Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: 'Are they trying to intimidate?', Mamata on heavy central force deployment for Bengal polls

'Election Commission dances to the tune of the PM and HM': Congress attacks poll body

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Malda SP on security arrangements ahead of Bengal polls

On security arrangements, Malda SP Anupam Singh said, "In Malda, elections will be held tomorrow for a total of 12 Assembly seats. From the administration's side, we are currently at the dispatch (DC) center. From here, all our polling parties, along with police personnel, have already left for their respective polling stations carrying EVMs. All polling stations have already been secured, and CAPF personnel have been deployed everywhere. Apart from this, our QRT (Quick Response Team) units have been activated, and all police sectors are on alert. We have interstate borders with Bihar and Jharkhand, where checkpoints have been set up to prevent any kind of anti-social activities, illegal entry, or movement of arms and other unlawful items."

TN set for crucial Assembly polls; over 5.73 cr voters to decide fate of 4,023 candidates

Over 5.73 crore voters will decide the electoral fate of 4,023 candidates in the fray for the crucial Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, amid tight security and a massive crackdown by election authorities to prevent inducements to influence voters.

The high-stakes contest primarily pits the DMK-led SPA against the AIADMK-led NDA, with Chief Minister M K Stalin seeking to retain power and AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami fighting to return to the treasury benches after five years.

Addressing a press conference here, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik said the state is fully prepared for the huge democratic exercise. "The total electoral strength stands at 5.73 crore, comprising 2.93 women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender persons," Patnaik said.

Highlighting the importance of youth participation, Patnaik noted that 14,59,039 first-time voters have been enrolled.

"The voting will take place across 75,064 polling stations situated in 33,133 locations, with the Commission deploying 1,06,418 ballot units along with 75,064 control units and VVPAT machines. To prevent any technical delays, a reserve of 20 per cent for EVMs and 30 per cent for VVPATs has been maintained," the CEO added.

Tamil Nadu polls: 20 delegates review poll-related activities under International Election Visitors' Programme 2026

An international delegation comprising 20 observers from 10 countries, along with three representatives from the Election Commission of India, under the second phase of the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) 2026, arrived in Tamil Nadu and reviewed the ongoing election-related activities, ahead of the polls scheduled to be held tomorrow.

They visited the Distribution & Dispatch Centre in the Chepauk-Triplicane Assembly constituency, Chennai, and witnessed the dispatch of EVMs, VVPATs, and other polling materials to their respective polling stations.

Speaking to ANI during the programme, Additional District Election Magistrate Ravi Teja detailed the transparent EVM dispatch protocols, emphasising the presence of multiple stakeholders and video documentation to ensure a secure process.

"The distribution is taking place in the presence of observers, political parties, and a video recording team to ensure transparency, and we are now starting the dispatch... Around 20 delegates from various countries are visiting the dispatch center to observe the election process firsthand, gain experience in the procedures and rules followed, and take it back to their own countries," he said.

'The arrogance that will cost them dearly': TMC attacks BJP

'Are they trying to intimidate?', Mamata on heavy central force deployment for Bengal polls

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday expressed surprise over the deployment of CRPF armoured vehicles for maintaining law and order during the Assembly polls, alleging that the BJP-led Centre has engaged all wings of the government to work in its favour.

Addressing a TMC rally in North 24 Parganas district, she claimed that central forces such as the CRPF, ITBP, CISF and BSF, along with other central entities including the railways, have been deployed for the elections.

"Elections are a festival of democracy, not for killing anyone," the TMC chief said, urging supporters to lodge FIRs if they face any atrocities.

"Around two lakh central force personnel have been brought into Bengal for the elections. This is unprecedented. Are they trying to intimidate me by deploying so many forces?" she asked.

Challenging the BJP, Banerjee said, "I want to see who has more power -- the armoured vehicles or the people," asserting that she was not afraid of the party.

Addressing another rally at Haripal in Hooghly district, the TMC chief asked the Narendra Modi government to send the armoured vehicles to Manipur instead of West Bengal.

"There has been unrest in Manipur for the last three years," she said, asking Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to hold a public meeting in the northeastern state.

"Go and see the difference, in Bengal people of all faiths live together in peace," she said.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: 'Lotus is set to bloom in Bengal,' says Amit Shah

EC takes serious note of Kharge calling PM 'terrorist'; issues notice

Election Commission takes serious note of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge referring to PM Narendra Modi as “terrorist”; issues a stern notice to Kharge: Sources

'Seizures surpass Rs 1,000 crore': EC on Tamil Nadu, West Bengal elections 2026

A press release by Election Commission of India reads, "General Elections and bye-elections 2026: Seizures surpass Rs 1,000 crores in TN and WB."

'Mamata Didi, try as hard as you want, BJP will not allow Babri Masjid to be built in Bengal': Amit Shah targets TMC, alleges "syndicate raj"

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday once again launched a frontal attack on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging widespread "syndicate raj," corruption, and deteriorating law and order in the poll-bound West Bengal.

As the first phase of the election will be held on April 23, Shah asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not allow the construction of Babri Masjid in the state.

Addressing a public rally in Dum Dum Uttar area of North 24 Parganas, Shah said, "Today, the entire Bengal is tormented by the syndicate. If you need to buy cement, you have to pay the syndicate. If you need to buy bricks, you have to pay the syndicate. If you need to buy sand, you have to pay the syndicate... But the people of Dum Dum, remember my promise--after the 5th, the syndicate members will flee Bengal and migrate away."

He further alleged that industrial decline in the state was due to the Trinamool Congress government, adding, "Due to Didi, the industry has left, and due to the BJP, these syndicate thugs will flee from Bengal."

"Mamata Banerjee wants to build Babri Masjid by taking the name of Humayun Kabir. Do not worry, I am saying this clearly: Mamata Didi, try as hard as you want, the BJP will not allow Babri Masjid to be built in Bengal," Shah added.

'Putting democracy in peril': Supreme Court blasts Mamata's 'interference' in IPAC raid case

During the hearing, the Court also termed the alleged interference of CM Mamata Banerjee in the midst of an investigation being carried out by a Central agency and stated the alleged act committed by a CM of a State has put democracy in jeopardy.

“This is not a dispute between the state and the union. We never thought that in this country, a day will come where a sitting CM will walk in to the office where some investigating agency is.

The Chief Minister of any state cannot walk in in the midst of an investigation, put the democracy in peril, and then say that ‘don’t convert this into a dispute between the state and the union’. This is Per se an act committed by an individual who happens to be the chief minister keeping the whole democracy in jeopardy” the Court remarked.

'Cannot shut our eyes to realities': Supreme Court on Bengal 'gherao' of judicial officers

ED raids obstruction case: The Supreme Court has deprecated the alleged “gherao” and the keeping hostage of the Judicial Officers deputed in the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Terming the current socio-political realities in the election-laden State, “an extra-ordinary situation”, a bench of Justices P.K. Mishra and N.V. Anjaria told the counsels arguing on behalf of the West Bengal administration which includes the CM Mamata Banerjee and other senior officials, that they may argue on abstract legal principles but the Court cannot shut it’s eye over the practical realities going on in the State.

“This is an extraordinary situation. Before the other Bench (referring to the gherao in the SIR case), we have seen that several judicial officers have been kept hostage. We cannot shut our eyes to realities. You may argue abstract legal principles, but we cannot lose sight of the practical situation occurring in the State”, the Court remarked.

The Court has listed the matter for tomorrow.

Tamil Nadu elections: EVMs dispatched, polling staff deployed across Tiruchirappalli ahead of polling day

With just a day left for polling in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, large-scale preparations are underway in Tiruchirappalli district, with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other polling materials being transported to various booths in the constituency amid tight security arrangements.

Officials said that the deployment of polling personnel has commenced across all 2,787 polling stations in the district. Polling staff have been issued their appointment orders and have also cast their postal votes. They have been instructed to reach their respective booths and be fully prepared by 6 PM on Wednesday.

The distribution of essential election materials, including EVMs and 117 other items required for smooth conduct of voting, began after 2 PM and is being carried out under strict supervision. Transportation of voting machines from taluk offices to polling booths is progressing steadily in the presence of election officials.

