Assembly Elections 2026 Highlights: 'BJP's downfall has begun,' says Mamata Banerjee women's reservation bill falls in Lok Sabha

Hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress on Saturday said a "desperate and frustrated" PM turned an official address to the nation into a political speech despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force.

The party also challenged him to bring a bill in Parliament to implement women's reservation within the existing set-up of the Lok Sabha, soon after Modi's address to the nation, in which he attacked the opposition parties for not backing the government's Constitution amendment bill.

In a post on X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said a "desperate and frustrated" prime minister with nothing meaningful to show for the last 12 years, turned an official address to the nation, into a political speech, full of "mudslinging, and outright lies".

"The Model Code of Conduct is already in place, and it was very clear how the prime minister misused official machinery to attack his opponents. This is a travesty of democracy and the Constitution," Kharge said.

"Modi ji mentioned Congress 59 times, and women barely a few times. That tells the country everything about his priorities. Women are not the BJP's priority. Congress is, because Congress stands on the right side of history," the Congress chief said.

He asserted that the Congress has always supported women's reservation.

RJD national working president Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday appreciated all welfare schemes implemented by the DMK-led Stalin government in Tamil Nadu.

Sharing the dais with chief minister M K Stalin at a poll rally here, he said, "Tamil Nadu has always been ahead in providing quality education. My appeal is to continue the journey with Stalin with passion."

Claiming that Tamil Nadu is the top performing state in the country with regard to the human development index, Yadav said, "It is the second-largest contributor to GDP, having the highest capita income and improvement in the education sector".

He requested the people that they should not let the journey (development) be interrupted. "It is not just Tamil Nadu's journey, but it is also the country's journey".

Appreciating DMK chief Stalin, who played a vital role in opposing the delimitation bill, Yadav said, "When PM Modi tried to weaken the Constitution, the MPs gave a befitting lesson to him. When Tamil Nadu rises, India also rises," he added.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday accused the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of diverting the state's resources for "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators", and said she has to be removed from power "else we will lose Bengal".

Addressing a rally in Kalimpong, the BJP leader claimed that his party's governments in Assam and Tripura have prevented the entry of "Bangladeshi Muslims" into India, while infiltration of illegal immigrants continues in Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee has earmarked the entire treasury of Bengal for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. She sold this land to Bangladeshi Muslims for votes," he alleged.

Alleging the TMC supremo has destroyed the entire Bengal since she became the chief minister, Sarma said, "We have to remove Mamata Banerjee as Bengal CM, else one day Bangladeshi Muslims will take away the state from us."

The BJP leader claimed that there has been no development in north Bengal under her tenure and pitched for a change in government while promising that "once the BJP forms a government in Bengal, we will kick out all Bangladeshi infiltrators from this region."

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday hit out at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the saffron party's "downfall" began after the Centre failed to secure passage of a Constitution amendment bill to implement women's reservation in legislatures from 2029.

Addressing back-to-back rallies at Uluberia in Howrah and Baruipur in South 24 Parganas, the TMC supremo said Friday's events in Parliament had shown that the BJP was no longer a party with a majority of its own and was surviving in office only with the support of two allies.

"Yesterday proved they are no longer a majority government. It is a minority government. They are somehow running it with the support of two parties," she said, in an apparent reference to the BJP's dependence on allies in the NDA.

In a major setback to the Centre, a Constitution amendment bill to implement 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures in 2029 and increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 816 was defeated on Friday, with the ruling dispensation asserting that the struggle to give the rights to women will continue.

While 298 members voted in support of the bill in the Lok Sabha, 230 MPs voted against it. Out of 528 members who voted, the bill required 352 votes for a two-thirds majority.

"Modi sahib's downfall began in Delhi yesterday. In the Lok Sabha, you have been defeated; now you will have to be defeated on the ground. Bengal will show the way," she added. (PTI)

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday accused the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of diverting the state's resources for "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators", and said she has to be removed from power "else we will lose Bengal".

