West Bengal recorded an unprecedented 92.9% voter turnout in Phase 1 of the Assembly elections held on Thursday, April 24, 2026, making it the highest polling percentage in the state since Independence. According to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, this marks a historic milestone, reflecting extraordinary voter participation across constituencies. Out of approximately 3.6 crore registered

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 23, 2026, expressed strong confidence in her party’s performance following a high voter turnout in the first phase of the Assembly elections. Addressing a rally in Chowringhee, central Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief said the enthusiastic participation of voters indicated public support for her government and its policies. She stated

Voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 witnessed strong participation from not just the public but also leading stars from the film industry. Prominent actors including Ajith Kumar, Vijay, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan stepped out early in the day to cast their votes, encouraging fans and citizens to take part in the democratic process. Their presence at polling booths across Chennai and other regions drew attention and boosted enthusiasm among voters. Ajith Kumar was amo

After weeks of intense campaigning, voting has begun in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, marking a crucial phase in the 2026 Assembly elections. In West Bengal, polling started at 7 am across 152 constituencies in the first phase, covering more than half of the state’s total 294 seats. The contest in Bengal is largely seen as a direct and high-stakes face-off between the ruling Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Early hours witnessed long queues at polling

Chennai: The intense campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026 will come to an end today, marking the start of the mandatory silent period ahead of voting scheduled on April 23. Over the past few weeks, the state has witnessed a high-energy political battle, with top national and regional leaders holding rallies, roadshows, and public meetings across all 234 constituencies. Prominent leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress le

Chennai: Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, made a strong final appeal to voters ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026, urging them to support his party’s “Whistle” symbol. Addres

The Election Commission of India has completed extensive preparations for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, ensuring strict monitoring and security across the state. Surveillance teams have been deployed in all constituencies and are working round the clock to maintain law and order. Authorities have seized cash, liquor, narcotics and gift items worth Rs 1212.74 crore during the enforcement drive, although a portion of the seized cash was later returned after verification. The final electoral rolls show over 5.73 crore voters, including more than 2.93 crore women, who are expected to cast their votes at over 75,000 polling stations across the state. A public holiday has been declared on polling day to encourage voter participation. Employers have been directed to grant leave even to shift-based and casual workers, including those working outside their constituencies, so they can exercise their franchise. Liquor outlets across the state and bordering regions will remain closed from April 21 to April 23, and again on the counting day, May 4, as part of measures to ensure free and fair elections. To strengthen election integrity, over 7,000 micro observers have been deployed at sensitive polling stations. These teams will function under the supervision of general, police and expenditure observers appointed for all 234 constituencies. Additionally, nearly 84,000 police personnel and more than 40,000 non-police staff have been assigned election duties. The Union Home Ministry has also provided 300 companies of CAPF personnel to enhance security coverage across districts. Officials have emphasized that these arrangements are aimed at ensuring a transparent and peaceful voting process. With strict enforcement, widespread monitoring and administrative readiness, authorities expect a smooth polling day with strong voter participation across Tamil Nadu.

N. Chandrababu Naidu marked his birthday with intense political activity, choosing to campaign in Tamil Nadu for the National Democratic Alliance instead of celebrating the occasion. The veteran leader arrived in Coimbatore, where he received a strong reception from supporters and members of the Telugu community, signaling the growing momentum of the NDA campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. Continuing his schedule, Naidu interacted with local leaders and key political figures, holding discussions on electoral strategy and regional issues. His visit reflects a broader push by the NDA to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, with Naidu playing an active role in mobilizing support. His decision to campaign on his birthday highlights his commitment to political work and alliance responsibilities. During his address, Naidu criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for opposing the delimitation bill, stating that the move could negatively impact southern states in the future. He argued that the bill was intended to address concerns arising from population-based seat allocation and warned that resistance to it could harm the region’s political representation. Naidu’s remarks came as he took a firm stance in support of the delimitation proposal, even while speaking in a region where the issue remains politically sensitive. He emphasized that such reforms are necessary to ensure balanced representation and long-term benefits for states in South India. Following his engagements in Coimbatore, Naidu is expected to continue his campaign in Chennai, where he will participate in roadshows and public meetings. His active involvement underlines the NDA’s strategy to intensify outreach efforts in the state ahead of the polls. With his continued presence on the ground and focus on key political issues, Naidu’s campaign signals a determined push by the NDA to make inroads in Tamil Nadu. His efforts are likely to play a significant role in shaping the alliance’s performance in the upcoming elections.