A total of 21,47,051 voters are expected to cast their votes across nine constituencies--Manapparai, Srirangam, East, West, Thiruverumbur, Lalgudi, Mannachanallur, Musiri, and Thuraiyur. Authorities have ensured that all basic facilities and preparatory works at polling centres have been completed.

Out of the 2,787 polling booths, 111 have been identified as sensitive, prompting heightened security measures. Over 1,800 district police personnel have been deployed in rural areas, while 1,084 city police personnel are stationed in urban regions. Additional forces, including Home Guards, paramilitary personnel, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and ex-servicemen, have also been engaged to maintain law and order.

For the election, a total of 7,906 ballot units, 3,541 control units, and 3,810 VVPAT machines will be utilised across the district.

Tamil Nadu votes tomorrow: Over 5.7 crore voters, turnout likely higher

Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections tomorrow, State Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik said, "There are 2,80,30,658 male voters, 2,93,04,905 female voters, and 7,728 third-gender voters. 14,59,039 are first-time voters, and there are 68,501 service voters. So far, 4,18,541 postal votes have been received. A total of 1,06,418 EVM machines are being used, with 75,064 control units. 62 counting centres have been established. Cash and valuables worth Rs 1,262 crore have been seized, of which Rs 543 crore has been confiscated. Monitoring is being carried out through four types of surveillance teams. Regarding social media violations, 163 cases have been registered, and 2,180 internet links have been blocked. Voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual. For election duty, 1,20,000 police personnel and 3,40,000 government staff have been deployed."

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: UP CM Yogi Adityanath addresses in Bengal's Udaynarayanpur

Addressing the political rally, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said, "The soil of Bengal is the soil of India's glory... the entire nation of India sings the sagas of the valour and prowess of the heroes of this region... today, this very Bengal, today, is struggling to reclaim its own identity... Regarding the arrangements for this gathering, specifically the tents and shelters, TMC goons attempted to intimidate our party workers who were organizing them. Yet, undeterred by the scorching sun and heat and paying homage to Mother Dakshineswar Kali you have arrived here today, having prepared yourselves and taken a solemn pledge, in true keeping with the tradition of Bengal's brave martyrs. I can state with absolute certainty that the BJP candidate, Prabhakar Pandit, is destined to achieve victory here this time. The 'Lotus' is set to bloom across all the Assembly constituencies of the Howrah district this time around. This marks the beginning of a new era."

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026: Union home minister Amit Shah addresses in Dam Dam Uttar constituency

Tamil Nadu polls: EC intervention sought over alleged online campaign by TVK during silence period

'She is fighting one of the most difficult battles': Kejriwal backs CM Mamata ahead of West Bengal polls

West Bengal polls: UP CM Yogi slams TMC ahead of assembly polls

West Bengal polls: Yogi Adityanath campaigns in Jorasanko, addresses public meeting

As part of the BJP’s campaign for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in the Jorasanko Assembly segment to address a public meeting in Kolkata in support of the party’s candidate.

West Bengal polls: ‘TMC goons forcibly seized control of the space’: Yogi Adityanath slams TMC in BJP's Jorasanko campaign

Speaking at a public meeting in the Jorasanko Assembly segment, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said on Wednesday, “...It is this very soil that bestowed upon the nation both its National Anthem and its National Song, and today, I am filled with a profound sense of joy. This region also happens to be the locale of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's 'Thakur Bari' (ancestral home)... the very complex associated with Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore is a site of immense heritage value.

How truly tragic it is that, in a place where a statue or photograph of Rabindranath Tagore ought to have been displayed, where an image of 'Bharat Mata' should have rightfully stood, goons belonging to the Trinamool Congress forcibly seized control of the space and installed a photograph of 'Mamata Didi' instead. This constitutes an insult to the very spirit of Indianness, an affront to the dignity and identity of Bengal.” The UP CM addressed the gathering as part of the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.

Tamil Nadu polls: EVMs moved to polling centres, 5.73 cr voters to decide fate of 4,023 candidates

West Bengal assembly polls: EC denies rally nod to CM Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipore ahead of polls

The Election Commission has denied permission for a proposed rally by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhawanipore, triggering a sharp reaction from the Trinamool Congress.

