Assembly Election 2026 Live Updates: 'TMC's time is up in Bengal' : PM Modi at poll rally in Cooch Behar

I will once again say to all parties: Let us come together and carry out this work for women's rights with consensus: PM Modi

Addressing a public meeting in Cooch Behar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This (Women's Reservation Bill) is the work of the entire country, not the work of any one party. Therefore, in the past few days, we have discussed this with all parties. I will once again say to all parties: Let us come together and carry out this work for women's rights with consensus. All parties should play their positive role. I want to tell the mothers and sisters of Bengal that you too should put pressure on all political parties, tell them to support this law for women's rights in Parliament with an open mind."

In this election, fear will be driven out of Bengal: PM Modi

Addressing a public meeting in Cooch Behar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "No matter how much the TMC goons intimidate you on polling day, you must trust in the law. In this election, fear will be driven out of Bengal. Confidence will awaken through the BJP's grand victory... I assure you, after this election, a full accounting of their (TMC's) sins will be done. It will be settled one by one. After May 4, the law will take its course, no matter how big a goon it may be, this time justice will be served..."

Assembly polls in Kerala not to change govt, to improve state's future: Union Minister Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the upcoming Kerala assembly polls are not merely for changing the government, but to improve the state's future.

Shah, at a public meeting in Kunnathunadu constituency here, noted that NDA vote share in Kerala increased since 2014 Lok Sabha polls and its time for a government of the BJP-led front in the state.

He wished Christian community on Easter and called on them to support NDA to form government in Kerala.

The Home Minister further said that justice for all and appeasement of none is the stand of the BJP-led NDA across the country.

Taking a dig at Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, he said the Marxist leader has started a new startup of changing names.

Shah said that Vijayan changes names of all centrally funded projects in the state to take credit for the same.

'India can't even buy oil from any country without Trump's permission,' says Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a rally in Assam's Golaghat, Rahul Gandhi said, "Trump openly said—Narendra Modi calls me 'sir', I can end his career whenever I want. The American President Trump is saying this because he holds the Epstein file, which contains the full truth about Modi. Trump has also filed a criminal case against Adani in America, because he knows that this is the BJP's financial system."

The situation now is this— India can't even buy oil from any country without Trump's permission. Narendra Modi has handed over India's energy security and data into America's hands. This is the result of Narendra Modi being compromised," he added.

Kerala polls: Police launch probe over illegal kit distribution in Thrissur

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation in connection with illegal distribution of household kits in parts of Thrissur city on April 4, the Election Commission said on Sunday.

The case was registered after an Election Flying Squad intercepted the unauthorised distribution of household kits near Olari Parthasarathy Temple and Karthika Super Market in Thrissur, an EC statement said.

The incident occurred with just days remaining for the assembly polls in Kerala on April 9.

The UDF and LDF candidates from Thrissur, Rajan Pallan and Alankode Leelakrishnan, accused the BJP of being behind the kit distribution. (PTI)

Tamil Nadu polls: Udhayanidhi Stalin calls for 'decisive win' against 'Delhi team'

DMK leader and Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sunday said that the April 23 electoral contest in the state was a decisive battle for state autonomy, and argued for sending the "Delhi Team," back home.

This election "is a war between the Delhi Team and the Tamil Nadu Team," he said.

"We are the Tamil Nadu Team...we must send Delhi Team back to where they came from with a decisive win," he adde.

Addressing a rally in Viralimalai assembly constituency in Pudukottai district, he urged the electorate to break the "remote control" Delhi uses to try and control Tamil Nadu.

Udhayanidhi attacked the opposition, specifically targeting incumbent MLA and AIADMK candidate C Vijayabaskar by calling him a "drama company actor", who is part of a "slave group" being threatened by the CBI and ED.

The deputy CM detailed the infrastructure and welfare achievements of the "Dravidian Model" government, specifically mentioning quality road works worth Rs 25 crore for 30 km and drinking water connections worth Rs 17 crore in the region.

He also claimed that the DMK revived the laptop scheme for college students after the AIADMK abandoned it in 2019. Looking toward a second term, he promised that the government would increase the women's entitlement amount to Rs 2,000 and build Rs 10 lakh houses under the "Kalaignar Kanavu Illam" initiative for those without homes.

