Bengal & Assam Trends Boost BJP, Chhattisgarh Celebrates 

Early election leads show BJP heading for majority in West Bengal and Assam; Chhattisgarh workers celebrate with ‘Jhalmuri’ parties as MP says TMC uprooted.

Early election trends from West Bengal and Assam brought spontaneous celebrations to BJP offices in Chhattisgarh on Monday afternoon. With the party appearing to cross the majority mark in both states, workers in Raipur, Bilaspur, and Ambikapur burst crackers, danced to drumbeats, and distributed Bengal’s famous street snack, jhalmuri.

The mood was not just festive but defiant. At the party’s Ekant Parisar office in the capital, slogans like “Jhalmuri, Mamata uri” (Mamata flies away) echoed through the corridors.

A snack as a symbol

It wasn't just about the wins. The choice of snack mattered. Jhalmuri, a puffed rice delicacy synonymous with Bengal’s street food culture, became the unlikely hero of the day.

In Bilaspur, workers set up a special jhalmuri stall outside the office of local MLA Sushant Shukla. “We’ve already sold over 200 plates,” a vendor near the Raipur office said, struggling to keep up with demand. Party leaders, including state president Kiran Dev, were seen feeding the snack to workers. Dev later told reporters, “This is the result of our workers' hard work. Mamata has gone; now equality has come to Bengal. We will regroup for a wonderful Assam.”

‘TMC uprooted,’ say leaders

The celebratory language was sharp. Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, standing with Raipur Mayor Minal Choubey, did not hold back. “We have uprooted TMC completely. This is a victory for Sanatan,” Verma said, drawing cheers from a crowd that had gathered despite the afternoon heat.

Mayor Manjusha Bhagat in Ambikapur echoed the sentiment, claiming that “TMC’s goonda raj is over.” The remarks reflected the party’s campaign pitch that framed the Bengal election as a battle between “development and anarchy.”

Ground-level cues from the campaign trail

For some leaders present in Raipur, the trends felt personal. Prafull Vishwakarma, who campaigned in Bengal’s Pandeshwar constituency, described the ground situation as a “barrel of gunpowder.”

“We could not step out after sunset. Local people were terrified of revealing their identity. We had to meet them without showing who we were for two and a half months,” Vishwakarma said. He claimed the public had voted for “change of power” against a climate of fear and booth-capturing.

BJP leader Mrityunjay Dubey, who also campaigned in the state, added that people chose development over fear. “PM Modi and Amit Shah guaranteed safety and jobs. The public responded,” he said.

Chief Minister’s take

From Balrampur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the trends indicated a “liberation” for people from West Bengal’s “authoritarian government.” He also confirmed that a clear BJP comeback was underway in Assam.

Meanwhile, in Bhilai and Raigarh, workers set off firecrackers and distributed sweets. In Ambikapur, the local mayor was seen dancing openly with party flags — a visual that quickly spread through worker networks.

What’s next

While officials cautioned that these are early trends and not final results, the energy across Chhattisgarh’s BJP circles suggested a strong sense of closure. For a party that has long struggled to break into Bengal’s polarised politics, the prospect of a majority is being treated as a historic shift.

“This is the same Bengal where Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Jan Sangh,” said leader Deepak Ujjwal. “Today, his ideology is forming a government.”

Counting is still underway. But for now, in Raipur, the drums haven’t stopped.

BJP Leads in Bengal and Assam Polls, Madhya Pradesh Celebrations Erupt

BJP workers in Bhopal and Ujjain celebrate early trends from Bengal and Assam assembly elections with traditional Jhal Mudi and drum beats as party offices turn into festive hubs.

Early trends from the assembly elections in five states have given the BJP a significant edge in West Bengal and Assam, triggering joyous scenes at the party’s state headquarters in Bhopal and the Bengali colony in Ujjain on Monday afternoon.