The development comes days before the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23, with Bhawanipore among the constituencies set to vote.

Reacting to the decision, the West Bengal CM questioned the poll body’s move, saying she had been denied permission to hold a rally in her own constituency.
"How can the EC deny me permission in my own constituency? There are no other rallies scheduled there," she said, alleging discriminatory treatment.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: Kharge clarifies 'terrorist' remark for PM Modi, says he meant misuse of agencies to ‘terrorise’ opponents

BJP leaders on Tuesday slammed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” during the last day of campaigning in Tamil Nadu, prompting a clarification from Kharge and a complaint to the Election Commission.

The BJP also filed a “strong complaint” with the Election Commission over the remarks and demanded an apology from Kharge.

Kharge, however, later clarified that his statement was in reference to the alleged misuse of central agencies, saying he meant that the Prime Minister uses them to “terrorise” political opponents.

West Bengal assembly elections: Mamata Banerjee slams EC, alleges unequal treatment over Kolkata rally permission

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the Election Commission, alleging that it denied permission for her public meeting in Kolkata’s Collin Lane area while reportedly clearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting within six hours.

'Congress hitting new lows': Amit Shah on Kharge's 'terrorist' remark for PM Modi

West Bengal Assembly Elections: FIR against TMC's Kunal Ghosh, activist Garga Chatterjee for circulating 'forged' BJP document

An FIR has been registered against Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh and Bangla Pokkho General Secretary Garga Chatterjee over allegations of circulating a fake political document online to mislead voters and damage the reputation of a political party.

According to an FIR lodged at the Cyber Crime Police Station under Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate on April 20, a complaint was filed by Sashi Agnihotri, 51, a social service professional, alleging that a forged document related to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal was created and widely circulated on the social media platform X.

"The content of the fake document was misleading and defamatory, intended to: Mislead the public, Damage the party's reputation, and Influence the ongoing election process," the complaint stated.

The FIR has been registered under sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, including Section 66 (computer-related offences), Section 66C (identity theft), and Section 66D (cheating by impersonation using computer resources), along with multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

As per the complaint, the allegedly forged document originated from Kunal Ghosh's X account and was later amplified on Facebook by Garga Chatterjee, leading to wider circulation. (ANI)

Mallikarjun Kharge's 'terrorist' remark against PM Modi: BJP writes to EC, seeks action against Cong chief

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Police conduct surprise check at lodges in Tiruchirappalli

The Tamil Nadu police carried out surprise inspections on Tuesday in lodges across Tiruchirappalli as part of intensified enforcement of election norms, ahead of the aassembly elections on April 23.

According to officials, the checks are being conducted to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct, particularly after the campaign deadline at 6 pm.

Authorities verified lodge registers to identify whether any outstation political party workers involved in campaigning are staying beyond the permitted time.

Rooms are also being inspected to ensure no violations, as part of strict monitoring ahead of the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. (ANI)

'No one wants BJP to form govt, TMC will retain': Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that the TMC will return to power in the state for the fourth consecutive term, claiming that “no one wants the BJP to form government”.

Addressing a poll rally at Haldia in Purba Medinipur district, Banerjee also urged opposition parties to come together to oust the BJP-led NDA government from the Centre.

"The BJP will not win the elections in West Bengal this time. The Trinamool Congress will again form the government. We will also throw out the BJP from Delhi in 2026 itself," Banerjee asserted.

The TMC chief said she has been extensively touring West Bengal for the last one month, and during this period, "I have understood what people want; it is clear that no one wants the BJP."

Slamming the BJP for its ‘chargesheet’ against the TMC dispensation over alleged financial irregularities and other issues, the CM said she was also issuing a chargesheet against the saffron party for “taking cut-money (commission)” in the Haldia dock complex and adjoining industrial area.

"You gave a chargesheet against the TMC; I am also issuing one against the BJP,” Banerjee said.

Union home minister Amit Shah had on March 28 unveiled a chargesheet against the TMC dispensation, accusing it of corruption, deterioration in law and order and facilitation of infiltration. (PTI)

Oppn's complaint against PM's address to nation 'would be examined': EC sources

Election Commission sources on Tuesday said the opposition's complaint that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation was violative of the poll code "would be examined" by it.

