Assembly Elections 2026 Live: On BJP's CM face, West Bengal unit chief says 'let people choose first'

Those hit by SIR deletions may see their other rights diluted: Prashant Bhushan

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan on Sunday raised concern over large-scale deletion of names under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, saying those affected could see their “other rights diluted or withdrawn," as cited by PTI.

Tamil Nadu polls: Centre tries to lower TN's representation in Parliament, showing women's quota as reason, says CM Stalin

M K Stalin on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government of allegedly betraying southern states, alleging that it was attempting to reduce Tamil Nadu’s representation by citing the proposed “women reservation” as a reason.

Addressing an election rally in Paramakudi, he said the Centre was seeking to penalise states such as Tamil Nadu that had implemented population control measures and contributed to national growth.

Stalin added that democratic forces across the country would oppose the proposal.

West Bengal polls: At Purba Medinipur rally, Adityanath says 'anarchy, loot, hooliganism' in West Bengal like 2017 pre-BJP Govt in UP

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Sunday criticised the law and order situation in West Bengal under the All India Trinamool Congress, alleging the prevalence of “anarchy, hooliganism, looting, appeasement, and riots” in the state.

Addressing a public gathering in Purba Medinipur, he said the current situation in West Bengal was similar to conditions in Uttar Pradesh before 2017, prior to the formation of a “double-engine” Bharatiya Janata Party government.

"The kind of anarchy, hooliganism, looting, appeasement, and riots that are happening in Bengal today were also prevalent in UP before 2017," he said, as cited by ANI.

West Bengal polls: BJP sees strong public support in Bengal, confident of forming government, says Locket Chatterjee

Locket Chatterjee said that there is a strong public demand for change in West Bengal, asserting that large turnouts at rallies addressed by the Prime Minister reflect growing support for the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“...People want change, that is why whenever the Prime Minister goes somewhere, a tsunami of people is pouring in. The picture we are seeing has confirmed that the BJP government is coming to power in West Bengal," she said, as cited by ANI.

West Bengal polls: Bankura administration steps up surveillance ahead of April 23

Tamil Nadu polls: 'No place for NDA in Tamil Nadu, Dravidian Model 2.0 will continue', says IP Senthil Kumar

IP Senthil Kumar on Sunday expressed confidence in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s prospects in the Dindigul constituency, stating that the ground situation was favourable for the ruling party.

He credited the welfare schemes of the state government led by M K Stalin for generating a positive public response, as cited by ANI.

Accepting the party leadership’s decision to field him from Dindigul, Senthil Kumar said he was committed to the campaign and claimed that voters in the constituency were supportive of the DMK.

West Bengal polls: BJP threatening TMC candidates for support if it falls short of majority mark, says Mamata Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party was threatening candidates of the All India Trinamool Congress, including state ministers, to secure their support if it falls short of a majority after the Assembly elections.

Addressing rallies in Asansol in Paschim Bardhaman, Chhatna and Onda in Bankura, and Khandagosh in Purba Bardhaman, she said, “The BJP is threatening TMC candidates, including state ministers, seeking their support if it falls short of the majority mark after the assembly elections," as cited by PTI.

Banerjee also alleged that the Centre intends to carry out a delimitation exercise to trifurcate West Bengal, with parts of the state possibly being merged with Bihar or Odisha, which she said would create difficulties for Bengali residents in those regions.

The majority mark in the 294-member Assembly is 148. The BJP had won 77 seats in the 2021 elections.

West Bengal polls: BJP Hooghly District VP Suresh Shaw joins TMC ahead of Assembly polls

West Bengal polls: 'Let people choose first', state BJP president on party's CM face

Samik Bhattacharya said the Bharatiya Janata Party will contest the Assembly elections without projecting a Chief Ministerial candidate and will take a decision after assessing the public mandate.

He added that the same approach will be followed in West Bengal, with the party focused on securing a majority against the government led by Mamata Banerjee and the All India Trinamool Congress.

"We don't fight elections by projecting a Chief Minister's face. Let the people choose first, then the party's high command will decide. For now, our focus is on victory," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

West Bengal polls: BJP's Dilip Ghosh hopes for Kharagpur Sadar return; tight contest expected as TMC fields Pradip Sarkar in railway town

West Bengal’s Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency is set for a closely watched electoral contest featuring familiar political rivals.

Dilip Ghosh of the Bharatiya Janata Party is aiming to replicate his 2016 success as he once again faces Pradip Sarkar of the All India Trinamool Congress, who is seeking a political comeback after his 2021 defeat, as cited by ANI.

