An elephant was seen in the voting line prior to the commencement of the first phase of Assembly elections in West Bengal, causing alarm among voters on Thursday morning. This unexpected occurrence in Jhargram’s Jitushol led to a brief disturbance at the polling station. Subsequently, officials from the forest department arrived at the scene and managed to restore order.

The first phase of voting is underway in 152 Assembly constituencies of the state. These include four Assembly constituencies of the Jhargram district.

The incident took place at Jitushol Primary School in this district, which was designated as a polling station, and voters were beginning to assemble. Just before the voting, the elephant suddenly appeared in front of the school.

The elephant, known as ‘Ramlal’ to the locals, did not harm anyone. It took a peek at a goods vehicle standing in front of the booth and then moved away on its own.

A big crowd gathered near the polling station to see Ramlal. Soon, the forest workers from the Lodhashuli range reached the spot after receiving information about elephants roaming in front of the polling station. Ramlal was moved to a safe distance, and voting began smoothly at that polling station.

The forest department has also taken up the task of dealing with the elephant menace. A special team of 15 people, including an ‘Airavat’ vehicle, has been formed to control the movement of elephants.

Apart from this, a quick response team consisting of the ‘Elephant Trekkers Team’ and experienced Hula Party members is active all the time to keep an eye on other elephant groups moving across the district.

Polling began for 152 constituencies scattered over 16 districts from 7 a.m. on Thursday in the first phase of the two-phase crucial West Bengal Assembly polls.

The first phase of the Assembly polls is being conducted under unprecedented security cover, with the deployment of 2,407 companies of central forces, including Central Armed Police Forces, the India Reserve Battalion, and personnel from armed police wings of other states, in addition to personnel from West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police.

The second phase of polls in West Bengal for the remaining 142 Assembly constituencies will be on April 29. ​The results will be declared on May 4.

As polling got underway in the first phase of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP’s Kharagpur Sadar candidate Dilip Ghosh came out swinging on Thursday, talking up his party’s chances while taking sharp digs at the ruling Trinamool Congress and other rivals.

The remarks come amid a keen contest between the Trinamool Congress, which is seeking a fourth straight term under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and the BJP, which is looking to build on its previous performance and push for power in the state.

Ghosh claims BJP edge in key regions

Speaking to ANI, Ghosh said, “The BJP’s major influence area is in North and South Bengal, and I think the BJP will win more than 100 seats there. The path to victory will be clear from here…”

He went further, asserting that the party could see a sweeping result early in the election cycle. “BJP is going to get around 100 seats in the first phase itself,” he added.

Targets TMC over leadership and candidates

Ghosh also questioned the Trinamool Congress’s choice of candidates, alleging that local voices are sidelined. “Mamata Banerjee repeatedly calls the BJP an outsider party, but the people of Bengal do not get a chance in TMC. Who is Yusuf Pathan? Who is Shatrughan Sinha? Who is Kirti Azad?” he said.

Criticism of Mamata Banerjee on economy and messaging

Stepping up his attack on the Chief Minister, Ghosh linked campaign messaging to what he described as governance failures. “Mamata Banerjee is going to lose the election, that is why she is talking about fish and rice (Machali Bhat), but Mamata Banerjee does not know that Bengali people have to import fish and eggs from other states to eat. Fish production has declined in Bengal under the TMC government,” he said.

Raises concerns over poll environment

Ghosh also flagged concerns about the conduct of elections, calling for a fear-free voting process. “The Election Commission faced a huge challenge in conducting a fear-free election in Bengal. I hope the public will exercise their right to vote without any fear,” he said.

Comments on Congress and national politics

Turning to national politics, Ghosh criticised the Congress leadership. “Congress is unable to find a hardworking president. Mallikarjun Kharge speaks anything, and the BJP benefits from it,” he said.

He added, “Whenever Congress has made personal attacks on Modi, the BJP has benefited from it.”

Election stakes and schedule

West Bengal is witnessing a direct contest between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP across 294 Assembly seats. According to the Election Commission of India, the first phase covers 152 constituencies, with the remaining 142 seats going to polls in the second phase. A total of 1,478 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

The portals of Shri Badrinath Dham were opened for devotees at 6:15 AM on Thursday, following traditional rituals and the chanting of Vedic mantras. The temple premises were decorated to mark the commencement of the pilgrimage season.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, in a post on X, said, “Today, with full rites and rituals and the chanting of Vedic mantras, the gates of the sacred Badrinath Dham, the earthly Vaikunth, will be opened for devotees. May the grace of Lord Badrinath Vishal bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into the lives of all devotees. May this sacred occasion bring a message of spiritual energy, faith, and a positive beginning for everyone. A hearty welcome and warm greetings to all of you for the Holy Char Dham Yatra – 2026.”