Invoking his political lineage, he told the local cadre to set a high target, noting that while the party lost the seat by a narrow margin previously, this time DMK must win by a margin of "50,000 votes to drive away the slave group." (PTI)

Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya accuses TMC of 'orchestrating' Malda hostage incident

West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya on Saturday alleged that the reported incident involving 7 judicial officers held hostage by Malda villagers was "orchestrated" by the Trinamool Congress, accusing the ruling party of mounting pressure on the judiciary and engaging in divisive politics across the state.

Speaking to ANI, Bhattacharya said, "The entire thing was orchestrated by TMC. The person who was arrested was spotted on the stage with the West Bengal Chief Minister... It is in the public domain. TMC's divisive politics are prevalent throughout West Bengal." (ANI)

Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma 'most corrupt' CM: Rahul Gandhi

Assam's Himanta India's most corrupt CM, he spreads only hatred: Rahul Gandhi at poll rally in Biswanath Chariali. (PTI)

Won't spare Himanta even if he asks for forgiveness, legal action will be taken when Congress comes to power

Vijay declares two FIRs in fresh affidavit after original submission showed none

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, who had earlier submitted an election affidavit stating he had no pending criminal cases, has now declared two pending FIRs in a fresh affidavit filed with the returning officer for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections scheduled on April 23.

The actor-politician is contesting from the Perambur and Tiruchirapalli East constituencies, having filed his nomination for Perambur on March 30 and for Trichy East on April 2.The updated affidavit lists two cases - one each from from Chennai and Madurai - that were not included in his original submission. Read full story here

Assam CM and BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma dances to party's campaign song

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Kerala's Beypore seat

Karunanidhi 'house arrest' row: DMK MP A Raja sends notice to YouTube channel

Senior DMK leader A Raja has issued a legal notice to a YouTube channel over a controversial audio clip attributed to him, claiming the recording is a fraudulent creation involving artificial intelligence and selective editing.

He also criticised AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami for using the unverified clip to make defamatory remarks against late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

In a strongly worded social media post on Saturday, Raja asserted that the audio was "fabricated" using AI technology to misrepresent his speech.

"The audio clip circulated as if I spoke. It has been cut, pasted, and created using artificial intelligence to falsely fabricate a narrative. I have sent a legal notice through my lawyer regarding this," the Lok Sabha member said.

Raja described Palaniswami’s reliance on the recording for electoral gain as "politically uncivilised and dishonest."

He lashed out at the AIADMK chief, citing verses from poet Bharathiyar.

The controversial audio clip, which recently surfaced on social media, purportedly features Raja making disparaging remarks about the DMK leadership and internal party dynamics. The clips, circulated in two parts, allegedly suggest that CM Stalin was "unfit" for leadership and include sensitive claims regarding the 2G spectrum scam. Most provocatively, the audio includes allegations that Karunanidhi was mistreated or kept under "house arrest" during his final days -- a claim that Palaniswami has used to demand a fresh probe into the former CM's death, once he comes to power. (PTI)

EC suspends 4 Bengal police officers for 'fracas' during Amit Shah's roadshow

The Election Commission on Saturday suspended four senior Kolkata police officers, including a DCP, and ordered disciplinary proceedings against them for their failure to maintain law and order during a roadshow by Union home minister Amit Shah in Bhowanipore on April 2. In the past fortnight since the model code of conduct (MCC) came into effect in Bengal, the poll panel has suspended 17 officials, including five cops, two BDOs and 10 CAPF personnel.

The suspensions of Siddartha Dutta (DCP-II, South Division), Priyankar Chakraborty (OC, Alipore), Chandi Charan Banerjee (additional OC, Alipore) and Saurabh Chatterjee (sergeant, Alipore) were made on the recommendation of Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal. “The commission has agreed to the proposal and directs that the aforementioned police officers be suspended and disciplinary proceedings be initiated against them immediately,” the EC said.

On Thursday, during Shah’s roadshow culminating in BJP’s Suvendu Adhkari filing nomination from Bhowanipore, the atmosphere had turned tense near Kalighat, close to CM Mamata Banerjee’s residence, where Trinamool workers assembled in large numbers and raised counter-slogans. Cops prevented a full-blown confrontation and formed human barricades to keep the two sides apart.

