'He worked over time to become the natural claimant,' a senior UDF leader observed. 'Others had organisational stature, but Satheesan had momentum.' For the Congress, it may signal the beginning of a new leadership template -- one where performance, communication and grassroots credibility increasingly outweigh inherited power structures in deciding who leads the party into its next phase.
Voting has commenced in 142 constituencies for the second and final phase of the West Bengal assembly elections, with significant security measures in place. The outcome will determine whether the TMC maintains its dominance or if the BJP can gain ground in the state.
A junior engineer in the Power Development Department in Jammu was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for accepting a bribe of Rs 75,000.
A police inspector and constable in Udgir, Latur district, Maharashtra, have been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 45,000. The officers are accused of demanding money to refrain from taking action against the complainant's brother-in-law in a case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the TMC's governance in West Bengal is nearing its end, citing corruption and unfulfilled promises. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to development and security, particularly for the fisherfolk and against infiltration.
The Supreme Court has refused to quash a CBI FIR against Lalu Prasad Yadav in the land-for-jobs case, but granted him exemption from appearing before the trial court during proceedings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the TMC's rule in West Bengal is nearing its end, citing corruption and unfulfilled promises. He also pledged support for the fisherfolk and a zero-tolerance policy for infiltrators.
A police assistant sub-inspector in Khargone district, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested by Lokayukta officials for accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000. The officer had allegedly demanded money to settle a case.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid and subsequent arrest of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, calling it a politically motivated act by the BJP-led central government. AAP leaders allege the BJP is misusing central agencies to suppress opposition voices and destabilise the AAP government in Punjab.
Randhir Singh, a prominent figure in Indian sports and the Olympic movement, has died at the age of 79. He was known for his contributions as an athlete, administrator, and advocate for Indian sports on the international stage.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has seized Rs 1.4 crore and incriminating documents during raids related to money laundering against suspended Punjab Police DIG H S Bhullar and his associates.
A Delhi Police constable with a criminal history and six others have been arrested for the robbery of Rs 50 lakh in Delhi's Azad Market area. Police recovered most of the stolen money.
The campaign for the current election cycle ended on Monday as canvassing for the final phase in West Bengal concluded with a bitter war of words between rival parties over cross-border infiltration, corruption, unemployment and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of corruption and land grabbing, promising action if the Congress party wins the upcoming elections in Assam. Gandhi also criticised the BJP's governance and economic policies.
Punjab Minister Aman Arora has accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of defaming him by linking his name to recent raids in a money laundering probe. Arora alleges the BJP-led Centre is running a politically motivated campaign to malign him and has offered full cooperation with any inquiry.
Former West Bengal minister Sujit Bose has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged municipality recruitment scam.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Jangipur, West Bengal, promising to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and addressing concerns about infiltration and demographic changes in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of favouring infiltrators over the native population in West Bengal, asserting that the upcoming assembly election is a battle to save the state's identity.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the BJP and RSS for undermining the Constitution and accused the TMC of failing to provide jobs in West Bengal during recent rallies.
The Enforcement Directorate has opposed Robert Vadra's petition in the Delhi High Court, challenging a trial court order that summoned him in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Haryana's Shikohpur.
Suvendu Adhikari's rise within the BJP in West Bengal has been marked by strategic victories and relentless opposition to the TMC, culminating in his leadership role within the party's legislative wing.
Social activist Anna Hazare has criticised Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha for allegedly leaving the Aam Aadmi Party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, stating that such political switching for personal interests goes against constitutional values.
The Congress party in Maharashtra has accused senior police officials, including an IPS officer, of involvement in a multi-crore bogus call centre racket and is demanding a high-level investigation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of 'maha jungleraj' following an incident in Malda where judicial officers were allegedly held hostage. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', promising accountability for alleged atrocities and a focus on development.
Police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have booked 12 district administration employees for allegedly issuing fraudulent disability certificates to 14 individuals without proper medical examinations. A separate case involves retired health department employees accused of siphoning funds through fake medical reimbursement claims.
An accountant in Uttarakhand's Almora district was arrested by the Vigilance Department for accepting a bribe to release funds for a toilet construction project.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that her leadership has led to the weakening of the state's institutions. The remarks follow Banerjee's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on Jadavpur University.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticised the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, citing the Malda incident as evidence of lawlessness and accusing the party of 'maha jungleraj'. He framed the upcoming elections as a battle between the TMC's 'fear' and the BJP's 'trust', addressing issues such as infiltration, corruption, and demographic change.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a CBI investigation into the Rs 590-crore IDFC First Bank fraud case, emphasising the government's zero-tolerance approach to wrongdoing. The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had previously investigated the case, arresting several individuals, including ex-IDFC First Bank employees. The alleged fraud involved the diversion of Haryana government funds intended for fixed deposits.
The Jerusalem District Court has postponed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled testimony in his ongoing corruption trial due to security and diplomatic considerations, as requested by the defence.
Police in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against 12 employees for allegedly issuing fake disability certificates to 14 beneficiaries without proper medical examination. A separate case involves retired health employees siphoning funds through fraudulent medical claims.
The Himachal Pradesh government has ordered a fresh probe into alleged irregularities in the Chester Hills housing project following pressure from the BJP, who claim the government initially tried to suppress the case.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur believes PM Modi's purchase of 'jhalmuri' in Jhargram will influence the West Bengal Assembly polls, contrasting it with CM Mamata Banerjee's actions. He also criticised the TMC government for blocking central schemes and failing to ensure women's safety.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a roadshow in Kharagpur Sadar, West Bengal, attracting large crowds and highlighting the BJP's campaign efforts in the region ahead of the assembly elections.
Following a significant defeat to the BJP, Trinamool Congress leaders are openly criticising the party leadership, citing mismanagement and lack of support as key factors in the election outcome.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the TMC of sheltering goons who torture women and promised citizenship to refugees in West Bengal. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to women's security by giving poll tickets to victims of violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate wants to build a Babri Masjid in the state.
The CBI arrested two middlemen and another person in a Rs 13-lakh bribery case involving senior officers of the Punjab Vigilance department, following a late-night raid and chase.
Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty has criticised former DGPs R Sreelekha and T P Senkumar for their alleged adverse remarks against the police, questioning the timing and appropriateness of their statements.
Rajasthan Anti-Corruption Bureau arrests a station house officer and a constable in Udaipur for allegedly accepting an Rs 8 lakh bribe to avoid naming complainants in registered cases.