Speaking to ANI, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “With the opening of the portals to Badrinath Dham today, Char Dham is completely open. With the blessings of all four dhams and the blessings of Bhagwan Badri Vishal, may the Char Dham yatra be safe and well. May the regulations of Yatra be followed…”

On the auspicious occasion of the opening of Baba Badrinath’s portals, Uttarakhand Chief Minister interacted with pilgrims and locals.
A devotee, while speaking to ANI, said, “We had great darshan. May Baba Badrinath bless everyone.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Mana, where he toured the area and interacted warmly with pilgrims and residents.
On the occasion, he appealed to everyone to contribute towards making the Char Dham Yatra safe, pleasant, and environmentally sustainable, emphasising the importance of a plastic-free green pilgrimage.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with continuous efforts by the state government and support from the central government, these villages will reach new heights of development and play a crucial role in building a self-reliant Uttarakhand.
Earlier on Wednesday, a remarkable confluence of faith, devotion, and spirituality was witnessed at Kedarnath Dham as the sacred doors of Lord Kedarnath were ceremonially opened for devotees amid full rituals and traditions.
Marking the opening of the temple, Chief Minister Dhami performed special prayers with Vedic chants and complete rituals. During the ceremony, he took a solemn pledge and offered the first prayer in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad gathered at Kedarnath Dham to witness the historic moment. As the temple doors opened, the premises resonated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that Kedarnath Dham, along with the Char Dham, represents the spiritual identity of Uttarakhand.
He reaffirmed that the state government is fully committed to ensuring a safe, smooth, and well-organised pilgrimage experience for all devotees. He added that he is personally reviewing arrangements regularly to ensure that no pilgrim faces inconvenience.

American lawmakers from both sides of the aisle stood in solemn solidarity with India on Wednesday (local time), attending an exhibition at Capitol Hill organised by the Embassy of India to commemorate the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the Kashmir Valley in recent memory.

The exhibition, titled ‘The Human Cost of Terrorism’, opened its doors to members of Congress, diplomats, and members of the public on the evening of April 22, exactly twelve months after gunmen opened fire on tourists in the scenic mountain resort town, claiming 26 lives and wounding dozens more.

Photographs, testimonies from survivors, and personal effects of victims formed the centrepiece of the display, which sought to put human faces to the statistics of political violence. Curated by the Indian embassy’s cultural team, the exhibition drew an emotional response from visitors who paused at portraits of the dead– among them honeymooners, pilgrims, and a retired schoolteacher from Gujarat.

The attendance of Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike was notable in Washington’s current partisan climate. Several members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate India Caucus were present at the opening reception, signalling broad congressional sympathy for India’s position that cross-border terrorism must be met with coordinated international pressure.

Speaking at the event, US Representative Lisa McClain strongly condemned terrorism and called for collective actions. She told ANI, “Terrorism is hate, and we don’t stand for hate… So many times, people stand silent and think silence is agreement. We must stand with our partners and with our allies and to denounce hate, to denounce terrorism. Because that is what we were sent here to do, but that’s also the right thing to do… I am happy to be here… this is just another example of where we stand together; we are stronger as a nation and as a nation together to fight this horrible atrocity.”

India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, said the exhibition was meant to honour the victims of terrorism globally and reiterate the need for unity.

He told ANI, “The event here this evening, which the Embassy of India has organised, is essentially an event to honour the members of the innocent lives lost to terrorism in the last few years across the world… Today marks the one-year anniversary of the terrorised Pahalgam in which 26 innocent Indian civilians were killed by armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir… The special exhibition today essentially serves to remind us of a few things. One, the scourge of terror upon humanity is very much bent upon destroying our societies. The countries in the world need to come together and remain determined to defeat terrorism… PM Modi is very clear has been very clear in terms of his unwavering resolve of India in dealing with this purge and defeating it completely.”

Congressman Bill Huizenga highlighted the shared experience of both countries in facing terrorism. He told ANI, “The India-US relationship is very important economically and strategically. We have a kinship with terrorist attacks that happen within our countries… I am glad India is here telling a story.”

