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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled "six guarantees" for West Bengal, which will ensure an "accountable and fully answerable" administrative machinery to serve the people. Addressing a public rally here, the Prime Minister promised the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, while assuring the establishment of trustful atmosphere, which will restore faith in the rule of law. He further vowed action and reopening cases of corruption, scam and women-related crimes, which took place under the TMC regime. &nbsp;The Prime Minister added that no "TMC goon" would be able to evade the law following the formation of the BJP government in the state and also pledged to provide the right to refugees guaranteed by the constitution.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-why-didn-t-she-save-my-daughter-mother-of-rg-kar-rape-murder-victim-enters-west-bengal-election-fray-vows-to-defeat-mamata-banerjee-1775707531406">RG Kar rape-murder victim's mother vows to defeat Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal</a> "I offer six guarantees to West Bengal-- 1. Modi's first guarantee: A BJP government will replace this atmosphere of fear with trust. It will restore faith in the rule of law. 2. Modi's second guarantee: Under a BJP government, the administrative machinery will be accountable--fully answerable--to the public it serves. 3. Modi's third guarantee: The files regarding every scam, every act of corruption, every injustice committed against our daughters, and every case of rape will be reopened. 4. Modi's fourth guarantee: Under the TMC's rule, whoever has engaged in corruption belongs in jail. Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer. 5. Modi's fifth guarantee: Refugees will be granted every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution. However, infiltrators will be driven out; they will not be permitted to remain in India. 6. Modi's sixth guarantee: The moment a BJP government is formed here, we will implement the 7th Pay Commission," the Prime Minister said. &nbsp;PM Modi further emphasised that the state's interest lies when both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister work together towards the development of the state. He further stressed that the "double engine" government in West Bengal would work for making the state "self-reliant" in the fisheries and seafood sectors.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-fm-raises-sheikh-hasina-s-extradition-request-in-meet-with-eam-jaishankar-india-bats-for-constructive-engagement-1775719423001">Bangladesh FM raises Sheikh Hasina's extradition request in meet with EAM Jaishankar, India bats for 'constructive' engagement</a> "Bengal's best interest does not lie in animosity towards the Prime Minister; rather, the people stand to gain the most if both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister work together. That is precisely why a double-engine government is absolutely essential for Bengal. A double-engine government will make Bengal self-reliant in the sectors of fisheries and seafood," he said. PM Modi also highlighted the steps taken by the Central government towards boosting the fisheries sector across the country, which includes the establishment of a separate fisheries ministry. He added that lakhs of fishermen have benefited from the Kisan Credit Card scheme and Rs 5 lakh insurance. "The BJP established a separate Ministry dedicated to Fisheries. After decades of independence, our government, for the very first time, created a distinct Ministry of Fisheries to address the needs of fishermen, their families, and the Blue Economy as a whole. Not only did we create a separate Ministry, but the BJP has also allocated a distinct and record-breaking budget for the welfare of fishermen. Furthermore, the BJP has provided access to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility for fishermen. The BJP has also provided insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for fishermen; lakhs of our fellow fishermen have already availed themselves of this benefit. Once a BJP government is formed here, every Central government scheme will be implemented in the state with great speed and efficiency," said PM Modi. &nbsp;The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, the Trinamool Congress recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. &nbsp;

What are PM Modi’s “six guarantees” for West Bengal? At a high-stakes rally, Narendra Modi promised governance overhaul, anti-corruption action and refugee rights, taking direct aim at Mamata Banerjee ahead of polls.

Scroll down to read more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday unveiled "six guarantees" for West Bengal, which will ensure an "accountable and fully answerable" administrative machinery to serve the people. Addressing a public rally here, the Prime Minister promised the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, while assuring the establishment of trustful atmosphere, which will restore faith in the rule of law. He further vowed action and reopening cases of corruption, scam and women-related crimes, which took place under the TMC regime. The Prime Minister added that no "TMC goon" would be able to evade the law following the formation of the BJP government in the state and also pledged to provide the right to refugees guaranteed by the constitution. Also read | RG Kar rape-murder victim's mother vows to defeat Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal "I offer six guarantees to West Bengal-- 1. Modi's first guarantee: A BJP government will replace this atmosphere of fear with trust. It will restore faith in the rule of law. 2. Modi's second guarantee: Under a BJP government, the administrative machinery will be accountable--fully answerable--to the public it serves. 3. Modi's third guarantee: The files regarding every scam, every act of corruption, every injustice committed against our daughters, and every case of rape will be reopened. 4. Modi's fourth guarantee: Under the TMC's rule, whoever has engaged in corruption belongs in jail. Be it a minister or a watchman, the law will hold everyone to account. No TMC goon will be able to evade the law any longer. 5. Modi's fifth guarantee: Refugees will be granted every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution. However, infiltrators will be driven out; they will not be permitted to remain in India. 6. Modi's sixth guarantee: The moment a BJP government is formed here, we will implement the 7th Pay Commission," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi further emphasised that the state's interest lies when both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister work together towards the development of the state. He further stressed that the "double engine" government in West Bengal would work for making the state "self-reliant" in the fisheries and seafood sectors. Also read | Bangladesh FM raises Sheikh Hasina's extradition request in meet with EAM Jaishankar, India bats for 'constructive' engagement "Bengal's best interest does not lie in animosity towards the Prime Minister; rather, the people stand to gain the most if both the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister work together. That is precisely why a double-engine government is absolutely essential for Bengal. A double-engine government will make Bengal self-reliant in the sectors of fisheries and seafood," he said. PM Modi also highlighted the steps taken by the Central government towards boosting the fisheries sector across the country, which includes the establishment of a separate fisheries ministry. He added that lakhs of fishermen have benefited from the Kisan Credit Card scheme and Rs 5 lakh insurance. "The BJP established a separate Ministry dedicated to Fisheries. After decades of independence, our government, for the very first time, created a distinct Ministry of Fisheries to address the needs of fishermen, their families, and the Blue Economy as a whole. Not only did we create a separate Ministry, but the BJP has also allocated a distinct and record-breaking budget for the welfare of fishermen. Furthermore, the BJP has provided access to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility for fishermen. The BJP has also provided insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for fishermen; lakhs of our fellow fishermen have already availed themselves of this benefit. Once a BJP government is formed here, every Central government scheme will be implemented in the state with great speed and efficiency," said PM Modi. The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. In the last assembly election in the state, held in eight phases in 2021, the Trinamool Congress recorded a landslide victory with 213 seats amid an intense contest with the BJP, which jumped to 77 seats. Congress and Left Front drew a blank in the last state polls. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

What are PM Modi’s “six guarantees” for West Bengal? At a high-stakes rally, Narendra Modi promised governance overhaul, anti-corruption action and refugee rights, taking direct aim at Mamata Banerjee ahead of polls.Scroll down to read more.

‘6 guarantees for Bengal’: PM Modi vows crackdown on corruption, 7th Pay Commission rollout

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, during his visit to India, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday (Apr 8). While Bangladeshi foreign minister raised the issue of extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, the Indian EAM highlighted New Delhi's intention to “engage constructively” with the new BNP government to strengthen the bilateral ties. Tarique Rahman, son of former PM and late Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh PM after his party BNP secured a landslide victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-sheikh-hasina-and-her-awami-league-find-space-in-tarique-rahman-s-new-bangladesh-amid-jamaat-s-rise-1771229273915">Will Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League find space in Tarique Rahman’s ‘new Bangladesh’ amid Jamaat’s rise?</a>&nbsp;Ties between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated after Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 uprising in the country and interim leader Muhammad Yunus' anti-India stance. This meeting marks the highest-level bilateral contact between the two sides since BNP came to power. Last year, as BNP positioned itself as the option who would eventually take up the vaccum created by Hasina's exit and Awami league's downfall, India readjusted to new realities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a ‘get well soon’ message to then ailing Khaleda Zia. A few months later, Jaishankar visited the Dhaka funeral of Tarique Rahman’s mother Zia, and met the now PM of Bangladesh. It sent message of New Delhi’s willingness to build cordial ties with the future government. Later, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and foreign secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Dhaka for Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony.<h2>What more Bangladesh said on the meeting between the FMs?</h2>In its readout after the meeting between its Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, Bangladesh mentioned that the issue of extradition of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina was raised. It also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ‘s BNP government’s foreign policy approach is based in accordance with the principle of "Bangladesh First" and on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocal benefit. According to the Bangladesh foreign ministry’s statement, the delegation “reiterated its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-would-love-to-go-home-if-ousted-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-confirms-she-is-in-delhi-1761786678611">'Would love to go home if...': Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina confirms she is in Delhi</a><h2>What India said in its statement?</h2>Releasing a brief statement, the Indian government said that External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar met with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman, and Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir. During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar reiterated India's desire to "engage constructively with the new Government and further strengthen bilateral ties." The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms. The statement said that follow-on official meetings are expected to take place between two sides. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. India said that Foreign Minister Rahman also met the National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met S Jaishankar in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening ties, visa easing, and energy cooperation. Dhaka renewed its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina, highlighting key diplomatic and regional issues in talks.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, during his visit to India, met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday (Apr 8). While Bangladeshi foreign minister raised the issue of extradition of former PM Sheikh Hasina, the Indian EAM highlighted New Delhi's intention to “engage constructively” with the new BNP government to strengthen the bilateral ties. Tarique Rahman, son of former PM and late Khaleda Zia became Bangladesh PM after his party BNP secured a landslide victory in the February 12 parliamentary elections. Also Read: Will Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League find space in Tarique Rahman’s ‘new Bangladesh’ amid Jamaat’s rise? Ties between India and Bangladesh had deteriorated after Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024 uprising in the country and interim leader Muhammad Yunus' anti-India stance. This meeting marks the highest-level bilateral contact between the two sides since BNP came to power. Last year, as BNP positioned itself as the option who would eventually take up the vaccum created by Hasina's exit and Awami league's downfall, India readjusted to new realities and Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a ‘get well soon’ message to then ailing Khaleda Zia. A few months later, Jaishankar visited the Dhaka funeral of Tarique Rahman’s mother Zia, and met the now PM of Bangladesh. It sent message of New Delhi’s willingness to build cordial ties with the future government. Later, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and foreign secretary Vikram Misri travelled to Dhaka for Tarique Rahman’s swearing-in ceremony. What more Bangladesh said on the meeting between the FMs? In its readout after the meeting between its Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, Bangladesh mentioned that the issue of extradition of former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina was raised. It also said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman ‘s BNP government’s foreign policy approach is based in accordance with the principle of "Bangladesh First" and on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and reciprocal benefit. According to the Bangladesh foreign ministry’s statement, the delegation “reiterated its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina and her Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to Bangladesh.” Also Read: 'Would love to go home if...': Ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina confirms she is in Delhi What India said in its statement? Releasing a brief statement, the Indian government said that External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar met with Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman, and Foreign Affairs to Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Humayun Kabir. During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar reiterated India's desire to "engage constructively with the new Government and further strengthen bilateral ties." The two sides agreed to explore proposals for deepening the partnership through the relevant bilateral mechanisms. The statement said that follow-on official meetings are expected to take place between two sides. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. India said that Foreign Minister Rahman also met the National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met S Jaishankar in New Delhi, focusing on strengthening ties, visa easing, and energy cooperation. Dhaka renewed its request to extradite Sheikh Hasina, highlighting key diplomatic and regional issues in talks.