N. Chandrababu Naidu, one of the most prominent and experienced leaders in Indian politics, celebrates his 76th birthday, marking a remarkable journey filled with leadership, resilience, and vision. Born on April 20, 1950, Naidu has played a crucial role in shaping the political and developmental landscape of Andhra Pradesh. As the national president of the Telugu Desam Party, he continues to remain an influential figure both at the state and national levels. Chandrababu Naidu’s political journey began during his college days, where he actively participated in student politics. He started his career with the Youth Congress in the 1970s and was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in 1978. Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Minister for Rural Development between 1983 and 1989. In 1995, he took over as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, succeeding his father-in-law N. T. Rama Rao. He went on to serve consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004, becoming one of the longest-serving chief ministers in the state’s history. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Naidu gained recognition for transforming Andhra Pradesh into a hub for technology and investment. His tech-savvy governance style helped attract global investors and positioned the state as a key player in India’s IT growth story. Over the years, he has received several prestigious recognitions, including IT Indian of the Millennium, Business Person of the Year, and South Asian of the Year. His contributions also extended to national policy-making, where he chaired the National IT Panel under the NDA government. Even today, Chandrababu Naidu remains deeply committed to public service. His focus continues to be on large-scale development projects such as Amaravati capital city and the Polavaram irrigation project, along with attracting investments to boost the state’s economy. Known for his disciplined and work-driven lifestyle, he often prioritizes governance over personal celebrations, reflecting his dedication to progress and development. Beyond politics, Naidu’s personal life also reflects strong family ties. He is married to Nara Bhuvaneshwari and has a son, Nara Lokesh, who is also active in politics. With a legacy built on administrative strength and visionary leadership, Chandrababu Naidu continues to shape the future of Andhra Pradesh, reinforcing his status as one of India’s most impactful political leaders.

Raghav Chadha sparked fresh political buzz after taking a pointed dig at his own party, Aam Aadmi Party, during a Rajya Sabha session. Highlighting the absence of senior leadership, Chadha remarked that neither the party’s leader nor the newly appointed deputy leader was present in the House, even as he himself attended despite recently being removed from the deputy leader position. In h

India’s Parliament witnessed intense exchanges and high political drama during the special session as debates around the delimitation bill and women’s reservation took centre stage. The discussions brought out sharp ideological differences between the ruling government and the Opposition, with leaders raising concerns about fairness, representation, and timing of reforms. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram sparked fresh controversy by likening the delimitation exercise to an “i

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The race to succeed California Governor Gavin Newsom is gaining momentum as candidates compete in a crowded and unpredictable primary contest shaped by the state’s unique election system. California uses a top-two primary format, in which all candidates appear on a single ballot regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to the general election, even if they belong to the same party. This structure has int

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha during the ongoing special Parliament session, offering a strong assurance that the proposed delimitation process will be conducted without bias toward any region. His statement comes at a time when the issue has triggered a major political confrontation between the ruling NDA and Opposition parties, especially leaders from southern states who fea

In the heart of Chennai’s bustling T Nagar, the atmosphere was electric as Tamil cinema’s iconic superstar Vijay, also known as "Thalapathy," transformed a political rally into a cinematic spectacle. This wasn’t just another election campaign; it was an event that blurred the lines between cinema and politics, captivating both his fans and political observers alike. With Vijay leading the charge for the Tamil Nadu political party, TVK, the streets of T Nagar became a stage for what coul

The Special Parliament Session, set to run from April 16 to 18, has kicked off with significant debates surrounding the government’s proposed amendments. One of the most anticipated legislative pieces is the operationalization of the Women’s Reservation Act, which aims to ensure 33% representation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies by 2029. Alongside this, a Constitution amendment bill will be presented on the first day of the session, marking the beginning of what promi

India's Parliament is set to witness a fierce debate over three proposed bills that could significantly alter the country's electoral system, especially the reservation for women. While the government argues these bills are crucial for ensuring a 33% reservation for women, the opposition and legal experts have raised serious concerns about the political and constitutional implications. The first bill, the Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposes an increase in Lok Sabha seats to 850,

MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has intensified his protests against the Centre’s proposed delimitation move, burning a copy of the bill and hoisting a black flag. This move is part of a broader statewide agitation initiated by Stalin, who has termed the proposed delimitation as a direct attack on Tamil rights and federalism. In a symbolic gesture of defiance, Stalin called the bill a "black law" and urged widespread resistance across Tamil Nadu. The protest was spark

Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been granted Z category security by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs following a threat assessment. The decision comes after the Punjab government, led by AAP, withdrew his earlier Z+ security cover, sparking political controversy. According to sources, the Intelligence Bureau's report highlighted the need for enhanced security for Chadha, which prompted the Centre to step in, assigning paramilitary forces to provide protecti

In a historic political shift, Samrat Choudhary took oath as the 21st Chief Minister of Bihar on Wednesday, marking the end of Nitish Kumar’s long and influential reign. The ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan and attended by top BJP leaders, as Choudhary officially replaced Kumar, who resigned on April 14 to vacate the post for a new government led by the BJP. The swearing-in ceremony, officiated by Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, marks a turning point in Bihar’s political landscape. Ch

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid out an ambitious roadmap for the state’s development, aiming to transform Tamil Nadu into a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. This vision is backed by the ‘Dravidian Model’ of governance, which has already set the state on a path of rapid industrial and economic growth. Tamil Nadu is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s economic future, with targets such as attracting investments worth ₹18 lakh crore, increasing exports t