Assembly Election LIVE: Will implement Uniform Civil Code, safeguard tribals to protect Assam’s identity, says PM Modi

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• TN CM Stalin holds election campaign rally in Trichy

• April 01, 2026 13:48 Tamil Nadu | Will defeat BJP’s ‘conspiracies,’ TN team will win, says UdhayanidhiTirupattur: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) said the BJP’s “conspiracies” will be defeated and the T.N. team will ensure a win in the April 23 election.Campaigning for the party candidates in Natrampalli and Vaniyambadi in the Tirupattur district, he said the BJP was aware that it cannot win at the hustings and so was planning to make an entry through the polls.“We will defeat the conspiracies of the BJP which wants to rule Tamil Nadu from Delhi with old and new slaves, in the 2026 Assembly elections. Let us work tirelessly and ensure that the Tamil Nadu team wins and usher in the Dravidian model 2.0. regime,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said and exuded confidence that the DMK-led alliance will win.- PTI

Tirupattur: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) said the BJP’s “conspiracies” will be defeated and the T.N. team will ensure a win in the April 23 election.

Campaigning for the party candidates in Natrampalli and Vaniyambadi in the Tirupattur district, he said the BJP was aware that it cannot win at the hustings and so was planning to make an entry through the polls.

“We will defeat the conspiracies of the BJP which wants to rule Tamil Nadu from Delhi with old and new slaves, in the 2026 Assembly elections. Let us work tirelessly and ensure that the Tamil Nadu team wins and usher in the Dravidian model 2.0. regime,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said and exuded confidence that the DMK-led alliance will win.

• April 01, 2026 13:12 Assam | Congress trying to bring in law to protect infiltrators, says PM ModiGogamukh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Congress, if it comes to power in Assam, will bring in a law to protect infiltrators, which the BJP and its allies will not allow.Addressing a poll rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi said the Congress’ aim is to “turn the majority community into a minority and create a permanent vote bank of infiltrators’’.“Congress leaders are openly saying that they will bring in a new law in Assam to protect infiltrators and are openly supporting them,” the PM alleged. He also accused the grand old party of “trying to divide the country as the Muslim League did during Partition”.“The Congress have also stabbed the Constitution prepared by Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Mr. Modi said. The Prime Minister said if the BJP returns to power, it will “implement the Uniform Civil Code and safeguard tribals under the Sixth schedule to protect Assam’s identity”. - PTI

Gogamukh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the Congress, if it comes to power in Assam, will bring in a law to protect infiltrators, which the BJP and its allies will not allow.

Addressing a poll rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji district, Modi said the Congress’ aim is to “turn the majority community into a minority and create a permanent vote bank of infiltrators’’.

“Congress leaders are openly saying that they will bring in a new law in Assam to protect infiltrators and are openly supporting them,” the PM alleged. He also accused the grand old party of “trying to divide the country as the Muslim League did during Partition”.

“The Congress have also stabbed the Constitution prepared by Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Mr. Modi said. The Prime Minister said if the BJP returns to power, it will “implement the Uniform Civil Code and safeguard tribals under the Sixth schedule to protect Assam’s identity”. - PTI

• April 01, 2026 12:50 Assam | PM Modi targets Rahul Gandhi; predicts defeat at rallyGogamukh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the development of Assam under the BJP regime and described the previous ten years as an “era of service and good governance.” Addressing a public rally in Assam’s Gogamukh, the Prime Minister expressed confidence of achieving “hattrick” of victory in State. Meanwhile, in an indirect jibe at LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, he stressed that the upcoming election will mark “century of defeats for Congress’ self-proclaimed prince.”“Under the leadership of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal first, and then under the guidance of Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, a hat-trick for the BJP-NDA government is certain. And a hat-trick of defeat for Congress is also certain. And a century of defeat for Congress’s self-proclaimed prince is also on the cards,” said PM Modi. - ANI

Gogamukh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the development of Assam under the BJP regime and described the previous ten years as an “era of service and good governance.”

Addressing a public rally in Assam’s Gogamukh, the Prime Minister expressed confidence of achieving “hattrick” of victory in State. Meanwhile, in an indirect jibe at LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, he stressed that the upcoming election will mark “century of defeats for Congress’ self-proclaimed prince.”