Palaniswami vs Stalin on Karunanidhi 'house arrest' row

AIADMK general secretary Edapaddi K Palaniswami on Saturday announced that if the party comes to power following the Tamil Nadu assembly elections on April 23, his government would investigate a viral video in which senior DMK leader A Raja allegedly claimed that chief minister and DMK supremo MK Stalin kept his late father, M Karunanidhi, under “house arrest” during the DMK veteran's final days.

Palaniswami insisted that Stalin should direct his anger at Raja, not at him. Read full story here

Assam polls: Minister and BJP candidate Ashok Singhal to interact with over 1 lakh voters through social media

Sharpening his campaign ahead of the Assam assembly elections, state minister and BJP candidate from Dhekiajuli, Ashok Singhal, is set to interact with around 1-1.25 lakh voters through a large-scale social media outreach programme on Sunday.

Scheduled for 4 pm, the initiative aims to adopt a cost-effective campaigning model, which Singhal described as an unprecedented experiment in constituency elections.

The programme will cover approximately 2,500 locations, where an estimated 40-50 voters at each site are expected to participate, resulting in outreach to more than one lakh residents.

Speaking to the media, Singhal said, "I will deliver a speech online, streamed simultaneously to all these locations. This innovative approach involves no campaign cost, as voters assemble at nearby venues, avoiding travel expenses. No other contestant in any assembly constituency has attempted such a digital experiment before."

Singhal is the incumbent MLA from the Dhekiajuli seat and is seeking re-election. Assam will vote in a single phase across 126 assembly constituencies on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu polls: VCK chief Thirumavalavan opts out of poll race

VCK founder Thol Thirumavalavan has announced that he will not contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, withdrawing from the race days after he nominated himself from Kattumannarkoil.

"I wanted to enter the Assembly, but I have now changed my mind to ensure the unity of the DMK alliance," Thirumavalavan told reporters at a press briefing in Chennai on Saturday.

Earlier, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi foudner had announced his intention to fight from the Kattumannarkoil constituency, expressing an
"inner calling" to serve in the assembly. (PTI)

Rs 11 lakh cash seized from DMK functionary's house in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli

Nearly Rs 11 lakh in cash was seized from the residence of a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionary in Tiruchirappalli, following information that the money was allegedly meant for distribution to voters in the Srirangam Assembly Constituency ahead of the upcoming elections.

Acting on a tip-off, authorities conducted a raid at the house of Gandhi, also known as Azhagappan, a DMK member and former Panchayat President of Ammappettai in Srirangam.

The operation was conducted by Income Tax officials led by Additional District Officer Kathiravan, along with the election flying squad headed by Thuraiyur Tahsildar Chandramouli.

During the search, Rs 11 lakh in cash was recovered from the homes of Gandhi and his son. The seized amount was subsequently handed over to the Assistant Election Officer for further action, while authorities continue to probe the matter. (ANI)

Full statehood, free education among Cong's 'guarantees' for Puducherry

In its election manifesto for Puducherry, Congress announces:

• Full statehood
• Free education from primary to research
• Rs 2,000 monthly scholarship for college students
• Grocery items worth Rs 2,500 to all families
• Gold for thali to married women as a subsidy

Kerala assembly polls: 'LDF model is based on people-oriented development,' says CPIM leader Brinda Karat

"All over Kerala, there's a very big campaign, and there is no doubt about it that the people are coming out in huge numbers in support of the LDF for a third term, and that is based on the wonderful work that the LDF government has done for Kerala. It is a different model because it is based on people-oriented development," says CPIM leader Brinda Karat.

The 2026 Assam Assembly elections are shaping up as a defining political contest, a clash of experience and emerging leadership, legacy and new energy. At the centre of this battle are two high-profile constituencies, Jorhat, where Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has turned the race into a prestige fight, and Jalukbari, the long-standing stronghold of chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The broader contest will see the ruling BJP-led NDA, comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front, seeking a third consecutive term in the 126-member Assembly. The Indian National Congress, meanwhile, is aiming to return to power after a decade in the Opposition.

A Noor Mohammed, 68, of Sundarapuram wanted to make a strong political statement before filing his nomination as an independent candidate in Kinathukadavu constituency for the April 23 assembly election. He arrived at the Madukkarai taluk office on Saturday sitting on a wheeled board like a beggar. He had tonsured his head; he wore a garland of green chillies; and he held a vessel containing a few coins.

And the message he wanted to convey to people was: “Don’t sell your votes.”Mohammed said vote-buying harmed not just individual voters but the whole state. He warned that when people exchanged their democratic rights for money, society would be pushed toward hardship and humiliation.

