For over a decade, the TMC's dominance in districts such as Murshidabad, Malda and Uttar Dinajpur rested on a near-complete consolidation of Muslim votes, a bloc that accounts for 50 per cent or more of the population in large parts of this belt.
JCD Prabhakar of the TVK party has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay emphasised the Assembly's role in transforming public expectations into effective policies and laws.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Punjab Industries Minister Sanjeev Arora in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged fake GST purchases and round-tripping of funds. Raids were conducted at multiple locations, and Arora was taken into custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This follows previous actions against Arora and other politically connected individuals in Punjab.
Senior NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil has criticised the Maharashtra government over farmer suicides and crimes against women, alleging widespread corruption within the ruling alliance.
'What we are witnessing is a massive anti-incumbency wave that has cut across all social and political divides.'
Exit polls suggest significant shifts in Indian state assembly elections, forecasting BJP gains in West Bengal and Assam, a DMK comeback in Tamil Nadu, and a tight race in Kerala.
'Even if they align with the TVK now, I don't think the AIADMK leadership will completely surrender to the dominance of Vijay.'
Legal experts suggest West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should resign following her party's defeat in the assembly elections, or face potential dismissal by the governor.
The Supreme Court of India has issued a series of nationwide guidelines aimed at improving road safety on national highways, addressing issues such as illegal parking and accident blackspots.
Suvendu Adhikari's journey from a key figure in the Trinamool Congress to a leading BJP challenger in West Bengal is a remarkable transformation. His victories, particularly against Mamata Banerjee, have positioned him as a potential chief minister, marking a significant shift in the state's political dynamics.
'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.
'The BJP successfully merged governance with identity. That's a powerful combination in Assam's political context.'
Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, a historic venue for political rallies and demonstrations, is set to host the swearing-in ceremony of Bengal's first BJP government, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. The ground has been a stage for political heavyweights and pivotal moments in Bengal's history.
Karan Johar made a significant impact at the Meta Gala 2026 in New York, donning a stunning 30 kilo, Ravi Raja Varma-themed costume designed by Manish Malhotra.
At the Vogue Met Gala pre-party held in New York City, Isha Ambani and Manish Malhotra served a masterclass in how to take Indian craftsmanship global without losing its soul.
In Puducherry, where constituencies have fewer than 30,000 electors on average, it is usual for N Rangaswamy to call out people he knows by name during his roadside election meetings.
Courts cannot be the only hope for those fighting hate speech. Countering its effects on the ground takes more effort. With our political parties unwilling to put in that amount of effort, it's left to citizens to do so, points out Jyoti Punwani.
The central bank is yet to consider actions such as a rate hike or mobilising dollar inflows from non-resident Indians to boost forex reserves as it cannot afford to continue with them for long when the rupee's internationalisation tops its agenda, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.
The Aam Aadmi Party has petitioned for the disqualification of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who defected to the BJP, citing violation of the anti-defection law and betrayal of the people's mandate.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering investigation. Raids were carried out at multiple locations, including Arora's residence and business premises, following a new case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Congress party has alleged that the death of a party worker in Asansol, West Bengal, was a political murder, while police say it was the result of an altercation over car parking.
Two explosions near defence establishments in Punjab have triggered security concerns.
The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.
Several incidents of post-poll violence have been reported across West Bengal, with tension escalating in various districts following the recent assembly elections. Clashes between political party supporters have led to injuries, arrests, and heightened security measures.
Four individuals have been booked for allegedly assaulting a shopkeeper in Bhiwandi, Thane district, after he declined to attend a Holi party with them.
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.
The Enforcement Directorate conducted fresh searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering investigation.
The Indian National Congress has strongly condemned the air strike by Pakistan that hit a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in a high number of casualties. The party calls for global rejection of such acts of barbarism and expresses solidarity with the Afghan people.
Two explosions near security establishments in Punjab have triggered panic and condemnation from opposition parties, who allege efforts to destabilise the state. The blasts occurred in Jalandhar and Amritsar, with investigations underway. No injuries were reported.
Amid the arithmetic of subsidies, consumption and capacity, whichever government assumes office in Tamil Nadu after May 4 is likely to inherit a growing debate over how far the state can continue to expand welfare promises without placing additional strain on public finances and the power sector.
TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest alleging irregular activities inside a strongroom housing EVMs in West Bengal, following concerns raised by Mamata Banerjee regarding EVM security.
Political parties in West Bengal react to the Election Commission's reshuffle of senior administrative and police officials ahead of upcoming elections, with TMC criticising the move and BJP and CPI(M) welcoming it.
One of the standout stories of the TVK victory was that of 30-year-old R Sabarinathan, the son of Vijay's driver from Virugambakkam.
Exit polls predict a BJP victory in Assam and an edge in West Bengal, a DMK government in Tamil Nadu, and a Congress-led UDF comeback in Kerala.
'Narendra Modi -- a man with deep and vital experience of Indian politics -- has seen the BJP lose many elections between 1975 and 2015, and with every defeat, he learned lessons that made sure he would never allow his party to be defeated so easily again.'
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches against Punjab industries minister Sanjeev Arora and others allegedly linked to him as part of a money laundering case investigation.
A Delhi court has ordered the confiscation of several properties belonging to UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, following his declaration as a fugitive in a money laundering case.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement a legislative ban on the sale of cigarettes to individuals born on or after January 1, 2009, aiming to create a smoke-free generation in India.
Opposition parties have submitted a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking a motion for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing concerns over the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
As results of the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry are declared, here's how the big names fared.
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