At a Government Model Higher Secondary School in Nandhanam, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran cast his vote and didn’t waste time making his position clear. For him, this election is not just about seats, it’s about identity.

He described the polls as a “battle for our language and our motherland,” referring to Tamil pride and regional identity. Standing before cameras, he sounded confident that the ruling DMK would return to power. According to him, voters are likely to reward what he called “good governance.”

Follow: Tamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE

Maran also made a strong claim about the voter list. He said that fake and duplicate voters have been removed, thanks to efforts by his party. This, he believes, will make the election cleaner and more reliable.

And then came a bold prediction. He expects a massive turnout in Chennai, possibly between 85% and 95%. That’s a big number, especially for a metro city where voting percentages are usually lower.

BJP targeted, centre accused over funds

Maran didn’t hold back when it came to attacking the BJP. He said the people of Tamil Nadu would give a “fitting response” to the party.

He accused the Union government of taking away a large share of the state’s funds to control Tamil Nadu. According to him, this has been a consistent pattern under the BJP government.

Despite this, he claimed that the state has managed to perform strongly. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s GDP growth stands at 11.2%, which he said is the highest in the country.

He also credited MK Stalin for standing firm against the Centre and continuing to push for the state’s rights.

And once again, he circled back to a core theme: language. According to him, people want their Tamil identity protected, and that sentiment will reflect in the results.

A family affair: Son Karan urges voters to think

It wasn’t just Maran making headlines. His son, Karan Dhayanidhi Maran, also cast his vote at the same location and brought a slightly different tone to the conversation.

While his father spoke politics, Karan focused on responsibility.

He said he felt excited to exercise his constitutional right and believed he had made the “right choice.” But more importantly, he had a message for voters: don’t just follow the noise.

He urged people to make informed decisions after checking facts carefully. According to him, Tamil Nadu voters are educated and capable of understanding the truth. He warned against falling for propaganda and encouraged everyone to dig into details before choosing their candidate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a dig at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her reaction to his video of relishing ‘Jhal Muri’ (a local spicy snack) in Bengal. Addressing a rally in Nadia, which will go to polls on April 28 in the second phase, Modi said, “On May 4 the victory celebrations for the BJP will take place in Bengal as well. Sweets will be distributed, and ‘Jhal Muri’ will be handed out too.”

Taking a swipe at CM Banerjee, the PM further added, “Incidentally, I have heard that ‘Jhal Muri’ has already delivered a stunning shock to certain people… ‘Jhal Muri maine khaayi lekin jhal TMC ko lagi hai’ (I ate jhal muri, but it’s the TMC that got the burn)…”

Reacting to Modi’s video of relishing jhalmuri, CM Banerjee had called it a staged drama. She claimed that a microphone and camera were pre-installed, jhalmuri was specially arranged with SPG assistance.

Referring to the first phase of polling in Bengal, Modi said that the election in Bengal is first of its kind in the last 50 years in which violence has been kept to an absolute minimum.

“Previously, it was common practice to hang someone every week and simply claim it was a suicide. In many respects, a regime of lawlessness and hooliganism prevailed,” he said.

The Prime Minister also extended his “heartfelt congratulations to the Election Commission; they have once again restored the dignity of democracy on the soil of Bengal”

Referring to reports, Modi said that the turnout is shattering all previous records and that it is a signal of BJP’s victory.

“I also commend the government employees here… Based on the information I have received so far, voter turnout is shattering all previous records,” he said.

Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday visited sensitive polling stations in Nandigram as voting for the state Assembly elections got underway, alleging that he was stopped from entering one of the booths.

The development comes amid a closely watched election in West Bengal, where several constituencies are witnessing intense political contests and heightened security concerns, with both ruling and opposition leaders raising complaints about disruptions during polling.

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said, “I was not allowed to enter this polling booth. The common man wants peace. Jo shanti todega, hum usko todne ka kaam karenge. (Whoever disturbs the peace, we will break them).”

Suvendu Adhikari casts vote, raises concerns over law and order

Earlier in the day, Adhikari cast his vote in Nandigram and called for immediate action against those creating disturbances.