Kharge unveils Congress manifesto for Puducherry assembly polls

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge released the party’s election manifesto for the Puducherry assembly elections during a public meeting.

PM Modi holds roadshow in Thiruvananthapuram

Bengal polls: TMC names Mamata, Abhishek among star campaigners

TMC releases a list of star campaigners for West Bengal (Phase I) in connection with the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, 2026, including CM Mamata Banerjee, AITC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, TMC leaders Fairhad Hakim, Subrata Bakshi, Chandrima Bhattacharya, Kalyan Banerjee and others.

'BJP's targeting Bengal, we will target Delhi': Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a public meeting in Malda asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre will fall in 2026, stating that while the BJP is targeting Bengal, her party is preparing to take the fight to Delhi in the coming days.

She said, "In 2026, the BJP government in Delhi will fall. They are targeting Bengal, we will target Delhi, stay prepared in the coming days." Mamata Banerjee also launched a direct attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of cutting votes in Murshidabad and transfers of state officials.

"I challenge Amit Shah to hold a public meeting here and talk to those whose names have been struck off and explain. You are the Home Minister of the country, and you give instructions over the phone to cut votes as soon as Muslims are seen, to cut votes in Murshidabad. Votes have been cut in my constituency too. Will you win like this? Elections are happening in 5 states, a total of 506 officers have been transferred across all, out of which 485 officers have been transferred in Bengal alone. I will tell the people to take revenge for this; those whose names have been cut should appeal in the tribunal," said CM.

Earlier in the day, while addressing the public meeting at Manikchak, CM Banerjee said, "If you want to live peacefully for the next 5 years, then you must unite to stop the BJP. BJP will ruin the country. They don't respect any religion. They impose a religion that's manufactured by them. Maa Kali's prasad includes both fish and meat. What religion is the BJP trying to preach? They first need to understand the culture of Bengal."

"Don't fall for any provocation. They want to create trouble and get 30-40 people arrested from every area. This is happening in Malda. Innocent people are getting arrested. NIA, CBI, ED, BSF & CISF are under Mota Bhai's control. Mota Bhai calls us thieves. But where does the money from the borders go? You brand people as infiltrators for speaking in Bengali. You [BJP] are the biggest infiltrators. They come here during polls to capture votes forcefully," she added.

'They said Dhurandhar is a lie': PM Modi jabs LDF, UDF; calls them masters of lies in Kerala

Assembly elections: Annamalai holds roadshow in Pondicherry

'They said Dhurandhar is a lie': PM Modi jabs LDF, UDF, calls them masters of lies in Kerala

PM Modi says, The LDF and UDF people have become pro at lying. They said Kerala Files is a lie, they said Kashmir Files is a lie, they said Dhurandhar is a lie. These days, they are spreading lies about the FCRA and UCC. Goa has had UCC for decades, but they're spreading lies around it. They also did the same around the CAA."

Kerala assembly polls: Congress wants West Asia to see India as an enemy,' says PM Modi

PM Modi said, "Congress is making statements that risk straining India’s relations with West Asian countries, creating unnecessary panic. This is being done only for political attacks on Modi. To the LDF and UDF, I want to say this clearly, elections will come and go, but the safety of Indians, especially those from Keralam in the Middle East, is my top priority, and I will ensure it.

"Indian fishermen from Goa, Keralam, Tamil Nadu and other states are currently stranded in Iran and parts of the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict," he said.

"We’re trying to bring them back safely. Congress doesn't care about this. The only thing they care about is politics and power. The Congress does not care about the people of India. They should apologise to the nation," he added.

‘Congress risking Indians’ safety in Gulf for politics’: PM Modi

'Cong compromising safety of Indians in Gulf': PM Modi's big charge in Kerala

In Kerala's Thiruvalla, PM Modi accused the Congress leaders of issuing statements that create 'distrust' or fear on West Asia issue.

If BJP government is formed, women will benefit the most in Kerela: PM Modi

PM Modi said women have benefited the most from NDA policies, with a strong focus on empowerment at every stage of life. He highlighted initiatives such as building toilets, opening bank accounts, providing homes in women’s names, and promoting entrepreneurship through MUDRA loans.

He added that support for self-help groups and the Lakhpati Didi programme has yielded strong results, with 3 crore beneficiaries already and a target to create 3 crore more. He said women in Kerala would gain the most if a BJP government is formed in the state.

