'BJP workers entering Assam in hordes to cast votes,' alleges Cong's Gaurav Gogoi

Assam BJP condemns Congress remarks at Nilambazar rally, calls them 'insult to Hindu beliefs'

The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks made by Congress leaders during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which it described as an insult to Hindu beliefs and Sanatan civilisation.

In a statement, BJP spokesperson Pranjal Kalita said, "in a desperate attempt to appease a particular vote bank, the Congress party has stooped to the extent of targeting the sacred symbols of Sanatan civilisation."

"The Assam Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party strongly condemns the deeply offensive and irresponsible remarks made during an election rally on April 6 at Nilambazar in Sribhumi district, which amounted to an outright insult to Hindu beliefs and traditions. While Congress leaders repeatedly claim to uphold the Constitution, their actions blatantly contradict the very spirit of constitutional freedom and respect for all faiths. The recent demand by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to ban RSS-BJP not only reflects political intolerance but also exposes the intellectual bankruptcy within the party's top leadership," the statement said.

"Sanatan civilisation has always revered nature and its elements, including animals and living beings, as sacred. However, in a calculated attempt to polarise voters, Congress has tried to portray even the sacred ornaments of Lord Shiva as harmful, thereby hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees. Such statements are not only condemnable but also dangerous for social harmony," it added.

Campaigning ends for assembly polls in Assam, Keralam, Puducherry; leaders make last-ditch efforts to woo voters

Campaigning ended for the high-stakes political battles in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry on Tuesday as leaders across political parties sought to woo voters through a series of promises and made strong attacks on their political opponents.

Voting for 126 seats in Assam, 140 in Keralam, and 30 in Puducherry will be conducted in a single phase on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister JP Nadda, BJP chief Nitin Nabin and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were among leaders who held rallies in poll-bound states to shore up prospects of their candidates.

In Kerala, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is seeking a third successive term. The LDF created a record in 2021 as it retained the southern state which has seen power alternating between the coalitions led by CPI(M) and Congress.

Having missed the bus in 2021, the Congress-led United Democratic Front is hopeful of winning the assembly polls riding on its promises and what its leaders call a "yearning for change".

The elections are also crucial for the Left front as Kerala is the only state where it is in power, having been squeezed in Tripura and West Bengal. The BJP, which has been gaining vote share in the state, is also hopeful of its prospects in the southern state.

Vijay's dual nominations cleared after affidavit corrections as initial discrepancies trigger row

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has successfully secured acceptance of his nomination papers from both Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, following the submission of revised affidavits to address discrepancies.

Vijay had originally filed his nomination from Perambur at Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College in Vyasarpadi on March 30, and later submitted papers for Tiruchirappalli East on April 2.

However, scrutiny of his affidavits revealed inconsistencies that quickly became a talking point in political and social circles.

In his Tiruchirappalli East nomination, Vijay had declared two criminal cases against him. In contrast, the affidavit submitted for Perambur stated that no criminal cases were pending.

Additionally, his age was listed differently in the two filings -- 52 years in Perambur and 51 years in Tiruchirappalli East -- raising questions about the accuracy of the submissions.

The discrepancies sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some observers suggesting that the Perambur nomination could face rejection if corrections were not made promptly.

Puducherry assembly polls: Din and bustle of electioneering ends in Pondy

Political parties and their candidates made a frantic, last-ditch effort to woo the electorate as curtains fell on the campaign for the Puducherry assembly polls on Tuesday.

Candidates spent the day criss-crossing the union territory to make their last appeals before the 6 pm deadline, with vehicles fluttering party flags and loudspeakers blaring campaign songs through the streets of their constituencies.

Promises and assurances were made through the public address system by party men during the campaign. Demand for statehood was a common refrain in the poll propaganda of almost all parties.

A total of 294 candidates, including independents, are in the fray. Puducherry and its outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam together have 30 Assembly seats. Besides major political parties, newly floated parties are also in the fray.

The NDA comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK and LJK faces a challenge from the INDIA bloc comprising the Congress, DMK and the VCK.

While the NDA is fighting to retain its 'double engine' governance, the opposition bloc is making a push to regain power in the union territory, focusing on issues of local autonomy and administrative friction.

Congress alliance to form govt in Assam with majority: Kharge

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted that the opposition alliance will form a government in Assam by winning around 73 seats of 126 assembly constituencies in the upcoming elections.

Addressing a press meet here, he described Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the "most corrupt" in India and sought comments from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on this.

"The Congress-led alliance is going to form the next government in Assam. We will win 72-73 seats," Kharge claimed.

The Congress survey team has given feedback from the ground that the opposition alliance will surely form the government, he claimed.

When asked if the party's state chief Gaurav Gogoi will become the CM if the Congress-led alliance forms government, Kharge said: "Our party policy is that all the elected MLAs will sit and decide their leader. They forward their choice to the high command, which will announce the CM."

