The Times of India

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin criticises Puducherry's chief minister N Rangasamy as a puppet. He claims the LG holds excessive power, sidelining the elected government. Stalin argues that this power imbalance hinders governance and accountability. He advocates for full statehood to restore authority to the elected leadership. The upcoming polls are framed as a vote against this imbalance.

Nearly 91 lakh names were removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls after a special revision exercise. The Election Commission's data shows significant deletions, impacting the voter base. While some deletions were finalized, others remain under adjudication. Electoral rolls for the first phase of assembly elections have now been frozen.

The Supreme Court ruled that banks are not required to provide personal oral hearings before classifying accounts as fraudulent. However, banks must furnish customers with a forensic audit report prior to such classification. This decision acknowledges the infeasibility of individual hearings given the significant rise in bank fraud cases.

The Election Commission has announced the commencement of the silence period for Assam legislative assembly elections from 5:00 PM today, prohibiting all forms of campaigning, including public meetings and social media dissemination. This 48-hour period before polling on April 9 aims to ensure a free and fair electoral process, with strict compliance mandated for all stakeholders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated new medical facilities at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. These state-of-the-art centers will enhance tertiary care for the Armed Forces Medical Services, focusing on ophthalmology, oncology, and joint replacements. Singh emphasized the critical role of health security in national defense and military operations.

Nearly 27 lakh voters in West Bengal face exclusion from the electoral roll as their claims were rejected by judicial officers. The Supreme Court has ruled against the inclusion of names pending appeals, citing the burden on tribunals and potential chaos. Deletions now stand at 88.8 lakh, impacting 11.6% of the electorate.

Cancer-stricken children experienced a mood transformation during a visit to Srinagar's Tulip Garden, part of SKIMS' novel immunotherapy initiative. The outing aimed to boost their immunity and optimism, offering a much-needed respite from hospital wards and providing reassurance to both the children and their families.

Jammu and Kashmir has lost nearly 3,000 hectares of lakes since 1967, with 315 lakes disappearing and remaining ones shrinking. This significant loss, detailed in a CAG report, degraded ecosystems and contributed to the devastating 2014 Kashmir floods by reducing natural flood buffers.

Heavy rains unleashed massive landslides in Ramban, completely obstructing the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Mud and falling stones choked the road between Karol Bridge and Chanderkote, stranding numerous vehicles. Officials indicated that clearing efforts are underway, but continuous rainfall significantly hinders any immediate reopening of this crucial all-weather route.

A 23-year-old Jammu man, Sachin Khajuria, who went to Russia for a job, was sent to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war and has now been cremated after his death was confirmed. He is the second from Jammu to die in the conflict, with families alleging youths were duped by agents promising civilian jobs but were forced into the army.

Aam Aadmi Party's decision to contest all seats in Kerala assembly polls creates a new challenge for Congress. This move mirrors AAP's impact in Gujarat, where it reduced Congress's vote share. AAP's presence could alter the political landscape, potentially benefiting the ruling Left. The INDIA bloc faces internal friction as AAP expands its national footprint.

The 10-page-long notice carried a chargesheet on seven counts. The charges ranged from partisan conduct of CEC to mass disenfranchisement of voters. The opposition had also raised the issue of the way CEC handled SIR in previous elections like Bihar and forthcoming elections in states like West Bengal; his proved misbehaviour; his partial conduct towards a political party are also issues that find a mention in the notice.

Punjab Police have dismantled an ISI-backed terror module planning grenade attacks on police establishments across multiple states. Three individuals were apprehended with two hand grenades and a pistol, bearing markings from Pakistan Ordnance Factory. Investigations revealed the operatives were in contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives via social media, acting on ISI handlers' directives.

Taking strong exception to the attack on judicial officers adjudicating objections to voter list exclusions in West Bengals Malda district, the Supreme Court on Thursday said there was a breakdown of law and order in the state and issued show-cause notices to the chief secretary, DGP, district magistrate and SP, asking why action should not be taken against them.

Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians and one US citizen, were remanded to 30 days' judicial custody in Delhi for alleged terror links. The NIA claims they supplied weapons and training to Indian insurgent groups, with connections to Myanmar's ethnic armed factions. Investigations are ongoing into their motives and activities.

A Tata Sierra car with UP registration breached the Delhi Assembly's Gate No. 2 on Monday, with an occupant placing a bouquet before driving off. Delhi Police have arrested the accused and seized the vehicle. Security was in place at the VIP gate, and no suspicious objects were found.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on Pakistan's threat to strike Kolkata. She criticized the PM for targeting Bengal during rallies but not addressing the specific threat, demanding his resignation. Banerjee asserted that threats to the state would not be tolerated.

Congress is campaigning for Puducherry assembly elections with a strong focus on jobs and social security. The party promises Rs 2,000 monthly for unemployed youth and 30,000 new jobs. Free bus travel for women and Rs 20 lakh health insurance are also pledged. Full statehood for Puducherry remains a key promise.