Bangladesh FM raises Sheikh Hasina's extradition request in meet with EAM Jaishankar, India bats for 'constructive' engagement

Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: The democratic machinery is in full swing as three key regions head to the polls. From the northeastern hills of Assam to the southern coastlines of Kerala and Puducherry, over 5.2 crore voters are set to decide the future of their respective legislative assemblies.The Election Roadmap Polling Commencement: 7:00 AM Upcoming Phases: Tamil Nadu (April 23) and West Bengal (April 23 &amp; 29) Result Day: May 4State-by-State BreakdownKerala: 140 Seats | 883 Candidates Kerala sees a massive turnout of women voters, who outnumber men by over 7 lakh. The state has focused heavily on logistical readiness to manage its 2.6 crore electors. Total Voters: 2.69 Crore Demographic Highlight: 1.38 Crore Women | 1.31 Crore Men | 277 Third Gender Logistics: 30,471 polling stations and 41 counting centres Inclusion: Over 2 lakh voters are aged 85+, with 4.2 lakh first-time voters (18-19 age group).Assam: 126 Seats | 722 Candidates Assam is leveraging technology to ensure transparency, with 100% webcasting enabled across its polling stations. Total Voters: 2.5 Crore Personnel: Over 1.5 lakh polling staff deployed Infrastructure: 31,490 polling stations equipped with 43,997 VVPAT machines Special Focus: 2.05 lakh voters are Persons with Disabilities (PwD), supported by dedicated accessibility measures.Puducherry: 30 Seats The Union Territory is prioritising security, especially in zones marked as "vulnerable," to ensure a smooth transition for its 10 lakh+ electors. Total Voters: 10.14 Lakh Security: 110 sector officers monitoring 1,099 stations; 209 stations identified as vulnerable. Youth Participation: Over 24,000 voters are in the 18-19 age bracket.<h2>Stay connected to WION for all the updates, analysis, and developments on the Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026</h2>

Kerala elections: Polling concludes as last voter exits at the Government Vocational HSS, Ayyanthole booth in Thrissur. EVMs were getting sealed.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Kerala Polls: Polling concludes as last voter exits at Government Vocational HSS, Ayyanthole booth in Thrissur. EVMs were getting sealed.&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssemblyPollsWithPTI?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#AssemblyPollsWithPTI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaPollsWithPTI?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#KeralaPollsWithPTI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(Full video available on PTI Videos - &lt;a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7"&gt;https://t.co/n147TvrpG7&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://t.co/4VNRcGe4k6"&gt;pic.twitter.com/4VNRcGe4k6&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2042227969117294950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Kerala elections: Polling concludes as last voter exits

State Assembly Elections voter turnout as of 5PM&nbsp;<ul><li>Assam: 84.42%&nbsp;</li><li>Kerala: 75.01%&nbsp;</li><li>Puducherry: 86.92%</li></ul>

Puducherry records 86.92% voter turnout at 5PM

Polling officials seal EVM and VVPAT on the conclusion of voting in Assam Assembly elections; Visuals from Kamrup. A presiding officer says, "The voting concluded peacefully...I thank the Election Commission of India for conducting the elections peacefully"&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Assam | Polling officials seal EVM and VVPAT on the conclusion of voting in Assam Assembly elections; Visuals from Kamrup.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;A presiding officer says, &amp;quot;The voting concluded peacefully...I thank the Election Commission of India for conducting the elections peacefully&amp;quot; &lt;a href="https://t.co/qLjlE45IXi"&gt;pic.twitter.com/qLjlE45IXi&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042209033030156596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Voting concluded peacefully: Assam polling official

<ul><li>Assam: A 75.91% of voters cast their ballot until 3 PM</li><li>Kerala: 62.71% voter turnout was recorded until 3 PM.</li><li>Puducherry: 72.40% of people voted until 3 PM.</li></ul>

Election voter turnout data recorded so far

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wanted to see a society where everyone is free from fear. But the TMC's reign of jungle raj has done exactly the opposite. They talked about 'maa, maati, and manush', but today the mother is crying, infiltrators are taking over the land, and the people are terrified, frightened.&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Birbhum, West Bengal: Addressing a public rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &amp;quot;Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore wanted to see a society where everyone is free from fear. But the TMC&amp;#39;s reign of jungle raj has done exactly the opposite. They talked about &amp;#39;maa, maati, and… &lt;a href="https://t.co/BwNQAlKcoX"&gt;pic.twitter.com/BwNQAlKcoX&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042190840983064918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Rabindranath Tagore wanted to see a society where everyone is free from fear: PM Modi

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Birbhum, West Bengal: Addressing a public rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &amp;quot;Today, I make a promise to the people of Bengal. As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal, a special investigation will be set up against those who aid infiltration. This is my… &lt;a href="https://t.co/pDTo2HJePn"&gt;pic.twitter.com/pDTo2HJePn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042192494050304276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

'As soon as the BJP government is formed in Bengal...': PM Modi

<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260409/image-1775729563388.png">A bride in Kerala's Wayanad district showed up in a bridal attire to cast her vote on Thursday morning before heading for her wedding. She was voting at Booth Number 191 at the Government Higher Secondary School, in Mepadi, Waynad, at 9 am. Her wedding was scheduled at 10:30 am at the CSI Church in Koyileri near Mananthavady. She made it clear that voting was a priority as returning later would not have been possible.

Kerala: Woman turns out in polling booth in bridal attire before wedding

<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260409/image-1775726904120.jpg"></figure>Puducherry CM N Rangaswamy casts his vote following his long-standing tradition of riding his motorcycle to the polling booth. For this habbit he has earned the nicknames such as "Junior Kamaraj" and "Makkal Mudhalvar"

Puducherry: CM Rangaswamy casts vote and rides out on his motorbike

Raijor Dal Chief Akhil Gogoi, while casting a vote in Sivsagar, claimed that he will win with a margin of about 50,000 votes. He is facing a complex battle at the historic Ahom capital, from two NDA allies, Prodip Hazarika (AGP) and Kushal Dowari (BJP).

Assam: Akhil Gogoi claims "will win with a margin of 50000 votes"

Senior Congress leader AK Antony took a jibe at the BJP, calling it a “non-Kerala party”, while casting his vote at the Jagathy polling station in Thiruvananthapuram. He added that people want to "send off" the current Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime. He predicted that UDF would form the government and the LDF would sit in the opposition.&nbsp;

Kerala: UDF to sweep, "BJP a non-Kerala party", senior Congress leader AK Antony

AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal casts his vote at Bordongki Government LP School in Hojai. He says,"We are feeling enthusiasm among people for the lock and key symbol everywhere in Assam... Vote for AIUDF for justice to Zubeen Garg, education, technology..."&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="et" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Assam polls: AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal votes in Hojai.&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssemblyPollsWithPTI?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#AssemblyPollsWithPTI&lt;/a&gt; &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamPollsWithPTI?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#AssamPollsWithPTI&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;(Full video available on PTI Videos - &lt;a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7"&gt;https://t.co/n147TvrpG7&lt;/a&gt;) &lt;a href="https://t.co/gnnJUwCtJj"&gt;pic.twitter.com/gnnJUwCtJj&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2042163359093837963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assam: AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal votes in Hojai

Wife of Zubeen Garg, Garima Saikia Garg, who was recently hospitalised, was accompanied by her sister-in-law, Palme Borthakur, to vote in the Dispur constituency of Guwahati. Garima said that she is carrying out her duty to vote eventhough she is unwell. When asked about her husband's death case, she said, “We are fighting for his justice. We are hopeful that justice will be done in an expeditious manner.” Zubeen Garg's sister Palme urges people to choose ideal leader, "People should stay alert and be aware of what they are doing. If you want a good government of your choice, you must vote carefully."&nbsp;

Assam: Zubeen Garg's sister urges people 'you must vote carefully'

A brief moment of tension was witnessed at booth number 27/14 in the Karaikal South constituency. The VVPAT machine in the booth started to emit smoke, and election officials and the fire rescue team rushed to the spot, removed the battery, to resolve the issue. Polling resumed after a gap of 10 minutes.

Smoke from VVPAT machine in Karaikal, Puducherry

Approximate voter turnout as of 1 pm:Assam - 59.63%&nbsp;Keralam - 49.70%&nbsp;Puducherry - 56.83%

State Assembly Elections: Voter Turnout at 1

As Keralam votes, Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas on Thursday expressed confidence that the Left Front will return to power. Speaking to the reporters after casting his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School here, Brittas said, "It is clear that the Left Front is going to come back to power. There is an overwhelming response from the people... People are enthusiastic to participate in this democratic process... Left front government did an unparalleled performance this time."

'Left Front coming back to power': CPI(M)'s John Brittas as voting underway for Keralam polls

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor cast his vote in the Keralam Assembly elections on Thursday in Thiruvananthapuram, asserting that the electoral battle in the state is primarily between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Speaking to ANI after exercising his franchise, Tharoor downplayed the Bharatiya Janata Party's role in the state's political landscape. "The BJP is not a factor here. This is a state where the BJP is a zero-seat party in the Assembly. To even mention them in the same breath is an excessive compliment. It is a fight between an incumbent LDF govt and a challenging UDF," he told ANI.

Shashi Tharoor says Kerala polls a direct fight between LDF-UDF, claims "BJP not a factor here"

NCP(SCP) MP from Baramati, Supriya Sule, on Thursday urged Congress to withdraw Akash More's candidature for the bye-election for the Baramati Assembly seat, which fell vacant after the demise of the former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Mahayuti has fielded Ajit Pawar's wife and NCP leader Sunetra Pawar, who needs to be part of the Assembly to be in the Deputy CM's seat. In an X post, Supriya Sule called for an unopposed election as a tribute to the late Ajit Pawar.

