Assembly Elections 2026 Live: 'If TMC leaders’ vehicles are checked, PM and HM’s should be too,' says Mamata Banerjee

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'EC acting like political hitman, has asked teams to conduct intrusive searches of TMC leaders'

Can you imagine a constitutional body, meant to be the impartial custodian of free and fair elections, acting like political hitmen, carrying out premeditated and targeted harassment of our leaders and party workers?

In a circular, the Election Commission has directed Flying Surveillance Teams to conduct intrusive searches on all Trinamool Congress protectees, including the vehicles of Shri @abhishekaitc and his wife, in full public view: TMC

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Stalin and allies hold roadshow in Salem

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin, along with Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, and DMDK's Premalatha Vijayakanth, held a roadshow in Salem on Wednesday as part of campaigning for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

The leaders also participated in a public meeting in the city, drawing supporters and party workers in large numbers as election campaigning intensified in the state.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Vijay holds roadshow in Chennai

TVK chief Vijay on Wednesday conducted a massive roadshow in Chennai as part of his campaign for the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

While the actor-politician drew massive crowds in T Nagar and Thousand Lights, he skipped the planned visit to the Egmore constituency.

TVK general secretary 'Bussy' N Anand had posted on X a day ahead that “permission has been granted by the Election Commission to conduct election campaigning via vehicle from 4pm onwards in the Chennai constituencies of T Nagar, Thousand Lights, and Egmore."

Speaking to reporters later on the sidelines of the roadshow in T Nagar, Anand, who is also the TVK candidate for the constituency, dismissed the queries by journalists about Vijay’s frequent skipping of scheduled events as being “asked for the sake of asking."

"You are just asking whatever comes to mind to trap me," Anand said, reacting to reporters who pointed out that the leader’s campaign status remained "unclear."

He, however, maintained that the reception in T Nagar was "very nice" and expressed absolute confidence in a TVK victory across all 234 constituencies.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'TMC and BJP are like brother and sister, fooling people of Bengal,' says Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday held the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and its supremo, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, responsible for the strengthening of the BJP in West Bengal, accusing the state government of neglecting essential services in minority-concentrated regions.

Addressing a gathering here, Owaisi said, "If the BJP is strong in Bengal, then the TMC and Mamata Banerjee are responsible for that. The damage that the BJP and PM Narendra Modi do to India's Constitution and Muslims, especially the poor, is equally done by the TMC."

"In those blocks of Bengal where there are a large number of Muslims, there are no schools, no hospitals, and if there is a hospital, there are no beds; if there are beds, there are no doctors. In those areas, people don't even get clean water, and farmers are not given any help.... Here, women are facing the biggest problems," Owaisi alleged.

Further, Owaisi targeted the TMC over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and said that it was the responsibility of Mamta Banerjee to ensure everyone's name is on the list since it's her government.

"Names of Muslims were struck off from the SIR list, and names of Hindus were also struck off. Tell me, isn't it Mamata Banerjee's responsibility that, since it's your government, you should have made every effort to ensure that everyone's name is on the SIR list? It's your government, you are the Chief Minister, power is in your hands. But Mamata Banerjee and TMC only care about your votes. If your names are being struck off, then the responsibility also falls on the TMC... There is no difference between TMC and BJP; in the true sense, they are brother and sister, fooling the people of Bengal," the AIMIM president said. (ANI)

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'Why vehicless of PM and HM are not checked?' Mamata Banerjee asks ECI

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said a level-playing field is not being given to Trinamool Congress in the ongoing campaigning for the assembly elections, while claiming that a selective treatment is being handed to ruling party leaders by the security forces deployed in the state for the polls.

Banerjee pointed out that Union ministers are arriving in the state with money to be given to voters. She further questioned why the vehicles of the prime minister and home minister are not being checked when they come to the state for campaigning.

