West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging a plot to weaken democratic rights in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. In a post, she claimed BJP workers were caught submitting large numbers of fake Form 6 applications to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in West Bengal in an attempt to add non-residents to the voter list, calling it a case of “voter hijacking” similar to what she alleged had happened in other states.

Banerjee also highlighted delays in processing genuine voter applications, stating that lakhs of legitimate cases are still pending while authorities are allegedly fast-tracking suspicious bulk submissions. She described the situation as illegal, against court directives, and a threat to free and fair elections in the state.

She urged the Election Commission of India to immediately halt such practices, follow Supreme Court guidelines, and ensure that no ineligible voters are added after the final electoral roll published on February 28, 2026. She asserted that the people of Bengal would not allow their democratic rights to be compromised.

Banerjee further claimed there were credible reports of coordinated efforts to submit mass applications across districts to include individuals with no real connection to West Bengal. She warned that such actions, if proven, would be unconstitutional and undermine transparency in the electoral process. At a rally in Purulia, Banerjee also criticized the BJP, accusing the party of provoking unrest ahead of the upcoming elections.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In a gesture honoring Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Palakkad on Sunday, donning traditional attire as part of the NDA’s campaign ahead of the Assembly elections. At a public gathering, he wore a crisp white mundu paired with a simple kurta and draped a kasavu stole with golden borders, embracing the elegance of Kerala’s traditional dress.

PM Modi also connected with local customs by playing the chenda, a percussion instrument central to the state’s festivals and cultural events. During the event, he was felicitated on stage by local leaders and party workers. His choice to wear regional attire reflects a broader pattern from past visits, where he has often adopted local dress as a mark of respect for regional traditions.

The visit to Palakkad is part of the BJP-led NDA’s election push in Kerala, which comprises 12 assembly constituencies in the district: Thrithala, Pattambi, Shoranur, Ottapalam, Kongad, Mannarkkad, Malampuzha, Palakkad, Tarur, Chittur, Nemmara, and Alathur. Kerala is set to vote in a single phase on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4.

Alongside Kerala, elections have also been announced in Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Puducherry, with polling dates spread across April. The current term of the Kerala Assembly is slated to end on May 23. PM Modi’s visit highlights the party’s focus on connecting with the state’s cultural identity while intensifying campaigning ahead of the crucial elections, signaling both political engagement and respect for local traditions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Ahead of the state assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, unveiled the BJP’s “chargesheet” in Kolkata against the ruling Trinamool Congress government. Shah said the upcoming elections would be a choice between “fear and trust.” He accused Mamata Banerjee of promoting politics driven by lies, violence, and corruption over the past 15 years. Voting in the state will take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results to be declared on May 4.

Shah claimed that the TMC came to power through fear and false promises, while the BJP has been opposing such practices since 2011. He expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in Bengal. He added that the chargesheet represents the voice of Bengal’s people against the TMC’s rule and urged voters to decide between continuing with fear or choosing trust.

Shah said Bengal plays a key role in national security, especially concerning infiltration. He noted that infiltration had reduced in Assam after the BJP came to power, and claimed Bengal is now the main entry point. He also praised Suvendu Adhikari for traveling across the state and raising issues like lawlessness, economic hardship, and infiltration. Shah further criticized the TMC for failing to deliver on its promise of “Sonar Bangla,” alleging that the state has seen rising corruption, criminal syndicates, and declining industrial growth under its rule.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Official sources stated that the Union Cabinet did not take up a draft proposal to amend the Women’s Reservation Act during its meeting on Wednesday. Despite this, the Opposition alleged that the government is preparing to introduce the amendment in Parliament through a “special session” expected to be held soon.

Parliament is likely to conclude the Budget proceedings for the financial year 2026–27 by Friday, with the Rajya Sabha expected to pass the Finance Bill 2026 on that day. There will be no sitting on Thursday due to a scheduled holiday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Rajya Sabha that the Finance Bill, given its significance, has been scheduled for discussion and approval on Friday, March 27.

The Congress claimed that the government is planning to implement the women’s reservation law without completing key processes such as delimitation and the national census. According to the party, this may be done by introducing amendments during a “special two-day session” of Parliament in the coming fortnight. The Congress criticized the move, calling it a “weapon of mass diversion” aimed at shifting focus away from pressing issues, including alleged foreign policy setbacks and the ongoing LPG and energy crisis in the country.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh further alleged that the government is also considering a proposal to increase the size of the Lok Sabha and various state legislative assemblies by 50 percent. He emphasized that such a significant change would require detailed discussion, consultation, and careful consideration before any decision is made.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has been earning substantial income by sending paid personalized videos on Cameo. Over five years, he has made at least £374,893 from these recordings, often producing several videos per day. While many use Cameo for lighthearted messages, an investigation of over 4,000 of Farage’s videos revealed concerning content. Some videos included endorsements of neo-Nazi events, repetition of extremist slogans, and references to antisemitic conspiracies. He even made a £155 video for a man reportedly sentenced to 16 months for participating in a far-right riot. Farage also made misogynistic remarks about left-wing politicians, including a comment about US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A spokesperson for Reform UK emphasized that these videos were informal, not political statements, and that Farage opposes extremism and political violence. They also noted that occasional mistakes are inevitable given the volume of videos he records. Investigations correspondent Henry Dyer told Helen Pidd that the videos reveal what Farage is willing to say or do for money — raising questions about the judgment of someone who aspires to be prime minister.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Tuesday morning, the prime minister revealed that Australia will be deploying aircraft, missiles, and personnel to the Gulf amid ongoing conflict in the region. However, Anthony Albanese insists this does not imply that Australia is participating in the war or officially at war. Reged Ahmad discusses with Josh Butler whether Australia is being drawn into what he calls Trump’s “war of choice.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian

A group of 34 Australian women and children, who were held by the Islamic State for years without facing charges, have been sent back to a detention camp after trying to escape Syria and return home. Reged Ahmad talks with senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the heated discussion surrounding their repatriation and the implications for Australian citizenship.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

At least nine people were killed and numerous others wounded in a mass shooting in the small British Columbia community of Tumbler Ridge. The violence began at a residence and continued at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, where victims included both students and adults, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. The suspected shooter, an 18‑year‑old, was also found dead at the scene from what appeared to be a self‑inflicted injury. Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat as they continue to investigate the motive and circumstances behind the attack.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian