Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Udhayanidhi Stalin urges voters to ‘give back’ to BJP over fund crunch in Tamil Nadu

Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday targeted the opposition parties over their stance on the bills to implement women's reservation from the 2029 general elections and said that when they fight the next elections, they will face the wrath of women.

Replying to the marathon debate in Lok Sabha on the three bills, Amit Shah accused the opposition parties of trying to create a south versus north narrative over delimitation and the proposed an increase in seats and said the southern states have as much right over this house as the northern states do.

"Mahilian dekh rahin hain, raste ka roda kaun hai (women are seeing who is the obstacle in their path). When they (opposition members) fight the polls, they will face the wrath of women," he said.

Referring to the strong reservations of opposition parties on the Delimitation Bill, Home Minister said that the Constitution provides for periodic delimitation.

"Delimitation also includes provisions for increasing the seats for SC and ST in proportion to their growing population. In a way, those opposing delimitation are also opposing the increase in SC and ST seats," he said.

"There are 127 seats where the constituency has more than 20 lakh. It goes against the spirit of the principle - One person, one vote and one value. At some places, 45 lakh voters have one representative, and at some places, six lakh voters have one representative. As a result, the value of each vote is not equal across constituencies," he added.

Makkal Needhi Maiyam ( MNM ) President, Actor and MP Kamal Hassan on Friday started his election campaign in Chennai's Chindadripet from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, where Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin is contesting.

MNM is contesting the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls under the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).

Speaking on the occasion, Hassan said, "You all know who is contesting in this Chepauk Triplicate Constituency (Udayanidhi Stalin). It's not only my wish but people's wish to make this goverment rule again. Now, in the political situation, your vote is not only for Tamil Nadu but for India itself. Tamil Nadu is fighting for India. Udayanidhi is a warrior in the battle. Achievement is not just speech but action to achieve. When Chepauk is named, then at once sports comes in the people's mind. We should make Udayanidhi win again in Chepauk. We have an alliance with DMK that is not just for today, but for tomorrow too. Watching the past five years of politics, you will know why we should vote for ( DMK alliance ), and the current situation will say why we should vote for (DMK alliance)."

Asked about how confident he is in DMK alliance victory, Hassan said he is very confident.

Earlier in the day, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni Assembly Constituency, Udhayanidhi Stalin, campaigned in support of DMK alliance candidates contesting in Udumalaipet and Madathukulam constituencies in Tiruppur district.

The process of collecting postal votes from government employees, teachers, journalists, and other personnel engaged in essential election duties has commenced across Tamil Nadu on Friday.

Postal voting has been initiated at the offices of the Returning Officers for officials, including government staff, media personnel, fire and rescue services, and police personnel who will be on election duty.

As part of this, officials from various departments involved in election work are casting their votes today at the Revenue Divisional Officer's office in Tiruchirappalli.

Since many of these personnel will be deployed outside their respective constituencies or will be on duty on polling day, special arrangements have been made to facilitate postal voting for them.

As permitted by the Election Commission, government officials, media personnel, police, fire service staff, and other essential workers engaged in election duties are exercising their franchise through postal ballots.

This comes ahead of the single-phased Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, with counting of votes on May 4.

BJP leader K Annamalai held an election campaign in support of AIADMK candidate from Thiruverumbur P Kumar in Tiruchirappalli on Thursday.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.

"The NDA has created a huge wave in Tamil Nadu. People have started saying that the DMK should go home and that Edappadi K. Palaniswami should become the Chief Minister... Certainly, Udhayanidhi Stalin will be defeated in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, and similarly, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi will be defeated in the Thiruverumbur constituency..." he said.

On Wednesday, Annamalai exuded confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), saying that EPS is expected to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu this time.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to attend an election campaign meeting on April 18 evening in Thuraiyur, located in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli district.

The public meeting is scheduled to begin around 4.00 pm at a private venue. Gandhi is expected to arrive at Tiruchirappalli International Airport from Chennai before travelling by helicopter to Thuraiyur, as cited by ANI.

He will land at a helipad set up at the Zamindar Higher Secondary School and then proceed by road to the venue.

During the event, he will campaign in support of nine candidates from the secular alliance contesting Assembly constituencies across Tiruchirappalli district.

Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday urged voters to use the April 23 Assembly elections to “give back” to the BJP-led Central government, alleging that Tamil Nadu has not received adequate funds.

Calling on people to deny space to the BJP and its ally, the AIADMK, he appealed for a decisive mandate in favour of the DMK, as cited by PTI.

Addressing a campaign rally in Tiruppur district in support of candidates from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, he said the industrial region’s development momentum could be sustained only if the DMK returns to power.

Four of India's leading tea producers from Assam and West Bengal on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw or amend the notification mandating them to sell not less than 50 per cent of their annual production through public tea auctions.

Assam Bought Leaf Tea Manufacturers Association (ABLTMA), North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), Bharatiya Cha Parishad (BCP) and North Bengal Tea Producers' Welfare Association (NBTPWA) wrote to PM Modi demanding that producers get the freedom to choose their mode of sale (auction or private), in line with market dynamics.

With reference to the Tea (Marketing) Control (Second Amendment) Order, 2015 and Tea (Marketing) Control (Amendment) Order, 2024, the letter read, "The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through Gazette Notification S.O. 2688(E) dated October 1, 2015, mandated that all registered tea manufacturers must sell not less than 50 per cent of their total annual production through public tea auctions in India. The notification also provides that the Registering Authority may revise this percentage from time to time with prior approval of the Central Government."

"Although this provision has existed for several years, it has not been enforced in practice. However, the recent Circular issued by the Registering Authority seeks to implement the said requirement," the tea producers added.

