The Times of India

Aam Aadmi Party faces a significant setback as Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and six other MPs announced their decision to merge with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Chadha cited the AAP's deviation from its core ideology and working for personal benefits as reasons for the move. This comes days after Chadha's removal as Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared her intention to challenge the BJP nationally, aiming to unite opposition parties and dismantle the party at the Centre. She vowed to win Bengal first, then take the fight to Delhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded with a jibe, questioning her need to come to Delhi.

In a significant political shift, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party and joined the BJP, citing the party's deviation from its founding principles for personal gain. Chadha expressed feeling like the 'right man in the wrong party.' He announced that seven AAP MPs, including Swati Maliwal and Harbhajan Singh, are also making the move.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed the wave of change in West Bengal is evident after the first phase of polling, signaling a BJP victory. He alleged the TMC has crushed the temple of democracy and urged voters to reconstruct it, while also criticizing the party over women's safety.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staging his recent jhalmuri break during a campaign stop, alleging pre-planned arrangements and camera installations. She countered PM Modi's jhalmuri reference by listing diverse foods she consumes, questioning the BJP's confidence and suggesting EVM tampering. PM Modi had previously used the jhalmuri anecdote to target the TMC.

Independent MP Pappu Yadav defends his statements on the Women's Reservation Bill. He asserts his commitment to protecting women entering politics. Yadav alleges exploitation of young girls by leaders and capitalists. He claims his remarks highlight the struggles women face in the political arena. The Bihar State Women's Commission has sought an explanation for his offensive statements.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal assembly elections signals a desire for change. He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is poised for victory and will form the next government with an absolute majority.

The Supreme Court has directed officials deputed for election duty in West Bengal to approach the appellate tribunal regarding their exclusion from voter rolls. While acknowledging the issue of their continued inclusion in electoral rolls will be examined, the court stated it cannot alter its orders daily, emphasizing the need to follow prescribed legal channels for voting rights.

The BJP has announced that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will lead the party in the 2027 Uttarakhand assembly elections. Party president Nitin Nabin highlighted Dhami's focus on development and governance, with senior leaders like Prime Minister Modi, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah also praising his leadership and the state's progress.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee launched a strong attack on the BJP, accusing them of influencing the state's administration and vowing to politically counter them beyond Bengal. She declared her intention to ake over Delhi after winning Bengal, aiming for the BJP's destruction. The remarks come amid an intense election battle with high voter turnout.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah's social media interaction with a supporter waiting for his roadshow in West Bengal went viral. Shah, who had posted a sunset video with a swipe at the ruling TMC, apologized for the delay to a user waiting in the heat. He later held the roadshow, highlighting public sentiment against TMC's alleged atrocities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared moments from his visit to the Hooghly river banks in Kolkata, including a boat ride. He expressed gratitude to Maa Ganga and met with local boatmen and morning walkers. The visit occurred amidst ongoing political campaigning for the West Bengal assembly elections, with the BJP aiming to unseat the ruling Trinamool Congress.

The Congress has submitted a preliminary response to the Election Commission's notice concerning party president Mallikarjun Kharge's errorist remark. The party alleges the notice, citing discrepancies and a rushed deadline, indicates ulterior motives and a lack of due diligence. They have requested a week to provide a detailed reply and seek an audience with the EC.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about India. Kharge questioned Modi's stance, highlighting India's contributions to the US and alleging that the government has failed to protect national interests in past dealings with the US.

The absence of joint rallies between Rahul Gandhi and alliance partners like MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu raises concerns about Congress's coalition strategy. This visual gap fuels speculation and opposition attacks, contrasting with proactive alliance building seen from other INDIA bloc leaders like Arvind Kejriwal.

Autopsy findings in the rape and murder of an IRS officer's daughter reveal multiple injuries indicating a violent struggle. The 22-year-old victim sustained abrasions, contusions, and a nasal bone fracture. The accused, a domestic help, allegedly used a spare key to enter the apartment and assaulted her before fleeing with valuables.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has responded to an Election Commission notice regarding his errorist remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kharge stated his party would reply to the EC's ultimatum, which warned of action if he failed to explain his stand within 24 hours. The controversial comment was made during campaigning in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu witnessed brisk voting across 234 constituencies, with high-profile leaders, celebrities, and first-time voters participating in large numbers. Actor Vijay's TVK sought extended polling hours due to delays, while a robot greeted voters at a Chennai booth. The election sees a three-way contest between DMK, AIADMK, and TVK.

BJP leader Agnimitra Paul's car was vandalized in a stone-pelting incident in Asansol after she exited a polling booth. Paul alleged a deliberate attempt to influence the elections and filed a complaint. Contesting from Asansol South, she expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects, calling the election a 'war to save Bengal' focused on jobs and development.

West Bengal's first phase of assembly elections saw violence, voter intimidation, and EVM glitches. Crude bombs were hurled, clashes erupted between party workers, and a BJP candidate was allegedly attacked. Several polling stations experienced delays due to malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines, disrupting the electoral process across multiple districts.

The Supreme Court, while hearing a case on gender discrimination in temples, cautioned against relying on information from 'WhatsApp University.' A nine-judge bench, led by the Chief Justice, emphasized that while eminent authors' views are respected, personal opinions are not sufficient for judicial decisions. The court acknowledged the difficulty in defining essential religious practices.