“Under the leadership of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal first, and then under the guidance of Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has witnessed a new era of service and good governance in the past 10 years. These Assam elections are the election to build a developed Assam for a developed India. This time, a hat-trick for the BJP-NDA government is certain. And a hat-trick of defeat for Congress is also certain. And a century of defeat for Congress’s self-proclaimed prince is also on the cards,” said PM Modi. - ANI

• April 01, 2026 12:41 Kerala | Mock polls in progress at Kannur school

• April 01, 2026 12:32 Kerala | BJP candidate's flex board in Guruvayur sparks buzz after 'Hindu MLA' rowThrissur: Days after his controversial ‘Hindu MLA’ remark, a flex board featuring the names of former legislators from the Guruvayur constituency has appeared as part of BJP candidate B. Gopalakrishnan’s campaign, drawing widespread attention.Installed at a busy junction in the constituency, the flex board lists the names of MLAs elected from Guruvayur between 1977 and 2021, along with the years they were elected.The board, painted in the colours of the BJP flag, also carries a question asking who will be the next MLA from the Constituency in 2026. The development comes days after police registered a case against the BJP leader over his alleged communal remarks in a campaign video related to the upcoming Assembly polls. - PTI

Thrissur: Days after his controversial ‘Hindu MLA’ remark, a flex board featuring the names of former legislators from the Guruvayur constituency has appeared as part of BJP candidate B. Gopalakrishnan’s campaign, drawing widespread attention.

Installed at a busy junction in the constituency, the flex board lists the names of MLAs elected from Guruvayur between 1977 and 2021, along with the years they were elected.

The board, painted in the colours of the BJP flag, also carries a question asking who will be the next MLA from the Constituency in 2026. The development comes days after police registered a case against the BJP leader over his alleged communal remarks in a campaign video related to the upcoming Assembly polls. - PTI

• April 01, 2026 12:30 Tamil Nadu | Decimate AIADMK, ensure BJP doesn''t win, says Udhayanidhi StalinJolarpettai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin appealed to the people to decimate the Opposition AIADMK in the ensuing Assembly election and also ensure that its ally the BJP doesn’t win at the hustings.Stating that the “fascist BJP” does not have the people’s sanction to enter Tamil Nadu, he said the saffron party cannot win at the hustings. Campaigning for the DMK at Jolarpettai, about 215 km from Chennai, the party’s youth wing secretary urged the people to render a total rout to AIADMK in the State.He said the DMK was able to approach the people as it has kept up its promises made in the 2021 Assembly election and is confident of delivering more when the party gets a second successive term. - PTI

Jolarpettai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin appealed to the people to decimate the Opposition AIADMK in the ensuing Assembly election and also ensure that its ally the BJP doesn’t win at the hustings.

Stating that the “fascist BJP” does not have the people’s sanction to enter Tamil Nadu, he said the saffron party cannot win at the hustings. Campaigning for the DMK at Jolarpettai, about 215 km from Chennai, the party’s youth wing secretary urged the people to render a total rout to AIADMK in the State.

He said the DMK was able to approach the people as it has kept up its promises made in the 2021 Assembly election and is confident of delivering more when the party gets a second successive term. - PTI

• April 01, 2026 12:14 Puducherry | Drone technology helps apprehend five persons involved in distribution of cash for votes Teams involved in the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct for the April 9 Assembly elections in Puducherry have apprehended five persons and seized from their possession around ₹ 66,000 during surveillance using drone technology for checking the misuse of money power in polls in the Union Territory. Flying squad members deployed at Mannadipet constituency apprehended three persons, Thirumaran, Silambarasan, Chakravarthy and seized from their possession ₹ 55,000. Another team deployed at Mangalam constituency took into custody P. Rajendran and P. Suresh and seized from their possession around ₹ 11,000. The accused and seized amount have been handed over to the concerned police stations for further proceeding with the case, Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar said in a release. - The Hindu Bureau

Teams involved in the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct for the April 9 Assembly elections in Puducherry have apprehended five persons and seized from their possession around ₹ 66,000 during surveillance using drone technology for checking the misuse of money power in polls in the Union Territory.

Flying squad members deployed at Mannadipet constituency apprehended three persons, Thirumaran, Silambarasan, Chakravarthy and seized from their possession ₹ 55,000. Another team deployed at Mangalam constituency took into custody P. Rajendran and P. Suresh and seized from their possession around ₹ 11,000. The accused and seized amount have been handed over to the concerned police stations for further proceeding with the case, Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar said in a release. - The Hindu Bureau

• April 01, 2026 12:11 Tamil Nadu | No caste clashes in Tamil Nadu; no communal riots like in BJP-ruled States: Stalin Tiruchirappalli: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency, held a major election campaign in Tiruchirappalli district on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), addressing a large public gathering and introducing party candidates for the nine Assembly segments in the district.He said, “There are no caste clashes in Tamil Nadu, no communal riots like in BJP-ruled States, no mob violence like in Uttar Pradesh, and no continuous unrest like in Manipur. We have also thwarted the conspiracies of the BJP to create such situations here. It is because of the peaceful environment and effective governance under our rule that investments are steadily flowing into Tamil Nadu. We have released a detailed action plan and election manifesto to support this. All the announcements I have made will be fulfilled in the coming days.”CM Stalin also claimed, “Tamil Nadu has no caste or communal violence like other States. We ensured peace, which is why investments are coming. We have released our plans, and all promises will be fulfilled soon.” - ANI

Tiruchirappalli: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin, who is contesting the upcoming Assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency, held a major election campaign in Tiruchirappalli district on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), addressing a large public gathering and introducing party candidates for the nine Assembly segments in the district.