All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) MLA Rafiqul Islam on Friday extended support to any Opposition Party that might form a government in Assam after winning the Assembly elections 2026.

Speaking to ANI, he asserted that the people of Assam are dismissive of the BJP and are looking for a change, adding that the high polling percentage indicates that they have chosen the Opposition over the BJP.

"Poll percentage in Assam is increasing. People want a change. It can be determined only after the results of how the Opposition performed. People are not liking the BJP government in the State. If any opposition party is formed against the BJP, our party will support it. We will help in forming a government against the BJP. We should get over fifteen seats. We are against the BJP and are ready to make sacrifices if needed," he said.

Assam had recorded a massive estimated voter turnout of 85.38% in the Assembly elections 2026, held on April 9. This marks the highest-ever poll participation in Assam

The female participation (85.96 per cent) was slightly higher than male (84.80 per cent), while the third gender turnout was 36.84 per cent.

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday termed the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections as a contest between chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the people.

Expressing confidence in the BJP's victory in West Bengal, Fadnavis said that the people have decided for a "new start" to realise the dream of "Shonar Bangla."

He said, "The support shows that a change is going to be there. This is not BJP versus TMC, but the elections are a contest of Mamata versus the people of Bengal. People of West Bengal have decided on a new start to realise the dream of 'Shonar Bangla'."

Slamming the TMC government, he alleged that West Bengal, which used to be among the top five states in terms of economics, has "drowned in debt" with a poor GSDP-to-debt ratio.

"Today, if we want to build the future of the youth of Bengal, then it is necessary that industries come. Earlier, Bengal was among the top five states of the country. Today, Bengal is completely drowned in debt. Today, Bengal is first in the country in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) debt ratio," the Maharashtra CM and BJP leader said.

Fadnavis is in West Bengal to campaign for the BJP ahead of elections.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Friday expressed confidence in the party's victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, saying that the people demand change from the 15-year Trinamool Congress government.
Devendra Fadnavis is currently in West Bengal to campaign for his party in the last week's push ahead of the first phase polls on April 23.

The Maharashtra CM told ANI, "This time, the people of Bengal will only hear the voice of their hearts. Their hearts say that there should be a change in West Bengal. They used to say the same in 2021 as well, but at the time, they had fear. But now Bengal knows 'Dar ke aage jeet hai'. There will be a change, and the BJP will come to power in the state."

Invoking the BJP's anti-illegal immigration poll plank, he said that the BJP government in the state will remove the "anti-national" forces from West Bengal.

"It is a massive issue. The way the Mamata Banerjee government changed the demography of the state by bringing in infiltrators to ensure the government doesn't change is dangerous for the country. The infiltrators come into the country only for their own survival, and have nothing to do with the interests of our country. We have to throw them out. As the BJP come to power in West Bengal, anti-national forces will be thrown out of the country," he said.

Fadnavis hit back at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's "Bangla-birodhi" pitch, terming the BJP an outsider in the state. Recalling the birth of Bharatiya Jana Sangh by Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1951, the BJP leader said it was wrong to call the party an outsider.

Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday launched a frontal attack on Chief Minister MK Stalin over the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that the Home Minister Amit Shah has "clarified that 59 MPs would come from Tamil Nadu".


He added that the DMK is the only government that was "dissolved for corruption".


Addressing the rally in Palladam constituency ahead of the April 23 State Assembly election, Palaniswami took a swipe at Stalin over his protest against the Women's Reservation Bill.


He said, "Stalin is wearing a black shirt today. After May 4, it is a black shirt. The AIADMK, led by Jayalalithaa, voiced that 33 per cent reservation should be introduced in Parliament. They uprooted and tore it up. Today, Prime Minister Modi is giving the form that 33 per cent reservation should be made in the Legislative Assembly and Parliament to establish women's rights. Stalin has put on a black shirt in protest against that."


He further added that the DMK had called for black flags in protest, but claimed, "I have come around so far, there is no black flag in any house."


Palaniswami also claimed that the Centre had clarified Tamil Nadu would not lose parliamentary representation, stating, "Even after he said that the percentage of Tamil Nadu's parliamentarians will not decrease, the Home Minister has clarified that 59 MPs will come from Tamil Nadu. The additional percentage has come."


He added that the DMK had failed to act effectively in Parliament despite having MPs. "Stalin has less strength than the strength of a volunteer. There are 39 MPs but not a single one has spoken. Everything is waste luggage. They are rubbing gasoline in Parliament," he said, contrasting it with AIADMK's past performance. He added that when the party had 37 MPs, "we blocked Parliament for 22 days to resolve the Cauvery river water issue."


He further alleged corruption against the DMK, stating, "DMK means corruption, DMK is the source of corruption. The only government that was dissolved for corruption is the DMK government." He also referred to remarks made by Senthil Balaji and alleged large-scale irregularities in the liquor sector, claiming that corruption ran into thousands of crores, including "24 thousand crores in 5 years" through alleged price manipulation.


Palaniswami also attacked the state government over governance and law and order, alleging rising crime, including murder, robbery, and sexual assault, and claimed that "elderly people are entering houses and killing," while accusing the Chief Minister of ignoring public safety concerns.


He raised economic and governance issues, saying prices of essentials and construction materials had risen sharply, and criticised the government over taxation, claiming even garbage was being taxed. He also alleged administrative inefficiency, saying the government had formed multiple committees, but "what did that committee do? When asked for its work report, there is no answer."


