Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: Security tightened at strongrooms ahead of counting on Monday

'Govt that protects Sanatan Dharma coming in West Bengal': Suvendu Adhikari

"I offered prayers at the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. God is with us. A government that protects the interests of Sanatan Dharma is coming," says BJP leader and West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari.

Shashi Tharoor predicts win for TMC but with a reduced margin

All the exit polls there have created a lot of confusion. My sense is that Mamata Banerjee will win. But she probably won't have such a large majority like last time: Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP

Police conduct flag march in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram ahead of counting day

'All arrangements in place for counting': West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal

All arrangements are in place. There is a three-tier security arrangement; our RO (Returning Officer), ARO (Assistant Returning Officer), counting agents, and counting supervisors are all ready; they have undergone training multiple times. There is no possibility of any disruption anywhere, everything will happen as per the rules...200 companies of CAPF have been deployed for the counting centres: Manoj Agarwal

'Our schemes reached every household': DMK's Elangovan says Stalin govt will be back with majority

Tomorrow is the day Stalin will be re-elected to rule the state. He will become chief minister, and the DMK will win a majority of seats and form the government for the next five years. We have done good work. Our schemes have reached every household in the state. Our leader focused on the needy and provided them with many good schemes that will help them with education, healthcare, housing, and everything in their lives. So we will win, and we will continue our work...People of Tamil Nadu will never accept the BJP: DMK MP TKS Elangovan

CRPF top officials inspect strong room in Kolkata ahead of vote counting on Monday

'Biryani', 'laddoos' prepared as Kerala political parties gear up for election result day celebrations

celebrations.

In Pandikkad in Malappuram district, Congress and UDF workers are preparing biryani for around 5,000 people in anticipation of a victory.

According to Congress leaders, a large tent has been erected in the town where the food will be distributed.

“We will celebrate the end of 10 years of LDF rule. We welcome everyone, including CPI(M) workers,” a Congress worker told the media.


Apart from food, cultural programmes are also being organised as part of the celebrations.

The BJP is also preparing for celebrations in Kochi, with large quantities of laddoos already ordered.

The saffron party and its NDA allies currently do not have any MLAs in the Kerala Assembly, but leaders expressed hope of opening their account this time.

Party workers have also prepared placards featuring candidates they expect to win.

"We will win several seats, including Nemom, Kazhakootam, Manjeshwar, Palakkad and Thiruvalla. People are fed up with both the LDF and UDF and will vote for the NDA," a party leader said.

BJP candidates visit temples across West Bengal ahead of vote counting

BJP candidates in West Bengal offered prayers at temples in their respective constituencies on Sunday, a day ahead of the counting of votes, seeking victory in the assembly elections.

A BJP leader said it was decided that all candidates will offer pujas at temples in their respective constituencies for the well-being of the people, besides remembering those killed in post-poll violence in 2021.

"We are Hindus, so it is natural for devout Hindus to pray for the well-being of the people," he said.

Meanwhile, BJP Mahila Morcha workers staged sit-ins outside counting centres in various parts of the state, alleging disruptions by members of the ruling TMC.

'Don't do what they did to you': Bengal BJP chief urges party workers ahead of counting

Our appeal is that there should be no violence of any kind. Winning does not mean that just because someone broke your house or killed your worker last time, this time you do the same to them. That should not happen... There should be a change in our mindset as well, and such incidents should not occur: Samik Bhattacharya, West Bengal BJP president

'No India citizen is an outsider in Bengal': Union minister on TMC's charge against BJP

None of the citizens of the country in Bengal is an outsider... If the PM himself is considered an outsider, then everyone is an outsider too... If we dig into the history, then Mamata Banerjee will also be an outsider because according to the history, there were no Brahmins in Bengal and her ancestors might have come from Kannauj: Sukanta Majumdar

No minority consolidation against LDF in Kerala, says minister P Rajeev

Kerala industries minister P Rajeev on Sunday asserted that there was no scope for any minority consolidation against the ruling LDF in the Assembly polls, dismissing the Congress party's reported expectations on the issue.

He said minorities in Kerala have no grievances against the state government and noted that the Left administration had taken a firm, uncompromising stand against what he termed the Centre's "excesses of power".

Rajeev further claimed that minorities and people with a secular outlook in the state do not consider the Congress a trustworthy party on such matters, and therefore, such political assumptions no longer hold relevance.

Expressing confidence in the electoral outcome, he said the LDF would secure a favourable verdict and exuded optimism about his own prospects, stating that he would win from Kalamassery with a comfortable margin.

Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and counting of votes will take place on May 4.