"Central force approached my vehicle at Dum Dum airport. I told them to go ahead and do the checking. If TMC leaders are checked, why will the prime minister not be checked? Why will the home minister's vehicle not be checked? Why will the BJP's vehicle not be checked? Will the election take place like this? What is happening in this country? They are endangering the country. Central ministers come here with money. What all is carried in the vehicles of the Central forces? I know it. If you have the guts, you check my car every day before checking anybody else," Mamata Banerjee said at a public meeting here.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah calls Congress and TMC 'parties that supported terrorism'

Congress, TMC, Communists are parties that promote terrorism. When they were in power, there were many bomb blasts for 10 years... BJP has eliminated terrorism and Naxalism from this country, and I go today saying that from Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and from Dwarka to Gangasagar, BJP will do the work of selectively throwing out every single infiltrator: Amit Shah

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Owaisi urges voters' support so that 'Muslims may receive justice'

No party has worked for the development and justice of Muslims; I appeal to the voters to support us so that Muslims may receive justice: Asaduddin Owaisi in Asansol

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: P Chidambaram says committed voters of DMK and AIADMK will remain with party

Vijay's vote bank could affect DMK, AIADMK, but committed voters of both parties will remain; DMK will form govt with majority: P Chidambaram, Congress (PTI)

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'Those who broke Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar's bust now moving around with fish to show love for Bengal'

In a sharp attack on the BJP, senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday said the party responsible for breaking the bust of polymath Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar at a city college in 2019 and vandalisation, is now moving around with fish to profess their love for Bengal, its customs and culinary habits.

Addressing an election rally at Bishnupur assembly segment in South 24 Parganas district, the TMC national general secretary said those who have suddenly woken up to the Bengali 'asmita' before the elections, visit the state in droves during elections and then forget its people for four-five years.

"It is shocking that leaders of the same party which was behind the breaking of bust of Pandit Iswarchandra Vidyasagar are now going around localities flaunting fish in their hands and seeking votes.

"They are representing the same party of anti-Bengal, outsider vandals, however hard they may hide their stripes," Banerjee said at the rally in Bishnupur under his Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.

"They are now displaying false love and proximity to Bengali culture, our heritage. Our culinary habits. But how much anti-Bengal they are can be gauged from the act of vandalism at citadels of education and culture like Vidyasagar College," Banerjee said.

Banerjee was alluding to the breaking of Vidyasagar's bust during a road show by Shah in north Kolkata before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which the TMC had alleged was perpetrated by the BJP workers attending Shah's road show in north Kolkata. (PTI)

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee has 'step-motherly attitude' towards north Bengal, says Amit Shah

"Mamata (Banerjee) has step-motherly attitude towards north Bengal; she allotted Rs 5,700 cr for Muslims but only Rs 1,200 cr for north Bengal," says Union home minister Amut Shah in Cooch Behar.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: FM Sitharaman accuses Mamata Banerjee of 'depriving' people of central schemes

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday alleged that several welfare schemes introduced by the Narendra Modi government have not reached the people of West Bengal owing to the Mamata Banerjee dispensation's reluctance to allow their implementation in the state.

She said among the schemes the people of the state are being deprived of are Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan and Awaas Yojana.

"An atmosphere of terror has been created in the state by the TMC. West Bengal has been destroyed by the party," the finance minister said.

"Your money was ready in Delhi, but the TMC government has not allowed that to be spent here," she claimed.

Accusing the TMC dispensation of indulging in financial irregularities during the implementation of several schemes, she claimed that only being part of syndicates of the ruling party can assure one of the benefits in West Bengal.

"The poor people of the state are not getting the benefits of free ration given by the Centre under the PDS scheme, but the state's minister is eating away with the funds meant for it," she added.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Bad weather forces Amit Shah to cancel Darjeeling visit

Due to bad weather, the Home Minister could not reach Darjeeling today, but he has assured the people that he will visit soon. In his video message today, the Home Minister reaffirmed that the BJP government will prioritise a permanent political solution for Darjeeling, Terai and other areas. He also promised that false cases against agitators will be withdrawn and new development projects for the region will be announced: Raju Bista, BJP MP from Darjeeling

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 'NDA winning and DMK losing for sure,' says PM Modi

NDA winning for sure, DMK losing for sure: PM Narendra Modi

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 'We have to vote for better and viksit Tamil Nadu,' says PM Modi

We have to vote for better Tamil Nadu, 'viksit' Tamil Nadu: PM Narendra Modi in Nagercoil

Bengal Election 2026 Live: 'ECI has only removed infiltrators from voter list, they have to be thrown out of country'

Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said that while the Election Commission has only removed infiltrators from the electoral rolls of West Bengal, the larger task would be to drive them out of the country’s borders.

