Elections

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

Amit Shah, at a Salboni rally in West Bengal, accused CM Mamata Banerjee of protecting infiltrators and alleged her associate’s Babri Masjid remarks, while promising action on corruption and proposing a Uniform Civil Code

Mamata Banerjee asserted at a Haldia rally that the TMC will win a fourth term and criticised the BJP-led NDA, while accusing it of corruption and calling for opposition unity ahead of the upcoming West Bengal elections

Income Tax Department told the Madras High Court of inconsistencies in Udhayanidhi Stalin’s 2021 and 2026 poll affidavits, citing mismatched investments, loans, and disclosures, while noting limited verification due to incomplete records and filings

The Enforcement Directorate summoned Nusrat Jahan in a ration scam probe ahead of West Bengal polls. She has been asked to appear for questioning as political tensions rise, with Trinamool alleging central agency misuse

ED scrutiny of I-PAC over alleged money laundering sparks political controversy in West Bengal. Trinamool Congress defends its role in campaigns, while critics call it a “shadow setup”. The probe intensifies ahead of Assembly elections, raising questions on influence and funding

A Congress-led United Democratic Front alleged strongroom tampering at Vellimadukunnu in Kozhikode, but election officials clarified that only a separate materials room was opened during routine inspection, confirming that Electronic Voting Machine strongrooms remained secure

Arvind Kejriwal praised M K Stalin and said they share a common vision for education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment, appreciating Tamil Nadu’s governance while campaigning for the DMK-led alliance in Chennai ahead of the April 23 elections

Rahul Gandhi accused AIADMK of aligning with the BJP due to corruption, calling it a gateway for expansion in Tamil Nadu, while defending federalism and backing the DMK-Congress alliance ahead of the April 23 polls

Mamata Banerjee alleged selective targeting of Trinamool Congress workers ahead of West Bengal polls, accusing central agencies and the Election Commission of India of bias, while claiming attempts to influence arrests, EVM handling, and campaign operations

The Supreme Court of India refused a “fishing inquiry” into alleged addition of 5–7 lakh voters in West Bengal electoral rolls, urging challenges through proper legal process while reviewing related Special Intensive Revision (SIR) petitions ahead of upcoming Assembly elections

Udhayanidhi Stalin campaigned in Chennai urging voters to defeat the “slave alliance” and support the DMK-led SPA in the April 23 elections, alleging the Bharatiya Janata Party caused a financial crisis in the state

The Election Commission of India ordered a 48-hour ‘Dry Day’ in poll-bound West Bengal and Tamil Nadu under the Representation of the People Act, restricting liquor sales to ensure free, fair elections and prevent voter influence

M. K. Stalin condemned an Income Tax raid on K. Selvaperunthagai in Chennai, alleging political targeting by the Centre, while the Congress leader claimed unlawful detention, escalating tensions ahead of crucial Assembly election campaigning

Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that Bharatiya Janata Party will win a clear majority in West Bengal elections, citing alleged misrule by Trinamool Congress, while urging voters for change ahead of the two-phase polling schedule

Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed the Bharatiya Janata Party will form government in West Bengal with “100% certainty” ahead of Assembly elections. He also criticised opposition parties amid debates over women’s reservation legislation and election reforms

Konthoujam Govindas Singh said additional CAPF troops will return after elections in West Bengal and other states. He urged peace amid shutdown calls following ethnic violence and assured security, relief measures, and compensation for recent incidents

Rajnath Singh said India does not provoke others but will firmly respond to attacks, referring to Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror incident. Speaking in Tamil Nadu, he backed BJP ahead of April 23 Assembly polls