Assembly Elections 2026: Priyanka Gandhi blames Modi govt policies for worsening West Asia crisis impact during Assam rally

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday blamed the Centre’s policies for the early impact of the West Asia crisis in India, following a sharp hike in commercial LPG prices, while addressing a poll campaign rally in Assam. She said that while the crisis is global, India is feeling its effects sooner due to what she called “faulty” policies of the Narendra Modi government, warning that more difficulties could arise ahead.

Addressing a rally in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the BJP is set to return to power in Assam for a third consecutive term “with the blessings of the people”, asserting that the party’s decade in office has marked a shift towards “seva” and “sushasan” in the state. He promised that if BJP comes to power, it will implement UCC and protect the cultural interest of tribal communities, asserting that BJP ‘fulfills it’s promise’.

Highlighting the Centre and state government’s welfare measures, Modi said more than 22 lakh poor families in Assam have been provided pucca houses over the past 10 years, pointing to what he described as improvements in governance and delivery of schemes under the BJP’s tenure.

Five states to vote, counting on May 4: The Election Commission has announced polling dates for four states and one Union Territory. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 23. West Bengal will vote across two phases — April 23 and April 29. The counting of votes for all five assemblies will be held simultaneously on May 4.

17.4 crore voters, 824 seats and a revamped electoral roll : CEC Gyanesh Kumar said the elections will cover 17.4 crore eligible voters across 824 constituencies — a number he likened to the combined population of Australia, France, South Africa, Germany and Canada. Voting will be held at 2.19 lakh polling stations, with 25 lakh election officials on duty. The announcement follows the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls conducted in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry — an exercise that rebuilt rolls from scratch and resulted in a reduction of 18.98 lakh voters. Assam was excluded from the SIR as its National Register of Citizens is yet to be published.

K N Balagopal on Wednesday said Kerala’s finances and administration remain stable, but accused the Centre of adopting a “negative” approach towards states ruled by the opposition.

He alleged that such states are facing reduced revenues due to the Union government’s policies, adding that the issue is not limited to Kerala but affects multiple opposition-ruled states across the nation.

*(With inputs from ANI)*

TMC has alleged large scale irregularities in West Bengal’s voter enrolment process, claiming instances of duplicate and fraudulent entries in the electoral rolls.

Senior leader Derek O'Brien said the party has found cases where individuals are registered as voters in both Bihar and West Bengal, raising concerns over verification lapses and misuse of Form 6 applications. The party has also submitted multiple examples to the Chief Electoral Officer.

TMC leaders have demanded an immediate probe, deletion of duplicate entries and strict action against those responsible, while the Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations, according to TMC.

*(With inputs from PTI)*

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said two women from larger families will now be covered under the Orunodoi scheme, relaxing the one-family-one-beneficiary rule. He added that such families may get two ration cards, and newly married women will also be eligible for the Rs 1,250 monthly assistance.

He said the scheme will be expanded after the elections to include all eligible women, while highlighting other welfare support like free food grains and essential items.

He added that the BJP delivers on its promises and accused the Congress of pushing a “pro-illegal immigrant” agenda, urging voters to back the ruling alliance in the upcoming polls.

*(With inputs from PTI)*

Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday announced that AIMIM will continue its alliance with Humayun Kabir’s Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP), not just for the Assembly polls but also for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a rally in Murshidabad, Owaisi said the aim is to bring forward political leadership from the Muslim community in Bengal, urging voters to choose leaders from within rather than remain “vote banks.” He said the alliance wants to build a stronger political voice and improve representation.

Read full article here.

She said that while the crisis is global, India is feeling its effects sooner due to what she called “faulty” policies of the Narendra Modi government, warning that more difficulties could arise ahead.

*(With inputs from PTI)*

Priyanka Gandhi targeted BJP by saying that all resources of Assam, including mines and land, are handed over to big industrialists, while addressing a poll rally in Assam, ahead of Assembly elections on 9 April. *— PTI*

BJP believes in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' rather than polarisation, said PM at Behali poll rally in Assam. *— PTI*

PM Modi said work is underway on projects worth hundreds of crores to tackle floods and land erosion, with an additional Rs 18,000 crore planned.

He also said that many women have become financially independent, due to schemes like Lakhpati Didi, and stressed that better infrastructure will boost jobs in agriculture, industry and tourism.

*(With inputs from ANI)*

While addressing an election rally in Assam, PM Narendra Modi said Assam has seen major progress in infrastructure and connectivity over the past decade, highlighting highways capable of handling fighter jets.

Modi also announced a Rs 18,500 crore underwater tunnel under the Brahmaputra to improve connectivity and create employment.

*(With inputs from ANI)*

Tamil Nadu polls 2026: AIADMK candidate Thamarai Rajendran begins his campaign in Ariyalur after a visit to the Droupadi Amman temple.