'How many voters will interact under "intense political climate?' RJD's Manoj Jha questions exit polls sample size

MP Manoj Jha on Sunday dismissed exit poll predictions indicating BJP's performance across Assam and West Bengal, saying that one must wait for the actual election results instead of relying on projections.

Jha also questioned the sample size and methodology of exit polls, asking how many voters polling agencies can realistically interact with in what he described as an "intense political climate."

"You can look at the history of exit polls... How many voters can you interact with that, too, in such an intense political climate... So, we should all wait for tomorrow... Counting should be done right after voting by deciding the timeline," he said.

'BJP and EC may attempt foul play': DMK leader RS Bharathi

According to reports on social media, BJP is planning several things because DMK is expected to form the government. MK Stalin is set to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, as decided by the people. At the last moment, with the help of the Election Commission, BJP may attempt foul play, so we must not fall prey to it. As a precaution, the DMK legal wing has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission. Such complaints should be dealt with immediately action: DMK leader RS Bharathi

‘Will win by massive majority,’ says BJP’s George; bets Rs 1 crore on victory

BJP candidate P C George on Sunday said he was confident of a resounding victory from the Poonjar assembly constituency in Kerala, even offering to place a bet of Rs 1 crore to back his claim.

“I will win by a massive majority. If anyone has any doubt, they can come forward and bet Rs 1 crore,” he told a TV channel.

George also predicted victory for his son, Shone George, in the neighbouring Pala constituency, saying the upcoming Assembly would witness the father-son duo entering the House together.

He further claimed that the BJP would make significant gains in Kerala under the leadership of Rajeev Chandrasekhar and suggested that the election outcome in the state would be a hung Assembly, with no front securing a clear majority.

According to him, the Congress-led UDF would emerge as the single largest front, while the CPI(M)-led LDF would not fare too poorly.

He also projected that the NDA would win around 11 seats in the state.

'Blot on democracy': Rashid Alvi over irregularities in Bengal, Assam polls

Calling the elections in West Bengal and Assam a "blot on democracy," Congress leader Rashid Alvi has alleged that irregularities were widespread across Bengal and not confined to a few locations.

He questioned the role of the Election Commission (EC) and paramilitary forces in ensuring free and fair polling amid reports of unrest in parts of the state.

Speaking to ANI on the recently concluded West Bengal election, Alvi claimed that electoral malpractices were not limited to isolated incidents but were occurring across the state. "Irregularities have not happened just at 2-4 places but throughout Bengal. The kind of elections that have taken place in Bengal and Assam is a blot on democracy..." he said on Saturday.

Reacting to protests reported from Falta, the Congress leader also raised concerns over the conduct of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and questioned the inaction of authorities.

"If the TMC people are doing this kind of work, then what are the Election Commission and the paramilitary forces doing?... In Bengal, the entire administration is working according to the Election Commission, so if such an incident is happening there, the responsibility lies with the Election Commission..." Alvi added.

His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and sporadic protests reported during the second phase of the election process in West Bengal on April 29, with opposition parties repeatedly raising allegations of violence and irregularities.

The Election Commission had taken necessary measures to ensure free and fair polling, with the deployment of central forces and strict monitoring mechanisms in place during assembly polls on April 23 and April 29.

IUML will support Congress’s choice for CM, says Panakkad Thangal

IUML leader Panakkad Munavvar Ali Shihab Thangal on Sunday said the party would support whatever decision the Congress takes on the chief ministerial candidate, reiterating that this has been the UDF’s established precedent.

The Indian Union Muslim League is a key constituent of the Congress-led UDF.

With the counting of votes for the crucial Kerala Assembly polls scheduled for Monday, Thangal expressed confidence that a united decision would emerge after the results are declared.

“We do not have any particular opinion on the chief ministerial candidate. We will stand by the decision taken by the Congress high command. That has been the precedent,” he told reporters here.

He said the people of Kerala are expecting a change in government that would ensure development and welfare for all sections.

“Everybody expects a UDF wave. All exit polls predict a UDF victory. We believe so, too,” he added.

Thangal also said discussions regarding the IUML’s ministerial positions would take place only after May 4.

Oppn attacking core of Indian democracy, people will give befitting reply: Kiren Rijiju

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Opposition over the allegations against the government agencies, the Election Commission, the media and the judiciary, stating that these parties are "attacking the core of Indian democracy".

He said that the people of the country will give them a "befitting reply".

In a post on X, Rijiju said, "All opposition parties have attacked the Govt. Agencies, EVMs, Election Commission, Media & now targeting the Judiciary. They don't realise that they are attacking the core of Indian democracy. Wait, People of India will give them a befitting reply, teach a lifetime lesson!"

