The Economic Times

A new chapter in Indian politics is unfolding. The BJP's return in Haryana signifies a strategic revival, and the once-unbreakable grip of Naveen Patnaik in Odisha has finally loosened. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's political alliances have set the stage for critical outcomes, and the BJP's comeback in Delhi after 27 years reflects a dramatic voter shift.

BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar announced the NDA has secured two MLA seats in Nemom and Chathannoor. This outcome directly challenges the Congress and CPI(M)'s earlier assertions that the BJP would not win any seats. Chandrasekhar stated the people's mandate reflects dissatisfaction with CPI(M)'s alleged corruption.

West Bengal Results 2026: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears poised to form the government in West Bengal for the first time, potentially ending the Trinamool Congresss 15-year dominance. Trends from the Election Commission of India indicate a strong lead for the BJP, driven by a welfare-focused campaign and robust ground-level organisation. If these trends hold, the outcome would signal a significant political shift in the state.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship: An outbreak of Hantavirus on a cruise ship sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde has tragically claimed three lives. The World Health Organization is investigating this rare disease, transmitted from rodents. Hantavirus causes severe respiratory illness. Prevention involves avoiding rodent exposure and maintaining cleanliness.

InGovern Research Services urged directors of seven listed Tata Group firms to advocate for Tata Sons' public listing. Citing RBI's 2026 regulatory shifts, the firm stressed the fiduciary duty to protect public shareholders by demanding a listing roadmap, market-linked valuation, and governance reforms.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has requested a meeting with Governor R.N. Ravi. This comes as vote counting shows the Bharatiya Janata Party leading significantly. The BJP appears set for a historic victory in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected at the BJP headquarters. Elections were held recently, with a record voter turnout.

Actor Thalapathy Vijay is a global star with a devoted fan base. His career spans three decades, marked by successful films and memorable dialogues. Vijay is now entering politics with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which is showing strong leads. His net worth is estimated at Rs 600 crore, earned through films, endorsements, and investments.

West Bengals 2026 election is beginning to look like a political map being redrawn, with old equations giving way to new alignments. The BJPs current edge hints at a shift, but Bengal rarely moves in straight lines. Mamata Banerjees career reflects that pattern from student politics to forming the TMC in 1998 and ending Left rule in 2011, repeatedly turning setbacks into comebacks. In Bengal, even political tides rarely settle.

Early vote counting in West Bengal assembly elections shows a significant lead for the BJP. Many Trinamool Congress ministers are trailing in their constituencies. This trend indicates a strong challenge for the ruling party. Key leaders are facing tough contests. The Election Commission notes that final trends will emerge after more counting rounds are completed.

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi lost the Jorhat Assembly constituency to BJPs Hitendra Nath Goswami by a margin of 23,182 votes, with Goswami securing 69,439 votes against Gogois 46,257 as counting concluded.

Step inside Thalapathy Vijays Rs 80-crore Neelankarai mansion, a coastal fortress where luxury meets privacy. As his party TVK makes waves in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections, we explore his minimalist sea-facing sanctuary, complete with a private gym, a swimming pool, and a high-security design tailored for a leader.

Puducherry election winners list 2026: Chief Minister N Rangasamy secured an early victory. Key constituencies like Mangalam, Yanam and Mannadipet are being closely watched. Several of these seats saw narrow margins in the previous elections, indicating likely close contests ahead.

TVK Manifesto: Tamil actor Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is making a strong debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026, with early trends showing a significant impact. The partys manifesto, focused on welfare measures, job guarantees and farmer relief, appears to be resonating with voters, challenging the established DMKAIADMK dominance.

Tamil Nadu Results: Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has achieved a stunning victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, crossing the majority mark. This historic win, attributed to a decade-long transformation of fan clubs into a disciplined political force, signals a new era in Tamil Nadu politics, challenging the established order.

How can TVK form government in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu appears headed for a hung Assembly as TVK is leading in a large number of seats but is likely short of the 118-seat majority mark. With counting still underway, Vijays party has three possible paths to form the government alliances with smaller parties, support from AIADMK, or issue-based backing.

BJP West Bengal results 2026: Industrialist Harsh Goenka has reacted positively to the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory in West Bengal. He believes the business community is delighted and sees this as a turning point for economic revival. Goenka anticipates development returning to the forefront, a boost in jobs and investments, and a stronger social climate.