“Parivartan hoga. If a change does not take place this time, Sanatana in Bengal will be finished. The Election Commission is doing good work, but there are some goons everywhere. Our polling agent has been arrested. Strict action should be taken immediately,” he told ANI.

Nandigram and Bhabanipur remain key battlegrounds

Adhikari is contesting from Nandigram, where he faces Trinamool Congress candidate Pabitra Kar. The constituency has remained politically significant since the 2021 Assembly elections, when Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by a narrow margin of 1,956 votes.

Bhabanipur, meanwhile, has once again emerged as a high-profile seat, witnessing a renewed contest between Banerjee and Adhikari. After her defeat in Nandigram in 2021, Banerjee later won the Bhabanipur bypoll following the resignation of MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay.

Turnout crosses 41% in early hours of polling

West Bengal recorded brisk voter participation in the initial phase of polling. According to the Election Commission of India, voter turnout stood at 41.11 per cent at 11 am on Thursday.

Among districts, Paschim Mednipur reported the highest turnout at 44.68 per cent, followed by Jhargam at 43.71 per cent and Bankura at 43.22 per cent. Malda recorded the lowest turnout at 38.22 per cent.

Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

After nearly a month out with injury, Mitchell Starc is set for an IPL 2026 return, having been cleared by Cricket Australia.

The left-arm pacer is expected to link up with Delhi Capitals shortly and gradually build up his bowling workload after recovering from elbow and shoulder issues sustained during the Australian summer.

Starc is likely to make his first appearance of the season in Delhi’s May 1 clash against Rajasthan Royals, having missed the opening phase of the tournament.

The injury setback followed an intense stretch of cricket, where Starc featured in all five Tests during Australia’s 4-1 Ashes triumph, earning Player of the Series honours, before turning out for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

Delhi Capitals, currently placed fifth on the points table with a 3-3 record, will hope Starc’s return bolsters a bowling attack led so far by Lungi Ngidi, who has picked up seven wickets in six matches.

Starc had earlier addressed criticism surrounding his delayed arrival in a strongly worded social media post, clarifying the extent of his injury and reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.

Also Read: Mitchell Starc breaks silence on IPL 2026 delay, cites injury and hits back at critics

“Despite the opinions and views of certain individuals with their platforms in and through the Indian media, I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me.

With that said I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season. I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team, and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap,” Starc had written.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins is also set to return this weekend, having been cleared after recovering from a back stress issue. The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper is expected to resume captaincy in Hyderabad’s upcoming fixture.

A late-night road accident in East Delhi claimed the life of a motorcyclist and left three members of his family injured after a speeding car rammed into their bike in the Shakarpur area, police said on Thursday.

The incident occurred around 1:00-1:30 AM near Vikas Marg under the jurisdiction of Shakarpur police station. According to officials, the motorcycle was carrying a family of four when it was hit from behind by a fast-moving car.

Delhi: In East Delhi’s Shakarpur area near Vikas Marg, a car collided with a bike carrying a family of four around 1:00 AM, leaving one dead and three injured. Police arrested the car driver. The injured were taken to hospital, where the bike rider Neeraj was declared dead pic.twitter.com/uCLjyZQzbo

— IANS (@ians_india) April 23, 2026

The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors declared the rider, identified as Neeraj, dead on arrival.

His wife and two children sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.

The driver of the car has been apprehended and taken into custody. Preliminary investigation suggests that overspeeding may have led to the accident, though further inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause.

Police have registered a case and are examining CCTV footage from the area to piece together the sequence of events.

The incident has once again raised concerns over reckless driving and road safety in the city, particularly during late-night hours when traffic violations often go unchecked.

The big moment is here, and students across the country are already refreshing their browsers! The buzz around JEE (Advanced) 2026 just got real as the registration window officially opens. If you’ve cleared JEE (Main), this is your next big step. And yes, the clock is already ticking.

Registration window opens today at 10 am

The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, better known as IIT Roorkee, has announced that online registration for JEE (Advanced) 2026 begins on April 23 at exactly 10:00 am. Only those who qualified in JEE (Main) 2026 can apply.

But don’t relax just yet. This window will slam shut on May 2 at 11:59 pm. Miss it, and there’s no second chance. Students must complete the entire process online through the official portal without delays.

