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Light rains over isolated places in Ghat districts, south coastal districts of Tamil Nadu from April 26 to May 1

On April 27, isolated places over the Western Ghat districts, Delta districts and South Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal area are likely to get light to moderate rains.

The Hindu 26 Apr 2026 1:53 pm

Tamil Nadu polls: Vijay has instructed candidates to inspect strong room on rotation basis, says TVK leader

TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna revealed party chief Vijay directed candidates to monitor EVM strong rooms. Elections concluded on April 23 with high turnout. Candidates will inspect strong rooms on rotation. Arjuna urged transparent counting and adequate security for May 4. He anticipates a democratic victory for TVK, predicting a government change based on people's verdict.

The Economic Times 26 Apr 2026 1:39 pm

Tagged Olive Ridley turtles from Tamil Nadu reach Sri Lanka Dome, reveal migration patterns

Considered one of the most productive regions in the Indian Ocean, the Sri Lanka Dome phenomenon typically begins in May, peaks in July, and declines by September

The Hindu 26 Apr 2026 12:59 pm

Passenger booked for filming female cabin crew on Hyderabad-Udaipur flight

Hyderabad:A passenger was booked for allegedly photographing female cabin crew members in an objectionable manner and misbehaving with a co-passenger aboard an IndiGo flight at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Friday, April 24, the police said. The accused, identified as Praveen, a Tamil Nadu-based businessman, was travelling on flight 6E-6323 from Hyderabad to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 26 Apr 2026 8:59 am

Mercury may breach 40C in May 1st week

The Times of India 26 Apr 2026 6:44 am

Traffic diversions for heavy vehicles on April 26 and 27

The Times of India 26 Apr 2026 3:34 am

Local want another entrance at Avadi railway station

The Times of India 26 Apr 2026 3:19 am

Colleges to give weightage to portfolios in admissions

The Times of India 26 Apr 2026 3:00 am

Engineers association urges State govt. to delegate more powers to Greater Chennai Corporation

It seeks powers to the civic body to approve buildings with up to 50 dwelling unitsthat have a stilt-plus-five-floor or ground-plus-four-floor structure, besides powers to clear bigger layouts

The Hindu 26 Apr 2026 12:49 am

Blindness: Court Asks Tamil Nadu To Roll Out Transgender Rehabilitation Plan

The court reiterated that transgender persons are protected under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21, which guarantee equality and the right to live with dignity.

NDTV 25 Apr 2026 11:44 pm

Elderly couple murdered in Tamil Nadus Kalrayan Hills

The crime came to light after the elderly couple, identified as Ramasamy, 70, and his wife R Ponammal, 65, did not come out of their house on Friday for a long time.

