The Bharatiya Janata Party has surged past the halfway mark in the West Bengal assembly elections, leading in 185 seats against the Trinamool Congress's 91, signalling a potential political shift in the state. Early trends suggest a geographically split mandate, with the BJP gaining in border, tribal, and industrial regions, while the TMC holds ground in parts of Kolkata and select rural strongholds.
The Chaurabasti area of Shivpur turned into a flashpoint of political violence on Thursday as supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reportedly engaged in a violent face-off.
The driver of the car targeted in the attack that killed a BJP leader's aide is in critical condition in a Kolkata hospital, having sustained bullet injuries and undergone multiple surgeries.
Polling for West Bengal's remaining 142 assembly seats will be held in the second phase on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Former Australia captain Allan Border rang the iconic Eden Gardens bell ahead of Match No. 28 of the Indian Premier League 2026 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in Kolkata on April 19, 2026.
The Election Commission has announced a stringent security plan for the second phase of the West Bengal assembly polls, ensuring voters can exercise their franchise without fear. Security personnel will be deployed constituency-wise, and area domination exercises will be stepped up in sensitive neighbourhoods. CCTV cameras will be installed at every polling station, and central forces will remain deployed at booths.
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.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with counting agents to ensure there are no lapses during the vote counting process.
Under the TMC, Bengal has seen expansion of welfare, but not big-ticket private investment.
Sweet shops across West Bengal are preparing themed sweets in anticipation of the election results, reflecting the charged political atmosphere.
West Bengal Police are investigating the murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The police are examining CCTV footage, have formed multiple teams to trace the assailants, and are probing whether contract killers were involved.
The Election Commission has deployed 432 counting observers across all 294 assembly constituencies in West Bengal to ensure transparent and smooth counting of votes. Several districts have been assigned additional observers in view of their sensitivity and electoral significance. Enforcement agencies have carried out extensive seizure drives during the election period to curb illegal inducements, with total seizures valued at approximately Rs 561 crore.
Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in Howrah and Haroa areas of West Bengal in the run-up to the second phase of polling. Clashes broke out between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters in Howrah, while a police sub-inspector was injured in Haroa during a clash between TMC and ISF supporters.
TMC leader Mamata Banerjee has criticised the BJP's victory in the West Bengal state elections, calling it 'immoral' and alleging that the mandate in over 100 seats was 'looted'. She also criticised the Election Commission's role.
West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.
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.
Five BJP supporters were injured in a bomb blast in Panihati, West Bengal, following the shooting of a BJP leader's aide. Police are investigating the incident and have increased security in the area.
Sunil Narine reflects on his match-winning Super Over for Kolkata Knight Riders, saying "you have no choice" in clutch moments as KKR beat Lucknow Super Giants.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations in West Bengal as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged Public Distribution System (PDS) scam.
The Trinamool Congress government's massive defeat in West Bengal shows "deep anti-incumbency and unpopularity" as out of 35 ministers who contested the assembly elections, 22 have been defeated, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency.
TMC workers allege that cars bearing the BJP's flag were allowed entry to the compound where EVMs are kept, a day ahead of the counting of votes in West Bengal. The Election Commission has denied any irregularities.
Axar Patel criticised the Delhi Capitals' batting and bowling performances after their defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, which has significantly impacted their IPL 2026 playoff chances. He hinted at potential team changes for the next season.
Tickets for the semi-finals and final of the T20 World Cup went on sale on Tuesday with the ICC promising that if matches are forced out of Kolkata and Ahmedabad due to Pakistan's qualification.
Ajinkya Rahane's decision to bat first in rain-hit conditions draws criticism after KKR lose early wickets against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.
Outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a meeting of newly-elected MLAs of her party and stated she will not resign from her post in the wake of assembly poll results and the Centre can dismiss her.
Kolkata Knight Riders ended Sunrisers Hyderabad's five-match winning streak with a dominant seven-wicket win in Hyderabad, powered by a clinical bowling display and a composed chase led by Angkrish Raghuvanshi.
Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal, with significant implications for regional and national parties.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the TMC government in West Bengal, alleging the closure of numerous industries and a decline in the state's cultural and economic status.
Shah Rukh Khan waves to fans at Eden Gardens as rain forces KKR vs PBKS IPL match to be called off, with both teams sharing points.
West Bengal Police are investigating the murder of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, and have formed multiple teams to trace the assailants.
West Bengal Police are investigating the murder of a close aide to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Chandranath Rath, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The police are examining CCTV footage, have formed multiple teams to trace the assailants, and are probing whether contract killers were involved.
Kolkata Knight Riders are considering giving Matheesha Pathirana his debut in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, according to bowling coach Tim Southee. Pathirana has been with the team for two weeks after recovering from a calf injury. The decision hinges on team balance and conditions, with KKR aiming to win the Powerplay against SRH's strong batting line-up.
Heavy rain and hailstorms battered Guwahati on Tuesday evening, casting a serious doubt on the IPL match between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against entities being probed in connection with the money laundering case against Kolkata-based real estate company Merlin Group and others. The action follows previous raids on April 8 and focuses on alleged financial links between the company and West Bengal politicians and officials.
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
Sunrisers Hyderabad's Abhishek Sharma has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and received a demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant praised Mukul Choudhary for his match-winning knock against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Despite recent gains, the BJP-led NDA is unlikely to achieve a two-thirds majority in the Rajya Sabha in the near future, highlighting the challenges in passing key legislation requiring constitutional amendments.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant delivered a dominant attacking performance to secure a 5-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Kolkata derby of the Indian Super League.
Punjab Police have arrested a shooter allegedly involved in the murder of kabaddi promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria, from Agartala, Tripura.
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