Fee payment deadline comes two days later

Here’s a twist many forget. Registration alone isn’t enough. Candidates must also pay the application fee to complete the process.

The last date for fee payment is May 4, 11:59 pm. That gives a small buffer after registration closes, but experts say don’t rely on those extra days. Technical issues and payment failures can happen anytime.

Also Read: TS SSC Class 10 Result 2026 Date and Time: How to check scorecards at bse.telangana.gov.in and via SMS

Instructions, documents & accuracy matter

Before jumping in, candidates are strongly advised to go through all instructions, eligibility rules, and the official information brochure available on the website.

Every detail matters. From personal information to uploaded documents, everything must be correct and match the required format. Even small mistakes can cause trouble later, so double-checking is not optional.

Help videos & last-minute warning

Feeling confused? Don’t worry, help is already there. Step-by-step guidance videos explaining the registration process are available in the “Resources” section of the official website jeeadv (dot) nic (dot) in.

Still, the biggest advice remains simple: don’t wait till the last moment. Heavy traffic, slow servers, or simple human panic can ruin everything at the end.

Students are also advised to keep checking the official website regularly for updates, announcements, and any changes.

A proposal to replace Iran with Italy at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 has reportedly emerged amid rising geopolitical tensions involving Donald Trump and the Vatican.

According to a report by the Financial Times, US special envoy Paolo Zampolli suggested to both Trump and Gianni Infantino that Italy be included in the tournament in place of Iran. The move is reportedly aimed at easing tensions between Trump and Giorgia Meloni following the former’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV.

“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli was quoted as saying.

The controversy follows Trump’s sharp attack on Pope Leo XIV over his stance on US immigration policy and the ongoing war in Iran. In a Truth Social post, Trump described the Pope as “weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy,” drawing widespread criticism.

Meloni condemned the remarks, calling them “unacceptable,” further straining relations.

On the sporting front, Italy’s absence from the 2026 tournament is notable. The four-time champions failed to qualify after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs, marking the first time a former World Cup winner has missed three consecutive editions.

Iran, meanwhile, secured qualification for a fourth straight World Cup. However, following escalating conflict and airstrikes involving the United States and Israel, uncertainty surrounds their participation. Iran had earlier requested FIFA to shift their group-stage matches from the US to Mexico.

Despite initial assurances from Infantino that Iran would be “welcome” at the tournament—co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19—Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali later indicated that the team may not participate due to safety concerns.

Trump subsequently stated that “The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Iran is scheduled to open their campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 16, before facing Belgium and Egypt in their remaining group matches.

In the middle of a high-stakes Assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s West Bengal unit on Thursday seized on a short video clip of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, using his remarks to target the ruling Trinamool Congress and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP’s Bengal unit posted a 13-second clip of Gandhi’s message to voters on social media, thanking him for his remarks. In the clip, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is heard saying: “If Mamata ji had run a clean government, if she hadn’t polarised the state to this extent, the road would not have been cleared for the BJP.”

The BJP’s post read: “Rahul Gandhi keeps dropping truth bombs regarding the TMC. Thanks again Rahul ji.”

The excerpt was taken from a longer video message of around 1.47 minutes that Gandhi had released on the eve of the first phase of polling.

Rahul Gandhi keeps dropping truth bombs regarding the TMC.

Thanks again Rahul ji. #BJPKeVoteDin pic.twitter.com/WG8Ynddh3g

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 23, 2026

BJP doubles down on anti-TMC pitch

Senior BJP leaders in the state have continued to frame the election as a fight to unseat the Trinamool government.

Top BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have repeatedly expressed confidence about the party’s prospects in Bengal. Both leaders have focused their campaign speeches on allegations of corruption under Trinamool rule and claimed that the state government has been soft on infiltration from Bangladesh.

After two decades, the Congress is contesting all 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal on its own. Leaders, including former state Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, former MP Mausam Noor and state president Shubhankar Sarkar are among those in the fray.

Social media battle intensifies on polling day

Alongside the Gandhi clip, the BJP’s social media campaign included a video purportedly showing a man being forced to remove a saffron flag from a bus, surrounded by a crowd. No details about the incident were provided.

