West Bengal is on high alert before counting day due to Supreme Court moves, a 15-seat repoll order, and EVM tampering allegations. The TMC has challenged a high court order, while the Election Commission assures security at strongrooms amidst post-poll violence and transport disruptions.

The high court also said while dismissing the petition, “It is the prerogative of the office of the Election Commission of India to appoint the counting supervisor and counting assistant either from the state government or the central government. This court does not find any illegality for appointing counting supervisor and counting assistant from the central government / central PSU employee instead of state government employee.”

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, setting aside the Gauhati High Court's order. The apex court emphasized balancing individual liberty with the state's interest in investigation, noting the allegations appeared politically motivated. Khera must cooperate with the probe and appear when summoned.

West Bengal's political landscape, historically dominated by single parties for extended periods, is now witnessing an intense battle for the 2026 assembly elections. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee's 15-year rule faces a formidable challenge from the aggressively expanding BJP, which aims to end the TMC's reign. This election marks a critical juncture for the state's political legacy.

Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Centre over rising inflation, highlighting a significant Rs 993 jump in commercial LPG cylinder prices in a single day. He warned that this surge, amounting to an 81% increase over three months, will heavily impact small businesses and household expenses, predicting further hikes in petrol and diesel prices.

The Trinamool Congress staged a protest in Kolkata, alleging EVM tampering and procedural lapses in strongrooms before the West Bengal assembly polls. The party accused the BJP and Election Commission of collusion, while the EC asserted the strongrooms were secure and footage showed routine postal ballot segregation.

India witnesses a significant shift as girls now lead in education, outperforming boys in school enrolment and higher education pass-outs. While the overall literacy gap persists, younger generations show near parity. Women dominate fields like MPhil and arts, though men still lead in STEM, indicating ongoing gendered career paths.

The Supreme Court has urged public figures and constitutional post holders to exercise restraint in public discourse, stating that hate speech undermines fraternity, plurality, and multiculturalism. The court emphasized that such speech corrodes democratic values and is antithetical to the constitutional value of fraternity.

The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on Congress leader Pawan Khera's anticipatory bail plea. Khera is facing a criminal case filed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife over allegations of possessing multiple passports and offshore properties.

The Election Commission is implementing a new QR code-based system for counting hall access on May 4, the day of poll results. This three-tier security measure, involving manual ID checks and QR code scanning for the innermost cordon, will be standard for all future Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

Exit polls offer contrasting visions for West Bengal, with Today's Chanakya predicting a significant BJP victory and News18 foreseeing a close contest. In Tamil Nadu, DMK alliances appear poised for a majority, while actor Vijay's TVK could impact the AIADMK-BJP's standing. Pollsters also project BJP wins in Assam and an edge for UDF in Kerala.

Pilgrims can embark on the sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra again in 2026, with the Ministry of External Affairs coordinating with China. The spiritual journey, resuming for the second year, will see 20 batches of 50 individuals each travel via Uttarakhand or Sikkim. Selection will be computer-generated and gender-balanced, with registration now open.

Tensions flared at Kolkata's counting centres as Trinamool Congress alleged EVM tampering, citing CCTV footage. Election officials refuted claims, assuring three-tier security and authorized personnel. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged a 24/7 vigil at strongrooms, while clashes erupted between TMC and BJP workers. Officials clarified that individuals seen were authorized representatives segregating postal ballots.

Ahead of West Bengal's vote counting, the Election Commission is deploying approximately 70,000 central forces to maintain order, especially in areas prone to post-poll violence. Control rooms will monitor counting day, May 4, for immediate action against any disturbances. Strict legal action awaits those involved in violence, aiming to prevent a repeat of the 2021 incidents.

Dhaka summoned India's acting envoy to protest Assam CM's remarks calling apprehended foreigners 'rude people' and 'infiltrators'. Bangladesh conveyed that such disparaging comments strain bilateral ties and stressed the need for restraint on sensitive issues. The ministry emphasized that public statements capable of straining relations are counterproductive.

Srinagar's agricultural university has welcomed Swiss Saanen goats, sparking immense interest for their high milk yield with less feed. These docile animals, capable of producing five to six litres daily, are being studied for their adaptability to Kashmir's climate and potential for crossbreeding with local breeds. Researchers believe they could revolutionize dairy farming, even for urban households.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.

J&K Police have filed an FIR against individuals for promoting separatist ideology online after PDP's Iltija Mufti shared a video of late leader Syed Ali Geelani discussing the importance of Urdu. The police stated the content aimed to incite unlawful activities and undermine India's integrity. This action follows Mufti's protest against removing Urdu as a mandatory language.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh asserted that India's 'Operation Sindoor' sent a strong global message, demonstrating a shift from mere diplomatic statements to powerful deterrence against terror. He identified Pakistan as the epicentre of international terrorism, emphasizing the need to address its ideological roots.

'Parents' Word Will Be Final On 30-Week MTP'

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited a strong room, alleging EVM manipulation and obstruction by Central forces. She vowed to fight «life and death» against alleged bias by the Election Commission, despite exit polls favouring the BJP. The state saw record voter turnout amidst political tensions.

The Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of «gross electoral fraud» and «murder of democracy» following alleged ballot box tampering. The party shared CCTV footage, claiming it shows unauthorized opening of ballot boxes ahead of the May 4th counting. TMC leaders have begun a sit-in protest, with Mamata Banerjee expected to visit the site.