Baramati byelections: Supriya Sule urges Congress to withdraw candidate for Baramati bypoll in favour of NCP's Sunetra Pawar

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Congress MP Shashi Tharoor casts his vote in Keralam Assembly elections, in Thiruvananthapuram &lt;a href="https://t.co/a4uqQNKCDT"&gt;pic.twitter.com/a4uqQNKCDT&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042124652823376325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Shashi Tharoor casts his vote

Approximate voter turnout as of 11 am -<ul><li>Davanagere South (Karnataka) - 22.01%&nbsp;</li><li>Bagalkot (Karnataka) - 27.83%&nbsp;</li><li>Koridang (Nagaland) - 41.06%&nbsp;</li><li>Dharmanagar (Tripura) - 33.51% &nbsp;</li></ul>

Voter Turnout in byelections

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Thiruvananthapuram | CPI(M) MP John Brittas casts his vote for Keralam Assembly Elections 2026 at Jawahar Nagar LP School &lt;a href="https://t.co/joy3srTJCC"&gt;pic.twitter.com/joy3srTJCC&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042127886925308210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

 Keralam Assembly Elections 2026: Kerala CPI(M) MP John Brittas casts his vote

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Assam Elections 2026 | Wife of late singer Zubeen Garg, Garima Saikia Garg, and his sister Palmee Borthakur arrived at polling booth number 116 in Dispur assembly constituency to cast their vote. &lt;a href="https://t.co/L2kjBnKsVf"&gt;pic.twitter.com/L2kjBnKsVf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042128010472780247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assam Assembly Election LIVE: Wife of late singer Zubeen Garg, Garima Saikia Garg, and his sister Palmee Borthakur cast their votes

Around 20 per cent of the 22,382 voters in Nagaland’s Koridang Assembly by-election cast their votes within the first two hours on Thursday. Polling began at 7 am across 30 stations and has remained peaceful so far, with voting set to continue until 4 pm under tight security following recent unrest. Six candidates are contesting, and counting will take place on May 4.

Koridang bypoll sees brisk start with 20% voter turnout

Gaurav Gogoi, chief of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, voted in the Assembly elections on Thursday and expressed confidence that a strong, fearless, and self-assured Assam would emerge after the polls.Speaking to reporters in Jorhat after casting his vote with his mother, Dolly Gogoi, he said the next government would protect democratic rights and uphold freedom of expression for all citizens. “Today is a crucial day for Assam. The people will play a decisive role in shaping the state’s future,” he said. “A strong, fearless, confident Assam will rise, ensuring the protection of democratic freedoms.” &nbsp;

'Powerful, fearless, new Assam to emerge after polls': Cong's Gaurav Gogoi after casting vote

Voter turnout in the Assembly election was recorded at 38.92% in Assam, 33.28% in Kerala, and 37.06% in Puducherry by 11 am.

Voter turnout in Assam 38.92%, Kerala 33.28%, Puducherry 37.06% by 11am

Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan casts his vote in Assembly elections, at the DMS office on Thursday.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan casts his vote in Assembly elections, at DMS office &lt;a href="https://t.co/ZDMHs6Zvt0"&gt;pic.twitter.com/ZDMHs6Zvt0&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042113576622780428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan casts his vote

On Assam elections, Union Minister &amp; BJP leader Sarbananda Sonowal told ANI, “Together with our allies we will win around 100 seats.”

'we will win around 100 seats': Sarbananda Sonowal

Assam recorded 38.61% voters till 11 am on Thursday.

Assam sees 38.61% voters turnout till 11 am

Keralam votes in Assembly elections 2026, CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar said, "More than 2.70 crore Keralities are enthusiastically taking part in Assembly elections. LDF is hopeful of retaining its government in the state. We are expecting over 90 seats. This election was based on the agenda of development. BJP's communal politics and UDF's divisive agenda were not accepted. By and large, this election has been peaceful...The state of Kerala will reject the BJP once again."

'LDF hopeful of retaining its government, expecting more than 90 seats': CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar

Assam recorded 17.87 per cent voter turnout within the first two hours of polling for its 126-seat Assembly elections, with voting beginning at 7 am across 31,490 booths. The contest is largely between the BJP-led NDA, seeking a third term, and the Congress-led opposition aiming for a comeback. Despite rain in some areas, voter participation remained steady, with Majuli registering the highest early turnout and Tamulpur the lowest.

Assam polls see brisk start with nearly 18% turnout in 2 hours

On Assam Elections 2026, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and MP K.C. Venugopal told news agency ANI, "Assam has an arrogant Chief Minister, the most corrupt Chief Minister of the country. You see his arrogance, the way in which he sent the police to arrest Pawan Khera. The most dictatorial CM of this country, like Pinarayi Vijayan. People of Assam will teach him a lesson today..."

KC Venugopal on Assam CM 

Congress leader KC Venugopal says, “We are going to sweep the election. We will cross 100 plus seats in this election. People are in for a change. They are fed up with Pinarayi Vijayan as the CM for the last 10 years. The question before the people in this election is whether this anti-people, arrogant CM has to continue for 5 more years. They are saying - not at all. This is the answer we are hearing from everywhere. Ayyappa's gold has been taken away. This Govt is trying to cover up the culprit and the case...People's court has given a verdict that they don't want a govt which supported the gold theft culprits...”

'People are fed up with Pinarayi Vijayan as CM for last 10 years': KC Venugopal

Puducherry Assembly elections | Approximate voter turnout as of 9 am <figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260409/image-1775708331776.png"></figure>

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Puducherry sees 17.43% voter turnout till 9am

Kerelam Assembly elections | Approximate voter turnout as of 9 am&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260409/image-1775708220850.png"></figure>

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Kerelam sees 16.26% voter turnout till 9am

Assam Assembly elections | Approximate voter turnout as of 9 am&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260409/image-1775708131066.png"></figure>

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Assam sees 17.91% voter turnout till 9am

Keralam BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday cast his vote in the Assembly elections being held today and described the contest as important while urging voters to "make their vote about change". Chandrasekhar, who is contesting from the high-profile Nemom Assembly constituency, voted at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram. After casting his vote, he told ANI, "This is an extremely important election. I am happy that I am a part of it as a voter and a candidate."

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Keralam BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar casts his vote in Thiruvananthapuram

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday urged voters to exercise their constitutional voting right as voting across 296 seats in Keralam, Assam and Puducherry commenced earlier in the day. In an 'X' post, Kharge pointed out the rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty within Keralam under the Left Democratic Front (LDF) regime, while highlighting the responsibility of its people to showcase the nation what "progressive thinking truly means." "My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands. Over the past years, you have faced rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty. Farmers, plantation workers, youth, and small business owners have all asked a simple question: "Where is the relief? Where is the opportunity?" Kerala's strength has always been its unity in diversity. Do not let division or distraction weaken that strength. I appeal to all to come out in large numbers and vote for a government that listens, cares, and delivers. Vote for justice. Vote for a better Keralam!," Kharge wrote in his 'X' post. Furthermore, Kharge expressed confidence about the "palpable change" in Assam, while emphasising the weakened state unity by the BJP government in the past ten years. He urged people to restore the path of unity, welfare, and real development, adding that their vote would restore its pride and future. "The change is palpable in Assam in this 2026 Assembly election. In the past 10 years, Assam's unity has been deliberately weakened - its social fabric strained, its resources exploited, and false narratives spread for political gain. Now is the time for the people of Assam to come together and defeat politics of division, exclusion, and apathy with the power of their vote. Choose a path of unity, welfare, and real development. Your vote can restore Assam's pride and future. I especially urge first-time voters to step out and vote for harmony and progress. Jai Hind Jai Assam," Kharge wrote on 'X'. The Congress chief also highlighted the growing corruption, unemployment, drugs, paper leaks and misuse of Puducherry land, stressing that the elections are time for statehood, jobs, safety, honest governance, and dignity for every citizen of the Union Territory.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: 'Vote for a govt that listens, cares, delivers': Congress chief Kharge as polling commences in Keralam, Assam and Puducherry

International delegates under the International Election Visitors' Programme (IEVP) visited polling stations in Assam on Thursday to witness people exercising their franchise for the 2026 Assembly polls, and to appreciate the meticulous organisation of the polls. In a post on X, the poll body said that the international delegation appreciated the scale and management of the elections. "Chunav ka Parv, Assam ka Garv! International delegates under the International Election Visitors' Programme #IEVP are visiting polling stations in #Assam and witnessing the poll, the celebration of the Festival of Democracy. They appreciated the large-scale and meticulous organisation of the polls," ECI wrote.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Chunav ka Parv, Assam ka Garv! 🇮🇳&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;International delegates under the International Election Visitors’ Programme &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IEVP?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#IEVP&lt;/a&gt; are visiting polling stations in &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#Assam&lt;/a&gt; and witnessing the poll, the celebration of the Festival of Democracy.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;They appreciated the large-scale and meticulous… &lt;a href="https://t.co/PqQ1AHmJLM"&gt;pic.twitter.com/PqQ1AHmJLM&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/2042058884240830564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: International delegates witness polling for Assam Assembly elections, laud 'meticulous organisation

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged voters to come out in numbers and cast their vote, while emphasising the importance of "each vote and voice" towards building "better Assam." The response comes in the backdrop of single-phase polling, which began in Assam earlier in the day, across 126 constituencies. "Today, Assam votes and each voice matters, each vote matters in the path of building a better Assam. On the occasion of this festival of democracy, I urge everyone to come out and vote in large numbers to strengthen democracy and take Assam to new heights," Sarna wrote on 'X'.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: CM Sarma emphasises "each vote and voice" as voting commences across 126 seats in Assam

Speaking to ANI, State Congress president and Peravoor candidate Sunny Joseph said that he was confident that "UDF will win the majority seats. UDF will win more than 100 seats.""The local body results will be repeated... We are hopeful... My appeal to the people is to exercise their franchise rightly to elect a government led by the UDF to negate the anti-policy of the present government... The Chief Minister's name will be decided in consultation with the high command".

