Voting for the second and final phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 is currently underway across 142 constituencies.
Over 3.2 crore voters are deciding the fate of 1,400+ candidates in a high-stakes contest involving TMC, BJP, and other parties.


West Bengal Elections: Mamata Banerjee Seeking 4th Consecutive Term as CM

Rajya Sabha Chairman has given his decision regarding Raghav Chada’s “merger” with the BJP. The move brings attention to the legal framework of defection laws in India. 

Rajya Sabha Chairman has given his decision regarding Raghav Chada’s “merger” with the BJP. The move brings attention to the legal framework of defection laws in India.&nbsp;

Raghav Chadha’s switch to BJP tests anti-defection laws of India

A day after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Saturday launched a sharp attack on party chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being “anti-women” and indulging in “corruption and gundagardi”.&nbsp;Speaking to ANI after formally joining the BJP, Maliwal said she took the decision voluntarily and expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I joined the BJP not under any compulsion, but because I believe in the leadership of PM Modi. I urge all those who want to do constructive politics to join the BJP,” she said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal says, &quot;...I’ve made this decision after careful consideration. Even when the Women’s Reservation Bill was being introduced, the party’s stance was that they wouldn’t support it. I think that’s the limit for me. I’ve worked for women… <a href="https://t.co/OBASfv7Eiy">pic.twitter.com/OBASfv7Eiy</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2047950743454527803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Announcing her exit from the AAP, Maliwal said she had been associated with Kejriwal since 2006 and supported him during various movements, including the RTI and Anna movements. However, she alleged that the party had abandoned its founding principles and that she later faced harassment and pressure within the organisation.&nbsp;“I have left the AAP and joined the BJP. Since 2006, I have been working with Arvind Kejriwal and supported him during every agitation. However, Arvind Kejriwal had me beaten up by a goon in my own house. I was threatened when I raised my voice against it, and he put immense pressure on me to withdraw the FIR I lodged regarding this incident. I was denied any opportunity to speak in Parliament by the party for two years; this is very shameful. Arvind Kejriwal is anti-women,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-energy-grab-says-iran-and-venezuela-military-actions-only-about-oil-1777115468087">Russia accuses US of energy grab, says Iran and Venezuela military actions only ‘about oil’</a>&nbsp;Maliwal also targeted AAP’s governance in Punjab, alleging that the state government was being “remotely controlled” and describing Punjab as a “personal ATM” for the party leadership. She claimed that sand mining and drug usage were at their peak and alleged that FIRs were filed against leaders who raised their voices against the government.&nbsp;Contrasting Kejriwal with Modi, Maliwal praised the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for what she called decisive governance. “On the other hand, we have PM Modi, who is the most popular leader in the world. Be it during Operation Sindoor, when we killed enemies by entering their homes and ending Naxalism, or introducing the women’s reservation bill in Parliament, PM Modi and Amit Shah have taken historic decisions for the development of the nation,” she said.&nbsp;In a post on X, Maliwal detailed her political journey and reiterated allegations that she was assaulted by a close aide of Kejriwal at his residence, claiming the leadership protected the accused. “At his residence, on his signal, I was brutally beaten and treated with utmost indecency. To protect his goon, he went to extreme lengths and rewarded him with high positions,” she said.&nbsp;Her remarks come amid a wider churn in the AAP, with Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal announcing their exit from the party along with several other Rajya Sabha MPs, signalling a significant political shift.

Announcing her exit from the AAP, Maliwal said she had been associated with Kejriwal since 2006 and supported him during various movements, including the RTI and Anna movements. 

A day after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a major setback to the Aam Aadmi Party, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Saturday launched a sharp attack on party chief Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of being “anti-women” and indulging in “corruption and gundagardi”. Speaking to ANI after formally joining the BJP, Maliwal said she took the decision voluntarily and expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I joined the BJP not under any compulsion, but because I believe in the leadership of PM Modi. I urge all those who want to do constructive politics to join the BJP,” she said.

Announcing her exit from the AAP, Maliwal said she had been associated with Kejriwal since 2006 and supported him during various movements, including the RTI and Anna movements.&nbsp;

Kejriwal ‘anti-women’, AAP using Punjab as ‘personal ATM’: Swati Maliwal after joining BJP

A major political shake-up has hit the Aam Aadmi Party as senior leader Raghav Chadha announced his exit, claiming that two-thirds of the party’s Rajya Sabha MPs are set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. The development comes after internal tensions and leadership disputes within AAP. The announcement marks one of the biggest political realignments in recent years, raising serious questions about the party’s future direction.


Raghav Chadha’s Decision Seen as Setback for Party Chief and Former Delhi CM Kejriwal

Raghav Chadha's Move A Blow To Party Chief And Ex-Delhi CM Kejriwal 

AAP Splits In Rajya Sabha: Raghav Chadha, Six others To Join BJP 

Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin in Delhi on Friday (April 24). The remaining four MPs, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney, will join the BJP later.&nbsp;Nabin welcomed the leaders and marked the occasion by distributing sweets as they formally entered the party &nbsp;The development comes as over two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs announced their decision to merge with the BJP, effectively bypassing disqualification under the anti-defection law.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi: Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal meet BJP National President Nitin Nabin at the party headquarters 2/3rd MPs of AAP in the Rajya Sabha announced merging with the BJP. <a href="https://t.co/cRLnmOQRFZ">pic.twitter.com/cRLnmOQRFZ</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2047650136457965848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-operation-lotus-is-being-played-aap-s-sanjay-singh-hits-out-at-bjp-after-raghav-chadha-7-other-aap-mps-join-bjp-1777033170002">'Operation Lotus is being played': AAP's Sanjay Singh hits out at BJP after Raghav Chadha, 7 other AAP MPs join BJP</a>&nbsp;Chadha, once among AAP’s most prominent faces, said the party had “completely deviated from its principles, values, and core morals”. “The party is no longer working in the national interest but for personal gain,” he said while addressing a joint press conference with Pathak and Mittal.&nbsp;The shift has significantly altered AAP’s strength in the Upper House. With seven out of its 10 Rajya Sabha MPs backing Chadha’s move, only Sanjay Singh, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal and N Gupta remain with the party.&nbsp;Sources indicated that other MPs, including former cricketer Harbhajan Singh and Rajinder Gupta, are also set to support the switch. The two-thirds threshold protects the defecting MPs from disqualification under existing parliamentary rules.&nbsp;<h2>AAP leadership hits back</h2>AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal reacted sharply, stating that the BJP had “once again given Punjabis a shove”. Meanwhile, Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of running “Operation Lotus” to destabilise the party and obstruct governance in Punjab.&nbsp;Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the defecting leaders “traitors” and said they no longer represent the people of the state. “The BJP finishes every party it aligns with. The people of Punjab stand firmly with us,” Mann said, asserting that the move would not impact his government’s development agenda.&nbsp;The meeting between Chadha and Nabin at the BJP headquarters marks a decisive moment in the ongoing political churn, with national implications for both AAP and the BJP.