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 11:12 pm

Lieutenant Governor Assents to Private Universities Bill

The Lieutenant Governor, Mr. Manoj Sinha, has given assent to The Jammu and Kashmir Private Universities Bill, 2026 , passed by the Assembly on April 14, 2026. This has paved the way for the Ministry of Education to frame rules for the establishment of private universities. Reportedly, the government has already received proposals from various bodies for setting up universities. This is an opportune time for concerned citizens and thoughtful sections of society to deliberate on issues basic to the governance of universities in general, and private universities in particular. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has justified the bill by envisioning Jammu and Kashmir as an education hub, which is indeed a very high aspiration. Developing the region as a hub would require adopting models similar to Pune or London in terms of educational governance. It is therefore essential to catalogue the issues that policymakers must consider to ensure the success of private universities in J&K where people previously experienced the best of the welfare state model of development. Context The issue of private universities has emerged at a time when we are witnessing the erosion of the degree as the sole marker of a students career path. We live in an era where outcomes matter more than optics, and impact carries greater weight than mere expansion. Universities and colleges are now judged by graduate readiness and the ability of students to navigate a complex world shaped by emerging technologies. About 70 percent of IT companies have already integrated AI into their recruitment processes. Management gurus claim that universities are no longer one-time degree providers but continuous talent development platforms that prioritize intellectual growth, skills, and lifelong learning. In these changing times, higher education for youth should revolve around key dimensions: Degree, Dignity, Delivery, Dreams, Determination, and Discipline. Several concerns that have engaged the attention of this author over time merit deeper discussion. Grammar of Governance Peninsular states in India, such as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have taken an early lead in the privatization of higher education and have laid a strong foundation for quality institutions. Notable examples include Vellore Institute of Technology, Azim Premji University, and SRM University. These institutions have contributed to creating a favourable policy environment for private higher education. In Jammu and Kashmir partners and stakeholdersincluding institutions and policymakersmust approach this sector with openness and a willingness to learn about the regions unique social and economic context. Some leading academics argue that public higher education institutions have atrophied and turned into intellectual dead zones while producing graduates oriented toward limited government employment. Professor Apoorvanand describe public universities as expanding deserts. There is thus significant scope for both learning and unlearning as we move toward experimenting with new models of private universities. It is important to study best practices from across the world while designing a new academic architecture. The private and foreign universities are entering India at a time when countrys higher education market is currently valued at Rs 6.2 lakh crore as per Niti Aayogs 2025 report. A BSc course at the university of Southampton is priced at around Rs 80 lakh to Rs one crore in UK campus but about Rs 40 lakh in an Indian campus. The high fees charged by private universities remain a point of contention. Private institutions justify these costs by citing the need to attract top faculty and build modern infrastructure. In China, government authorities often accuse private institutions of manipulating policy for profit, while the institutions, in turn, argue that they are denied sufficient autonomy to operate effectively within market conditions. The debate over whether higher education is a public or private good continues to dominate academic discourse, with huge literature being produced on the subject. In recent decades, a market-driven model of development has led to a growing policy preference for treating higher education as a private good. Consequently, government investment in higher education has declined, even as private players are encouraged to expand access. As the state gradually withdraws from direct involvement, it simultaneously promotes private participation to develop the education sector. Human resource expert Richard Hopper notes that in Bangladesh, many privileged individuals believe taxpayer money should not fund higher education, as its benefits accrue primarily to individuals rather than society. Similarly, in Romania, following the collapse of communist regimes, even public institutions saw a rise in tuition fees, as observed in many countries adopting neoliberal governance models. Increasingly, privileged sections also question the link between equity and higher education, treating equity as a diminishing concern. This has led to pressure on public universities to introduce self-financed courses and generate their own resources. In some cases, administrators have even considered unconventional revenue models, such as commercial ventures within campuses. Scholarships for Students The provision of scholarships is crucial to the very conception of a good private university. A robust scholarship system ensures inclusivity and fosters a vibrant academic environment. This requires a multifaceted approach that combines institutional funding with external sources. The key strategies include establishing endowed scholarships through alumni contributions, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants. It is noteworthy that the number of higher education institutions in India has increased from 51,534 in 201415 to over 70,000 in 202526, according to the latest Economic Survey of the Government of India. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 29.5% (202223). For students across social backgrounds, the primary consideration for admission to top private universities is access to scholarships. Institutions must develop innovative scholarship frameworks by collaborating with national and global organizations. Even for students admitted to globally renowned universities such as Harvard or Princeton, the availability of financial aid is often a decisive factor alongside institutional prestige. For instance, Ashoka University provides full scholarships to about 20% of its students, while nearly half receive some form of financial assistance. The Indian School of Business (ISB) has built a donor-supported scholarship ecosystem, awarding 250280 scholarships annually. Similarly, Shiv Nadar University offers various merit-cum-means scholarships based on academic performance and financial need. First-generation learners without backlogs may receive up to a 75% fee waiver, while others may receive up to 50%. Financial aid provisions are also available at institutions like O.P. Jindal Global University, which offers a wide range of scholarships across disciplines. The Sitaram Jindal Foundation Scholarship (2026) provides merit-cum-means support to Indian students from Class XI through postgraduate and PhD levels, with a focus on underprivileged sections. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees partially or fully and may also include living stipends. Conclusion There are additional issues that require serious attention from policymakers and institutional leaders involved in establishing private universities. It is essential that individuals with a sense of mission and commitment play a central role in shaping these institutions. As an old Chinese saying goes: If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if you think in terms of ten years, plant a tree; if you think in terms of a hundred years, educate people. Prof Gull M Wani is a Kashmir based Political Scientist

Greater Kashmir 25 Apr 2026 10:56 pm

Man, son die after slipping into well near Tirukoilur while fixing motor pump

The incident came to light a short while later when a passerby noticed the two men lying motionless inside the well and alerted the villagers, who in turn alerted Tirukoilur fire and rescue services.

