The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made multiple visits to Tamil Nadu for campaigning, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's absence has fueled speculation about discord within the Congress-DMK alliance. Gandhi's recent campaign in Puducherry also saw him avoid mentioning DMK leader M.K. Stalin, suggesting underlying friction between the parties.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly condemned Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's illiterate jibe at BJP supporters and his venomous snake analogy for the RSS and BJP. Shah asserted that such remarks are undemocratic and urged voters to decisively defeat the Congress in upcoming elections, stating the party has become a threat to the democratic system under Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

An appellate tribunal ruled that Motab Shaikh and Motab Herul are the same person, accepting his Aadhaar card as proof of identity after the Election Commission failed to provide reasons for his exclusion. The tribunal noted discrepancies in voter lists and relied on supporting documents like Aadhaar, passport, and driving license to establish his identity.

The Supreme Court clarified that using the word astard alone, without sexual intent, doesn't constitute obscenity under IPC Section 294. Justices noted that such terms, common in heated arguments, don't inherently appeal to prurient interests.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Telangana CM Revanth Reddy engaged in a heated exchange of words during election campaigning. Vijayan responded to Reddy's earlier remarks with a jibe, which Reddy then likened to PM Modi's rhetoric, accusing Vijayan of 'devil's rule' and having BJP support. Vijayan later attempted to de-escalate by sending Reddy a letter detailing Kerala's development achievements.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has ruled two Kishtwar shrines and their properties as waqf, denying ownership rights to petitioners claiming hereditary custodianship. The court emphasized that property titles must be based on evidence, not public history, dismissing reliance on historical texts for ownership claims.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta lauded the central government for regularising Delhi's unauthorised colonies on an As Is, Where Is basis under the PM-UDAY scheme, noting that the new framework allows for the regularisation of 1,531 colonies without requiring layout plan approval. Furthermore, she mentioned that all plots and buildings within these colonies will be treated as residential.

Leema Rose Martin, AIADMK's Lalgudi candidate, is the wealthiest contender in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. She declared assets totaling approximately Rs 1,049.56 crore. Her affidavit reveals significant movable and immovable properties. Martin's husband and son also have substantial declared assets. The candidate faces pending criminal cases, some related to tax and money laundering investigations.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged public devotion to cows, suggesting it would end slaughter, drawing parallels to the Ram Temple movement. He advocated for supporting cow shelters and emphasized that public sentiment drives systemic change. Bhagwat also expressed confidence in India becoming a global leader, guided by spiritual values and compassion.

Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radhakrishnan has rejected the opposition's motion to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He stated that while the allegations are relevant for political discussion, they do not meet the constitutional threshold for removal proceedings. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha also dismissed a similar notice.

Assam Police searched Congress leader Pawan Khera's Delhi residence in connection with allegations against CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and his family. Electronic devices and incriminating material were seized. Khera was not found, with Sarma claiming he fled to Hyderabad. Congress accuses the CM of misusing state machinery.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for her irresponsible allegations hinting at collusion between the BJP and INDIA bloc allies. Tagore stressed the need for opposition unity against the BJP, reminding the TMC of its past alliance with the BJP and highlighting Rahul Gandhi's fight against the saffron party.

Congress intensified its attack on Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma after police searched Pawan Khera's Delhi home. The action follows a defamation FIR by Sarma's wife over passport allegations. Congress leaders decried the move as a 'witch hunt' and misuse of state power, demanding a probe into Sarma's wife's alleged foreign assets and passports.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin criticises Puducherry's chief minister N Rangasamy as a puppet. He claims the LG holds excessive power, sidelining the elected government. Stalin argues that this power imbalance hinders governance and accountability. He advocates for full statehood to restore authority to the elected leadership. The upcoming polls are framed as a vote against this imbalance.

Nearly 91 lakh names were removed from West Bengal's electoral rolls after a special revision exercise. The Election Commission's data shows significant deletions, impacting the voter base. While some deletions were finalized, others remain under adjudication. Electoral rolls for the first phase of assembly elections have now been frozen.

The Supreme Court ruled that banks are not required to provide personal oral hearings before classifying accounts as fraudulent. However, banks must furnish customers with a forensic audit report prior to such classification. This decision acknowledges the infeasibility of individual hearings given the significant rise in bank fraud cases.

The Election Commission has announced the commencement of the silence period for Assam legislative assembly elections from 5:00 PM today, prohibiting all forms of campaigning, including public meetings and social media dissemination. This 48-hour period before polling on April 9 aims to ensure a free and fair electoral process, with strict compliance mandated for all stakeholders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated new medical facilities at Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. These state-of-the-art centers will enhance tertiary care for the Armed Forces Medical Services, focusing on ophthalmology, oncology, and joint replacements. Singh emphasized the critical role of health security in national defense and military operations.

Nearly 27 lakh voters in West Bengal face exclusion from the electoral roll as their claims were rejected by judicial officers. The Supreme Court has ruled against the inclusion of names pending appeals, citing the burden on tribunals and potential chaos. Deletions now stand at 88.8 lakh, impacting 11.6% of the electorate.

Cancer-stricken children experienced a mood transformation during a visit to Srinagar's Tulip Garden, part of SKIMS' novel immunotherapy initiative. The outing aimed to boost their immunity and optimism, offering a much-needed respite from hospital wards and providing reassurance to both the children and their families.

Jammu and Kashmir has lost nearly 3,000 hectares of lakes since 1967, with 315 lakes disappearing and remaining ones shrinking. This significant loss, detailed in a CAG report, degraded ecosystems and contributed to the devastating 2014 Kashmir floods by reducing natural flood buffers.

Heavy rains unleashed massive landslides in Ramban, completely obstructing the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Mud and falling stones choked the road between Karol Bridge and Chanderkote, stranding numerous vehicles. Officials indicated that clearing efforts are underway, but continuous rainfall significantly hinders any immediate reopening of this crucial all-weather route.

A 23-year-old Jammu man, Sachin Khajuria, who went to Russia for a job, was sent to the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war and has now been cremated after his death was confirmed. He is the second from Jammu to die in the conflict, with families alleging youths were duped by agents promising civilian jobs but were forced into the army.

Aam Aadmi Party's decision to contest all seats in Kerala assembly polls creates a new challenge for Congress. This move mirrors AAP's impact in Gujarat, where it reduced Congress's vote share. AAP's presence could alter the political landscape, potentially benefiting the ruling Left. The INDIA bloc faces internal friction as AAP expands its national footprint.

The 10-page-long notice carried a chargesheet on seven counts. The charges ranged from partisan conduct of CEC to mass disenfranchisement of voters. The opposition had also raised the issue of the way CEC handled SIR in previous elections like Bihar and forthcoming elections in states like West Bengal; his proved misbehaviour; his partial conduct towards a political party are also issues that find a mention in the notice.

Punjab Police have dismantled an ISI-backed terror module planning grenade attacks on police establishments across multiple states. Three individuals were apprehended with two hand grenades and a pistol, bearing markings from Pakistan Ordnance Factory. Investigations revealed the operatives were in contact with Pakistan Intelligence Operatives via social media, acting on ISI handlers' directives.

Taking strong exception to the attack on judicial officers adjudicating objections to voter list exclusions in West Bengals Malda district, the Supreme Court on Thursday said there was a breakdown of law and order in the state and issued show-cause notices to the chief secretary, DGP, district magistrate and SP, asking why action should not be taken against them.

Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainians and one US citizen, were remanded to 30 days' judicial custody in Delhi for alleged terror links. The NIA claims they supplied weapons and training to Indian insurgent groups, with connections to Myanmar's ethnic armed factions. Investigations are ongoing into their motives and activities.

A Tata Sierra car with UP registration breached the Delhi Assembly's Gate No. 2 on Monday, with an occupant placing a bouquet before driving off. Delhi Police have arrested the accused and seized the vehicle. Security was in place at the VIP gate, and no suspicious objects were found.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on Pakistan's threat to strike Kolkata. She criticized the PM for targeting Bengal during rallies but not addressing the specific threat, demanding his resignation. Banerjee asserted that threats to the state would not be tolerated.