This came against the backdrop of the Election Commission of India's announcement of a fresh election in all polling stations of the Falta Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district after finding severe electoral offences during the second phase of polling on April 29.

As a result, counting of votes will take place in 293 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal on May 4, with Falta excluded. The Commission said the entire polling conducted in the constituency on April 29 stands cancelled, and a fresh poll will be held on May 21.

Vote-day & result-day gap: Kolkata turns to adda sessions, tries to read its own mind

The long gap between the poll day and the result day, along with a long weekend, has made Kolkata do what it does the best and loves the most — discussing politics over beverages, food and addas.

With polling ending on April 29 and counting set for May 4, the unusually long gap — stretched further by a long weekend — has turned the city into a giant echo chamber of speculation, satire, anxiety and amusement. From tea stalls to living rooms, from buses to metro compartments, one question loops endlessly: “Ki hobe?”

At a tea stall on Harish Mukherjee Road, regulars with earthen cups have taken on the role of amateur psephologists. Booth-level turnout figures are debated with surprising fluency, as if the results could be reverse-engineered through sheer discussion. “Turnout has been exceptionally high this year, even in the city. That usually means something,” said Saroj Singh, a Bhowanipore-based businessman. His friend, however, was quick to temper the confidence. “This election is about narratives as much as numbers. It’s not easy to predict,” said Kapil Prasad.

Such exchanges are playing out across Kolkata — in ‘rowaks’, cafes, restaurants and drawing rooms — where political allegiance and poll arithmetic have become the central themes of conversation. Even those unable to vote are following developments through family members and neighbours.

Security heightened across several strongrooms ahead of West Bengal election results

Ahead of result day of West Bengal assembly elections, security was heightened outside several polling stations in Kolkata.

Heavy force was deployed outside the strongrooms in Kolkata, which included Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls' High School in Bhabanipur, Netaji Indoor Stadium, and several others.

Apart from managing security of strongrooms, the security was also increased outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office and Falta assembly constituency, where locals protested alleged threats and beatings by TMC leaders on Saturday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed repolling in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary polling stations, in the Falta assembly seat between 7 AM and 6 PM on May 21. Counting of votes will take place on May 24.

Meanwhile, the local residents staged a protest on Saturday in the Falta area of South 24 Parganas district, alleging threats and intimidation by Trinamool Congress (TMC) cadre ahead of the counting of votes for the West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled on May 4.

Heavy security deployment was witnessed in the area, with personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) stationed at key locations. An armoured CRPF vehicle was also deployed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order amid rising tensions.

BJP's polling agents 'fully ready' for May 4 as Bengal awaits 'mukti' from TMC: Pradeep Bhandari

BJP leader Pradeep Bhandari on Sunday said that the party's counting agents in West Bengal are "fully ready" as the state awaits "mukti" from Trinamool Congress (TMC) on May 4.

In an 'X' post, Bhandari shared visuals from a training session of BJP's polling agents in Darjeeling Lok Sabha to prevent "scientific rigging" of votes by TMC on the result day of the West Bengal assembly elections.

"Our counting agents are fully ready! With training of counting agents in Darjeeling Lok Sabha concluding today, they are ready to prevent any intimidation and "Scientific Rigging" by TMC. Bengal awaits 4th May. Bengal awaits "Mukti" from TMC. Bengal awaits BJP under PM Narendra Modi," the 'X' post from Pradeep Bhandari said.

These remarks come amidst the ongoing heightened political tensions between the TMC and BJP over the recent strongroom controversy following second-phase polling in West Bengal.

On one end, the TMC has been alleging human presence inside the strongroom without any kind of information to political parties, whereas the BJP has slammed the party, saying that it has accepted its defeat in the state.

'Fair voting never happens in Falta under TMC govt': BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar

Ahead of repolling in the Falta Assembly constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagannath Sarkar alleged voter intimidation under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule, claiming residents were forced to vote in a particular manner.

Welcoming the Election Commission's decision to conduct repolling on May 21, Sarkar said it would help ensure fair voting, with counting scheduled for May 23.

Speaking to ANI, Sarkar said, "Under the TMC rule, fair voting never takes place in Falta. Residents of Hindu villages are intimidated and kept away from the polls. Even if they do wish to vote, they are compelled to cast their ballots solely for the TMC. Such is the prevailing atmosphere in many areas. This time, however, the Election Commission has taken very effective and decisive measures."

He further added, "Consequently, the public has become galvanised to step forward and cast their votes... Now, repolling is scheduled to take place on May 21st, followed by the counting of votes on the 23rd. This is an excellent decision, and it is precisely what was needed."

