West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and ensure fair polling.

Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections reflect both continuity and churn across regions, underscoring how state-specific dynamics continue to define voter behaviour.

A defeat for LDF would also diminish the presence of CPM in its last major stronghold. The campaign narrative has also undergone notable shifts. Early phases were dominated by issues such as corruption allegations, economic concerns, backdoor appointments, the Sabarimala gold heist controversy, and rehabilitation concerns of Wayanad landslide victims, alongside scandals involving opposition leaders.

Puducherry's 2026 elections saw a massive 89.83% voter turnout, with exit polls suggesting a tight race. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC-BJP, appears to have a slight edge over the Congress-DMK alliance. A new force, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has also made its presence felt in several key constituencies, potentially fragmenting the results.

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on single-use plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. The draft amendment mandates the use of paper, paperboard, or naturally derived materials, prohibiting plastics and aluminium foil. This move aims to curb plastic waste and aligns with existing state-level bans on these products.

Prime Minister Modi lauded West Bengal's high voter turnout in the second phase of assembly elections, highlighting a «fearless atmosphere.» He expressed confidence in a BJP hat-trick of victories across five states, citing recent successes in Bihar and Gujarat. The results on May 4 are anticipated to bolster the resolve for a developed India.

Prime Minister Modi urged record voter turnout for West Bengal's Phase-2 elections, especially from women and youth. Voting commenced across 142 constituencies, a crucial phase for the TMC's dominance in southern districts against the BJP's challenge. Key contests include Bhabanipur, with extensive security and webcasting in place for 3.21 crore voters.

Electoral analysts estimate that Matua voters influence outcomes in 60 to 65 assembly seats. In the second phase alone, they are a key factor in 21 constituencies. In tightly contested elections, this scale of influence gives the community leverage that political parties cannot ignore. This is evident in recent electoral trends.

AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was released from Kathua jail after eight months following a J&K High Court order quashing his detention under the Public Safety Act. The court found the detention legally unsustainable. Malik, AAP's J&K president, was detained on charges of disturbing public order.

India has strongly condemned the «terrorist attacks» in Mali, extending condolences to victims and expressing solidarity with the nation. The Ministry of External Affairs also mourned the death of Mali's Defence Minister in the assault. This coordinated militant offensive, the largest in over a decade, has significantly worsened security, despite Russian support for the military government.

West Bengal's crucial assembly elections are nearing their conclusion, with exit polls set to release on April 29 and final results on May 4. The state witnessed record voter turnout in Phase 1, and Phase 2, covering key strongholds including Mamata Banerjee's Bhabanipur constituency, is now underway. Prominent leaders from TMC and BJP are in contention.

Reiterating the Congress party’s position, Tharoor pointed to its past record on women’s representation and said the party has consistently backed reservation for women. “@INCIndia has stood for women's rights and women's reservation under a strong woman President in Sonia Gandhi, initiated the Women's Reservation Bill, passed it in the Rajya Sabha during our tenure and supported it in the Lok Sabha when it was brought by GoI in 2023,” he said.