The caption accompanying the video read: “Remember this before you go out to vote. A Hindu man was FORCED by an Islamist mob to remove a flag of his religion. To prevent the conversion of West Bengal into West Bangladesh, #BJPKeVoteDin.”

Remember this before you go out to vote. A Hindu man was FORCED by an Islamist mob to remove a flag of his religion.

To prevent the conversion of West Bengal into West Bangladesh, #BJPKeVoteDin pic.twitter.com/0gbLEYQSo0

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) April 23, 2026

Both the BJP and Trinamool social media handles have also been sharing visuals of allegedly empty polling booths set up by the rival party, reflecting the increasingly aggressive online battle complementing the ground campaign.

Sealing their fifth win of the IPL 2026 season, Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs, with Ravindra Jadeja later explaining the tactical thinking behind his match-shaping knock.

Walking in at 110/6, Jadeja anchored the innings with an unbeaten 43 off 29 balls and shared a crucial late stand with Shubham Dubey to lift RR to 159 on a challenging surface.

“When I was batting, it wasn’t that easy. LSG have quality fast bowlers, who were bowling with pace and in good areas. It was a red-soil surface, so there was bounce, and they were getting the ball to seam. We kept losing wickets and couldn’t build any partnerships. So, Donovan and I spoke about taking the innings deep. But in T20 cricket, you have to keep taking risks here and there to get to a good score. Unfortunately, he got out at the wrong time.”

The momentum shifted in the final over when Jadeja took on Mayank Yadav for 20 runs.

“I was just calculating the overs and was aware that Mayank Yadav might bowl the final over. I just wanted to use his pace, with a short leg-side boundary and mid-off and mid-on both up. Three of the deliveries were short, and he played a bluff by bowling one full, but luckily, I was able to score a boundary off that as well. We got those 20 runs, and as a team, you gain confidence when your bowlers have a few extra runs to play with.”

Jadeja also adapted cleverly with the ball, using variations to restrict key batters like Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh.

“When I was batting against Digvesh Rathi, a few of his deliveries were stopping in the wicket. So, I thought that if I bowled slow on this surface, I might get some purchase as well. I didn’t want to give any pace to either Mitch Marsh or Pooran, because they are big hitters and are known to hit big. So, I bowled slower, but I also wanted to vary my pace, as I didn’t want to be predictable. If they hit a six or two, all the pressure built earlier gets released, reducing the margin of runs required.”

RR’s bowlers then delivered a clinical effort, led by Jofra Archer (3/20), as LSG were bowled out for 119 in 18 overs.

Jadeja also emphasised his team-first approach.

“When I come to the ground, I leave my personal ego in the hotel room. I just think about contributing in whatever way the team wants from me. When it comes to batting, I wanted to take it deep in this game, because if I had gotten out in the 17th or 18th over playing a wrong shot, we wouldn’t have reached 159 and might have fallen 20–25 runs short.

Chasing a smaller target might then have been easier for LSG. In T20 cricket, every surface, condition, and match situation is different, so you have to adapt accordingly. If, on a given day, the team feels that I have a negative match-up against a particular batter, I understand that. It might work, or it might not; that’s part of the game.”

The win lifts Rajasthan Royals to second on the points table, while Lucknow Super Giants slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat.

The West Bengal Assembly elections saw early signs of tension in Siliguri on Thursday, as allegations of proxy voting as well as a face-off between rival party workers disrupted polling at a booth in Darjeeling district. With the ruling Trinamool Congress pushing for a fourth straight term and the BJP mounting an aggressive challenge, the contest has turned into a closely watched political battle across the state.

The controversy surfaced at Jagadish Chandra Vidyapith, Booth No. 26/237, where a woman voter claimed that her vote had already been cast before she could exercise her franchise. Her father backed the allegation, raising concerns of impersonation and electoral malpractice.

Father of the voter, Gopal Das said, “My daughter and I came to vote. I cast my vote, after which we were told that someone had already cast the vote in my daughter’s name… We were asked to call the DLO, who said that this is not under me…”

#WATCH | Siliguri, West Bengal | A voter alleges a proxy vote in her name during the state election 2026

Father of the voter, Gopal Das says, “My daughter and I came to vote. I cast my vote, after which we were told that someone had already cast the vote in my daughter’s name…… pic.twitter.com/1Jk1jP11Gi

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

The incident quickly drew political attention, with BJP supporters alleging “proxy voting” and stating that the matter would be taken up with the Election Commission.

