March 31, 2026

January 2026

Sworn in on the Quran: Zohran Mamdani becomes first Muslim mayor of New York City; takes oath at historic subway station

Sworn in on the Quran: Zohran Mamdani becomes first Muslim mayor of New York City; takes oath at historic subway station

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Zohran Mamdani taking oath Indian-origin Zohran Mamdani made history on Thursday as the New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor after being sworn in during a private midnight ceremony in an old subway station on a Quran. 34- year old Mamdani becoming the second-youngest mayor in NYC history.The intimate swearing-in ceremony took place…

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‘Why can’t we?’: Ex-India cricketer questions ODI scheduling with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in focus

‘Why can’t we?’: Ex-India cricketer questions ODI scheduling with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in focus

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma (Photo by Ayush Kumar/Getty Images) Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have injected new life into ODI cricket, turning the format into a must-watch whenever they feature. Recent bilateral series against Australia and South Africa sparked an unusual level of excitement, echoing the atmosphere seen during the 2023 ODI World Cup….

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Akhilesh Yadav (ANI) NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that the BJP’s “conspiracy” would fail. He also predicted that the BJP would lose the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, “In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is going to win by a large margin of votes. These BJP people conspire everywhere. This time, their conspiracy will not work. First, they will lose in Bengal, and then they will lose in UP as well,” Akhilesh told reporters.During a recent visit to Kolkata, Union minister Amit Shah alleged that “fear and corruption” have become the identity of West Bengal over the last 14 years.He also accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of facilitating the infiltration of illegal immigrants and claimed that the state government was refusing to provide land for border fencing.In response, Mamata Banerjee referred to Amit Shah as “Dushasana,” a character from the Mahabharat.Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav also targeted Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state, alleging pressure on Election Commission officials.“When the chief minister said that four crore votes had been deducted from his count, he was essentially telling the officials to commit fraud… The data emerging at this time proves that the Election Commission and its officials need to demonstrate their credibility. Because if there is a discrepancy between figures from the state government and those from SIR, the EC will have to consider the purpose of SIR and the whole revision process,” Akhilesh Yadav said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day ParadeMidnight To Morning: How India Rang In 2026 With Fireworks Prayers Music And Mass CelebrationsKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025123PhotostoriesBengaluru’s Next Big Bypass: Twin Tunnel–Flyover Plan Set To Reshape Ballari Road10 powerful foods that naturally cut down cholesterol3 detox drinks to cleanse the system after New Year celebrations3 desi seeds that beat expensive serums for hair shine (and how to use them)TV celebrities wishes for a Happy New Year: From Hina Khan to Pranit More, Ashnoor Kaur, and more7 oldest restaurants in india that still serve history on a plate10 signs you are raising an intelligent childPartied hard for the New Year 2026? 5 fruits that may help with hangoversWhat kids hear vs What parents mean: Fixing everyday communication gapsFrom the India to Britain: World welcomes the New Year 2026 — see pics123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

Akhilesh Yadav (ANI) NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that the BJP’s “conspiracy” would fail. He also predicted that the BJP would lose the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, “In West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee is going to win by a large margin of votes. These BJP people conspire everywhere. This time, their conspiracy will not work. First, they will lose in Bengal, and then they will lose in UP as well,” Akhilesh told reporters.During a recent visit to Kolkata, Union minister Amit Shah alleged that “fear and corruption” have become the identity of West Bengal over the last 14 years.He also accused Mamata Banerjee’s government of facilitating the infiltration of illegal immigrants and claimed that the state government was refusing to provide land for border fencing.In response, Mamata Banerjee referred to Amit Shah as “Dushasana,” a character from the Mahabharat.Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav also targeted Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state, alleging pressure on Election Commission officials.“When the chief minister said that four crore votes had been deducted from his count, he was essentially telling the officials to commit fraud… The data emerging at this time proves that the Election Commission and its officials need to demonstrate their credibility. Because if there is a discrepancy between figures from the state government and those from SIR, the EC will have to consider the purpose of SIR and the whole revision process,” Akhilesh Yadav said.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos180 Kmph While You Sleep! India’s Latest Vande Bharat Sleeper Marks New Era. Check Fares, FeaturesBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day ParadeMidnight To Morning: How India Rang In 2026 With Fireworks Prayers Music And Mass CelebrationsKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025123PhotostoriesBengaluru’s Next Big Bypass: Twin Tunnel–Flyover Plan Set To Reshape Ballari Road10 powerful foods that naturally cut down cholesterol3 detox drinks to cleanse the system after New Year celebrations3 desi seeds that beat expensive serums for hair shine (and how to use them)TV celebrities wishes for a Happy New Year: From Hina Khan to Pranit More, Ashnoor Kaur, and more7 oldest restaurants in india that still serve history on a plate10 signs you are raising an intelligent childPartied hard for the New Year 2026? 5 fruits that may help with hangoversWhat kids hear vs What parents mean: Fixing everyday communication gapsFrom the India to Britain: World welcomes the New Year 2026 — see pics123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday backed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, asserting that the BJP’s “conspiracy” would fail. He also predicted that the BJP would lose the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2027.Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, “In West Bengal, Mamata…