Congressman Brad Sherman emphasised deeper cooperation and action against terror groups. He told ANI, “We are natural partners… That partnership should be economic, and we have to get rid of the ridiculous terror that has been… We have to open the Strait of Hormuz from either American blockade or Iranian blockade, and we have to fight the outrageous terrorist organisations, which on April 22nd in your country killed people on the basis of their religion in Kashmir… Our intelligence services need to work together, and we need to demand that those countries that shelter terrorism, including Pakistan, clamp down on these organisations.”

He also urged action against Pakistan-based groups. He added, “As the World focuses on Islamabad for the talks that are taking place or not taking place, we have to use this opportunity to demand that the Pakistani government clamp down on the LeT.”
Remembering victims, Sherman added, “America and India are united because we are the oldest democracy and India is the largest democracy. We are also united in mourning the victims of terrorism… I would like to remember the Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal… It was only 6 days after his wedding that Lieutenant Narwal was viciously killed in attacks by terrorists targeting Hindus. His wife witnessed his death.”

Congressman David Taylor called for coordinated global efforts to tackle terrorism. He said, “India is a hugely important ally of the United States. We have to have a coordinated policy to deal with it (terrorism) and react to it as a team. Not just India and the US, but all of our Western allies.”

On Iran-related tensions, he added, “That has to end, and I know it’s coordinated by Iran in a lot of ways with their proxies in other nations. I think the message has been sent out clearly by the United States, and I’d like to see more buy-in with that from our NATO partners and other countries in the world that we’re aligned with to recognise that the threat has to be put to an end.”

Congressman Jonathan Jackson told ANI, “We have enormous respect for the Indian people and the Indian government… terrorism is a global problem. No one country can terminate terrorism on its own. Its global network… people have to fight back. We are here to also show our support, continue the strength and times and also celebrate our friendship.”
Congressman Ro Khanna said, “There should be zero tolerance (towards terrorism). First, there was a tragedy during 9/11… and then when I was in India, the Taj Hotel was affected. I understood the human cause. We need, as democracies, to be fundamentally aligned against terror. It’s one of the reasons I believe in the extraordinary partnership… We need to cooperate on intelligence sharing where it makes sense… We need to make sure that we’re aggressive about taking on the terror threats.”

The Capitol Hill exhibition arrives at a delicate moment in US-India relations, with Washington keen to deepen defence and technology ties with New Delhi even as it tries to manage escalatory pressures in South Asia. For many lawmakers in attendance, the event was as much about the bilateral relationship as it was about the victims themselves.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Nandigram and Bhabanipur Assembly constituencies, Suvendu Adhikari, cast his vote in Nandigram on Thursday and reiterated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has “no chance” of returning to power in the ongoing Assembly elections.

With Adhikari challenging Banerjee, the elections have turned into a direct test of strength between the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. The outcome is expected to shape Bengal’s political direction for years to come.

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | State LoP & BJP Candidate from Nandigram & Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari casts his vote at a polling station in Nandigram

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is contesting against him from the Bhabanipur Assembly Constituency. pic.twitter.com/pEEbueML2b

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

After voting, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Adhikari, said a political shift in the state is inevitable. “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 said. He further said that the results will show how the SIR process removed the fake voters from the state. He claimed that the ruling party would struggle without the alleged “fake voters.”

#WATCH | West Bengal Elections 2026 | State LoP & BJP Candidate from Nandigram & Bhabanipur, Suvendu Adhikari says, “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… pic.twitter.com/8KwKCCkjNM

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

Allegations of irregularities, callc for action

The BJP leader also raised concerns about isolated incidents during polling. He alleged that party workers faced trouble in some areas and claimed one polling agent had been detained.

He said, “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.”

At the same time, he acknowledged that the polling process was largely smooth. “I have spoken to our agents. Voting is underway peacefully in most places,” he said.

Suvendu vs Mamata

The election has once again set the stage for a direct political contest between Adhikari and Banerjee, one of the most closely watched rivalries in West Bengal politics.

Adhikari is contesting from both Nandigram and Bhabanipur. In Bhabanipur, he is directly challenging Banerjee in her long-held stronghold. The seat has been associated with the Chief Minister since 2011, making the contest politically significant.

In Nandigram, Adhikari is seeking to retain his influence, this time as a BJP candidate, after earlier winning the seat under the Trinamool Congress banner in 2016.

Rivalry rooted in 2021 clash

The face-off between Suvendu Adhikari and Mamata Banerjee drew nationwide attention during the 2021 Assembly elections. In a direct contest in Nandigram, Adhikari defeated Banerjee by a slender margin of 1,956 votes, securing 1,10,764 votes against her 1,08,808.