Rahul Gandhi pledged full statehood for Puducherry if Congress forms the government, accusing the current administration of being remotely controlled by Delhi. He also outlined promises including monthly support for unemployed youth, job creation, free bus travel for women, relaxed government job age limits, and Rs 20 lakh healthcare insurance for every family.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has accused Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife of holding multiple foreign passports and having undisclosed overseas properties and shell companies. Sarma has vehemently denied these allegations, labeling them as politically motivated lies and announcing defamation lawsuits against Khera, vowing to hold him accountable.

The Congress has strongly criticized the Modi government's delimitation proposal, alleging it unfairly benefits larger, populous states and diminishes the political influence of southern and northeastern regions. Leaders claim the plan to increase Lok Sabha seats will widen existing disparities, calling it a Weapon of Mass Distraction amidst national crises.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has brought beef consumption into his election campaign, targeting Congress ally AJP's candidate Kunki Chowdhury. He accused her parents of eating beef and vowed action under the Cattle Prevention Act post-election. Sarma challenged Chowdhury to disown her parents' actions, emphasizing the religious sentiments of 'Sanatani' people and the sanctity of religious sites.

Election Commission teams have seized over Rs 650 crore in potential voter inducements across five poll-bound states, with West Bengal leading seizures at Rs 319 crore. Freebies, drugs, and cash formed the bulk of the confiscated items. This figure is on track to surpass last year's record of Rs 1,000 crore in seizures.

Odisha has banned the open sale of LPG cylinders to combat black marketing. Only customers who have completed e-KYC can now purchase them from authorized dealers. The government assures sufficient supply, with delivery timelines of 25 days for urban and 45 days for rural consumers. This move follows recent seizures of cylinders for illegal resale.

North-west India will experience two western disturbances this week. Peak activity is expected on April 7-8. This will bring below normal to near normal day temperatures and a wet spell to the region. Other parts of the country will also see wet spells with thunderstorms and lightning until April 9.

Prime Minister Modi criticized Bengal's law and order, citing the confinement of judicial officers in Malda as evidence of jungle raj. He linked electoral roll revision to identifying illegal settlers and accused the TMC of protecting infiltrators, while also questioning their manifesto's name and warning of accountability after the elections.

A 19-year-old married woman in Bhopal has been granted legal permission to live independently with a man of her choice. She testified to the Madhya Pradesh High Court that her much older husband mistreated her and she did not wish to return to her parents. The court placed her under the Shourya Didi framework for six months.

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench, comprising judges from diverse faiths and a woman, will hear crucial cases on women's rights versus religious practices starting April 7. This bench aims to settle long-standing disputes, including women's entry into temples, mosques, and Parsi fire temples, and the practice of FGM. The court's 2018 Sabarimala judgment sparked these broader legal challenges.

Estranged AAP MP Raghav Chadha strongly refuted allegations from the party's Punjab unit that he failed to raise state issues in Parliament. He asserted his commitment to Punjab, highlighting numerous issues he has addressed, including pending funds, agricultural distress, and the drug menace. Chadha dismissed the claims as baseless and motivated, vowing that truth and facts would prevail.

Transgender rights activists have filed a Supreme Court petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026. The amendments remove self-perceived identity as the basis for TG certificates and introduce a medical board, moving away from the NALSA judgment's affirmation of personal dignity and choice.

Kashmir's prized saffron is under siege from an unexpected foe: the Indian crested porcupine. These nocturnal rodents are burrowing underground, destroying saffron corms and decimating harvests. Production has plummeted, threatening the livelihoods and identity tied to Pampore's ed gold. Authorities are assessing damage and proposing deterrents, but farmers fear the crisis will worsen without significant state intervention.

Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk urged the Centre to restore democratic rights in Ladakh, advocating for a win-win approach in talks for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Following his release from NSA detention, Wangchuk emphasized constructive dialogue, noting previous inconclusive discussions. He aims for a resolution to allow focus on nation-building.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi amid escalating Middle East tensions. The call, confirmed by the Iran Embassy in India, covered bilateral relations and regional developments. This follows Jaishankar's recent discussions with UAE and Qatar leaders, as Iran faces a US deadline over the Strait of Hormuz.

Far from being a PM Modi vs Rahul showdown, the 2026 elections are a test of regional resilience. Despite the visibility of the two national leaders on the campaign trail, neither is the decisive factor in these contests. Instead, the real battles are being fought by state satraps defending their turf or reclaiming relevance and the results will hinge on regional leadership, local alliances and governance records.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of bringing in paid supporters and hooliganism to influence elections, while also warning her party workers about potential EVM tampering. Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged voters to cast ballots without fear, as Prime Minister Modi criticized the state's law and order.