He challenged the government's claims of job creation, alleging that although "77 per cent of the MoUs have been signed, 30 lakh people should have got jobs but no one got them," and argued that the promised economic growth was overstated. He further said Tamil Nadu's current growth figures were linked to projects initiated during the AIADMK regime.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K Annamalai on Friday said that the Women's Reservation Bill would ensure enhanced representation in Parliament without altering the existing regional share, adding that Tamil Nadu's MPs would be "increase from 39 to 59", which is a direct 50 per cent rise.


He said that South India's share in the Lok Sabha would remain unchanged at 21.9 per cent even after its implementation. He added that the Bill would ensure that no one would be "reduced or disadvantaged".


Addressing a campaign rally in Madurai in support of AIADMK candidate Paramasivam in the Vedasandur constituency, Annamalai said, "Before this Bill, out of 543 MPs, South India's share was 21.9%. Even after this bill, South India's share will remain the same at 21.9%. No one is being reduced or disadvantaged -- instead, everyone is being brought into Parliament in greater numbers."


"The number of Lok Sabha MPs is being increased. There is another welcome and heartening piece of news in this, 33% reservation has been allocated for our mothers and sisters...This 33% reservation will definitely help a child born into an ordinary farming family, even from the most remote rural areas, to enter politics and lead people towards change," he added.


Emphasising the objective of the Women's Reservation (Amendment) Bill, he said, "In the 2029 Parliament, out of 850 Members of Parliament, we have introduced a bill yesterday in Parliament to ensure 33% reservation for women, giving due respect to our sisters and mothers. Today, at 4:00 PM, all our MPs will vote and pass this into law."


He asserted that Tamil Nadu's MPs would be increased from 39 to 59, which is a direct 50 per cent rise. "The total number of MPs across all states has been increased by 50% through this bill. Tamil Nadu's MPs will increase from 39 to 59 -- a direct 50% rise. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh will go from 80 to 120, Kerala from 20 to 30, Telangana from 17 to 26, and Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38. Every state gets a 50% increase," Annamalai added.


He further said, "You must be given the opportunity to speak. Your voices and rights must echo strongly in Parliament. It is for this purpose that this remarkable law has been introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."


Reiterating his appeal to voters ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, Annamalai urged people to carefully consider the issue while casting their ballots. "Therefore, mothers and sisters, I urge you to take note of this carefully. And I sincerely request you not to cast your votes for the DMK," he said.


Meanwhile, Lok Sabha on Friday is set to continue discussion and vote on the passage of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them to 850.


However, Opposition parties have raised concerns over the government's intent while reiterating their support for women's quotas in legislatures. The INDIA bloc MPs are scheduled to hold a meeting at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber in Parliament at 10 am on Friday to chalk out the strategy for the Floor of the House.


According to the list of Business for Lok Sabha, The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026; The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and The Delimitation Bill, 2026 will be taken up for discussion together.


Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are also likely to move that the amendments to the Women's Reservation Bill, and the Delimitation Bill be passed

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK candidate for the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency, Udhayanidhi Stalin, slammed the NDA over the delimitation process to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha.


Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier assured no discrimination against southern states, saying that Tamil Nadu's representation in the Lok Sabha will increase from 39 to 59. However, Udhayanidhi Stalin claimed that Tamil Nadu's share will be fixed at 47 seats in the Lower House of Parliament.


During an election rally in Tiruppur, the DMK leader termed the 2026 Tamil Nadu polls a fight between Tamil Nadu and Delhi.


He said, "The fight is between Tamil Nadu and Delhi. They don't release the funds that we ask for, and are betraying us. We may have seen a fanatical devotee, but have you ever seen a blind loyalist? They say it should be 59 through delimitation, but it has been fixed at only 47."


Polling for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu will take place on April 23, with counting of votes on May 4.


Meanwhile, calling the current form of the Delimitation Bill, 2026 a "grand conspiracy" to diminish the representation and power of Southern states, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday called for its withdrawal, saying that the current form of the bill is "nothing short of a complete deception."


Rejecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assurances that representation of specific states will not be impacted, CM Stalin alleged that the text of the bill allows for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to redraw constituencies in whatever manner they choose through the newly introduced delimitation commission.


Earlier on Thursday, Union Minister Amit Shah assured that the representation of the southern states would not be affected by delimitation.


Presenting numbers, Shah noted, "If we listen to the entire narrative created for the South, then out of the 543 seats created by you, 129 MPs currently sit in this House, which is approximately 23.76 per cent. In the new House, 195 MPs will be sitting here, and their power will be 23.97 per cent."


Shah said Karnataka has 28 seats, and 5.15 per cent of the 543 seats in the House, and after the passage of the bill, the number of Karnataka MPs will increase from 28 to 42, and the percentage in the Lok Sabha will increase to 5.44.


"Karnataka will not suffer any loss at all. Andhra Pradesh has 25 seats, which is 4.60 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will increase from 25 to 38, which will be 4.65 per cent," he said.


"Tamil Nadu has 39 seats, which is 7.18 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will be 59, and their percentage in the new House of 816 will be 7.23 per cent. Tamil Nadu will also suffer no loss. Keralam has 20 seats, which is 3.68 per cent. After the passage of the bill, the number of MPs will be 30, and their percentage in the new House will be 3.67 per cent," he added.


Lok Sabha is conditioning discussion on the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026, which provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and State Assemblies, along with the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 extending it to Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir, and the Delimitation Bill, which is set to increase and redraw Lok Sabha constituencies, increasing them up to 850.

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has emerged as a pivotal issue in Murshidabad's border belt ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls, pushing Jalangi, Bhagabangola and Lalgola to the frontline of the state's most polarising political battle.