Despite that loss, Banerjee led her party to a sweeping victory across the state, while the BJP emerged as the main opposition.

Phase 1 polling underway across state

Voting for the first phase of the Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts. According to the Election Commission of India, over 1,400 candidates are contesting in this phase.

Authorities have urged voters to participate in large numbers, calling the election a crucial moment for the state’s future. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Former US Secretary of State John Kerry has said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had, over the years, urged multiple American administrations to consider military action against Iran, but each time the proposal was turned down.

The comments came during his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where Kerry essentially pulled back the curtain on how Washington has handled Iran over the years, pointing to a clear pattern of US presidents choosing restraint over escalation.

Kerry said he had been part of those discussions himself, recalling, “Obama said no. Bush said no. President Biden said no. I mean, I was part of those conversations.” He indicated that the refusal stemmed from a shared view that diplomatic avenues had not been fully explored before considering military options.

Why past US presidents resisted a war with Iran

According to Kerry, leaders in Washington held back from conflict because they believed peaceful measures had not been exhausted. He said choices of that magnitude cannot be rushed, especially when past wars have shown how costly such decisions can be.

Drawing from his own experience as a Vietnam War veteran, Kerry pointed to the lessons of both Vietnam and Iraq, stressing the importance of honesty with the public before committing to war. “And speaking as a veteran of the Vietnam War, where decisions like that were so critical, we were lied to about what that war was about, and the lesson of that war and of Iraq is don’t lie to the American people and then ask them to send their sons and daughters to fight,” he said.

Kerry questions Netanyahu’s regime change claims

The former diplomat also rejected the Israeli leader’s projections about political upheaval in Iran. He described Netanyahu’s arguments as speculative, noting that predictions of internal revolt or a shift in power did not come to pass.

Kerry said expectations around “regime change” failed to materialise, casting doubt on the assumptions used to justify potential military action.

Trump era saw a different response to Israeli pitch

However, a report by The New York Times suggested that Netanyahu encountered a more receptive stance during Donald Trump’s presidency. At a meeting in the Situation Room on February 11, the Israeli Prime Minister reportedly made a strong case for action, arguing that Iran was “ripe for regime change”.

The report said Netanyahu conveyed a firm “belief that a joint U.S.-Israeli mission could finally bring an end to the Islamic Republic”. Trump’s reported response, “Sounds good to me,” indicated initial backing for the proposal.

Concerns emerge within Trump administration

Despite that early support, the plan appears to have faced pushback within the administration. According to Axios, US Vice President JD Vance later held a tense exchange with Netanyahu, questioning what he described as overly optimistic assumptions about the conflict.

A US official told the outlet, “Before the war, Bibi really sold it to the president as being easy, as regime change being a lot likelier than it was. And the VP was clear-eyed about some of those statements.”

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin came out to vote on Thursday in Chennai, joined by his son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other family members.

After casting his vote, MK Stalin spoke briefly but firmly, saying that just like he exercised his right, every citizen must also come forward and complete their democratic responsibility. He stressed that voting is not just a right but an important duty that strengthens democracy.

Kolathur turns into a fierce political battleground for MK Stalin

While MK Stalin seeks another term in office, he is also contesting from his stronghold Kolathur Assembly constituency, which has now become a high-pressure electoral arena. This time, the fight is not simple, as multiple parties are challenging him in a crowded contest.

His main opponents include VS Babu from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), P Santhana Krishnan from AIADMK, and Soundara Pandian Louther Seth from NTK. The presence of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TVK has added extra excitement, as the party tries to pull away traditional vote bases, while AIADMK is working hard to regain lost ground.

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Despite the tough competition, Stalin’s past performance in the constituency remains very strong. In the 2021 Assembly elections, he won a massive 1,05,522 votes, securing 61.4% of the total votes. He defeated AIADMK’s Aadi Rajaram by a huge margin of 70,384 votes. That election saw a voter turnout of 64.63% out of 2,68,296 registered voters.

Statewide polling begins

Across Tamil Nadu, voting for the Assembly elections began on Thursday in all 234 constituencies. Polling started under tight security arrangements and will continue until 6:00 pm on the same day.

At the same time, Phase 1 of polling is also being held in West Bengal, where elections will take place in two phases, with the second round scheduled for April 29. The counting of votes will happen on May 4.