Alliance partners Assam Jatiya Parishad president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi have announced multiple times in election rallies that Gogoi will be the CM from the opposition bloc.

'BJP workers from other states entering Assam in hordes to cast votes,' alleges Cong's Gaurav Gogoi

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Tuesday alleged that BJP workers from other states have entered the state in large numbers to exercise their franchise in the Assembly elections.

Talking to reporters during a roadshow in Jorhat, where he is making his Assembly election debut, Gogoi said, "Like I had said earlier, BJP workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are coming to Assam in hundreds. Their names had been included in the electoral rolls, and they will now vote. Will we tolerate it? Will they decide our political future?"

He questioned the state police for allowing outsiders to enter the poll-bound state in hordes "without checking", urging the people to be vigilant in this regard.

Polling for the 126-member Assembly will be held on Thursday, with Congress seeking to return to power after a decade of BJP-led NDA’s regime in the state.

"The BJP government has given away our land, indulging in rampant loot of public money, while our people are made to work as slaves. People have to be vigilant against such people," Gogoi added.

AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami holds an election campaign in Yercaud Assembly constituency.

West Bengal polls: TMC delegation to meet EC on Wednesday

A Trinamool Congress delegation will meet the Election Commission on Wednesday and raise the issue of people being "disenfranchised" due to the SIR in West Bengal, the party said.

TMC's Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien said they had written to the EC on Monday seeking an appointment, and the reply came around 3 pm on Tuesday.

The four-member party delegation, which includes Saket Gokhale and Menaka Guruswamy, besides O'Brien and Sagarika Ghose, will meet the EC on Wednesday morning, he said, adding they were prepared for a sit-in protest if the poll panel had not given them an appointment.

Targeting Chief Election Commission (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, O'Brien said, "Enough of your arrogance. You listen to us tomorrow. We are not here to speak only about the TMC, we are here for you to listen to the voices of people you have disenfranchised or those you are attempting to disenfranchise."

TMC Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose said the EC was trying to be a "bully", but is actually "scared".

Returning officer can recommend repoll if webcasting at polling stations interrupted deliberately

Ahead of polls to five assemblies this month, Election Commission (EC) officials on Tuesday reminded of an instruction that allows a returning officer to recommend a repoll at a polling station where webcasting is found to be deliberately interrupted.

The EC officials were responding to a question on the possibility of disruptions at polling stations by political workers and ways to deal with such instances.

Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls on April 9. Tamil Nadu will have polling on April 23, along with the first phase in West Bengal where the second phase of voting is scheduled for April 29.

The officials said if a returning officer is convinced of a mala-fide intent in webcasting going off air at a polling station, he can explain the circumstances to the election authority while recommending a repoll under the "adjourned poll" instruction.

Webcasting is an internal arrangement of the EC intended to keep an eye on the voting process at polling stations.

Kharge launches Congress manifesto for West Bengal polls; promises Rs 2,000 to women every month

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge said, "We will give women Rs 2000 every month. We will provide free education up to post-graduate level to empower them. We will establish fast-track courts for their safety. In healthcare, we will provide fully state-funded health insurance up to Rs 10 lakh so that every citizen can get affordable and better health care."

"Farmer Welfare: Farmers will be given an annual assistance of Rs 15,000 rupees. In addition, free electricity and a better procurement system will be ensured to increase both their income and security," he added

Nagaland byoll: Campaign ends amid violence, tight security measures enforced

Campaigning for the Koridang (ST) Assembly by-election in Nagaland ended on Tuesday amidst a tense poll environment following reports of violence over the past 48 hours, officials said.

Officials said at least one person died, several injured, multiple vehicles damaged, and 16 people were detained in connection with election-related violence on Sunday and Monday.

Firearms and ammunition were also recovered, prompting concerns over law and order. Night curfew has been imposed in three villages of the constituency.

Meanwhile, leaders from major parties took part in campaigns. National People's Party president Conrad K. Sangma campaigned for candidate I Abenjang, while BJP leaders, led by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, supported PDA consensus candidate Daochier I Imchen.

Congress leaders, including AICC in-charge Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka and state unit president MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, backed candidate T Chalukumba Ao.

Chief Electoral Officer Bhagyashree Banayat has enforced a strict silence period post 4 pm on Tuesday, prohibiting all forms of campaigning, including rallies, meetings, and dissemination of election materials.

She also directed all non-local political workers to leave the constituency, while district administration and police have intensified surveillance to ensure compliance and prevent further disturbances.

Kerala polls: Streets burst into colour as parties make final sprint ahead of poll silence

Before falling silent at 6 pm on Tuesday, the streets across many Assembly constituencies in Kerala came alive, with supporters of different parties turning out in large numbers to campaign for their candidates in the Assembly polls.