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls 2026: AIADMK candidate Thamarai Rajendran begins his campaign in Ariyalur after a visit to the Droupadi Amman temple.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#tamilnaduelections2026 #tamilnadupolls2026 pic.twitter.com/JDkcAvam1N— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2026

VIDEO | Tamil Nadu polls 2026: AIADMK candidate Thamarai Rajendran begins his campaign in Ariyalur after a visit to the Droupadi Amman temple.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#tamilnaduelections2026 #tamilnadupolls2026 pic.twitter.com/JDkcAvam1N

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with tea garden workers in Assam's Dibrugarh.

Earlier today, PM @narendramodi interacted with women working in the Tea Gardens at Dibrugarh, Assam. pic.twitter.com/PY1eUmHi6S— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) April 1, 2026

Earlier today, PM @narendramodi interacted with women working in the Tea Gardens at Dibrugarh, Assam. pic.twitter.com/PY1eUmHi6S

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday took part in a roadshow in poll-bound Kerala. The state will vote on April 9 for all 140 Assembly constituencies. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: BJP president Nitin Nabin holds a roadshow in Mattannur.#keralaelections2026 #keralanews (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/rlM0MNKHud— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 1, 2026

VIDEO | Kerala Elections 2026: BJP president Nitin Nabin holds a roadshow in Mattannur.#keralaelections2026 #keralanews (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/rlM0MNKHud

Addressing a rally in Gogamukh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to bring the BJP back to power, saying a renewed mandate would accelerate Assam’s development. Calling it a “guarantee”, he said the state would witness faster growth under another BJP term.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin campaigns in Gandhi Nagar Market for Inigo Irudaya Raj (Tiruchirappalli East), visits Palakkarai where he stops at a tea shop, and continues in Bheema Nagar seeking votes for K N Nehru (Tiruchirappalli West).

#watch | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Chief Minister MK Stalin campaigned in the Gandhi Nagar Market area of Tiruchirappalli in support of DMK candidate Inigo Irudaya Raj for the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.Following this, he visited the Palakkarai area, where he stopped… pic.twitter.com/ut73TQ6Zmb— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2026

#watch | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Chief Minister MK Stalin campaigned in the Gandhi Nagar Market area of Tiruchirappalli in support of DMK candidate Inigo Irudaya Raj for the Tiruchirappalli East constituency.Following this, he visited the Palakkarai area, where he stopped… pic.twitter.com/ut73TQ6Zmb

Tennis legend Leander Paes has joined the BJP in Delhi Tuesday, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, in the presence of senior leaders including Kiren Rijiju.

His move comes days after meeting BJP leader Nitin Nabin in Kolkata, which had sparked speculation about his entry into the party.

Paes was earlier associated with the Trinamool Congress, having joined it in 2021 and campaigned in the Goa elections in 2022, though he did not contest polls.

Read detailed report here.

*(With inputs from PTI*)

Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged a “partnership” between the BJP and the Left Front in Kerala, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants the ruling LDF to win the Assembly elections.

Addressing rallies across Kannur and Kozhikode, Gandhi said the Congress-led UDF is fighting both the BJP and the Left, accusing them of working together despite their opposing ideologies. He pointed to former CPI(M) leaders joining the UDF as proof that the Left is no longer a true ideological force.

Gandhi claimed the BJP prefers the CPI(M) in power as it is easier to control, unlike the Congress.

*(With inputs from PTI*)

Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP of trying to include "outsiders" in West Bengal’s voter list through bulk Form 6 applications.

In a letter to Gyanesh Kumar, Mamata Banerjee alleged bulk applications were being filed to add non-residents to Bengal’s voter list, calling it a "coordinated attempt" to interfere with democratic rights and questioning its legality after the final roll was published.

*(With inputs from PTI*)

The BJP has promised a Rs 2,500 monthly food support scheme for poor families, Ayushman Bharat health cover for all residents, and the setting up of an AIIMS campus in Kerala, in its "Viksit Keralam" manifesto released Tuesday ahead of Kerala polls.

The party also announced two free LPG cylinders a year for the poor during Onam and Christmas, a pension hike to Rs 3,000, and plans for a high-speed corridor.

Read all details here.

BJP’s manifesto for the April 9 Assembly elections was released in Guwahati by Union minister of Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman.

The party has promised to bring in a UCC in Assam, introduce laws against “land jihad” and “love jihad”, carry out more evictions, and increase the “pushback” of declared foreigners.

It also plans to expand welfare schemes, including raising monthly financial aid for women from Rs 1,250 to Rs 3,000.

Read all details here.

In its manifesto released Tuesday, BJP has proposed developing different cities for specific sectors, with Thiruvananthapuram as an IT hub, Kochi for shipbuilding, Kozhikode for healthcare, Thrissur for cultural tourism, Kollam for marine exports, and Kannur for defence innovation. The party said this plan would help boost growth and create jobs across the state. — *ANI*

The BJP-led NDA released its manifesto for Kerala Assemble elections on Tuesday, promising monthly financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for women in need and those over 70, two free LPG cylinders annually for low-income homes, an AIIMS for Kerala, and protection of the state's places of worship. — *ANI*

Assam BJP has announced in its manifesto for Assembly elections 'Sankalpa Patra' that it will protect the land, heritage and dignity of Assam's indigenous population by implementing the Immigrants Act (expulsion of immigrants from Assam), 1950, to fasten the detection and pushback process of illegal immigrants, by freeing "every inch of land" from encroachment by illegal immigrants and by providing land rights to all real citizens of Assam under 'Mission Basundhara'.

Speaking at a rally during the West Bengal polls campaign, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleges that the BJP would impose restrictions on people’s food choices, including fish and meat, if voted to power, reports PTI.

VIDEO | West Bengal polls 2026: "BJP will prevent people from eating fish, meat," says CM Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) in poll rally.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#westbengalelections2026 #westbengalpolls2026 pic.twitter.com/la4Z9hvMMy— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 31, 2026

VIDEO | West Bengal polls 2026: "BJP will prevent people from eating fish, meat," says CM Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) in poll rally.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)#westbengalelections2026 #westbengalpolls2026 pic.twitter.com/la4Z9hvMMy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, alleging a “grave conspiracy” to manipulate the state’s electoral rolls and urging the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately halt the process of what she termed “bulk fraudulent enrolment”.

In her letter, Banerjee claimed that “BJP agents have been caught red-handed” submitting thousands of Form 6 applications to add “non-residents and outsiders” to Bengal’s voter lists. She described the exercise as an attempt at “voter hijacking”, and alleged that a similar strategy had been used in other states.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the handling of voter verification under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, stating that over 60 lakh “genuine voters” remain under adjudication. She further claimed that the ECI was “rushing” to process the bulk applications “behind closed doors”, calling the move illegal and contrary to the Supreme Court’s directions on maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls.

Banerjee said she had demanded that the Commission “immediately stop this undemocratic exercise”, ensure strict compliance with court guidelines, and prevent the inclusion of any “fake voters” after the publication of the final electoral roll scheduled for February 28, 2026.

Speaking in Kozhikode, Congress MP and LoP Rahul Gandhi says UDF government will provide free bus travel for women and ₹1,000 monthly support for female students in colleges and universities, from the day it comes to power.

#watchpic.twitter.com/9TMGNjkOEs

— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026

Tennis legend Leander Paes joined the BJP on Tuesday in the presence of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, marking a major high-profile induction ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The former Davis Cup champion, who previously had a stint with the TMC, was inducted at the party's headquarters as the BJP ramps up its celebrity outreach for the upcoming polls.

While taking part in a rally in Chandrakona, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleges BJP is trying to include voters from Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in West Bengal’s electoral rolls, news agency PTI reported.

In Thiruvananthapuram, state BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar targets CPI(M)’s M A Baby and minister V Sivankutty over remarks on Pahalgam and alleged SDPI support, accusing the party of “double standards” and hypocrisy.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has properties in Pakistan and Britain and asks him to submit full details of assets and bank accounts to the Election Commission of India, adding, “we have a lot of information.”

Guwahati, Assam | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "My clear allegations that you (Gaurav Gogoi) should provide information of properties in Pakistan, Britain and bank account details to the ECI. We have a lot of information." pic.twitter.com/qYvpfBi5rs— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026

Guwahati, Assam | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "My clear allegations that you (Gaurav Gogoi) should provide information of properties in Pakistan, Britain and bank account details to the ECI. We have a lot of information." pic.twitter.com/qYvpfBi5rs

Tennis icon Leander Paes is set to join Bharatiya Janata Party at its headquarters at 6A DDU Marg, New Delhi on Tuesday at noon. The joining ceremony was confirmed by BJP Media. Paes, one of India's most celebrated sportspersons, is expected to campaign for the party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said the BJP government will implement the Uniform Civil Code in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule and ST areas. Sarma also promised strong steps against Love Jihad and said the party will work to make Assam flood-free. He added that the government will spend Rs 18,000 crore in the first two years and provide 2 lakh jobs in the next five years.

Guwahati, Assam | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "We will implement UCC in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule, ST areas. We will take strong steps against Love Jihad. We will try to make flood-free Assam and in the first two years we will spend Rs 18,000 crore... We will… https://t.co/KuPsRh8pou pic.twitter.com/ncS3zNbWnh— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2026

Guwahati, Assam | Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "We will implement UCC in Assam, excluding Sixth Schedule, ST areas. We will take strong steps against Love Jihad. We will try to make flood-free Assam and in the first two years we will spend Rs 18,000 crore... We will… https://t.co/KuPsRh8pou pic.twitter.com/ncS3zNbWnh

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, after releasing the BJP manifesto for the upcoming Assam assembly elections, said the state lived under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for 32 years due to Congress policies. The remark was seen as a sharp attack on the opposition ahead of the April 9 polls in Assam.

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