The Times of India

The Supreme Court refused to postpone hearings on petitions challenging the 2023 law for appointing election commissioners, deeming the matter more important than any other matter. The court allowed petitioners to begin arguments, emphasizing the significance of the case over other ongoing constitutional benches.

Gaurav Gogoi's defeat in Assam's 2026 assembly elections, despite being the Congress's chief ministerial face and a legacy leader, underscores the party's shrinking footprint. The BJP secured a massive victory, winning 102 seats, while Congress managed only 19. This outcome highlights a deeper political churn, impacting legacy, identity, and strategy.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav announced the party has ended its association with political consultancy I-PAC, citing financial constraints rather than electoral performance. Yadav clarified that the decision was due to limited resources, not recent election outcomes, and that the party had engaged I-PAC for early preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

US and Iran are reportedly nearing a one-page memo to de-escalate conflict, focusing on nuclear talks and sanctions. In Tamil Nadu, TVK's Vijay claims government formation after electoral win, with Congress offering conditional support. Meanwhile, a tragic suicide of a rape victim in UP and twin blasts in Punjab, claimed by a Khalistan group, are under investigation.

Vladimir Lenin was a Russian revolutionary who led the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and founded the Soviet Union, becoming one of the most influential communist leaders, having overwhelming influence in West Bengal politics under the CPM regime, which was uprooted by the TMC's Mamata Banerjee after three decades in 2011. The party said it registered a police complaint, leading to arrest of five and vowed to rebuild the statue on May 8.

Suvendu Adhikari's name is gaining traction for the Chief Minister's post in West Bengal. The Bharatiya Janata Party has achieved a significant electoral victory, surpassing the Trinamool Congress. Adhikari, a key BJP leader, has demonstrated his electoral prowess by defeating Mamata Banerjee. The BJP's strong performance has reshaped the state's political landscape, raising questions about Adhikari's future role.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK is poised to form the government in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single-largest party but needing allies. The Congress has reportedly pledged support for a secular government, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Meanwhile, a faction within the AIADMK is reportedly considering backing Vijay.

Cracks have emerged within the INDIA bloc following the Tamil Nadu election results, with the DMK accusing its ally, the Congress, of ackstabbing for supporting actor-politician Vijay's TVK party. The DMK criticized the Congress' decision as foolhardy and driven by ego, questioning its trustworthiness and potential impact on other alliance partners.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of winning seats through vote theft, claiming every sixth MP from the party secured victory unfairly. He alleged that institutions are manipulated to tamper with the electoral process, suggesting the BJP fears fair elections.