The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.
Voting has commenced for the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote in 152 constituencies in Bengal and 5.73 crore voters in Tamil Nadu. Security measures are heightened to ensure free and fair polling.
A CID team visited the Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s central office in Kolkata as part of an investigation into alleged forged signatures of MLAs. The controversy, which involves a proposal for the Leader of Opposition, has triggered an unprecedented split within the party, with a rebel faction electing its own leader. TMC leaders prevented the CID from entering the premises, citing the absence of national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The CBI has arrested two individuals, Vikas Mishra and Golu Singh, in connection with the murder of Chandranath Rath, an aide to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Another accused, Gyanendra Pratap Singh alias Monu, has surrendered. The CBI is continuing its investigation into the high-profile case.
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.
A group, including the nephew of a Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister, allegedly caused a disturbance at a Mathura police station following a raid on an illegal mining operation. Police seized a JCB machine and tractor-trolleys, leading to an FIR for obstructing official duties and illegal mining, though the minister's nephew is not yet named. The minister's nephew denies the allegations, claiming the excavation was for an Amrit Sarovar project.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to establish a unit of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, to provide advanced cancer treatment locally. He also inaugurated a free cancer screening camp and urged public awareness about early detection and prevention, including a social movement against substance abuse.
BJP leader Nitin Nabin accuses the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government of altering West Bengal's demography by favouring infiltrators and neglecting the rights of the state's residents, promising to rectify the situation if the BJP comes to power.
The renewed rush comes days after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that West Bengal would aggressively implement a 'detect, delete and deport' policy against infiltrators.
Fresh political friction has erupted in Tamil Nadu following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony, where the Tamil Thai Valthu was once again played third during an official ceremony. This marks the third consecutive occasion where the Tamil anthem has been placed third in the protocol order, triggering fresh criticism and political reactions across the state regarding the government's failure to uphold regional ceremonial traditions.
BJP chief Nitin Nabin has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal of altering the state's demography by giving land rights to infiltrators and forcing residents to leave due to appeasement politics and lawlessness.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses political rivals of being BJP agents and promises to restore voting rights to disenfranchised citizens in West Bengal. He also criticises the BJP's poll promises and highlights the TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.
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.
BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismisses Rahul Gandhi's charge of a BJP-CPI(M) understanding in Kerala as baseless, asserting the NDA is competitive and criticising Congress's performance.
'Shivraj Chauhan is coming with a secret slip in which the next chief minister's name is mentioned, it will be known on Tuesday.'
The BJP and the Opposition have engaged in a war of words over the implementation of the women's reservation bill, which aims to reserve seats for women in legislatures. The bill was defeated in the Lower House, leading to accusations and counter-accusations between the parties.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the BJP's commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal within six months of assuming power, while also promising a Bengali chief minister.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held his first 'janata darbar' after assuming office, hearing people's demands and grievances at a BJP office in Kolkata.
The BJP has issued a three-line whip to its MPs, requiring their presence during the extended Budget session of Parliament, where amendments to the Women's Reservation Act are expected to be considered.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has shared a purported video of Humayun Kabir, alleging a BJP conspiracy to influence the West Bengal elections. The video claims Kabir discussed strategies to divert minority votes and received funds for the plan. The BJP has denied the allegations, while Kabir claims the video is AI-generated and threatens legal action.
A revenue official in Chhattisgarh has accused BJP MLA Ramkumar Toppo and his supporters of assault, following allegations of misbehaviour against the official by the MLA's cousin.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has accused the TMC of pursuing appeasement policies in West Bengal, urging voters to support a BJP government for inclusive governance and development.
A funeral in Ghazipur turned chaotic when a crowd allegedly pelted stones at police, injuring several personnel. The incident occurred during the funeral of Kamlesh Bind, a criminal killed in a police encounter, with locals alleging it was a fake encounter. Police have vowed strict action, including potential NSA charges, against those involved in the disturbance.
The EC also underlined that for electors whose enumeration forms have not returned, the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would identify a probable cause, such as absent, shifted, dead and duplicate entry based on an inquiry from the nearby electors and would note the same.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake beneficiaries of the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer programme from the previous government, also initiating a money laundering probe.
Police in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, have dismantled an illegal IPL betting racket, arresting several individuals including a local BJP leader. The operation was conducted at a closed house where bets worth lakhs of rupees were being placed on IPL matches.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee engaged in a war of words during election rallies, with Modi accusing the TMC of supporting divisive forces and Banerjee alleging the BJP plans to divide the state.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the BJP legislature party leader, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.
Police in Kerala have launched an investigation after an explosive was thrown at the residence of a BJP worker in Kathirur. Forensic experts are examining the explosive to determine its nature.
A special court in Bengaluru has convicted Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni and 16 others in the 2016 murder of BJP leader Yogesh Goudar, finding them guilty of criminal conspiracy and related offences. The court has also ordered perjury proceedings against multiple witnesses and directed the CBI to take the accused into custody.
West Bengal's Chief Minister has ordered a special investigation into alleged fake accounts linked to the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, a women's cash transfer initiative by the previous government, citing illegal cash transfers and men falsely claiming benefits.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has penned a new poem titled 'Girgiti' (Chameleon), which political observers believe carries a veiled message for leaders who have recently turned critical of the Trinamool Congress.
In south-eastern Kolkata's Patuli, hundreds of residents gathered outside the local police station to protest against Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta, who was arrested on Saturday evening, on charges, including extortion, criminal trespass, criminal intimidation and attempted arson.
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.
Political activity in Bihar is all set to intensify once the inauspicious kharmas period ends on April 14. Will Nitish Kumar pull another rabbit out of his hat? M I Khan reports.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Congress party of indirectly supporting the BJP in West Bengal, urging voters to reject them in the upcoming elections. He alleged a nexus between the Congress, BJP, and Left parties, claiming that votes for Congress would split the opposition and benefit the BJP.
The Punjab BJP held a state-level protest against the AAP government, demanding a CBI probe into the suicide of a warehousing corporation official who allegedly faced harassment from a state minister.
An explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh has triggered an investigation by the NIA, raising concerns about security and potential threats to party officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the BJP's 47th Foundation Day, highlighting the Uniform Civil Code and 'One Nation, One Election' as key unfinished agendas. He also reaffirmed the party's commitment to implementing women's reservation in the 2029 elections and criticised dynastic politics.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a public grievance redressal programme in Morni, Panchkula, ordering an FIR against a contractor for electricity delays and directing probes into other infrastructure issues. He emphasized timely resolution of public complaints related to electricity, water, roads, healthcare, and pensions, while also committing to improved road connectivity and upgrading health facilities in the region.
