On April 13, 1919, Jallianwala Bagh became a scene of brutal massacre as British forces opened fire on unarmed civilians. This horrific event, fueled by oppressive colonial policies, ignited India's freedom struggle. The unhealed scar of this tragedy continues to resonate, a stark reminder of the immense cost of independence and the enduring power of collective memory.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India, even as he unveiled an ambitious 100-point governance agenda at home aimed at curbing VIP culture, reducing political interference in campuses and bureaucracy, cutting delays in public services, expanding free healthcare for the poor, improving women’s safety in public transport, and easing academic pressure on young children.
The Supreme Court dissolved a marriage and quashed a domestic violence case. A woman broke a divorce settlement after receiving substantial payment. She then filed a criminal case against her husband and his family. The court found her claims about undeclared assets unbelievable. It emphasized that parties must adhere to settlement agreements.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday attacked Mamata Banerjee and Congress at a rally in West Bengal, accusing them of feeding “biryani” to Pakistani terrorists instead of acting against them. He said the BJP would crack down on corruption, illegal immigration and violence if voted to power, and claimed people in the state had decided to remove the TMC government.
Khera struck Himanta's nerve after he alleged, in a press conference, the Assam CM's wife held multiple foreign passports, prompting a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader. “We have documents showing that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, holds three passports. The first is a UAE Golden Card, the second an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and the third an Egyptian passport. Two of these belong to Islamic countries, yet they continue to claim religious adherence publicly,” Khera alleged.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah intensified his attack on the TMC in West Bengal, urging voters to respond to violence with ballots and promising to bring the BJP to power. He alleged corruption and a «mafia raj,» vowing strict action against «syndicate and cut-money promoters» and illegal immigrants, while also highlighting welfare promises.
The leadership change will mark a milestone for the BJP, which is set to get its first chief minister in Bihar, the only Hindi heartland state where the top post has so far eluded the party. Even so, party leaders have remained cautious in their public remarks. Dilip Jaiswal, a minister and former Bihar BJP president, said, «It is an emotional moment for us. We hope that Nitish Kumar will continue to offer his guidance to the new government.»
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in the BJP's growing support in West Bengal, citing feedback from party workers in Siliguri. He highlighted public connection with the BJP's development agenda and criticized the TMC government for corruption, appeasement, and neglecting North Bengal.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a proposal to implement fingerprint and iris scans at polling stations to combat voter fraud and impersonation. Notices have been issued to the central government, Election Commission, and states. While acknowledging the need to examine this for future elections, the court clarified it won't be introduced for current state polls.
Sonia Gandhi asserts the Centre's focus on delimitation, not women's reservation, is the «real issue» behind the special Parliament session, deeming it «extremely dangerous» and an «assault» on the Constitution. She argues population control performers shouldn't be disadvantaged and criticizes the government's rushed approach for political gain, calling it «hollow» and «anti-democratic.»
Kerala's opposition chief VD Satheesan passionately called upon the Election Commission to promptly disclose the official polling figures for the elections held on April 9. He raised concerns over the delay in releasing detailed constituency data and postal ballot outcomes, stressing the need for accountability and public confidence.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari will attend five election campaign programs in West Bengal today ahead of the Assembly elections 2026.
Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk warns of deepening divisions due to stalled talks with the Centre, over two months since the last dialogue. He highlights growing disillusionment and the risk of social discord, urging timely action from the Prime Minister and Home Minister. Wangchuk's release had raised hopes for constructive dialogue on demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule status.
As Nitish Kumar prepares to resign as Bihar CM on April 14, the BJP has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as its central observer for electing the new leader of its Bihar legislature party. Samrat Choudhary is reportedly the frontrunner for the chief minister's post, with the oath-taking ceremony expected on April 15.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is engaging with prominent women achievers to garner support for the women's quota bill, slated for parliamentary discussion on April 16. The legislation, aiming for implementation from the 2029 elections, reserves one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies. This direct outreach seeks to build public backing amidst opposition concerns regarding the delimitation process.
Asha Bhosle's voice transcended mere singing, embodying a profound presence that immortalized moments. For 'Umrao Jaan,' she didn't just perform; she underwent a reckoning, channeling the essence of a bygone era of restraint and unspoken longing.
Asha Bhosle transcended eras, absorbing global music trends and blending them with Indian classical training. She fearlessly explored genres like jazz, rock, and pop, collaborating with international artists and becoming a cultural icon. Her innovative spirit led to groundbreaking projects, earning her a Grammy nomination and cementing her legacy as a truly versatile vocalist.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee warned Trinamool workers of impending arrests by the Election Commission ahead of assembly polls, urging them to remain vigilant. She also vowed to resist the BJP's alleged plans for delimitation and NRC implementation, which she claims aim to divide Bengal and create detention camps.
The NIA has detained Congress candidate Sayem Choudhury and gram panchayat member Golam Rabbani for questioning. The detention is linked to the April 1 violence in Mothabari. Seven judicial officers were confined for eight hours at the Kaliachak-II block office. Choudhury and Rabbani were reportedly present at the scene. The NIA is investigating the incident after a Supreme Court order.
Suspended Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir admitted a controversial video showing him seeking Rs 1,000 crore from BJP and making remarks about Muslims is authentic, though selectively edited. He claims the full 51-minute recording will prove his innocence.
Kolkata's 19 appellate tribunals will commence hearing elector inclusion/exclusion appeals on Monday, following the freezing of the electoral roll for Bengal's second-phase assembly polls. These tribunals, established after a Supreme Court order, will address grievances for over 27 lakh names excluded from supplementary lists.
Subhas Chandra Bose's grandnephew, Chandra Bose, has joined the TMC after quitting the BJP, criticizing the latter's «blatantly communal and anti-Constitution» policies. He accused the BJP of using the religion card for electoral gains, a tactic he likened to British colonial rule. Bose declared it's time to drive out the BJP, just as India did the British.