He said, “There are no caste clashes in Tamil Nadu, no communal riots like in BJP-ruled States, no mob violence like in Uttar Pradesh, and no continuous unrest like in Manipur. We have also thwarted the conspiracies of the BJP to create such situations here. It is because of the peaceful environment and effective governance under our rule that investments are steadily flowing into Tamil Nadu. We have released a detailed action plan and election manifesto to support this. All the announcements I have made will be fulfilled in the coming days.”

CM Stalin also claimed, “Tamil Nadu has no caste or communal violence like other States. We ensured peace, which is why investments are coming. We have released our plans, and all promises will be fulfilled soon.” - ANI

• April 01, 2026 11:56 West Bengal | BJP Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh hits back at Mamata's 'non-veg ban' claim, calls it fear-mongeringSiliguri: BJP Siliguri MLA and candidate Dr. Sankar Ghosh strongly refuted West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s claim that people would be restricted from consuming fish, meat, or eggs if the BJP comes to power, asserting that such statements are misleading and against cultural realities.Responding to Ms. Banerjee’s remarks, Mr. Ghosh said, “Didi, I appeal to you to come to my house, we will have fish together. You will also enjoy it. But these false statements being made... saying fish is not eaten... this is not right.” He further emphasised that food habits are deeply rooted in culture and cannot be dictated by any political party. “People from Bengal and Bihar will eat fish and meat - this cannot be controlled by any political party because it is part of our culture. Ignoring culture in this way and spreading false statements to create fear among people is wrong,” he said. - ANI

Siliguri: BJP Siliguri MLA and candidate Dr. Sankar Ghosh strongly refuted West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s claim that people would be restricted from consuming fish, meat, or eggs if the BJP comes to power, asserting that such statements are misleading and against cultural realities.

Responding to Ms. Banerjee’s remarks, Mr. Ghosh said, “Didi, I appeal to you to come to my house, we will have fish together. You will also enjoy it. But these false statements being made... saying fish is not eaten... this is not right.” He further emphasised that food habits are deeply rooted in culture and cannot be dictated by any political party.

“People from Bengal and Bihar will eat fish and meat - this cannot be controlled by any political party because it is part of our culture. Ignoring culture in this way and spreading false statements to create fear among people is wrong,” he said. - ANI

• April 01, 2026 11:40 Kerala | RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav joins LDF campaign; Pinarayi Vijayan hails supportKerala Assembly elections: RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav joins LDF campaign; Pinarayi Vijayan hails supportTejashwi Yadav joins Kerala's LDF campaign, with CM Pinarayi Vijayan praising his support for the secular fabric of the nation.

Kerala Assembly elections: RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav joins LDF campaign; Pinarayi Vijayan hails support

Tejashwi Yadav joins Kerala's LDF campaign, with CM Pinarayi Vijayan praising his support for the secular fabric of the nation.

• April 01, 2026 11:32 PM Narendra Modi addresses public rally in Gogamukh, Dhemaji in Assam

• April 01, 2026 11:25 Kerala | UDF seeks successor to K. Babu as LDF, NDA sharpen contest in ThripunithuraKerala Assembly polls 2026: UDF seeks successor to K. Babu as LDF, NDA sharpen contest in ThripunithuraUDF and LDF intensify competition in Thripunithura Assembly polls as K. Babu retires, while NDA allies with Twenty20 for the contest.

Kerala Assembly polls 2026: UDF seeks successor to K. Babu as LDF, NDA sharpen contest in Thripunithura

UDF and LDF intensify competition in Thripunithura Assembly polls as K. Babu retires, while NDA allies with Twenty20 for the contest.