In a final show of strength as campaigning for the April 9 polls came to an end, roadshows, rallies, and processions filled town centres, with party flags waving, drums beating, slogans rising, and groups of workers moving in an almost dance-like rhythm, creating a colourful and energetic atmosphere.

In some places, candidates even climbed onto cranes and were lifted above the crowds, waving to supporters in a dramatic final gesture aimed at boosting confidence ahead of the silence period.

Workers from all parties converged at designated centres, with loud music from campaign vehicles clashing with that of their rivals.

A total of 2.71 crore voters -- 1.32 crore men, 1.39 crore women and 273 transgender persons, along with over 2.42 lakh overseas voters -- are eligible to cast their votes, as the election decides the fate of 883 candidates contesting for 140 seats, according to the Election Commission.

Curtains down on Assam's high-voltage campaign for April 9 assembly polls

The high-voltage campaign, fraught with accusations and promises galore, for the elections to the 126-member Assam Assembly ended at 5 pm on Tuesday.

The polls will be held on April 9 to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates.

BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, attacked the opposition Congress, accusing it of encouraging infiltrators to settle down in Assam's land to create a vote bank, and failing to control insurgency and usher in development and employment during its rule.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma upped the ante by directly attacking Bengali-speaking Muslims of immigrant origin, derogatorily called the 'Miyas', claiming that during the last five years, "he has broken their arms and legs" and in the next five "he will break their backbones".

The ruling party in the state asserted that it provided land ownership rights to tea garden workers, empowerment schemes to women, financial assistance for girl students, and brought down child marriage by 84 per cent.

The BJP leaders claimed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in the state to prevent polygamy and promised that the journey of development will continue.

The opposition Congress and its alliance partners have accused the BJP of practising the 'politics of hate', indulging in widespread corruption, particularly by the CM and his family members, lopsided development, and not being serious about ensuring justice to popular singer Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore on September 19 last year.

'Ask foreign minister first': Assam CM Sarma hits out at Congress amid passport row

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday intensified his attack on the Congress, asserting that they should have consulted with the foreign minister before levelling allegations against his wife, Rinki Bhuyan Sarma, claiming that she holds three international passports.

Speaking to the media in Jorhat, CM Sarma critiqued Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his statement about seeking clarification from the central government and the foreign minister after police raided the Congress leader Pawan Khera's Delhi residence, as CM's wife filed an FIR against him.

"Are you crazy? If you don't know the truth, then why did you put it? You should have asked earlier...First, you should have asked the foreign minister whether it was right or not and that we have received this allegation," CM Sarma said.

He likened the situation to killing someone and then offering them medicine. "Kharge is old, and you are still talking like a crazy person," he further remarked.

Furthermore, he hailed the competence of Assam Police, stating that they will find Pawan Khera even from "paatal" to end this game of "Luka-chuppi".

"First, why did you bring a fake document?... Who did you give this document to? I doubt that Rahul Gandhi gave this document to them. So this case will reach even to Rahul Gandhi," he alleged, suggesting that the allegations from Congress stemmed from the Lok Sabha LoP.

"First, I will beat Khera and then get the names of those involved out, and move to them," he said.

BJP files complaint with police, EC against Mallikarjun Kharge for 'hate' speech at poll rally in Assam

Bharatiya Janta party on Tuesday filed complaint with Election Commission and Police against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for "hate speech" at a poll rally in Assam.

According to party, Kharge's remarks were insult to Hindu beliefs and dangerous for social harmony.

Tamil Nadu polls: AIADMK will promise but won't deliver, says DMK's Kanimozhi

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi on Tuesday said the opposition AIADMK will make many promises to lure voters but will not deliver.

That party, she said, had promised free mobile phones in the past but had not given them to anyone.

"The AIADMK promised mobile phones (in 2016), but none have received it. But our leader M Karunanidhi promised television sets to the people and implemented the scheme upon coming to power," she said addressing a poll campaign here in support of party candidate V G Rajendran for the April 23 election.

Unlike that party, the DMK has kept up its assurances made in the run-up to the 2021 Assembly election and hence was now facing the people with confidence, she claimed.

DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin had unveiled several welfare initiatives in the party's election manifesto for the benefit of the people, and this included providing electric pump sets without meters to 20 lakh farmers under the free power scheme to support the irrigation needs of the ryots.

Assam polls: EC announces 48-hour ‘silent period' before polls

The Election Commission of India on Monday (Apr 6) announced that the Silent Period for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections will begin at 5:00 PM on April 7, 2026. This marks the 48 hours leading up to the close of polling across all constituencies. Here’s what political parties can and cannot do during this period.

'Rattled' BJP misusing police: Gehlot after Assam cops visit Pawan Khera's residence

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday alleged that the BJP is "panic-stricken" due to fear of defeat in the Assam elections and is misusing government agencies.

Gehlot made the remarks after a team of Assam Police reached the Delhi residence of Congress leader Pawan Khera for questioning in connection with a case linked to allegations made against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family.