The constituency, numbered 224, has an estimated population of around four lakh, including nearly 1.9 lakh voters. Key local concerns include pollution, drinking water shortages, and unemployment, particularly among the youth.

Kharagpur Sadar comprises the Kharagpur Railway settlement, the Kharagpur I community development block, and the Kharagpur municipality. Residents have consistently called for sustained development and improved civic infrastructure.

The region is also a major transport and education hub, home to the Kharagpur Junction, one of India’s longest railway platforms, and Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, the country’s oldest IIT.

Kerala assembly polls: LDF files complaint against UDF candidate in Kuttanad alleging cash-for-vote

The LDF has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India, alleging that UDF candidate Reji Cheriyan engaged in cash-for-vote practices during the Assembly election campaign in the Kuttanad constituency.

In its submission, the LDF election committee claimed that money was distributed both directly and through UPI transactions.

Polling for the Kerala Assembly elections 2026 was held on April 9, with results for all 140 constituencies scheduled to be announced on May 4.

West Bengal polls: BJP bringing in Delimitation Bill to trifurcate Bengal, says CM Mamata Banerjee at Chhatna rally

West Bengal polls: 'Energy I am witnessing among people of Bengal has convinced me that TMC's defeat is certain', says PM Modi at Siliguri rally

West Bengal polls: PM Modi hits out at TMC as ‘anti-North Bengal, anti-tribal’ party during poll rally in Siliguri

West Bengal polls: PM Modi addresses rally in Siliguri

Tamil Nadu polls: Udhayanidhi Stalin launches campaign in Mannargudi; targets AIADMK-BJP alliance

​Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister on Sunday launched his election campaign in the Mannargudi Assembly constituency of Thiruvarur district, supporting DMK candidate TRB Rajaa, as the party intensified its campaign ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

West Bengal polls: PM Modi to address poll rally in Siliguri today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in Siliguri in poll-bound West Bengal on Sunday, a party leader said.

The rally will be held at Kawakhali Ground in Siliguri in support of Shankar Ghosh and other BJP candidates contesting in north Bengal.

West Bengal polls: West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer urges voters to turn out in Assembly polls

West Bengal State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal has urged voters in the state to actively participate in the upcoming Assembly elections, stressing that arrangements have been made for free and fair polling in Murshidabad district.

Agarwal said people should approach polling stations with the same enthusiasm as they do during the Durga Puja festival.

Tamil Nadu polls: Puratchi ADMK files complaint against AIADMK over election campaign permission denial

Puratchi Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, alleging denial of election campaign permission ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Party founder president Pugalenthi said the complaint, filed under the Act of 1954, seeks to restrict Palaniswami’s campaign, citing concerns over potential clashes between political groups during the election period. The party has urged the Election Commission to intervene and deny permission for campaigning.

He added that if no action is taken, the party will approach the high court with supporting documents, including speeches and submissions made to the Election Commission.

Tamil Nadu polls: We will definitely fight for state rights and stand against delimitation, says Udhayanidhi Stalin

Tamil Nadu polls: Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin says, "On delimitation, our leader was the first in the country to raise this issue last year. We also held a conclave on this, where leaders from southern states participated and shared their views. Now they are trying to pass the bill very soon. So we were the first party to raise this issue. We will definitely fight for state rights and stand against delimitation, as they are trying to reduce the seats from 39 to 32, as I have heard. We will definitely fight for their rights as well."

West Bengal polls: Mamata alleges lack of consultation on Delimitation Bill, attacks BJP during poll rally

West Bengal chief minister and All India Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that the government is bringing the Delimitation Bill in Parliament during the ongoing election period without prior consultation or debate, while addressing an election rally in Keshiary.

She also alleged irregularities in voter list revisions and reiterated her opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, while criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying “SIR is a huge scam” and claiming it was being used to delete names from electoral rolls.

The West Bengal CM also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he visits West Bengal only during elections, saying, “He comes like a seasonal bird during elections, not during floods or disasters.”.

Tamil Nadu polls: TVK to hold Kanyakumari roadshow; issues safety guidelines for supporters

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) General Secretary N. Anand has announced that the party’s chief ministerial candidate will lead a campaign roadshow in Kanyakumari district on 12 April ahead of the Assembly elections. The event will run from Mahadanapuram Junction to Zero Point, starting at 2:00 pm, with approval granted by the Election Commission of India.

