Assembly Elections 2026 highlights: Logical discrepancy not recognised term under ECI framework, applied only in Bengal, say Mamata

The West Bengal Government on Tuesday (April 14) directed district administrations and police to jointly visit vulnerable areas within the next three days as part of confidence-building measures ahead of the assembly elections, an official said.

In a letter, Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala asks District Magistrates (DMs), Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to identify localities that witnessed incidents of violence or intimidation during previous elections.

“Such places should be visited within the next 2-3 days by DMs/DEOs along with CPs/SPs and District Force Coordinators,” the letter said, adding that the visits should be covered by the press to enhance public confidence. An official said the objective is to reassure voters and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in identified pockets.

- PTI

The people of Tamil Nadu are “fed up” with the DMK and want to get rid of “family rule”, former BJP national president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda said on Tuesday (April 14).

He alleged that the State has been turned from a “cultural capital” into a “crime capital” under the M.K. Stalin-led DMK Government.

Unveiling the Bharatiya Janata Party’s election manifesto for the April 23 Assembly Elections—Pudhiya Yugam Padaikkum Thamarai Vaakuruthi (Creating a New Era through Lotus Promise) 2026—he claimed that the DMK had “failed Tamil Nadu on all fronts.” The poll manifesto, prepared by a 13-member committee under former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, covers 12 subjects, including governance and law and order, social justice, women and child development, healthcare, and farmers’ welfare.

-PTI

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (April 14) alleged that “logical discrepancy” under the SIR exercise is not an officially recognised term under the Election Commission framework and was selectively applied in West Bengal, unlike Bihar, to benefit the BJP.

Addressing public rallies at Pingla in Paschim Medinipur, Tamluk in Purba Medinipur, and Domjur in Howrah, Ms. Banerjee urged women to “stand firm” against security forces if attempts are made to prevent people from voting, while asserting that she was not asking anyone to indulge in violence.

The Chief Minister said, “There is no officially recognised term like ‘logical discrepancy’ under the framework of the Election Commission. It is being selectively applied in West Bengal, unlike in Bihar, to benefit the BJP.” Mr. Banerjee added that she has not seen a “dirty party” like the BJP.

- PTI

Workers of the BJP and TMC clashed in the Dhapa area of east Kolkata on Tuesday (April 14), police said.

The incident happened when BJP’s Entally candidate Priyanka Tibrewal was campaigning in ward 58 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, they said.

An altercation, which started over playing songs on high-bass loudspeakers, soon escalated, leading to scuffles, they added. However, central forces and the local police brought the situation under control, and Tibrewal was escorted out of the area along with other BJP workers, an officer said.

Tibrewal demanded the suspension of the officers-in-charge of Tangra and Pragati Maidan police stations over the incident. “One of our workers was badly beaten and had to be hospitalised. Even some women police personnel were injured in the violence. TMC supporters are trying to terrorise BJP workers so that free and fair polling cannot take place on April 29,” she alleged.

- PTI

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday (April 14) alleged that Bengali-speaking people were being harassed and intimidated in BJP-ruled States by labelling them as Bangladeshis.

Addressing a gathering after a roadshow in north Bengal’s Cooch Behar, he accused the Narendra Modi government of denying Bengal its rightful dues as “an act of revenge” for electing the TMC to power repeatedly, spurning the BJP.

“They have persecuted and tormented Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states. They have insulted our icons, belittled our culture, tried to dictate our food habits, questioned the legitimacy of our language, and above all, conspired to rob the people of their democratic rights,” the TMC national general secretary said.

- PTI

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Monday (April 13) expressed confidence that the UDF would return to power in Kerala with a huge majority, attributing the expected victory to the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing reporters here, Chennithala said there was a strong sentiment for political change across the State after the last 10 years of rule and claimed that the people’s mood was clearly in favour of the UDF.

He dismissed claims by the CPI(M) leadership about securing a massive victory, alleging that such statements were aimed at boosting the morale of party workers.

- PTI

TVK chief Vijay on Tuesday (April 14) assured waiver of crop loans for farmers and slammed the DMK government over the alleged closure of MSMEs in the State.

Addressing an election rally here, Mr. Vijay promised full waiver of crop loans for small farmers, owning less than 5 acres and 50% waiver for those owning more than 5 acres.

Besides, he promised ₹3,500 per quintal for paddy and ₹4,500 per ton for sugarcane.

- PTI

Chennai: DMK’s Anna Nagar candidate N. Chittrarasu interacted with delivery agents at a gig workers’ lounge. During his visit to the Greater Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) gig workers’ lounge established in Anna Nagar, Mr. Chittrarasu highlighted the government’s commitment to the informal workforce.