Addressing a rally in Kalimpong, the BJP leader claimed that his party's governments in Assam and Tripura have prevented the entry of "Bangladeshi Muslims" into India, while infiltration of illegal immigrants continues in Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee has earmarked the entire treasury of Bengal for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. She sold this land to Bangladeshi Muslims for votes," he alleged.

Alleging the TMC supremo has destroyed the entire Bengal since she became the chief minister, Sarma said, "We have to remove Mamata Banerjee as Bengal CM, else one day Bangladeshi Muslims will take away the state from us."

The BJP leader claimed that there has been no development in north Bengal under her tenure and pitched for a change in government while promising that "once the BJP forms a government in Bengal, we will kick out all Bangladeshi infiltrators from this region."

He also said the BJP would seek a constitutional solution to the Gorkhaland issue and "ensure justice for Gorkhas" if voted to power. (PTI)

DMK harms women in Tamil Nadu by enabling violence and crime. They do not stand with women in Parliament either, but now their anti-women ideology will definitely get a befitting reply: PM Modi

After this programme, I will discuss this issue in detail at 8:30pm tonight... Today, DMK has no achievements to showcase, no real issues to raise. This is why they resorted to spreading false fears about reduction in Tamil Nadu's seats. DMK said earlier that the current proportional representation must be maintained, and we proposed it as well. But now they took a U-turn: PM Modi

These one 'family parties' want power to be confined in their own family, alleges PM Modi.

I want to assure you all this is not the end of our fight, but just the beginning. BJP and NDA will keep fighting for your rights: PM Modi

By wearing black clothes, DMK cannot cover up their wrong intentions... People know your black deeds and you cannot escape them any longer: PM Modi

"Based on the 2011 census, Tamil Nadu was going to get so many more seats, but clearly DMK did not want this to happen. Their actions are now clearly exposed," says PM Modi

But unfortunately, this noble effort was derailed. DMK, Congress and their allies made it a target of hatred and petty politics: PM Modi

I personally appealed to all the political parties to support this. I told them clearly that they may take the credit; I have no objection. I only wanted sisters from ordinary families to come to the Parliament and Assemblies in greater numbers: PM Modi

Today, amid my people, I want to express my pain and anger. In 2023, we passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and on the 16th of this month, we took a historic step to move towards implementing women's reservation in Parliament and Assemblies: PM Modi

Tamil people giving one clear message--NDA in, DMK out: PM Modi

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday conducted a door-to-door campaign in favour of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Kamarhati area for the upcoming West Bengal elections.

CM Yadav expressed hope that the BJP would be winning the upcoming poll and formed its government in West Bengal.

"I have come here today specifically to engage with the public as part of the election campaign for the BJP candidate from Kamarhati assembly, Arup Choudhury. I am delighted to observe that a wave in favour of the BJP is sweeping through the region, promising liberation from the era of 'Jungle Raj.' Given the atmosphere that has taken shape under the leadership of our Prime Minister, it is a matter of great joy for all of us that the 'Lotus' is going to bloom in Bengal and that a government will be formed here," Yadav told reporters.

During the campaign, Chief Minister Yadav further spoke with ANI and underlined that the nation was progressing under the leadership of PM Modi but West Bengal lagged behind and it was the right time for the state to walk alongside with the country.

"Under the leadership of PM Modi, the country is moving forward. But Bengal has lagged behind significantly and now it is the right time for the state to march shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the nation. It is with this very objective in mind that I have come here today to campaign in Arup Choudhury's constituency. I am fully confident that the people will bestow their blessings upon us, and our government will be formed here," Yadav said.

Union minister Piyush Goyal said, "MK Stalin set false narrative on delimitation bill; INDIA alliance failed women's reservation bill and it shows all their propaganda in Tamil Nadu are just lies."

During an election rally at Thuraiyur, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “You must have seen PM Modi’s face in Parliament. Whenever he comes to Parliament, he cannot look into our eyes. The reason is that he is a compromised PM. He has been thoroughly compromised, and Narendra Modi is controlled by Donald Trump. Whatever Trump says, PM Modi will do…And that is exactly what PM Modi wants the AIADMK chief minister to do.”

