States

Mamata Banerjee warned against “divisive forces” in the ongoing West Bengal polls, accusing opponents of trying to weaken the state from Delhi, and urged voters to defend identity, development, and democratic rights through their mandate

At a rally, Narendra Modi vowed strict action in the R.G. Kar case, targeting Trinamool Congress, and promised accountability, women’s safety, and jobs if Bharatiya Janata Party forms government in West Bengal

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting advised ZEE5 not to release Lawrence of Punjab, citing law-and-order concerns raised by Punjab Police, after a petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court warned against glorifying gangster culture

The Supreme Court of India declined to hear a plea by West Bengal poll officers over deleted voter names, directing them to appellate tribunals, while reaffirming that voting rights depend on successful appeals in disputes linked to electoral roll revisions

The Supreme Court of India refused to stay a Jharkhand High Court order transferring a probe against Enforcement Directorate officials to the Central Bureau of Investigation, allowing the CBI to continue its investigation into assault allegations

The Kerala High Court directed the Election Commission of India to clarify if extra arrangements can help voters who missed postal ballots, amid concerns of disenfranchisement due to delays and a limited voting window affecting polling personnel

The Gauhati High Court rejected anticipatory bail of Pawan Khera in a case linked to allegations against Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife. Court cited serious charges; detailed judgment awaited as investigation continues

Bengal and Tamil Nadu recorded record voter turnout in Assembly polls amid clashes, attacks on candidates and intense political rivalry. While Bengal neared 92 per cent and Tamil Nadu crossed 84 per cent, counting is scheduled for May 4

Sunetra Pawar faces a crucial test in selecting the NCP candidate for Maharashtra Legislative Council polls amid internal pressure and factional loyalties. The decision is seen as key to asserting her leadership and balancing competing interests within the party

The Delhi High Court sought a response from Himayani Puri on an activist’s plea challenging a gag order over social media posts linking her to Jeffrey Epstein. The court will hear both sides together, as she alleges a malicious defamation campaign

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

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

A major road accident in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, killed 11 people when a truck collided with multiple vehicles, causing an SUV fire. PM Modi and other leaders expressed grief, announced compensation for victims, and wished speedy recovery for the injured

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

A 37-year-old man from Kannur, Kerala, died of suspected heatstroke after collapsing during outdoor work. Amid an ongoing heatwave, authorities have urged people to avoid midday exposure and take precautions. This is believed to be the state’s first heatstroke death this year

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