The Times of India

'State bifurcation', P 12

Exit polls suggest a BJP-led alliance victory in Assam and a UDF win in Kerala, potentially leaving the Left out of power in any state. Puducherry is expected to see the AINRC-BJP combine retain power. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal present a mixed picture, with some polls indicating a tight race in Tamil Nadu and differing predictions for West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may make a brief stopover in the UAE next month during his European tour. Discussions are ongoing for this potential visit, which would underscore India's strong strategic partnership with the Gulf nation. This stopover would allow India to express solidarity following Iran's strikes on GCC countries.

A tense election day in Bhowanipore saw Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and rival Suvendu Adhikari narrowly miss each other, highlighting a bitter personal contest. Both leaders traded accusations of intimidation and rigging amidst high voter turnout. Incidents of clashes and alleged assaults by central forces were reported, escalating the political heat.

West Bengal witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout of 92.9% across two phases, surpassing previous records and nearing India's highest. This surge, particularly in Kolkata, is attributed to voter roll corrections and enhanced security. Despite a reduced electorate, more votes were cast, with women outvoting men. Officials are investigating complaints of vote tampering.

Exit polls released on Wednesday after the conclusion of voting across four states and one Union Territory (UT) offered an indecisive picture, where entrenched incumbencies, rising challengers and new entrants are simultaneously may shape electoral outcomes if the exit polls numbers hold. With results scheduled for May 4, the projections reflect both continuity and churn across regions, underscoring how state-specific dynamics continue to define voter behaviour.

West Bengal witnessed a record voter turnout exceeding 91% in the second phase of assembly elections, contributing to an overall 92.47% across two phases, the highest since Independence. Despite high participation, sporadic incidents of violence and vandalism were reported from various locations, prompting the Election Commission to seek reports and ensure fair polling.

Exit polls present a stark contrast for Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections. While most predict a spoiler role with 10-24 seats, one outlier suggests a Kejriwal-like breakthrough of 98-120 seats. The outcome hinges on converting star power into grassroots strength, unlike Prashant Kishor's Bihar debut.

A defeat for LDF would also diminish the presence of CPM in its last major stronghold. The campaign narrative has also undergone notable shifts. Early phases were dominated by issues such as corruption allegations, economic concerns, backdoor appointments, the Sabarimala gold heist controversy, and rehabilitation concerns of Wayanad landslide victims, alongside scandals involving opposition leaders.

Exit polls for the Assam elections indicate a strong victory for the incumbent Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government, projecting a third consecutive term. Most pollsters suggest the BJP will secure a comfortable majority, leaving the Congress campaign with limited gains and pushing the party further into vulnerability.

In an official statement, district attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr said the return highlighted the massive scale of trafficking networks that targeted Indias cultural heritage. He added that efforts to recover and repatriate stolen artefacts would continue.

Voters await exit polls as West Bengal concludes its Phase 2 elections. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Uttar Pradesh's longest Ganga Expressway. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran regarding nuclear talks, and King Charles III emphasized democratic values and climate action during his US visit.

Krishna Pal triumphed in the under-29 10km at the Times Internet Half Marathon with a 34:00 chip time, inspired by a newspaper article. Rajesh secured second place at 35:40, while Mohit Sharma, a former school national qualifier, took third with 36:19. The event showcased emerging talent and athletic aspirations.

Prime Minister Modi lauded West Bengal's high voter turnout in the second phase of assembly elections, highlighting a fearless atmosphere. He expressed confidence in a BJP hat-trick of victories across five states, citing recent successes in Bihar and Gujarat. The results on May 4 are anticipated to bolster the resolve for a developed India.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a complete ban on single-use plastic packaging for pan masala, gutka, and similar products. The draft amendment mandates the use of paper, paperboard, or naturally derived materials, prohibiting plastics and aluminium foil. This move aims to curb plastic waste and aligns with existing state-level bans on these products.

The Supreme Court ruled that current laws adequately address hate speech, stating punishment is a legislative matter and no vacuum exists. However, it encouraged the government to assess if new legislation is needed due to changing social dynamics.

Congress slammed the Centre, accusing it of giving Pakistan a clean chit after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated terrorism lacks nationality or theology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called this appeasement of the US and capitulation to China, questioning Pakistan's role in terror attacks. Singh's remarks were made at the SCO meet in Bishkek.

A concerning national analysis reveals nearly 7% of Indian school children are obese, with rates climbing nationwide. Researchers link this rise to processed foods, sedentary habits, and screen time. Experts warn of early onset of adult diseases like diabetes and heart issues, stressing the urgent need for dietary changes and increased physical activity to combat this growing public health crisis.

The National Medical Commission has removed key restrictions on MBBS seat expansion, eliminating the 150-seat cap per college and the 100 seats per 10 lakh population ratio. These policy shifts aim to increase medical education capacity to meet rising demand. Additionally, the distance norm for teaching hospitals has been revised to 10 km, with a relaxed limit for specific regions.

West Bengal's second phase of Assembly elections commenced amidst reports of violence, voter intimidation, and technical issues. Incidents were reported across Chapra, Shantipur, Nimtala, and Bhangar. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged bias from observers and TMC party flags being removed, while the BJP reported an assault on a polling agent in Chapra.

Prime Minister Modi urged record voter turnout for West Bengal's Phase-2 elections, especially from women and youth. Voting commenced across 142 constituencies, a crucial phase for the TMC's dominance in southern districts against the BJP's challenge. Key contests include Bhabanipur, with extensive security and webcasting in place for 3.21 crore voters.