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Navigating the New Tax Landscape: Choosing Between Old and New Tax Regimes for Maximum Savings | Financial Literacy News

Navigating the New Tax Landscape: Choosing Between Old and New Tax Regimes for Maximum Savings | Financial Literacy News

Vamsikrishna011 mins mins

With the new tax regime now the default option, many taxpayers are discovering that the choice between the old and new regimes is no longer a routine filing decision but one that can significantly impact their tax outgo.Even as the government nudges taxpayers towards a simpler, exemption-light system, many taxpayers continue to opt for the…

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5 ways to raise confident kids, according to an expert |

5 ways to raise confident kids, according to an expert |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Parents can cultivate confidence in children through everyday interactions. Licensed mental health counselor Jeffrey Meltzer shares five tips: show unconditional love, teach fair play, celebrate effort over outcomes, let children be teachers, and practice daily realistic positivity. These consistent steps help build a child’s inner belief in their capabilities. Take a look. Confidence isn’t an…

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Another drone strike? Kremlin accuses Ukraine of striking Crimea hotel, 24 killed; comes days after Putin residence targeted

Another drone strike? Kremlin accuses Ukraine of striking Crimea hotel, 24 killed; comes days after Putin residence targeted

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Representative image (AP) Russia on Thursday said at least 24 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a Ukrainian drone strike on a hotel and café where New Year celebrations were underway in the occupied Kherson region. Vladimir Saldo, the Russian-installed governor of Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, said the strike took place in…