Left parties wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that Prime Minister Modi's address to the nation on Saturday violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections and sought action against him.

While polling has taken place in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, voting will he held in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on April 23. The last phase of polling in West Bengal will be on April 29.

The sources said the complaint against the prime minister "would be examined" by the Model Code of Conduct division of EC.

The poll code came into force on March 15 with the announcement of the poll schedule and will remain in place till May 4, the day votes will be counted for the five assemblies. (PTI)

'Think and vote!' Stalin's final appeal to voters as campaigning ends

Campaign for Tamil Nadu polls ends

Campaign for Tamil Nadu Assembly election ends across all 234 constituencies in state. (PTI)

'There's a deal between DMK and BJP': TVK chief Vijay

If this Vijay says something, he will stick with it. There is an underground deal between DMK and BJP. In this election, DMK is going to lose for sure...Vijay will stand with minorities. I appeal to people to save Tamil Nadu from Stalin. I appeal to you all to vote for the Whistle symbol (TVK symbol). You may be outside but please come and vote for the whistle symbol: TVK chief Vijay

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Stalin holds roadshow in Villivakkam on last day of campaigning

Tamil Nadu chief minister and DMK president MK Stalin on Tuesday conducted a roadshow in Villivakkam in Chennai on the last day of campaigning as the state prepares to go to polls on April 23.

The roadshow witnessed participation from party workers and supporters who gathered along the route to greet the Chief Minister. Stalin acknowledged the crowd during the campaign event as he continued his outreach in key constituencies of the capital city.

Earlier in the day, Stalin campaigned in support of the State Health Minister and party candidate Ma. Subramanian in the Saidapet assembly constituency.

During the campaign, Stalin interacted with voters and sought support for the DMK nominee, while also acknowledging public support for the party across Chennai.

"Chennai has always been the fortress of DMK!" he said in a post on X, referring to the response in Sholinganallur, Velachery and Saidapet constituencies. (ANI)

'PM Modi biggest brand ambassador of Mamata govt': TMC's Abhishek Banerjee

"I consider Narendra Modi the biggest brand ambassador of Mamata Banerjee's government. In the past 15 years, I have never seen him eat 'jhalmuri' in Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh. But he did that in Jhargram. This is the success for the people of Maa-Mati-Manush," Abhishek Banerjee said at an election rally at Lalgarh in Jhargram.

The prime minister on Sunday posted a video on his official X account in which he was seen buying 'jhalmuri', a popular Bengali street food made of puffed rice, green chillies, and spices, from a nondescript shop in Jhargram.

The PM, who was accompanied by his security personnel, paid the shopkeeper for the snack. When the man denied taking the money, the prime minister insisted that he accept it. (PTI)

West Bengal Assembly Elections: EC replaces polling observer in Nandigram constituency

The Election Commission on Tuesday replaced the police observer for Nandigram assembly constituency in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district, just two days ahead of polling in the high-profile seat, a senior official of the poll panel said.

Hitesh Choudhury, the police observer of Nandigram, was removed and replaced by Akhilesh Singh, he said.

The move came a day after the Trinamool Congress raised allegations of bias against the Officer-in-Charge of the Nandigram Police Station.

In a letter to the police observer on Monday, the TMC alleged that complaints lodged by party workers against BJP members were not being acted upon.

"The ruling party had sought immediate intervention from the police observer," he said, adding that the order for a change in the observer was issued soon after the complaint was received.

The Election Commission has deployed 84 police observers across West Bengal, with each officer assigned multiple constituencies to oversee law and order arrangements during the elections. (PTI)

'We will not allow a Babri Masjid in West Bengal': Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of seeking to "protect infiltrators" and alleged that her "associate" Humayun Kabir wants to build a Babri Masjid in West Bengal, which the BJP would not allow.

Addressing an election rally at Salboni in Paschim Medinipur district, he said the West Bengal assembly polls this time were about "freeing Bengal from infiltrators" and corruption.

"Mamata Didi wants to protect the infiltrators, but we will remove them," he said.

