The Times of India

The Bharatiya Janata Party is making inroads in Kerala, challenging the state's traditional two-front political system. Recent elections show the BJP gaining ground in specific constituencies, turning contests into triangular battles. This shift is evident in Lok Sabha and local body polls, indicating a gradual disruption of the established LDF-UDF dominance. The party focuses on select seats for strategic growth.

A victory for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK)-led front would be read primarily as an endorsement of the ruling partys leadership. Chief minister MK Stalin remains the central figure in the states political battle, and governance credit is expected to accrue largely to his party. For Congress, which continues as a junior partner in the alliance, such an outcome would ensure representation and continuity, but not necessarily greater political ownership.

As vote counting looms for five key states, the 2026 assembly elections represent a critical juncture for national parties and regional strongholds. The BJP seeks geographic expansion, while the Congress fights for relevance. Regional forces face mounting pressure, making the outcome a test of India's political trajectory.

Puducherry's vote counting begins Monday for its 30 constituencies, a high-stakes election with record 89.83% turnout. The ruling NDA, led by AINRC, faces a strong challenge from the Congress-led SPA and emerging player TVK. Key constituencies like Thattanchavady and Mannadipet are closely watched.

Heavy landslides have blocked key routes in Jammu and Kashmir. The Baramulla-Uri highway faced disruption near Lagama, with traffic diverted. The Doda-Kishtwar road also saw a major blockage near Gatsoo. Meanwhile, a bridge collapse in Jammu's Bantalab area tragically claimed the lives of three labourers. Authorities are working to clear debris and ensure safety.

Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak stated he has not received information about FIRs filed against him, suspecting political misuse. Punjab Police registered two non-bailable FIRs against Pathak after he switched from AAP to BJP. BJP and SAD leaders condemned the actions as political vendetta.

Tamil Nadu's political landscape is set for a decisive turn as vote counting commences. The election features high-stakes contests, including Chief Minister MK Stalin defending his seat and actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay making his electoral debut. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palanisami is also fighting to regain relevance, with new entrants and alliance dynamics shaping the traditional voting patterns.

The Supreme Court is reviewing brain death certification protocols in India, considering expert opinions on additional tests like EEG and angiogram. While a petition alleges malpractices, experts maintain existing procedures, governed by strict guidelines and a panel of four doctors, offer adequate safeguards. This comes amid a significant gap in organ donation rates.

National Sample Survey Office data reveals a significant increase in hospitalisation rates for Indians aged 45 and above, particularly the elderly. This trend highlights a growing burden of chronic diseases and underscores the urgent need for enhanced preventive healthcare and early detection strategies across the nation.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee challenged the BJP and Election Commission to contest from Falta after a repoll was announced due to severe electoral offences. The Election Commission cited widespread tampering of EVMs and compromised integrity of recorded votes at multiple booths, leading to the decision for a fresh poll on May 21.

Defence veterans, including former IAF chief R K S Bhadauria, strongly back the Greater Nicobar project, deeming it vital for India's national security and military presence. They argue it enhances surveillance of the Malacca Strait, crucial for checking China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The project is seen as a strategic and economic win.

Indian Railways has rolled out its 100th Vande Bharat train from the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli. This milestone marks significant progress since the first two trains were introduced in 2018. The new 16-coach trainset will undergo trials before entering passenger service, showcasing enhanced reliability and safety features.

Veteran actor and producer Sudesh Kumar, known for his roles in 'Saranga' and 'Chhoti Bahen', passed away at 95 in Mumbai. Kumar, who also produced thrillers like 'Uljhan', began his career in theatre before making a mark in films. His wife confirmed his passing after a brief illness. He was born in Peshawar and later moved to Bombay.

Two FIRs, reportedly under non-bailable charges, have been filed against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in Punjab, shortly after he switched from AAP to BJP. Political leaders from BJP and SAD have decried the move as political vendetta and an attempt to intimidate party members. Security was heightened at Pathak's Delhi residence.

Tamil Nadu witnessed a record 85.1% voter turnout in the recent assembly elections, with 4.88 crore citizens casting their ballots. Women voters significantly outnumbered men, continuing a trend from previous years. The Election Commission faced delays in releasing data but assured robust security and transparency for the upcoming vote counting on May 4.