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NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party wrapped up the year 2025 by stunning everyone with its electoral performance. In the beginning of the year it swept the Delhi assembly elections and closed the year by receiving an overwhelming mandate in Bihar for the “double engine sarkaar.” BJP also had a smooth run within the organisation where every leader clung to their responsibility and the party had not had to witness any fights, which often erupted in the opposition’s camp. Throwback 2025: Five Big Moments When India Defied Pressure And Delivered Diplomatic Masterstrokes Yet, 2026 presents a new set of challenges for the saffron party which will be a stress test for BJP’s organisational depth, ideological reach and ability to transition from dominance to durability. These new challenges will shape BJP’s trajectory well before the 2029 Lok Sabha contest. What are we looking intoAt the start of the year, BJP will be staring straight into the local body elections in major cities of Maharashtra. These elections may rank lowest in the hierarchy of the democracy, but attach a lot of prestige with it.Assembly elections in 4 states – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam an Kerala – and 1 Union Territory is schedule in 2026.Elections of 75 seats in Rajya Sabha.Numerous by-polls for assembly seats in various states and vacant seats of Lok Sabha.A crowded and consequential electoral mapThe upcoming assembly elections are going to be an uneven challenge for BJP. While it will step up its efforts to retain power in Assam, it will also look to expand its scope of dominance in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.Will Ganga flow to Bengal via Bihar?”The river Ganga flows to Bengal via Bihar. And the victory in Bihar, like the river, has paved the way for our victory in Bengal,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after NDA received a overwhelming victory in Bihar assembly results.PM Modi’s remarks translated BJP’s long-time dream to bring in its government in West Bengal. This dream now seems achievable as BJP has made remarkable inroads in the state in a decade. From just 2 Lok Sabha seats and a 17% vote share, BJP managed to win 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 and 77 seats in 2021 assembly polls.Moreover, it took over the opposition space from CPM and Congress in the state and emerged as the principal challenger to chief minister Mamata Banerjee.”We had 36% vote share in the 2021 assembly polls and we will win the 2026 polls with two-thirds majority. I know that the next election will be fought on the issue of stopping infiltration and driving the infiltrators out,” home minister Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in West Bengal. He further added that Congress and CPM had been reduced to zero and his party had emerged as the principal opposition force in the state.However, BJP’s climb to the chief minister’s post is not easy as it may seem.First and foremost, big question hangs over party’s leadership in the state. BJP had to choose between the stalwarts — Dilip Ghose, Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar.On Wednesday, Shah reportedly held a separate meeting with Ghosh, alongside another former state president Sukanta Majumdar, incumbent Samik Bhattacharya, and the state’s leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, indicating bridging of gaps between the party’s old guns and the newer ones.”I can’t say much, but you will see an active Dilip Ghosh in the 2026 polls. I was called to listen to my experiences and opinions,” Ghosh told reporters while leaving the venue.The move seems to be BJP’s efforts keep Ghose in confidence after he drew party’s ire following his meeting with CM Mamata, which he termed “personal”.Moreover, Muslims constitute nearly 27 percent of the population in Bengal, which TMC claims to be its voter base. The opposition for BJP in this voter group seems to have grown even more after thousands of names were deleted from the electoral list following Election Commission’s ongoing special intensive revision.Now, to tackle these challenges, BJP must balance its Hindutva pitch with local economic and welfare issues without losing its core base. For this, the party has tasked senior leaders with long-term deployment in the state, while Bhupender Yadav has been made in-charge to revive booth-level machinery.BJP’s momentum stalled in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after it managed to win only 12 out of 40 seats. In 2021 assembly election, it won 77 seats while TMC swept the poll by winning 213 seats.Assam: Power, fatigue and fault linesIn 2021, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a a decisive mandate. BJP-led alliance winning 75 seats in 126-member-assembly.Five years on, the Assam government is facing many problems including signs of anti-incumbency.Welfare schemes remain popular, but there are signs of fatigue. Ethnic tensions in Bodoland and surrounding regions continue to simmer, while opposition parties are sharpening attacks on corruption and governance style. Currently, BJP also seems to have over-reliance on one face, leaving the party exposed to identity flare-ups and local resentment. Meanwhile, in the run up to the elections, flurry of top BJP leaders are visiting Assam to rake up the issue of “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and alleged land encroachment by Bengali-origin Muslims in its poll campaign.Apart from PM Modi and Shah, the BJP’s newly appointed national working president, Nitin Nabin, along with other senior party leaders, visited Assam in December to attend events and address rallies.Last month, after a series of strategic meetings, the state BJP said the sssembly elections would “fundamentally be a contest between the indigenous Assamese populace and the Miya Muslim community of East Bengal (Bangladeshi)-origin”, asserting that “the future, security and civilisational continuity of Assam” would depend on this contest.Upon this, the chief minister has further sharpened his pro-Hindutva pitch. In recent remarks, he has questioned long-standing symbols of Assam’s pluralist legacy by describing Bagh Hazarika, the Muslim