The party stated that basic arrangements have been made but stressed strict compliance with safety rules, including a ban on supporters following the campaign vehicle. Vulnerable groups—such as children, elderly citizens and those with health conditions—have been advised to watch remotely.

The announcement comes amid intensified campaigning before polling on 23 April, with results due on 4 May. The contest is expected to be closely fought, with actor-turned-politician Vijay entering the fray, potentially making it a three-cornered race.

West Bengal polls: 'RG Kar incident has shamed Bengal,' says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday criticised the Trinamool Congress over the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, vowing that a Bharatiya Janata Party government would punish those responsible for crimes against women.

Speaking at a campaign rally, he alleged that the administration led by Mamata Banerjee ignored repeated abuses, including incidents in Sandeshkhali. He further accused the state government of widespread corruption, citing multiple alleged scams and warning that those involved would face consequences.

Meanwhile, Ratna Debnath, mother of the victim, has entered the electoral fray from Panihati, filing her nomination in the presence of Smriti Irani, who described her as a symbol of resilience. Ratna stated she is contesting to seek justice for her daughter and advocate for women’s safety.

West Bengal will vote on 23 and 29 April, with results due on 4 May.

Bengal Assembly elections: ‘Will revoke UCC’ — Mamata attacks BJP manifesto, flags ‘threat to fair polls’

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee mounted a sharp attack on the BJP, opposing the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and asserting that her party would overturn the law if it returns to power with a majority.

Addressing a public gathering, Banerjee questioned the feasibility of free and fair elections under BJP rule, while positioning the Trinamool Congress (TMC) as a bulwark against what she described as controversial policy moves.

Speaking on the UCC, she said, "They have spoken about UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in the manifesto...I will vehemently oppose this. They are in the majority today, so they will pass the Bill. When they won't be in the majority tomorrow, we will revoke the Bill...Free and fair elections are not possible as long as they remain."

Banerjee also raised concerns over the timing of the Delimitation Bill, alleging that the Centre was pushing it without debate during an ongoing election cycle, and linking it to a broader political agenda in the state.

At the rally, she said, "Elections are going on, and in the middle of that, they are bringing the Delimitation Bill in Parliament. This was not even debated. The reason behind this is that they want to divide Bengal and conduct NRC here...I reiterate this, the BJP will be gone one day very soon."

Her remarks come amid an intensifying political battle in West Bengal, with both the TMC and BJP trading accusations over governance, electoral integrity and policy direction as campaigning gathers momentum.

West Bengal Assembly election: BJP to implement UCC, won't let Bengalis become minority in Bengal - PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday intensified the BJP's pitch on identity and infiltration in poll-bound West Bengal, promising to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to end what he called the "politics of appeasement" and asserting that the BJP would not allow Bengalis to become a minority in the state.

Addressing a rally at Jangipur in Muslim-majority Murshidabad district, Modi framed the upcoming assembly polls as a battle to protect West Bengal's identity and future, while accusing the ruling TMC of thriving on appeasement politics and the support of "infiltrators".

"The nation's security is of paramount importance to us. The BJP's resolve is to implement UCC in West Bengal to end the politics of appeasement forever," Modi said, a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the party's manifesto promising to bring in the law within six months of coming to power.

Claiming that rapid demographic changes were taking place in several parts of the state, Modi alleged that the TMC had abandoned its old slogan of 'Maa-Mati-Manush' and was now depending on infiltrators and vote-bank politics to retain power.

Bengal Assembly elections: ‘No vision, no policies’ - PM Modi says TMC fails outside Bengal due to ‘thuggery’ politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over its limited political footprint beyond West Bengal, alleging that the party has failed to gain public support in other states due to a lack of vision and credibility.

Addressing a public rally in South Dinajpur, PM Modi pointed to the TMC’s electoral attempts in states like Tripura, Assam and Goa, claiming that voters there had rejected the party’s politics.

At the rally, he said, "The TMC has gone to contest elections in many places outside Bengal. It went to contest in Tripura, it went to contest in Assam, and it went to contest in Goa. Nowhere does anyone give them even a single vote. The neighbouring states have recognised them, but their dishonesty and thuggery don't work there, and that's why no one bothers with them... The TMC can't win outside Bengal because they have no vision, no ideas, no policies, no intentions..."

The remarks form part of the BJP’s broader campaign pitch in West Bengal, where the PM and other party leaders have been consistently attacking the TMC on governance, corruption and its national ambitions as the electoral battle intensifies.