NDA dispensed 5 times more fund to Kerala than Congerss-led UPA: PM Modi

PM Modi said Kerala received significantly lower central allocations when the LDF and UDF were in power at the Centre, adding that funding to the state has increased five times under his government.

'NDA to ensure development as it did in northeast, Goa': PM Modi to Christians

​PM Modi says, "In the northeast, with a significant Christian population, the NDA has formed governments in 7 states. We have delivered on work that was pending for decades."

"In Goa too, with a sizable Christian community, we continue to serve and drive development. In Keralam, we will form the government, improve quality of life, and address the concerns of fishermen and local communities," he added.

'Countdown for LDF exit has begun': PM Modi at Kerala's Thiruvalla rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...I have come here before as well, but this time the winds of change are blowing in a different direction. The biggest transformation is now about to take place in Keralam. Voting will be held on April 9, and on May 4, the end of decades of misgovernance will be declared."

"It is now certain that the countdown to the exit of the LDF government has begun. For the first time, a BJP-NDA government is coming to power in Keralam," he added.

Kerala assembly polls: PM Modi thanks little girl and a man for portrait of him, his mother

Kerela assembly polls: PM Modi offers prayers to Lord Sri Vallabha and Lord Ayyappa

Addressing a rally in Kerala's Thiruvalla rally, PM Modi) says, “I bow at the feet of Lord Sri Vallabha. On this sacred land of Thiruvalla, I also offer my prayers to Sabarimala and Lord Ayyappa. It is with this spirit that I bow before Lord Sri Vallabha. Thiruvalla is a sacred land, and it is also connected to the holiness of Sabarimala.”

Kerala assembly polls: PM Modi participates in a public meeting at Thiruvalla

‘Sabarimala gold theft biggest crime, PM silent’: Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP, CPM

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: EC is working at the command of the BJP, says CM Mamata Banerjee

"This EC is working at the command of the BJP. They have changed everything in Bengal. The only thing that they couldn't change is the state government, and they will never be able to change it either," she said.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: CM Mamata Banerjee addresses rally

Don't fall for any provocation; BJP wants to stoke violence, use central agencies to target people as they did in Malda's Mothabari, she said.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: I am out on bail, says Rahul Gandhi in poll rally

“I fight the BJP, I fight the RSS. I have 36–38 cases against me. They took away my government house and my membership in the Lok Sabha. I am out on bail and have been interrogated for 55 hours, but I do not back down. PM Modi attacks me and the Congress party every single day. Why does Narendra Modi not attack your CM? Forget that, in almost every speech, Narendra Modi mentions God, temples, and religion. Every other speech of his talks about someone insulting a God or a religion and when gold is allegedly stolen from one of the most valued temples in Kerala and replaced with brass, the Prime Minister visits Kerala but does not say a word about it," he said.

Kerala Election 2026 Live: Rahul Gandhi alleges Kerala CM has ties with those attacking minorities elsewhere in country

He targeted ruling dispensation, saying nothing 'Left' in LDF.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: DMK chief Stalin alleges BJP-led Centre has failed in its foreign policy

Stalin alleged that PM Modi has created situation of no influence for India even among smaller neighbouring countries.

Tamil Nadu Election 2026 Live: 'Ticket was not denied, I decided not to contest,' says BJP leader K Annamalai

"I had already informed the core committee in writing that I would not contest from any constituency. So, it is not that I was denied a ticket; the truth is that I decided not to contest. Since this has become a topic of discussion in the media, I am clarifying it here. I am grateful to the BJP leadership for respecting my decision and giving me the opportunity to campaign in support of the NDA alliance candidates," he said.

Assembly Election 2026 Live: EC clears 4,660 auxiliary booths, relocates 321 polling stations in West Bengal for voter ease

To enhance voter convenience ahead of the assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission has approved the creation of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in areas where the number of voters exceeded 1,200. Additionally, 321 polling stations have been relocated to improve accessibility. With these changes, the total number of polling stations in the state, including auxiliary booths, now stands at 85,379.

West Bengal Election 2026 Live: TMC seeks removal of Bhabanipur poll official, alleges proximity with BJP's Suvendu

The All India Trinamool Congress has demanded the immediate removal of the returning officer for the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency, alleging that he shares close links with BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari.