The Times of India

Early trends for the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections show a significant shift, with the Congress-led UDF projected for a commanding victory, leading in over 100 seats. The ruling LDF faces strong anti-incumbency, while the BJP remains a marginal player. This outcome suggests a return to Kerala's traditional pattern of alternating governments.

The 2026 assembly elections have dramatically reshaped India's political landscape. Vijay's debut in Tamil Nadu, the BJP's gains in West Bengal and Kerala's return to rotation mark significant shifts. Established powers face challenges as new forces emerge, redefining narratives and pushing others to the margins. This analysis highlights the key winners and losers.

Early trends show the NDA, led by AINRC, is set to retain power in Puducherry. Chief Minister N Rangasamy secured the Thattanchavady seat, a key victory. The Congress-DMK alliance struggles, indicating a fragmented opposition. The NDA's organizational strength and voter outreach appear to have secured them another term, promising continuity in governance.

As counting trends solidify, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to lead the BJP to a third consecutive term, marking a significant setback for the Congress and a fragmented opposition. The BJP-led alliance's dominance is evident as key opposition players struggle to translate their campaigns into electoral victories, signaling a familiar outcome for the state's political landscape.

West Bengal's assembly election results reveal widespread public anger against the Trinamool Congress, according to AUJP founder Humayun Kabir. He accused the ruling party of extensive corruption, surpassing even British-era exploitation. Kabir, a former TMC leader, expressed confidence in winning his seats, as early trends indicated a significant shift in power.

Directing the party candidates and counting agents not to leave the couting centre, Mamata said her party would win after the sunset and that there is o need for anyone to be afraid. Mamata, who is seeking the fourth strait term, alleged a foul play by the Election Commission, and claimed that there's a BJP's plan to show themselves ahead first.

NDA comprising AINRC, BJP, AIADMK and LJK has won three seats and is leading in 19 seats. A total of 16 seats is required for a simple majority in the 30-member House.

Early West Bengal election results indicate the Bharatiya Janata Party is making significant inroads in Muslim-majority constituencies. This suggests a shift in voter allegiance. The Trinamool Congress faces challenges converting votes despite secularism campaigns. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urges party workers to remain steadfast, asserting the TMC is still ahead. High voter turnout was recorded across phases.

In a closely watched West Bengal election, RG Kar rape victims mother and BJP candidate Ratna Debnath is currently leading in Panihati. She is campaigning on women's safety and her daughter's memory against TMC's Tirthankar Ghosh. Nationally, BJP leads on 121 seats, TMC on 71, with high voter turnout recorded.

And today, one of the starkest outliers in the early trends is the performance of Vijays TVK. But who is Vijay, who, if trends hold, could become the new Thalapathy of Tamil Nadu politics?

West Bengal's high-stakes political battle intensifies as Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari face off in Bhabanipur. While Banerjee has a strong history in the constituency, a significant number of Muslim voters are under scrutiny, potentially impacting the TMC's victory margin.

Congress has challenged the government's Great Nicobar Project, asserting that local communities and environmentalists' serious concerns remain unaddressed. Citing a former naval chief, the party questioned linking security with the development plan, which includes a township and tourist infrastructure. Congress also highlighted the Nicobarese community's withdrawal of its No Objection Certificate, emphasizing the island's unique ecosystem.

A 14-year-old Sudanese boy received a life-saving heart transplant in Delhi, thanks to a donor heart flown from Haryana. The organ came from a 41-year-old woman declared brain dead, whose family bravely consented to donation.

A two-year-old boy miraculously survived nearly 20 hours alone in a wild animal-infested forest after his father allegedly murdered his mother and abandoned him. Found weak and dehydrated by police, the toddler's incredible resilience in the face of extreme danger has stunned authorities. The father has been arrested, and the child is recovering.

Punjab's political landscape is heating up as rival factions, led by AAP MP Raghav Chadha and CM Bhagwant Mann, are set to meet the President. The dispute centers on alleged defections and police actions, with Chadha planning to highlight a political vendetta following FIRs against fellow MP Sandeep Pathak. BJP has also voiced concerns over alleged retaliation.

Canada's intelligence agency has listed India and China among nations involved in foreign interference. While acknowledging historical covert actions by India, the report highlights Khalistan extremism as a significant national security threat to Canada. This comes amid efforts to mend ties between Ottawa and New Delhi, with the latest report notably downplaying previous accusations against India.

Nepal has officially objected to India resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass, a territory it claims based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. India dismissed these claims as unjustified and historically unfounded, stating Lipulekh has been a long-standing yatra route. This dispute marks a potential test for bilateral ties as both nations prepare for diplomatic discussions.

Senior advocate Tushar Mehta's upcoming book criticizes some judges for exhibiting 'judicial bullying' due to excessive courtroom reverence. He argues that while judges face immense pressure, this cannot justify incivility, as the public expects high standards from an institution they cannot easily remove. Mehta highlights the power imbalance lawyers face when confronting arrogant judges.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat revealed she is one of six accusers of former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh. Her return to competition in his stronghold, Gonda, raises concerns about fairness and potential bias in officiating. Phogat, now a legislator, demands transparency, holding the government accountable for any incidents. The WFI president assures safety and denies bias.

Bengaluru-based GalaxEye launched Drishti, India's largest privately developed Earth observation satellite and the world's first OptoSAR satellite. This innovative spacecraft combines optical and radar imaging, enabling it to 'see' through clouds and darkness, offering crucial capabilities for national security and disaster response.

After the counting begins and trends trickle in, these seats offer early clues to momentum, alliance cohesion and voter sentiment that can ripple across regions. From prestige contests involving chief ministers to urban battlegrounds testing new entrants, the outcomes in these constituencies will help explain whether incumbency holds or fractures. They also reflect how local issues such as welfare delivery, identity, urban infrastructure and leadership credibility interact with wider political n

Following serious accusations of election fraud in West Bengal's Falta area, Trinamool Congress heavyweight Kunal Ghosh is demanding that the controversial IPS officer, Ajay Pal Sharma, popularly known as 'Singham', be suspended. Ghosh believes Sharma's actions are directly linked to the alleged rigging that has cast a shadow over the election results.

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.