2026 assembly polls

BJP secured a massive victory in Falta, winning by over a lakh votes, marking its highest margin in the 2026 assembly elections. The Trinamool Congress suffered a significant defeat, coming in fourth, while the CPM emerged as a distant second. This outcome suggests a notable shift in minority votes towards the CPM and Congress.

Trinamool Congress faces internal unease following a poor turnout of legislators at a protest and mass resignations by councillors in two municipalities. These events fuel speculation about emerging cracks within the party, as it grapples with rebuilding its grassroots presence after the 2026 election defeat.

Falta, which falls within Abhishek Banerjee’s bastion of Diamond Harbour, reflected the intense on-ground political heat during the West Bengal Assembly polls. Apart from authorities finding attempts to tamper with footage captured by web cameras installed at several polling stations, allegations of EVM manipulation were reported at a Falta booth, eventually prompting the Election Commission to order repolling.

Tamil Nadu's ruling TVK party is poised to secure its inaugural Rajya Sabha seat following a by-election announcement. The vacancy arose after an AIADMK minister resigned. With a strong majority in the Assembly, TVK is expected to win comfortably. The selection of their nominee will be keenly observed, potentially influencing future alliance strategies.

DMK president MK Stalin criticised Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Joseph Vijay, alleging he became Chief Minister by influencing children via Instagram and failed to appoint booth agents. Stalin also highlighted rising murders in Tamil Nadu, questioning the new government's ability to maintain law and order, drawing parallels to past governance issues.

Jharkhand is preparing for a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls from June 30 to July 29, 2026, with door-to-door verification. Citizens are gathering documents, expressing confidence in their voter status due to long-standing family participation in elections. The Election Commission's initiative aims to ensure accurate voter lists across multiple states and union territories.

Tamil Nadu's cabinet expanded with VCK and IUML ministers joining CM Vijay's government, marking a significant coalition shift. However, the swearing-in was overshadowed by a 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu' controversy and internal alliance friction. Despite requests, the Tamil anthem was not played first, sparking criticism and internal dissent.

BJP's strong performance in Kolkata's assembly elections, leading in 102 of 144 KMC wards, has sparked speculation about advancing municipal polls. This surge contrasts with Trinamool's previous dominance, as evidenced by the 2024 Lok Sabha results showing BJP gaining significant ground in the city's wards.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee faces an FIR for alleged inflammatory statements, including remarks on DJs and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He accused the Centre of allowing post-poll violence in West Bengal and manipulating the election counting process, with party candidates and agents allegedly removed from centers.

Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan has withdrawn his nomination for the Falta re-poll, days before voting. The Election Commission had previously scrapped the original polls due to severe electoral offenses and subversion of the democratic process. Observer reports highlighted significant irregularities, including EVM tampering and voter intimidation. This development follows criticism from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

Following a saffron surge in Bengal's assembly elections, the BJP secured leads in 102 of Kolkata Municipal Corporation's 144 wards, raising questions about Trinamool Congress's hold on the civic body. This shift, evident in recent polls, contrasts with TMC's previous dominance, prompting analysis of potential early KMC elections.

Following their election defeat, both DMK and AIADMK are experiencing internal unrest. AIADMK veteran S Semmalai resigned citing 'dictatorial approach' by EPS, while DMK's P T R Palanivel Thiagarajan announced a temporary break from politics. EPS also accused TVK of horse trading, as rebel AIADMK MLAs push for leadership changes.

The SIR of electoral rolls became one of the most fiercely debated issues in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections, with the exercise significantly reshaping the state’s voter base before polling. Nearly 91 lakh names, around 12 per cent of the electorate, were removed during the revision process. Of these, more than 60 lakh voters were marked as deceased, while nearly 27 lakh cases remained pending or under scrutiny.

TVK MLA J C D Prabhakar has filed his nomination for the Speaker of the Tamil Nadu assembly, poised for an unopposed election. The 73-year-old, a former AIADMK member, brings significant legislative experience to the role, balancing the ruling combine's youthful image.

In a notable move, the Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has welcomed the expertise of retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as an adviser, shortly after Gupta wrapped up his role as a special observer for the recent assembly elections. Additionally, Shantanu Bala has been entrusted with the position of CM's private secretary.