tight security

Bhubaneswar's special assembly session on women's participation in democracy is set for Thursday under heavy security. The ruling BJP hails it as a women's empowerment initiative, while opposition BJD and Congress dismiss it as political propaganda. The session aims to strengthen women's roles in governance, though critics question its legislative purpose.

On Friday, the serene town of Bodh Gaya will come alive with the 2,570th Buddha Purnima festivities, led by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The historic Mahabodhi Mahavihara will be the heart of the celebrations, drawing in thousands of followers from all over.

Stalin trailed by 7,159 votes, as the contest showed signs of tightening in subsequent rounds.

Linked To UK Cleric; Foreign Funding Alleged

Melur, an AIADMK stronghold in Madurai, has consistently elected the party, with P. Selvam retaining the seat in 2021 by a significant margin. The upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections feature a contest between the ruling DMK and the AIADMK, with the BJP-led alliance also in contention. Key campaign issues include welfare, law and order, and differing political identities.

Orathanadu, a significant Thanjavur constituency, has seen a close contest between AIADMK and DMK. AIADMK's R. Vaithilingam secured a decisive win in 2021, reversing the narrow victory of DMK's M. Ramachandran in 2016. Vaithilingam also triumphed in 2011, highlighting the constituency's dynamic political landscape.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed confidence in the Trinamool Congress securing over 200 seats, dismissing exit polls as stock market manipulation. She vowed to reward TMC workers who faced alleged brutality from Central Armed Police Forces. Repolling in South 24 Parganas district saw significant voter turnout amidst tight security.

Stalin has polled 10,639 votes. The difference between the two widened by at least 1,000 votes in round 3. However, counting of postal ballots is yet to begin for Kolathur.

Rajendran S of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam won the Ariyalur constituency with a margin of 24498 votes. He garnered 95219 votes, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate Latha Balu came second with 70721 votes.

Rajendran.R of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam won the Neyveli constituency with a margin of 10962 votes. He garnered 63731 votes, while Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate Saba.Rajendran came second with 52769 votes.

A switched-off mobile phone and documents linked to the Raniganj constituency were found in an envelope near the Asansol Engineering College strong room, sparking a commotion. A BJP leader alleged bias from officers towards the TMC and raised concerns over potential irregularities. The incident occurred amidst heavy security for EVMs ahead of tomorrow's results.

Enforcement Directorate raided nearly a dozen locations in Chandigarh and Mohali targeting builders linked to alleged financial fraud in acquiring Change of Land Use (CLU) licenses. During a Mohali raid, bags of Rs 500 notes, estimated at Rs 25 lakh, were reportedly thrown from a building. The ED action follows complaints of cheating the public of hundreds of crores.

Late at night in Amritsar's Khasa area, a loud explosion emanating from a stationary two-wheeler rattled the atmosphere near crucial military sites belonging to the BSF and Army. Fortunately, no one was hurt; however, the explosion did cause significant damage to the outer walls of nearby establishments.