Bengal Assembly polls: ‘Reign of fear will end soon’- PM Modi trains gun at TMC government at Kushmandi rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mounted a sharp offensive against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) at a rally in Kushmandi, accusing it of fostering corruption, lawlessness and a politics of fear during its 15-year rule in West Bengal.

Addressing supporters in Dakshin Dinajpur district amid the ongoing 2026 Assembly election campaign, Modi alleged that the TMC had little to show in terms of governance, even as it continued to target him with personal attacks. He also questioned the party’s national ambitions, claiming it lacked both intent and a coherent policy framework to expand beyond the state.

At the rally, Modi said, "TMC's politics of loot and lies, its reign of fear will end soon."

Stepping up his criticism, he added, "TMC keeps abusing me, makes false claims but fails to state what it did for Bengal in the last 15 yrs."

The Prime Minister also aimed to boost the party’s broader political standing, saying, "TMC failed to win elections in other states as it neither has intent nor policy."

Highlighting the BJP’s promises, PM said women in West Bengal would benefit from greater representation if his party came to power. "Bengal's women will benefit from 33 pc reservation in govt jobs, which would be implemented after BJP comes to power in the state," he said.

In one of his sharpest remarks, the PM accused the TMC of institutionalising criminality in politics, stating, "TMC has done a PhD in the art of 'goondaism' and corruption."

The remarks reflect an intensifying campaign battle in West Bengal, with the BJP seeking to consolidate its position by attacking the TMC on governance, corruption and law-and-order issues ahead of the polls.

West Bengal polls 2026: From Messi chaos to ‘rule of fear’ - PM Modi targets TMC in Bengal poll push

Invoking the controversy surrounding Lionel Messi’s much-hyped but chaotic visit to Kolkata in December 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharpened his attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), alleging mismanagement and syndicate control as emblematic of the state’s governance under Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Messi’s visit, which had generated massive excitement among football fans, descended into disarray amid allegations of poor planning, overcrowding and mismanagement, drawing widespread criticism and international attention. PM Modi accused the state government of allowing “syndicate raj” to take over even major sporting events, leading to the chaos.

Addressing a public meeting in Dakshin Dinajpur during the ongoing 2026 assembly election campaign, PM Modi referenced the incident to underline his broader critique of the TMC’s rule and said that the world saw a "shameful image" of India.

"I have been told that many daughters from here play football for Bengal. When there is so much talent among the sons and daughters of this land, we saw what happens to football here just a few months ago in Kolkata. TMC leaders and ministers have even handed over football to syndicates. Such shameful scenes were witnessed by the entire world in Kolkata because of them. This is a clear sign of a complete 'maha jungle raj'."

At the rally, he further said, "This time the Bengal election is between TMC's fear on one side and the BJP's trust on the other. This is a fight to defeat fear. This is a fight to move Bengal forward on the basis of trust. Today, I have come to assure you that TMC's rule of fear is about to end... Now, TMC's shop of lies and loot is going to shut down."

He also directly referred to the football controversy, adding, "TMC handed over football management to a syndicate, and the world watched shameful images."

West Bengal assembly polls: Amit Shah escalates attack on Mamata, mocks ‘victim card’ at Bengal rally

Union home minister Amit Shah sharpened his criticism of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee during a poll rally in Chhatna, accusing her of resorting to theatrics to garner public sympathy as electoral tensions rise in the state.

Targeting Banerjee’s campaign style, Shah alleged that the Trinamool Congress leader frequently portrays herself as a victim to influence voters, even suggesting that such gestures were staged. His remarks come as the BJP intensifies its outreach in Bengal, seeking to corner the ruling party on governance and credibility.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said, "Mamata Didi plays the victim card. Sometimes she puts a fake bandage on her leg, sometimes on her head. Mamata Didi, wherever you want to put the bandage on your leg, hand, or head. Do it, but the people of Bengal will not vote for you..."

West Bengal assembly elections: PM Modi vows to implement UCC in state

PM Modi in an election rally in Murshidabad said that his party is working to implement the UCC in West Bengal.

"The security of the nation is paramount to us. The BJP is resolved to implement the UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in Bengal and put an end to the politics of appeasement once and for all," he said. ​​​​

'History is turning back': Vijay calls on TVK cadre for ground campaign ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

'Mothers & sisters not safe in Bengal': Amit Shah targets Mamata Banerjee over women’s safety

Addressing a rally, Amit Shah targeted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

“This TMC government has failed to protect the dignity of women. Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed that she is a woman Chief Minister, yet mothers and sisters are not safe in Bengal,” he said.