• April 01, 2026 11:24 Tamil Nadu | CM Stalin kickstarts poll campaign in Tiruvarur; slams Palaniswami, NDATiruvarur: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly polls and slammed AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami as a leader with no long-term vision or understanding about anything. He dubbed the NDA as “anti-Tamil and opportunistic alliance”.Formally introducing candidates of his party and that of allies from Tiruvarur region and seeking support for them, the DMK chief claimed there were many examples to show the intellectual capability of the Leader of Opposition Palaniswami. He claimed that that the former CM lacks understanding about anything and has no foresight or long-term vision and he is demonstrating it.CM Stalin said NDA has only one objective and it is to hinder Tamil Nadu’s development and it aims at “destroying” the development brought about by the Dravidian model. - PTI

Tiruvarur: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin launched his campaign for the April 23 Assembly polls and slammed AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami as a leader with no long-term vision or understanding about anything. He dubbed the NDA as “anti-Tamil and opportunistic alliance”.

Formally introducing candidates of his party and that of allies from Tiruvarur region and seeking support for them, the DMK chief claimed there were many examples to show the intellectual capability of the Leader of Opposition Palaniswami. He claimed that that the former CM lacks understanding about anything and has no foresight or long-term vision and he is demonstrating it.

CM Stalin said NDA has only one objective and it is to hinder Tamil Nadu’s development and it aims at “destroying” the development brought about by the Dravidian model. - PTI

• April 01, 2026 11:19 Kerala/Telangana | CM Revanth Reddy to campaign for Congress candidates in Kerala on April 1, 2Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will campaign for Congress candidates in the Kerala Assembly polls on April 1 and 2. “He left for the southern State from on Tuesday night (March 31, 2026),” official sources said. The Congress-led UDF is seeking to wrest power from the LDF in Kerala in the April 9 Assembly polls. - PTI

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will campaign for Congress candidates in the Kerala Assembly polls on April 1 and 2. “He left for the southern State from on Tuesday night (March 31, 2026),” official sources said. The Congress-led UDF is seeking to wrest power from the LDF in Kerala in the April 9 Assembly polls. - PTI

• April 01, 2026 11:09 Tamil Nadu | CM Breakfast Scheme will be extended till Class VIII, promises CM Stalin at Tiruchi rally

• April 01, 2026 11:04 Tamil Nadu | CM Stalin assures ₹8,000 worth coupon for women to purchase home appliances of their choice at shops they prefer

• April 01, 2026 10:41 PM to address two poll rallies in AssamPrime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two public meetings in Assam on Wednesday (April 1) as part of the BJP’s ongoing Assembly election campaign.According to the itinerary, Mr. Modi will first address a rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji around 11 a.m. before proceeding to Biswanath district, where he is expected to speak at a public meeting at 1 p.m.Senior BJP leaders and state ministers are likely to be present at both venues, party sources said.-PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address two public meetings in Assam on Wednesday (April 1) as part of the BJP’s ongoing Assembly election campaign.

According to the itinerary, Mr. Modi will first address a rally at Gogamukh in Dhemaji around 11 a.m. before proceeding to Biswanath district, where he is expected to speak at a public meeting at 1 p.m.

Senior BJP leaders and state ministers are likely to be present at both venues, party sources said.

• April 01, 2026 10:40 Coal economy, identity politics shape contest in Asansol Dakshin The decline of the coal economy, illegal mining, and identity politics are expected to shape the electoral battle in Asansol Dakshin, one of the most closely watched assembly constituencies in the 2026 West Bengal polls.Part of the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency in Paschim Bardhaman district, the urban-industrial seat located in the Raniganj coal belt reflects the structural transition of eastern India’s old mining towns, where industrial slowdown, informal coal networks and demographic shifts are influencing political narratives.The BJP, which wrested the seat from the TMC in 2021, is attempting to retain it through a mix of Hindutva mobilisation and governance issues linked to the coal economy.The ruling TMC is seeking to regain lost ground by rebuilding its traditional Bengali-minority support base and highlighting the various social welfare schemes of the state government.-PTI

The decline of the coal economy, illegal mining, and identity politics are expected to shape the electoral battle in Asansol Dakshin, one of the most closely watched assembly constituencies in the 2026 West Bengal polls.

Part of the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency in Paschim Bardhaman district, the urban-industrial seat located in the Raniganj coal belt reflects the structural transition of eastern India’s old mining towns, where industrial slowdown, informal coal networks and demographic shifts are influencing political narratives.

The BJP, which wrested the seat from the TMC in 2021, is attempting to retain it through a mix of Hindutva mobilisation and governance issues linked to the coal economy.

The ruling TMC is seeking to regain lost ground by rebuilding its traditional Bengali-minority support base and highlighting the various social welfare schemes of the state government.