The Rajya Sabha MPs formally entered the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin at the headquarters in Delhi. Nabin welcomed them with bouquets and distributed sweets.

Rajya Sabha MPs Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal and Sandeep Pathak, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin in Delhi on Friday (April 24). The remaining four MPs, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Swati Maliwal, Rajinder Gupta and Vikram Sahney, will join the BJP later. Nabin welcomed the leaders and marked the occasion by distributing sweets as they formally entered the party The development comes as over two-thirds of AAP’s Rajya Sabha MPs announced their decision to merge with the BJP, effectively bypassing disqualification under the anti-defection law.

The Rajya Sabha MPs formally entered the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of party chief Nitin Nabin at the headquarters in Delhi. Nabin welcomed them with bouquets and distributed sweets.

Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal formally join BJP after quitting AAP

AAP MP Raghav Chadha says, "We have decided that we, the 2/3rd members, belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP. We have submitted the neccessary document to the chairman.  Required proceedings expected today evening.


Raghav Chadha, Six Other AAP Leaders Switch To BJP In Big Move

A scuffle broke out in parts of Murshidabad during the ongoing West Bengal Legislative Assembly election after tensions flared between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Humayun Kabir of the AUJP. The confrontation occurred during a political visit ahead of polling activity, highlighting rising ground-level tensions in the constituency.

West Bengal Elections: Scuffle Breaks Out Between TMC Workers & AUJP'S Humayun Kabir

West Bengal goes to the polls today (Thursday Apr 23) with 152 constituencies across the state voting in Phase 1. Over 3.22 crore voters will cast their ballots in Phase 1, the opening act of a two-phase contest that will ultimately determine whether Mamata Banerjee secures an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister, or whether the BJP finally comes to power in a state it has been chasing for years. The Thursday polls are slated to be a decisive contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-put-democracy-in-jeopardy-sc-raps-cm-mamata-banerjee-for-interfering-in-ed-raid-at-i-pac-premises-1776866314032">‘Put democracy in jeopardy’: SC raps Mamata for interfering in ED’s I-PAC raid</a><h2>What the final 48 hours of campaigning looked like</h2>The final days of campaigning have been exactly as bruising as expected, with personal attacks, landmark manifestos and a record-breaking enforcement drive by the Election Commission.Amit Shah led the BJP's closing push with a blizzard of rallies and roadshows, hitting Mamata on law and order, corruption, infiltration and what he called "syndicate raj." He promised Rs 9,000 for farmers, Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth, and one crore jobs, a manifesto his party calls "Sonar Bangla."TMC dismissed it as "a recycled catalogue of jumlas," with Mamata calling it a "report card of failed assurances." The outsider narrative remains TMC's sharpest weapon. When Shah allegedly mispronounced the name of Bengali poet Satyendranath Dutta at a rally, the party pounced. "How illiterate can one be about the land they seek to govern? Those who cannot name Bengal's icons correctly have no business claiming to be Bengal's guardians," the TMC said in a statement, slamming BJP as Bangla-Birodhi Bohiragotos (outsider). The party also filed a complaint accusing the BJP of running special trains from Surat to Bengal to move voters, calling it electoral bribery. BJP denied it.<h2>Most watched contests</h2>Among the most watched contests tomorrow is Bhabanipur, where Mamata herself faces Suvendu Adhikari, the man who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021 by fewer than 2,000 votes. Both seats carry enormous symbolic weight. Other critical matchups include Kharagpur Sadar, where Dilip Ghosh makes his return, and Murshidabad, decided by just 2,400 votes last time.The Election Commission has seized over Rs 1,000 crore in cash, liquor and goods, deploying more than 5,000 Flying Squad teams across the state.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-elections-2026-from-suvendu-adhikari-to-humayun-kabir-a-look-at-key-faces-and-seats-in-phase-1-1776668622628">West Bengal Elections 2026:A look at key faces and seats in Phase 1</a><h2>SIR issue</h2>The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls remains a divisive issue. The SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of anywhere between 60 and 90 lakh names, shrinking the voter base from roughly 7.66 crore to 7.04 crore. TMC calls it voter suppression. The BJP calls it long-overdue housecleaning.In 2021, TMC won over 200 seats with nearly 48.5 per cent of the vote. The BJP's 77 seats represented a significant breakthrough for a party that had previously struggled in Bengal. The question tomorrow is whether that breakthrough was a ceiling or a floor. Phase 2 is set to happen on April 29, and counting is on May 4.&nbsp;

Is West Bengal heading for a political shake-up or continuity? Voting begins across 152 seats as Mamata Banerjee faces a strong challenge from Amit Shah’s BJP.

Will it be a fourth term or a breakthrough moment?

Scroll down to read more.

West Bengal goes to the polls today (Thursday Apr 23) with 152 constituencies across the state voting in Phase 1. Over 3.22 crore voters will cast their ballots in Phase 1, the opening act of a two-phase contest that will ultimately determine whether Mamata Banerjee secures an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as Chief Minister, or whether the BJP finally comes to power in a state it has been chasing for years. The Thursday polls are slated to be a decisive contest between the incumbent Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a resurgent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read | ‘Put democracy in jeopardy’: SC raps Mamata for interfering in ED’s I-PAC raid What the final 48 hours of campaigning looked like The final days of campaigning have been exactly as bruising as expected, with personal attacks, landmark manifestos and a record-breaking enforcement drive by the Election Commission. Amit Shah led the BJP's closing push with a blizzard of rallies and roadshows, hitting Mamata on law and order, corruption, infiltration and what he called "syndicate raj." He promised Rs 9,000 for farmers, Rs 3,000 monthly for women and unemployed youth, and one crore jobs, a manifesto his party calls "Sonar Bangla." TMC dismissed it as "a recycled catalogue of jumlas," with Mamata calling it a "report card of failed assurances." The outsider narrative remains TMC's sharpest weapon. When Shah allegedly mispronounced the name of Bengali poet Satyendranath Dutta at a rally, the party pounced. "How illiterate can one be about the land they seek to govern? Those who cannot name Bengal's icons correctly have no business claiming to be Bengal's guardians," the TMC said in a statement, slamming BJP as Bangla-Birodhi Bohiragotos (outsider). The party also filed a complaint accusing the BJP of running special trains from Surat to Bengal to move voters, calling it electoral bribery. BJP denied it. Most watched contests Among the most watched contests tomorrow is Bhabanipur, where Mamata herself faces Suvendu Adhikari, the man who defeated her in Nandigram in 2021 by fewer than 2,000 votes. Both seats carry enormous symbolic weight. Other critical matchups include Kharagpur Sadar, where Dilip Ghosh makes his return, and Murshidabad, decided by just 2,400 votes last time. The Election Commission has seized over Rs 1,000 crore in cash, liquor and goods, deploying more than 5,000 Flying Squad teams across the state. Also read | West Bengal Elections 2026:A look at key faces and seats in Phase 1 SIR issue The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls remains a divisive issue. The SIR exercise has resulted in the deletion of anywhere between 60 and 90 lakh names, shrinking the voter base from roughly 7.66 crore to 7.04 crore. TMC calls it voter suppression. The BJP calls it long-overdue housecleaning. In 2021, TMC won over 200 seats with nearly 48.5 per cent of the vote. The BJP's 77 seats represented a significant breakthrough for a party that had previously struggled in Bengal. The question tomorrow is whether that breakthrough was a ceiling or a floor. Phase 2 is set to happen on April 29, and counting is on May 4.

