Elections

The Election Commission suspended all polling staff at a booth in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur after they allegedly left it unattended during voting hours. A reserve team was deployed, and an inquiry ordered while polling continued in the constituency

The Enforcement Directorate told the Supreme Court that West Bengal authorities obstructed its probe into a ₹2,700-crore coal scam, alleging CM Mamata Banerjee’s involvement. It sought a CBI inquiry, while the court questioned the maintainability of the plea under Article 32

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, campaigning in West Bengal, asserted BJP would form the government with a full majority and claimed it would eliminate infiltration. He also accused CM Mamata Banerjee of dynastic politics and urged voters to support BJP in upcoming phases

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded unusually high voter turnout, reaching 89.93% and 82.24% respectively by 5 PM, according to the Election Commission. Both states surpassed 2021 figures amid strong voter participation, with polling seen as largely unaffected by controversies

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence that TMC is poised to win after high voter turnout in the first phase of assembly polls. She also claimed opposition unity to challenge the BJP nationally, focusing on ending its rule in Delhi

A voter in Chennai’s Mylapore constituency alleged her name was wrongly deleted from the electoral rolls despite completing verification steps, preventing her from voting. She accused officials of poor grievance handling and questioned the Election Commission’s process during roll revision

Tamil Nadu recorded around 70% voter turnout till 3 p.m. during Assembly elections, though polling was marred by an incident where a police constable was stabbed inside a booth in Mayiladuthurai. Despite this, voting remained largely peaceful across the state

The Calcutta High Court strongly criticised the Election Commission’s restrictions on bike movement before Bengal polls, calling them excessive and potentially abusive of power. The court questioned the justification and asked for evidence, while EC will file an affidavit explaining its decision

Voter turnout reached 78.77% in West Bengal and 70% in Tamil Nadu as of 3 p.m. during ongoing Assembly elections, with strong public participation, long queues at booths, and hundreds of complaints filed with the Election Commission amid multi-phase polling

PM Narendra Modi, campaigning in West Bengal, announced a “10-point guarantee” for women, promising financial aid, safety measures, education support, and welfare schemes if BJP wins. He also attacked TMC over women’s safety, corruption, and accused opposition of blocking the Women’s Reservation Bill

Rohit Pawar said no one in Baramati wants a “Pawar vs Pawar” contest in 2029, alleging some political groups are pushing it to weaken the family’s legacy. He commented amid ongoing bypolls and internal NCP factional tensions in Maharashtra

A three-generation family of 14 in Chennai voted together at Stella Maris College during the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, continuing a family tradition to promote civic participation. They described voting as a shared celebration of democracy and responsibility across generations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Election Commission for largely peaceful first-phase polling in West Bengal, highlighting high voter turnout and enthusiasm. He criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, alleging misgovernance and corruption, while expressing confidence in BJP’s victory in the ongoing Assembly elections

A Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam worker was arrested in Tirupattur for secretly recording a vote inside a polling booth and sharing it online. Election officials acted on CCTV evidence, citing violation of voting secrecy rules during Tamil Nadu Assembly elections

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections saw newlywed couples voting in wedding attire, symbolising civic participation. Polling across 234 constituencies recorded steady turnout as voters chose between major alliances including DMK and AIADMK, alongside emerging parties in a closely contested electoral battle

Murshidabad witnessed tension as Humayun Kabir accused Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress of bribing candidates. Protests erupted at a polling booth, prompting central forces’ intervention amid allegations of political intimidation during ongoing Assembly elections

Chennai saw high-profile participation as Rajinikanth, Soundarya Rajinikanth and other film stars voted in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Celebrities joined citizens across 234 constituencies, reflecting strong turnout in a tightly contested poll with thousands of candidates

Kolkata witnessed an scene as an elephant entered a polling station queue in Jhargram before West Bengal’s first phase elections, briefly alarming voters. Forest officials safely removed the animal, restoring order, while voting proceeded under heavy security across 152 constituencies

Trinamool Congress accused Central forces in Nandigram of assaulting and intimidating villagers during election-related activity, alleging BJP misuse of CRPF. The party lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, demanding action, suspension of personnel, and measures to prevent further incidents

In Tamil Nadu, over 5.73 crore voters will decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in Assembly polls. DMK and AIADMK lead a high-stakes contest amid tight security and voter turnout efforts

Election Commission of India imposed strict restrictions on motorcycle movement in West Bengal ahead of April 23 polls, banning rallies, limiting riding hours, and regulating pillion use to ensure voter safety and prevent election-related intimidation.

Edappadi K Palaniswami announced 10 new welfare promises, expanding the party manifesto to 307 pledges for Tamil Nadu elections, including subsidies for youth, farmer support, women safety “war rooms,” MSME reforms, and accident compensation schemes

Election Commission of India directed officials in Kerala to avoid opening strong rooms before counting day after reports from Kozhikode and Palakkad, while opposition leaders alleged procedural violations and demanded scrutiny ahead of the May 4 election results

Mallikarjun Kharge accused PM Narendra Modi of “terrorising” opposition using central agencies, alleging bias in the Election Commission and attacking policies on reservation and delimitation during a Chennai press briefing alongside KC Venugopal