Sharpening his anti-infiltration pitch during campaigns for the upcoming assembly elections in Bengal, Shah said once the BJP forms a government in the state, it will “seal the country’s eastern borders in such a manner that even birds won’t be able to flap their wings” around the fences.

"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) doesn’t want to give 600 acres of land to the BSF required to build the border fences. We have decided that once we have a BJP chief minister here, we will complete the task of fencing within 45 days on the required land," Shah told a gathering at Tufangunj in the Bangladesh-bordering Cooch Behar district of north Bengal.

“And it’s not just about stopping outsiders from coming in. It’s also about those who have already infiltrated. While the Election Commission (EC) has only removed infiltrators from the electoral rolls of West Bengal, the larger task would be to drive them out of the country’s borders,” he added.

Nearly 91 lakh names have been deleted by the EC from the state’s voters’ lists during the recently concluded SIR exercise, triggering a major political dust-up in the run-up to the polls, with the TMC accusing the commission of acting at the behest of the BJP. (PTI)

ECI begins distribution of voter information slips for Bengal phase 1 and Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS) for the general elections to the legislative assemblies of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase I), which will go to polls on April 23, 2026 (Thursday): ECI

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: PM Modi holds roadshow in Nagercoil

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Amit Shah assures action against 'corrupt' TMC leaders after May 4

The entire state of West Bengal has become a hub of corruption. Mamata Didi is implicated in numerous scams, and her associates have embezzled Rs 300 crore in the recruitment scam only. They believe they will face no consequences. Ensure the victory of the BJP, and after May 4th, every rupee taken from West Bengal by these corrupt individuals will be recovered: Amit Shah at Falakata in West Bengal

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Mamata Banerjee alleges central forces tried to check her car

West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday claimed that central forces tried to search her car when she was travelling to Kolkata airport earlier in the day.

Addressing a poll rally here in Uttar Dinajpur district, Banerjee said if the central forces have the guts, they can check her car every day.

"Central forces tried to check my car when I was going to the Kolkata airport today. If you have the guts, you check my car every day," she said. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Delhi CM and BJP leader Rekha Gupta reaches Coimbatore to campaign for party

'Law will take its own course': Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomes SC's stay on transit bail to Khera

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to stay one week's transit bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera, in connection with the FIR filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma over the passport row.


When asked about Congress MP Rahul Gandhi demanding a probe into multiple passports allegations against Himanta's wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the Chief Minister asked the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to disclose his passport in public.


CM Sarma said, "According to me, the Telangana Court cannot grant transit bail as he is not a resident of Telangana. The law will take its own course... Will he (Rahul Gandhi) say the same if I level such allegations against him? Before speaking, Rahul Gandhi must remember that he is not god. He should disclose his passport before the media, and I will also present my wife's passport."


The Supreme Court today stayed the Telangana High Court's order granting one-week transit anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, while issuing notice to him on a plea filed by the Assam government challenging the relief.


A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar issued notice to Khera seeking a response within three weeks on a plea filed by the Assam government seeking a stay of the anticipatory (transit) bail granted to him by the Telangana High Court. The bench, however, noted that in case Khera wants to apply for anticipatory bail in Assam, today's apex court order would not come in the way.


Khera had alleged that CM Sarma's wife holds three passports, from India, the UAE, and Egypt, and owns undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, along with a company in Wyoming, USA. The Sarma family has strongly denied these claims and filed an FIR against the Congress leader.


Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had asserted that the party stands with party leader Pawan Khera. In an X post, Rahul Gandhi called Himanta Biswa Sarma the "most corrupt" CM in the country and demanded a probe into allegations levelled by Congress.


"The present CM of Assam is the most corrupt in the country. He will not escape the law. His abuse of state power to harass his political opponents and critics is against the Constitution. The questions that are being raised have to be probed. Transparency, accountability of power and the rule of law are the basis of our Constitutional values. The Congress Party stands with Pawan Khera. We will not be intimidated," Gandhi wrote on X on Monday.