The air-conditioned lounge provides a safe haven for the workers to rest, offering clean drinking water, toilets, CCTV cameras, mobile charging stations and secure parking for two-wheelers.

While interacting with the workers, the DMK candidate said the lounges are part of a unique initiative introduced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and promised that if re-elected the DMK would increase the number of such facilities across the State.

He also referred to the DMK government’s 100-crore investment in Anna Nagar’s stormwater drains post-2015 floods, saying the remaining works are nearing completion. - PTI

Kolkata: Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that Bengali-speaking people were being harassed and intimidated in BJP-ruled States by labelling them as Bangladeshis.

Addressing a gathering after a roadshow in north Bengal’s Cooch Behar, he accused the Narendra Modi government of denying West Bengal its rightful dues as “an act of revenge” for electing the TMC to power repeatedly, spurning the BJP.

“They have persecuted and tormented Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled States. They have insulted our icons, belittled our culture, tried to dictate our food habits, questioned the legitimacy of our language, and above all, conspired to rob the people of their democratic rights,” the TMC national general secretary said. - PTI

Gangarampur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the BJP will resolve the Gorkha issue in the Darjeeling hills in a constitutional matter without dividing West Bengal.

Addressing a poll rally in Gangarampur in the north Bengal district of Dakshin Dinajpur, he alleged that Aam Janata Unnayan Party founder Humayun Kabir was an “agent” of Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee and that he was constructing the mosque styled on Babri Masjid with her consent. “The BJP won’t allow the mosque to be built,” he asserted.

Mr. Shah also promised that the supply of potatoes from West Bengal to other States will be opened up to ensure that the farmers get remunerative prices for their produce. “The BJP will end political violence, syndicate raj, and evict infiltrators from West Bengal after it forms the government,” he said.

Mr. Shah also reiterated the party’s manifesto promises that an AIIMS, a 600-bed cancer hospital, an IIT, an IIM, and a sports university would be constructed in north Bengal. - PTI

Kaliaganj: Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in a colourful road show at Kaliaganj in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district in support of BJP candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Mr. Shah, accompanied by BJP candidate for Kaliaganj, Utpal Maharaj, and other State leaders, waved at people from atop a flower-decked truck as thousands of party supporters lining the roads cheered and raised slogans amid the beating of ‘dhaak’ (traditional drums).

Under the scorching sun, the road show began from Parvati Sundari High School Ground in the town, a BJP stronghold, and covered a distance of more than a kilometre.

Mr. Shah will address three public meetings at Gangarampur in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Manikchak and Gazole in Malda later in the day. - PTI

Raiganj: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that “hate-filled thinking” of the BJP and the RSS is destroying the Constitution, and accused the saffron party of indulging in vote theft.

Addressing an election rally in West Bengal’s Uttar Dinajpur district, he also accused the RSS and the BJP of being “involved in vote theft” and “destroying democracy”.

He claimed that the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has not provided jobs as promised to the people of the State. “Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee promised jobs to five lakh people. But 84 lakh youths have applied for unemployment allowance,” he said. - PTI

Kolkata: “A total of 2,926 candidates remain in the fray for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections following the completion of the nomination withdrawal process,” the Election Commission said.

According to an official press note issued by the poll panel, 1,478 candidates will contest in 152 constituencies in the first phase, while 1,448 candidates are in the race for 142 constituencies going to polls in the second phase.

The last date for filing nominations for the second phase was April 9, with scrutiny held on April 10 and withdrawals permitted till April 13. A senior Election Commission official said the poll machinery is now fully geared up for the next stage. - PTI

Postal voting for senior citizens aged 85 and above, and persons with benchmark disabilities began in all seven Assembly constituencies in Villupuram district, ahead of the Assembly election.

Election officials said 7,439 senior citizens and persons with disabilities in the seven Assembly constituencies such as Gingee, Mailam, Tindivanam (SC), Vanur (SC), Villupuram, Vikravandi and Tirukkoyilur had been identified to cast postal ballots. The exercise will be held till April 17, 2026 with officials visiting their places. - The Hindu Bureau

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) alleged that “logical discrepancy” under the SIR exercise is not an officially recognised term under the Election Commission framework and was selectively applied in West Bengal, unlike Bihar, to benefit the BJP.

Addressing a public rally at Pingla in Paschim Medinipur district, she said she has not seen a “dirty party” like the BJP.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu on April 20, 2026. He will address election rallies in support of DMK and CM M.K. Stalin on April 20 and 21, the Aam Aadmi Party said on Tuesday (April 14, 2026).