Actor Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is making a significant impact in Tamil Nadu elections. Vijay is currently leading in key constituencies. Celebrations have erupted among his supporters. Security measures are in place around his home. The election results are being closely watched across India.

The Bhagyathara BT-52 lottery results have now been released, offering participants a chance to win prizes ranging from a 1 crore jackpot to smaller amounts. Ticket holders can check their numbers for the draw, which features multiple prize tiers. The Kerala State Lotteries Department ensures transparency in the announcement and claiming process.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Christian Michel James' plea for release from jail in the AgustaWestland scam case. James challenges the India-UAE extradition treaty, arguing he has served the maximum sentence for extradited offenses. The court issued notices to the Centre, CBI, and ED, seeking their responses within four weeks.

BJP Winners Assembly Elections 2026: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has shown improved performance in the 2026 Assembly elections across multiple states. While making its presence felt in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the party has recorded strong leads in West Bengal and Assam. Here is the state-wise performance and leading candidates.

BJP candidate Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape victim, is leading in the Panihati assembly constituency. Her campaign focused on women's safety, aiming to continue her daughter's mission. This closely watched contest highlights issues of governance and accountability in West Bengal's ongoing election counting.

India's palm oil imports plummeted 27% in April to a one-year low, driven by sluggish institutional demand and a reduced price advantage over rival oils. This decline could impact global palm oil futures, while imports of soyoil and sunflower oil saw significant increases, pushing overall edible oil imports to a 2026 high.

Vijay Thalapathy TVK: Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is poised to make history in Tamil Nadu, potentially becoming the state's first actor-turned Chief Minister in 49 years. Despite facing setbacks, including a stampede controversy, a film leak impacting his movie 'Jana Nayagan', and a personal divorce case, Vijay's political journey is gaining significant momentum.

The Congress-led UDF has secured a significant victory in Kerala. This marks the end of ten years of Left rule in the state. The list of winners from various parties including Congress, CPI(M), IUML, CPI, Kerala Congress, RSP, BJP, RJD, and RMPOI has been released. Voters have made their choice.

Who Won West Bengal Election:The Bharatiya Janata Party is leading significantly over the All India Trinamool Congress in the West Bengal Assembly elections, according to the latest Election Commission of India trends. BJP's Suvendu Adhikary holds a lead in Nandigram, while Mamata Banerjee is ahead in Bhabanipur. The state recorded exceptionally high voter turnout across its phases.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered district officials to be on high alert. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are affecting several districts, including Lucknow. The Chief Minister stressed immediate relief for citizens and prompt compensation for losses. Officials are instructed to stay on the ground and ensure public safety.

India Assembly Election Trends 2026: Indian Assembly election trends reveal a dynamic political landscape. In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee faces challenges while Suvendu Adhikari rises. Tamil Nadu sees M.K. Stalin confronting anti-incumbency and actor Vijay making a significant debut. Kerala experiences fatigue with the Left, and Assam's Himanta Biswa Sarma consolidates power. Personality still matters, but only when aligned with public mood.

India's central bank is actively seeking methods to attract dollar inflows. This move aims to bolster foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the rupee. Measures under consideration include reviving a deposit scheme for non-resident Indians and removing withholding tax on overseas government bond investors. These steps are being explored amid rising oil prices and capital outflows.

West Bengal Assembly elections: Vote counting for the polls is underway. Trinamool Congress leaders are expressing concern as some party candidates are trailing. They allege delays and confusion at counting centers. TMC candidates claim the Election Commission is not cooperating. The results will decide if the TMC returns to power or the BJP forms its first government in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the BJP headquarters today. Trends show the BJP leading in West Bengal and Assam. The party is also expected to retain power in Puducherry. Vote counting is underway for assembly elections in five states. The BJP appears set for a strong performance in the eastern regions.

Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar rape-murder victim, is leading in the Panihati assembly constituency. She has secured a significant lead over her Trinamool Congress opponent. The tragic incident involving her daughter, a doctor, occurred in August 2024 at RG Medical College and Hospital. Election Commission data confirms her current advantage in the vote count.

Quote of the day by Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Elizabeth II served as a symbol of stability for over 70 years. She witnessed immense global transformations and adapted to a changing world. Her dedication to duty and service earned her worldwide respect. Her legacy highlights resilience and humility in leadership. She understood that change is a constant.