Heavy police deployment outside TVK chief Vijay’s residence ahead of campaign in Chennai

Assam Election 2026 Live: 'Not BJP govt but NDA govt' - Himanta on Bihar leadership; backs Women’s Reservation Bill

Bhubaneswar, Odisha: On reports of a new BJP-led government in Bihar with Samrat Choudhary as CM, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “I believe it was and will remain an alliance government. This is not a BJP govt but an NDA govt.”

On the Women’s Reservation Bill and delimitation, he said, “This law was framed following consultations, and there will be discussions on it. On the matter of reservation for our sisters, we have not reached any conclusion yet. We have a good chance to conclude this issue and provide reservation to women...By extending support to this bill, it is a chance for the Congress party to get the votes of women in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal...The main issue is 33% reservation for women, not delimitation, what the Opposition is saying...”

'Fight between truth and falsehood': PM Modi’s Bengal pitch in New Year letter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the people of West Bengal on the occasion of Poila Boishakh while launching a sharp attack on the state government and urging voters to back the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Assembly election.

“I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of the Bengali New Year and Poila Boishakh. On this auspicious day, I pray to Maa Kali from the depths of my heart that my dear people of West Bengal move forward on the path of a bright future with renewed inspiration and enthusiasm,” Modi said in a letter addressed to the people of the state.

Targeting the ruling dispensation, the Prime Minister said, “For the past 15 years, West Bengal has witnessed misrule, chaos, and corruption, which have deprived ordinary people of their basic rights, dignity, and the rich cultural heritage of the state. When I see the suffering and pain of the people of West Bengal, my heart is filled with sorrow and anguish. The current state government has created such an environment where the safety of mothers and sisters, employment opportunities for the youth, and the rights of the poor have all been compromised.”

Framing the upcoming election as a decisive moment, Modi said the state must return to a path of development. “West Bengal once showed a new direction to the entire country and our society. On this New Year, let us all come together and take a pledge to build a ‘developed West Bengal’—where no poor person sleeps hungry, everyone has access to food, women feel safe and can step out of their homes without fear, and the youth do not have to leave the state in search of employment.”

He asserted that a BJP government would align the state with national growth. “Today, I assure you that after the formation of a BJP government in the state, West Bengal will move forward hand in hand with the rest of the country on the path of development and reclaim its place in history as a ‘developed state.’”

Calling the Assembly polls crucial, Modi said, “Friends, the upcoming Assembly election is not just an ordinary election. It is a crucial opportunity to shape the future of West Bengal and bring about real change. The time has come to protect our culture, traditions, and rights by taking the right steps. This is a fight between truth and falsehood. In this election, we must take the right decision—not just for ourselves, but for the bright future of the coming generations.”

He also urged voters to participate in the electoral process. “I request all of you to actively participate in this festival of democracy and join hands to fulfil the dream of a ‘developed West Bengal.’”

Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects, Modi added, “I am fully confident that the people of West Bengal will once again place their trust in the Bharatiya Janata Party and give us the opportunity to achieve a historic victory.”

The Prime Minister concluded his message with greetings for the Bengali New Year, saying, “Once again, heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all of you on the Bengali New Year.”

‘Will withdraw all cases against Gorkha leaders’: Amit Shah promises action if BJP wins Bengal

Union home minister Amit Shah, in a video message to a rally in Darjeeling, said, "Will withdraw all cases against Gorkha leaders, workers after BJP wins Bengal," outlining the party’s outreach to the hill community ahead of the elections.

‘Let the black flags rise’: MK Stalin hits out at BJP over delimitation plan

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin warned of statewide protests against the Centre’s proposed delimitation amendment, saying, "Let the black flags rise! Punishment for contributing to India’s progress? Is this how Tamil Nadu and the southern states are repaid? The Delimitation amendment, which the Union BJP government plans to bring in Parliament tomorrow, is a massive historic injustice against Tamil Nadu and the southern states. Across Tamil Nadu, black flags will rise from homes and public spaces tomorrow in protest against delimitation. If the Union government refuses to respect Tamil Nadu’s voice and step back, you will face the consequences. The price you will pay will be heavy. As President of the DMK, and above all as a self-respecting Tamil, this is my stern warning."

MK Stalin calls meeting of DMK district secretaries after MPs’ delimitation discussion

Following an emergency meeting of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MPs on delimitation concerns, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has convened a meeting of district secretaries at 12:00 PM today to assess the potential impact on the state.

