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

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.

Narendra Modi will address the nation at 8:30 PM on April 18, 2026, following the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the address, though the agenda has not been disclosed. The development follows the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, falling short of the required two-thirds majority in the

A political war of words erupted after the Women’s Reservation Bill failed to pass in the Lok Sabha, with Smriti Irani strongly criticising the Indian National Congress and other Opposition parties. She accused them of celebrat

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the early implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, urging political parties to work together to ensure it is in place before the 2029 general elections. In a letter dated April 11 to leaders of all political parties in both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to implement the law, officially known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, in its true spirit. A special three-day session of Parliam

NEW YORK — As Zohran Mamdani completes his first 100 days in office, his tenure as mayor of New York City has been marked by an unusual blend of political leadership and public visibility more commonly associated with celebrity culture. From the outset, Mamdani has drawn large crowds to press bri

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar has recently raised awareness about a fake social media account impersonating her husband, director Sundar C, who recently made his political debut. This came after BJP state president Nainar Nagendran tagged the unverified account of Sundar C in a post, prompting Khushbu to clarify the situation. She immediately warned her followers by sharing the photo on her own X handle, making it clear that Sundar C does not have an official social media presence as of now

Tollywood star and Hindupur MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna has taken a significant personal step by beginning construction of his new home in Hindupur, located in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh. On Friday, Balakrishna and his wife performed the traditional Bhoomi Puja ceremony, marking the formal start of the house construction. The actor-turned-politician expressed happiness and emotional connection with the town, stating that Hindupur will now become his new permanent address. Balakrishna has represented Hindupur as a Telugu Desam Party MLA for three consecutive terms, reflecting the strong bond he shares with the people of the constituency. He acknowledged the unwavering support and trust shown by the residents, which played a key role in his decision to build his home there. According to Balakrishna, the people of Hindupur have always treated him as the rightful successor to his father, legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao. Balakrishna also recalled his father N. T. Rama Rao’s historic political victory from Hindupur in 1985, which later led to his rise as Chief Minister. This legacy has added deeper meaning to Balakrishna’s association with the constituency. He expressed gratitude for the continued support of the people and emphasized that building a home in Hindupur reflects his commitment and dedication to serving the community. Despite his active political career, Balakrishna confirmed that he will continue working in films while fulfilling his responsibilities as an MLA. His ability to balance both cinema and politics has made him one of the most influential personalities in Andhra Pradesh. The decision to establish his residence in Hindupur further strengthens his connection with the region and signals his long-term commitment to the people who have supported him throughout his political journey.

Heritage Foods has filed a major defamation lawsuit worth Rs 100 crore against Sakshi Media, escalating tensions between the media organization and the business group. The case was filed in the Delhi High Court after Heritage Foods alleged that Sakshi Media published false and defamatory reports linking the company to another dairy entity without sufficient evidence. The company stated that these reports damaged its reputation and credibility, prompting legal action to protect its brand image

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has sparked a political debate after questioning IT Minister Nara Lokesh’s reported travel to Colombo to watch cricket matches. Speaking to the media, Jagan raised concerns about the frequent use of private flights and helicopters by key leaders of the Andhra Pradesh government, including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and IT Minister Nara Lokesh. His remarks have drawn attention to the growin

The Telugu Desam Party once again found itself at the centre of national attention after one of its newly elected Members of Parliament delivered a commanding performance in the Lok Sabha. Krishna Prasad Tenneti, a first-time MP from Bapatla, went viral on social media after firmly handling a tense situation on the floor of Parliament. The incident highlighted the party’s long-standing tradition o

Voters in Tarrant County delivered a significant political upset on Saturday by electing Democrat Taylor Rehmet to represent Texas Senate District 9 in a special runoff election, flipping a seat that had been controlled by Republicans for decades. Rehmet defeated Republican opponent Leigh Wambsganss with 5

A major development unfolded in Telangana politics on Saturday as the Special Investigation Team completed its first round of questioning of former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in connection with the phone tapping case. The SIT officials arrived at KCR’s residence in Nandi Nagar earlier in the afternoon and began the inquiry at approximately 3:00 pm. What initially appeared to be a routine

Senior YSR Congress Party leader Ambati Rambabu has once again found himself at the center of controversy, with police reports confirming that as many as 16 criminal cases have been registered against him. The cases are reportedly linked to repeated incidents involving abusive language, provocative public statements, and actions that authorities believe could d

The Tirumala laddu controversy has once again gained political momentum in Andhra Pradesh, with Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party president Pawan Kalyan taking a strong stand on the issue. The Janasena leader has been facing sustained criticism from the YSR Congress Party over the matter, prompting him to respond forcefully during a recent interaction with party MLAs and representatives. During the meeting, Pawan Kalyan made sharp remarks about the alleged mismanagement of Ti

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party chief Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday, as thousands of supporters, political leaders and family members gathered to bid him an emotional farewell. The town witnessed scenes of deep grief as Pawar’s mortal remains, draped in the national flag, were brought from his native village Katewadi to Baramati for the final rites. The atmosphere remained solemn as people from nearby villages and NCP workers lined the streets to pay their respects to the veteran leader fondly known as Dada. Ajit Pawar’s sons, Parth Pawar and Jay Pawar, performed the last rites and lit the funeral pyre amid chants of emotional slogans from supporters who struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. Senior leaders from across party lines attended the funeral, underlining Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s political landscape. Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his last respects, while Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Police personnel and state officials accorded ceremonial honours as part of the official proceedings. Ajit Pawar, aged 66, died on Wednesday morning in a tragic plane crash involving a chartered Learjet near the Baramati airstrip, around 100 kilometres from Pune. The aircraft reportedly crashed shortly after approach, killing all those on board. The sudden nature of the accident sent shockwaves across the state and triggered an outpouring of grief from supporters and political colleagues alike. Large crowds gathered at the Vidya Pratishthan sports ground in Baramati, chanting slogans expressing their disbelief and sorrow over the untimely demise of a leader who played a crucial role in Maharashtra politics for decades. Several prominent figures, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh and other dignitaries, visited Pawar’s residence in Katewadi to offer condolences to the family. Ajit Pawar is survived by his wife Sunetra Pawar, a Rajya Sabha member, and their sons. The loss has left a significant void within the NCP, with party workers and leaders expressing concern over the future direction of the party in the absence of its chief. The fatal crash also claimed the lives of experienced pilot Captain Sumit Kapoor, co-pilot Shambhavi Pathak, Ajit Pawar’s personal security officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali. Authorities have registered an accidental death report in connection with the incident, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. As Maharashtra mourns the passing of Ajit Pawar, tributes continue to pour in, highlighting his political legacy, administrative experience and deep connection with the people of Baramati and beyond.

A major incident shocked Maharashtra on Tuesday after reports emerged that a plane carrying Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed while landing in Baramati. According to early inputs shared through live updates, the aircraft encountered difficulties during the landing process, leading to a crash that immediately triggered emergency protocols at the site. First visuals from the location began circulating online, showing heightened security presence and rescue teams rushing to the scene. Aut

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan has announced that he will not seek public office again, drawing a definitive line under years of speculation about his political future despite continued encouragement from supporters to pursue a national role. Hogan made the announcement in an opinion column published Tuesday, stating that while he remains deeply invested in the well-being of Maryland and concerned about the broader direction of national politics, his time as an electora