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered fresh voting across all 285 polling stations in the Falta Assembly constituency of West Bengal on May 21, even as repolling was conducted in 15 booths in Paschim Magrahat and Diamond Harbour Assembly constituencies on Saturday.

According to the ECI, directives for fresh repolling have been given in Falta "on consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the polling in a large number of polling stations on April 29".

Earlier on Saturday, the BJP delegation met with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh visited the Netaji Indoor Stadium, which has strong rooms with EVMs.

People of Bengal have voted for development, in favour of Joraphool: Trinamool Congress

Trinamool Congress has said that people of Bengal have voted decisively in favour of development, in favour of 'Joraphool' and the party will make all efforts to ensure that their democratic mandate is protected and counted without compromise.

West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and party's general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday addressed a virtual conference with counting agents from every Assembly Constituency ahead of the vote counting on May 4.

They comprehensively familiarised counting agents with the entire counting process, clearly outlining their roles, responsibilities, and every crucial procedural step, while urging them to remain cautious, vigilant, and diligent in discharging this critical duty.

"The people of Bengal have voted decisively in favour of development, in favour of Joraphool, and now it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their democratic mandate is protected, defended, and counted without compromise," the party said in a post on X.

Joraphool refers to the election symbol of Trinamool Congress.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced a repoll in Falta constituency on May 21 and votes will be counted on May 24.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh earlier rejected allegations levelled by BJP against Trinamool Congress over an incident in Falta.

ECI respected democratic rights of people: BJP's Dilip Ghosh welcomes repolling in Falta

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dilip Ghosh on Sunday welcomed Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to repoll all 285 polling stations in Falta assembly seat, stressing that the polling body has respected the democratic rights of people.

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh stated that the people were prevented from voting in Falta, adding that the repolling in the constituency should happen.

"People in Falta haven't been able to vote for many years, so the Election Commission had already imposed strict measures there... Yesterday, people protested that they were being prevented from voting... Repolling will take place across the entire assembly constituency, and it should happen. This is a question of people's democratic rights, and the Election Commission has respected that," Ghosh said.

The Election Commission of India has ordered that fresh voting will be held across all 285 polling stations in Falta assembly constituency of West Bengal on May 21 even as repolling was held in 15 booths in Paschim Magrahat and Diamond Harbour assembly constituencies on Saturday.

According to the ECI, directives for fresh repolling have been given in Falta "on consideration of severe electoral offences and subversion of the democratic process during the polling in a large number of polling stations on April 29".

Earlier on Saturday, the BJP delegation met with West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh visited the Netaji Indoor Stadium, which has strong rooms with EVMs.

TMC behind most political murders in Bengal: State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya said that Trinamool Congress is behind most political murders in the state adding that ruling party faces infighting over money.

"Trinamool Congress workers won't be secured. There is so much internal fighting within TMC over money. Of all the political murders that have occurred in West Bengal in the last three years, 95% are Trinamool Congress workers," he said.

He further stated that families of victims were demanding an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging lack of confidence in the state police and the Criminal Investigation Department West Bengal (CID).

"They have no faith in the police or the CID. All the internal fighting within the Trinamool Congress is for money," he added.

Bhattacharya also expressed confidence that the situation would be addressed after a change in government in the state. "Let the new government come; they will handle the situation," he said.

Earlier, Bhattacharya slammed the TMC over their decision to move to the Supreme Court to allow state government employees during the counting process, claiming that the ruling party has conceded its defeat.

The BJP leader noted that several people who had not exercised their franchise earlier voted fearlessly in the West Bengal assembly polls 2026. He alleged that the TMC members want to go to the counting centres, despite having "accepted the defeat".

West Bengal Elections Live: BJP’s Swaraj Ghosh inspects strong room ahead of counting

BJP candidate Swaraj Ghosh on Friday inspected the strong room of the Saptagram Assembly constituency at Bandel Survey College ahead of vote counting on May 4.

He reviewed the arrangements in place and interacted with party workers to assess preparedness, amid heightened political focus on strong room security across the state.

Assembly elections 2026: TMC writes to EC, list of four demands ahead of counting

Assembly elections 2026: 'EVM strongroom opened 10 times' - Bengal BJP leader files complaint

“We have a strong room here, and we were given a schedule specifying when it would be opened. Accordingly, we all arrived on time. After reaching there, we found that the strong room was already open. It was not being opened at that moment. We questioned why it was opened so early when the work had not properly begun. Later, after inquiries, we were informed that this strong room had been opened not once or twice, but at least ten times before. Our assigned work here, specifically for booths 116 and 117, had only just been completed in terms of segregation and postal ballots. So we asked who had authorised the opening and why we were not informed. They were unable to provide any answer,” said BJP leaders have complained to the Bidhannagar SDO after a strong room was allegedly opened without authorisation. Six officials have been suspended.

