The Times of India

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.

The PM Modi-chaired Cabinet meeting approved the proposal for introducing The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 in Parliament to amend The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 for increasing the number. The Constitution leaves the size of the Supreme Court open-ended. Article 124(1) provides for a Chief Justice of India and permits Parliament to determine the number of other judges through legislation.

TVK chief Vijay will be sworn in as Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister on May 7, securing 108 seats. Despite falling short of a majority, the party plans to seek support from smaller allies to form the government. Vijay has received congratulations from Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing commitment to public welfare and state progress.

Mamata Banerjee, calling herself a 'free bird,' refuses to resign, alleging vote looting by BJP and EC. Raghav Chadha met President Murmu, claiming he's the AAP-led Punjab government's next target for switching parties. The US sank Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz amid UAE attacks. Kejriwal accused BJP of 'murdering democracy' after poll wins.

West Bengal witnessed a significant political shift as the BJP formed its first government, largely influenced by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This exercise, which removed nearly 12% of voters, disproportionately affected minority communities and became a central, contentious issue, reshaping voting trends and contributing to the BJP's surge across the state.