"A vote for any party other than the TMC is a vote for the BJP," Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee told a poll rally here on Saturday in a bid to consolidate votes in this district, which historically has been a strong base of the Congress.

Addressing a gathering after a roadshow in Farakka, he claimed that while the BJP was "breaking the Congress", the TMC was "thwarting the BJP's influence on the ground."

Targeting the Congress, the de facto number two in the TMC, claimed that no MP or any representative of the grand old party stood by them in the past two years to address people's demands.

Banerjee claimed that the Congress, Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir and central agencies were the "three agencies of the BJP" that were active in the region.

While attempts were being made to delete the names of the poor and minority voters from the electoral rolls, the opposition parties were "playing with the emotions of the community", the TMC leader said.

"I urge people -- Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians -- not to be misled. Those trying to divide you must be given a befitting reply on polling day. If you want to defeat the BJP, the only way is to vote for the TMC," he said.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday took a dig at the West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, stating that the state's progress was hindered by its prevailing political environment.

He further asserted that people in the state now want a change in governance and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is necessary for the progress of Bengal.

"The political environment of West Bengal is hindering its development and the people here want Bengal to move forward along with the country. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, when the nation and every state, including Madhya Pradesh, are progressing, Bengal is lagging behind. Even though it was once among the leading states of the country. Now, a sentiment is emerging among the people that they want freedom from 'jungle raj' and wish to move towards development. The public wants to bring a BJP government to power with an overwhelming majority," CM Yadav told ANI.

CM Yadav expressed hope that in the coming time, a BJP government would be formed in West Bengal in alignment with the Centre, which would pave the way for a new phase of development in the state.

He further stated, "People in Bengal are troubled and development is obstructed. In such a situation, it is very important to choose the BJP for development."

Addressing concerns around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Yadav said the process has been conducted across the country, including Madhya Pradesh, and that genuine voters have been duly considered.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Saturday filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of making "communally charged, inciteful and divisive" remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during an election rally in the state.

In a letter submitted on behalf of the party, TMC leader Derek O'Brien alleged that Sarma, while campaigning in Cooch Behar on April 16, made statements that were not only inflammatory but also defamatory in nature against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The complaint further stated that the remarks were aimed at polarising voters along religious lines ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

According to the letter, Sarma allegedly suggested that Mamata Banerjee fears a BJP government in the state because it may impose a ban on beef. He also purportedly linked beef consumption to specific communities and made claims regarding activities such as smuggling and the establishment of beef shops in certain areas. The TMC termed these remarks as "baseless, vexatious and motivated."

The party contended that such statements go beyond the ambit of political criticism and amount to promoting religious hatred and encouraging communal disharmony.

"These remarks deliberately create suspicion and hostility against an entire religious community, portraying them as a threat to public order," the complaint stated, warning that such narratives could disrupt the peaceful conduct of elections and lead to law and order issues.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday accused the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal of diverting the state's resources for "Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators", and said she has to be removed from power "else we will lose Bengal".

Addressing a rally in Kalimpong, the BJP leader claimed that his party's governments in Assam and Tripura have prevented the entry of "Bangladeshi Muslims" into India, while infiltration of illegal immigrants continues in Bengal.

"Mamata Banerjee has earmarked the entire treasury of Bengal for Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators. She sold this land to Bangladeshi Muslims for votes," he alleged.

Alleging the TMC supremo has destroyed the entire Bengal since she became the chief minister, Sarma said, "We have to remove Mamata Banerjee as Bengal CM, else one day Bangladeshi Muslims will take away the state from us."

The BJP leader claimed that there has been no development in north Bengal under her tenure and pitched for a change in government while promising that "once the BJP forms a government in Bengal, we will kick out all Bangladeshi infiltrators from this region."

He also said the BJP would seek a constitutional solution to the Gorkhaland issue and "ensure justice for Gorkhas" if voted to power.