Is West Bengal heading for a political shake-up or continuity? Voting begins across 152 seats as Mamata Banerjee faces a strong challenge from Amit Shah’s BJP.Will it be a fourth term or a breakthrough moment?Scroll down to read more.

West Bengal votes today: Everything at stake as Mamata Banerjee faces her toughest test yet

Chaos erupted on Wednesday in Mumbai Worli's area after a woman confronted Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan for holding a political rally on the main road that led to a massive traffic congestion in the area.
Mahajan, who was leading a protest march over the women’s reservation bill, was confronted by the woman, who blamed him for organising the rally on the main road and causing traffic snarls.


"Get Out Of Here": Maharashtra Minister Confronted Over Traffic Gridlock

Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has made a strong and emotional appeal to voters ahead of polling day in Tamil Nadu.

In an open letter, Vijay urged people to support his party’s “whistle” symbol, framing the election as a decisive battle against established political forces. He said his entry into politics was driven by a desire to repay the love and support of the people, calling it a “debt of gratitude.”

Taking aim at both Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Bharatiya Janata Party, Vijay alleged that the parties had caused him “indescribable pain” and reiterated his opposition to them.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Actor Vijay Set For Electoral Debut as State Goes to Poll on April 23

West Bengal is gearing up for a high-stakes 2026 Assembly Election, with Phase 1 and Phase 2 voting schedules now in focus. The state heads into a crucial contest as the TMC seeks a fourth term, facing a strong challenge from the BJP.

Key districts voting in the early phases, polling timelines, and exit poll schedules are drawing attention amid debates over law and order, anti-incumbency, and political controversies. The outcome is expected to play a major role in shaping the political landscape of eastern India.

Ground Report From West Bengal's Malda Ahead of High-stakes Elections

In Tamil Nadu, as polling day approaches, star campaigners are intensifying their efforts to reach out to voters across the state through rallies and roadshows.

Senior BJP leaders and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh are on a whirlwind campaign tour in the state. Mr Shah addressed a massive rally at Mylapore in Chennai and held a roadshow at Erode. He criticized the Congress and DMK for voting against the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Mr Shah also expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form a government in the state under the leadership of AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami. He hit out at the ruling DMK for dynastic politics, alleged corruption and law and order issues.


Mega Rallies & Roadshows in Tamil Nadu as Assembly Elections Approach

While the Delimitation bill is being discussed in the Indian Parliament, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin continues to vehemently oppose it. On the first day of the special session of Parliament, BJP's top two leaders, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, had offered assurances over Tamil Nadu's representation not being reduced. Unwilling to take these assurances at face value, Stalin said, "Their words say one thing, their actions reveal another. The Bill they have introduced is nothing but a calculated deception. We reject it outright. It cannot be trusted. It will not be accepted".Voicing out his suspicion about the Bill, Stalin said that the sweeping powers granted to the Delimitation Commission under this Bill make one thing clear. At any time, in any manner they choose, they can alter the representation of states to suit their political interests. This so-called legislation is a carefully crafted trap, loaded with dangerous intent. This Bill must not be rushed through in haste. "The Union Government must withdraw it in full. If they attempt to bulldoze it through Parliament, emboldened by the numbers they have stitched together, and in complete disregard of our opposition, they will face the consequences in Tamil Nadu," he added. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 23rd, where the AIADMK-BJP front is taking on the front led by the ruling DMK. Stalin is portraying his fight against Delimitation as a battle for cooperative federalism, state rights, which have been core poll planks of the DMK.Citing history, Stalin recalled how India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had assured that Hindi would never be imposed on non-Hindi states (specifically Tamil Nadu), and he honoured that promise as long as he lived. The present Union regime, however, speaks of protecting state rights even as it systematically dismantles them piece by piece. What we demand is clear. The same constitutional safeguard that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided by freezing delimitation through constitutional amendment must be restored. The Union BJP Government must listen to the voice of Tamil Nadu, Stalin said.Meanwhile, Stalin has been facing attacks in Tamil Nadu from AIADMK Chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, whose party is allied with the BJP. EPS attacked the DMK for "deliberately misleading the people to create fear and confusion". The Chief Minister walks into a meeting wearing a black shirt as if Tamil Nadu has been wronged. What kind of leadership is this? When facts change, responsible leaders correct themselves. But Stalin chooses drama over truth, EPS said.Pointing out that Tamil Nadu’s Parliamentary seat share has increased from 7.18 per cent to 7.23 per cent, with 59 seats now allocated, the former Chief Minister said, “The numbers are clear. The Centre has acted equitably. The demand we raised has been met. Now who will answer for the lies spread across the state?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Stalin has been facing attacks in Tamil Nadu from AIADMK Chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, whose party is allied with the BJP.

While the Delimitation bill is being discussed in the Indian Parliament, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin continues to vehemently oppose it. On the first day of the special session of Parliament, BJP's top two leaders, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, had offered assurances over Tamil Nadu's representation not being reduced. Unwilling to take these assurances at face value, Stalin said, "Their words say one thing, their actions reveal another. The Bill they have introduced is nothing but a calculated deception. We reject it outright. It cannot be trusted. It will not be accepted". Voicing out his suspicion about the Bill, Stalin said that the sweeping powers granted to the Delimitation Commission under this Bill make one thing clear. At any time, in any manner they choose, they can alter the representation of states to suit their political interests. This so-called legislation is a carefully crafted trap, loaded with dangerous intent. This Bill must not be rushed through in haste. "The Union Government must withdraw it in full. If they attempt to bulldoze it through Parliament, emboldened by the numbers they have stitched together, and in complete disregard of our opposition, they will face the consequences in Tamil Nadu," he added. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 23rd, where the AIADMK-BJP front is taking on the front led by the ruling DMK. Stalin is portraying his fight against Delimitation as a battle for cooperative federalism, state rights, which have been core poll planks of the DMK. Citing history, Stalin recalled how India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had assured that Hindi would never be imposed on non-Hindi states (specifically Tamil Nadu), and he honoured that promise as long as he lived. The present Union regime, however, speaks of protecting state rights even as it systematically dismantles them piece by piece. What we demand is clear. The same constitutional safeguard that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee provided by freezing delimitation through constitutional amendment must be restored. The Union BJP Government must listen to the voice of Tamil Nadu, Stalin said. Meanwhile, Stalin has been facing attacks in Tamil Nadu from AIADMK Chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, whose party is allied with the BJP. EPS attacked the DMK for "deliberately misleading the people to create fear and confusion". The Chief Minister walks into a meeting wearing a black shirt as if Tamil Nadu has been wronged. What kind of leadership is this? When facts change, responsible leaders correct themselves. But Stalin chooses drama over truth, EPS said. Pointing out that Tamil Nadu’s Parliamentary seat share has increased from 7.18 per cent to 7.23 per cent, with 59 seats now allocated, the former Chief Minister said, “The numbers are clear. The Centre has acted equitably. The demand we raised has been met. Now who will answer for the lies spread across the state?” he asked.