• April 01, 2026 10:22 "TMC is the face of violence...": Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar condemns attack on BJP workers Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday (March 31) condemned the attack on Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) workers outside the Election Commissioner’s office by Trinamool Congress (TMC) party workers, calling TMC “the face of violence.”Speaking to the reporters, Mr. Mazumdar emphasised the need for a strict law and order situation in view of the Assembly elections.“The TMC’s desperation is growing day by day. Today, our workers were standing before the Election Commission. They were attacked by TMC goons. This is the true face of the Trinamool Congress, the face of violence. Therefore, to ensure the elections are free and fair, strict restrictions and rigorous enforcement of law and order are essential. Otherwise, it will be impossible for the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections here,” he said.-ANI

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Tuesday (March 31) condemned the attack on Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) workers outside the Election Commissioner’s office by Trinamool Congress (TMC) party workers, calling TMC “the face of violence.”

Speaking to the reporters, Mr. Mazumdar emphasised the need for a strict law and order situation in view of the Assembly elections.

“The TMC’s desperation is growing day by day. Today, our workers were standing before the Election Commission. They were attacked by TMC goons. This is the true face of the Trinamool Congress, the face of violence. Therefore, to ensure the elections are free and fair, strict restrictions and rigorous enforcement of law and order are essential. Otherwise, it will be impossible for the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections here,” he said.

• April 01, 2026 10:14 Narayangarh residents flag water and healthcare crisis ahead of West Bengal pollsAhead of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly polls, Residents of Narayangarh, West Bengal, under the Paschim Medinipur district, have raised concerns about alleged lack of infrastructure, including all-weather roads, clean drinking water, and functional healthcare facilities and neglect from the authorities.A resident Bhim Debnath stated that easy accces of drinking water, well-built homes are not available in the area. “There is a severe drinking water crisis here. We have to travel 12km just to fetch water... Our homes are made of mud... We lack proper roads. There isn’t even a hospital nearby...Our MLA hasn’t come to meet us. We want change,” he said.Another resident, Raipada Devrat, also flagged issues in the healthcare system. “There is no hospital. We have to travel far to Kharagpur or Midnapore, where doctors charge Rs 200-500, but we are poor... The roads are in poor condition. We don’t even have proper housing,” he said.-ANI

Ahead of the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly polls, Residents of Narayangarh, West Bengal, under the Paschim Medinipur district, have raised concerns about alleged lack of infrastructure, including all-weather roads, clean drinking water, and functional healthcare facilities and neglect from the authorities.

A resident Bhim Debnath stated that easy accces of drinking water, well-built homes are not available in the area. “There is a severe drinking water crisis here. We have to travel 12km just to fetch water... Our homes are made of mud... We lack proper roads. There isn’t even a hospital nearby...Our MLA hasn’t come to meet us. We want change,” he said.

Another resident, Raipada Devrat, also flagged issues in the healthcare system. “There is no hospital. We have to travel far to Kharagpur or Midnapore, where doctors charge Rs 200-500, but we are poor... The roads are in poor condition. We don’t even have proper housing,” he said.

• April 01, 2026 10:06 In Perumbavoor, candidates play up local connectAt Mudikkarai, a small junction about six km from Perumbavoor town, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Manoj Moothedan addressed a small crowd of mostly his supporters around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The choice of location to start his road show seemed strategic.“I am happy to launch my campaign from here. I have a lot of friends and relatives at Mudikkarai. But more than that, I am all the more happy to stand on this very road, which was one of the earliest projects I worked on when I was a district panchayat member,” Mr. Moothedan said, going on to list a set of projects he claimed to have initiated in and around Kuruppampady junction.Kerala Assembly polls 2026: In Perumbavoor, candidates play up local connectIn Perumbavoor, candidates leverage local ties and past achievements to connect with voters ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly polls.

At Mudikkarai, a small junction about six km from Perumbavoor town, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Manoj Moothedan addressed a small crowd of mostly his supporters around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. The choice of location to start his road show seemed strategic.

“I am happy to launch my campaign from here. I have a lot of friends and relatives at Mudikkarai. But more than that, I am all the more happy to stand on this very road, which was one of the earliest projects I worked on when I was a district panchayat member,” Mr. Moothedan said, going on to list a set of projects he claimed to have initiated in and around Kuruppampady junction.

Kerala Assembly polls 2026: In Perumbavoor, candidates play up local connect

In Perumbavoor, candidates leverage local ties and past achievements to connect with voters ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly polls.