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the AIADMK during a poll rally in Tamil Nadu, alleging that the regional party had been hollowed out from within by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, while accusing the Centre of targeting the state’s identity, language and culture.Addressing a rally at Ponneri, Rahul Gandhi said there was little left of the AIADMK as an independent political force and claimed it had effectively been taken over by the BJP.

A veteran in electoral fray, former chief minister K Palaniswami, who registered resounding victories from Edappadi Assembly constituency in the district, is seeking re-election for the sixth time from his home constituency.

Elections to the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly will be held on April 23.

This political heavyweight candidate, who does not face anti-incumbency, appears to have the die cast in his favour. His growing popularity in the region and expansion of support base are likely to tilt the scales in his favour.

Palaniswami, the general secretary of AIADMK, has won the seat five times during the elections held in 1989,1991, 2011, 2016 and 2021, and transformed the agrarian constituency, which also thrives on the handloom and power loom sector and granite quarries, into his fort.

He is facing DMK's C Kasi, a textile merchant who is making his electoral debut, and Priyadarshini of former film director Seeman-led Naam Tamilar Katchi in a triangular contest, though there are a total of 15 candidates in the fray.

The Edappadi constituency became popular after Palaniswami, the son of the soil, became chief minister in February 2017 following the demise of party supremo J Jayalalithaa after prolonged hospitalisation.

Palaniswami had also served as MP from Tiruchengode in 1998. He became MLA for the first time in 1989.

His political career, Palaniswami always said, was an instance of an ordinary party worker rising up in ranks to become general secretary of AIADMK through hard work and determination. "Such democracy and opportunity do not prevail in the DMK," he had said, flaying the ruling party for perpetrating "dynasty rule" in the state.

"After (former chief minister) Karunanidhi, his son Stalin became the chief minister, and his son Udhayanidhi will be made the CM, and the legacy will be made to continue by only one family dominating the party and governance. Do you want such a party to rule Tamil Nadu?" Palaniswami asks as he goes around Tamil Nadu campaigning for the NDA candidates.

"This election should end family rule and corruption in the state," Palaniswami, who is actively campaigning for a drug-free Tamil Nadu and takes on the DMK, says.

AIADMK senior functionaries insist that despite DMK leaders making remarks against Palaniswami that border on "personal attacks," their party chief has been restrained in his response.

Palaniswami, however, had warned the DMK leaders, saying "the choice of weapons that I handle against my political foes is decided by them and not me."

"I will retaliate if they continue to make unwarranted personal remarks," the former Chief Minister said.

The voting will take place on April 23, and the results will be announced on May 4.

Edappadi has an electorate strength of 2,74,054.

Rahul Gandhi says AIADMK has been “eaten up” from inside, attacks BJP’s economic model, and says Congress treats allies as equals.

Congress MP says "'We defeated in Parliament, Bill in which delimitation was hidden,'" while alleging BJP has taken over AIADMK.

Rahul Gandhi praises Tamil language and culture, says AIADMK is being controlled by BJP, and accuses Centre of targeting the state.

Rahul Gandhi alleges AIADMK has been hollowed out by BJP, says delimitation was hidden in Parliament bill, and accuses Centre of promoting corporate concentration.

Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran on Saturday said that Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore to campaign in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidates ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, while alleging "confusion" between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Indian National Congress in the state.


Udhagamandalam (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 18 (ANI): Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran on Saturday said that Narendra Modi will visit Coimbatore to campaign in support of Bharatiya Janata Party candidates ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, while alleging "confusion" between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress in the state.


Speaking to reporters in Ooty in Nilgiris district, Nagendran said that despite election campaigning being in full swing, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had neither campaigned actively nor extended public support to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.


"There is confusion between DMK and Congress in Tamil Nadu. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi has come to congratulate the Chief Minister or campaign so far. I do not know if they have such an understanding," he said.


Nagendran alleged that several welfare schemes implemented in the state were funded by the Centre but projected as state initiatives.


"The central government provides all the goods in fair price shops. But the state government says that we will provide them. Similarly, they say that houses are being built through the central government, but the state government does the same," he added.