Meanwhile, Stalin has been facing attacks in Tamil Nadu from AIADMK Chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, whose party is allied with the BJP.

Delimitation Bill must be withdrawn, it cannot be trusted: MK Stalin to BJP

The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying hard to convince the electorate in the poll-bound state that it is not opposed to fish eating, distancing itself from the popular notion that the party promotes a vegetarian diet.


Fish Takes Centre Stage in West Bengal Election Campaign

As the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 approaches, the Bharatiya Janata Party has rolled out a manifesto focused on welfare and cultural themes. Key promises include ₹2000 monthly support for women heads of households and free LPG cylinders for families every year. The party is blending economic relief with a focus on faith, aiming to expand its appeal in a state where it is looking to gain ground.


BJP Unveils Tamil Nadu 2026 Manifesto: Cash Aid, Free LPG And Faith Push

Samrat Choudhary is set to become the new Chief Minister of Bihar after being elected leader of the BJP Legislative Party. The move marks a significant political shift in the state, with party leaders rallying behind him to steer governance and development. His swearing-in is expected to set the tone for Bihar’s political direction in the coming months.


BREAKING: Samrat Choudhary To Take Oath As New Bihar CM

Veteran BJP leader Uma Bharti on Sunday (April 12) wrote to the Railway Minister detailing a near-miss at Jhansi Railway Station, where she nearly missed her train due to a series of infrastructure and scheduling issues. She called for urgent reforms to safeguard passengers, especially persons with disabilities, the elderly and common travellers.&nbsp;In a detailed, point-by-point post on X, Bharti said that despite reaching the station well in advance, a chain of avoidable delays led to her boarding the Punjab Mail after it had already begun moving. “I don't know who pulled the chain, and I was seated in the train,” she wrote.&nbsp;The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has a physical disability that limits her mobility, said she had reached Jhansi Railway Station well before the train’s scheduled arrival. Officials in the Jhansi Railway Division were aware of her condition and had arranged a battery-operated cart for movement across platforms. “Even pressing the accelerator could cause me discomfort,” she explained.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-us-to-shortly-begin-naval-blockade-of-strait-of-hormuz-1776001304624">US to ‘shortly’ begin naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz, announces Trump</a>&nbsp;However, a series of unexpected obstacles consumed crucial minutes. While being taken from Platform 1 to Platform 4, a passing train on a crossing track forced a halt. Shortly after, a handcart was found stuck on the track. “My security personnel assisted in removing it,” she wrote. By the time she reached Platform 4, the Punjab Mail had already started moving.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">1. आदरणीय रेल मंत्री जी, मैंने पूर्व में मथुरा रेलवे स्टेशन की यात्रियों के प्रति संवेदनहीनता की बात लिखी है। 2. मेेरे साथ आज फिर झांसी रेलवे स्टेशन पर चढ़ते हुए एक घटना हो गई जिसमें कोई अपराधी नहीं है बल्कि स्टेशनों पर आधुनिक सुविधाओं के निर्माण में व्यावहारिक संवेदनशीलता का…&mdash; Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) <a href="https://twitter.com/umasribharti/status/2043278973438947663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Bharti was careful not to assign individual blame; rather, she underlined systemic lapses. “I do not consider it the fault of the Jhansi Railway officers at all, nor my own; this entire arrangement was operated by the officials running the rails inside the rails,” she wrote, pointing to broader systemic gaps.&nbsp;“Everything was as per schedule; there was no mistake by anyone; yet, three to four minutes were wasted,” she noted, listing the compounding factors, including early train movement, the crossing train and the track obstruction. She also called for a review of CCTV footage at Jhansi Railway Station to verify the sequence of events.&nbsp;The former Union Minister said this was not the first such instance, recalling that she had earlier flagged “insensitivity towards passengers” at Mathura Railway Station. She added that she plans to meet the Railway Minister to discuss both incidents together.&nbsp;Her sharpest remarks were directed at systemic shortcomings affecting vulnerable passengers. “Leave me aside, but common people, persons with disabilities, the elderly, men and women carrying a lot of luggage, and women with children in their laps become victims of this disarray,” she wrote.&nbsp;“We should modernise the railways but also keep the old systems vigilant. Please pay attention to these disorders,” she urged.&nbsp;

In a detailed, point-by-point post on X, Bharti said that despite reaching the station well in advance, a chain of avoidable delays led to her boarding the Punjab Mail after it had already begun moving.

Veteran BJP leader Uma Bharti on Sunday (April 12) wrote to the Railway Minister detailing a near-miss at Jhansi Railway Station, where she nearly missed her train due to a series of infrastructure and scheduling issues. She called for urgent reforms to safeguard passengers, especially persons with disabilities, the elderly and common travellers. In a detailed, point-by-point post on X, Bharti said that despite reaching the station well in advance, a chain of avoidable delays led to her boarding the Punjab Mail after it had already begun moving. “I don't know who pulled the chain, and I was seated in the train,” she wrote. The former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, who has a physical disability that limits her mobility, said she had reached Jhansi Railway Station well before the train’s scheduled arrival. Officials in the Jhansi Railway Division were aware of her condition and had arranged a battery-operated cart for movement across platforms. “Even pressing the accelerator could cause me discomfort,” she explained. Also Read: US to ‘shortly’ begin naval blockade of Strait of Hormuz, announces Trump However, a series of unexpected obstacles consumed crucial minutes. While being taken from Platform 1 to Platform 4, a passing train on a crossing track forced a halt. Shortly after, a handcart was found stuck on the track. “My security personnel assisted in removing it,” she wrote. By the time she reached Platform 4, the Punjab Mail had already started moving.

In a detailed, point-by-point post on X, Bharti said that despite reaching the station well in advance, a chain of avoidable delays led to her boarding the Punjab Mail after it had already begun moving.