'Any attempt to tamper with the mandate of the people through technical sabotage will not be tolerated': TMC write to EC

"Today, our delegation met @CEOWestBengal and registered a strong objection regarding the repeated and highly suspicious disruptions in CCTV surveillance at multiple strong rooms where polled EVMs and VVPATs are stored," TMC wrote on X.

SC constitutes special bench for TMC plea against Calcutta HC order on vote-counting supervisors

The Supreme Court on Friday constituted a special bench to hear the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) plea tomorrow against the Calcutta high court's rejection of its plea that challenged the deployment of only Central government and PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) employees as supervisors for vote counting in the West Bengal assembly elections.

A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi to hear the plea at 10.30 am tomorrow.

TMC, in its plea, urged the Supreme Court to take up the matter urgently tomorrow, stating that vote counting in the poll-bound state is set to begin on Monday morning, and that any delay in hearing the plea would render it infructuous.

Assembly elections 2026: CPM leader Salam accuses BJP leaders of 'defamatory' remarks

CPM leader H Salam, who contested from the Ambalapuzha Assembly constituency in the April 9 Assembly polls, on Friday said he would initiate legal proceedings against the BJP candidate and two party leaders over alleged defamatory remarks made against him during the poll campaign.

Speaking to reporters, Salam said legal action would be taken against BJP candidate Arun Anirudhan and party leaders Ganesh Kumar and Jayakrishnan for allegedly making personal attacks and defamatory statements in speeches that were later circulated on social media.

"They alleged terrorism links against me. They claimed that my relatives were involved in a case registered several years ago. After these false allegations came to our notice, we collected evidence and sought legal opinion. Based on that, we have decided to take legal steps against them," he said.

Salam said he would file a defamation case in court and also lodge a police complaint in the matter.

Assembly elections 2026: TMC moves SC against high court's order rejecting plea challenging central govt employees involved in poll duty

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has approached the Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court’s order yesterday rejecting its plea that challenged the deployment of only Central government and PSU (Public Sector Undertaking) employees as supervisors in the vote counting in West Bengal assembly elections.

Assembly elections 2026: TMC leader Shashi Panja arrives at the office of State Election Commission in Kolkata

Shashi Panja arrives at the office of State Election Commission in Kolkata. A TMC delegation, including Firhad Hakim, Asim Bose and Shashi Panja, has reached here.

Assembly elections 2026: Kolkata Police imposes prohibitory orders within 200 metres of counting centres

Kolkata Police has imposed prohibitory orders barring the assembly of more than five persons within a 200-metre radius of all counting centres under its jurisdiction from Friday, keeping in mind the counting of votes on May 4 for the crucial and recently concluded two-phase assembly polls in West Bengal.

“The prohibitory order has been issued to avoid tension, gatherings, protests or any unpleasant incidents before the counting. The decision has been taken as per the direction of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Strong legal action will be taken against those found violating the prohibitory orders,” an officer said.

Besides prohibiting the assembly of more than five persons in the prescribed areas around the counting centres, the city police have also barred carrying certain items not approved by the ECI within the same zones.

Assembly elections 2026: EC orders repolling in Bengal's Diamond Harbour, Magrahat Paschim on May 2

"Election Commission of India has ordered re-polling in 15 polling stations across Magrahat Paschim and Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas after declaring April 29 voting void, with fresh polling scheduled on May 2 from 7 AM to 6 PM," said the poll body.

Assembly elections 2026: BJP set to cross 90-seat mark in Assam, says minister Jayanta Malla Baruah

Assam minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Friday exuded confidence over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly elections, asserting that the ruling party would secure a massive mandate and win all three constituencies in Nalbari district.

Speaking to reporters, Baruah said the BJP-led alliance was heading towards a decisive victory across the state and predicted that opposition voices would lose relevance after the declaration of results on May 4.

“After May 4, even the talk around the Congress-led parties will become irrelevant,” he said in an apparent swipe at prominent opposition leaders in Congress and its allies, while maintaining that the electorate had already made up its mind in favour of the ruling alliance.

The minister said the BJP would register victories in all three Assembly constituencies of Nalbari district, underlining that the party had witnessed strong grassroots support during campaigning and public outreach programmes.