In this Muslim-majority district, where seven assembly seats lie along or close to the Bangladesh border, the campaign is driven by allegations of illegal immigration, fake identity cards and claims of altered demography of the region.

The BJP accuses the ruling TMC of allowing infiltration for vote-bank politics. The TMC, on the other hand, alleges that the BJP was using the issue to target Bengali-speaking Muslims and polarise voters.

The Congress and the Left accuse both of turning a troubled frontier into an electoral theatre.

But in the villages along the riverine Bagri belt, the language of politics often sounds very different from that of life.

The border floodlights come on after dusk in Jalangi's Char Bhabanipur. Beyond the embankment, across a dark stretch of the Padma river, lies Bangladesh.

There is no fence here, just the river.

At Sadikhanr Char village in Jalangi, where a narrow mud road ends at the river, 58-year-old farmer Abdul Rahim keeps his Aadhaar card, voter slip, land deed and his father's ration card in a plastic pouch.

"When security officials come to the village, they ask for papers. We have lived here for generations. Yet every few months, we are asked to show that we are not from Bangladesh," he said.

Rahim's two bighas of land have been eroded by the Padma. His elder son now works in Kerala.

"What will infiltration give me? I need work, a proper embankment and my name on the ration list and voter list, so that I can avail the benefits of government schemes," he said.

The border with Bangladesh in Murshidabad district stretches for more than 125 km. At several places in Jalangi, Bhagabangola and Lalgola, the river is the border.

According to government data provided to Parliament in December, there have been 1,104 infiltration attempts along the Indo-Bangladesh border between January and November 2025, up from 977 in 2024.

During the same period, 2,556 people were arrested, marginally higher than the 2,525 arrests in 2024. Since 2014, 8,632 infiltration attempts and 21,407 arrests have been recorded.

The data also highlighted the scale of the fencing problem. Of the 4,096-km India-Bangladesh border, only 3,239 km, or 79.08 per cent, has been fenced so far. Nearly 857 km remains unfenced.

West Bengal, which shares a 2,217-km border with Bangladesh, accounts for more than half of the international frontier.

For the BJP, those figures have become a campaign weapon. Senior party leaders have alleged that undocumented migrants are being settled in Murshidabad and other districts with political patronage.

The party claims nearly 450 km of the Bangladesh border in West Bengal remains unfenced because the TMC government has not provided land for it to facilitate "infiltrators", who eventually become the ruling party's vote bank.

"Murshidabad is changing because the TMC allowed infiltration for votes. People want strong borders, proper identification and an end to illegal entry," BJP district president Gouri Shankar Ghosh said.

The BJP has repeatedly argued that illegal immigration from Bangladesh has altered the demography of Murshidabad, Malda, North Dinajpur and parts of North 24 Parganas.

The TMC dismisses the charge as an attempt to polarise a Muslim-majority district.

"They call every poor Muslim an infiltrator. The BJP wants people to forget unemployment and price rise. They want fear to become the main issue," said TMC MP Abu Taher.

In the villages, however, a sense of unease has deepened after the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls.

Murshidabad recorded the state's third-highest deletions, with more than 7.48 lakh names removed.

The sharpest impact was in Samserganj, where around 92,000 names disappeared from the rolls. In neighbouring Lalgola, nearly 69,000 names were deleted, while in Bhagabangola, the figure is around 58,000.

In Lalgola's Kalmegha village, 70-year-old Ashfaq Mollah said his wife's name was missing from the electoral rolls despite her voting in every election since the 1980s.

"We went to the office three times with papers. They keep saying 'come later'. Now people are scared. If your name disappears (from the rolls), others start asking questions," he said.

Across Murshidabad, many Muslims say the rhetoric around infiltration has left them feeling permanently under suspicion. In Jalangi bazaar, a BJP poster near the bus stand read, "Seal the border, save Bengal".

A few yards away, a TMC banner accused the saffron party of branding every Bengali-speaking Muslim an infiltrator.

Residents say the absence of a border fence has also created a twilight economy of cattle smuggling, narcotics, fake currency and people moving across the river at night.

"Everyone knows what happens here. Cows go, ganja comes, sometimes cough syrup, sometimes people. But nobody wants to speak openly," said a tea stall owner.

Congress and Left leaders say both the BJP and the TMC are using the border to avoid talking about poverty, migration and the collapse of farming.

"Thousands of boys from these villages work in Kerala, Delhi and Bengaluru because there are no jobs here. The river eats away at the land every year. Yet the election is only about infiltration, and SIR," CPI(M) district secretary Jamir Molla said.

Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Friday alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress was issuing "fake press identification cards" to its workers to gain access to polling stations and manipulate the election process.

The allegation came a day after the TMC accused the BJP of violating the poll code by "launching a scheme called 'Matrishakti Bhorsa Card', promising financial assistance to women, and distributing forms across constituencies in the final days before polling".

It termed the move as the "BJP's electoral bribery" and demanded action against its leaders.

On Friday, senior BJP leader Adhikari, in a post on X, alleged the TMC, in collaboration with political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee, was issuing "fake press identification cards" to party workers.

He claimed that these individuals were "posing as journalists" to gain access to sensitive locations, including polling stations and administrative hubs, "to influence voters and manipulate the election process".

"These pseudo-journalists are being strategically placed to carry out illegal activities under media immunity," Adhikari alleged on X.

The BJP leader further urged the poll panel to conduct a thorough verification of all recently issued press credentials across the state and ensure that only journalists from recognised media organisations are allowed near polling booths.

The TMC is yet to respond to the allegation.