Within minutes of the initial counting figures, supporters began gathering at the BJP provincial office here. The mood quickly turned festive with workers distributing and relishing Jhal Mudi, the popular Bengali snack, while others arranged for fireworks. Senior leaders were seen personally serving the snack to cadres, blending political optimism with cultural warmth.

Office Turns into Celebration Ground

BJP state president Hemant Khandelwal addressed the gathering and spoke to Dainik Bhaskar, saying the Congress has virtually disappeared from the country’s political map. In a lighter vein, he told workers that Jhal Mudi was not new to him because of his in-laws in Kolkata. The remark drew loud cheers from the crowd.

Party workers danced to the beats of drums as leaders exchanged garlands and congratulated each other. Firecrackers were brought in and bursts of celebration echoed outside the office premises. Local reporters present at the spot described the atmosphere as electric, with cadres pouring in steadily.

Ujjain’s Bengali Colony Joins the Festivities

The celebrations were not limited to Bhopal. In Ujjain’s Bengali colony, women blew conch shells in traditional style to mark the positive trends from Bengal. Under the presence of newly appointed authority chairman Ravi Solanki, women performed collective celebrations. Some were seen dancing to the rhythmic beats of the Dhol, expressing joy over the reported BJP performance in their ancestral state.

The scenes reflected the strong emotional connect many Bengali families in Madhya Pradesh maintain with West Bengal’s politics.

Leaders Hail End of ‘Jungle Raj’

Senior BJP leaders in the state welcomed the early trends. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda said the development signals the end of jungle raj in Bengal. Minister Gautam Tetwal added that the state has now become free from “Didi’s terror,” referring to Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

These statements reflect the aggressive campaign narrative the BJP had adopted in the eastern states.

Multi-State Electoral Battle

Results are being declared for 824 assembly seats across West Bengal (294), Tamil Nadu (234), Kerala (140), Assam (126) and Puducherry (30). In West Bengal, the contest was primarily between BJP and Trinamool Congress, while in Assam it was largely BJP versus Congress-led alliances. Other states witnessed multi-cornered fights involving regional heavyweights like DMK, AIADMK, LDF and UDF.

The BJP had deployed a large number of senior leaders from Madhya Pradesh for campaigning in Bengal and Tamil Nadu as part of its national outreach strategy. The party contested most seats in alliance with local partners, aiming to expand its footprint in non-traditional areas.

Background and Significance

The early leads in Bengal and Assam are being seen by party workers as validation of the BJP’s sustained efforts to challenge entrenched regional powers. Congress, on the other hand, is struggling to make its presence felt in most of these states according to initial indications.

For Madhya Pradesh BJP units, the developments carry extra significance as many local leaders and workers had invested time and energy in supporting campaigns in these states. The spontaneous celebrations involving traditional Bengali elements like Jhal Mudi also highlight the party’s attempt to build an inclusive cultural connect.

As counting progresses, all eyes remain on whether the early trends convert into decisive mandates. Party offices in Bhopal are expected to remain centres of activity through the evening, with more leaders likely to join the rank and file in marking the occasion.

The coming hours will determine if today’s celebrations turn into a larger victory party or remain a show of early confidence. For now, the mood in BJP circles in Madhya Pradesh is unmistakably upbeat.

West Bengal Polls See Record 92.75% Turnout Across Phases

West Bengal voter turnout touches record high as state logs over 92% participation; other states in Phase 1 also report strong polling

West Bengal has recorded its highest-ever voter turnout in an Assembly election, with a combined 92.75% participation across two phases, according to data released by the Election Commission of India. The figure surpasses the previous record of 84.72% set in 2011, marking a significant rise in voter engagement.

Polling for the 294-member Assembly was conducted in two phases — 152 seats on April 23 and 142 seats on Wednesday. The second phase alone saw a turnout of 92.32%, while the first phase had already set the tone with an impressive 93%.