Heated exchange at polling station

Also, tensions escalated at the same polling centre when supporters of BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh and Trinamool Congress leader Goutam Deb got into a verbal altercation. The situation remained tense for a brief period before security personnel intervened and dispersed the crowd, restoring order.

No injuries were reported, and polling continued under tight security arrangements.

Candidates urge calm amid charged atmosphere

BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh, who cast his vote earlier in the day, appealed to voters to participate peacefully. He said, “Everyone must exercise their vote. I want peaceful voting. This time we will form the government,” Ghosh said.

Ghosh, the sitting MLA from Siliguri, is in a multi-cornered contest against TMC’s Goutam Deb, CPI(M)’s Saradindu Chakraborty, and Congress candidate Alok Dhara.

West Bengal is voting in two phases for its 294-member Assembly, with 152 constituencies going to polls in the first phase. According to the Election Commission of India, 1,478 candidates are in the fray in this phase. The second phase is scheduled for April 29, while counting will take place on May 4.

The election is being seen as a direct contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the BJP, which is aiming to convert its previous gains into power.

West Bengal recorded a turnout of 41.11 per cent and Tamil Nadu 37.56 per cent as of 11 am on Thursday, with brisk voting underway in both states, according to data shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In West Bengal, the first phase of polling is being held for 152 assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts – Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda in North Bengal, and Murshidabad, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura, West Burdwan, and Birbhum in South Bengal.

As per the 11 AM polling data shared by the ECI, West Medinipur recorded the highest voter turnout at 44.69 per cent, followed by Jhargram at 43.71 per cent, Bankura at 43.22 per cent, East Medinipur at 42.16 per cent, Birbhum at 41.92 per cent, Murshidabad at 41.59 per cent and Dakshin Dinajpur at 41.17 per cent.

Paschim Bardhaman recorded 40.24 per cent polling in the first four hours, while Darjeeling saw 39.72 per cent, Kalimpong 39.61 per cent, Jalpaiguri 39.51 per cent, Purulia 39.16 per cent and North Dinajpur 39.04 per cent. The turnout in Alipurduar stood at 38.8 per cent, in Coochbehar 38.67 per cent and in Malda 38.22 per cent.

In Tamil Nadu, Tiruppur district recorded the highest turnout of 42.45 per cent, followed by Namakkal at 41.41 per cent, and Erode at 41.00 per cent. Chennai district registered a turnout of 35.47 per cent, Coimbatore at 38.62 per cent and Madurai at 36.22 per cent. The lowest voter turnout was recorded in the Nilgiris at 32.62 per cent. The overall turnout in Tamil Nadu at 11 am stood at 37.56 per cent.

The small village of Vengaivayal woke up on election day not with excitement, but with black flags. While most of Tamil Nadu stepped out to vote on April 23, 2026, this Scheduled Caste hamlet chose to stay away from polling booths, not out of apathy, but out of anger that has been building for years.

Just a few kilometres away, life looked very different. In neighbouring Irayur, people who had earlier threatened to boycott the election quietly changed their minds and turned up to vote after rounds of negotiations. But in Vengaivayal, the mood remained stiff, emotional, and unshaken.

This is not just about an election. It is about a wound that villagers say has not healed since 2022.

A protest rooted in pain and distrust

Boycott in Vengaivayal goes back to an incident in December 2022. Residents say their drinking water supplied through an overhead tank was deliberately contaminated with human faeces. The incident caused outrage across the state and raised serious questions about caste discrimination and safety.

Even today, that memory lingers.

Follow: Tamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE

Villagers claim the investigation has failed them. The case is being handled by the CB-CID, but many residents believe the real culprits are still free. Instead, they say, suspicion has unfairly fallen on the very people who suffered.

As a mark of protest, black flags were raised across the hamlet. Streets that would usually see voters lining up remained empty. The boycott, villagers say, is their way of demanding accountability and dignity.