In a last week West Bengal poll campaign push, All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) chairperson and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday turned up the heat against what she calls the "Bangla Birodhi" Bharatiya Janata Party.


Campaigning for candidates contesting from various seats in the Cooch Behar district on Thursday, CM Banerjee vowed to fight for protecting Bengal, safeguarding people's rights, and preserving its secular fabric.


"As long as I stand, I will not allow the Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars to inflict misery or suffering on the people of this land. I will fight to protect Bengal, safeguard the rights of those I am elected to serve, secure the future of this beautiful state, and preserve our secular fabric and inclusive ethos against every force that seeks to tear it apart," she posted on X, posting a campaign rally video alongside.


"But I need you beside me, as you have always been," her post added.


Remembering her long political journey, she said that she has been consistent in her ideology, and has walked "every step of this journey with the people."


"From my days in student politics to three terms as Chief Minister, I have walked every step of this journey with the people. That has never changed. It never will. There is no greater joy in my life than being among my Maa, Mati, Manush. You are my greatest asset," her post read.


Urging people to put their trust in Joraphool (twin flowers, symbol of AITC)


The AITC chief had campaigned for multiple TMC candidates, including Sablu Barman from Mathabhanga, Harihar Das from Sitalkuchi, Avijit De Bhowmick (Hippy) from Cooch Behar Dakshin, Suman Kanjilal from Alipurduar, Birendra Bara from Kalchini, Rajeev Tirkey from Kumargram, Subhash Chandra Roy from Falakata, Jayprakash Toppo from Madarihat, Udayan Guha from Dinhata, Sangita Roy Basunia from Sitai.


Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the results of the Assembly elections scheduled to be announced on May 4.


The state is set to witness a high-voltage contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to form the government after a strong showing in the previous elections.

In an attempt to keep the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s spirit to encourage voters to cast their votes in large numbers in the forthcoming two-phase Assembly election in West Bengal, the office of the District Magistrate, also the District Electoral Officer (DEO), of Darjeeling district, held a unique “Voters’ Pledge” event in the hills on Friday.

The ECI posted pictures of that programme on its official social media handle with the caption -- “Darjeeling Wakes Up with a Democracy Call”.

According to it, on a misty morning in the hills, a vibrant gathering of youth and senior citizens came together in the true spirit of voter participation at Chowrasta in Darjeeling.

“The Voter’s Pledge was administered, followed by an energetic walkathon, led by senior citizens and joined enthusiastically by the youth,” the ECI’s statement added.

Mascots of cartoon characters like “Chota Bheem” and “Chutki” added colours to the event and became part of the celebration, engaging with the crowd and spreading awareness.

“The message of peaceful and festive elections echoed loudly across the hills of Darjeeling. It’s your duty and responsibility. Let's Vote !” the ECI’s statement read.

An insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said that since the beginning of this election process, the Commission had been emphasising encouraging people to vote enthusiastically and in large numbers.

“The first is to ensure absolutely free and fair, and violence-free polls. So, the Commission has focused on making elaborate security arrangements well in advance this time to eliminate fears of intimidation from the minds of voters. At the same time, the Commission has arranged several unique and interactive programmes with common voters to spread awareness regarding the importance of their votes in democracy. The Darjeeling programme was a part of that initiative,” the CEO’s office insider said.

He added that another focus of the Commission this time is that not a single fake voter would remain in the voters’ list and no genuine voter would be deleted from the list, which was ensured through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Thursday strongly opposed the Centre’s proposed Delimitation Bill, calling it a “calculated deception” and warning that any attempt to push it through Parliament would face resistance in Tamil Nadu.

In a post on X, Stalin described the issue as a turning point in the state’s political history and said Tamil Nadu’s campaign against delimitation had compelled the Centre to respond.

"Today is a defining moment in Tamil Nadu’s political history. It is the day we will see the outcome of our relentless resistance against delimitation."

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had verbally assured Parliament that Tamil Nadu’s representation would not be reduced, but accused the government of acting differently through the Bill.

"In the face of our sustained protests and uncompromising opposition, the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have, on the floor of Parliament, offered a verbal assurance that Tamil Nadu’s representation will not be reduced."

"But their words say one thing, their actions reveal another. The Bill they have introduced is nothing but a calculated deception. We reject it outright. It cannot be trusted. It will not be accepted."

Stalin alleged that the powers proposed for the Delimitation Commission could be misused to alter the representation of states for political purposes.

"The sweeping powers granted to the Delimitation Commission under this Bill make one thing clear. At any time, in any manner they choose, they can alter the representation of states to suit their political interests. This so called legislation is a carefully crafted trap, loaded with dangerous intent."

He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Bill and warned the Union government against forcing it through Parliament.

"This Bill must not be rushed through in haste. The Union Government must withdraw it in full. If they attempt to bulldoze it through Parliament, emboldened by the numbers they have stitched together, and in complete disregard of our opposition, they will face the consequences in Tamil Nadu."

Stalin also invoked former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on language policy, alleging that the present regime was weakening state rights.

"Jawaharlal Nehru assured that Hindi would never be imposed, and he honoured that promise as long as he lived. The present Union regime, however, speaks of protecting state rights even as it systematically dismantles them piece by piece."

He said the constitutional safeguards introduced under former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee to freeze delimitation must be restored.

"What we demand is clear. The same constitutional safeguard that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided by freezing delimitation through constitutional amendment must be restored."

Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu and head of the AIADMK Edappadi K Palaniswami held a campaign rally in Palladam, Tiruppur district, where he criticised chief minister MK Stalin over his stance on women’s reservation. Palaniswami reiterated his party’s long-standing support for a 33 per cent quota in legislatures, noting that Narendra Modi is now advancing the proposal nationally.