Stepping up his attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress, Shah referred to suspended TMC MLA and Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir and accused him of trying to rake up the Babri Masjid issue in the state.

"Modi ji built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It came up at a place where Babri Masjid stood. Now, Mamata Didi, through her associate Humayun Kabir, wants to build a Babri Masjid in Bengal," he said. "Bengal is in India, and we will not allow anyone to build a Babri Masjid in Bengal." (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 'NDA will undo Stalin's good work,' Arvind Kejriwal warns voters

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday cautioned the people of Tamil Nadu to be "wary" of the NDA, saying if by mistake they voted that alliance to power, then it will undo Tamil Nadu CM and DMK chief MK Stalin's good work in no time.

Also, the NDA would find a chief minister of its own as they did in Bihar, he said. Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP's governance in Gujarat, where, despite ruling for 30 years, the party has not improved the condition of roads, schools, and hospitals. "There is so much corruption... wherever the BJP ruled, the state has been ruined," he claimed.

Citing his experience in Delhi, the former chief minister accused the BJP of undoing all the good work of his government.

"Last year in Delhi, people voted for the BJP, and now they got fed up with the BJP government. All the good work we have done in education, health, infrastructure, road and electricity and water has been undone by the BJP. So, by mistake, if people vote for BJP or NDA or AIADMK, then all the good work of Chief Minister M K Stalin in the last five years will be undone in no time,"

Kejriwal told reporters at the end of his two-day poll campaign for the ruling DMK and its allies here.

So, if people wanted the good schemes and welfare activities of the DMK to continue, then they should vote for the DMK, he urged. (PTI)

'PM Modi a terrorist': Mallikarjun Kharge questions AIADMK over alliance with PM Modi-led BJP

How can they (AIADMK) join with Modi? He is a terrorist. And he who won't believe in equality. His party won't believe in equality and justice. And these people are joining with them, it means that they are weakening democracy: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Chennai.

'Women to get free rides in buses if BJP voted to power': Amit Shah in West Bengal's West Burdwan

Women in West Bengal will get free rides in all state transport vehicles from June 1 if the BJP comes to power in the state after the forthcoming assembly polls this month, said Union home minister, Amit Shah, on Tuesday.

The two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal will be held on April 23 and April 29, and the results will be declared on May 4.

“Women's empowerment and women's safety will be the topmost priority of the BJP government in West Bengal. We will guarantee that women will be able to move around freely in the streets even after midnight, and no one will even dare to look at them. There will not be any R.G. Kar-like rape and murder case or Sandeshkhali-like women harassment cases anymore," Shah claimed.

"At the same time, the new government will arrange for totally free rides in state transport vehicles from June 1,” HM Shah said while addressing a campaign rally at Kulti in West Burdwan district of West Bengal on Tuesday afternoon.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Vijay holds massive roadshowi in Saidapet

TVK chief and candidate from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies Vijay on Tuesday held a massive roadshow in the Saidapet area on the final day of electioneering ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

A sea of people gathered to show their support for the actor Vijay, who is making his politcal debut in these assembly elections.

Actor-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight. In Tiruchirappalli East, Vijay is contesting against DMK's Inigo S Irudayaraj. He is also contesting from Perambur, where he is up against the DMK MLA RD Sekar.

Earlier, Vijay made a final appeal to voters ahead of the April 23 assembly elections, urging them to support his party's "Whistle" symbol and promising to resist political pressure from established parties.

In a message shared on X, Vijay addressed the voters as his "own kin" and thanking them for their continued support since his entry into politics. Positioning himself as a people-centric leader, he alleged that his party has faced sustained pressure from political opponents.

"Who else but those who, from the day I entered politics to express gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu--my own kin who have given me everything--have inflicted unspeakable pressures, constraints, and heartaches upon us until now? Our people know well our political adversary, the anti-people evil force DMK, and the BJP, a resolute power that battles in the field against policy adversaries and many others," Vijay said. (ANI)

West Bengal Assembly Elections: Amit Shah says BJP will provide 'merit-based employment' to one lakh youths

Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday termed the West Bengal assembly polls a chance "to make the state free of infiltrators" and promised one lakh jobs for youths each year based on merit if the BJP won the election.