Assam assembly polls: Repolling underway at Karimganj North booth after clash during Assam voting

Repolling is underway at a booth in the Karimganj (North) Assembly constituency in Assam’s Sribhumi district after clashes were reported during polling on April 9.

Officials said voting at booth number 239 at Babyland High English School began at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm, with arrangements made to ensure free and fair polling, PTI reported.

The repoll was ordered following clashes between supporters of the BJP and the Congress during the initial voting process. “Repolling is going on smoothly, and the momentum is expected to pick up as the day progresses,” an official said.

The booth has a total of 599 voters. A triangular contest is underway in the constituency between BJP’s Subrata Bhattacharjee, Congress’ Jakaria Ahmed, and AIUDF’s Choudhury Hibbur Rasul Usama Mabrur.

Polling across all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam was held in a single phase on April 9, with turnout recorded at over 85 per cent.

'All those involved in atrocities on women during Mamata's rule will be brought to justice,' says Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah said that, "All those involved in atrocities on women during Mamata's rule will be brought to justice." Shah was addressing a rally in Bengal's Onda.

'Tried to cancel my candidature': Mamata alleges BJP, EC tried to stop her from contesting in Bengal polls

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that attempts were made to cancel her candidature in Bhabanipur through “false cases” with the help of the BJP and the Election Commission, claiming that the move was foiled by TMC workers.

Addressing a poll rally in Keshiyari, she also raised concerns over voter list revisions, saying over 90 lakh names were deleted, including 60 lakh Hindus and 30 lakh Muslims. She further claimed that more than 250 people died due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Questioning the process, Banerjee said, “Since we speak in Bengali, are we not Indians? Do we need to constantly prove citizenship?” She accused the BJP of targeting voters and creating fea

'Infiltrators should start packing their bags': PM Modi warns at Purba Bardhaman rally

While addressing the rally, PM Modi warned, "Infiltrators should start packing their bags, it is time to leave; those who helped illegal immigrants will not be spared."

Watch: PM Modi slams TMC government in Bengal

'Fear-free, transparent governance from villages to Nabanna': PM Modi in Purba Bardhaman

Addressing a rally at Purba Bardhaman PM Modi said, "Under a BJP government, from the village land office to the Nabanna Secretariat, a fear‑free and transparent system will be created. This will also make the police force more efficient and replace syndicates with a transparent tender process for every job."

Watch: PM Modi says LDF, UDF not claiming victory in Kerala

West Bengal assembly polls: 'Where women vote in large numbers, BJP wins big': PM Modi at West Bengal rally.

Addressing a poll rally in West Bengal PM Modi said: "Wherever women have voted in large numbers, BJP has registered massive victory".

Watch: PM Modi addresses rally in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal

'DMK-led alliance will won more than 200 seats', says MK Stalin

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin in an interview to PTI said that, "DMK-led alliance will win more than 200 seats in April 23 assembly polls, will form govt." He alleged that AIADMK lacks ideology or principle; Delhi BJP office functions as its headquarters.​

ED searches premises linked to former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee in teachers recruitment-related PMLA case, reports PTI.

Tamil Nadu assembly elections: Chidambaram takes swipe at ‘Vijay party’

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that a new 'Vijay Party' has emerged but criticised its lack of political experience and engagement with the public.

He said, “A ‘vijay party’ has come up. They have no political experience. Today, he came to Karaikudi and left without even speaking. How is that acceptable?”

Emphasising the importance of political dialogue, Chidambaram added that politics is about debate and public engagement.

“Politics is about speaking, isn’t it? It is about debate, right? Only if I express my views and he expresses his views can a proper debate happen,” he said.

He further stated that effective leadership requires consistent interaction with the media and the public, contrasting it with what he described as limited engagement by the new political entrant.

Drawing a distinction between cinema and governance, he said acting and administration are fundamentally different. “Acting in films is one thing, governing is another,” he noted.

Chidambaram explained that governance involves policy decisions that directly impact public welfare, including road development, drinking water supply, schools, and hospitals, and requires careful use of public funds.

He added, “I have governed for about 20 years, and I can say it is not a simple task. In governance, there are no retakes. In cinema, if a scene doesn’t come out well, there can be another take. But in administration, once a decision is made, there is no retake.”

'Vijay has secret alliance with NDA', alleges CPI leader Mutharasan