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 10:47 pm

Stalin taking a break in Kodaikanal after intense election work

DMK sources said Stalin and his family were likely to spend three days in Kodaikanal.

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 9:49 pm

Election Commission completes post-poll scrutiny in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal; no re-polls ordered

The verification exercise was conducted on April 24 across all 152 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal and 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, in the presence of general observers and candidates or their representatives

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 3:57 pm

Election Commission Completes Verification in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, No Re-Polling Recommended

New Delhi, April 25: The Election Commission of India has successfully conducted the assembly elections in the first phase of West Bengal and across Tamil Nadu. On Saturday, the Commission announced that after reviewing Form 17A and other documents, no recommendations for re-polling were made at any polling station. The Commission confirmed that the verification ... Read more Election Commission Completes Verification in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, No Re-Polling Recommended

Morningstar 25 Apr 2026 12:11 pm

Record 85.15% Turnout Rewrites Tamil Nadu's Electoral Map, West Surges, South Lags

Western Tamil Nadu emerged as the standout performer, with Karur (92.63%), Salem (90.76%) and Namakkal (90.21%) leading the charts.

NDTV 25 Apr 2026 11:23 am

No repoll ordered in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: EC officials

The Election Commission (EC) has said that no repoll will be held in any polling stations in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where assembly elections were conducted on Thursday.

The Economic Times 25 Apr 2026 10:58 am

No repoll ordered in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal: ECI officials

On April 23, while all 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu went to vote in a single phase, 152 seats in West Bengal voted in the first phase

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 10:17 am

No repoll recommended in any of Tamil Nadus polling stations

Chennai: No repoll has been recommended in any of the 75,064 polling stations across Tamil Nadu where voting was held on April 23, officials said on Friday, April 24. Sources citing officials said that the polling process passed off without any incident that would warrant re-conducting voting in any constituency. According to sources, the absence Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 25 Apr 2026 8:04 am

Turnout increases in Tamil Nadu followed spatial patterns

While the SIRs deletions muted turnout in cities like Chennai, northern and semi-urban areas of Tamil nadu registered a good increase in voters compared to 2021 election

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 7:13 am

Kara OTT release details: When and where to watch Dhanush's Tamil action thriller movie online after its theatrical run

Dhanush's action thriller Kara, directed by Vignesh Raja, is set for a theatrical release on April 30, 2026. The film, set against the 1991 Gulf War backdrop in Tamil Nadu, follows a man drawn back into crime to protect his family. A giant OTT deal has reportedly been signed for the post-theatrical streaming rights. Read on!

The Economic Times 25 Apr 2026 6:53 am

'LIK' BO day 15: Sci-fi rom-com adds Rs 44 lakh

Pradeep Ranganathan's intriguing sci-fi romance, 'Love Insurance Kompany', continues to charm audiences in theaters, amassing Rs 44 lakh in its 15th day run across Tamil Nadu.

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 5:58 am

Plea for I-T probe into Velumanis poll affidavit dismissed

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 3:17 am

Absolute voter increases seen across Tamil Nadu followed spatial patterns

Data show the record turnout in the southern State was a consequence of the SIR exercise; while the State also registered an increase in the absolute number of voters who turned out, the provisional addition of roughly 24.8 lakh voters appears lower than the gains registered in recent cycles

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 1:53 am

IIT Madras Swayam Plus launches three AI courses

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 1:42 am

Youth kills girlfriend, self at Periamet lodge

The Times of India 25 Apr 2026 1:37 am

Peaceful Voting in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, No Re-polling Recommended

New Delhi, April 25: Significant updates have emerged regarding the voting held on April 23 in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. According to the Election Commission, no re-polling has been recommended at any polling station in both states, indicating a peaceful and fair voting process. In Tamil Nadu, the assembly elections took place in a ... Read more Peaceful Voting in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, No Re-polling Recommended

Morningstar 25 Apr 2026 12:56 am

Congress leaders introspect on not aligning with TVK

Many have said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who did not share the stage with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and was widely believed to have favoured an alliance with the TVK, had assessed the situation accurately when he saw an opportunity to rejuvenate the Congress in Tamil Nadu

