The BJP attributes Bengal's record voter turnout to Hindu consolidation, asserting it signals a significant shift against Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Citing communal tensions and safety concerns, the party claims voters are demanding accountability and change. BJP also dismissed Chief Minister Banerjee's apprehensions about EVM malpractices as a desperate attempt to deflect from the election's outcome.

Repolling has been ordered in 15 South 24 Parganas booths for Saturday, May 2, following irregularities during Bengal's second phase polls. Concerns included disabled CCTV cameras and tampered EVMs. Special observers recommended repolling in several constituencies due to disturbing findings, with some booths in Falta reportedly seeing 100% turnout.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu action, highlighting severe infrastructure and vacancy issues plaguing the National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT). These deficiencies are causing significant delays in crucial insolvency and bankruptcy cases, potentially undermining the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code's objectives. The court emphasized the urgent need for immediate remedial measures to prevent further frustration of the IBC's purpose.

Enforcement Directorate chief Rahul Navin highlighted legal hurdles in money laundering probes, questioning if trials should halt pending predicate offence conclusions. This debate, amplified by the junior finance minister's remarks defending the agency against political vendetta accusations, underscores the ED's push for independent money laundering investigations, despite Supreme Court rulings. The agency aims to maintain its high conviction rate.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district have successfully dismantled a terrorist hideout. Acting on crucial intelligence, a joint operation in the Chatroo region led to the discovery of a significant cache of weapons, including a grenade launcher, carbine, pistol, and substantial explosives. This major seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Trinamool Congress has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding alleged CCTV blackouts and unauthorized access to EVM strongrooms. BJP dismissed these claims as tactics by a party anticipating defeat. TMC representatives reported seeing individuals inside sealed rooms without party agents present, fueling suspicion ahead of counting day.

Kolkata police have imposed strict prohibitory orders around EVM strongrooms following Trinamool's vote tampering claims and clashes with BJP workers. Security has been heightened with additional forces and sealed roads. The Election Commission vows to punish any disruption, emphasizing robust security at all counting centers statewide to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, deeming allegations against Assam CM's wife and her counter-allegations politically motivated. The court emphasized personal liberty, stating custodial interrogation wasn't warranted given the political overtones of the dispute.

Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the return of Lord Buddha's holy relics to Ladakh after 75 years, calling it a «historic reunion» and the «living land of Dhamma.» The fortnight-long exposition of the Piprahwa relics, marked by prayers and rituals, aims to reinforce India's Buddhist heritage. The event highlights peace and compassion amidst global unrest.

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.