In Tamil Nadu, the political fight is mainly between two major alliances. On one side is the DMK-led alliance, which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK, and VCK. On the other side is the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, supported by BJP and PMK. While DMK is banking on its welfare schemes and governance record, the NDA is hoping for a strong comeback.

Adding a new twist to the election is actor Vijay, who is making his political debut through his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

DMK Principal Secretary and Tiruchirappalli West Assembly constituency candidate K. N. Nehru said he is confident that his party will secure a comfortable victory in the Tamil Nadu elections.

After casting his vote at the Makkal Mandram polling station in Tiruchirappalli, he said the elections are “not a challenge” and added that it is only the media that is projecting it as a tough contest.

He claimed that people across Tamil Nadu are strongly supporting the Secular Progressive Alliance and said the DMK’s “Rising Sun” symbol will win in Tiruchirappalli East constituency. He also expressed confidence that the party will win all nine constituencies in the district.

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Nehru further said the DMK alliance has strong backing in the Delta region. He added that the party had set a goal of winning all 41 constituencies in the Delta and expressed confidence that this target would be achieved.

Speaking about the overall election outlook, he said the DMK is aiming to win 200 constituencies with the support of the people and under the leadership of the Chief Minister.

He is contesting for a fourth term from Tiruchirappalli West, where he faces AMMK’s Rajasekaran, representing the NDA. The constituency has also seen a three-way contest this time with TVK’s G. Ramamoorthy entering the race, making it more competitive than before.

Tiruchirappalli West, constituency number 140 in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, is part of the Tiruchirappalli district and falls under the Tiruchirappalli Lok Sabha constituency.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay cast his vote on Thursday at the Neelankarai polling booth for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Vijay is contesting in two constituencies; Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East. In Perambur, he is up against DMK senior leader R.D. Shekar, who had won the last election with a massive margin of 54,976 votes against AIADMK candidate N.R. Dhanapalan. In Tiruchirappalli East, Vijay is facing sitting DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj S., who had also secured a big win in 2021 with a margin of 53,797 votes.

Despite entering electoral politics as a newcomer, Vijay is relying on his huge popularity as a film star and his party’s promises to challenge established political leaders.

Voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began on Thursday under tight security arrangements and will continue till 6:00 pm on the same day.

Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the election a crucial battle to protect federalism, equality, justice, and freedom. He urged people to vote in large numbers. In a message on X, he said the election is about protecting people’s rights and ensuring inclusive welfare, while warning against forces that he claimed could weaken federal principles. He also specially appealed to first-time young voters to participate actively. Congress is contesting 28 seats as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.

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The counting of votes will take place on May 4.

According to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, the state has over 5.73 crore voters. This includes 2.93 crore women, 2.80 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender voters. There are also 14.59 lakh first-time voters and 68,501 service voters. So far, 4,18,541 postal votes have already been received. For smooth counting, 62 counting centres have been set up across the state.

The main contest is likely taking place between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes Congress, DMDK, and VCK, and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, which also has BJP and PMK as allies.

While DMK is banking on its “Dravidian 2.0” governance model, AIADMK-led NDA is aiming for a strong comeback. At the same time, Vijay’s TVK is entering the race for the first time, potentially turning the election into a three-way political fight.

Voting for the Baramati Assembly by-election began on Thursday, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and MahaYuti candidate Sunetra Pawar casting her vote early in the day and appealing to voters to remember the legacy of her late husband.

The bypoll comes in the shadow of a personal and political loss for the region, following the death of former deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash near Baramati airport in January. The contest has effectively turned into a test of legacy and continuity, with Sunetra Pawar stepping into active politics soon after taking oath as Deputy CM.

Sunetra Pawar voted at the Gangubai Kante Zilla Parishad Primary School polling booth in Baramati. After casting her vote, she told reporters, “People of Baramati know that Dada (Ajit Pawar) has done so much for so many years. And they know they can repay him by voting in today’s election. Today is an important day for voting.”

Ahead of polling, she visited Ajit Pawar’s memorial to pay her respects. Their son, Rajya Sabha MP Parth Pawar, also visited the site to honour his father.

Why Baramati by-election was necessitated

The election was triggered after Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise earlier this year. His passing not only left a leadership vacuum in Baramati but also reshaped the political contest, with his wife entering the fray against a field of 23 candidates. The NCP (SP) and Congress have withdrawn from the race.

Campaign marked by emotion and legacy pitch

In the days leading up to polling, Sunetra Pawar’s campaign leaned heavily on emotion and continuity. Addressing a large gathering earlier this week, she had broken down while recalling her husband, pledging to carry forward his vision for Baramati.