Record turnout trend

The sharp rise in participation has drawn attention across political and administrative circles. Officials said the turnout remained consistently high through the day, with many booths witnessing long queues from early morning till late evening.

Compared to previous elections, including the 2021 Assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voter participation in the same constituencies has increased notably, even as the overall number of registered voters saw a decline after roll revisions.

Scattered violence reported

Despite the high turnout, the second phase was not entirely incident-free. At least seven instances of unrest, clashes, or alleged irregularities were reported from different districts.

In parts of Howrah, central forces resorted to lathi-charge after voters protested delays caused by malfunctioning EVMs. Some individuals were detained during the unrest.

Elsewhere in South 24 Parganas, a scuffle broke out between voters and security personnel at a polling booth in Canning. Visuals from the scene showed pushing and jostling, including among women voters.

EVM complaints surface

The Bharatiya Janata Party raised concerns about alleged tampering with EVMs in Falta, claiming that its button was blocked with tape. A video circulated by the party appeared to show the issue.

The Election Commission responded cautiously, stating that any verified complaint would be addressed, including the possibility of re-polling. In another case in Panihati, an ink stain reportedly found on a party symbol was cleaned at the booth itself.

Political tensions visible

Tensions also flared in Bhabanipur, where BJP candidate Suvendu Adhikari faced protests from supporters of the All India Trinamool Congress. Slogans were raised as he visited a polling area close to the residence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Adhikari responded with counter-slogans, highlighting the charged political atmosphere that marked parts of the polling process.

Fatality during polling

In a separate incident in Udaynarayanpur, an elderly voter died after collapsing while at a polling booth. The Trinamool Congress alleged that the individual had been pushed by security personnel, though officials have not confirmed the claim. The man was declared dead at a nearby hospital.

Reasons behind surge

Several factors appear to have contributed to the unprecedented turnout. Election officials pointed to stricter monitoring and the deployment of around 2.4 lakh central forces, which may have reassured voters about safety.

Political analysts also cite strong voter mobilisation driven by issues such as unemployment, corruption allegations, and local-level dissatisfaction. Additionally, polarisation in certain regions and the return of migrant workers to cast their votes are believed to have played a role.

Other states’ turnout

High voter participation was not limited to West Bengal. Tamil Nadu recorded a historic 85.14% turnout across all 234 constituencies, its highest since 1967. In Assam, turnout stood at 85.91%, with several districts crossing the 80% mark.

Puducherry also reported a record 89.87% polling, while Kerala logged the lowest among the five, at just over 78%.

Counting on May 4

The results for all five states will be declared on May 4. With record turnout in key states like West Bengal, the outcome is expected to reflect a highly engaged electorate and could significantly shape the political landscape in the region.

Re-polling in Assam; PM Modi to address 3 Bengal rallies today

Re-election begins at Karimganj booth following clashes as PM prepares for high-decibel campaigning in West Bengal and meets violence-hit family.

Voting is currently underway for re-polling at a crucial booth in Assam’s Shribhoomi district on Saturday morning, following reports of violence during the initial phase. Simultaneously, the political temperature in neighboring West Bengal is set to soar as Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for a marathon three-rally schedule, coupled with a significant personal meeting with victims of political unrest.

Re-polling starts in Karimganj

Voting commenced at 7 am at the 239–Babyland High English School polling station under the Karimganj North Assembly constituency. The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered the fresh mandate after clashes broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).

Security has been heavily bolstered in the area to prevent any further disruption. Officials confirmed that polling will continue until 5 pm, with 14 candidates awaiting the decision of the local electorate in this high-stakes India News Update.

Security tightened at booths

District authorities in Shribhoomi have deployed additional paramilitary forces to ensure a peaceful atmosphere. Sources indicated that the re-polling was necessitated by a breach of polling sanctity during the previous round.

Observers from the ECI are monitoring the proceedings via webcasting to maintain transparency. Early reports suggest a steady turnout of voters despite the tension that marred the previous session.