Peace talks work next door, but not here

In the weeks leading up to polling day, tensions had been high between communities in the region. Protests were held, and the atmosphere was uneasy. District officials and police stepped in holding multiple rounds of peace talks to calm situation.

Their efforts saw some success but not everywhere.

In Irayur, residents who had earlier planned to boycott elections eventually agreed to vote. The administration’s outreach appeared to have eased tensions there.

But in Vengaivayal, the response was different.

Officials from Keeranur invited villagers for a peace committee meeting. The residents attended and clearly stated their position. They said they would not participate in the election until their core demand is met: a fresh and fair investigation.

Their stand remained unchanged even after the meeting. For them, voting without justice would mean accepting what they see as a flawed process.

Wider boycott, demands, and official version

The protest is not limited to one hamlet. In parts of Muttukadu panchayat under Kulathur taluk, both Dalits and caste Hindus have joined the boycott by citing the same issue: lack of justice in the Vengaivayal case.

Meanwhile in Irayur, residents from caste Hindu communities have their own demands. They are not questioning the investigation in the same way, but they are unhappy with the lack of action. Villagers say that even though suspects have been identified, no arrests have been made.

At the entrance of the village, banners have been put up demanding immediate arrests.

Apart from the case, Irayur residents also raised everyday issues like poor road connectivity between Kavery Nagar and the village via Vellanur and Konjampatti, and lack of proper bus services. For them, the election is also about basic infrastructure.

On the other hand, the CB-CID has presented a different picture. According to investigators, three individuals (J Muraliraja, B Sudharshan, K Muthukrishnan) were allegedly involved in the contamination incident. The motive, they say, was personal enmity linked to the dismissal of a tank operator, not caste-based hatred.

The case earlier under SC/ST Special Court was transferred in February 2025 to Judicial Magistrate Court-II in Pudukkottai.

But for people of Vengaivayal, these official explanations have not brought closure.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday pushed back against widespread speculation of an impending increase in petrol and diesel prices, stating clearly that no such move is being considered by the government.

The clarification comes at a time when chatter on social media has picked up around a possible revision in fuel prices after ongoing elections, especially amid firming global crude oil rates.

In a post on X, the ministry said, “There are some news reports suggesting a price hike of petrol and diesel. It is hereby clarified that there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government.” It added, “Such news items are designed to create fear and panic amongst the citizens and are mischievous and misleading.”

FAKE NEWS

There are some news reports suggesting a price hike of petrol and diesel. It is hereby clarified that there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government.
Such news items are designed to create fear and panic amongst the citizens and are mischievous and… pic.twitter.com/yTAfJdah2o

— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) April 23, 2026

Why rumours on fuel price hike gained traction

The speculation appears to have been triggered by rising international crude prices and geopolitical tensions, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Reports of its closure and stalled US-Iran peace talks have pushed oil benchmarks higher, with Brent crude crossing the $103 per barrel mark.

Despite this volatility, the government maintained that domestic retail prices have been kept stable, with oil marketing companies absorbing global fluctuations to protect consumers from inflationary pressure.

The ministry also underlined that India stands out as the only country where petrol and diesel prices have not increased in the past four years. It said sustained efforts by the government and oil public sector undertakings have helped cushion citizens from steep global price swings.

Govt reiterates steady fuel supply, warns against misinformation

Reassuring consumers, the government said fuel outlets across the country are functioning normally and there has been no disruption in supply. Officials also noted that even as several countries have seen sharp increases in fuel costs, India has maintained price stability.

On the LPG front, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma confirmed that domestic supply remains normal, with no reports of shortages at distributor levels.

The ministry urged citizens to rely only on verified sources and not react to unconfirmed claims circulating online, reiterating that there has been no change in fuel prices and existing rates continue to apply.

In a shocking endorsement of American radio host Michael Savage’s racist rant, US President Donald Trump has reposted his letter, which referred to India, China, and other nations as “hellholes”.

In his letter calling for amendments to the United States’ Birthright Citizenship law, Savage alleged that people from India, China, and other “helllholes” come to the US in the ninth month of their pregnancy and give birth to a child who becomes an instant citizen.