Speaking at his second poll rally of the day in Kulti, on the outskirts of Paschim Bardhaman's industrial hubs of Asansol and Barakar, he said the BJP would restore the industrial glory of the country's iron ore production hub and secure jobs for local youth.

"Kulti used to be the hub of iron ore production of the country, but the Mamata Banerjee government has brought it to its knees. We will take the iron city back to its glory, stop illegal mining, impose effective bans on the pollution-creating sponge iron production in the region and create job opportunities for local youths," Shah said.

Accusing the TMC government of "stealing jobs from deserving candidates and selling them to the undeserving ones", the Union minister said, "The BJP promises merit-based employment to one lakh youths in Bengal each year if it is voted to power." (PTI)

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: Annamalai accuses DMK of 'unleashing violent politics'

BJP leader K Annamalai on Tuesday trained guns at the ruling DMK, alleging that the ruling party unleashed "anarchic and violent" politics in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing reporters in Coimbatore, Annamalai expressed confidence in the NDA's victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

He said, "All the election predictions have started coming in our favour. People want a government that can use the funds of the central government. DMK has unleashed anarchic politics and violent politics."

In the Coimbatore district, Annamalai campaigned for NDA candidates KR Jayaram from Singanallur constituency and PRG Arunkumar from Kaoundampalayam constituency.

Sharing visuals of his roadshows on X, the BJP leader wrote, "With unwavering determination to put an end to the evil force DMK, which has completed one of the darkest chapters in Tamil Nadu's political history by running the most abysmal administration imaginable, the National Democratic Alliance--SAB is campaigning in the electoral fray. I participated in and addressed a campaign rally held in support of our AIADMK victorious candidate for the Kaoundampalayam constituency, elder brother PRG Arunkumar."

Calling the DMK's administration a "zero-sum governance," he alleged that the DMK government opened zero medical and engineering colleges and formed no new districts. (ANI)

West Bengal Assembly Elections: Amit Shah promises crackdown on i'nfiltrators; if BJP wins in West Bengal

Addressing a rally in West Bardhaman, Union home minister Amit Shah said, "These elections are not to make BJP's candidate an MLA and our worker the Chief Minister, but these elections are to free the entire Bengal from infiltrators. I am leaving you with a promise: Press the lotus button on the 23rd, form the BJP government on the 5th, and we will handpick and remove every single infiltrator from Bengal."

BJP always fails to deliver on promises, TMC's welfare schemes to continue uninterrupted: Abhishek

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday hit out at the BJP for “failing” to deliver on its promises, and asserted that the ruling party’s welfare schemes like ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ would continue uninterrupted in West Bengal.

Addressing a poll rally at Barjora in Bankura district, Banerjee said women “will continue to receive benefits under the scheme for life”.

Under the popular ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme, women from the general category receive Rs 1,000 per month, while those belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities get Rs 1,200 per month.

“No one can stop Lakshmir Bhandar,” the TMC MP asserted.

Sat on laps of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, I did not take advantage of that: Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan, said that he sat on the laps of late chief minister M G Ramachandran and the legendary Tamil actor of yore Sivaji Ganesan as a child, and yet he never took advantage of that, in an apparent dig at actor-politician Vijay’s attempts to portray himself as the "successor of MGR", according to PTI.

Will be a 'danger' to those who betray Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin ahead of polls

Chief Minister M K Stalin said he will be a "danger" to those who betray Tamil Nadu and want to hinder its growth and said the Centre's aggressive push for delimitation was to "punish" best-performing states like Tamil Nadu.

'Pro-NDA wave visible': Chandrababu Naidu expresses confidence in BJP-AIADMK alliance ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday asserted that a "pro-NDA wave" is sweeping Tamil Nadu, expressing confidence that voters will back the BJP-AIADMK alliance in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters on the final day of campaigning, Naidu credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for the growing support. "There is a pro-NDA wave. I am totally confident. People are having confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership. That impact is seen everywhere," he said.

Highlighting the alliance, Naidu added, "It is a very good combination--AIADMK and BJP and allies. That is NDA... I am very confident people will vote this time for NDA. Double engine sarkar, then only there is progress."