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Kerelam State Congress President Sunny Joseph confident of UDF's win

A robot named Nila was seen welcoming voters arriving at VOC Government School as they came to cast their votes. Watch here:&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Puducherry Elections 2026 | A robot, Nila welcomes voters arriving at VOC Govt School to exercise their franchise. &lt;a href="https://t.co/rFOanNwntn"&gt;pic.twitter.com/rFOanNwntn&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042064273095172260?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;&nbsp;

Puducherry Elections 2026 | Robot Nila welcomes voters at VOC Govt School

Kerala Elections 2026: After casting his vote, MoS Suresh Gopi urged voters to “vote for your soil,” asking them to look beyond political leaders, promises and party politics. He appealed to people to keep their families in mind, assess the available choices, their own aspirations, and who is best placed to guide the state towards fulfilling those goals.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: After casting his vote, MoS Suresh Gopi said, &amp;quot;Vote for your soil. Forget all political leadership, leadership qualities, promises, everything. Forget politics. Keep your family in your heart. Consider the available options, your dreams, and who can… &lt;a href="https://t.co/T1GDM7kmfu"&gt;pic.twitter.com/T1GDM7kmfu&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2042060925923148284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: MoS Suresh Gopi urges voters in Kerelam to 'vote for your soil'

From Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam to the Rajeev Chandrasekhar vs V. Sivankutty clash in Nemom, discover the key seats deciding Kerala’s 2026 election mandate.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dharmadam-to-nemom-top-constituencies-to-watch-in-kerala-election-2026-1775672132249">CLICK HERE TO READ</a><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260408/image-1775672411092.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Dharmadam to Nemom: Top Constituencies to watch in Kerala election 2026"> &nbsp;

Dharmadam to Nemom: Top Constituencies to watch in Kerala election 2026

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Assam Elections 2026 | Voters form long queues to cast their vote at a polling station in Jalukbari assembly constituency. &lt;a href="https://t.co/eXOv28vAMu"&gt;pic.twitter.com/eXOv28vAMu&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042056783804629166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assam Elections 2026: Voters form long queues to cast their vote

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;&lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;#WATCH&lt;/a&gt; | Keralam Elections 2026 | Minister and LDF candidate from Nemom, V Sivankutty, and actor Mohanlal arrive at a polling station in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram to cast a vote. &lt;a href="https://t.co/GfO392q3LF"&gt;pic.twitter.com/GfO392q3LF&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; ANI (@ANI) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042054642067202336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Kerela Assembly Elections 2026: LDF candidate V Sivankutty, actor Mohanlal arrive at polling station

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;As polling begins for the Assam Assembly elections 2026, I appeal to the people of Assam to exercise their franchise in large numbers. I hope that the state’s youth and women voters participate enthusiastically and make this election a celebration of democracy and public duty.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2042053274749350148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi calls on people of Assam 'to exercise their franchise in large numbers'

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;As the Puducherry Assembly elections commence, I urge every voter to come out and participate in record numbers. I especially appeal to our youth and to women voters to strengthen the process of democracy. Every vote matters in shaping the future of Puducherry.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2042052801266933853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

PM Narendra Modi urges Puducherry 'to come out and participate in record numbers'

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;Calling upon the people of Keralam to vote in large numbers in the 2026 Assembly elections. Record participation will add vigour to Keralam’s democratic spirit. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to step forward and vote in large numbers.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/2042052397489672304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 9, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: PM Narendra Modi calls on people of Kerelam to 'vote in large numbers in the 2026 Assembly elections'

Polling begins for all 126 assembly constituencies in Assam.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Polling begins in Assam

Polling commences in all 140 Assembly constituencies of Kerala.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: begins in Kerelam

Amid tight security, voting begins across Puducherry, in its enclaves including Karaikal.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Polling begins in Puducherry

Puducherry is set to vote today at 7 am for a total of 30 seats. A total of 10,14,070 electors are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect the 30-member Legislative Assembly. The electorate comprises 5,39,125 female voters, 4,74,788 male voters, and 157 voters belonging to the Third gender category. Out of this, 24,156 voters belong to the age group of 18-19 years, while 6,034 voters belong to the senior citizen category (aged 85 and above) Speaking with ANI, Puducherry Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahar shed light on the preparations for the polls. He said that 110 sector officers have been deployed across 1,099 polling stations, out of which 209 stations are categorised as vulnerable with central armed police force deployment. He added that drones, flying squads and helplines are being used to track violations. "The Election Department of Puducherry, through its district and returning officers, has made extensive arrangements. Logistics are crucial, with polling parties and materials being dispatched to stations on time. This process is tracked using drones and 110 sector officers across 1,099 polling stations... On security, multi-level measures are in place. Of these, 209 polling stations are categorised as vulnerable, where central armed police forces are deployed alongside local police to prevent incidents," he said.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Puducherry to vote today for 30 seats to elect new assembly

Polling for the 126 seats in Assam will be held today. Votes will be counted on May 4. The polling will begin at 7 am. The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term. The Congress-led alliance includes Raijor Dal and CPI(M).Silchar, District Commissioner Chachar Aayush Garg told ANI, “... We have deployed a total of 16,000 personnel overall, with all necessary logistics provided. Polling parties will arrive at their respective stations by this evening, and checks will be made to ensure everyone's safe arrival... For security, around 4,000 police officers have been deployed across 1,700 polling stations, supported by two companies of CAPF kept in reserve...”.

16,000 security personnel deployed in Assam for Assembly elections

Stepping up the poll pitch ahead of the April 9 Assam elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption and urged voters in Assam to support the Congress alliance in the upcoming elections. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "An appeal to every family of Assam - no more spending even a single day in corruption. Himanta has looted Assam - Assam knows this, the country knows this. Tomorrow is the day of change. Vote for the Congress alliance. Jai Assam, Jai Hind." Addressing voters, he further said, "This election is not just about changing the government. This is an election to eliminate violence, hatred, and corruption. The Chief Minister of Assam is the most corrupt Chief Minister in India. He has broken all limits of corruption. The whole of Assam knows this. Every child in Assam deeply understands this fact."&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="hi" dir="ltr"&gt;असम के हर परिवार से अपील है - भ्रष्टाचार में एक भी और दिन नहीं गुज़ारना।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;हिमंता ने असम को लूटा है - यह असम जानता है, देश जानता है।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;कल बदलाव का दिन है।&lt;br&gt;कांग्रेस गठबंधन को वोट दें।&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;जय असम, जय हिंद। &lt;a href="https://t.co/mxRHyPZCRv"&gt;pic.twitter.com/mxRHyPZCRv&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/2041898443577421851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;April 8, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Rahul Gandhi slams 'most corrupt' Himanta Biswa Sarma, urges Assam voters to vote for Congress

Ahead of the voting in Assam, Keralam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, the officials conducted mock polls at various polling booths on Thursday. The Mock polls are underway at polling booth 262 at Anappara Government School in Pathanamthitta in Keralam. Mock polling is underway for the Assam Assembly Elections at polling station numbers 115 and 116 in Kamrup Metropolitan District and at polling station no. 9 at Girls' High School at Thrippunithura. Voting preparation is also underway in Puducherry.

Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: Mock polling begins for Assam, Keralam Assembly elections

Kerala, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: On Thursday (Apr 9), the Indian states of Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry go to the polls. Stay connected to WION for all the updates, analysis, and developments. 

Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: The democratic machinery is in full swing as three key regions head to the polls. From the northeastern hills of Assam to the southern coastlines of Kerala and Puducherry, over 5.2 crore voters are set to decide the future of their respective legislative assemblies. The Election Roadmap Polling Commencement: 7:00 AM Upcoming Phases: Tamil Nadu (April 23) and West Bengal (April 23 & 29) Result Day: May 4 State-by-State Breakdown Kerala: 140 Seats | 883 Candidates Kerala sees a massive turnout of women voters, who outnumber men by over 7 lakh. The state has focused heavily on logistical readiness to manage its 2.6 crore electors. Total Voters: 2.69 Crore Demographic Highlight: 1.38 Crore Women | 1.31 Crore Men | 277 Third Gender Logistics: 30,471 polling stations and 41 counting centres Inclusion: Over 2 lakh voters are aged 85+, with 4.2 lakh first-time voters (18-19 age group). Assam: 126 Seats | 722 Candidates Assam is leveraging technology to ensure transparency, with 100% webcasting enabled across its polling stations. Total Voters: 2.5 Crore Personnel: Over 1.5 lakh polling staff deployed Infrastructure: 31,490 polling stations equipped with 43,997 VVPAT machines Special Focus: 2.05 lakh voters are Persons with Disabilities (PwD), supported by dedicated accessibility measures. Puducherry: 30 Seats The Union Territory is prioritising security, especially in zones marked as "vulnerable," to ensure a smooth transition for its 10 lakh+ electors. Total Voters: 10.14 Lakh Security: 110 sector officers monitoring 1,099 stations; 209 stations identified as vulnerable. Youth Participation: Over 24,000 voters are in the 18-19 age bracket. Stay connected to WION for all the updates, analysis, and developments on the Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026

Kerala, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 Live Updates: On Thursday (Apr 9), the Indian states of Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry go to the polls. Stay connected to WION for all the updates, analysis, and developments.&nbsp;

Keralam, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 Highlights: Polling concludes

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) cleared a draft amendment Bill aimed at implementing the Women’s Reservation Act in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The decision on the bill was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed amendment revises the rollout framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, enacted in 2023. Under the proposal, the Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after a new delimitation exercise. Out of the expanded total of 273 seats, about one-third will be reserved for women, with the quota also extending within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, according to The Hindu.<h3>PM Modi on Women’s Reservation Bill</h3>In response to the Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 9, 2026) underscored that women's reservation in legislative bodies was the "need of the hour". He added that delaying this reservation will be "deeply unfortunate" for deserving women. "Reservation for women in legislative bodies is the need of the hour! This will make our democracy even more vibrant and participative. Any delay in bringing this reservation will be deeply unfortunate. Expressed my thoughts on the issue in this Op-Ed," PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi said that wider access to education, better healthcare, stronger financial inclusion, and improved basic amenities have reinforced women’s role in economic and social spheres. "Women constitute nearly half of India's population. Their contributions to our nation are vast and invaluable. Today, India is witnessing remarkable achievements by women across every field. From science and technology to entrepreneurship, from sports to the armed forces and from music to the arts, women are at the forefront of India's progress. Over the years, sustained efforts have been made to create an enabling environment for women's empowerment. Greater access to education, improved healthcare, enhanced financial inclusion and better access to basic amenities have strengthened the foundations of women's participation in economic and social life," the Prime Minister wrote in his article. He also pointed out that earlier governments had attempted to introduce women’s reservation, but those efforts did not materialise. Calling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a landmark moment, he described it as one of the most memorable events of his life.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-nila-the-robot-welcoming-voters-at-puducherry-polling-booth-watch-1775711293951">Meet 'Nila', the robot welcoming voters at Puducherry polling booth: WATCH</a>