“A baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring the entire family in from China or India or some other hellhole on the planet. You don’t have to go too far to see that. English is not spoken here anymore. That there’s almost no loyalty to this country amongst the immigrant class coming in today, which was not always the case,” Savage wrote in the letter reposted by the US President.

Calling for a national referendum on the birthright citizenship law, the controversial radio host argued that these immigrants are “not like the European Americans of today and their ancestors”.

“The Irish integrated, the Italians integrated, the Polish integrated, the Lithuanians, the Romanians, the Russians. They all integrated and became Americans in the melting pot. The idea of the melting pot is long over. It is now just a cash-in pot.”

Referring to a Supreme Court hearing where a Chinese-American attorney was arguing in favour of what he called “flooding America with illegal aliens,” Savage alleged that the US is being overrun with Chinese coming here just to “drop a baby on our shores” and then bring in the entire family.

He said that these immigrants are “destroying our national identity” and want to turn America into a colony of China and India.

“Our nation is being overrun with Chinese coming here just to drop a baby on our shores to then bring in the entire family. How about some common sense in a bankrupt nation. ACLU Attorney Wang is pushing to destroy our national identity, turn us into a colony of China, but it’s not limited to China, it’s also India,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump had also questioned the birthright citizenship law in the US, falsely claiming that no other country grants such citizenship. However, birthright citizenship is granted by several other countries, including Canada and Mexico.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Thursday wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, urging him to extend the duration for polling by two hours as he alleged “complete transport paralysis” in the state. He alleged intentional misplanning by Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, terming it an assault on the fundamental right to vote.

“I am writing to you in a state of deep concern and indignation over the complete transport paralysis. Thousands of voters are stranded at bus terminals in Chennai, and similarly in other metro cities across Tamil Nadu, with no buses or alternative public transport available to reach their designated polling booths. This is not a minor inconvenience-it seems an intentional attempt at misplanning by the State Transport corporation and administration, which is an outright assault on the fundamental right to vote guaranteed under the Constitution of India,” he said.

He said that the scenes at Chennai’s Koyambedu, Kilambakkam, and Madhavaram bus stands, and equivalent terminals elsewhere, are unacceptable on election day.

“Thousands of citizens who have travelled from all over the world and from various states and from within the cities of Tamil Nadu, or are attempting to travel to exercise their franchise, have been left helpless due to the heavy requisitioning of buses and vehicles for poll duty without parallel arrangements for ordinary voters,” the TVK chief alleged.

Calling it a “systemic failure”, Vijay added that it has “the potential to effectively disenfranchise a large section of the electorate, striking at the very heart of free and fair elections that the Election Commission is constitutionally mandated to conduct under Article 324.”

He urged the CEC to direct the state transport authorities and district election officers in Chennai and all affected cities to immediately press additional government buses, shuttles, and other vehicles into service exclusively for ferrying stranded voters from bus terminals to polling stations.

“This must be done within the next few hours through coordinated announcements at terminals, via media, and through the ECT’s own apps and helplines. No voter should be turned away or forced to miss their democratic duty due to administrative negligence,” he added.

Polling for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is underway amid tight security. At 9 am, Tamil Nadu recorded 17.69 per cent voter turnout. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is contesting from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies.

Tension gripped parts of Murshidabad during the ongoing West Bengal Assembly elections after a scuffle broke out between Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir. The clash took place when Kabir visited areas in Nowda where a crude bomb hurling incident had been reported a day earlier.

Murshidabad, West Bengal: When AJUP founder Humayun Kabir reached near the voting booth, unrest followed between him and local Trinamool leaders ahead of polling. pic.twitter.com/6ThaLaf6zz

— IANS (@ians_india) April 23, 2026

Kabir claimed that irregularities were reported at two polling booths in Nowda. He alleged that incidents took place overnight at booths number 9 and 10, where miscreants even snatched bags belonging to local police personnel. He also said party agents were prevented from entering these booths, prompting his visit to the area.

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | A scuffle breaks out between TMC workers and Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir in Murshidabad.

Humayun Kabir is visiting the area where a crude bomb hurling incident was reported yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jv5RfbyWzz

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

He said, “In Nowda, Rejinagar and all 22 seats of Murshidabad, peaceful elections are taking place. But in 2 booths of Nowda here, in number 9 and number 10, some incident happened overnight. They snatched the bags of local Police. Also, agents were not allowed to enter these booths.”