He also mocked protests led by Stalin, claiming they had failed to gain traction. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha has taken up key legislation, including the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, both introduced after securing majority support.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday levelled serious allegations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming the opposition plan is to bring in the NIA, detonate the bomb, and then blame it on someone else.

Addressing a public gathering in Dinhata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader warned that individuals from outside the state might be utilised to create unrest and trigger arrests of local youth just as the voting process nears.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a gathering, said, "Their (BJP) plan is to bring in the NIA, detonate the bomb, and then blame it on someone else. They'll bring in some people from outside, accuse you, and arrest the boys tomorrow. It's just a matter of a few days. Be patient, just register your name, and don't get into any trouble. I'm appealing to you; they'll steal votes by creating trouble. If necessary, you should monitor them even at night..."

Meanwhile, during a rally in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke about identity crisis, hooliganism, crime, and mafia in Bengal.

Yogi Adityanath said, "I have come to appeal to you, those people, due to whom Bengal has been facing an identity crisis for the past 15 years, who have turned Bengal into a hub of terror, mafia rule, extortion, and corruption, that TMC is no longer needed. These people have created an atmosphere of fear among the common public, the youth, and daughters and sisters. Because of them, the mafia has emerged. This mafia tendency will be ended by the BJP. This is the BJP's resolve."

Earlier, on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to undermine Bengal's identity and constitutional rights, while saying she spent Poila Boishakh among the people of West Bengal and reaffirmed her commitment to serving the state.

The Chief Minister further alleged that people of Bengal were facing "suffering and humiliation" under BJP-ruled states and claimed attempts were being made to impose uniformity by erasing Bengal's culture and diversity.

"It pains me deeply to see the suffering and humiliation being inflicted upon them by Bangla-Birodhi BJP. Their existence is being questioned, their constitutional rights are under threat, and in BJP-ruled states, people are being tortured and tormented. They want to impose uniformity by erasing our language, our culture, our food habits, and our diversity," she said.

Also read: EC to deploy 2,407 central forces for first phase of Bengal elections on April 23

"They believe Bengal can be controlled from Delhi and Gujarat. They are mistaken. Bengal will never bow," she added.

Appealing to voters to support candidates of the All India Trinamool Congress in the ongoing electoral process, Banerjee urged people to place their trust in her party once again, naming several party candidates across constituencies in the state.

"Let your vote protect Bengal's identity. Let your vote defend its dignity. Let your vote strengthen the path of Maa-Mati-Manush," she added.

Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with the results of the Assembly elections scheduled to be announced on May 4.

The state is set to witness a high-voltage contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth consecutive term, and the BJP, which is aiming to form the government after a strong showing in the previous elections.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna, on Thursday, condemned the death by alleged suicide of a 25-year-old woman in Tiruchirappalli district, saying that the case is "deeply disturbing" and speaks of the safety concerns of women in the State.


"This is a deeply disturbing case that raises serious concerns about the safety and dignity of women," Arjuna, the TVK's General Secretary of Campaign Management and the party's candidate for the Villivakkam Assembly constituency, said. "This is not a suicide; it's forced murder...," he alleged.


He futher alleged that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy CM Udhyanidhi Stalin had pressured the Trichy police to remove the official statement.


"We question why information related to this case, including the official police statement, was reportedly removed. If such actions have taken place, it raises concerns about transparency, and it is done because of the pressure given by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and DyCM Udhayanidhi Stalin to the Trichy police department," the TVK leader said.


"We urge the authorities to ensure a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation, and to take strict action against those responsible. MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin is not talking about this matter," he added.


The TVK leader accused the state government of ignoring the women's complaint and claimed that some DMK cadre had attacked the woman.


"Sindhuja is of a different caste. She is not an OBC or BC. DMK is always against the Dalit people. The DMK office bearers totally ignored her and used unparliamentary words against Sindhuja. Initially, the DMK Union Secretaries attacked Sindhuja. Sindhuja was 25 years old, and she's a youth... This is not a suicide...it's forced murder..." Arjuna said


"...We are ashamed. In Tamil Nadu, no actors and senior leaders... talked about this Sindhuja murder. We want justice. The Income Tax and the ED are still quiet and are not activated... Definitely, we are going to address the Chief Commissioner, Anupriya Patel, in Delhi, that we need justice for this individual... We are going to file in the High Court for Sindhuja's case for CBI..." the TVK leader added.


Arjuna also objected to the alleged distribution of money among the people of State during the ongoing Assembly election.


"In addition, we strongly object to reports of alleged money distribution during the election period. We are going to file a complaint regarding this matter with the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu, Archana Patnaik, seeking immediate investigation and necessary action," he said.


The TVK leader emphasised that the people of Tamil Nadu are looking for a change; hence, such attempts to buy votes won't succeed. "We reiterate that attempts to influence elections through money power will not succeed. The people of Tamil Nadu are seeking change, and their democratic choice will prevail," he noted.


On April 15, TVK leader Vijay took to his X platform to post in Tamil, "The DMK's 8,000-rupee coupon drama has led to the heartbreaking news of a sister taking her own life in Trichy Mannachannallur, a report that sends chills down the spine."


The TVK chief alleged that the DMK, "which has made deceiving people its lifelong mission, is now promising in this current election to give 8,000 rupees, and saying that once they return to power, it can be used to buy household essentials." He claimed that the DMK is using "anti-democratic" ways in their attempt to "somehow clinch a win by fooling people in the 2026 assembly elections."