'No criminal, just insensitivity': BJP leader Uma Bharti highlights railway infrastructure gaps

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin stepped up his attacks against the Centre-ruling Narendra Modi Government, by raising questions over the proposed delimitation process, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies to align with population changes. Across Southern states, parties opposed to the BJP have expressed apprehension over this proposed move, citing that the southern region which has effectively controlled its population growth would lose parliamentary representation and political influence, while the populated northern states in the country would gain significantly."Why is the Union BJP Government shrouding the entire delimitation process in secrecy instead of coming clean on how it intends to carry it out? In 2001, former Prime Minister Vajpayee deferred delimitation for 25 years in the national interest. What is Prime Minister Modi’s answer to the just and reasonable demand of southern states to follow the same path today?," read Stalin's social media post.Referring to the ruling BJP's decision to convene a special 3-day Parliament session between April 16th and 18th, Stalin questioned why there is a tearing hurry to convene a special session of Parliament right in the middle of five state elections.Considering that Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam, West Bengal are going to the polls this month and its leaders would be busy with campaign-related activities, Opposition leaders had asked the Modi Government to convene the session only after April 29th. Pointing this out, Stalin asked: Why is the Union Government brushing aside the fair and reasoned demand of Opposition leaders to hold the special session only after April 29? What is it trying to hide?"Forcing through far reaching constitutional amendments without even convening an all party consultation is nothing short of dictatorship. The questions raised by the Opposition and the media are not being answered," Stalin alleged, demanding answers from the BJP. &nbsp;He added that the DMK will not stand by and watch any attempt that places the rights of southern states at stake while handing greater power to the North. &nbsp;"This is the future of the people who live here. Any decision taken without our consent, without even engaging with us, will not be accepted, come what may," concluded Stalin's post."Every state in the country stands to benefit from this(delimitation process); no state will suffer any disadvantage. Be it the northeast or South India, the parliamentary representation of regions where population growth has been successfully controlled will certainly not be diminished. We are devising a framework that ensures additional seats are created specifically for women, seats that are over and above the existing number of seats," Prime Minister Modi said recently. However, opposition parties continue are unconvinced and continue to raise objections.Following Prime Minister Modi's comments, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced out that the issue has never been about whether the number of Lok Sabha seats of southern states increases. While every state may see an increase, the rate and scale of increase clearly favour BJP- dominated states, he said."Uttar Pradesh is expected to go from 80 to 120 seats (+40), Maharashtra from 48 to 72 (+24), Bihar from 40 to 60 (+20), Madhya Pradesh from 29 to 43 (+14), Rajasthan from 25 to 37(+12), and Gujarat from 26 to 39 (+13). In contrast, southern states see smaller gains. Karnataka rises from 28 to 42 (+14), Tamil Nadu from 39 to 59 (+20), Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38 (+13), Telangana from 17 to 25 (+8), and Kerala from 20 to 30 (+10)," Siddaramaiah had shared about the North-South divide, expressing concerns."The numbers are telling. Five southern states together gain barely 63–66 additional seats, while just these seven BJP-dominated states gain about 128–131 seats - nearly double. Even after expanding the Lok Sabha to 816 seats, the collective share of southern states remains around 24% - unchanged and already modest. States that performed better in population control and governance are being penalised, and Karnataka - a key driver of national growth - risks being deliberately sidelined. If our share does not improve while the numerical dominance of larger states grows, what exactly is Karnataka gaining from this exercise, asked the Chief Minister.

Following Prime Minister Modi's comments, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced out that the issue has never been about whether the number of Lok Sabha seats of southern states increases. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK Chief MK Stalin stepped up his attacks against the Centre-ruling Narendra Modi Government, by raising questions over the proposed delimitation process, which involves redrawing Lok Sabha constituencies to align with population changes. Across Southern states, parties opposed to the BJP have expressed apprehension over this proposed move, citing that the southern region which has effectively controlled its population growth would lose parliamentary representation and political influence, while the populated northern states in the country would gain significantly. "Why is the Union BJP Government shrouding the entire delimitation process in secrecy instead of coming clean on how it intends to carry it out? In 2001, former Prime Minister Vajpayee deferred delimitation for 25 years in the national interest. What is Prime Minister Modi’s answer to the just and reasonable demand of southern states to follow the same path today?," read Stalin's social media post. Referring to the ruling BJP's decision to convene a special 3-day Parliament session between April 16th and 18th, Stalin questioned why there is a tearing hurry to convene a special session of Parliament right in the middle of five state elections. Considering that Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam, West Bengal are going to the polls this month and its leaders would be busy with campaign-related activities, Opposition leaders had asked the Modi Government to convene the session only after April 29th. Pointing this out, Stalin asked: Why is the Union Government brushing aside the fair and reasoned demand of Opposition leaders to hold the special session only after April 29? What is it trying to hide? "Forcing through far reaching constitutional amendments without even convening an all party consultation is nothing short of dictatorship. The questions raised by the Opposition and the media are not being answered," Stalin alleged, demanding answers from the BJP. He added that the DMK will not stand by and watch any attempt that places the rights of southern states at stake while handing greater power to the North. "This is the future of the people who live here. Any decision taken without our consent, without even engaging with us, will not be accepted, come what may," concluded Stalin's post. "Every state in the country stands to benefit from this(delimitation process); no state will suffer any disadvantage. Be it the northeast or South India, the parliamentary representation of regions where population growth has been successfully controlled will certainly not be diminished. We are devising a framework that ensures additional seats are created specifically for women, seats that are over and above the existing number of seats," Prime Minister Modi said recently. However, opposition parties continue are unconvinced and continue to raise objections. Following Prime Minister Modi's comments, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced out that the issue has never been about whether the number of Lok Sabha seats of southern states increases. While every state may see an increase, the rate and scale of increase clearly favour BJP- dominated states, he said. "Uttar Pradesh is expected to go from 80 to 120 seats (+40), Maharashtra from 48 to 72 (+24), Bihar from 40 to 60 (+20), Madhya Pradesh from 29 to 43 (+14), Rajasthan from 25 to 37(+12), and Gujarat from 26 to 39 (+13). In contrast, southern states see smaller gains. Karnataka rises from 28 to 42 (+14), Tamil Nadu from 39 to 59 (+20), Andhra Pradesh from 25 to 38 (+13), Telangana from 17 to 25 (+8), and Kerala from 20 to 30 (+10)," Siddaramaiah had shared about the North-South divide, expressing concerns. "The numbers are telling. Five southern states together gain barely 63–66 additional seats, while just these seven BJP-dominated states gain about 128–131 seats - nearly double. Even after expanding the Lok Sabha to 816 seats, the collective share of southern states remains around 24% - unchanged and already modest. States that performed better in population control and governance are being penalised, and Karnataka - a key driver of national growth - risks being deliberately sidelined. If our share does not improve while the numerical dominance of larger states grows, what exactly is Karnataka gaining from this exercise, asked the Chief Minister.

