States

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

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

Delhi Police arrested Rahul Meena for rape and murder of 22-year-old IRS officer’s daughter in Amar Colony. Investigation using stolen phone, hotel Wi-Fi, Instagram chats and CCTV tracked him to Dwarka hotel. Victim was strangled; accused also committed robbery case

Man killed wife in Korba Chhattisgarh, beheaded her after domestic dispute allegedly under alcohol influence, then roamed village carrying severed head before surrendering to police. Accused arrested, weapon seized, investigation and post-mortem underway, police said. officials confirmed case details ongoing

The Bombay High Court discharged four accused in the 2006 Malegaon blasts case, criticising National Investigation Agency for ignoring evidence. Contradictory probe findings left the case unresolved, with no clear accountability for the deadly explosions

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

Mumbai Police arrested a woman cricketer, her brother, and an associate in a sextortion case involving a businessman. The accused allegedly extorted over Rs 63 lakh through threats of leaking private chats. Arrests followed coordinated operations in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir

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

Tej Pratap Yadav met strategist Prashant Kishor in Bihar to discuss state politics and public expectations after his RJD exit. The meeting, shared online, hints at possible political realignments, though Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party remains opposed to alliances

The Supreme Court upheld denial of child maintenance after DNA test proved the respondent was not the biological father, ruling scientific evidence overrides legal presumption of legitimacy, while directing welfare assessment of the child by Delhi government authorities