West Bengal's first phase of assembly elections saw violence, voter intimidation, and EVM glitches. Crude bombs were hurled, clashes erupted between party workers, and a BJP candidate was allegedly attacked. Several polling stations experienced delays due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines, disrupting the electoral process across multiple districts.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalized in a stone-pelting incident in Asansol after she exited a polling booth. Paul alleged a deliberate attempt to influence the elections and filed a complaint. Contesting from Asansol South, she expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, calling the election a 'war to save Bengal' focused on jobs and development.
Tamil Nadu witnessed brisk voting across 234 constituencies, with high-profile leaders, celebrities, and first-time voters participating in large numbers. Actor Vijay's TVK sought extended polling hours due to delays, while a robot greeted voters at a Chennai booth. The election sees a three-way contest between DMK, AIADMK, and TVK.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has responded to an Election Commission notice regarding his «terrorist» remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge stated his party would reply to the EC's ultimatum, which warned of action if he failed to explain his stand within 24 hours. The controversial comment was made during campaigning in Chennai.
Prime Minister Modi playfully responded to opposition criticism about his unscheduled jhalmuri stop in West Bengal, stating the state will celebrate BJP's victory with sweets and the popular snack. He suggested the TMC felt the «heat of chillies» from his brief break, while the TMC accused him of staging a «scripted drama» and humiliating an Adivasi leader.
The Supreme Court, while hearing a case on gender discrimination in temples, cautioned against relying on information from 'WhatsApp University.' A nine-judge bench, led by the Chief Justice, emphasized that while eminent authors' views are respected, personal opinions are not sufficient for judicial decisions. The court acknowledged the difficulty in defining essential religious practices.
Military doctors may soon practice across India with a single state registration, thanks to draft National Medical Commission regulations. This aims to eliminate administrative hurdles for frequently transferred Armed Forces Medical Services personnel. Additional qualifications will be valid nationwide during service, and licenses won't lapse due to renewal delays, ensuring seamless care for soldiers and their families.
Ballot Units Sent To Polling Stations Amid Tight Vigil
Party Believes Prospects Better This Time
Iran has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz. One vessel was heading to Mundra port in Gujarat. This action escalates tensions in the vital oil chokepoint. The seizures follow recent incidents involving Indian-bound ships. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has taken custody of the vessels. Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire.
The Supreme Court criticized Mamata Banerjee for allegedly interfering in an ED raid linked to I-PAC, deeming it a threat to democracy. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan of retaliation, and an Indian student's AI influencer targeting US conservatives was removed for fraud.
Election authorities in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have seized over Rs 1,000 crore in poll-related inducements, including cash, liquor, drugs, and precious metals. The Election Commission deployed extensive surveillance teams to curb voter influence and ensure fair elections, while also establishing grievance committees to address public concerns.
Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday referred to PM Modi as a “terrorist” and later issued a clarification, in remarks expected to trigger political controversy during the ongoing election season. Kharge made the statement in Chennai at a press conference on the final day of campaigning for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, scheduled for Thursday. He was criticising the opposition AIADMK over its alliance with PM Modi's BJP.
India is grappling with an unusually early and prolonged summer in 2026, marked by soaring temperatures and intensifying heatwaves. This extreme heat is exacerbating water scarcity, creating a critical link between two pressing environmental challenges. The nation's health systems are bracing for increased heat-related illnesses as warm nights offer little respite.