PM Modi’s Bengal blitz

In West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to spearhead a massive outreach campaign. His first address is slated for 12 pm in Katwa, Purba Bardhaman, a region where the BJP is looking to consolidate its rural footprint.

The Prime Minister will then move to Jangipur in the Muslim-majority Murshidabad district for a 1:45 pm rally. His final public engagement of the day will take place in South Dinajpur at 3:45 pm, marking an intensive push for the saffron party ahead of the next phase of polling.

Meeting Murshidabad violence victims

Beyond the electoral rhetoric, the Prime Minister’s visit carries significant emotional weight. Modi is expected to meet the family of Chandan Das, who was killed during a violent mob attack in Jaffrabad, Jangipur, on April 12, 2024.

Das and his father, Hargobind Das, were allegedly targeted during protests surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act. This meeting is seen as a strategic move to highlight the law-and-order situation in the state, often a focal point of the BJP’s critique of the ruling dispensation.

Voter list revision row

The political climate has been further agitated by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in West Bengal. Recent Government Updates suggest that the list is now frozen, with nearly 27 lakh names removed due to documentation discrepancies.

Dilip Ghosh and other senior BJP leaders have backed the SIR process, asserting that only those with genuine credentials should remain on the rolls. Conversely, opposition parties have raised concerns over the exclusion of voters, though only two names have been reinstated so far after review.

Shift in political alliances

The election landscape is also witnessing a realignment of forces. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has officially ended its alliance with the Aam Janata Upnagar Party.

This decision follows the controversy surrounding a viral video of Humayun Kabir. As the campaign intensifies, the BJP has also released its manifesto, which Home Minister Amit Shah termed a “letter of trust” aimed at the holistic development of West Bengal.

Future poll outlook today

With re-polling in Assam and the Prime Minister’s high-profile presence in Bengal, the day marks a critical juncture in the 2026 electoral cycle. The outcome of the Karimganj North booth will be closely watched as a bellwether for local sentiment.

Voting Underway in Assam, Kerala & Puducherry Polls

Single-phase polling for 296 assembly seats begins as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and superstar Mohanlal cast their votes in Kerala.

Dawn Polling in Three Regions

Voting began at 7 am on Thursday across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry and will continue till 5 pm. Election officials completed mock polling at every station between 6 am and 7 am to ensure EVMs functioned smoothly. More than 10 lakh first-time voters are among those queuing up in this key India news update.

Prominent Leaders Cast Votes

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan exercised his franchise at RC Amala Basic Upper Primary School in Kannur’s Dharmadom constituency. Actor Mohanlal voted at Government LP School in Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram. Union Minister Suresh Gopi cast his ballot in Thrissur while BJP Kerala president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stood in line at a polling booth in the capital.

High Stakes for Incumbents

In Kerala, Vijayan is seeking a third consecutive term — a first in the state’s 70-year history. In Assam, the BJP is banking on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to deliver a hat-trick. In Puducherry, former Chief Minister N. Rangasamy is aiming for a fifth stint in office. A total of 722 candidates from 41 parties are contesting 126 seats in Assam, 890 candidates are in the fray in Kerala, and 294 candidates from 20 parties are fighting for 30 seats in the Union Territory.

Assam Eyes BJP Hat-Trick

The BJP is looking to retain power in Assam for the third successive time. Over the past 76 years the state has seen 15 chief ministers, with Congress ruling for nearly 51 years. The first non-Congress government came in 1978, and the BJP first formed government in 2016. Sarma, who has worked across parties, remains the face of the party in the Northeast.

Kerala Battles Traditional Rivals

In Kerala, the LDF and UDF are locked in a familiar contest while the BJP is trying to expand its footprint. BJP National President Nitin Nabin said the party had grown from 2 per cent vote share to 20 per cent and was now seen as a real alternative. LDF candidate P.A. Mohammed Riyas highlighted the government’s record in delivering development projects, pensions and better schools and hospitals. UDF leaders expressed confidence of crossing 100 seats.

