citizenship amendment act

Akhil Gogoi, leader of Raijor Dal, has made headlines as the standout opposition figure following Assam's assembly elections, successfully holding onto his Sibsagar seat. This victory stands out, particularly in light of his previous experiences with arrest under the UAPA.

PM Modi also offered prayers at Thakurbari, the main temple of the Matua Mahasangha at Thakurnagar in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district before his poll rally in the area. His visit to the headquarters of the community, housing the shrines of the sect's founders Hari Chand and Guru Chand Thakur, is seen as an outreach to Matua voters who influence at least 34 assembly seats directly and another two dozen along the Bangladesh border.

The Supreme Court has ruled that no cognisable offence was made out against BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma for alleged hate speeches during the 2020 anti-CAA protests.

Electoral analysts estimate that Matua voters influence outcomes in 60 to 65 assembly seats. In the second phase alone, they are a key factor in 21 constituencies. In tightly contested elections, this scale of influence gives the community leverage that political parties cannot ignore. This is evident in recent electoral trends.

Noida police claim two Pakistan-operated X accounts, Anushi Tiwari and Meer Ilyas Inc, fanned violence during a labour protest by spreading false death claims. Authorities are also investigating the 'Mazdoor Bigul Dasta' group for allegedly mobilizing and inciting workers, with three key individuals identified and two arrested.

Fresh protests erupted in Noida over salary hikes, while police revealed social media accounts from Pakistan allegedly fueled earlier labor unrest. Investigations point to a coordinated effort involving digital misinformation and on-ground mobilization by groups like Mazdoor Bigul Dasta, with several arrests made and more accused sought.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami declares the upcoming election a direct fight between his party and the DMK. He criticizes DMK leaders for prioritizing family interests and dismisses their claims about the NDA. Palaniswami defends AIADMK's past achievements and its alliance strategy, asserting the party's commitment to Tamil Nadu's welfare.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami dismisses Vijay's TVK, framing the election as a direct contest with the DMK. He accuses DMK leaders of prioritizing family interests and criticizes their claims of growth, attributing current progress to AIADMK's past governance. Palaniswami also defends AIADMK's relationship with the BJP, contrasting it with the DMK's alleged subservience and corruption.

BJP has mounted an all-out campaign to unseat Mamata in Bengal, but despite anti-incumbency, Suvendu Adhikari’s rise and Modi’s campaign blitz, cultural missteps, voter alienation and Didi’s enduring appeal complicate its path