In a statement, he said, "Fearing defeat in the Assam elections, the BJP has become rattled. Its biggest weakness is that it attacks from behind the cover of police and government agencies instead of following democratic principles."

He alleged that the use of police against the Congress media department chairman was "cowardly", adding that such tactics would not intimidate the party.

"Congress cannot be scared by such moves. Showing fear of agencies like the Assam Police, CBI and ED will not affect our brave workers," Gehlot said.

Sabarimala women entry row: BJP slams LDF, UDF's 'U-turn', but says 'happy' with their stand

Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday criticised the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala and the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) over their "U-turn" on Sabarimala women entry issue.

The saffron party added that though it was "happy" with their stance now, it sought clarification over the shift. Both LDF and UDF had hailed the SC's 2018 verdict which allowed entry of women of all ages into Sabarimala temple. However, both the parties have softened their stance on the same."BJP is the only political party which has taken a consistent stand to protect the faith of Sabarimala devotees," said state BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar in a press conference.

He alleged that the state government had filed over 3,000 cases against those who protested the entry of young women into the Sabarimala temple, and urged authorities to withdraw them immediately.

EC may roll out SIR in remaining 22 states, Union territories post this month's assembly polls

The Election Commission may roll out the third and final phase of special intensive revision of voters' list in the remaining 22 states and Union territories, including Delhi, after the polls to five assemblies this month, officials said.

Assembly elections are taking place in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal this month and counting will take place on May 4.

The officials said special intensive revision (SIR) could be rolled out after the polls conclude on April 29. Another possibility is to begin the massive exercise after the declaration of results.

So far, SIR has been carried out in 10 states and three Union territories. A 'special revision' of electoral rolls was carried out in Assam.

Except for Uttar Pradesh, final voters' lists have been published where SIR was carried out.

Women constitute 49.98 per cent of electoral roll of Assam, but only 8.17 pc of total candidates

Women nearly equal their male counterparts in the electoral rolls of Assam and outnumber them in 16 out of the 35 districts, but they constitute a mere 59 out of the 722 candidates in the fray for the 126-member state Assembly election.

Attired in their bright and vibrant clothes, mostly traditional handloom textiles, women outnumber men in campaign rallies and meetings of political parties.

Promises galore have been made by political parties to woo women voters, but when it comes to giving tickets to them, most parties shy away by making a token representation, activists point out.

The women constitute 49.98 per cent of the electoral roll in Assam, but they only make up 8.17 per cent of the total candidates contesting the April 9 elections.


In the 2021 Assam Assembly election, 74 women candidates were in the fray, but this time the number has come down to 59, activists said.

'Failure does not deserve a third term': Congress leader Tharoor on Kerala polls

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, "Certainly anti-incumbency is there in Kerala, I've seen it... People want to see the UDF come to power. So I think they can whistle in the dark about no anti-incumbency. There is... The state government has mired Kerala in severe levels of debt... This failure does not deserve a third term. They're pointing to a development report they brought out, but that report claims credit for a lot of things they haven't done... It's really a bit embarrassing that the state government is desperately claiming credit for things they really didn't do or actually opposed."

Once BJP comes to power in Bengal, all infiltrators will be sent back, says Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that a 'parivartan' is inevitable in West Bengal, and said once the BJP comes to power in the state, all infiltrators will be sent back to their countries.

Addressing an election rally in Patharkandi, he also claimed that the Congress gave shelter to illegal immigrants in Assam's Barak Valley, making them "predominant" in Sribhumi, Silchar and Cachar districts.

Shah alleged that the Congress opposes the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as it knows that the law will ensure no infiltrators remain in the state.

''Persecuted Hindus from Bangladesh come within the ambit of this law...the Congress is opposed to this, but the party lays out a red carpet to welcome Muslim infiltrators'', Shah alleged.

Claiming that India is not a 'dharamshala' (guest house), the BJP leader said there is "no place for infiltrators" in the country.

"A 'parivartan' (change) is inevitable in West Bengal. Once the BJP comes to power in the state, all infiltrators from Assam, Tripura and Bengal will be sent back to their countries," Shah said.

'This is not how politics works': Rashid Alvi backs Pawan Khera amid showdown with Assam CM Himanta

On Congress leader Pawan Khera, Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "If a spokesperson says something, they do not speak on their own accord but rather on behalf of the party. If an FIR is lodged against a spokesperson, it is unlawful... BJP leaders level allegations against us every single day. We, too, should be filing FIRs against them daily. However, that is not how politics works... I condemn this move."

Keralam polls: Congress MLA alleges 2018 floods 'man-made,' releases audio; LDF minister calls it 'artificial'

Keralam Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Tuesday said that he will initiate legal action against Congress leader and Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan, who has alleged that the 2018 floods in the State were "man-made" and occurred due to corruption aimed at benefitting private contractors.

Addressing a press briefing here today, Kuzhalnadan released an audio clip in which Krishnankutty is purportedly heard saying that the severe floods that affected several areas in Keralam that year were caused by corruption under Mathew T Thomas, who was the Water Resources Minister of Keralam in 2018.

The voice in the clip mentions that Thottappally spillway in Alappuzha was not opened despite requests, and that water was improperly stored in Maniyar for a private company's benefit.

In the clip, the voice purportedly of Kuzhalnadan is heard accusing former irrigation minister Mathew T Thomas of deliberately delaying the opening of the Thottappally spillway to benefit a private contractor.

Opening the spillway would have washed away a sandbank and caused a loss of mineral sand worth crores of rupees to the private contractor, it is alleged.

Assam polls: Amit Shah appeals to voters, invokes BJP's plank to drive out illegal immigrants

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday appealed to the voters to form the BJP's third consecutive government in Assam, promising to drive out the "infiltrators" from the state.

Addressing an election rally in Hailakandi on the last day for campaigning, Amit Shah asked the voters not to vote for Himanta Biswa Sarma or a legislator, but for the BJP to end illegal immigration in Assam.

Driving out illegal immigrants has been the poll plank for the BJP in Assam.

Shah said, "On April 9, you all will press the button on the lotus symbol. No one is voting to make someone a legislator or to make Himanta Biswa Sarma the Chief Minister; rather, on April 9, you have to vote for the BJP to handpick and drive out the infiltrators from this entire region."

Citing Tripura as an example, he added that the BJP government in the north-eastern state has stopped illegal immigration.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: TMC means 'total misrule and corruption,' says Rajnath Singh

In one of his sharpest attacks on TMC, defence minister Rajnath Singh said if anyone asked him what TMC stood for, he would say it meant "Total Misrule and Corruption".

Claiming that Bengal had slipped behind other states, Singh alleged that incidents of loot, kidnapping and murder had become routine under the present dispensation.

"Loot and murder are taking place continuously in West Bengal. Mamata ji, where do you want to take this state? Compared with other states of India, you have pushed Bengal backward," he said.

Referring to the gherao of judicial officers in Malda and the subsequent observations of courts, Singh claimed even judicial officers had not been spared.

"Even judicial magistrates were held hostage here. You will not find such a government anywhere in the history of India or the world. The Supreme Court itself said that this was a planned and deliberate action," he said.

Singh also sought to revive the controversy over remarks over TMC government not following protocol during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit to the state last month, alleging that the ruling party's mindset "insults tribals while glorifying infiltrators".

"Even the President of India, the highest constitutional authority, was not spared. She was not treated with the dignity she deserved. A TMC minister had once made an extremely derogatory and shameful remark about the President. I cannot even repeat those words," he said.

The BJP leader also took aim at Banerjee over her defeat in the Nandigram assembly seat in the 2021 polls, saying it had been a warning from the people of the state.

"In the last election, Mamata ji lost from her own (Nandigram) seat. The people of Bengal had given her a warning. Last time you lost your own seat. This time, TMC is going to be wiped out from all of Bengal," he said.

Contrasting the Centre's vision for the state with what he called the TMC government's failures, Singh said the Narendra Modi government wanted to bring industries, jobs, and investment to West Bengal.

"We want to bring industry to Bengal, increase people's incomes and bring more investment. Not only should people from Bengal invest here, not only should people from India invest here, but people from all over the world should come and invest in West Bengal, so that our youth can get employment opportunities," he said. (PTI)

Puducherry Assembly elections live: Puducherry has become 'testing ground' for BJP's anti-people policies, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday claimed that the BJP wanted to take full control of the Union territory just as it wanted to gain control of Tamil Nadu through Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK.

Campaigning for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance candidates, Udhayanidhi said Puducherry people never allowed hate politics in this land of love.

"Today in such UT, the infiltration of fascist BJP forces has increased significantly. It has become a testing ground for all of the BJP's anti-people policies. It is riding on the shoulders of AINRC, just as it is riding on the shoulders of Palaniswami-led AIADMK in Tamil Nadu," he said.

He accused the Centre of lacking any genuine interest in the people of the Union territory, and this was the reason why it has not given statehood to Puducherry despite the Assembly passing resolutions on several occasions.

"Did they fulfil the long-pending demand for statehood? PM Modi doesn't have the heart. They want Puducherry to be under their control, like in TN through Palaniswami," he alleged. (PTI)

Kerala Election 2026 Live: Shashi Tharoor confident Cong-led UDF to come to power

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday expressed confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is poised to form the next government in Kerala, pointing to strong anti-incumbency sentiment among voters.

Speaking about his campaign experiences across the state, Tharoor said, "I participated in campaigns across 59 constituencies in Keralam. The UDF will come to power in Keralam. There is a feeling of anti-incumbency among the people. I could understand this directly through my campaign visits across constituencies." Read full story here

Assam Assembly Elections Live: 'Pawan Khera fled to Hyderabad,' says Himanta Sarma after Assam Police search Cong leader's home

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera "ran away" to Hyderabad from New Delhi, following Assam Police searches at his residence in the national capital, amidst the ongoing passport row.

Speaking to ANI, CM Sarma noted that he came to know about the development through the media, adding that the law will take its course in the matter.

"He ran away from Guwahati yesterday. I have come to know through the media that the police have gone to his residence in Delhi, but he has run away to Hyderabad. The law will take its own course," CM Sarma said.

Amid the ongoing controversy over Congress's claims that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife holds three passports, Assam Police searched Congress leader Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi. The searches followed the FIR lodged by Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, into the matter on Monday.

Assam Assembly Elections Live: Congress will ensure justice for Zubeen Garg within 100 days of forming govt, says Mallikarjun Kharge

Zubeen Garg didn't get justice. Instead of immediately establishing a fast-track court, it was established after six months. I don't know who they were trying to protect. After our government is formed, we will complete this work within 100 days by delivering justice and punishing the culprits. This is our promise: Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee alleges names of people from 'specific communities' deleted from voter rolls

"Names of people belonging to specific communities deleted from post-SIR voter rolls in Bengal," says Mamata Banerjee at Chakdaha poll rally. (PTI)

Assam Assembly Elections Live: Assam Police search Congress leader Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi

Amid the ongoing controversy over Congress' claims that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife holds three passports, Assam Police searched Congress leader Pawan Khera's residence in Delhi. The searches followed the FIR lodged by Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, into the matter on Monday.

Sarma's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma on Monday said she has filed an FIR over the allegations levelled by Congress and accused the opposition party of acting in frustration and trying to "set up a playbook".In an interview with ANI, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma said that allegations cannot be taken in "a lenient manner" and "let justice prevail".

The allegations were levelled by Congress Media Department Chairperson Pawan Khera at a press conference on Sunday.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee to support voters whose names deleted from Bengal electoral rolls

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that names of people belonging to specific communities were deleted from the post-SIR voter rolls in the state.

Addressing a rally at Chakdaha in Nadia district, Banerjee said that the TMC will stand by those whose names were excluded from the voter rolls, following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

According to latest Election Commission data, nearly 91 lakh voters have been deleted from the electoral rolls in West Bengal after the SIR process.

Banerjee claimed that following her intervention in the Supreme Court, around 32 lakh names out of nearly 60 lakh cases under ‘adjudication’ had been restored.

“Names were being removed from official records by targeting specific communities,” the CM alleged.

Assam Assembly Elections Live: Shah vows BJP committed to protecting 'Jaati' and 'Maati'

BJP committed to protecting 'Jaati', 'Maati and 'Bheti' in Assam: Amit Shah at poll rally in Assam's Patharkandi. (PTI)

Assam Assembly Elections Live: Amit Shah accuses Congress of 'sheltering' infiltrators

"Congress gave shelters to infiltrators in Barak Valley," says Union home minister and BJP leader Amit Shah at poll rally in Assam's Patharkandi. (PTI)

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Nearly 91 lakh names removed from state electoral rolls

Nearly 91 lakh voters have been deleted from the electoral rolls in West Bengal following the Special Intensive Revision exercise in the state, according to data released by the Election Commission.

The poll panel is yet to announce the finally altered voter base for the state after the roll revision process.

According to official data released on February 28, 63.66 lakh names, around 8.3% of the electorate, were deleted since the SIR process began in November last year, reducing the voter base from about 7.66 crore to just over 7.04 crore.

More than 60.06 lakh electors, who were placed in the "under adjudication" category, were part of the 7.04 crore voter base.

Over 27.16 lakh of 60.06 lakh 'under adjudication' voters have been deleted during a scrutiny by judicial officers, the EC data said.

More than 32.68 lakh of those in the 'under adjudication' category have been retained and included in the final rolls.

The final deletions, since the beginning of the SIR process, were around 90.83 lakh, according to the EC data.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: Congress' KC Venugopal writes 'open letter' to CM Vijayan

As Kerala once again stands at the threshold of an election, there remain a number of questions in the minds of the people regarding the legacy of your ten-year rule. Through this open letter, I raise ten of the most discussed questions in Kerala. I hope you will respond to them.

1) What was the agenda behind your meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence in Delhi, excluding officials? Was that where the "deal" was struck?

2) Similarly, in Kerala House in Delhi, why did you host a breakfast meeting for Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman without officials? What "deal" was being finalised?

3) You have had several official meetings with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi. But have you met him outside Delhi? What was the purpose? Was it part of a deal?

4) Despite open opposition from CPI and its ministers, why did you go ahead and reach an understanding with the BJP to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala? What "deal" was behind this? Whose interests were you protecting by insisting on implementing it while keeping your own coalition partners in the dark? Why was the CPI state leadership misled after reaching a secret understanding with the BJP?

5) On the issue of labour codes introduced by the central government, why were rules framed and actions taken in extreme secrecy without taking LDF allies into confidence? Whom were you afraid of? As a leader of the labour movement, did you not increase the registration fee of trade unions from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 following the labour code? Whom was this meant to satisfy?

6) In the SNC-Lavalin case, in which you are an accused, the repeated adjournments over 40 times in the Supreme Court have surprised the legal history of the country. Is this a reward from the central government or a bonus of a "deal"? By sacrificing your party’s ideology and showing extreme subservience to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are you trying to protect your family interests by getting cases dropped? Is that why you hesitate to directly criticise PM Modi?

7) In the monthly payment (karimanal) case involving Exalogic Solutions, are the terms of the "deal" you made with the central government to stall the Serious Fraud Investigation Office probe something you can disclose? Is there any connection with the Kodakara hawala money case, where crores were allegedly brought for the BJP during the last Assembly election? What is the current status of the ED notice against your son?

8) On whose instructions are you still protecting ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar, who faced serious allegations of secretly meeting RSS leaders and later facilitating the disruption of Thrissur Pooram to help the BJP win the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat? Whose interests are being protected?

9) What was the understanding reached between you and BJP leaders at a star hotel in the capital, mediated by Sri M? Do you have the courage to disclose its details to the public?

10) In the gold smuggling and dollar smuggling cases involving your former Principal Secretary, why did central investigations stall midway? Who intervened? What is the current status of the Justice V.K. Mohanan Commission appointed by your government against central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Customs? Was the commission merely a smokescreen after striking a deal with the BJP?"

Puducherry Assembly elections live: Puducherry BJP chief VP Ramalingam goes from door-to-door on last day of campaigning

Kerala Election 2026 Live: 'PM Modi protecting Pinarayi Vijayan from cases,' says Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

"(Kerala chief minister) Pinarayi Vijayan's godfather is (PM) Narendra Modi, who is protecting him from all the cases," says Telangana CM & Congress leader A Revanth Reddy.

'TMC will slowly disappear from market': Ex-Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh

BJP candidate from West Bengal's Kharagpur Sadar assembly constituency, Dilip Ghosh, on Tuesday took a hit at the ruling TMC, alleging that the party wins elections through intimidation and obstruction of opposition forces, while expressing confidence that voters will decisively reject it in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh claimed that the TMC's influence will wane rapidly as polling approaches. "The TMC always wins elections by threatening people and stopping the opposition. They were trying to move forward in the same way, but see, after a week, the TMC will slowly disappear from the market. They won't be seen on the streets. Not a single goon will remain outside. All the leaders will look after their homes," he said.

He further alleged that even sections of the administration are reassessing their stance. "The police officers who used to encourage them have also realised that bad times are coming," he added.

Targeting the TMC on national issues, Ghosh accused the party of raising irrelevant concerns during the campaign. "The TMC always stands with Pakistan. Today, they are making Pakistan an issue before the elections. There is no other issue. Leave what Pakistan will do to Honorable Modi ji. Modi ji has reduced them to beggars. After the 4th, the people here will blow away the TMC. This is for sure," he said. (ANI)

Kerala Election 2026 Live: 'Trends are in favour of Cong-led UDF,' says LoP VD Satheesan

"The trend is in favour of the UDF across Kerala. I have visited all the districts three to four times over the last three months. There is a huge anti-incumbency against the present government. People are now against the government, they do not want this government to continue again. They have miserably failed in every sector," says Congress leader and LoP VD Satheesan.

Puducherry Assembly elections live: LoP and DMK leader R Siva accuses Centre of treating Puducherry as 'guinea pig'

Statehood for Puducherry, jobs for youths, Tidel park, and upgraded basic amenities are among the often-repeated assurances of DMK leader R Siva during his campaign in Villianur Assembly Constituency, from where he is seeking re-election.

While his supporters, during the campaign, do not miss chances to point out even minute details like "the MLA office in the constituency remaining open from 7 am till 10 pm during the past 5 years to serve the people," Siva seeks votes by ensuring his services to the people.

Siva, contesting for the second time from the Villianur constituency, is confident that his victory will be spectacular in view of the people's support, who value his "good work."

While speaking to PTI, Siva alleged, "The AINRC-BJP government have provided the worst governance during the past 5 years".

"Puducherry people wish to be governed by the elected representatives. However, during the past 10 years, we have seen full interference here. It is the Lt Governor, Chief Secretary and the Union Home Ministry that rule Puducherry; they use Puducherry as a guinea pig and as a lab for the Union government's laws/rules," Siva claimed.

"Democracy has degraded significantly. There is no difference between those holding appointed posts and the people's elected representatives," Siva, the Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly, alleged.

To a question related to "Delhi's rule," Siva said, even Chief Minister N Rangasamy himself had spoken about it, making criticisms several times regarding the interference of Delhi and officials. Recently, when PM Modi was here, although CM Rangasamy openly raised the demand for statehood, he did not seriously pursue that demand during his stint as the chief minister. (PTI)

Puducherry Assembly elections live: 'Centre not interested in granting statehood to Puducherry,' says MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin has alleged that the Centre has shown no interest in granting full statehood to Puducherry, despite the Union territory’s legislative Assembly passing resolutions 14 times urging such a move.

Addressing a rally here and formally introducing candidates fielded by the Congress, DMK, and VCK for the April 9 polls, Stalin accused the Lieutenant Governor of being "all in all" while CM N Rangasamy is "kept as a puppet chief minister."

"The forthcoming polls on April 9 are an excellent opportunity for the people to end the current ills in Puducherry, even while it remains a union territory," he said.

Stalin recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised during the last Assembly elections that Puducherry would become the "best Puducherry."

He said the reality, however, is the "worst Puducherry that people are witnessing now."

He cited examples of governance failures, including the blocking of a probe into a counterfeit manufacturing unit and the procurement of substandard medicines. "Are these instances proof of the so-called double-engine government propagated by Home Minister Amit Shah?" he asked. (PTI)

ECI bans campaigning and opinion polls during 48-hour 'silence period'

The Election Commission of India on Monday announced that the Silent Period for the General Election to the Assam legislative assembly, 2026, will commence from 5:00 pm on Tuesday, marking 48 hours before the close of polling across all constituencies.

As per Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, all forms of election campaigning will be strictly prohibited during this period. This includes public meetings, processions, rallies, and any campaign-related activities.

The Commission has also barred the dissemination of election-related content through electronic and social media platforms. Canvassing of votes through bulk SMS, phone calls, or online platforms will not be permitted.

Additionally, political functionaries and party workers brought in from outside constituencies, who are not registered voters there, have been directed to leave immediately after the campaign period ends. The district and police administrations have been tasked with ensuring compliance to maintain a free and fair electoral environment.

Further, under Section 126(1)(b) of the Act, the display of election-related content, including opinion polls or survey results, on electronic media such as television and similar platforms is strictly prohibited during the silence period. (ANI)

Last day of campaigning in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry

Tuesday is the last day to campaign for the assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. According to Election Commission rules, campaigning in poll-bound states and UTs are to end two days before the day of voting.

All three states will vote in a single phase, for 140, 126 and 30 assembly constituencies, respectively.

Assam Assembly Elections Live: 'You can't defame a family like this,' says Himanta Sarma on Congress' charge against his wife

"You can't defame a family like this. Congress will have to face repercussions," says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on the opposition party accusing his wife of holding foreign passports and not disclosing assets.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: Kerala CEO announces end of campaigning on Apr 7, 48-hr silence period ahead of polls

The Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, Dr Rathan U Kelkar, on Monday said campaigning for the Assembly polls will end at 6 pm on April 7, ahead of voting on April 9 for 140 constituencies.

A 48-hour “silence period” will then come into force under the Representation of the People Act, banning rallies, public meetings, and election-related content on TV, radio, and other platforms. Political ads in newspapers during this period will need prior approval, and non-local leaders must leave constituencies after campaigning ends.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'PM Modi, Shah couldn't muster courage,' says Abhishek Banerjee on Pakistani Defence Minister's 'Kolkata strike' threat

Addressing a public gathering in Siliguri, Banerjee said, "The self-proclaimed '56-inch' Prime Minister and his Home Minister are so busy with vote prachar that they have no time to respond to direct threats of external aggression against Bengal. Pakistan's Defence Minister has openly threatened to strike Kolkata, yet neither Narendra Modi nor Amit Shah could muster the courage to condemn this grave attack on a state of the Indian Union and India's sovereignty."

"Either the lives of the people of Bengal simply don't matter to them, or they are too gutless and cowardly to take a stand. If they have even an ounce of courage, let them give free rein to the Central Forces, BSF, and the Indian Army to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Will Narendra Modi dare? Will Amit Shah dare? Will Rajnath Singh dare?" he added.

Congress used tea tribes as vote bank it harvested every 5 years: JP Nadda in Assam

Addressing a rally in support of the BJP's Doomdooma candidate Rupesh Gowala, the former party chief also claimed the Congress had rolled out the red carpet for infiltrators during its rule in this northeastern state.

"The Congress treated the tea tribes as a vote bank to be harvested every five years. You all supported them but, they pushed the future of the community into darkness," he said.

Nadda alleged that the Congress "invited infiltrators into Assam, and sheltered them here, providing them with Aadhaar and Ayushman Bharat cards for appeasement politics".

"These people are grabbing the land of the Adivasis and the poor," Nadda said, while asserting that the BJP would take back this land and drive the illegal immigrants out.

"Their names are being deleted from the voter list, and those remaining will also be struck off," he said.