She said she had taken up this “Gordian knot” to fulfil Ajit Pawar’s dream and had “locked her grief in a cellar” to serve the people. She also described the support she received as a collective endorsement of Baramati’s development path.

Positioning herself as a “servant of the people”, she credited the region’s growth to Sharad Pawar’s foresight and Ajit Pawar’s execution.

“This ground has a tradition of struggle and unity; it is the same venue where Ajit Pawar was once accorded a civic reception. This sea of people is a testament to the respect and love Baramati holds for him,” she said.

She also underlined her personal connection with the constituency, saying, “I am standing here not just as a candidate, but to preserve the lifelong bond we share with Baramati. Baramati is my strength, and you are all my family.”

Calling Baramati her husband’s “breath”, she said every voter was like “Pandurang” to him. She ended her appeal by recalling his belief that every election must be fought with seriousness.

Superstar Rajinikanth stepped out early on Thursday morning to do his duty as a voter. He reached polling booth number 237 at Stella Maris College in Chennai as voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections got underway across the state. Dressed simply, the megastar quietly cast his vote and, like many proud voters, showed his ink-marked finger after stepping out of the booth.

Across Tamil Nadu, polling is happening as part of the Assembly elections, and many well-known faces are joining ordinary citizens in the democratic process. Among them was actor S. Ajith Kumar, who cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.

Voting began on Thursday under strict security arrangements to ensure everything runs smoothly. People can cast their votes till 6:00 pm today. The counting of votes, which will decide the final results, is scheduled for May 4.

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According to Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, the state has a massive electorate of over 5.73 crore voters. This includes 2,93,04,905 female voters, 2,80,30,658 male voters, and 7,728 third-gender voters. There are also 14,59,039 first-time voters and 68,501 service voters taking part. So far, 4,18,541 postal votes have already been received. To manage the results efficiently, 62 counting centres have been set up across the state.

The political battle this time is expected to be intense. On one side is the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance which includes parties like the Congress, DMDK, VCK. On the other side is National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as its partners. While the DMK is pushing its “Dravidian 2.0” vision, AIADMK-led alliance is aiming for strong comeback.

Adding more excitement to the contest, actor-turned-politician Vijay is entering electoral field for the first time with his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). His debut could turn this election into three-cornered fight.

Actor S Ajith Kumar kept things simple and grounded as he arrived at a polling station in the Thiruvanmiyur area of Chennai on Thursday. There was no big fuss, no heavy security drama around him. Just a popular star quietly walking in, casting his vote, and leaving like any other citizen. His presence, however, naturally pulled attention as fans and fellow voters noticed him participating in the democratic process.

Not far from there, Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Khusbu Sundar also exercised her vote in Mylapore. Smiling after casting her ballot, she spoke warmly to ANI, clearly emotional about the moment. “You can see the smile on my face, that says it all. Casting my vote has been my biggest democratic right and I think this matters a lot to me as a citizen of the country,” she said.

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She didn’t stop there and also appealed to voters across the state to take their responsibility seriously. “Today is the time for people to take a call and decision and we leave it to them,” she added, keeping her message simple but firm.

The Mylapore constituency itself is witnessing a close fight between BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan and DMK’s D Velu, adding more weight to every vote being cast in the area.

High-stakes voting begins across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal

Beyond Chennai’s star moments, the bigger political picture unfolded across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal as polling for Assembly elections began on Thursday under strict security arrangements. In Tamil Nadu, voting is being held in a single phase across all 234 Assembly constituencies, with polling continuing until 6:00 pm.

West Bengal, meanwhile, is following a two-phase schedule. Phase one voting is underway, while the second phase is set for April 29. Across both states, security has been tightened to ensure smooth and peaceful voting.

The counting of votes for both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal is scheduled for May 4.

In Tamil Nadu, the main electoral battle is shaping up between the DMK-led alliance which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK, and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance led by AIADMK, with BJP and PMK as its partners. The DMK is relying heavily on its welfare schemes and governance record, while the AIADMK-led NDA is trying to stage a strong political comeback.

Adding a fresh twist to the contest, actor Vijay is stepping into electoral politics with his party TVK, marking his first election debut.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the TKMS submarine building facility in Kiel, Germany, during his ongoing official visit, where he was briefed on advanced Naval technologies and capabilities.

He was accompanied by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during the visit to the shipbuilding facility, which is known for manufacturing cutting-edge submarines.