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | Murshidabad: TMC workers sloganeer and enter into an altercation with the Police as they protest upon the arrival of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir here.

An incident of crude bomb hurling was reported in this area… pic.twitter.com/tHeamSxJTt

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Reacting to the violence, Kabir said he had instructed his supporters to remain calm and not escalate the situation. He maintained that his intention was to ensure peaceful polling and not to threaten or harm anyone. He also confirmed that he would personally visit the affected locations.

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | Murshidabad: Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir says, “We want that the Nowda police officer who lathi-charged my supporters overnight, this should not be done. The Election Commission should take action on them… A new… https://t.co/DikdkB7IGG pic.twitter.com/34500WUGsg

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Kabir casts vote, appeals for unity

Earlier in the day, Kabir cast his vote as polling began across 152 constituencies in the first phase of the two-stage elections. He appealed for communal harmony, stressing that development in the state must include all communities and remain free from political violence.

Speaking to reporters after exercising his franchise, Kabir said, “Bengal should maintain harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Development should be for all people. There should not be any hooliganism in the name of politics.”

After voting, Kabir accused the ruling TMC of weakening his party by offering money to lure away his supporters. He claimed that due to such tactics, his party was now contesting fewer seats than initially planned.

“I had a huge target for my party; however, the TMC people lured my people by giving cash, and now I am contesting in the 115 seats only… Soon, Amit Shah will also go back to Delhi, and Mamata will also be out of power,” he said.

First poll test for his own party

Kabir, a former TMC leader, is contesting from Rejinagar and Nowda seats. He said this election marks the first time his own party is in the fray, calling it a significant moment in his political journey. He reiterated that every citizen has the right to vote and participate freely in the democratic process.

Humayun Kabir had secured victory in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Bharatpur seat in Murshidabad district as a candidate of the Trinamool Congress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced financial assistance for victims of a deadly road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur that claimed 11 lives after multiple vehicles caught fire following a collision.

The tragedy, which unfolded late Wednesday evening, has triggered relief announcements from both the Centre and the state government, even as details emerging from the spot point to a devastating chain collision caused by a truck that went out of control.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, ex gratia assistance will be released from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to support the affected families.

In a post on X, Modi said, “Deeply anguished by the loss of lives due to the mishap in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the quick recovery of the injured. An ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives in the tragic mishap. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also reacted on X, saying, “The loss of lives in the road accident in Mirzapur district is extremely tragic and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. Instructions have been issued to the concerned officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured… Instructions have been issued to provide financial assistance of Rs 2-2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident.”

How the Mirzapur crash unfolded

The accident took place around 8.30 pm on Wednesday within the Dramandganj police station area. Police said a truck carrying chickpeas went out of control after its brakes failed, triggering a series of collisions.

Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik told ANI, “The truck, laden with chickpeas, suddenly went out of control and first slammed violently into a Bolero; subsequently, the Bolero crashed into a Swift Dzire car. The impact was so severe that the Swift Dzire burst into flames.”

She added, “The Swift Dzire was also pushed forward and rammed into a trailer moving ahead of it. Following the collision, the vehicles caught fire. In a matter of moments, the Bolero–along with the other vehicles–was engulfed in raging flames.”

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | 11 have lost their lives in a road accident that took place near Dramandganj Valley in Mirzapur last night.

(Earlier visuals from the spot) https://t.co/BiLvS9fsv1 pic.twitter.com/bWR0wsjsiB

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Victims returning from ceremony, says friend

A friend of one of the victims, Satya Prakash Dubey, told ANI, “My friend’s family had gone for a ‘mundan’ ceremony, and on their way back, their car was hit from behind by a truck, and it collided with another truck in the family, which resulted in the death of the entire family…”

Rescue efforts and injuries

Officials said District Magistrate Pawan Kumar Gangwar and SP Aparna Rajat Kaushik reached the spot soon after receiving information, along with a heavy police force.

Fire brigade teams, assisted by local residents, carried out rescue operations, though the intensity of the blaze made efforts difficult.

Police said the truck driver sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at the district hospital.