Puducherry Welcomes Voters with Robots

Puducherry, known as the Mini France of India, saw robots greeting voters at several stations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters, especially the youth and women, to turn out in large numbers. Former Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, after casting his vote, said the INDIA alliance would form the next government.

Voter Turnout and Outlook

Long queues formed early at booths in Malappuram, Dibrugarh and Thiruvananthapuram. Officials reported steady flow of voters, including many young faces. As polling concludes this evening, all eyes will turn to the counting of votes. The results of these Assam Kerala Puducherry Assembly Elections will decide the political direction of two major states and one Union Territory and shape national political narratives in the days ahead.

PM Modi to Lead BJP’s Bengal Blitz; Congress Jolted by Assam Exit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address three major rallies in West Bengal today, even as the Congress faces a setback with a candidate quitting ahead of the Assam polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address three high-decibel election rallies across West Bengal on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pushes to breach Trinamool Congress (TMC) bastions. The high-stakes campaign coincides with a dramatic turn in Assam, where a key Congress candidate resigned from the party just hours before the commencement of polling, citing internal neglect.

Strategic rallies in Bengal

The Prime Minister’s itinerary begins at 9:30 am in Haldia Township, East Medinipur, a region where the BJP has previously demonstrated significant electoral muscle. Following the Haldia address, the PM will move to the Polo Ground stadium in Asansol before concluding his day with a massive public meeting in Birbhum. These visits are viewed by analysts as a strategic move to consolidate the saffron party’s hold in the industrial belts and challenge the TMC’s traditional grip on Birbhum.

Congress faces Assam setback

In a major blow to the opposition’s prospects in the Northeast, Suren Daimari, the Congress candidate for the Udalguri seat in Assam, announced his resignation from the party on the eve of the election. Alleging a lack of support from the central leadership and claiming the party had "betrayed" the tribal communities, Daimari stated he would no longer contest under the hand symbol. The move has left the Congress in a precarious position as polling begins in the state today.

Multi-state by-polls underway

Beyond the primary battlegrounds, several states including Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura are witnessing by-elections for key Assembly constituencies today. Election Commission officials confirmed that voting began at 7:00 am under tight security. These by-polls are being closely watched as a barometer for the political climate ahead of upcoming full-scale assembly elections in several of these regions.

High-profile Baramati contest

In Maharashtra, the spotlight remains firmly on the Baramati constituency. The seat fell vacant following the tragic demise of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash earlier this year. The contest here is charged with emotional and political undertones, with the ruling alliance and the opposition trading barbs over the late leader’s legacy. Security has been significantly beefed up in the district to prevent any untoward incidents during the voting process.

BJP confident of victory

BJP National President Nitin Nabin, currently overseeing the campaign in West Bengal, expressed confidence in a "pro-incumbency" wave for the NDA. Speaking to reporters, Nabin dismissed the impact of regional alliances and predicted a historic mandate for the BJP in Bengal. He further targeted Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over alleged irregularities in the voter list, describing the current polls as a "fight to save the state" from institutional decay.

Impact on local policy

The outcome of these elections is expected to have a direct impact on state-level policy directions, particularly regarding land acquisition in Bengal’s industrial sectors and tribal welfare schemes in Assam. Observers note that a strong showing by the BJP could accelerate central infrastructure projects, while the Congress’s internal friction may necessitate a broader strategy shift for the opposition bloc at the national level.

Future political outlook

As the first phase of polling concludes this evening, the focus will shift toward the remaining phases in Bengal and the eventual counting of votes scheduled for early May. With the latest news today highlighting a shift in candidate loyalties and high-profile campaigning, the political landscape of 2026 remains fluid. Both the NDA and the I.N.D.I.A. bloc are expected to ramp up their digital and ground-level outreach in the coming weeks.