Assembly elections 2026: Post-poll violence reported in 3 Bengal districts; police begin probe

At least three incidents of alleged post-poll violence were reported from West Bengal's Murshidabad, Malda and North 24 Parganas districts, police said on Friday.

In Murshidabad district, a CPI(M) polling agent, identified as Ruhul Amin, was allegedly attacked on Thursday night at Lochanpur within Islampur police station limits.

According to PTI, Amin was assaulted at a tea stall by a group of local leaders allegedly led by a TMC regional functionary.

Assembly elections 2026: Formal complaint has been lodged at the local police station by the TVK's union secretary

An election office belonging to TVK candidate Ramesh was allegedly set on fire by unidentified persons earlier today in Pettavaythalai area under Andhanallur Union, Srirangam Assembly constituency.

A formal complaint has been lodged at the local police station by the party’s union secretary, seeking immediate action against those responsible. The police have been urged to identify and arrest the culprits at the earliest.

Assembly elections 2026: TVK office in Trichy 'set on fire', posters torn down: Police case filed, party seeks EC intervention

"Will the vote counting in the Srirangam Assembly constituency take place in a secure environment? My election office, which was functioning in Pettavaithalai area under Andanallur Union in the Srirangam Assembly constituency of Tiruchirappalli district, was set ablaze by unidentified persons early this morning and has been completely destroyed. All banners placed there were also torn down," said TVK Ramesh.

Assembly elections 2026: UDF if voted to power, will probe LDF govt’s corruption: Anvar

Former MLA P V Anvar on Friday said a UDF government, if voted to power, would be duty-bound to investigate the alleged corruption and wrongdoing of the incumbent LDF administration.

Anvar, who was elected as an LDF-backed MLA, resigned after falling out with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and later contested the recently held Assembly polls from Beypore constituency as a UDF-backed Independent candidate.

He was speaking to reporters in the wake of reports that former Malappuram District Police Chief Sujith Das S had been given a clean chit in an internal probe into allegations of misconduct, including improper handling of cases, aiding gold smugglers and illegal felling of trees from the compound of his official residence.

In September 2024, after a phone conversation between Das and Anvar became public, the political leader levelled several allegations of misconduct against the officer. Following this, Das was suspended, and an internal inquiry was initiated.

West Bengal elections 2026: 'If SIR affects West Bengal poll results, it would set a dangerous precedent': Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said if the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls affects the outcome of the West Bengal assembly elections, it would set a dangerous precedent, against which the political parties need to safeguard themselves.

Responding to a question about the high drama outside a strong room at Bhabanipur in Kolkata on Thursday night, he said it is West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's right to deploy people to guard the EVMs.

"I have always said that I do not accept pre-poll rigging, and that safeguarding the EVMs after the polls is our responsibility. We used to do the same when there were ballot boxes; we would keep our people outside the strong room. So, it was Mamata Banerjee's right to keep people outside the strong room, and she did it," he told reporters here.

Abdullah said vote theft is happening through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and not EVMs.

"There is a difference between EVM (hacking) and what they are doing through SIR. Today, stealing (votes) is not happening through EVMs but the SIR, unfortunately, through the Election Commission," he said.

Assembly elections 2026: Stalin meets senior DMK leaders to discuss victory prospects

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday met DMK senior leaders at the party headquarters here and discussed victory prospects in the just concluded Assembly elections.

The meeting comes in the wake of exit polls of various media indicating that DMK will be back in power in the state.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held on April 23.

DMK sources said Stalin met senior ministers, including K N Nehru, EV Velu and K R Periyakaruppan. Also, party deputy general secretary A Raja, organising secretary RS Bharathi and communications wing head TKS Elangovan were present.

As the counting of votes for the TN Assembly elections will be held on May 4, sources said that Stalin discussed the party's victory prospects with the senior party functionaries in their respective regions.

The chief minister also advised the party leaders to provide proper instructions to the counting agents besides asking them to closely monitor the counting process.

West Bengal elections 2026: TMC National general secretary Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting tomorrow with all counting agents and relevant party stakeholders

Assembly elections 2026: 'People have voted, their decision is final': Karti Chidambaram express lack of faith on exit polls

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, reacting to exit poll predictions, said the actual result will be known only after counting and urged everyone to wait for two more days.

Karti alleged that the visual and print media was functioning as 'cottage industry' and said that they have turned exit polls into a continuous, business-like exercise rather than a one-time survey, adding that people have already voted and their decision is final, which will be reflected in the counting across 75,000 booths.

"Visual media and print media has become a cottage industry... earlier exit polls were based on assumptions, but now this is being run throughout the day on channels and has become a business. People have voted, and their decision is final. On Monday, what is polled in 75,000 booths is the decision of the people," he said.

