Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to end 'goonda raj' and 'syndicate raj' in West Bengal if the BJP wins the state elections. He also pledged to identify and take action against infiltrators and stop cattle smuggling.
The BJP must respect Bengal's pluralistic ethos and with this historic mandate give the state the constructive change it truly deserves, expects Kolkata native Payal Singh Mohanka.
West Bengal's new government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has approved several key policy changes, including the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, land transfer for border fencing, and the adoption of new criminal laws.
India's Ganemat Sekhon is in contention for a finals berth at the ISSF World Cup Shotgun, while Mairaj Ahmad Khan had a disappointing outing.
The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Prisons and Correctional Services Bill, 2026, to modernise the prison system, and the Societies Registration (Punjab Amendment) Bill 2026, to enhance transparency and accountability of societies.
A Dalit bride in Rajasthan was forced to dismount from a mare during her wedding procession, sparking outrage and protests. The incident has led to demands for a fair investigation and action against those responsible.
Navneet Kaur's hat-trick led India to a 4-1 victory over Wales in a Pool B clash at the women's hockey World Cup Qualifiers, securing their position as table-toppers and a semifinal berth.
Local body elections in Haryana, including municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat, saw a 54.5 per cent voter turnout. Polling was held for mayor and ward councillor posts, with key contestants from BJP and Congress. The votes will be counted on May 13.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the state has secured investment proposals worth approximately Rs 50 trillion over the past nine years, attributing this economic revival to the enforcement of the rule of law and strategic policy changes. He affirmed UP's trajectory towards becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2029-30.
The electorate did not vote for the BJP as much as they voted against the TMC. This is an important distinction that the new government will ignore at its own peril, points out Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
The Indian U18 ice hockey team, led by Gurtej Singh Bhatti, is set to participate in the U18 Asia Cup in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from April 27 to May 3, according to the national federation.
Diksha Dagar will lead a strong Indian contingent at the inaugural MCB Ladies Classic Mauritius, joined by Tvesa Malik, Vani Kapoor, and Hitaashee Bakshi at the Legends Course.
Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister of Assam for a second consecutive term, along with four other ministers, marking the formation of the third successive NDA government in the state.
The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation demolished alleged illegal constructions at the residence and other properties of AIMIM corporator Matin Patel, who is accused of harbouring Nida Khan, wanted in connection with a TCS case.
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.
The Indian men's table tennis team rallied to defeat Slovakia 3-2 in a Group 7 match at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London.
India has expressed strong concerns over attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing its importance to India's energy and economic security. Ambassador Yojna Patel highlighted the need to respect international law and ensure the safety of seafarers, while also addressing broader Middle East issues including the situation in Gaza and Lebanon.
Self-proclaimed godman and astrologer Ashok Kharat has been remanded to judicial custody until May 12 in connection with an eighth case of sexual exploitation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is investigating a total of 12 cases of sexual exploitation and financial fraud registered against Kharat.
Suvendu Adhikari was sworn in as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising jobs for youths and an 'infiltrator-free' state if the BJP wins the assembly elections. He also pledged to restore industrial glory, end syndicate raj, and ensure women's safety.
Indian cricketers have dominated the Wisden Almanack 2026 awards, securing seven of the nine honours.
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.
A BJP government in Bengal inherits more problems than it might care to admit at its moment of triumph, points out Ramesh Menon
Vanshika Chaudhary and Chirag Sharma secured gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Cairo, boosting India's gold medal count to five. India leads the medal table with a total of 14 medals.
The first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections saw a record voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, the highest since Independence, according to the Chief Election Commissioner. Polling took place in 16 districts with women voters outnumbering men. The Election Commission attributed the high turnout to voter-friendly measures.
Aakarshi Kashyap of India successfully navigated the qualifying rounds of the Orleans Masters Super 300 badminton tournament, securing her place in the women's singles main draw. Meanwhile, other Indian players faced setbacks in their respective categories.
Sekar Patchai and Arthi emerged victorious in stand-up paddling at the Little Andaman Pro, while intense surfing action unfolded in the Men's and Women's Open categories.
The Supreme Court has permitted the NIA to file its charge sheet upon completion of the investigation into the incident in West Bengal where judicial officers were illegally confined by a mob.
Two women, accused of the 2016 murder and robbery of an elderly woman in Kannur, Kerala, have been arrested after nearly a decade on the run. The suspects were apprehended in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, following an extensive investigation by the Crime Branch.
Two women, accused of the 2016 murder and robbery of an elderly woman in Kannur, Kerala, have been arrested after nearly a decade on the run. The suspects, identified as Parveen Banu and Sakkeena Fathima, were apprehended in Madhya Pradesh after an extensive investigation by the Crime Branch.
India finished on top of the ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup in Cairo with a total of 16 medals, including five gold, six silver, and five bronze. Hemant Burman won silver in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions, and Zuhair Khan and Addya Katyal won bronze in the trap mixed team event.
Four policemen have been suspended and two home guards disengaged from service in Odisha following the lynching of a GRP constable. The crime branch is investigating the incident, which occurred after allegations of attempted sexual assault. Opposition parties have criticised the state government over the incident.
The Indian U-17 women's football team defeated Myanmar 3-2 in a friendly match, with substitutes playing a key role in the late comeback victory.
'If the Opposition associates itself too much with the minorities, then it becomes easy for the BJP to get Hindu consolidation votes.'
If West Bengal does not begin to reclaim its lost pride, the state would have lost -- perhaps irreversibly, this time, notes Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
Authorities have implemented heightened security measures at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, including increased police presence, anti-drone systems, and holding areas to prevent stampedes.
Ahmedabad police have announced comprehensive security measures for the India-New Zealand T20 World Cup final, including over 3,000 police personnel, home guards, and anti-drone systems.
India face Vietnam in their opening match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, with concerns over India's lack of international game time.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has vowed strict action against law violators to curb the drug menace in the state, citing a recent drug bust involving a TDP MP and a former BRS MLA. He emphasised that the government will not spare anyone, regardless of their status, and highlighted the establishment of the EAGLE FORCE to combat drug-related crimes.
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.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances