, with political parties stepping up outreach to various community groups.
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