Following Prime Minister Modi's comments, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced out that the issue has never been about whether the number of Lok Sabha seats of southern states increases.&nbsp;

MK Stalin questions BJP's secrecy over delimitation, flags danger for Southern states

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 6, 2026) flagged the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and ‘One Nation, One Election’ as two unfinished agendas of the BJP, and said serious and positive discussions are taking place on them.


PM Narendra Modi Says BJP Must Implement One Nation, One Election & UCC

On the occasion of the 46th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 6) highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and One Nation One Election, reflecting the party's commitment to national integration and efficient governance.&nbsp;"Serious discussions are taking place in the country today on topics like Uniform Civil Code and One Nation One Election, reflecting our commitment to national integration and efficient governance. Our goal is to build a developed India, a self-reliant India, and we will continue to work selflessly to achieve this goal," Modi said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister was addressing party workers via video conferencing on the occasion, underlining a series of reforms and initiatives.&nbsp;"The end of hundreds of black laws from the British era, the construction of a new Parliament building for democracy, 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), a law to ban triple talaq, CAA, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya... these are the results of the BJP's honest efforts. And our mission is still ongoing," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-trying-to-influence-upcoming-assam-polls-cm-himanta-makes-explosive-claim-1775473929927">Pakistan trying to influence upcoming Assam polls? CM Himanta makes EXPLOSIVE claim</a>&nbsp;Furthermore, PM Modi asserted that the party has introduced a new principle in Indian politics: "The principle of Nation First." He contrasted the BJP's governance with past Congress regimes, citing the 1984 period when Congress won a record number of seats but, according to him, betrayed public trust.&nbsp;"We cannot forget that era of 1984 when Congress gained power, but the people of the country were watching how they were being let down. In such circumstances, the trust of the countrymen in the BJP kept growing, and we slowly started winning elections," PM Modi said.&nbsp;The Prime Minister's remarks come as the party continues to expand its political outreach across the country. Modi's mention of the Uniform Civil Code appears to align with the party's wider agenda and election campaigns.&nbsp;The Bharatiya Janata Party traces its origins to the Jana Sangh, which merged with the Janata Party after the Emergency in 1977, intending to defeat the Congress. Later, questions of dual membership arose between RSS members and the Jana Sangh, with a demand that Jana Sangh members either leave the Janata Party or relinquish their RSS membership. The issue led to the Jana Sangh members leaving the Janata Party and officially founding the BJP on April 6, 1980.

The Prime Minister's remarks come as the party continues to expand its political outreach across the country. Modi's mention of the Uniform Civil Code appears to align with the party's wider agenda and election campaigns.

On the occasion of the 46th foundation day of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 6) highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and One Nation One Election, reflecting the party's commitment to national integration and efficient governance. "Serious discussions are taking place in the country today on topics like Uniform Civil Code and One Nation One Election, reflecting our commitment to national integration and efficient governance. Our goal is to build a developed India, a self-reliant India, and we will continue to work selflessly to achieve this goal," Modi said. The Prime Minister was addressing party workers via video conferencing on the occasion, underlining a series of reforms and initiatives. "The end of hundreds of black laws from the British era, the construction of a new Parliament building for democracy, 10 per cent reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), a law to ban triple talaq, CAA, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya... these are the results of the BJP's honest efforts. And our mission is still ongoing," he said. Also Read: Pakistan trying to influence upcoming Assam polls? CM Himanta makes EXPLOSIVE claim Furthermore, PM Modi asserted that the party has introduced a new principle in Indian politics: "The principle of Nation First." He contrasted the BJP's governance with past Congress regimes, citing the 1984 period when Congress won a record number of seats but, according to him, betrayed public trust. "We cannot forget that era of 1984 when Congress gained power, but the people of the country were watching how they were being let down. In such circumstances, the trust of the countrymen in the BJP kept growing, and we slowly started winning elections," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister's remarks come as the party continues to expand its political outreach across the country. Modi's mention of the Uniform Civil Code appears to align with the party's wider agenda and election campaigns. The Bharatiya Janata Party traces its origins to the Jana Sangh, which merged with the Janata Party after the Emergency in 1977, intending to defeat the Congress. Later, questions of dual membership arose between RSS members and the Jana Sangh, with a demand that Jana Sangh members either leave the Janata Party or relinquish their RSS membership. The issue led to the Jana Sangh members leaving the Janata Party and officially founding the BJP on April 6, 1980.

The Prime Minister's remarks come as the party continues to expand its political outreach across the country. Modi's mention of the Uniform Civil Code appears to align with the party's wider agenda and election campaigns.