Under the proposal, the Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after a new delimitation exercise. Out of the expanded total of 273 seats, about one-third will be reserved for women.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) cleared a draft amendment Bill aimed at implementing the Women’s Reservation Act in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. The decision on the bill was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposed amendment revises the rollout framework of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, enacted in 2023. Under the proposal, the Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after a new delimitation exercise. Out of the expanded total of 273 seats, about one-third will be reserved for women, with the quota also extending within the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories, according to The Hindu. PM Modi on Women’s Reservation Bill In response to the Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (April 9, 2026) underscored that women's reservation in legislative bodies was the "need of the hour". He added that delaying this reservation will be "deeply unfortunate" for deserving women. "Reservation for women in legislative bodies is the need of the hour! This will make our democracy even more vibrant and participative. Any delay in bringing this reservation will be deeply unfortunate. Expressed my thoughts on the issue in this Op-Ed," PM Modi said in a post on X. PM Modi said that wider access to education, better healthcare, stronger financial inclusion, and improved basic amenities have reinforced women’s role in economic and social spheres. "Women constitute nearly half of India's population. Their contributions to our nation are vast and invaluable. Today, India is witnessing remarkable achievements by women across every field. From science and technology to entrepreneurship, from sports to the armed forces and from music to the arts, women are at the forefront of India's progress. Over the years, sustained efforts have been made to create an enabling environment for women's empowerment. Greater access to education, improved healthcare, enhanced financial inclusion and better access to basic amenities have strengthened the foundations of women's participation in economic and social life," the Prime Minister wrote in his article. He also pointed out that earlier governments had attempted to introduce women’s reservation, but those efforts did not materialise. Calling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a landmark moment, he described it as one of the most memorable events of his life. Also read: Meet 'Nila', the robot welcoming voters at Puducherry polling booth: WATCH

Under the proposal, the Lok Sabha's strength is proposed to increase from 543 to 816 seats after a new delimitation exercise. Out of the expanded total of 273 seats, about one-third will be reserved for women.

Union Cabinet clears draft bill for amendments to Women Reservation Act; PM Modi calls it ‘need of the hour’

A robot named Nila welcomed voters at VOC Government School with flowers as citizens arrived to cast their votes during the Puducherry Elections 2026. A video posted by news agency ANI on X shows Nila in Indian traditional attire with flowers bucket standing inside the school premises.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Puducherry Elections 2026 | A robot, Nila welcomes voters arriving at VOC Govt School to exercise their franchise. <a href="https://t.co/0nisPCPdhr">https://t.co/0nisPCPdhr</a> <a href="https://t.co/HMZoKuQJnf">pic.twitter.com/HMZoKuQJnf</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2042066939087090034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Polling in the Union Territory began at 7 am, and till 9 am, Puducherry recorded a 17.43 per cent voter turnout. There are 294 candidates in the fray across 30 constituencies in the territory, casting their vote, which include 23 in Puducherry, five in Karaikal and one each in Mahe and Yanam.<h3>Puducherry CEO expects more than 90 per cent polling</h3>Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar said on Wednesday that authorities expect voter turnout to exceed 90 per cent in the 2026 polls, compared to 82.2 per cent in 2021. He added that around 8 per cent of voters were removed from the rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).&nbsp;The territory has about 9.5 lakh voters, including 5.03 lakh women, 4.46 lakh men, and 140 from the third gender. Voting will take place across 1,099 booths, including 30 all-women stations, 15 managed by youth, two run by persons with disabilities, and two set up in heritage buildings.&nbsp;Jawahar also said authorities have seized items worth Rs 8.4 crore, including gold, liquor, cash, and freebies, meant to influence voters. Additionally, nine government employees were suspended for engaging in political activities, while disciplinary action has been initiated against nine others.&nbsp;He asked citizens to follow the mantra, "Think, verify and act." Meanwhile, 113 misleading social media posts have been already removed by the cybersecurity wing resolving 76 out of 84 complaints within the 100-minute deadline via the C-Vigil app, he further said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma-beef-consumption-kunki-choudhury-1775655063373">Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should be private, not public</a>

Polling in the Union Territory began at 7 am, and till 9 am, Puducherry recorded a 17.43 per cent voter turnout. There are 294 candidates in the fray across 30 constituencies in the territory, casting their vote.

A robot named Nila welcomed voters at VOC Government School with flowers as citizens arrived to cast their votes during the Puducherry Elections 2026. A video posted by news agency ANI on X shows Nila in Indian traditional attire with flowers bucket standing inside the school premises.

Polling in the Union Territory began at 7 am, and till 9 am, Puducherry recorded a 17.43 per cent voter turnout. There are 294 candidates in the fray across 30 constituencies in the territory, casting their vote.

Meet 'Nila', the robot welcoming voters at Puducherry polling booth: WATCH

Ratna Debnath, the mother of the doctor killed at RG Kar Medical College, has entered the West Bengal assembly election as a BJP candidate, naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as her primary opponent and vowing not to comb her hair until her daughter receives justice. Debnath said she will file her nomination soon. West Bengal's 294-seat assembly will go to the polls in two phases. The first phase, covering 152 constituencies, is scheduled for April 23. The second phase, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, follows on April 29. Vote counting is set for May 4.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-blog-kerala-assam-puducherry-assembly-elections-2026-live-updates-voting-day-election-commission-of-india-bjp-congress-inc-nda-1775697488353">Keralam, Assam, Puducherry&nbsp;Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE Updates: Over 15% voter turnout till 9 am</a><h2>Why didn't Mamata Banerjee save my daughter?</h2>Channelling nearly eight months of grief and anger into a direct electoral challenge against the woman she holds responsible for what happened to her daughter, Debnath announced "My main enemy is Mamata Banerjee because she's the Health Minister, and my daughter worked for the Health Department"."Why didn't Mamata Banerjee save my daughter?" she questioned. "I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair. I'll file the nomination tomorrow. People are supporting me and want to see Mamata Banerjee defeated," said Debnath," she added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/motive-behind-delhi-assembly-security-breach-revealed-attempted-murder-or-desperate-bid-for-police-assistance-1775550747506">Delhi Assembly security breach motive REVEALED: Attempted murder or desperation?</a><h2>RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case</h2>On August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered inside a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The crime triggered an enormous wave of protests across India, with demonstrations in the medical community drawing particular attention as doctors and students took to the streets demanding accountability.The Calcutta High Court, dissatisfied with the Kolkata Police's handling of the investigation, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI has since made multiple arrests, though the case continues to move through the courts.Mamata Banerjee, who holds the health portfolio in addition to the chief ministership, faced sustained criticism over the state government's initial response to the incident, including allegations of evidence tampering and delayed action that the administration has denied.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.

Scroll down to read more.

Ratna Debnath, the mother of the doctor killed at RG Kar Medical College, has entered the West Bengal assembly election as a BJP candidate, naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as her primary opponent and vowing not to comb her hair until her daughter receives justice. Debnath said she will file her nomination soon. West Bengal's 294-seat assembly will go to the polls in two phases. The first phase, covering 152 constituencies, is scheduled for April 23. The second phase, covering the remaining 142 constituencies, follows on April 29. Vote counting is set for May 4. Also read | Keralam, Assam, Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE Updates: Over 15% voter turnout till 9 am Why didn't Mamata Banerjee save my daughter? Channelling nearly eight months of grief and anger into a direct electoral challenge against the woman she holds responsible for what happened to her daughter, Debnath announced "My main enemy is Mamata Banerjee because she's the Health Minister, and my daughter worked for the Health Department". "Why didn't Mamata Banerjee save my daughter?" she questioned. "I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair. I'll file the nomination tomorrow. People are supporting me and want to see Mamata Banerjee defeated," said Debnath," she added. Also read | Delhi Assembly security breach motive REVEALED: Attempted murder or desperation? RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case On August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor was found raped and murdered inside a seminar room at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The crime triggered an enormous wave of protests across India, with demonstrations in the medical community drawing particular attention as doctors and students took to the streets demanding accountability. The Calcutta High Court, dissatisfied with the Kolkata Police's handling of the investigation, transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation. The CBI has since made multiple arrests, though the case continues to move through the courts. Mamata Banerjee, who holds the health portfolio in addition to the chief ministership, faced sustained criticism over the state government's initial response to the incident, including allegations of evidence tampering and delayed action that the administration has denied.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, has entered the election race, taking on Mamata Banerjee and vowing justice for her daughter. “I'll take an oath until my daughter gets justice - I won't comb my hair,” she said.Scroll down to read more.

'Why didn't she save my daughter?': Mother of RG Kar rape-murder victim enters West Bengal election fray, vows to defeat Mamata Banerjee