He also defended the Women's Reservation initiative, saying the state government opposes any plans that the central government brings and said those who block this will only earn the opposition of women.


"They think that if the 33 per cent reservation bill for women is brought, it will be against democracy and the country will be divided. Since 1996, there has been a stance that women should be given reservations. The state government opposes any plans that the central government brings," he said.


"The provision of 33 per cent reservation for women is a welcome thing. Those who block this will only earn the opposition of women," he said.


Criticising the DMK leadership, Nagendran accused the party of promoting "family rule" and claimed Chief Minister Stalin was preparing Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin for future leadership in the state.


"Chief Minister Stalin's plan is to bring Udhayanidhi Stalin as the next Chief Minister. Udhayanidhi Stalin, who said that he will not enter politics in the 2020-2021 period, is currently contesting the elections. Udhayanidhi has now been made the Deputy Chief Minister. Currently, there is a family rule and the entire income in Tamil Nadu is going to a single family. The people of Tamil Nadu are currently watching this," he said.


He further said the proposed increase in the number of MPs from Tamil Nadu from 39 to 59 would improve representation and help deliver better services to people, and added that defeat of the bill in Parliament have nothing to do with the elections.


"Even after 75 years of independence, there has been no change in Parliament. Now a change is needed, especially in Tamil Nadu," he said.


Responding to a query on actor-politician Joseph Vijay and his remarks on electoral competition, Nagendran termed the statement "very unfortunate."

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav is set to campaign in Coimbatore and Tiruppur alongside Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday in support of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), as the state gears up for Assembly elections scheduled on April 23.


This comes as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is also scheduled to participate in an election campaign meeting this evening at Thuraiyur in Tiruchirappalli district. The public meeting is scheduled to take place around 4 PM at a private venue.


Rahul Gandhi is expected to arrive at Tiruchirappalli International Airport from Chennai and travel by helicopter to Thuraiyur, where he will land at a helipad set up at Zamindar Higher Secondary School before proceeding by road to the venue.


During the event, Rahul Gandhi will campaign in support of nine candidates from the secular alliance contesting in various Assembly constituencies across Tiruchirappalli district. Tamil Nadu Minister KN Nehru and Perambalur MP Arun Nehru are expected to attend the meeting. According to All India Youth Congress General Secretary Vichu Lenin Prasad, all nine candidates will be present at the campaign event.


Speaking to ANI, Vichu Lenin Prasad said it was a proud moment for him as a Youth Congress leader, highlighting his journey from grassroots roles to National General Secretary. He noted that Rahul Gandhi's visit to his constituency holds special significance and that the leader will campaign for all nine candidates representing Congress, DMK, and alliance partners.


He further stated that arrangements are underway for the event, including stage preparation, auditorium setup, and installation of sheds to manage the summer heat.


Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The contest is primarily between the DMK-led SPA, which includes the Congress, DMDK, and VCK, and the NDA, led by AIADMK along with the BJP and PMK.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will undertake a high-intensity campaign tour across Tamil Nadu on Saturday, stepping up the Congress party’s efforts ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.

The counting of votes will take place on May 4, with results expected the same day.

The Congress, a key ally in the DMK-led alliance, has been allotted 28 seats in the State.

LoP Gandhi’s visit is aimed at energising party cadres and strengthening the campaign in key constituencies.

According to the itinerary confirmed by party sources, LoP Gandhi will depart from Delhi at 8:30 A.M. and arrive in Chennai at 11:10 A.M.

He will then proceed by helicopter to Ponneri in Tiruvallur district, where he will address a public meeting from 11:55 A.M. to 12:40 P.M.

He will later travel to Sholingur, reaching there at 1:15 P.M., and attend a public meeting between 1:25 P.M. and 2:10 P.M.

After returning briefly to Chennai, Rahul Gandhi will continue his campaign in Tiruchirappalli, leaving at 3:00 P.M. and reaching at 3:45 P.M.

From there, he will head to Thuraiyur for a public rally scheduled from 4:15 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Following the event, LoP Gandhi will return to Tiruchirappalli and depart for Delhi at 5:40 P.M., reaching the national Capital by 8:30 P.M.

Party sources added that LoP Gandhi is expected to return to Tamil Nadu on April 20 for further campaigning in Nanguneri, Srivaikuntam, and Kulachal constituencies.

There is also a possibility that he may share the stage with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for the first time during this election campaign, particularly in Nanguneri.

With the election just days away, Rahul Gandhi’s tour today is expected to significantly bolster the DMK-Congress alliance’s campaign momentum across the State.

I want to warn Delhi, do not wish to witness the fighting spirit of Tamil Nadu. Delimitation is a great danger created by the BJP against Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK clapping along. The BJP’s conspiracy to suppress Tamil Nadu’s voice is delimitation. The AIADMK is a spineless group that cannot even openly oppose it: MK Stalin, Tamil Nadu CM

The Election Commission of India on Thursday commenced the commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs for constituencies of Tamil Nadu and the first phase in West Bengal on April 23.

The commissioning began in the presence of the candidates or their authorised representatives as well as General Observers, according to the release.

The Commission stated that the commissioning exercise will be followed by a mock poll of 1,000 votes in 5% of the EVMs, which will be randomly selected by candidates or their representatives. Candidates will also be permitted to conduct mock polls themselves.

Before commissioning, EVMs were allocated to polling stations through a two-stage randomisation process using the EVM Management System (EMS). In the first stage, machines were randomly distributed from district-level warehouses to Assembly constituencies. In the second stage, they were further randomised and assigned to individual polling stations, the release stated.

As per official data, a total of 75,064 polling stations in Tamil Nadu and 44,378 polling stations in West Bengal (Phase-1) will go to the polls on April 23. (ANI)

Today, the Kolkata Police patrolling team under the jurisdiction of 165 Jorasanko Assembly Constituency detained some persons, and later on, FST arrived at the spot and seized a total of cash Rs 18,13,300 from three different persons. Further procedure has been undertaken: Kolkata Police

The BJP on Thursday unveiled a 'Yuva Shakti Bhorosa Card' as part of its outreach for the West Bengal assembly elections, inviting unemployed youths to enrol for its promised monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 if voted to power.

The 'card' was unveiled by sports icons and BJP leaders Leander Paes and Vijender Singh in the presence of state BJYM president Indranil Khan.

"For every youth until they find a job, we will support them with Rs 3,000 to make them stand on their feet and give them the courage to shed this fear they have. We will stand with the youth to make Bengal great," said Paes, who recently joined the party.

In its election manifesto, the BJP has promised Rs 3,000 per month for the state's unemployed youth. It has also promised an additional one-time assistance of Rs 15,000 to those preparing for competitive examinations, if it is voted to power.

The promises are being seen as a counter to the TMC government's 'Banglar Yuba Sathi' scheme, under which unemployed youths are being given Rs 1,500 per month. The scheme was rolled out ahead of the assembly polls. (PTI)

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that wherever claims of excluded voters are allowed by the Appellate Tribunals before the polling dates between April 23 and 29, their names are incorporated in a supplementary revised electoral rolls to entitle them to exercise their right to vote.

The decision, originally pronounced during the April 13 hearing in the West Bengal SIR case, has been formally affirmed today through a detailed order uploaded on the court's official website. In its order, the bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant also clarified that merely having an appeal pending before the Appellate Tribunal would not entitle an excluded person to vote.

"Therefore, invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India and direct the ECI that, wherever the Appellate Tribunals can decide the appeals by April 21, 2026, or April 27, as the case may be, such appellate orders shall be given effect to by issuing a supplementary revised electoral roll, and all necessary consequences with respect to the right to vote shall follow. However, it goes without saying that the mere pendency of appeals preferred by excluded persons before the Appellate Tribunals shall not entitle them to exercise their right to vote", the Court noted in its order.

The Court has listed the matter for the next hearing on April 24. (ANI)