The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi fiercely criticized West Bengal's TMC government, accusing it of normalizing violence and turning crude bomb-making into a cottage industry. He promised strict action against infiltrators and land grabbers if the BJP forms the government, highlighting the Bogtui massacre as a blot on humanity and questioning the TMC's respect for tribal communities.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued another warning to medical colleges regarding overcharging MBBS fees, particularly for the internship period. Despite past directives and regulatory powers, enforcement remains weak, with limited punitive action reported for violations like stipend irregularities. This pattern raises concerns about accountability in medical education.

As Kerala heads to the polls, the election narrative shifts from rallies to booth-level battles. The ruling LDF aims for a historic third term, while the UDF seeks to leverage local body momentum against anti-incumbency. The NDA is focused on converting key pockets into durable political footholds, making these 20 constituencies the state's pressure points.

Puducherry's assembly elections commenced today with an innovative touch as a robot named 'Nila' greeted voters. Approximately 9.5 lakh electors are choosing among 294 candidates across 30 constituencies. The main contenders are the NDA, led by Chief Minister N Rangasamy, and the Congress-DMK alliance. Key issues like statehood and unemployment are prominent, with counting set for May 4.

India is actively managing the impact of the West Asia conflict. The government is ensuring a steady supply of essential commodities like LPG, petrol, and diesel. Efforts are underway to support farmers with fertilizers. India has successfully evacuated a significant number of vessels from the Strait of Hormuz.

The RBI kept its policy rate at 5.25% for the second consecutive meeting, citing concerns over elevated crude oil prices and global uncertainties. Governor Malhotra expressed cautious optimism, assuring markets that temporary forex measures were aimed at curbing speculation and would be reviewed. The central bank also eased capital norms for banks to support credit growth.

Opposition leaders criticized the rejection of their impeachment notices against the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging it strangles the constitutional mechanism. Senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that presiding officers exceeded their scope by conducting mini trials instead of a prima-facie assessment. The opposition vows to pursue legal avenues, asserting that democracy is impeached when accountability is adjourned.

Hyderabad's old city residents seeking voter list assistance encountered sanitation workers instead of trained officials. These workers, appointed due to staff shortages, lacked the necessary skills for the pre-SIR mapping exercise. They were equipped with smartphones to record voter details. Officials stated this is a temporary measure and replacements are expected soon.

The BJP has not nominated any Muslim candidates in the Bengal elections, a departure from previous polls despite a significant Muslim membership. Party leaders cited 'winnability' as the primary criterion for candidate selection, suggesting a disconnect between the BJP's platform and Muslim voting patterns. In contrast, Congress, TMC, and the Left Front have fielded a considerable number of Muslim candidates.

Bhowanipore constituency, the high-profile seat of Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, has seen its electorate shrink by nearly 25% after electoral roll revisions. Over 51,000 deletions occurred, with a significant portion of Muslims marked for adjudication and eventual deletion, raising concerns among researchers.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has sought anticipatory bail from the Telangana High Court. This follows a case filed by Guwahati police concerning his allegations against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife. Khera claims the FIR copy hasn't been provided and the charges are invalid. Assam Police's pursuit has now extended to Hyderabad.

The government has approved draft bills to amend the women's reservation law, aiming for 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies from 2029. These bills, to be introduced in the upcoming special Parliament session, will increase Lok Sabha seats to 816, with 273 reserved for women.

The Supreme Court expressed concern over the misuse of Public Interest Litigation for personal agendas, suggesting it would have dismissed a PIL challenging the Sabarimala custom. Justices noted that such challenges, if not brought by devotees, lack cause of action. The court emphasized the need for strict locus standi rules to prevent PIL abuse, especially in religious matters.

India has welcomed a temporary ceasefire in West Asia. The truce, brokered by Pakistan, aims to end a brutal war. India hopes this will lead to lasting peace and ensure global trade flows freely. The government also sees potential for peace efforts in Ukraine. India prioritizes the safety of its diaspora and LPG tanker passage.

The Jammu-Srinagar national highway (NH-44) remains closed for the third day due to continuous landslides and heavy rains in Ramban district. Over 400 vehicles are stranded as clearance operations are underway, with authorities advising against travel until the road is fully restored.