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 12:25 am

DC Edit | Record Turnouts In WB, TN A Big Boost For Democracy

Over 85 per cent of the revised electorate of Tamil Nadu came to the booths and used the EVMs while the frenzy was more in West Bengal where the democratic dream of 100 per cent voter turnout was nearly fulfilled

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2026 12:22 am

Polling percentage of women rises in T.N. this Assembly election

As per provisional figures available at 8 p.m. on Friday, two Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu Karur and Veerapandi posted 93.40% each, the highest polling percentage among the Assembly segments that went to polls on April 23

The Hindu 25 Apr 2026 12:22 am

Mamata winning polls in Bengal, Congress in Kerala, DMK in TN: Dr Farooq

Srinagar, Apr 24: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah claimed on Friday that opposition parties are winning Assembly polls in the three key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I tell you, and the rest, god knows, Mamata Banerjee is winning in Bengal, Congress is winning in Kerala and (MK) Stalin's party (DMK) is winning in Tamil Nadu. This is God's blessing, Abdullah told reporters at Hazratbal when asked about the ongoing elections. Responding to a question on the conflict in the Middle East, the NC chief said peace is essential and expressed hope that the war would end as soon as possible. If peace does not return to the Middle East, tragedies for this world are major and everyone -- every country, every leader -- must try and see that this war comes to an end immediately. I hope that the US president has realised that Israel was not right in pushing him towards war. I hope to god that he will move quickly and China and Russia will also see to it that this war comes to an end as quickly as possible, he said. On the Centre's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said people's support is imperative to win the war against drugs. Till parents and people do not support the fight, the government cannot end the drug menace. The important thing is the people's support and if they support, it will, god willing, end the menace, he added.

Greater Kashmir 25 Apr 2026 12:03 am

Opinion: Tamil Nadu 2026: Explaining The 85.15% Turnout, And A North-West Battle

The first point that needs to be made from the historic 85.15 per cent voter turnout that the state has recorded is that, in comparison with the past, this is not a historic jump in terms of real numbers.

NDTV 24 Apr 2026 11:27 pm

Why TVK Chief Vijay Thanked Children Over 84% Voter Turnout In Tamil Nadu

Describing polling day as nothing short of a celebration, Vijay said booths resembled temple crowds, with families turning up together in large numbers.

NDTV 24 Apr 2026 5:57 pm

Record Voter Turnout Marks Historic Election Day in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, April 24: April 23, 2026, will be remembered as a historic day in Tamil Nadu politics. Voter turnout for the assembly elections reached an unprecedented 85%, breaking all previous records in the states electoral history. Vijay, the leader of the Tamilga Vetri Katchi (TVK), expressed his joy and gratitude on social media. He noted ... Read more Record Voter Turnout Marks Historic Election Day in Tamil Nadu

Morningstar 24 Apr 2026 5:21 pm

TN Polls: Unrelated Clip Viral as Cash Seized From Udhaynidhi Stalins Aide

We were able to trace this video to September 2022 from West Bengal and not Tamil Nadu, as claimed.

The Quint 24 Apr 2026 4:07 pm

Mamata Winning Polls In Bengal, Congress In Kerala, DMK In TN: Farooq Abdullah

SRINAGAR, Apr 24: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah claimed on Friday that opposition parties are winning Assembly polls in the three key states of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. I tell you, and the rest, god knows, Mamata Banerjee is winning in Bengal, Congress is winning in Kerala and (MK) Stalins party (DMK) is winning in Tamil Nadu. This is Gods blessing, Abdullah told reporters at Hazratbal when asked about the ongoing elections. Responding to a question on [] The post Mamata Winning Polls In Bengal, Congress In Kerala, DMK In TN: Farooq Abdullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 24 Apr 2026 3:45 pm

Record Voter Turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu: A Positive Sign for Democracy, Says Manoj Jha

New Delhi, April 24: The recent elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have witnessed record voter turnout, sparking significant political reactions. Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha expressed his happiness over the turnout, stating that the voting in both states is a positive sign for democracy. He noted, Approximately 86% of voters participated in Tamil ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in Bengal and Tamil Nadu: A Positive Sign for Democracy, Says Manoj Jha

Morningstar 24 Apr 2026 3:36 pm

How Vijay's theatrics made his party TVK a viral force in Tamil Nadu polls

How Vijay's theatrics made his party TVK a viral force in Tamil Nadu polls

India Today 24 Apr 2026 3:15 pm

Record turnouts in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu polls a display of citizen power: Supreme Court