Supreme Court stays transit bail granted to Congress leader Pawan Khera

The Supreme Court has stayed the one-week transit bail granted to Pawan Khera by the Telangana high court. A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar issued notice to Khera, seeking his response within three weeks on a plea filed by the Assam government.

“Issue notice. Meanwhile, the impugned order should be stayed. In case the petitioner applies for anticipatory bail before the court having jurisdiction in Assam, and while deciding such an application, the order passed today will not have any effect. Issue notice. Returnable in three weeks”, the Court noted.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: DMK MP Kanimozhi flays AIADMK chief Palaniswami on delimitation

DMK MP Kanimozhi has flayed AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami over his stance on the delimitation exercise and said he appeared to have no concern if the Lok Sabha seats for Tamil Nadu were decreased.

Alleging that the AIADMK general secretary supported the Centre's decision to reduce the Lok Sabha seats for Tamil Nadu, she said such a move would make the central government enact any legislation.

During his poll campaign in the state, Palaniswami said Tamil Nadu would not be affected by the delimitation as Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already assured that the state would not lose any Lok Sabha seats due to the exercise.

"There won't be any respect for TN's rights. Palaniswami has no concern for this. He says the DMK is not agreeable to women's reservation. The DMK has always been demanding reservation for women since the times of our leader and former chief minister M Karunanidhi, and our present Chief Minister M K Stalin has been pursuing it," the DMK deputy general secretary said, addressing a poll campaign here on Tuesday, in support of the DMK candidate and state minister Geetha Jeevan.

She lashed out at the BJP government at the Centre for convening a special session of the Parliament for April 16-18 to introduce crucial amendments regarding delimitation of constituencies, a process linked to implement the women's reservation bill, and said Tamil Nadu will not hesitate to launch an agitation if the number of Lok Sabha seats were brought down.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: MK Stalin convenes emergency meeting of DMK MPs

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin has convened an emergency meeting of DMK MPs on Wednesday to discuss the repercussions the state is likely to face due to the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise.

The emergency meeting will be held by Stalin via video conference from Dharmapuri, amid his busy electioneering schedule, party sources said.

The meeting would commence at 11 am, and the party line to be followed in Parliament on delimitation would be thrashed out, sources added.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin convenes emergency meeting of DMK MPs over delimitation concerns

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has called an emergency meeting of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MPs at 11:00 am today to discuss the potential impact of constituency delimitation on the state, amid concerns over representation and political balance.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: PM Modi greets people on Rongali Bihu, Vishu, Poila Boishakh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted people on the occasion of Rongali Bihu, Vishu and Poila Boishakh, being celebrated in Assam, Kerala and West Bengal respectively, and hoped that the festivals prevail the spirit of happiness and brotherhood always.
Modi also said that many festivals and celebrations have been observed across various parts of the country and for these occasions filled with enthusiasm and joy, "we are grateful to our hardworking farmer brothers and sisters, who nourish the entire nation".

"Warm greetings on Rongali Bihu! This vibrant festival celebrates new beginnings, prosperity and the spirit of togetherness," he said in a series of posts on 'X'.

The prime minister said Rongali Bihu is a festival that beautifully showcases the Assamese culture, which is gaining popularity all across.

"I pray for a year filled with success, happiness and wonderful health," he said.

While extending greetings to the people of Kerala on the auspicious occasion of Vishu, Modi said this festival is about hope and happiness and it emphasises on positivity and gratitude towards all.

"May the coming year be full of joy, prosperity and good health. May the year bring new opportunities, success and peace all around," he said.

In his Poila Boishakh greetings to the people of West Bengal, the prime minister said he prayed that the coming year marks the fulfilment of people's all wishes.

"Shubho Noboborsho! My best wishes on the special occasion of Poila Boishakh I pray that the coming year marks the fulfilment of all your wishes. May the spirit of happiness and brotherhood always prevail. Wishing you good health and lots of happiness," he said.

Modi said this is also an occasion to celebrate the timeless richness of West Bengal's culture that has shaped India's civilisational spirit.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Electoral battle between TN, Dehli, says Udhayanidhi

Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday said that the April 23 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu was between "Dehli and Tamil Nadu".