Srinagar's special court has remanded two Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists and their Kashmiri accomplice to 10-day police custody. Arrested on April 6, the trio are linked to an interstate LeT module. Investigations revealed one Pakistani national had been active in Kashmir for 16 years, while the accomplice provided crucial logistical support.

Assam's upcoming elections are a crucial referendum on Assamese nationalism, identity, and the state's political future. Regional parties face declining relevance as national parties dominate, with the BJP's 'jati, mati, bheti' plank and 'Brand Himanta' shaping the narrative. The Congress leads a broad opposition alliance, aiming to challenge the incumbent government amidst evolving identity politics.

Voters in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry are heading to the polls today to decide the fate of numerous candidates. Assam witnesses a direct fight between the BJP-led NDA and Congress. Kerala faces a choice between continuity with the ruling LDF and a comeback bid by the UDF. Puducherry presents a multi-cornered contest with new political forces emerging.

Kerala's upcoming assembly elections see Christian voters, particularly in central Kerala, becoming a crucial battleground. Traditional UDF support is tested by socio-economic concerns, political realignments, and perceptions of communal favoritism, forcing parties to re-evaluate their strategies to secure this influential bloc.

Puducherry gears up for polls on April 9, with over 9.5 lakh voters deciding the fate of 294 candidates across 30 seats. Key issues include statehood, economic challenges, and the rise of a third force. Security is tight, with drone surveillance and special polling stations ensuring a smooth process. The election outcome will shape the Union Territory's political future.

Assam's assembly elections are shaped by a new political map. A 2023 delimitation exercise changed constituencies, impacting voter representation and party strategies. Reserved seats increased, and some areas saw shifts in influence. This realignment follows nearly 50 years without changes, marking a significant turning point for the state's politics.

Assam gears up for its 2026 Assembly Elections, a single-phase event on April 9 across all 126 constituencies. Over 2.4 crore voters will decide the state's next government, with results due on May 4. The electoral battle, crucial as the current assembly term concludes, will see major parties vying for the 64-seat majority mark.

Puducherry's 9.5 lakh voters will elect 294 candidates across 30 Assembly seats on April 9. The ruling NDA faces a challenge from the INDIA bloc and actor Vijay's TVK party. Chief Minister N Rangasamy is contesting from two constituencies as all arrangements are in place for the polls.

The government has informed the Supreme Court that landmark rulings decriminalizing adultery and same-sex relationships were based on subjective constitutional morality, deeming them ot a good law. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that constitutional morality is vague and foreign legal reliance is concerning, questioning its role in judicial review and democratic lawmaking.

Puducherry heads to polls on April 9 for its 30 assembly seats, with key issues like statehood, economic concerns including power privatisation and rising prices, and a fragmented contest shaping the high-stakes election. The outcome will determine if the NDA retains power or the Congress-DMK bloc regains control.

Searches across 19 locations in J&K, Rajasthan and Haryana so far have led to the detention or arrest of six OGWs in Haryana, four in Rajasthan and over a dozen in J&K. Sources said the purpose of the multi-state module was to create an LeT network outside of J&K with the help of Pakistani and LeT contacts; and use it to set up hideouts for LeT terrorists and eventually facilitate their exit from India with the help of forged documents arranged by the local OGW network.

Kerala gears up for a pivotal assembly election as the LDF seeks a rare third consecutive term under CM Pinarayi Vijayan. Key factors influencing the outcome include Vijayan's leadership, development promises versus pushback, the BJP's growing influence, job aspirations of young voters, and complex community equations.

A nine-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is examining the ambit of religious practices across faiths and the extent to which courts can intervene. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, questioned how courts could assess whether a practice is superstitious.

Assam gears up for a direct electoral clash between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's BJP and Gaurav Gogoi's Congress. Key factors shaping the verdict include delimitation changes, the 'infiltration' narrative, welfare schemes like Orunodoi, tribal and tea garden voter influence, and a fragmented opposition. The election tests the BJP's political model against opposition revival.

BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar dismissed Congress allegations of asset non-disclosure as a desperate effort by a scared opposition. He predicted a political realignment in Kerala, stating the next elections will see the Congress and LDF unite as the INDIA bloc against the NDA. Kerala will vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.