The Congress MP added that the DMK led alliance was confident of returing to power in the state and the final outcome would be known on May 4.

"Every political party, every alliance and every candidate is confident. I have never met a political party or alliance that is not confident. Everybody is confident while facing elections, so let's see what happens on Monday," he said.

On TVK's impact, he said it is too early to comment, and such discussions can be taken up after the results, adding, "Why talk about speculation now?"

Several exit polls predicted that the alliance led by the ruling DMK will return to power in the state. People Pulse projected 125-145 seats for the DMK-led alliance and AIADMK-led alliance, which includes the BJP, getting 65-80 seats. It projected Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) getting two to six seats. Tamil Nadu has 234 assembly seats.

According to exit poll projections by Matrize, DMK and allies will get 122-132 seats and AIADMK and allies 80-100 seats. It said TVK would get 0-6 assembly seats.

Bengal elections 2026: Bengal minister Sujit Bose appears before ED for questioning in civic body recruitment scam

West Bengal's fire services minister Sujit Bose on Friday appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in the alleged civic body recruitment scam, as directed by the Calcutta high court.

Accompanied by his son Samudra and two lawyers, Bose reached the ED office at CGO Complex in Salt Lake a little before 10.30 am.

He had ignored three previous summonses from the ED, stating that he was busy with poll campaigns.

He had also moved high court against the summonses, alleging harassment. The court had directed him to appear before the agency before 10.30 am on Friday.

Bose is seeking re-election from the Bidhannagar seat, where polling happened in the final phase of the assembly elections on Wednesday.

Establishments owned by Bose and his son were twice searched by the agency in connection with alleged recruitment irregularities at the South Dum Dum Municipality.

The investigators have claimed that they recovered incriminating documents during the search operations.

West Bengal elections: 'Reflect fear of defeat' - Suvendu Adhikari says Mamata's EVM apprehensions are 'imaginary'

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s apprehensions over an “imaginary” breach of security at the EVM strongrooms are nothing but reflections of her “fear of defeat”, prompted by her old habit of raising apprehensions about EVM manipulations whenever she senses a negative electoral pulse, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said on Friday.

“Raising apprehensions about EVM manipulation has become a part of her habit for the last 15 years since she came to power in West Bengal in 2011. It is impossible for her to get rid of this old habit. This time, her habitual expression on this count is stronger since she is sensing an imminent defeat. Hence her theatrics over the imaginary EVM strongroom manipulation are reflections of her fear of defeat," Adhikari told media persons on Friday,” said Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly.

His reactions in the matter came amid the Chief Minister’s video message on Thursday, expressing apprehensions of EVM strongroom manipulations.

On Thursday night, she stormed the Sakhawat Memorial Government Girls High School, the venue for a strong-room storing the EVM machines for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency in South Kolkata and stayed there past midnight, alleging EVM tampering.

The Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, this time, is the most high-profile constituency with the Chief Minister and the LoP pitted against each other.

West Bengal elections: BJP workers block TMC vehicle in Bhabanipur, allege foul play

Tensions flared in the Bhabanipur assembly constituency on Thursday as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers blocked the movement of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) vehicle, alleging that it was carrying suspicious items.

One of the workers claimed that the vehicle was transporting something questionable and insisted that it would not be allowed to move.

"There is something in the vehicle. Mamata Banerjee has brought something in her vehicle. The vehicle will not be allowed to move," he said.

Another BJP worker said, "They (TMC) will put duplicate machines and tamper with them... What is the vehicle of TMC doing outside the counting centre?"

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Bhabanipur strong room in Kolkata late Thursday night and said that her party will prevent all attempts, if made, to tamper with electronic voting machines.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the Bhabanipur strong room. TMC supremo here is facing BJP's Suvendu Adhikari.

Claiming that her party received reports of EVM tampering in many parts of the state, Banerjee said, "There is a strong room here for EVMs. We found that in many places, manipulation is taking place. When I saw the CCTV on TV, I thought I should also go and see it. Initially, the Central Forces wouldn't let me enter. But according to our election rules, the candidate and election agent of any party are allowed up to the sealed room."

Asserting that TMC is facing a biased stance from the Election Commission of India, CM Banerjee said, "Our agent has been arrested; there has been so much one-sidedness. Even after that, if someone tries to steal the EVM machine, if someone tries to steal the counting, then we will fight life and death together."

West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja flags 'serious loopholes' amidst strong room controversy, says 'no party informed'

West Bengal Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja once again reiterated her party's stance on recent strong room controversy in Kolkata while highlighting the "glaring loopholes" in the matter by the Election Commission.

Speaking to reporters, Panja asked why no political party was apprised earlier by the ECI over the segregation of postal ballots in the strong room, while alleging that the strong room was being left open without the presence of any political party representative.

"There were glaring loopholes: one, that particular room was opened without any political party representative being present; secondly, we were not apprised that this kind of activity related to postal ballots would take place," said Panja.

The TMC leader further alleged the presence of "certain people" in the strong room, which was seen through cameras, while denying any kind of communication by the ECI into the matter. She highlighted the response of the electoral body to the matter, saying that it had sent an email to political parties before the incident.

"There are very serious loopholes we have seen. On camera number 17, we noticed there were certain people inside the strong rooms, which were absolutely sealed by our agents. They are all in one room, and obviously there is one door to the room. Now, if you are opening the door, all parties need to be told about this. Yesterday, the Election Commission of India mentioned that they had sent an email," he said.

She further questioned the lack of protest by other political parties over the issue, stressing that the TMC wouldn't have said anything if other political groups had registered a protest over the issue. Panja alleged that the TMC witnessed human activity inside the strong room, in which ballots in pink envelopes were visible.

Election 2026 Live Updates: 'On the 4th you will receive good news', MK Stalin confident of return to power ahead of poll results

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday expressed confidence of a favourable outcome in the Assembly election results due on May 4, attributing it to the efforts of party workers while addressing a May Day event in Chennai.

Speaking at the May Day celebrations at May Day Park in Chinthadripet, Stalin said his government is guided by the principle of “Everything for Everyone” and reiterated his commitment to follow the legacy of his father, late M. Karunanidhi, who oversaw the creation of the memorial park and monument.

"On the 4th, the results of the election will be out, and I believe you will receive good news. In this situation, I want to say that we are running the government with the policy of 'Everything for Everyone.' This May Day Memorial Park and the monument were created by Thalaivar Kalaignar. He visited this place several times to personally oversee its construction. This shows how much he valued workers and their rights. Following his footsteps, we will all work together with the same spirit," Stalin said.

Election 2026 Live Updates: Efforts of party cadres will be rewarded on May 4, says DMK chief Stalin

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday said the efforts of party workers during the Assembly elections would be reflected in the results on May 4, when votes cast on April 23 are scheduled to be counted.

"We are set to reap the rewards of the hard work put in by our party cadres on the coming fourth (May 4 counting day). There is absolutely no change in this and not even the slightest deviation," Stalin said at a May Day event.

"There is no need for anyone to assume that I am speaking merely on the basis of exit polls," he added.

Stalin, who leads the DMK, said that "good news" would come for those awaiting the results and added that the party’s governance is based on “philosophy and principles,” which "will continue."

He also referred to former Chief Ministers C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi, noting their role in recognising May Day as a holiday. "Responding to the request of Kalaingnar (Karunanidhi), the then Prime Minister V P Singh accepted the plea and declared it (May 1) a paid government holiday not merely for Tamil Nadu, but for the entire nation," Stalin said.

Election 2026 Live Updates: 'At times exit polls give contradictory results', says CPM general secretary MA Baby

CPM general secretary M A Baby on Thursday said exit polls can at times produce “contradictory results” after surveys projected a defeat for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Kerala Assembly elections.

"The Exit polls give at times contradictory results...In the case of Keralam, it could be very close to reality because it's a very close fight. There would still be the possibility of us getting a majority," Baby told ANI.

Exit polls suggested that the United Democratic Front (UDF) is likely to unseat the LDF, potentially ending its 10-year tenure. Projections by Axis My India indicated the UDF could win 78 to 90 seats in the 140-member Assembly, while the LDF may secure 49 to 62 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) zero to three seats. Other surveys, including People’s Pulse and JVC, also projected a lead for the UDF, though with varying seat ranges.

Referring to other states, Baby said, "In Tamil Nadu, the exit poll predicts DMK-led alliance victory. But there is one exit poll with regard to Tamil Nadu also, which says that Vijay's outfit may get a majority. So it's not a uniform verdict coming from Tamil Nadu, too. In the case of West Bengal, I don't think that through a genuine electoral process, the BJP would be able to get a majority there."

He also accused the Election Commission of India of favouring the BJP and raised concerns over the counting process scheduled for May 4.

"The way in which Special intensive revision had been implemented in West Bengal. Everywhere, the Election Commission and CEC Ganesh Kumar are trying to help the BJP...There would be elements of rigging in some places that cannot be ruled out. So we have to wait and see how the entire electoral process has functioned in the state of West Bengal," he said