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said one ought to focus on the historic percentage of polling recorded in both West Bengal and Tamil Nadu

The Hindu 24 Apr 2026 2:56 pm

L&T forays into industrial electronics manufacturing space

NEW DELHI, Apr 24: Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Friday announced its foray into the industrial electronics manufacturing space, with the beginning of operations at its Coimbatore campus in Tamil Nadu. The new business vertical L&T Electronic Products & Systems (LTEPS) will be headquartered in Bengaluru, while manufacturing will be carried out in Coimbatore. To begin with, two manufacturing lines have been commissioned, offering electronics manufacturing services to both domestic and overseas clients, L&T said in [] The post L&T forays into industrial electronics manufacturing space appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 24 Apr 2026 1:26 pm

95-yr-old who campaigned for Kamaraj votes

At 95, veteran screenwriter Chitralaya Gopu chose to vote in person despite arrangements for home voting. He arrived at the polling booth, where people made way for him, demonstrating a quiet, dignified act of democratic participation. Gopu expressed his determination to vote in future elections as well.

The Times of India 24 Apr 2026 1:04 pm

Pilot's In-Flight Voting Message Wins Hearts As Passengers Fly Home For Tamil Nadu Polls

The video has drawn widespread attention online, with many people praising the pilot's message.

NDTV 24 Apr 2026 12:53 pm

Western region records highest turnout in Tamil Nadu elections 2026

Western Tamil Nadu witnessed a significant surge in voter turnout, exceeding 88% and surpassing 2021 levels, particularly in AIADMK strongholds like Salem. The ruling DMK's northern bastion also saw a substantial increase. While Karur district topped the state with over 92% turnout, the southern region lagged behind with lower participation.

The Times of India 24 Apr 2026 12:47 pm

Tamil Nadu elections: Voters upset over SIR-related deletions across State

A resident says that her family filled out the forms and submitted all the required documents, but the names were removed from the list after SIR exercise. We did not get any response even after we reached out to several officials, she adds

The Hindu 24 Apr 2026 12:41 pm

Record Voter Turnout in Bengal Signals Trust in BJP: Pratul Shahdev

New Delhi, April 24: Political rhetoric has intensified following record voter turnout in the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu assembly elections. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev reported that over 92% of voters participated in West Bengal, while Tamil Nadu saw more than 85% turnout, marking a historic achievement. He interpreted this enthusiasm as a clear desire ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in Bengal Signals Trust in BJP: Pratul Shahdev

Morningstar 24 Apr 2026 11:46 am

Record Voter Turnout in West Bengal Signals Change, Says Ramkripal Yadav

Patna, April 24: Recent assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have witnessed record voter turnout, igniting a dynamic political atmosphere. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ramkripal Yadav described this significant turnout as a sign of change. He emphasized that the publics dissatisfaction with the current governments is clearly reflected in the voting ... Read more Record Voter Turnout in West Bengal Signals Change, Says Ramkripal Yadav

Morningstar 24 Apr 2026 10:32 am

Tamil Nadu elections: Assembly polls voter turnout shows anti-incumbency wave, claims AIADMK

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: With an astounding 84.69 percent voter turnout, Tamil Nadu made headlines during the Assembly elections. AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan emphasized that this remarkable engagement suggests strong anti-incumbent feelings towards the DMK government. He commended the Election Commission for facilitating a smooth voting process.

The Economic Times 24 Apr 2026 10:22 am

Record Voter Turnout in Assembly Polls: West Bengal Phase I Hits 92.6%, Tamil Nadu Over 85%

West Bengal Phase-I hits 92.6% and Tamil Nadu crosses 85% voter turnout in Assembly elections 2026, marking the highest participation since Independence amid a spirited democratic exercise.

Web Dunia 24 Apr 2026 10:03 am

Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE: ECI issues fresh post-poll guidelines for West Bengal

EVMs shifted to strong rooms in Tamil Nadu

The Hindu 24 Apr 2026 9:59 am

Ravi Mohan visits Tirupati with Kenishaa Francis before voting

Actor Ravi Mohan's Tirupati visit with Kenishaa Francis on Tamil Nadu election day has ignited debate. While other stars voted, Mohan's temple trip with his close friend, whose bond with him is often discussed amid his ongoing divorce, drew significant social media attention and questions about his priorities during the crucial democratic process.