The DMK leader was addressing an election campaign here, in Tirunelveli district.

"The captain for Delhi is (PM Narendra) Modi and in Tamil Nadu it is (MK) Stalin and therefore it is an electoral between the two," he said alluding to the Delhi vs Tamil Nadu reference.

Attacking the BJP government at the Centre, Udhayanidhi alleged that the union government has failed to provide the required funds for Tamil Nadu.

Listing out the various welfare measures launched by the DMK government including morning breakfast scheme for government school students, the deputy CM said that the scheme will be extended for the students till Class 8.

Stating that more than 10 lakh college students have received free laptops, he said "a total of 32 lakh students will be benefited by the scheme in the future".

Assuring that over 10 lakh houses will be constructed for the beneficiaries, he said "the Magalir Urimai Thogai (monthly Rs 1,000 for women) will be increased to Rs 2,000 when DMK government returns to power.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Chaos at Vijay's Tiruppur rally: 15 faint in sweltering heat, campaign event cancelled

A major election rally for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay was abruptly cancelled in Tiruppur district on Tuesday after at least 15 supporters collapsed due to severe heat and overcrowding.
Following the incident and severe congestion, a scheduled six-kilometre roadshow by the leader was cancelled on police advice.

The incident occurred as thousands of supporters gathered hours in advance to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician during his intensive campaign tour for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections.

The rally, which was expected to be a massive show of strength in the textile hub of Tiruppur, turned chaotic as the afternoon temperatures soared.

The crowd began assembling at the venue from 10 a.m. in anticipation of the campaign. Vijay, who was expected to address the public at 4 p.m., arrived at approximately 4:45 p.m. Due to the scorching sun and high temperatures during the afternoon, 13 women and two men fainted. They were immediately transported to nearby hospitals via ambulance for medical treatment.

Local volunteer teams and police personnel rushed the affected individuals to nearby primary health centres. Most are reported to be in stable condition.

Upon receiving news of the medical emergencies and the deteriorating crowd conditions, Vijay and the TVK leadership decided to cancel the address to prevent a repeat of the tragic 2025 Karur stampede.

Following a campaign event at the Perumanallur Four Road junction, Vijay was scheduled to travel to Pooluvapatti as part of a roadshow. Although the police had granted permission, a massive influx of supporters along the Perumanallur-Tiruppur stretch led to severe congestion, making movement impossible.

Based on police advice, the roadshow was called off, and Vijay subsequently left for Coimbatore via the Salem-Cochin National Highway.

The incident follows a recent stampede in Karur, which resulted in the deaths of 41 people. Following a Supreme Court order emphasising the need for an independent probe, the Karur stampede case was transferred from a state-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI.

The agency continues to examine the circumstances of that event, scrutinising crowd management arrangements, the timeline of the leader's arrival, and coordination between party organisers and local authorities.

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

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Abhishek Banerjee holds internal meeting to fine-tune TMC poll strategy

Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday chaired an internal strategy meeting with party workers to review preparations for the upcoming assembly elections and chalk out campaign plans.

Addressing party functionaries during the closed-door session virtually, Banerjee exuded confidence that the ruling party would secure a mandate surpassing its 2021 performance, a senior TMC leader said.

“Let me state this unequivocally — the people of Bengal will hand us a verdict even stronger than last time. Our vote share will not only hold on but decisively exceed the previous benchmark,” he said, asserting that the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was aware of the ground reality.

He also alleged that the Election Commission was acting in favour of the BJP and claimed that substantial resources had been deployed to project an artificial wave in the saffron party’s favour.

“The Election Commission, along with certain agencies, appears to be functioning in tandem with the BJP.

"There is a deliberate attempt to create a perception that they are gaining ground, backed by massive spending. At the same time, lakhs of voters have allegedly been removed from the rolls, leading to assumptions about their political affiliation,” Banerjee said.

Taking a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his reported remarks warning “TMC goons” ahead of polling, Banerjee accused him of issuing threats to the electorate of Bengal.

“Statements suggesting that people will be forced indoors on polling day are nothing but intimidation. Bengal has a proud history of resisting external pressure, and such remarks will not deter its voters,” he added.

Banerjee further criticised the BJP-led central government over the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, alleging that investigative agencies were being used to target opposition-linked individuals.