• April 01, 2026 10:01 TN CM Stalin holds election campaign rally in Trichy

• April 01, 2026 09:51 BJP Kerala set for landmark win, says Thiruvalla candidate Anoop Antony BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Anoop Antony from the Thiruvalla constituency for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections on Tuesday (March 31) expressed confidence in the party’s growth and prospects.“BJP in Kerala mhas always grown... In 2011, we were less than 10%; today, we have reached 20%. BJP is the only party which has grown in the last 10 years. In these elections, the BJP is expecting a huge victory, just like the last Lok Sabha elections and the recent Trivandrum Municipal Corporation elections. This election is going to be a landmark for Kerala’s politics... People have been fed up with both the UDF and the LDF... They are looking for a change,” he said, while talking to ANI.He filed his nomination papers for the Thiruvalla Assembly constituency at the Sub-Collector’s office on March 21, ahead of the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.-ANI

BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Anoop Antony from the Thiruvalla constituency for the 2026 Keralam Legislative Assembly elections on Tuesday (March 31) expressed confidence in the party’s growth and prospects.

“BJP in Kerala mhas always grown... In 2011, we were less than 10%; today, we have reached 20%. BJP is the only party which has grown in the last 10 years. In these elections, the BJP is expecting a huge victory, just like the last Lok Sabha elections and the recent Trivandrum Municipal Corporation elections. This election is going to be a landmark for Kerala’s politics... People have been fed up with both the UDF and the LDF... They are looking for a change,” he said, while talking to ANI.

He filed his nomination papers for the Thiruvalla Assembly constituency at the Sub-Collector’s office on March 21, ahead of the 2026 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections.

• April 01, 2026 09:43 Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Women’s issues weaponised for smear campaigns, allege critics With several prominent legislators accused of sexual violence contesting and campaigning in the upcoming polls, questions are being raised about the seriousness with which political parties approach the issue, according to women leaders. Critics argue that women’s issues are reduced to political tools and rather than being treated as a serious policy priority, concerns about their safety are often weaponised for smear campaigns and selectively amplified during elections.Recently a wave of sexual assault allegations were raised against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The Congress had suspended the MLA from its primary membership following the allegations.Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Women’s issues weaponised for smear campaigns, allege criticsCritics allege Kerala's 2026 Assembly polls weaponize women's issues for smear campaigns, undermining genuine safety concerns.

With several prominent legislators accused of sexual violence contesting and campaigning in the upcoming polls, questions are being raised about the seriousness with which political parties approach the issue, according to women leaders. Critics argue that women’s issues are reduced to political tools and rather than being treated as a serious policy priority, concerns about their safety are often weaponised for smear campaigns and selectively amplified during elections.

Recently a wave of sexual assault allegations were raised against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. The Congress had suspended the MLA from its primary membership following the allegations.

Kerala Assembly polls 2026: Women’s issues weaponised for smear campaigns, allege critics

Critics allege Kerala's 2026 Assembly polls weaponize women's issues for smear campaigns, undermining genuine safety concerns.

• April 01, 2026 09:34 In Assam, BJP candidates not among richest top 5: report The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the most crorepati candidates — 88% of the 90 fielded — for the April 9 Assam Assembly polls, but none of them is among the wealthiest top five, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Assam Election Watch has revealed.The report was prepared after analysing the criminal background, financial, education, gender, and other details of 722 candidates, 258 of whom are contesting independently.In Assam, BJP candidates not among richest top 5: reportA report reveals that BJP candidates in Assam are wealthy but not among the top five richest in the upcoming election.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the most crorepati candidates — 88% of the 90 fielded — for the April 9 Assam Assembly polls, but none of them is among the wealthiest top five, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Assam Election Watch has revealed.

The report was prepared after analysing the criminal background, financial, education, gender, and other details of 722 candidates, 258 of whom are contesting independently.

In Assam, BJP candidates not among richest top 5: report

A report reveals that BJP candidates in Assam are wealthy but not among the top five richest in the upcoming election.

• April 01, 2026 09:24 Vijay has no understanding of T.N. politics, says Piyush Goyal BJP’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay had no understanding of the people of Tamil Nadu, their culture, and politics.Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, Mr. Goyal said many film stars had come [into politics] in the past and the people of Tamil Nadu had rejected them. “MGR [M.G. Ramachandran] and Jayalalithaa ji were experienced politicians, and after many years of serving the people, they became Chief Ministers. I think he [Mr. Vijay] is living in a dream. He is very popular among his fans. But that popularity will not result in votes, as we saw in the case of Vijayakant and Kamal Haasan.”T.N. Assembly election: Vijay has no understanding of T.N. politics, says Piyush GoyalPiyush Goyal criticizes Vijay's political understanding, asserting Tamil Nadu voters prioritize experience over celebrity in elections.

BJP’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay had no understanding of the people of Tamil Nadu, their culture, and politics.

Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, Mr. Goyal said many film stars had come [into politics] in the past and the people of Tamil Nadu had rejected them. “MGR [M.G. Ramachandran] and Jayalalithaa ji were experienced politicians, and after many years of serving the people, they became Chief Ministers. I think he [Mr. Vijay] is living in a dream. He is very popular among his fans. But that popularity will not result in votes, as we saw in the case of Vijayakant and Kamal Haasan.”

T.N. Assembly election: Vijay has no understanding of T.N. politics, says Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal criticizes Vijay's political understanding, asserting Tamil Nadu voters prioritize experience over celebrity in elections.

• April 01, 2026 09:18 Congress MP K Suresh terms FCRA Amendment bill anti-democratic, predicts UDF win in KeralamCongress MP K. Suresh on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) strongly opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, terming it anti-democratic and anti-constitutional, while asserting that it adversely affects minority organisations engaged in social welfare activities.Speaking to ANI, he said, “We are going to oppose the FCRA Amendment Bill. It is totally against the minority community. So, the minority organisations take financial assistance from various agencies abroad. They are utilising that money for the welfare of the marginalised people and also for hospitals, schools, and orphanages. If this Bill is passed, their help will be stopped. That is why the minority organisations oppose this Bill. Opposition parties are also against this Bill. So, the FCRA Bill is anti-democratic and also anti-constitutional. So, this will be taken up today in the House. We will oppose it tooth and nail.”-ANI

Congress MP K. Suresh on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) strongly opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, terming it anti-democratic and anti-constitutional, while asserting that it adversely affects minority organisations engaged in social welfare activities.

Speaking to ANI, he said, “We are going to oppose the FCRA Amendment Bill. It is totally against the minority community. So, the minority organisations take financial assistance from various agencies abroad. They are utilising that money for the welfare of the marginalised people and also for hospitals, schools, and orphanages. If this Bill is passed, their help will be stopped. That is why the minority organisations oppose this Bill. Opposition parties are also against this Bill. So, the FCRA Bill is anti-democratic and also anti-constitutional. So, this will be taken up today in the House. We will oppose it tooth and nail.”

• April 01, 2026 09:15 Khela Hobe: game on as Trinamool fields sportspersons in north Bengal An Asian Games gold medal-winning athlete and a former first-class cricketer who represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy are the Trinamool Congress candidates taking on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominees in north Bengal.Swapna Barman, the first Indian heptathlete to win an Asian Games gold in 2018 is the Trinamool candidate from Rajganj Assembly seat in the State’s Jalpaiguri district. On Monday, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) authorities formally accepted her resignation and issued her a clearance letter to contest the West Bengal polls.Khela Hobe: game on as Trinamool fields sportspersons in north BengalTrinamool Congress fields ex-cricketer Shib Sankar Paul and athlete Swapna Barman as candidates in North Bengal elections.

An Asian Games gold medal-winning athlete and a former first-class cricketer who represented Bengal in the Ranji Trophy are the Trinamool Congress candidates taking on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominees in north Bengal.

Swapna Barman, the first Indian heptathlete to win an Asian Games gold in 2018 is the Trinamool candidate from Rajganj Assembly seat in the State’s Jalpaiguri district. On Monday, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) authorities formally accepted her resignation and issued her a clearance letter to contest the West Bengal polls.

Khela Hobe: game on as Trinamool fields sportspersons in north Bengal

Trinamool Congress fields ex-cricketer Shib Sankar Paul and athlete Swapna Barman as candidates in North Bengal elections.

• April 01, 2026 09:13 Kerala CM intends a Facebook debate, and not a face-to-face with Satheesan Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday clarified that he intended to engage in a Facebook debate with the Leader of the Opposition, V.D Satheesan, rather than a face-to-face discussion as suggested by sections of the media. Mr Vijayan’s statement signalled an anticlimactic end to speculation that a US presidential-style debate between Mr. Vijayan and Mr. Satheesan was imminent. Mr Vijayan’s Facebook post on Monday, in which that he was ready for a debate, had led the media to hypothesise that a televised, head-to-head encounter between the two leaders would be a key highlight of the Assembly election campaign. However, Mr. Vijayan had listed his government’s achievements in a report card format and did not challenge any person or party by name. CM intends a Facebook debate, and not a face-to-face with SatheesanCM Pinarayi Vijayan opts for a Facebook debate with V.D. Satheesan, dismissing media speculation of a face-to-face encounter.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday clarified that he intended to engage in a Facebook debate with the Leader of the Opposition, V.D Satheesan, rather than a face-to-face discussion as suggested by sections of the media. Mr Vijayan’s statement signalled an anticlimactic end to speculation that a US presidential-style debate between Mr. Vijayan and Mr. Satheesan was imminent.