India and China have reopened one of their most consequential bilateral channels after years of silence. But as New Delhi pushes for greater market access in Beijing, experts are sounding a clear note of caution: diplomatic goodwill, however welcome, is not a substitute for structural leverage. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial in Yaounde, Cameroon, last week, the first commerce ministerial-level interaction between Asia's two largest economies in nearly seven years. The meeting, Goyal said, was about more than trade volumes.&nbsp;"I also met after a long time the Minister from China, with whom we have discussed ways to expand trade, move towards more balanced trade, and generate ‘trust’ to help smooth bilateral trade between China and India, and give greater opportunity for our exporters to export pharmaceuticals, to export engineering products, to export fish and pharma products. All in all, a good start, I would say, to generating greater opportunities for our exporters in China," the Minister said.<h2>The Numbers Behind the Push</h2>The urgency behind Minister Piyus Goyal's pitch is written in the trade data. India's merchandise exports to China for the financial year 2025-26, up to February 2026, stood at $17.5 billion. Its imports from Beijing over the same period were $119.56 billion, a gap that is not just large, but widening at a pace that diplomacy alone cannot match. Dr. Nisha Taneja, Senior Visiting Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment, puts the problem in great arithmetic. Despite a 38 percent surge in Indian exports between April 2025 and January 2026, exports rose by only USD 4.4 billion in absolute terms, against a USD 13.1 billion increase in imports during the same period.&nbsp;"The widening trade deficit is driven by India's limited access to the Chinese market and its heavy reliance on Chinese imports, 85 percent of which are intermediate and capital goods essential for manufacturing," Dr. Nisha Taneja told WION. "Following Trump's tariff announcements, China has been aggressively diversifying exports, with India becoming a key target market."<h2>The Pharma Wall: A Regulatory Deadlock</h2>India's ambition to push pharmaceuticals into China runs into a barrier that has little to do with product quality or price competitiveness. The obstacle is procedural, and it has gone unaddressed for years. Chinese regulatory authorities require their officials to physically visit and certify manufacturing facilities in India before approving drug registrations. No facilitative mechanism for such visits currently exists between the two countries.&nbsp;"Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union have well-established systems for sending regulatory officials to India to certify pharmaceutical plants. The absence of a similar structured mechanism between India and China creates significant barriers for Indian exporters," Dr. Nisha Taneja said. The information gap compounds the regulatory one. Indian exporters frequently lack a clear understanding of Chinese market requirements, registration procedures, and how to identify reliable business partners on the ground, gaps that persist across sectors beyond pharmaceuticals, including machinery parts, turbojets, automobile components, and gems and jewellery.<h2>China's Carrot, And What It Really Means</h2>On the strategic side, it warns India against reading too much into Beijing's accommodating posture. Antara Ghosal Singh, China Fellow at the Strategic Studies Programme of the Observer Research Foundation and one of India's foremost China watchers, argues that China's economic structure is fundamentally misaligned with what New Delhi is asking for. "China maintains a trade surplus against most countries in the world, a total surplus of more than one trillion US dollars. China is not keen on buying anything from anyone, other than high-technology and raw materials," she told WION. "This is certainly not due to lack of competitiveness on the part of these countries, but because of China's own economic policies, which have for all these years favoured production over consumption."&nbsp;Ms Antara further highlighted that the data from within China's own economy tells a sobering story. Domestic car sales have stagnated for eleven years, failing to surpass the 2017 peak. Smartphone shipments have fallen from 470 million units in 2016 to 300 million units by 2025. China, she argues, remains structurally export-dependent, and has neither the appetite nor the policy architecture to suddenly become a significant consumer of Indian goods.&nbsp;Her sharper warning cuts to the heart of the negotiation. "China will surely not like Chinese companies investing and enabling India to become a manufacturing nation in competition with China, so it is only pertinent that they will dangle the carrot of market access before India, to extract more concessions from the Indian side for Chinese businesses," she said.<h2>What a Real Reset Would Require</h2>Both experts point to concrete steps that would need to accompany the diplomatic momentum if this reset is to translate into measurable trade outcomes. Dr. Nisha Taneja calls for a dedicated bilateral task force, a structured mechanism that would systematically identify market access barriers faced by exporters on both sides, coordinate between regulatory bodies, and provide businesses with clearer procedural guidance. Alongside this, she argues, stronger people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and civil society engagement are not peripheral to trade; they are foundational to building the very trust that Minister Piyus Goyal placed at the centre of India's pitch in Yaounde.&nbsp;Ms Antara Ghosal Singh takes the argument further, urging India to reframe the negotiation itself. "Rather than obsessing over India's economic dependence on China, we must also do deeper studies on the current challenges of the Chinese economy and their need for greater access to the Indian market, and only then can we hope to get a good bargain from the Chinese side," she said. India's reset with China is real, and the Yaounde meeting marks a genuine moment of diplomatic momentum. But as the experts make clear, a good start, as Minister Goyal himself described it, is still just a start.&nbsp;WION has reached out to the Indian Pharma Exports Council and the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India to know what exactly they seek from China and the Indian government in terms of trade, capital, and policy. Till the time of the publication, the council's has not yet responded to our questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India bets on 'trust' to unlock China’s pharma and engineering markets, experts warn of 'carrots'

India and China have reopened one of their most consequential bilateral channels after years of silence. But as New Delhi pushes for greater market access in Beijing, experts are sounding a clear note of caution: diplomatic goodwill, however welcome, is not a substitute for structural leverage. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met his Chinese counterpart Wang Wentao on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial in Yaounde, Cameroon, last week, the first commerce ministerial-level interaction between Asia's two largest economies in nearly seven years. The meeting, Goyal said, was about more than trade volumes. "I also met after a long time the Minister from China, with whom we have discussed ways to expand trade, move towards more balanced trade, and generate ‘trust’ to help smooth bilateral trade between China and India, and give greater opportunity for our exporters to export pharmaceuticals, to export engineering products, to export fish and pharma products. All in all, a good start, I would say, to generating greater opportunities for our exporters in China," the Minister said. The Numbers Behind the Push The urgency behind Minister Piyus Goyal's pitch is written in the trade data. India's merchandise exports to China for the financial year 2025-26, up to February 2026, stood at $17.5 billion. Its imports from Beijing over the same period were $119.56 billion, a gap that is not just large, but widening at a pace that diplomacy alone cannot match. Dr. Nisha Taneja, Senior Visiting Professor at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) and former member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Trade and Investment, puts the problem in great arithmetic. Despite a 38 percent surge in Indian exports between April 2025 and January 2026, exports rose by only USD 4.4 billion in absolute terms, against a USD 13.1 billion increase in imports during the same period. "The widening trade deficit is driven by India's limited access to the Chinese market and its heavy reliance on Chinese imports, 85 percent of which are intermediate and capital goods essential for manufacturing," Dr. Nisha Taneja told WION. "Following Trump's tariff announcements, China has been aggressively diversifying exports, with India becoming a key target market." The Pharma Wall: A Regulatory Deadlock India's ambition to push pharmaceuticals into China runs into a barrier that has little to do with product quality or price competitiveness. The obstacle is procedural, and it has gone unaddressed for years. Chinese regulatory authorities require their officials to physically visit and certify manufacturing facilities in India before approving drug registrations. No facilitative mechanism for such visits currently exists between the two countries. "Countries such as the United States and members of the European Union have well-established systems for sending regulatory officials to India to certify pharmaceutical plants. The absence of a similar structured mechanism between India and China creates significant barriers for Indian exporters," Dr. Nisha Taneja said. The information gap compounds the regulatory one. Indian exporters frequently lack a clear understanding of Chinese market requirements, registration procedures, and how to identify reliable business partners on the ground, gaps that persist across sectors beyond pharmaceuticals, including machinery parts, turbojets, automobile components, and gems and jewellery. China's Carrot, And What It Really Means On the strategic side, it warns India against reading too much into Beijing's accommodating posture. Antara Ghosal Singh, China Fellow at the Strategic Studies Programme of the Observer Research Foundation and one of India's foremost China watchers, argues that China's economic structure is fundamentally misaligned with what New Delhi is asking for. "China maintains a trade surplus against most countries in the world, a total surplus of more than one trillion US dollars. China is not keen on buying anything from anyone, other than high-technology and raw materials," she told WION. "This is certainly not due to lack of competitiveness on the part of these countries, but because of China's own economic policies, which have for all these years favoured production over consumption." Ms Antara further highlighted that the data from within China's own economy tells a sobering story. Domestic car sales have stagnated for eleven years, failing to surpass the 2017 peak. Smartphone shipments have fallen from 470 million units in 2016 to 300 million units by 2025. China, she argues, remains structurally export-dependent, and has neither the appetite nor the policy architecture to suddenly become a significant consumer of Indian goods. Her sharper warning cuts to the heart of the negotiation. "China will surely not like Chinese companies investing and enabling India to become a manufacturing nation in competition with China, so it is only pertinent that they will dangle the carrot of market access before India, to extract more concessions from the Indian side for Chinese businesses," she said. What a Real Reset Would Require Both experts point to concrete steps that would need to accompany the diplomatic momentum if this reset is to translate into measurable trade outcomes. Dr. Nisha Taneja calls for a dedicated bilateral task force, a structured mechanism that would systematically identify market access barriers faced by exporters on both sides, coordinate between regulatory bodies, and provide businesses with clearer procedural guidance. Alongside this, she argues, stronger people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges, tourism, and civil society engagement are not peripheral to trade; they are foundational to building the very trust that Minister Piyus Goyal placed at the centre of India's pitch in Yaounde. Ms Antara Ghosal Singh takes the argument further, urging India to reframe the negotiation itself. "Rather than obsessing over India's economic dependence on China, we must also do deeper studies on the current challenges of the Chinese economy and their need for greater access to the Indian market, and only then can we hope to get a good bargain from the Chinese side," she said. India's reset with China is real, and the Yaounde meeting marks a genuine moment of diplomatic momentum. But as the experts make clear, a good start, as Minister Goyal himself described it, is still just a start. WION has reached out to the Indian Pharma Exports Council and the Engineering Exports Promotion Council of India to know what exactly they seek from China and the Indian government in terms of trade, capital, and policy. Till the time of the publication, the council's has not yet responded to our questions.

Experts warn that China has little economic incentive to open its market and may use the promise of access to extract concessions from India. A dedicated bilateral task force and regulatory mechanism for pharma certification identified as critical first steps

Kerala is gearing up for the Assembly elections scheduled for Thursday (Apr 9), with the state preparing for a single-phase battle across all 140 constituencies. The polling will begin at 7 AM, and over 2.6 crore voters will decide the fate of 883 candidates. This election is a historic test for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) as it seeks an unprecedented third consecutive term, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) mount aggressive campaigns to disrupt the status quo. On Tuesday (April 7), Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar announced the dispatch of 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel to polling stations. "As part of the arrangements for Kerala Assembly elections, we have the total electorate of 2.71 crores, and the service voters are 53,984... We will be counting the votes in 140 strong rooms and 43 locations. We have 1.46 lakh polling personnel who have been trained and will be dispatched to all the polling stations," he was quoted in news agency ANI.&nbsp;<h2>Top constituencies to watch</h2>&nbsp;DharmadamAll eyes are on Dharmadam, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking to solidify his legacy. The LDF campaign, anchored by the slogan "Mattarund LDF Allathe?", which loosely translates to ‘Who else but LDF?’, highlights a decade of infrastructure and welfare development. However, the UDF has fielded Abdul Rasheed to capitalise on anti-incumbency, while the BJP's K. Ranjith aims to expand the saffron footprint in this high-profile red bastion.&nbsp;PalakkadPerhaps the most watched contest in the state is Palakkad. The constituency is currently experiencing a genuine three-way competition. The UDF has fielded popular actor Ramesh Pisharody to retain their hold, but they face a formidable challenge from the BJP’s Sobha Surendran, a veteran firebrand who has turned the seat into a prestige battle for the NDA. Meanwhile, the LDF’s NMR. Rasakh is striving to strengthen the Left's traditional base in a seat where the margins are anticipated to be extremely narrow.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-nemom-is-bjp-s-gateway-to-kerala-what-we-know-about-the-contest-and-why-it-is-being-touted-as-the-gujarat-of-kerala-1775548644463">‘Nemom is BJP’s gateway to Kerala’: What we know about the contest and why it is being touted as the ‘Gujarat of Kerala’</a>&nbsp;NemomIn Thiruvananthapuram’s Nemom, the NDA has deployed one of its biggest heavyweights, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. After a strong showing in local body polls, the BJP views Nemom as their best chance for an Assembly breakthrough. They are countered by the LDF and the UDF, who have both prioritised this seat to prevent the NDA from opening its account in the state legislature.&nbsp;<h2>Key regional trends to watch</h2>In the UDF stronghold of Malappuram, senior leader PK Kunhalikutty has shifted to the Malappuram seat, while K.M. Shaji takes on Vengara. The LDF is attempting an upset in Tanur, where they have fielded P Mohammed Sameer to counter the UDF's youth leader PK Nawas. Following the 2024 Lok Sabha trends, constituencies like Thrissur and Manalur are seeing heightened NDA activity. In Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal (BJP) is at the centre of a complex political narrative involving her family's Congress legacy. In the hill ranges, the UDF is banking on the "Indira Guarantees" released by Revanth Reddy to hold seats like Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, while the LDF targets the UDF over perceived delays in landslide rehabilitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam to the Rajeev Chandrasekhar vs V. Sivankutty clash in Nemom, discover the key seats deciding Kerala’s 2026 election mandate.