“The misuse of agencies to instil fear among those associated with us is evident. However, such tactics will only strengthen our resolve on the ground,” he said.

The TMC and the BJP are locked in an intense contest for the assembly polls in West Bengal, scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4, officials said.

Bengal Election 2026 Live: Election Commission removes Beldanga IC ahead of Bengal polls

The Election Commission (EC) has removed the Inspector In-Charge (IC) of Beldanga police station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, a poll panel official said on Tuesday.

On April 11, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Beldanga was also removed. This time the IC of the Beldanga police station has been removed by the EC.

The Commission said that Ashutosh Rai is being made the new IC of Beldanga police station. He was an Inspector of Howrah Police Commissionerate.

Animesh Dey had been in the post of Beldanga IC for a long time.

The Commission ordered his removal ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Ashutosh Rai has been asked to take charge as the IC of Beldanga police station by Tuesday night.

On April 11, the Commission made several changes in Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police.

Beldanga SDPO Uttam Garai was also under the transfer order. Anandjit Horke was made the new SDPO of Beldanga in his place.

In January, tension spread in Beldanga over the death of a migrant worker.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the incident on the orders of the Supreme Court.

Questions were also raised about the role of the state police and administration in controlling the situation.

The ECI has been reshuffling bureaucrats and IPS officers in the state since the announcement of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Commission has removed several bureaucrats and police officers from their posts in the state from time to time.

The poll panel has made it clear that those who are being removed cannot be appointed for any election-related work in the state for the time being.

Polling will be held in 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Murshidabad district will go to poll in the first phase.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Palaniswami slams CM Stalin for opposing delimitation exercise

Criticising Chief Minister M K Stalin for opposing the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Amit Shah have already assured that this will not affect Tamil Nadu.

During his poll campaign in Theni district, he said, "Stalin is afraid of defeat. Unable to criticise us, Stalin is trying to threaten Delhi. An AIADMK government should be formed in the April 23 assembly elections and we must support it." Recalling that the Supreme Court allowed the water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam to be raised from 136 feet to 152 feet, initially to 142 feet after strengthening the dam, the leader of the opposition in the assembly said, "After Amma’s (J Jayalalithaa) demise, Rs 8 crore was allocated to strengthen the dam.

However, the Kerala government created obstacles—refusing permission to fell trees and even filing cases against our officials. Despite this, we attempted to strengthen the dam." Claiming that he personally met the Kerala Chief Minister regarding this, he said after the change in government, the current CM failed to take any action. "If Stalin had met the Kerala CM, the water level could have been increased to 152 feet." Alleging that Stalin does not care about farmers, the former chief minister said, "If he had, he could have resolved farmers’ issues. When Kerala proposed building a new dam nearby, the AIADMK government opposed it, but Stalin failed to stop it".

Palaniswami argued that Stalin invokes Hindi opposition, language policy, and state rights only during elections. "The anti-Hindi movement began during Congress rule, and now DMK is allied with Congress," he pointed out.

Listing out the welfare measures implemented under the AIADMK regime, he said, "Under my government, we introduced a 7.5 per cent internal reservation to help government school students become doctors. Around 3,000 students became doctors without spending a rupee. Did DMK introduce any such scheme?" Also, during COVID-19 period, the AIADMK leader said, "despite no revenue, we provided free rice, pulses, oil, Rs 1000 relief, and Rs 2500 Pongal gift. We spent Rs 40,000 crore without borrowing. We ensured governance without harming the economy." He highlighted the previous government's decision to conduct online exams for college students and grant “all pass” status to all school students to reduce stress during the same period.

According to him, DMK has not fulfilled even 25 per cent of the 525 poll promises.

"They failed to waive education loans, reduce fuel prices, increase employment days, and more," he added.

At a poll rally in Madurai, Palaniswami said during the 15 years the DMK was part of the central government, they failed to get any new scheme for Tamil Nadu back then. "They gave one scheme -- the Sethusamudram project. That is, a project of digging sand from the sea and dumping it back into the sea." "The current central government has given everything we asked for: national highways, Pamban Bridge, port expansion, airport, railway lines, new trains. They declared Madurai Airport as an international airport," he said.

He promised that all pending projects would be implemented, once the AIADMK returns to power.