The extent of doubts over the fairness of this election can be assessed by juxtaposing two figures: Total votes polled by the two principal parties and the number of people who were disallowed from voting this time, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.
The high-pitched campaign for the first phase of West Bengal assembly elections concluded with the BJP and TMC focusing on electoral rolls and dietary habits, while making promises to voters. Voting is scheduled in 152 constituencies across north Bengal and southern districts, with over 3.60 crore electors eligible to vote. A record number of Central paramilitary forces have been deployed, and several districts have been identified as highly sensitive.
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.
'The AIADMK will lose a lot of votes simply because it is aligned with the BJP.'
Jharkhand Governor Sibte Razi has in a letter to the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram recommended that the Centre move to impose President's Rule in the state.
The central government has demanded a response from the West Bengal government regarding alleged protocol violations during President Droupadi Murmu's recent visit, including issues with venue arrangements, route conditions, and the absence of key state officials.
...is a way out, notes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the Iran War. What the indefinite extension produces is a prolonged condition of not-war-not-peace, in which oil markets cannot stabilise, Asian refineries cannot plan, European governments cannot stop subsidising consumption they cannot afford, and the next flashpoint -- a seized tanker, a miscalculated drone strike, a Truth Social post that claims too much -- is one news cycle away.
The TMC has accused the BJP of instigating unrest in Malda, West Bengal, and criticised Prime Minister Modi for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding women's safety in the state. The BJP denies the allegations, asserting that the TMC is responsible for lawlessness.
India should not stay on the margins of this initiative. There should be a serious debate about what would be in India's best interests asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government's record on women's safety, alleging increased crimes and discrimination.
Only biological females, determined by gene screening, will be allowed at Olympic Games female events, says IOC.
The government on Monday ruled out imposition of President's rule in Andhra Pradesh, saying it was 'absolutely foolish' to even think about it.
Two people were killed and five others injured after a mob stormed a CRPF camp in Manipur's Bishnupur district following a protest against a bomb attack that killed two children.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.
Maharashtra NCP president Sunil Tatkare has acknowledged awareness of merger talks between his party and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP, while reaffirming the party's commitment to the BJP-led NDA alliance.
The father of a teenage girl found dead in the Ganga river in Katariya village has stated he does not want any politician to visit his home for political gain, amid allegations from opposition leaders that he is under duress.
Kerala's voters are sophisticated, educated, and unforgiving. They have once again made it clear that no government is entitled to remain in power. The Congress would do well to remember this, points out Ramesh Menon.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of a forest guard in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, who was killed during an operation targeting illegal sand mining. The incident has sparked a Supreme Court hearing and involves members of a political party.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of a forest guard in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, who was killed during an operation targeting illegal sand mining.
Close on the heels of Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh hinting at the possibility of President's rule in Uttar Pradesh, Bhartiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Yogi Adityanath on Saturday also ruled out the possibility of the formation of any popular government in the state. "Let me tell you that no political party will be in a position to form the government," the sadhu-turned-politician told reporters.
'Iran cannot trust the USA because it considers the USA to be Israel-controlled. And no, the IRGC is not going to accept anything else but major US concessions.'
Rajeswar is believed to have spoken to Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on telephone on Friday night to apprise him of the developments in the state.
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.
Violence erupted in Manipur's Bishnupur district following a bomb attack that killed two children and subsequent protest deaths at a CRPF camp. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted a government investigation.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is attempting to repair strained relations with the BCCI after pulling out of the T20 World Cup in India, seeking to revive India's white-ball tour in September.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched a strong attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her government of appeasement politics, encouraging illegal immigration for votes, and leading the state into misrule and corruption.
US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran have drawn strong condemnation from Democrat leaders, who are calling for his removal from office, while some Republicans express concern.
The Lok Sabha is debating an opposition resolution seeking the removal of Speaker Om Birla, citing alleged bias. The proceedings have been marked by heated arguments over who should preside during the debate.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee criticised the BJP's development record in Balurghat, alleging neglect despite the constituency having a BJP MP and MLA. He challenged the BJP to present a report card of their work and compared it unfavourably to the TMC government's initiatives.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expresses confidence in the UDF's victory in the Kerala assembly elections, attributing it to Rahul Gandhi's leadership and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment.
A Delhi court has taken cognisance of an Enforcement Directorate chargesheet against Robert Vadra in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Haryana's Shikohpur, summoning him to appear in court on May 16.
Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, focusing on the leak of victim videos and call detail records. She raised concerns about women's safety and potential political involvement.
The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its Guwahati Central candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police in connection with an election-related case. The AJP alleges the ruling BJP is using intimidation tactics due to Chowdhury's strong performance.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarifies the separation of powers between the legislature and executive branches following a directive to suspend a Satara Superintendent of Police. He emphasised that while the executive is accountable to the legislature, the legislature cannot assume the executive's role.
'They will have to adjust themselves to the new reality. Because if they don't understand this changed political perception, their future will be difficult.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the TMC of opposing the SIR exercise to protect its vote bank of infiltrators, alleging that unchecked illegal immigration under its rule in West Bengal has altered the demography of many areas.
Controversy escalates in Goa over alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, with protests and police complaints filed. The Congress demands the sacking of a minister, while the CM calls for maintaining communal harmony.
'EPS exposed all the traitors. The DMK has given them political asylum. They are political orphans.'
The Rajasthan High Court has revised its transgender reservation judgment, reaffirming the constitutional right to self-identify gender while addressing concerns about the 2026 Amendment Act's impact on transgender rights.