The AAP has not put up any candidate for the Assembly poll race, choosing to support the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) instead. - ANI

Vellore: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate from Kolathur, M.K. Stalin, conducted a door-to-door campaign in Vellore ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections.

During his campaign, he was spotted drinking tea at a local shop and interacting with people in the city known as the Fort city of Tamil Nadu.

The DMK has fielded sitting MLA P. Karthikeyan in the Vellore seat, in a rematch against All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)’s SRK Appu.

Addressing a public meeting in Ranipet district as part of his election campaign, Mr. Stalin alleged that the BJP was raising the issue of delimitation to divert attention from pressing concerns such as LPG shortages and the depreciation of the Indian Rupee against the U.S. dollar. - ANI

Guwahati: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate Kunki Chowdhury’s mother, Sujata Gurung Chowdhury, has filed a complaint with the National Commission for Women (NCW) against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging that he made “false, baseless and malicious” statements during campaigning for the Assembly polls.

In her complaint filed on April 11, 2026, the senior Chowdhury claimed that Mr. Sarma’s statements were “intended to defame” her and “politically target” the Assam Jatiya Parishad candidate for Guwahati Central and demanded legal action against the CM for “inciting” people with “fake propaganda”. Mr. Sarma has not yet made any remarks on the complaint against him.

On April 2, the BJP leader claimed that Sujata Gurung Chowdhury had shared social media posts related to beef consumption, made remarks offensive to certain sections of society and supported Pakistan, thereby hurting the sentiments of ‘Sanatani’ people.

Repeating the same allegations in the subsequent campaigning phase, Mr. Sarma even said he would take action against Kunki’s parents for allegedly consuming beef and uploading a picture of it on social media. - PTI

Chennai: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar said a decision on the visit of Rahul Gandhi to campaign for the Assembly elections in the State will be announced within the next two to three days.

He said Rahul Gandhi, along with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is expected to take part in the election campaign in Tamil Nadu. He said an official announcement regarding Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Tamil Nadu will be made soon, and that Priyanka Gandhi will also participate in the campaign.

Mr. Chodankar added that Congress has appointed in-charges for 28 constituencies, and also for all 234 Assembly constituencies across Tamil Nadu.

He further said that Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin are expected to campaign together. - ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually interact with booth-level workers of the BJP on Tuesday (April 14, 2026) as part of the party’s campaign for the West Bengal assembly polls.

The interaction will happen via the NaMo App under the “Mera Booth Sabse Majboot” [my booth is strongest] programme, a BJP leader said.

“The PM is scheduled to address booth-level party workers at 4 pm on Tuesday,” he said.

During recent poll rallies, Mr. Modi slammed the ruling TMC for allegedly indulging in appeasement politics, infiltration and corruption, and promised the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act for Matuas and central welfare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat health programme, in the State.

- PTI

“Enga vote, enga urimai” — actor and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) C. Joseph Vijay was seen addressing the people of Kumbakonam, alongside his party’s candidate for the constituency, R. Vinoth. Except, it wasn’t Mr. Vijay himself.

After cardboard cut-outs and lookalikes, now, a 3D image projection or a hologram of Mr. Vijay accompanied Mr. Vinoth, aggressively campaigning through the streets of the town.

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BJP leader and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that if the Narendra Modi government at the Centre were playing petty politics, as had been alleged, it would have allotted the first PM Mitra Park to one of the States ruled by the NDA or the BJP, rather than Tamil Nadu.

To a query whether the BJP’s ‘double-engine sarkar’ slogan constituted a threat to voters — that unless they vote for the ruling party at the Centre, some Central schemes might not reach them — Mr. Goyal said the BJP government had sanctioned the first PM Mitra Park in Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu when he was the Textiles Minister.

Click here to read his exclusive conversation with The Hindu

An indicator-based analysis for the poll-bound West Bengal reveals that the State lags in several economic and social indicators. While it shows strength in select indicators such as immunisation and elementary enrolment, the State’s performance across various indicators remained relatively poorer compared to national average.

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DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (April 13, 2026) turned the tables on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami by emphasising that, had she been alive, former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa would have opposed issues such as delimitation that sought to deprive Tamil Nadu of its rights.

“We may have differences. But she would have taken a firm decision like the DMK, because she strongly opposed GST and NEET. She even challenged Modi by raising the slogan, ‘Gujarat Modiya? Indha Ladiya?’,” he said while addressing an election campaign in Ranipet and introducing candidates of the DMK-led alliance.

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