32 C The Times of India
Elections 2026Politics / The Times of India
Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on PM Modi and Assam CM Sarma, alleging foreign influence and corruption ahead of the 2026 elections. Gandhi claimed Trump controls Modi and accused Sarma of running a land ATM with Modi and Shah. Congress also unveiled poll promises including financial aid for women and land rights.
Parliament is set to reconvene on April 16 to consider legislation that could increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with 273 seats reserved for women. This move aims to implement a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, significantly altering the country's political landscape and reinforcing the government's women's empowerment agenda.
Amidst escalating Middle East conflict, India is providing petroleum supplies to neighboring nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Maldives has also requested petroleum products, with India examining these requests based on its own availability.
Raghav Chadha has been removed as the Aam Aadmi Party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha. Ashok Mittal has been appointed in his place. The party has also requested the Rajya Sabha secretariat not to allot speaking time to Chadha from its quota. This move comes amid reports of indiscipline and not adhering to the party line.
The bench arrived at the finding while answering a reference made by a division bench of the court in view of conflicting judgments of two different division benches of the HC on the issue.
Rahul Gandhi released the Congress party's manifesto for the Assam Assembly elections. The document details commitments across eleven key sectors. This release is a significant step in the party's campaign. The Congress aims to regain power in Assam after a decade. Polling is scheduled for April 9. Vote counting will occur on May 4.
The Trinamool Congress has sharpened its attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of his visit to West Bengal, recommending local non-vegetarian delicacies. This move aligns with the TMC's campaign, which portrays the BJP as out of touch with Bengal's cultural traditions, particularly regarding food habits.
West Bengal's political landscape is witnessing a significant rise in dynastic representation for the 2026 assembly elections. Across major parties like TMC, BJP, Congress, and CPI(M), candidates from established political families are increasingly being fielded. This marks a departure from Bengal's traditional grassroots politics, as parties now prioritize candidates with existing voter recognition and organizational support.
Tamil Nadu's election campaign intensified as Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin filed his nomination from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, aiming for a second consecutive win. Actor-politician Vijay also entered the fray, filing nominations from both Trichy East and Perambur constituencies, with his party manifesto emphasizing a drug-free Tamil Nadu.
The Supreme Court has been informed that all deleted voter claims in West Bengal will be decided by April 7. This addresses concerns about the upcoming assembly elections. Appellate tribunals have been formed to hear any objections. The court emphasized that judicial officers must remain independent and free from political interference. Further hearings are scheduled for April 6.
The CBI has filed a new case against Anil Ambani and Reliance Communications, along with bank officials, following an LIC complaint. Allegations suggest LIC was misled into investing Rs 4,500 crore in Non-Convertible Debentures based on false financial representations. A forensic audit revealed alleged misuse of funds, including siphoning through subsidiaries and fictitious transactions, causing a Rs 3,750 crore loss.
Industrialist Cyrus S Poonawalla has set a new record for modern Indian art, acquiring Raja Ravi Varma's 'Yashoda and Krishna' for Rs 167.2 crore. This landmark sale, which more than doubled its estimate, highlights the enduring cultural significance of Varma's work. Poonawalla plans to make the national treasure available for public viewing.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has apologized for his controversial remarks that drew a connection between former Odisha CM Biju Patnaik, Jawaharlal Nehru, and the CIA. Dubey clarified his statements were just his personal opinion, not meant to be taken literally, and were part of his broader criticism of the Nehru-Gandhi family's legacy.
'Residential Units Vacant Or Dilapidated, Officials Living On Rent Outside'
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has admitted a private member's bill aimed at protecting current land leaseholders. This move faces strong opposition, with critics alleging it benefits wealthy stakeholders, particularly hotel owners in Gulmarg. The bill seeks to counter recent rules that bar lease extensions and mandate auctions.
India's defence ministry has smartly deployed its revised capital expenditure of Rs 1.86 lakh crore for FY2025-26, mirroring the momentum from the previous year. This fiscal strategy highlights intense investments in aerial assets, ground defense technologies, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems. Additionally, the endorsement of multiple new procurement strategies showcases a dynamic approach towards bolstering the nations defense arsenal.
Eight women workers were killed on the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway in Jalna district, Maharashtra, after a truck collided with a tempo they were standing in. The truck driver, who changed lanes and struck the tempo from behind, has been taken into custody. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his condolences and announced Rs 5 lakh aid for the deceased's families.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have all participated in the self-enumeration for Census 2027. This initiative marks the commencement of the first phase, focusing on house listing and housing census, with a 15-day window for self-enumeration in Delhi starting Wednesday.
The Students Federation of India, Pondicherry University unit (SFI PU), condemned the arbitrary decision of the university to prepone the examinations and to direct the students to vacate the hostel.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that Election Commission-appointed officials were tasked with rejecting her party's candidate nominations. She urged candidates to be cautious during filing and accused the BJP of misusing central agencies and manipulating voter lists, particularly targeting women and poor individuals.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami attacked CM MK Stalin at a rally, accusing him of forming alliances out of fear of defeat and alleging a breakdown of law and order. Palaniswami also criticized Stalin's use of language and warned of retaliation, while assuring financial support for Jallikattu events.
Mirza Waheed is a novelist and essayist born and raised in Kashmir and living in London. His debut novel, The Collaborator, was a finalist for the Guardian First Book Award and the Shakti Bhatt Prize and was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize. His second novel, The Book of Gold Leaves, was shortlisted for the DSC Prize and longlisted for the Folio Prize. His third novel, Tell Her Everything, won The Hindu Literary Prize. In this conversation, he discusses his new novel, Maryam & Son.
The Supreme Court imposed Rs 25,000 costs on the Centre for challenging a High Court order reinstating a CISF official. Upholding the High Court's ruling, the bench found the dismissal disproportionate, noting the official had taken medical leave and the woman involved had no grievance. The court emphasized the government's role as a major litigant contributing to case backlogs.
Rahul Gandhi encountered a man dressed as Yamaraj during his Kerala campaign, humorously suggesting the UDF's proposed Rs 25 lakh health insurance scheme would render the God of Death jobless. This initiative aims to alleviate financial burdens from medical crises, ensuring healthcare as a right for all Keralites.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a strong attack on Kerala's LDF and UDF, accusing both of deceiving the state's people for decades with similar politics and governance. He alleged corruption and poor performance, stating voters are seeking a credible alternative as the BJP-led NDA intensifies its campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Once a dominant force, West Bengal's Congress party has seen its influence dwindle significantly over five decades. From landslide victories to being overshadowed by communist rule and then Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress, the party now struggles for relevance.
The Centre has issued a detailed advisory on GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, emphasizing their use for type 2 diabetes and obesity must be strictly under medical supervision. Authorities are increasing regulatory surveillance and warning of strict action against violations in their sale or prescription.
In a post on X, the chief minister emphasised the progress of Uttar Pradesh towards the goal of 'Zero Waste to Zero Carbon Emissions', crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for steering the state toward smart and environmentally conscious urbanisation.