Cheers resonate throughout Tamil Nadu as the TVK party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, approaches a historic majority. Party loyalists gather to celebrate, heralding Vijay as the next Chief Minister. Heartwarming visuals capture his family's elation, while results show the party securing victory in 108 out of 234 assembly seats.

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized its own Registry. Judges accused Registry officials of acting like super Chief Justice of India. This happened during a bail plea hearing for Ayushi Mittal, accused in a massive fraud case. The court ordered an inquiry into why its previous instructions were not followed.

West Bengal Elections: The Supreme Court will hear a plea on May 11 regarding the deployment of Central forces in West Bengal. This comes as vote count trends show the Bharatiya Janata Party leading significantly. The BJP is projected to cross the halfway mark in the assembly. High voter turnout was recorded in recent phases of the elections.

West Bengal Election Results: Early trends in West Bengal show the BJP surging ahead of the TMC, potentially marking a historic shift in a state long resistant to the party. This development carries an irony, as the BJP's ideological roots trace back to Bengali founder Shyama Prasad Mookherjee, raising the question of whether his legacy can finally secure the state for the party.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission was playing games along with BJP and claimed that 7080 seats were being withheld as early trends showed a saffron surge in the state.

How Many Seats Needed to Form Government in TN? Tamil Nadu has 234 Assembly seats, and a party or alliance needs 118 seats to form the government. As counting continues in the 2026 Assembly elections, this majority mark has become the most important number. Crossing 118 will decide who gets to rule the state.

Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has surged past the 100-seat mark in the Tamil Nadu election results 2026, challenging established parties DMK and AIADMK. This stunning rise for the debut party aligns with past predictions made by former poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who had anticipated TVK's success even if contesting alone.

As the Tamil Nadu elections unfold, key Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, such as state chief Nainar Nagenthran and Union Minister L Murugan, are facing tough challenges, trailing their DMK and TVK counterparts. Meanwhile, the former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Vanathi Srinivasan also find themselves at a disadvantage.

As early trends for the 2026 Assembly elections showed the BJP leading in West Bengal and Assam, the party criticized Rahul Gandhi. The BJP shared a social media post highlighting 99 electoral defeats for the Congress under his leadership since the mid-2000s, framing it as a continuous losing streak.

As the election results streamed in favorably for the BJP, the party's headquarters transformed into a colorful fiesta. Celebrating the success, leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga personally distributed jhalmuri, mirroring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's taste for this quintessential street snack during his campaign in Jhargram.

Early election trends across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry point to major political shifts, with voters moving away from established patterns and reshaping the electoral map in several states.

TVK leads in TN: As Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leads in over 100 seats in early trends of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor Vijays political journey is drawing strong parallels with his 2018 blockbuster Sarkar. In the film, his character rises from outsider to a powerful political force in a short span. Today, reality seems to be following fiction.

India has eased Foreign Direct Investment rules for companies with up to ten percent Chinese or Hong Kong shareholding. These firms can now invest in India through the automatic route starting May 1, 2026. This change aims to boost investment flows. Previously, stricter rules applied due to security concerns. The government has also expedited clearances for certain manufacturing sectors.

AIADMK Winners List Tamil Nadu, Puducherry: The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The party secured numerous seats across the state and also won a constituency in Puducherry. Led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, AIADMK remains a major political force. This performance sets the stage for future opposition strategies against the ruling DMK alliance.

West Bengal Election results analysis: Early election trends in West Bengal suggest a major political shift, with BJP emerging ahead of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to initial ECI data and exit poll projections. The ruling TMC, long dominant in the state, is now projected to trail the BJP as vote counts indicate a possible change in government.

As early trends indicated the UDF crossing the halfway mark in Kerala, Shashi Tharoor welcomed the development, seeing it as a voter desire for change after a decade. He emphasized the need for a ew kind of politics following what he termed 10 years of poor governance.

On Monday, the Vikramshila Setu bridge in Bhagalpur, Bihar faced a significant structural failure, with a section near pillar 133 collapsing into the Ganga river. Fortunately, officials have confirmed that there were no casualties and no vehicles were involved in the incident. To manage the aftermath, traffic is being redirected through Munger.

Kerala BJP Winners List Election 2026: 2026 Kerala Assembly Election results mark a turning point for the BJP, as the party successfully breaks its dry spell in the state. While the UDF appears set to form the government, early leads on May 4 suggest that the saffron party is no longer a fringe player, with heavyweights like Shobha Surendran leading the charge in key battles.