In a post on X, the Defence Minister on Wednesday described the visit as “insightful”, highlighting the technological advancements and operational capabilities showcased at the facility.

He noted that the interaction provided a closer understanding of modern submarine construction and developments in the maritime domain, which are increasingly significant in the context of global security and strategic cooperation.

The visit included a tour of the submarine yard and interactions with officials, during which aspects related to design, engineering, and deployment capabilities were explained.

Photographs shared by him showed the Defence Minister at the dockyard with senior officials from India and Germany, interacting with his counterparts and being briefed on various features of the platform.

He said that such engagements would be mutually beneficial in strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain.

The visit comes amid growing defence ties between India and Germany, with a focus on technology sharing, joint development, and strengthening naval capabilities.

India has been looking to enhance its submarine fleet and overall maritime strength, and engagements with countries like Germany are part of that broader strategic effort.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rajnath Singh held a meeting with his German counterpart Boris Pistorius in Berlin, discussing deepening defence cooperation and tackling emerging geopolitical challenges.

The two ministers discussed bilateral security and defence issues, including priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, especially in the field of niche technologies. They also reaffirmed the commitment to enhance military-to-military cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence.

India and Germany also signed Defence Industrial Roadmap and Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping.

“Delighted to meet Mr. Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence, Germany in Berlin. Exchanged views on a wide range of issues including deepening our defence cooperation and tackling emerging geopolitical challenges. Witnessed signing of the Defence Industrial Roadmap and Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping,” Rajnath Singh posted on X.

The Defence Minister termed his visit to Germany as a symbol of deep friendship, synergy and trust.

Rajnath Singh mentioned that the recent India-EU Security and Defence Partnership marks a significant step in deepening the collective engagement. The two ministers agreed to leverage this framework, bilaterally and in the wider European context for tangible outcomes that will strengthen regional stability, enhance joint capabilities, and reinforce the enduring Indo-German strategic alignment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged voters in Tamil Nadu to participate actively in the Assembly elections and especially appealed to young voters and women to turn out in large numbers and strengthen the democratic process through enthusiastic participation.

PM Modi posted on X, “As Tamil Nadu votes in the Assembly elections, I call upon all voters to take part enthusiastically in this sacred duty of democracy. I urge the youth and the women of Tamil Nadu in particular to come out and vote in record numbers.”

Polling for the high-stakes Tamil Nadu Assembly elections began on Thursday across all 234 constituencies, with over 5.73 crore eligible voters set to decide the fate of 4,023 candidates in a fiercely contested four-cornered battle.

The electoral contest primarily features the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), making this one of the most competitive elections in recent years.

According to the Election Commission, elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling across the state.

Voting commenced early in the morning, with voters queuing in large numbers at polling booths, reflecting strong public enthusiasm for participating in the democratic process.

Across Tamil Nadu, polling stations saw steady footfall from the early hours, with voters from various sections of society turning out to vote.

Election officials reported orderly conduct at most booths, supported by tight security and extensive monitoring to prevent any violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Authorities have deployed a large number of security personnel and implemented strict surveillance measures, including webcasting and flying squads, to ensure free and fair elections.

Special arrangements have also been made for elderly and differently-abled voters.

With voter turnout expected to play a decisive role, political parties are closely monitoring polling trends across constituencies.

The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the electoral verdict will determine the next government in Tamil Nadu.

India’s Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Wednesday highlighted the global human cost of terrorism while marking one year since the Pahalgam terror attack, saying such acts are a “scourge on humanity” that must be defeated with collective resolve.
Speaking to ANI during a special exhibition titled “The Human Cost of Terrorism,” Kwatra said the event commemorates innocent lives lost to terror worldwide and serves as a reminder of the need for a united response against terrorism.

“Essentially, you know, remembering the precious lives that were lost due to the ghastly acts of terrorism all across the world. The exhibition has a detailed listing of all such accidents. This day particularly sits very heavily, weighs very heavily on India and the rest of the world because today we mark the first anniversary, the first anniversary of the ghastly terror acts of Pahalgam in which 26 innocent Indian civilians were killed by armed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir exactly a year ago. I think acts like Pahalgam and other terrorist acts are acts of cowardice against humanity. The exhibition, the special exhibition today, essentially serves to remind us of a few things,” he told ANI.

“One, the scourge of terror on humanity is very much bent upon destroying our societies and the ways of our lives. Two, how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been very, very clear in terms of the resolve of India, unwavering with this scourge and defeating it completely. So I think the special exhibition today, which brings together congressmen, senators, members of the Indian community and members of the press here this evening, essentially showcases the human cost of terrorism and determination to deal with it and, of course, defeat it,” Kwatra further said.