Kerala is gearing up for the Assembly elections scheduled for Thursday (Apr 9), with the state preparing for a single-phase battle across all 140 constituencies. The polling will begin at 7 AM, and over 2.6 crore voters will decide the fate of 883 candidates. This election is a historic test for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) as it seeks an unprecedented third consecutive term, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) mount aggressive campaigns to disrupt the status quo. On Tuesday (April 7), Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar announced the dispatch of 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel to polling stations. "As part of the arrangements for Kerala Assembly elections, we have the total electorate of 2.71 crores, and the service voters are 53,984... We will be counting the votes in 140 strong rooms and 43 locations. We have 1.46 lakh polling personnel who have been trained and will be dispatched to all the polling stations," he was quoted in news agency ANI. Top constituencies to watch Dharmadam All eyes are on Dharmadam, where Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking to solidify his legacy. The LDF campaign, anchored by the slogan "Mattarund LDF Allathe?", which loosely translates to ‘Who else but LDF?’, highlights a decade of infrastructure and welfare development. However, the UDF has fielded Abdul Rasheed to capitalise on anti-incumbency, while the BJP's K. Ranjith aims to expand the saffron footprint in this high-profile red bastion. Palakkad Perhaps the most watched contest in the state is Palakkad. The constituency is currently experiencing a genuine three-way competition. The UDF has fielded popular actor Ramesh Pisharody to retain their hold, but they face a formidable challenge from the BJP’s Sobha Surendran, a veteran firebrand who has turned the seat into a prestige battle for the NDA. Meanwhile, the LDF’s NMR. Rasakh is striving to strengthen the Left's traditional base in a seat where the margins are anticipated to be extremely narrow. Also read: ‘Nemom is BJP’s gateway to Kerala’: What we know about the contest and why it is being touted as the ‘Gujarat of Kerala’ Nemom In Thiruvananthapuram’s Nemom, the NDA has deployed one of its biggest heavyweights, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. After a strong showing in local body polls, the BJP views Nemom as their best chance for an Assembly breakthrough. They are countered by the LDF and the UDF, who have both prioritised this seat to prevent the NDA from opening its account in the state legislature. Key regional trends to watch In the UDF stronghold of Malappuram, senior leader PK Kunhalikutty has shifted to the Malappuram seat, while K.M. Shaji takes on Vengara. The LDF is attempting an upset in Tanur, where they have fielded P Mohammed Sameer to counter the UDF's youth leader PK Nawas. Following the 2024 Lok Sabha trends, constituencies like Thrissur and Manalur are seeing heightened NDA activity. In Thrissur, Padmaja Venugopal (BJP) is at the centre of a complex political narrative involving her family's Congress legacy. In the hill ranges, the UDF is banking on the "Indira Guarantees" released by Revanth Reddy to hold seats like Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, while the LDF targets the UDF over perceived delays in landslide rehabilitation.

From Pinarayi Vijayan's Dharmadam to the Rajeev Chandrasekhar vs V. Sivankutty clash in Nemom, discover the key seats deciding Kerala’s 2026 election mandate.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday, while explaining his position on beef consumption, said that he is not seeking to ban beef, but directed that consumption of it should be a private activity. This comes as a wave of allegations and counter-allegations were flung around against Assam Jatiya Parishad's Central Guwahati candidate Kunki Choudhury and her mother, Sujata Gurung Choudhury, for their alleged consumption of beef."There is a big Muslim community in Assam who consume beef. I am not stopping this. I am only saying, eat it inside your home. Don’t eat it in a public space,” he told reporters. He emphasised that such consumption should not take place within 5 kms of any temples."Now, Muslim people don't eat beef and are consuming buffalo meat after my request. We don't support the beef-eating culture in Assam. We have a cattle preservation act in Assam, and according to the law, if anyone violates the law, they will be jailed for three years," said Sarma to reporters. He further said that after the election, he will take action against such people.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-voter-roll-deletion-disenfranchisement-controversy-1775648720337">From veterans to bureaucrats: Voter roll deletions in West Bengal raise serious concerns over disenfranchisement</a>The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, does not prohibit the consumption of beef, but criminalises the sale and consumption of beef in public places, including restaurants and within a 5-km radius of temples and sattras, traditional Vaishnavite monasteries in Assam.Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, in response, took a dig at the Assam Leader, saying that vote out the BJP to save cows. Beef consumption found prominence ahead of the polls in Assam, after an alleged video of beef consumption by Kunki Chowdhury and her mother was circulated on Instagram. Himanta claimed that this "hurt Sanatani sentiments" and urged the public to file FIRs against her family.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should remain private, cites Assam Cattle Preservation Act. Controversy emerges ahead of elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Wednesday, while explaining his position on beef consumption, said that he is not seeking to ban beef, but directed that consumption of it should be a private activity. This comes as a wave of allegations and counter-allegations were flung around against Assam Jatiya Parishad's Central Guwahati candidate Kunki Choudhury and her mother, Sujata Gurung Choudhury, for their alleged consumption of beef. "There is a big Muslim community in Assam who consume beef. I am not stopping this. I am only saying, eat it inside your home. Don’t eat it in a public space,” he told reporters. He emphasised that such consumption should not take place within 5 kms of any temples. "Now, Muslim people don't eat beef and are consuming buffalo meat after my request. We don't support the beef-eating culture in Assam. We have a cattle preservation act in Assam, and according to the law, if anyone violates the law, they will be jailed for three years," said Sarma to reporters. He further said that after the election, he will take action against such people. Also Read: From veterans to bureaucrats: Voter roll deletions in West Bengal raise serious concerns over disenfranchisement The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, 2021, does not prohibit the consumption of beef, but criminalises the sale and consumption of beef in public places, including restaurants and within a 5-km radius of temples and sattras, traditional Vaishnavite monasteries in Assam. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, in response, took a dig at the Assam Leader, saying that vote out the BJP to save cows. Beef consumption found prominence ahead of the polls in Assam, after an alleged video of beef consumption by Kunki Chowdhury and her mother was circulated on Instagram. Himanta claimed that this "hurt Sanatani sentiments" and urged the public to file FIRs against her family.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should remain private, cites Assam Cattle Preservation Act. Controversy emerges ahead of elections.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says beef consumption should be private, not public

With barely two weeks to go for the polling day (Apr 23) in the state, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has effected a top-level bureaucratic reshuffle in Tamil Nadu. The ECI ordered the transfer of Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, IAS, replacing him with M. Sai Kumar, IAS. Similarly, Davidson Devasirvatham, IPS has been replaced with Sandeep Mittal, IPS, as Director, DVAC, and DGP, Armed Police. The two officials who have been transferred out must not be posted in Election-related roles till the polls are completed, the ECI had said. This move has not gone down well with DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.&nbsp;&nbsp;Stalin condemned the Election Commission for what he called "one-sided, overreaching political action" and alleged that the poll overseer is functioning in favour of the Centre-ruling BJP. It is shameful that the ECI, which is meant to conduct free and fair polls, is carrying out BJP's. The Constitution has not granted powers and protection to the ECI for handling BJP's election work," Stalin said. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mk-stalin-questions-bjp-s-secrecy-over-delimitation-flags-danger-for-southern-states-1775631485880">MK Stalin questions BJP's secrecy over delimitation, flags danger for Southern states</a>&nbsp;BJP-ruled Assam is also going to the polls, but the Chief Secretary and DGP there have not been transferred. Similarly, Stalin pointed out that the DGP and Chief Secretary were not transferred when polls were held in Bihar, where BJP is ruling. Comparing those states with DMK-ruled state, Stalin said that the Election Commission was concerned only about the bureaucratic reshuffle in Tamil Nadu. ECI has replaced them at the instigation of the BJP, he alleged.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-polls-minorities-are-with-secular-tvk-says-actor-politician-vijay-1775644004046">Tamil Nadu polls: Minorities are with secular TVK, says actor-politician Vijay</a>&nbsp;Following the announcement of polls, the ECI had also taken major action in West Bengal, transferring out several top officials including the state's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner, among others.&nbsp;"It is unbecoming of the Election Commission to strive to aid the electoral malpractices that the BJP and their ally AIADMK, plan to perpetrate in Tamil Nadu," Stalin said, hitting out at the BJP for effecting transfers only in Opposition ruled states.&nbsp;&nbsp;All these actions show that even the Election Commission, the last hope of democracy, has turned saffron, Stalin added.No matter how many officials they replace, it is certain that the BJP will bite the dust and suffer a massive defeat in Tamil Nadu, expressed the Chief Minister who is seeking his second term.&nbsp; &nbsp;

ECI transfers Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam amid 2026 poll heat. CM MK Stalin slams the move as a "BJP plot" to manipulate the state election.

With barely two weeks to go for the polling day (Apr 23) in the state, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has effected a top-level bureaucratic reshuffle in Tamil Nadu. The ECI ordered the transfer of Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, IAS, replacing him with M. Sai Kumar, IAS. Similarly, Davidson Devasirvatham, IPS has been replaced with Sandeep Mittal, IPS, as Director, DVAC, and DGP, Armed Police. The two officials who have been transferred out must not be posted in Election-related roles till the polls are completed, the ECI had said. This move has not gone down well with DMK Chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Stalin condemned the Election Commission for what he called "one-sided, overreaching political action" and alleged that the poll overseer is functioning in favour of the Centre-ruling BJP. It is shameful that the ECI, which is meant to conduct free and fair polls, is carrying out BJP's. The Constitution has not granted powers and protection to the ECI for handling BJP's election work," Stalin said. Also read: MK Stalin questions BJP's secrecy over delimitation, flags danger for Southern states BJP-ruled Assam is also going to the polls, but the Chief Secretary and DGP there have not been transferred. Similarly, Stalin pointed out that the DGP and Chief Secretary were not transferred when polls were held in Bihar, where BJP is ruling. Comparing those states with DMK-ruled state, Stalin said that the Election Commission was concerned only about the bureaucratic reshuffle in Tamil Nadu. ECI has replaced them at the instigation of the BJP, he alleged. Also read: Tamil Nadu polls: Minorities are with secular TVK, says actor-politician Vijay Following the announcement of polls, the ECI had also taken major action in West Bengal, transferring out several top officials including the state's Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Home Secretary, Kolkata Police Commissioner, among others. "It is unbecoming of the Election Commission to strive to aid the electoral malpractices that the BJP and their ally AIADMK, plan to perpetrate in Tamil Nadu," Stalin said, hitting out at the BJP for effecting transfers only in Opposition ruled states. All these actions show that even the Election Commission, the last hope of democracy, has turned saffron, Stalin added. No matter how many officials they replace, it is certain that the BJP will bite the dust and suffer a massive defeat in Tamil Nadu, expressed the Chief Minister who is seeking his second term.