The Times of India 24 Apr 2026 9:14 am

Chennai conundrum: Lower turnout, yet higher percentage in Tamil Nadu elections

Chennai's high voter turnout percentage masks a decline in absolute votes cast compared to previous elections. This surge is attributed to a significantly reduced electorate following revisions. Despite fluctuating voter numbers, the city has historically seen shifts between major parties, with current contests potentially becoming multi-cornered, making vote distribution crucial for outcomes.

The Times of India 24 Apr 2026 8:59 am

Tamil Nadu elections: Urban-rural divide narrows as poll percentage rises

Urban voters have significantly narrowed the turnout gap with rural areas in the recent election, with many urban centers recording substantial increases in absolute voter numbers. This surge, alongside high turnouts in rural constituencies, suggests a successful electoral roll clean-up and heightened voter engagement, pushing the state's average to 85%.

The Times of India 24 Apr 2026 8:36 am

Piyush Goyal Attributes High Voter Turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to Special Intensive Review

Mumbai, April 24: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Thursday that the significant voter turnout in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections and the first phase of elections in West Bengal can be credited to the Election Commissions Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists. Appreciating the voting percentages in both states, Goyal ... Read more Piyush Goyal Attributes High Voter Turnout in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to Special Intensive Review

Morningstar 24 Apr 2026 8:21 am

Highest record voter turnout in West Bengal, 91.74%, Tamil Nadu 84.69%

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu witnessed heavy voter participation in their respective Assembly elections on Thursday, with polling largely peaceful but marked by sporadic incidents of violence in parts of West Bengal. In West Bengal, an impressive 91.74 per cent turnout was recorded till 6 p.m. in the first phase of polling. Of the 3.60 crore eligible voters, nearly 91.46 per cent had cast their ballots across 152 constituencies spread over 16 districts. The phase will determine the fate of 1,478 candidates in the 294-member State Assembly. Among districts, Jhargram reported the highest turnout at 90.53 per cent, followed by Malda at 89.56 per cent and Kalimpong at 81.98 per cent. Most districts recorded polling above 78 per cent. However, the day was not without tension. Police said stones were hurled at BJP candidate Agnimitra Pauls car in Asansol Dakshin, damaging its rear windows. Another BJP candidate, Subhendu Sarkar from Kumarganj, alleged that he was injured after his vehicle was attacked by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. In Murshidabad, clashes were reported when TMC workers allegedly confronted police during the visit of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) founder Humayun Kabir. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought a report following complaints that some voters were prevented from casting their ballots in parts of Domkal. The remaining 142 constituencies, including those in and around Kolkata, will go to polls in the second phase on April 29. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Tamil Nadu Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu also recorded robust voter participation, with a 84.69 per cent turnout reported by evening. The state is witnessing a three-cornered contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the AIADMK-BJP alliance, and actor Vijays political debut. The DMK has campaigned on its Dravidian Model of governance and welfare initiatives, while the AIADMK and BJP have targeted the ruling party over allegations of corruption and family rule, promising clean, efficient governance if voted into power. Both states remain key battlegrounds where the BJP has historically struggled to establish dominance, making the outcome politically significant at the national level.

Greater Kashmir 24 Apr 2026 7:35 am

Priyanuj emerges U-19 national TT champion

Dehradun, April 23: Assams Priyanuj Bhattacharya staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Tamil Nadus P. B. Abhinand in the Under-19 Boys Singles final, denying his opponent a third gold at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships here on Thursday. In a gripping summit clash that lived up to expectations, Abhinand surged to a []

The Shillong Times 24 Apr 2026 6:12 am

WB records 92% turnout, TN 85% in Phase-I

Sporadic incidents of violence KOLKATA/CHENNAI, Apr 23: West Bengal registered a record voter turnout of 92.72 per cent in the first phase of assembly polls today amid sporadic incidents of violence, while Tamil Nadu recorded unprecedented voting of 85.14 per cent as the BJP pushed to unseat Mamata Banerjee in Bengal and expand in the South. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp In the first phase, 152 constituencies in West Bengal went to polls, while voting for the 234-member [] The post WB records 92% turnout, TN 85% in Phase-I appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Daily Excelsior 24 Apr 2026 4:28 am