"Today, as this anti-democratic 8,000-rupee coupon distribution takes place, unable to bear the vulgar rhetoric of DMK members, a sister in Trichy Mannachannallur has ended her life due to mental agony--doesn't this news shake your conscience, Stalin sir?" Vijay posted on X in Tamil on Wednesday.


BJP state president of Tamil Nadu, Nainar Nagendran also posted on April 15 on his X social media platform in Tamil that a Dalit woman in Manachannallur in Trichy "heartbroken after after DMK members spoke obscenely and attacked her for demanding the Rs.8000 subsidy that was not provided, has hanged herself, is utterly shocking."


BJP leader K Annamalai too in his social media post stated that supporters of DMK candidate "assaulted" and used "obscene language" against her after she objecting to bribery. due to which she took her life after being "heartbroken."


Tamil Nadu nears polling in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.


The main contest is the elections is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies.

The Income Tax Department on Friday conducted searches at two premises linked to TMC MLA Debasish Kumar, who is seeking a re-election from the Rashbehari seat in south Kolkata, officials said.

Simultaneous searches began at his house on Manoharpukur Road and his election office around 6 am, they said.

The reason behind the searches was not immediately known.

Also Read: West Bengal assembly elections 2026: SC dismisses plea against EC move to transfer chief secretary, DGP, others

Kumar had recently been summoned multiple times by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a land fraud case. He was called for questioning at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on April 1, 3 and 9, and had appeared before the agency.

The ED aimed to determine whether Kumar had any financial transactions with businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was recently searched by the central agency, officials said.

Polling in the Rashbehari constituency will be held in the second phase of the assembly elections on April 29, with counting scheduled on May 4.

The BJP has fielded columnist Swapan Dasgupta as its candidate in the seat.

Also Read: 'BJP plan is to bring NIA, detonate bomb, blame someone:' Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of attempt to frame youth in West Bengal

The searches triggered tension outside Kumar's residence, with TMC workers raising slogans against the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Central forces personnel were deployed to handle the situation, officials said.

Seven days before the first phase of the Assembly elections, senior Trinamool Congress MLA from Jalangi constituency in Murshidabad district, Abdur Razzak Mandal, on Thursday quit the party.

He held a press conference at his MLA office in Kantabari in Jalangi and announced that he was severing all ties with the Trinamool Congress. Not only that, Razzak also targeted the Trinamool Congress' Raninagar candidate Soumik Hossain, alleging that he was unable to contest the Assembly polls from Jalangi because of internal manoeuvring.

He alleged that Soumik Hossain is trying to establish himself as the leader of the Domkal subdivision. That, he claimed, was the reason he was not re-nominated from the Jalangi constituency. He further claimed that the Trinamool Congress would lose all three seats in the Domkal subdivision.

However, Soumik Hossain, in turn, said: “I am not someone who gives tickets. He is saying this to take revenge after not getting an election ticket this time.”

However, although the Trinamool Congress MLA said he has no personal regret over not being given a ticket from Jalangi this time, he has been deeply hurt by comments made by the party’s top leadership.

In Razzak Mandal’s words: “My only regret is that party leader Abhishek Banerjee said in a public meeting in Jalangi a few days ago that there are allegations of corruption in my name, and that is why I was not given a ticket. This comment has tarnished my 43-year political career.”

He questioned who made the allegations against him and why he was defamed without any discussion. Unable to accept the situation, he said he decided to leave the party. “From today onwards, I want to live as a common man,” he added.

At the same time, Abdur Razzak made an explosive claim at the press conference, saying that Trinamool candidates would be defeated in all three constituencies of the Domkal subdivision.

He also expressed apprehension that the responsibility for such a defeat might be imposed on him in the future, which he cited as another reason for severing ties with the party. However, despite quitting the Trinamool Congress, he made it clear that he is not withdrawing from politics.

He hinted that he may join another party in the future, although he clarified that he would not do so before the Assembly elections.

“I will vote as an ordinary voter. I can vote for Trinamool or any other party, whoever I want,” he said.

He also expressed doubts about the overall election outcome in the state and strongly criticised the fielding of “outsider” candidates in the Jalangi, Domkal and Raninagar constituencies. According to him, fielding local candidates naturally creates a dedicated vote base, which the party has ignored.

He added that in the past, voters in Jalangi did not favour outsider candidates. He also expressed anger that the party did not give him a place in any election committee, which, according to him, was another important reason for leaving the party.

In view of the upcoming Legislative Assembly general elections, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin intensified the election campaign in Bodinayakanur, asserting that former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam's entry into the DMK-led alliance would result in a significant setback for the AIADMK leadership.


Leaders of all political parties are actively engaged in vote-gathering campaigns across the state. As part of this, Udhayanidhi Stalin campaigned at Palani Chettipatti, which falls under the Bodinayakanur Assembly constituency in Theni district, in support of former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who is contesting as the DMK candidate from Bodinayakanur.


While speaking at the event, he highlighted the various schemes implemented by O. Panneerselvam during his tenure as MLA of the Bodinayakanur constituency. He also explained the welfare schemes and development plans that would be implemented for the public if the DMK government is re-elected.


Stalin said, "O. Panneerselvam does not need any introduction, as he is well known not only across Tamil Nadu but throughout India."


He added that "Panneerselvam is contesting from this constituency after aligning with the DMK in order to teach Edappadi K. Palaniswami a proper lesson in this election."


He urged the people to ensure that Panneerselvam wins the election with the highest vote margin in Tamil Nadu. He also stated that only if the DMK returns to power can they counter both Edappadi Palaniswami and the central government led by Bharatiya Janata Party, which he accused of showing bias in allocating funds to Tamil Nadu.