ECI transfers Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam amid 2026 poll heat. CM MK Stalin slams the move as a "BJP plot" to manipulate the state election.

ECI transfers Tamil Nadu Chief Secy; MK Stalin says ECI working for BJP

Mumbai: Mumbai is set to enter a new era of urban mobility, with the foundation stone laid for India’s first AI-driven pod taxi project in the city’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).&nbsp;The initiative aims to tackle congestion and improve last-mile connectivity in one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs.&nbsp;The project is being spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and is designed as a fully automated, eco-friendly transport system.&nbsp;&nbsp;The pod taxis will be driverless, battery-operated, and powered by artificial intelligence, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport.&nbsp;Each pod is expected to accommodate up to six passengers and operate at speeds of up to 40 kmph. With pods arriving at intervals as short as 15 seconds, the system promises minimal waiting time for commuters.&nbsp;&nbsp;A key feature of the service is its on-demand model—pods will halt only at stations selected by passengers, bypassing others to ensure faster and more efficient travel.&nbsp;In its first phase, the project will cover a 3.36-kilometre stretch connecting Kurla to Bandra East, passing through key junctions such as LBS Marg and Kalanagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first phase is expected to be completed in the next ten months.&nbsp;&nbsp;The larger plan envisions expanding the network to 8.85 kilometres with a total of 22 stations, significantly enhancing connectivity across the BKC area.&nbsp;The pod taxi network will also be integrated with major metro lines, including Metro Line 3 and Line 2B, creating a seamless multi-modal transport ecosystem for daily commuters.&nbsp;Officials estimate that by 2031, the system could serve over one lakh passengers easing traffic congestion and reducing travel time within BKC. The project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the state government.&nbsp;Speaking on the development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the project as a “game-changer” for Mumbai, stating that it places the city on the global map of next-generation, smart transport solutions.

The pod taxi network will be integrated with major metro lines, including Metro Line 3 and Line 2B, creating a seamless multi-modal transport ecosystem for daily commuters. The larger plan envisions expanding the network to 8.85 kilometres with a total of 22 stations.

Mumbai: Mumbai is set to enter a new era of urban mobility, with the foundation stone laid for India’s first AI-driven pod taxi project in the city’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The initiative aims to tackle congestion and improve last-mile connectivity in one of the country’s busiest commercial hubs. The project is being spearheaded by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and is designed as a fully automated, eco-friendly transport system. The pod taxis will be driverless, battery-operated, and powered by artificial intelligence, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional modes of transport. Each pod is expected to accommodate up to six passengers and operate at speeds of up to 40 kmph. With pods arriving at intervals as short as 15 seconds, the system promises minimal waiting time for commuters. A key feature of the service is its on-demand model—pods will halt only at stations selected by passengers, bypassing others to ensure faster and more efficient travel. In its first phase, the project will cover a 3.36-kilometre stretch connecting Kurla to Bandra East, passing through key junctions such as LBS Marg and Kalanagar. The first phase is expected to be completed in the next ten months. The larger plan envisions expanding the network to 8.85 kilometres with a total of 22 stations, significantly enhancing connectivity across the BKC area. The pod taxi network will also be integrated with major metro lines, including Metro Line 3 and Line 2B, creating a seamless multi-modal transport ecosystem for daily commuters. Officials estimate that by 2031, the system could serve over one lakh passengers easing traffic congestion and reducing travel time within BKC. The project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, ensuring that there is no direct financial burden on the state government. Speaking on the development, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the project as a “game-changer” for Mumbai, stating that it places the city on the global map of next-generation, smart transport solutions.

The pod taxi network will be integrated with major metro lines, including Metro Line 3 and Line 2B, creating a seamless multi-modal transport ecosystem for daily commuters. The larger plan envisions expanding the network to 8.85 kilometres with a total of 22 stations.

Mumbai pushes for 10-month rollout of AI-driven pod taxi in BKC

88-year old Suprabuddha Sen says he doesn't care anymore about being disenfranchised. He claims that those who deleted his name from the voter list should be able to answer why he is not in the list. The West Bengal SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of around 25 lakh voters from the electoral roll, specifically belonging to the underprivileged sections of society. However, in some cases, the exercise has resulted in the exclusion of people who belonged to the upper strata of society.&nbsp;Suprabuddha Sen is a resident of Shantiniketan and worked as an engineer in Damodar Valley Corporation for 32 years. He is the maternal grandson of the Artist Nandalal Bose. Nandalal Bose was a pioneer in modern Indian art and a key figure of Contextual Modernism. He illustrated the original manuscript of the Constitution of India and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1954.&nbsp;“I submitted all documents, including my matriculation certificate, passport, employment records, pension payment order, but still they kept the name under adjudication and later deleted it. Similarly, my wife also submitted all the pertinent documents that they asked for, but still her name has been removed from the voter list,” said Suprabudhha Sen.&nbsp;Wing Commander Md Shamim Akhtar, a decorated IAF officer, served the nation for 17 years. He once held a diplomatic passport; his name was placed “under adjudication” and then later deleted. He said that his name was there in the final list, but in the first supplementary list on March 23, it was marked ‘under adjudication’. "I contacted my BLO, Mondal, but he did not tell me any procedure to follow and assured me that it would be restored automatically. Then on March 28, when my name was deleted in the second list, the BLO told me to hire a lawyer and approach the tribunal,” said Md Shamim Akhtar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-west-bengal-voter-deletion-tribunal-assembly-election-2026-1775541778899">'We don't want to rush it': Supreme Court refuses interim relief as 25 lakh deleted voters await tribunal hearing</a>Kargil war veteran, Mohammad Dual Ali, who sustained combat injuries, was brought “under adjudication” despite providing substantial documents. His name, along with the names of three other members of his family, was removed. "..three other members of my family, two daughters and one son, have also been included in the adjudication list, despite one being a judicial officer,” said Dua Ali to the Wire.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Is the EC targeting a particular community in order to improve the chances of the BJP winning? Is the EC targeting a particular community in order to improve the chances of the BJP winning? <a href="https://t.co/7Z5Wv0Pmzx">https://t.co/7Z5Wv0Pmzx</a>&mdash; Dr Aniruddha Malpani, MD (@malpani) <a href="https://twitter.com/malpani/status/2040634761014624760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The state’s Chief Secretary, Nandini Chakraborty, was also placed in the “under adjudication” category. Notably, hours after announcing the assembly election schedule, the Election Commission of India removed West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty from her position. Other notable mentions include Richa Gosh, a member of India's 2025 ICC Women's World Cup-winning squad and a celebrated cricketer from Siliguri, who was placed “under adjudication”. She was with India's Women's team in Australia when her name was placed “under adjudication”.&nbsp;Shashi Panja, a cabinet minister and long-serving MLA, Ghulam Rabbani West Bengal's Minister for Environment and Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Mohammad Selim a two-time Panchayat Pradhan, two-time MLA from Baduria, and former high school teacher, and Baikuntha Bagchi An 86-year-old man reported to be the uncle of Justice Joymalya Bagchi, &nbsp;the Supreme Court judge who is presiding over the SIR cases, were either placed “under adjudication” or deleted.Only in the Metro city of South Calcutta, 36 per cent of under adjudication voter accounting for approximately at least 28,468 have been deleted, for North Calcutta, it is 64 per cent, approximately 39,164. The whole West Bengal SIR exercise has turned into a monumental failure either due to the mismanagement by the institutions of the Government of India, or due to a structural flaw in the Indian constitution, which vests extraordinary power in its executive branches, thus failing to secure impartiality of the institution.

West Bengal’s voter roll revision has led to the deletion of nearly 25 lakh names, including veterans, officials and citizens despite valid documents, raising concerns over disenfranchisement and electoral integrity.

88-year old Suprabuddha Sen says he doesn't care anymore about being disenfranchised. He claims that those who deleted his name from the voter list should be able to answer why he is not in the list. The West Bengal SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of around 25 lakh voters from the electoral roll, specifically belonging to the underprivileged sections of society. However, in some cases, the exercise has resulted in the exclusion of people who belonged to the upper strata of society. Suprabuddha Sen is a resident of Shantiniketan and worked as an engineer in Damodar Valley Corporation for 32 years. He is the maternal grandson of the Artist Nandalal Bose. Nandalal Bose was a pioneer in modern Indian art and a key figure of Contextual Modernism. He illustrated the original manuscript of the Constitution of India and was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1954. “I submitted all documents, including my matriculation certificate, passport, employment records, pension payment order, but still they kept the name under adjudication and later deleted it. Similarly, my wife also submitted all the pertinent documents that they asked for, but still her name has been removed from the voter list,” said Suprabudhha Sen. Wing Commander Md Shamim Akhtar, a decorated IAF officer, served the nation for 17 years. He once held a diplomatic passport; his name was placed “under adjudication” and then later deleted. He said that his name was there in the final list, but in the first supplementary list on March 23, it was marked ‘under adjudication’. "I contacted my BLO, Mondal, but he did not tell me any procedure to follow and assured me that it would be restored automatically. Then on March 28, when my name was deleted in the second list, the BLO told me to hire a lawyer and approach the tribunal,” said Md Shamim Akhtar. Also Read: 'We don't want to rush it': Supreme Court refuses interim relief as 25 lakh deleted voters await tribunal hearing Kargil war veteran, Mohammad Dual Ali, who sustained combat injuries, was brought “under adjudication” despite providing substantial documents. His name, along with the names of three other members of his family, was removed. "..three other members of my family, two daughters and one son, have also been included in the adjudication list, despite one being a judicial officer,” said Dua Ali to the Wire.

West Bengal’s voter roll revision has led to the deletion of nearly 25 lakh names, including veterans, officials and citizens despite valid documents, raising concerns over disenfranchisement and electoral integrity.

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