Mr Vijayan’s Facebook post on Monday, in which that he was ready for a debate, had led the media to hypothesise that a televised, head-to-head encounter between the two leaders would be a key highlight of the Assembly election campaign. However, Mr. Vijayan had listed his government’s achievements in a report card format and did not challenge any person or party by name.

CM intends a Facebook debate, and not a face-to-face with Satheesan

CM Pinarayi Vijayan opts for a Facebook debate with V.D. Satheesan, dismissing media speculation of a face-to-face encounter.

• April 01, 2026 09:11 Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to campaign in Coimbatore on April 2 Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will campaign in Coimbatore on April 2 for candidates contesting in the seven Assembly constituencies in the district, said V. Senthilbalaji, the DMK candidate for Coimbatore South.Launching his campaign on Tuesday evening, he said he was familiar with Coimbatore as he had implemented several schemes of the government here in the last four years. “People have faith in the Chief Minister and the government. The AIADMK won seats in Coimbatore in 2021 with narrow margins. We only had to set it right. We did that for the local body elections and Parliamentary election and will win in the Assembly elections too,” he said.Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to campaign in Coimbatore on April 2Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to campaign in Coimbatore on April 2 for local Assembly candidates, boosting DMK's election efforts.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will campaign in Coimbatore on April 2 for candidates contesting in the seven Assembly constituencies in the district, said V. Senthilbalaji, the DMK candidate for Coimbatore South.

Launching his campaign on Tuesday evening, he said he was familiar with Coimbatore as he had implemented several schemes of the government here in the last four years. “People have faith in the Chief Minister and the government. The AIADMK won seats in Coimbatore in 2021 with narrow margins. We only had to set it right. We did that for the local body elections and Parliamentary election and will win in the Assembly elections too,” he said.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to campaign in Coimbatore on April 2

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to campaign in Coimbatore on April 2 for local Assembly candidates, boosting DMK's election efforts.

• April 01, 2026 09:11 CPI manifesto promises to fight commercialisation of drinking water, agriculture and irrigation The Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026 manifesto released by the State unit of the Communist Party of India in Chennai on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of threatening political parties and forcing alliances ahead of the polls.M. Veerapandian, State secretary of the party, who released the manifesto, said that even though the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) was reiterating that a government would be formed under its leadership, the BJP was asserting that the NDA would form the government. “The AIADMK has given up all its ideological moorings and merged itself with the BJP,” he alleged.CPI manifesto promises to fight commercialisation of drinking water, agriculture and irrigationCPI's 2026 manifesto vows to combat the commercialisation of water and agriculture while promoting small industries and social justice.

The Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026 manifesto released by the State unit of the Communist Party of India in Chennai on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of threatening political parties and forcing alliances ahead of the polls.

M. Veerapandian, State secretary of the party, who released the manifesto, said that even though the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) was reiterating that a government would be formed under its leadership, the BJP was asserting that the NDA would form the government. “The AIADMK has given up all its ideological moorings and merged itself with the BJP,” he alleged.

CPI manifesto promises to fight commercialisation of drinking water, agriculture and irrigation

CPI's 2026 manifesto vows to combat the commercialisation of water and agriculture while promoting small industries and social justice.

• April 01, 2026 09:02 Assam Assembly elections: BJP’s poll manifesto promises UCC, land rights, welfare push The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) released its manifesto for the April 9 Assam Assembly elections, promising to work towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code, protecting the land, heritage, and dignity of indigenous people, and pushing its development agenda.Releasing the 31-point “Sankalp Patra” at the party’s State headquarters in Guwahati, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted what she described as Assam’s transformative change over the last 10 years, which, she said, had fuelled economic growth of the State and the rest of the northeastern region.Assam election 2026: BJP manifesto promises ₹5 lakh cr. investment, protection of indigenous peopleBJP's Assam manifesto promises ₹5 lakh crore investment, land protection for indigenous people, and youth employment opportunities.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) released its manifesto for the April 9 Assam Assembly elections, promising to work towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code, protecting the land, heritage, and dignity of indigenous people, and pushing its development agenda.

Releasing the 31-point “Sankalp Patra” at the party’s State headquarters in Guwahati, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted what she described as Assam’s transformative change over the last 10 years, which, she said, had fuelled economic growth of the State and the rest of the northeastern region.

Assam election 2026: BJP manifesto promises ₹5 lakh cr. investment, protection of indigenous people

BJP's Assam manifesto promises ₹5 lakh crore investment, land protection for indigenous people, and youth employment opportunities.

Published - April 01, 2026 09:01 am IST