Ahead of Bengal's vote counting, Trinamool and BJP traded accusations over EVM strongroom security. TMC alleged CCTV blackouts in North 24 Parganas, while BJP pointed to alleged unauthorized access and attempted breaches in Salt Lake and Burdwan. Both parties raised concerns about the integrity of the storage facilities.

Tragedy struck at Bargi Dam as a cruise, reportedly launched despite severe wind warnings, claimed 11 lives, including children. Officials revealed forecasts predicted winds far exceeding safety limits for water sports. While other water activities in the state were suspended due to similar alerts, this operation proceeded, sparking criticism and allegations of neglect within the tourism department.

Bengal's electoral landscape has shifted as the Election Commission cancelled polling in Falta constituency due to widespread EVM tampering. A repoll is set for May 21, making it a unique post-result election. Allegations of threats against villagers and the arrest of a candidate's aides have heightened tensions, focusing attention on the remaining seats to decide the state's next government.

Millions are at stake on Polymarket, a prediction platform, as Indian assembly election results loom. Over $20 million is tied to Tamil Nadu's outcome alone, with significant bets also placed on West Bengal, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Despite Indian law prohibiting such markets, users leverage crypto and VPNs to participate, showcasing a growing trend in crowd-sourced forecasting.

The Supreme Court dismissed a Trinamool Congress plea challenging the Election Commission's deployment of counting staff. The EC assured the court that both central and state government employees would be assigned to counting tables to ensure balance, refuting claims of bias. The court accepted the EC's assurance and dismissed the petition.

Tragedy struck in Jammu's Thuther area as a collapsed bridge during repair work claimed three lives. Rescue operations recovered the bodies after a section of the structure gave way. Authorities have launched a probe, suspending two engineers and forming a committee to investigate the incident and prevent future mishaps. One worker and a rescuer were also injured.

Gulmarg's ski season faces an uncertain future due to shrinking winters and erratic snowfall. Authorities are fast-tracking plans for artificial snow-making systems and synthetic slopes to ensure the resort's viability. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on natural snow and extend skiing into a four-season activity, safeguarding its legacy.

The Election Commission ordered a repoll in Falta constituency on May 21 due to alleged subversion of the democratic process, following BJP claims of EVM tampering. This decision comes amid heightened political tensions in the Diamond Harbour region. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declined a TMC plea challenging the deployment of central government staff for vote counting.

Veteran Congress leader PJ Kurien stated that only three names are under serious consideration for the Chief Minister post if the UDF wins in Kerala. He emphasized that the party high command will make the final decision after consulting state leadership and MLAs, ensuring unanimous acceptance.

Karnataka Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni has been disqualified from the state legislative assembly following his conviction in the murder case of BJP leader Yogeshgouda Goudar. The disqualification, effective from his conviction date of April 15, 2026, will last for six years after his release from life imprisonment.

Kerala's upcoming election sees the LDF government banking on its development model and welfare gains for a third consecutive term, a feat rarely achieved due to anti-incumbency. Despite high SDG rankings, the state faces challenges in gender equality and economic growth, while migration and wage gaps emerge as key voter concerns.

The high-stakes Assam assembly elections are set for results on May 4, with the BJP aiming for a third consecutive term under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Exit polls suggest an edge for the BJP, while the Congress, led by Gaurav Gogoi, seeks a comeback. Key constituencies like Jalukbari and Jorhat witnessed closely watched contests.

Puducherry's 2026 Assembly elections are set for a nail-biting finish with a record 89.83% voter turnout. The main battle is between the ruling AINRC-BJP NDA and the Congress-DMK alliance, featuring high-profile leaders in key constituencies. Counting for all 30 seats is scheduled for May 4.

A Delhi family's housewarming trip turned tragic in Madhya Pradesh. A cruise boat accident on the Narmada river claimed three lives from the Massey family. The vessel capsized during a sudden storm. Survivors recounted moments of panic and a desperate search for life jackets. Relatives allege negligence by boat operators and authorities.

Assam recorded over 85% voter turnout in its recent elections, with exit polls projecting a third consecutive term for the BJP led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The election saw intensified political exchanges between the ruling NDA and a divided opposition, with several key constituencies expected to witness closely fought contests.

The US has warned shipping companies against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing sanctions risks. This alert comes amid rising tensions and disruptions to global oil trade, with Iran rerouting vessels and charging fees. The US has also imposed a naval blockade, further straining energy markets and complicating diplomatic efforts.