He concluded by saying that "once O. Panneerselvam is elected again as MLA from Bodinayakanur, he will effectively fulfil the basic needs of the people in the region and deliver all welfare schemes efficiently."


Meanwhile, Bodinayakanur is a key Assembly constituency in Tamil Nadu's Theni district, which is set for a closely contested triangular fight, with DMK's O Panneerselvam facing AIADMK's VT Narayanasamy and TVK's S Prakash in a high-stakes battle.


In the 2021 Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam of the AIADMK won the Bodinayakanur seat with 1,00,050 votes, securing 46.9 per cent of the total vote share. He defeated Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate Thangatamilselvan, who polled 89,029 votes (41.7 per cent), by a margin of 11,021 votes (5.2 per cent).


In the 2016 Assembly elections, O Panneerselvam won the seat with 99,531 votes, securing 49.9 per cent of the total vote share. He defeated DMK candidate S Lakshmanan, who polled 83,923 votes (42.0 per cent), by a margin of 15,608 votes (7.9 per cent).

The value of cash, valuables and contraband seized during the ongoing election period in Tamil Nadu has nearly doubled compared to the 2021 Assembly elections, reflecting intensified enforcement measures to curb illegal inducements, according to Election Department officials.

During the 2021 polls, enforcement agencies had seized Rs 446.28 crore worth of gifts and precious metals without valid documentation, along with Rs 236.70 crore in unaccounted cash. Officials noted that more than 50 per cent of the seized materials were later returned after individuals furnished valid proof of ownership. Notably, gold alone accounted for Rs 173.19 crore of the total seizures during that election cycle.

In contrast, the current election period has already witnessed seizures amounting to around Rs 800 crore as of Wednesday, covering cash, jewellery, narcotics and liquor.

The sharp increase underscores tighter surveillance and more rigorous monitoring mechanisms put in place across the state. Out of the total seizures so far, Rs 126.64 crore in unaccounted cash was confiscated for lack of valid documentation.

Authorities reiterated that individuals whose valuables are seized can reclaim them by submitting appropriate documents to establish legitimacy.

An official statement said that nearly Rs 400 crore worth of seized materials -- including cash, precious metals and other items -- have already been released after due verification. This, officials pointed out, highlights both the scale of enforcement as well as the safeguards in place to prevent undue hardship to legitimate holders.

The seizures have been carried out by a network of flying squads, static surveillance teams and Income Tax officials deployed across all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.

These teams have been conducting round-the-clock checks on vehicles, monitoring transport routes and keeping a close watch on suspicious movement of goods and money.

Officials said the intensified crackdown is aimed at preventing the distribution of cash and other inducements to voters, a key concern during elections.

“Strict vigil is being maintained to ensure a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the electoral process,” an official said.

With polling day approaching, authorities are expected to further tighten surveillance, ensuring that the electoral process remains free, fair and transparent.

In view of the forthcoming Assembly Elections, a 50-member delegation of the Assam State BJP on Thursday arrived in West Bengal.


Guwahati (Assam) [India], April 16 (ANI): In view of the forthcoming Assembly Elections, a 50-member delegation of the Assam State BJP on Thursday arrived in West Bengal.


The elections, scheduled to be conducted in two phases on April 23 and April 29, will witness an extensive campaign by the Assam delegation across multiple constituencies in the state.


It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has already reached West Bengal and is set to address three massive public rallies today in the Assembly constituencies of Cooch Behar, Kalchini, and Phansidewa.


Prominent leaders, including Cabinet Ministers Pijush Hazarika, Jayanta Mallabaruah, Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Bimal Bora, Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Rupesh Gowala, Kripanath Mallah, Rajdeep Roy, Krishnendu Paul, Kaushik Rai, along with Member of Parliament Parimal Suklabaidya, several MLAs, and senior state leaders, have already stationed themselves across various constituencies to spearhead the campaign.


In the broader context of Assembly elections being conducted across four states and one Union Territory in the country, the West Bengal elections are being regarded as highly significant for the BJP.


Notably, several national and regional media outlets have reflected a clear public inclination in favour of the NDA in Assam, while simultaneously indicating a rising momentum and favourable prospects for the BJP in West Bengal.


A three-day Special Session of Parliament has commenced from April 16. During this session, three landmark legislations are set to be introduced, including "One Nation, One Election", nationwide delimitation of constituencies, and reservation of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies under the "Nari Shakti Vandan Act".


Through an official statement issued to the media, party spokesperson Pranjal Kalita informed that the "One Nation, One Election" Bill has already been passed in the Lok Sabha with 207 votes.


The decision of the Central Government to ensure one-third, i.e., 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies through constitutional amendment, thereby empowering women and accelerating the march of Nari Shakti, has been warmly welcomed by the State BJP President and Member of Parliament from the Darrang-Udalguri constituency, Dilip Saikia.


A dignified and meaningful interaction was held today at the Assam State BJP Headquarters, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Bhawan, in the presence of Mayumi Tsubakimoto, First Secretary of the Japan Consulate, and Krishna Maneesh Choudhary, Senior Assistant (Political Affairs).


The discussion encompassed several vital areas concerning Indo-Japan relations, including Assam's potential from Japan's perspective, avenues of investment and trade, women empowerment, youth development, the ideological framework of the BJP, and the various welfare initiatives undertaken by the Government of Assam.


It is worth mentioning that the programme was attended by State Vice-President Ratna Singh, Convenor of the BJP State Media Department Rupam Goswami, along with several spokespersons, media panellists, and co-convenors of the media department. (