The Times of India

Samrat Choudharys journey to the top has hardly followed a conventional BJP path. Unlike many leaders nurtured within the Sangh ecosystem, he comes from outside that fold. His father, veteran politician Shakuni Choudhary, was a founding member of the Samata Party and a contemporary of both Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav. Samrat himself began in the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the 1990s and entered government early, serving as a minister under Rabri Devi.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta described the Women's Reservation Bill as a landmark and far-reaching initiative that will significantly strengthen women's empowerment in the country. She said the legislation is poised to open new avenues for women and elevate their role in governance in the years ahead.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of a power grab through a delimitation bill, stating the women's reservation bill was already passed in 2023. He asserted the Congress party unequivocally supports women's reservation and condemned the proposed increase in Lok Sabha seats as 'hissa chori' from marginalized communities and certain regions.

Addressing reporters in Coimbatore, the senior Congress leader shared critical views regarding the special session of parliament and the proposed Delimitation Bill.

The Aam Aadmi Party's rift with MP Raghav Chadha has widened, with leaders accusing him of betrayal and linking ED raids on Ashok Mittal to his alleged collusion with the BJP. Chadha's removal as deputy leader and subsequent Z-category security have fueled internal dissent and public accusations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended Bengali New Year greetings, urging voters to democratically counter attempts by Delhi's zamindars to undermine voting rights. She emphasized Bengal's cultural legacy of communal harmony and called for unity against divisive forces, appealing for votes for the Trinamool Congress in upcoming elections.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a state-wide black flag protest against the Centre's proposed delimitation exercise. He warned of severe political consequences if concerns about reducing southern states' political weight are ignored. Stalin described the move as a 'grave danger' and a 'historic injustice' that could widen the North-South divide and undermine federalism.

Iran reportedly used a Chinese-built spy satellite, TEE-01B, to monitor US military bases in the Middle East during recent conflicts. Leaked documents suggest the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps utilized the satellite for targeting and assessing strike success. China denies providing military support, calling the accusations fabricated.

India's top drug advisory body recommends restricting over-the-counter access to most nicotine replacement therapies, sparking concerns that it will hinder smokers' efforts to quit. While tobacco products remain widely available, this move could create more hurdles for those seeking quitting aids, potentially impacting public health initiatives.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the Enforcement Directorate's raid on AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal as election preparation for Punjab. The ED action occurred shortly after Mittal was appointed deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, replacing Raghav Chadha.

The BJP has secured its first chief minister in Bihar with Samrat Choudhary's election, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape. This move mirrors the party's strategy in Maharashtra, where it reclaimed leadership by strategically strengthening its position within existing alliances, demonstrating a path to dominance without coalition breakdown.

Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump held a significant phone call, reviewing robust bilateral ties and progress in their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also addressed the critical situation in West Asia, emphasizing the need for a secure and open Strait of Hormuz. This marks their third discussion this year, following recent peace talks.

Referring to the special session of Parliament scheduled for April 16, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin alleged that it had been forcibly convened in the middle of elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, and claimed the Union government intended to push through a constitutional amendment on delimitation without adequate debate.

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At 57, Choudhary has steadily risen through Bihars political ranks and is regarded as one of the BJPs strongest organisational figures in the state. He currently holds the Home portfolio and has played a central role in the NDA government, often representing the BJP alongside Nitish Kumar at major official and political events.

In a two-pronged attack , Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and the RSS of destroying the Constitution with their hate-filled thinking, while claiming the ruling TMC has failed in fulfilling its promise of providing jobs to the state's youth. Addressing poll rallies in Raiganj and Malda, Gandhi claimed that 84 lakh youths in Bengal have applied for the unemployment allowance promised by the Mamata Banerjee government.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Election Commission and BJP, alleging selective application of the SIR process to benefit the BJP. She accused the BJP of attempting to divide the state and urged voters to unite against Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars to secure a fourth term for TMC.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin campaigned in Vellore for the upcoming Assembly elections. He visited a tea shop and interacted with residents. The DMK faces a rematch against the AIADMK in Vellore. Stalin also criticized the BJP's stance on delimitation and promised welfare schemes for women. Tamil Nadu votes on April 23.

Polling will be held in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the women of India, emphasizing Nari Shakti and the government's commitment to women's reservation in legislative bodies. He highlighted the upcoming special Parliament session to pass a constitutional amendment for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, aiming for its full implementation by the 2029 elections.

A new mobile app for Community Health Officers has been launched to boost last-mile healthcare and emergency response. This digital tool will enable real-time patient management, faster referrals, and early identification of high-risk cases at Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres. The initiative aims to streamline care delivery and improve coordination across healthcare levels.