Marking one year since the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the nation recalled the shock of April 22, 2025, when terrorists struck the scenic tourist town in Jammu and Kashmir.

The assailants entered and killed 26 civilians, most tourists, turning the picturesque location into a site of bloodshed.
In the cross-border communal attack in Pahalgam, the assailants questioned the victims about their religion before killing them, leaving families grappling with loss even a year later.

As India mourned, what followed was decisive action by the Indian armed forces in the form of Operation Sindoor.

The Indian armed forces struck terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) during the operation launched on May 7, 2025. According to official details, the forces destroyed nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen and eliminated over 100 terrorists.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the remarks made by Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, where he called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “terrorist,” saying that there is widespread public outrage over his statement and the Congress National President should realise the global image of PM Modi as a leader.

Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister slammed the Congress party, citing their repeated insults and abuses towards constitutional institutions and the judiciary.
“He has insulted individuals holding constitutional positions in the country; sometimes they hurl abuses at the country’s constitutional institutions, sometimes they curse the judiciary, and sometimes they use derogatory words against the armed forces. There is widespread public outrage over his statement; the public strongly condemns such behaviour. Kharge should realise that PM Modi is one of the most popular leaders of the world. He resides in the heart of every Indian,” she said.

Her criticism follows the remarks of the Congress President against the AIADMK for supporting the BJP, while he labelled PM Modi a “terrorist who does not believe in equality” on the last day of Tamil Nadu election campaigning.

When questioned on the choice of words, Kharge quickly defended himself, claiming that he meant to say that the PM was terrorising his political opponents.
“He (PM Modi) is terrorising people and political parties. I never said he is a terrorist. What I mean, I want to clarify, is that Modi always threatens. The institutions like ED, I-T and CBI are in his hands. He wants to take delimitation also into his hands,” Kharge said.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially taken note of the controversial remarks made by him.

ECI has issued a formal notice to Kharge, citing a potential violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the high-stakes campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The ECI characterised the language used as “intemperate and highly objectionable,” noting that such dehumanising labels undermine the dignity of democratic institutions. The Congress President has been granted a strict window of 24 hours to clarify his stance.

The Delhi Police on Thursday said the man arrested for the murder of a 22-year-old woman in southeast Delhi’s Amar Colony had sold his mobile phone and spent money on travel in an apparent bid to avoid being tracked after fleeing Rajasthan.

The case, which has shocked the capital, has revealed a sequence of events stretching from Alwar to Delhi, with investigators piecing together the accused’s movements in the days leading up to and after the crime.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Vijay Kumar told ANI that the accused, Rahul Meena, sold his mobile phone for Rs 10,000 and hired a vehicle for about Rs 6,000 to reach Delhi. Police believe this was done deliberately to prevent authorities from tracing him through digital or transport records.

#WATCH | Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer’s daughter murder case in Delhi | Accused Rahul Meena brought to Amar Colony Police Station. pic.twitter.com/v4bBbHygNU

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2026

How the accused moved from Alwar to Delhi

During the probe, police teams visited Meena’s residence in Alwar, where they found that he had allegedly been involved in a molestation incident in his neighbourhood just a day before the murder. Following that episode, he left for Delhi to evade possible police action.

The accused was eventually arrested from an OYO hotel in Dwarka on Wednesday after multiple police teams were deployed across Delhi and nearby locations. “Multiple teams were formed and sent across Delhi and other locations to trace the accused before he was apprehended,” Kumar said, adding that Meena is currently being interrogated.

Inside knowledge of the household

Investigators said Meena had been working as a domestic help with the victim’s family for nearly a year and was familiar with their daily routine. He was aware that the parents would step out in the morning, leaving their daughter alone at home.

CCTV footage reviewed by police shows the accused entering the colony around 6:30 am, entering the house at 6:39 am and leaving at about 7:20 am on the day of the incident.

Officials said there were no signs of forced entry, indicating that the accused used a spare key kept in a shoe rack for domestic workers to access the house.

What happened on the day of the murder

The victim’s father alerted the police after finding his daughter unconscious at home. She was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Investigators said the accused allegedly committed the crime, changed his clothes and fled with approximately Rs 2.5 lakh in cash from the house.

A case has been registered against Meena under charges of rape, murder and robbery. Further investigation is ongoing, police said.