PM Modi pitches UCC and One Nation One Election on BJP's 46th Anniversary Ahead of Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party, an ally of the opposition AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, has released its list of 27 candidates who will be contesting the 23rd April Assembly poll. At present, the BJP has four MLAs in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu assembly. In the 2021 poll, the BJP had allied with the AIADMK and contested 20 seats, of which the saffron party ended up winning four. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK is allied with the Congress, Left parties, and other outfits. The Opposition AIADMK is allied with the BJP, PMK, AMMK, and other outfits.&nbsp;Vanathi Srinivasan, an incumbent BJP MLA who managed to win against debutant actor-politician Kamal Haasan from Coimbatore South in 2021, has been assigned the Coimbatore North seat this time around.&nbsp;Union Minister L. Murugan, who once served as the Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, is being fielded from Avanashi constituency. In the 2021 poll, Murugan contested from the Dharapuram constituency and ended up losing to a DMK candidate. He was later appointed as a Union Minister.&nbsp;Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, a former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, was appointed to a gubernatorial role and later stepped down and rejoined the BJP to contest the 2024 Parliamentary polls, and is being fielded this time around. Tamilisai has been fielded from the Mylapore constituency in Chennai.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-challenging-sanatani-people-himanta-biswa-targets-kunki-chowdhury-over-mother-s-social-media-posts-ahead-of-assam-polls-1775203391965">‘Challenging Sanatani people’: Himanta Biswa targets Kunki Chowdhury over mother’s social media posts ahead of Assam polls</a>&nbsp;Incumbent Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran, presently an MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and BJP's Legislative leader in the state assembly, has been fielded from the Sattur constituency. In 2021, Nagenthran won from the Tirunelveli constituency.&nbsp;Nagenthran was associated with the AIADMK and even served as a state minister, prior to joining the BJP. Nagenthran had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Tirunelveli, but ended up losing to a Congress candidate.&nbsp;MR Gandhi, a BJP MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly who represents the Nagercoil constituency, has been re-assigned the seat.&nbsp;Vijayadharani, a Congress MLA representing the Vilavancode seat who resigned and joined the BJP, has been assigned the same seat.&nbsp;Former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief and Retired Police Officer K. Annamalai has not been assigned a seat this time. Annamalai had contested unsuccessfully in two elections so far: the 2021 assembly poll from Aravakurichi and in the 2024 Parliamentary poll from Coimbatore. Sharing the candidates' list on social media, Annamalai congratulated his party colleagues and said, "They carry the support of every brother &amp; sister of TN who is tired of corruption, complacency, and the DMK's betrayal".&nbsp;I, as a Karyakarta(party worker) will stand shoulder to shoulder &amp; campaign for all our winning BJP &amp; other NDA candidates, with the aim of the NDA winning 210 seats in the upcoming assembly elections, he added.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief and Retired Police Officer K. Annamalai has not been assigned a seat this time. Annamalai had contested unsuccessfully in two elections so far: the 2021 assembly poll from Aravakurichi and in the 2024 Parliamentary poll from Coimbatore.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, an ally of the opposition AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, has released its list of 27 candidates who will be contesting the 23rd April Assembly poll. At present, the BJP has four MLAs in the 234-seat Tamil Nadu assembly. In the 2021 poll, the BJP had allied with the AIADMK and contested 20 seats, of which the saffron party ended up winning four. In Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK is allied with the Congress, Left parties, and other outfits. The Opposition AIADMK is allied with the BJP, PMK, AMMK, and other outfits. Vanathi Srinivasan, an incumbent BJP MLA who managed to win against debutant actor-politician Kamal Haasan from Coimbatore South in 2021, has been assigned the Coimbatore North seat this time around. Union Minister L. Murugan, who once served as the Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, is being fielded from Avanashi constituency. In the 2021 poll, Murugan contested from the Dharapuram constituency and ended up losing to a DMK candidate. He was later appointed as a Union Minister. Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, a former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief, was appointed to a gubernatorial role and later stepped down and rejoined the BJP to contest the 2024 Parliamentary polls, and is being fielded this time around. Tamilisai has been fielded from the Mylapore constituency in Chennai. Also Read: ‘Challenging Sanatani people’: Himanta Biswa targets Kunki Chowdhury over mother’s social media posts ahead of Assam polls Incumbent Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran, presently an MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly and BJP's Legislative leader in the state assembly, has been fielded from the Sattur constituency. In 2021, Nagenthran won from the Tirunelveli constituency. Nagenthran was associated with the AIADMK and even served as a state minister, prior to joining the BJP. Nagenthran had contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Tirunelveli, but ended up losing to a Congress candidate. MR Gandhi, a BJP MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly who represents the Nagercoil constituency, has been re-assigned the seat. Vijayadharani, a Congress MLA representing the Vilavancode seat who resigned and joined the BJP, has been assigned the same seat. Former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief and Retired Police Officer K. Annamalai has not been assigned a seat this time. Annamalai had contested unsuccessfully in two elections so far: the 2021 assembly poll from Aravakurichi and in the 2024 Parliamentary poll from Coimbatore. Sharing the candidates' list on social media, Annamalai congratulated his party colleagues and said, "They carry the support of every brother & sister of TN who is tired of corruption, complacency, and the DMK's betrayal". I, as a Karyakarta(party worker) will stand shoulder to shoulder & campaign for all our winning BJP & other NDA candidates, with the aim of the NDA winning 210 seats in the upcoming assembly elections, he added.

Former Tamil Nadu BJP Chief and Retired Police Officer K. Annamalai has not been assigned a seat this time. Annamalai had contested unsuccessfully in two elections so far: the 2021 assembly poll from Aravakurichi and in the 2024 Parliamentary poll from Coimbatore.

Tamil Nadu polls: BJP releases list of 27 candidates; K Annamalai not included

As the Election Commission's circular with a seal of the BJP Kerala Unit sparked a major controversy, an official clarification came explaining it was a “clerical error”. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted an old 2019 ECI guideline to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office to ask for clarification on the publication of criminal antecedents of candidates. The Election Commission suggested that the same document was mistakenly forwarded to other parties for the same clarification. The explanation raised more questions than it settled. Several posts reporting the story were deleted from Social media, under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. Notices sent to some journalists by the Kerala Police said that the content reporting the story “undermines communal harmony.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-modi-foreign-policy-iran-crisis-india-1774348116061">'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war</a><h2>Why official explanation raise more questions than it answers?</h2>Opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress, Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that earlier there were just allegations of collusion between Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, but now the seal proves that the Election Commission and BJP are working together. CPI(M) Kerala shared the image widely, asking the BJP to at least have the courtesy to have a “separate desk”.According to the official explanation, ECI forwarded the same ECI guidelines which the BJP submitted while seeking clarification on the same matter. It is baffling why the ECI would forward the same document which was sent by one political party seeking an explanation on any matter to other polictical party. If ECI was using the document as the master copy, does this imply that ECI takes BJP's confidence before issuing guidelines? Now it further raises the question of what else the ECI is seeking advice on from the ruling party, and if the apex poll body has forsaken its neutrality, as the opposition is claiming. Following the incident, as the story was reported, those reports were taken down, citing issues of communal harmony. Further, as ECI was suggesting that the incident was a “clerical error”, the BJP IT cell head was calling it “fake news”.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;

ECI’s “clerical error” explanation over a BJP Kerala circular has sparked controversy, with opposition questioning the poll body’s neutrality.

As the Election Commission's circular with a seal of the BJP Kerala Unit sparked a major controversy, an official clarification came explaining it was a “clerical error”. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) submitted an old 2019 ECI guideline to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office to ask for clarification on the publication of criminal antecedents of candidates. The Election Commission suggested that the same document was mistakenly forwarded to other parties for the same clarification. The explanation raised more questions than it settled. Several posts reporting the story were deleted from Social media, under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act. Notices sent to some journalists by the Kerala Police said that the content reporting the story “undermines communal harmony.” Also Read: 'A universal joke': Rahul Gandhi attacks Narendra Modi over foreign policy amid Iran war Why official explanation raise more questions than it answers? Opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress, Indian National Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) alleged that earlier there were just allegations of collusion between Bharatiya Janata Party and the Election Commission, but now the seal proves that the Election Commission and BJP are working together. CPI(M) Kerala shared the image widely, asking the BJP to at least have the courtesy to have a “separate desk”. According to the official explanation, ECI forwarded the same ECI guidelines which the BJP submitted while seeking clarification on the same matter. It is baffling why the ECI would forward the same document which was sent by one political party seeking an explanation on any matter to other polictical party. If ECI was using the document as the master copy, does this imply that ECI takes BJP's confidence before issuing guidelines? Now it further raises the question of what else the ECI is seeking advice on from the ruling party, and if the apex poll body has forsaken its neutrality, as the opposition is claiming. Following the incident, as the story was reported, those reports were taken down, citing issues of communal harmony. Further, as ECI was suggesting that the incident was a “clerical error”, the BJP IT cell head was calling it “fake news”.

ECI’s “clerical error” explanation over a BJP Kerala circular has sparked controversy, with opposition questioning the poll body’s neutrality.

Why ECI’s 'clerical error' explanation on BJP Kerala Circular is facing scrutiny?

With exactly a month to go for the polling day(April 23rd) in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, seat-sharing between the major National Democratic Alliance partners in the state has been announced. The NDA in Tamil Nadu is led by the state's Principal opposition party, AIADMK. The BJP, AMMK, PMK, and many small parties are part of this alliance. As for major allies, the BJP is being allocated 27 seats, PMK is being allocated 18 seats, and AMMK is being allocated 11 seats. Tamil Nadu has a total of 234 assembly constituencies.&nbsp;This announcement was made during BJP leader and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's Chennai visit. Following a brief meeting with NDA leaders at a private venue in the city, Goyal visited the AIADMK Headquarters, where AIADMK Chief Edappadi Palaniswami revealed the number of seats being allocated. Goyal, who is BJP's Election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, is visiting the state following the weekend meetings that AIADMK and AMMK chiefs held in New Delhi with Union Home Minister and BJP's Chief election strategist Amit Shah.&nbsp;"Tamil Nadu today is ready for an NDA Government. A strong NDA under the guidance and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who yesterday surpassed the record and became the longest-serving head of government in the history of India. Having served for nearly 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he has shown how good governance can transform the destiny of the people of India," Goyal said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/war-drums-in-west-green-energy-in-bharat-india-powers-global-south-at-bharat-electricity-summit-2026-1774267093285">War drums in West, green energy in Bharat! India powers Global South at Bharat Electricity Summit 2026</a>&nbsp;He added that the people of Tamil Nadu want a government led by the future Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami. "A government that will bring development for farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, industry, provide jobs to youth, give opportunity to startups, provide quality healthcare and education, will give houses for the poor, ensure that everybody gets opportunity to prosper in life," Goyal said, describing the NDA's vision for Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;A developed Tamil Nadu will lead to a developed India. We will ensure that Tamil pride, culture, language, and the people of the state, have a very bright future, he added.&nbsp; While the national ruling party BJP, has been allocated 27 seats in the AIADMK-led Opposition front, Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK has allocated 28 seats to their longstanding ally Congress, which is the principal opposition party at the national level.&nbsp;In the 2021 Assembly poll, BJP was allocated 20 seats as part of the AIADMK-led front, of which the BJP ended up winning four seats. The AIADMK's 10-year streak in power came to an end in 2021, as the DMK led by MK Stalin won the elections.

The NDA in Tamil Nadu is led by the state's Principal opposition party, AIADMK. The BJP, AMMK, PMK, and many small parties are part of this alliance. As for major allies, the BJP is being allocated 27 seats, PMK is being allocated 18 seats, and AMMK is being allocated 11 seats.

With exactly a month to go for the polling day(April 23rd) in the Southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, seat-sharing between the major National Democratic Alliance partners in the state has been announced. The NDA in Tamil Nadu is led by the state's Principal opposition party, AIADMK. The BJP, AMMK, PMK, and many small parties are part of this alliance. As for major allies, the BJP is being allocated 27 seats, PMK is being allocated 18 seats, and AMMK is being allocated 11 seats. Tamil Nadu has a total of 234 assembly constituencies. This announcement was made during BJP leader and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's Chennai visit. Following a brief meeting with NDA leaders at a private venue in the city, Goyal visited the AIADMK Headquarters, where AIADMK Chief Edappadi Palaniswami revealed the number of seats being allocated. Goyal, who is BJP's Election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, is visiting the state following the weekend meetings that AIADMK and AMMK chiefs held in New Delhi with Union Home Minister and BJP's Chief election strategist Amit Shah. "Tamil Nadu today is ready for an NDA Government. A strong NDA under the guidance and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who yesterday surpassed the record and became the longest-serving head of government in the history of India. Having served for nearly 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he has shown how good governance can transform the destiny of the people of India," Goyal said. Also Read: War drums in West, green energy in Bharat! India powers Global South at Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 He added that the people of Tamil Nadu want a government led by the future Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami. "A government that will bring development for farmers, fishermen, MSMEs, industry, provide jobs to youth, give opportunity to startups, provide quality healthcare and education, will give houses for the poor, ensure that everybody gets opportunity to prosper in life," Goyal said, describing the NDA's vision for Tamil Nadu. A developed Tamil Nadu will lead to a developed India. We will ensure that Tamil pride, culture, language, and the people of the state, have a very bright future, he added. While the national ruling party BJP, has been allocated 27 seats in the AIADMK-led Opposition front, Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK has allocated 28 seats to their longstanding ally Congress, which is the principal opposition party at the national level. In the 2021 Assembly poll, BJP was allocated 20 seats as part of the AIADMK-led front, of which the BJP ended up winning four seats. The AIADMK's 10-year streak in power came to an end in 2021, as the DMK led by MK Stalin won the elections.

The NDA in Tamil Nadu is led by the state's Principal opposition party, AIADMK. The BJP, AMMK, PMK, and many small parties are part of this alliance. As for major allies, the BJP is being allocated 27 seats, PMK is being allocated 18 seats, and AMMK is being allocated 11 seats.

Tamil Nadu NDA seat-sharing deal: BJP to contest in 27 seats

In a major development in the Excise Policy case, a court has discharged former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The ruling marks a significant turn in the high-profile case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy.


Breaking | Excise Policy Case: Court Discharges Former Delhi CM Kejriwal | WION

Authorities in Delhi have arrested eight individuals for allegedly being linked to a terror plot with suspected connections to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI. Officials say the arrests followed a detailed investigation and intelligence inputs pointing to a coordinated conspiracy aimed at destabilising security. Security agencies are now probing the network, funding channels and possible wider links, while heightened vigilance has been put in place across the national capital to prevent any potential threat.


Tamil Nadu Terror Plot: BJP vs DMK Over Busted Plot | Suspects Arrested For Posting Pro-Pak Content

Based on the provided search results, there is no indication that BJP MP Tejasvi Surya hosted a U.S. Ambassador named "Sergio Lor" in Bengaluru.


BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Hosts US Ambassador Sergio Lor in Bengaluru

BJP workers in Telangana are protesting and demanding a thorough inquiry following the alleged suicide of a party candidate, reportedly linked to harassment. The incident, which has led to high security at the DGP office, occurred just before local elections, causing significant tension. Protesters are seeking justice for the alleged suicide, which emerged amidst the civic poll developments. 


Telangana Civic Polls: BJP Workers Protest; Demand Justice For Alleged Suicide of Candidate

In a heated political development, a BJP MP has moved a motion against Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, alleging that the Congress leader misled the House during discussions. This move has intensified parliamentary debates, with both ruling and opposition members expressing strong views. Political analysts suggest the motion could have significant implications for parliamentary proceedings and the credibility of statements made in the House.

Parliament Update: BJP MP Moves Motion Against Rahul Gandhi in Parliament | WION 

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