warrior of the Ahom army that defeated the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat, as a “fictitious character”. He also rejected the popular saying that “Assam is the land of Sankar-Azan” as “false narrative”.The southern wall: Tamil Nadu and KeralaIf 2026 has a single defining question for BJP, it is this: can the party finally crack the South?Tamil Nadu remains the toughest terrain. The Dravidian duopoly of the DMK and AIADMK has capped the BJP’s vote share at under 10 per cent. The appointment of Nainar Nagendran as state chief signals a shift toward alliance-building rather than solo assertion. BJP is actively exploring renewed ties with AIADMK, aware that ideological rigidity could mean political irrelevance. Meanwhile, it is also looking to foster ties with actor Vijay’s TVK party ahead of the assembly elections.In the previous assembly elections, BJP contested 20 seats as part of the AIADMK-led alliance and won four.Kerala presents a different puzzle. Local body elections in December 2025 dented the Left Democratic Front, creating space for challengers. Yet the BJP’s base remains in single digits. Any growth strategy requires outreach to Christian communities without alienating Hindu voters. PuducherryPuducherry, with its 30-seat assembly, is small but politically useful. A BJP win or strong showing here would reinforce its southern narrative and help Rajya Sabha arithmetic. Failure would underline the party’s limited coastal footprint.75 vacant Rajya Sabha seatsAlong with this is the Rajya Sabha calendar. Seventy-five seats will fall vacant in 2026, including 10 from Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP currently holds eight. Retaining numbers in the Upper House is critical for BJP to continue its legislative momentum, especially as its economic and governance reforms remain on the agenda.Leadership churnWhile BJP publicly dismisses succession talk, signs of internal recalibration are increasingly visible. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has repeatedly spoken about age-based retirement, fuelling speculation about generational change.The emergence of Nitin Nabin, a young MP from Bihar, as BJP’s acting president after JP Nadda is widely seen as part of a long-term reset. Backed by PM Modi and Amit Shah, Nabin’s rise reflects an attempt to blend organisational roots with youth appeal.Notably, the move sidelines heavyweight contenders, reinforcing the idea that the high command wants continuity without rivalry.The Modi factorPM Narendra Modi remains BJP’s most powerful asset. His ability to dominate narratives, mobilise voters, and frame elections as civilisational choices continues to set the party apart.Yet 2026 will test whether Brand Modi retains its potency in states where local faces are weak and regional identities strong. The question is no longer whether Modi can win elections, but whether he can compensate indefinitely for organisational gaps on the ground.Opposition weakness, but not absenceThe opposition INDIA bloc is visibly weakened after its poor showing in Bihar and Delhi. Congress remains marginal in most 2026-bound states, and regional parties are prioritising local battles over national unity.This fragmentation gives the BJP breathing room, but not immunity. Mamata Banerjee remains formidable in Bengal, and the Left in Kerala retains a loyal base. In Uttar Pradesh, the SP’s focus on jobs and inflation could complicate Rajya Sabha calculations.The road to 2029 runs through 2026Inside the BJP, planning for 2026 is already tied to 2029. Amit Shah’s “Mission 2026” includes sustained deployments, organisational audits, and a renewed push in the South.The risks are real. Assam’s ethnic volatility, Bengal’s organisational drift, and Kerala’s demographic complexity could blunt ambitions. Success, however, would cement the BJP’s claim as a truly pan-Indian party.2026 will redefine BJP. The year will test its North Indian tag, the limits of Hindutva, and the durability of PM Modi’s appeal all at once.For a party accustomed to momentum, 2026 is not just another election year. It looks like a referendum on whether dominance can evolve into longevity.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day ParadeMidnight To Morning: How India Rang In 2026 With Fireworks Prayers Music And Mass CelebrationsKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025Top Moments Of 2025 When Indian Diplomats Took On Pakistan, Tore Apart Lies & Hypocrisy At UN123Photostories10 powerful foods that naturally cut down cholesterol3 detox drinks to cleanse the system after New Year celebrations3 desi seeds that beat expensive serums for hair shine (and how to use them)TV celebrities wishes for a Happy New Year: From Hina Khan to Pranit More, Ashnoor Kaur, and more7 oldest restaurants in india that still serve history on a plate10 signs you are raising an intelligent childPartied hard for the New Year 2026? 5 fruits that may help with hangoversWhat kids hear vs What parents mean: Fixing everyday communication gapsFrom the India to Britain: World welcomes the New Year 2026 — see picsMinimalist baby names for today’s parents123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party wrapped up the year 2025 by stunning everyone with its electoral performance. In the beginning of the year it swept the Delhi assembly elections and closed the year by receiving an overwhelming mandate in Bihar for the “double engine sarkaar.” BJP also had a smooth run within the organisation where every leader clung to their responsibility and the party had not had to witness any fights, which often erupted in the opposition’s camp. Throwback 2025: Five Big Moments When India Defied Pressure And Delivered Diplomatic Masterstrokes Yet, 2026 presents a new set of challenges for the saffron party which will be a stress test for BJP’s organisational depth, ideological reach and ability to transition from dominance to durability. These new challenges will shape BJP’s trajectory well before the 2029 Lok Sabha contest. What are we looking intoAt the start of the year, BJP will be staring straight into the local body elections in major cities of Maharashtra. These elections may rank lowest in the hierarchy of the democracy, but attach a lot of prestige with it.Assembly elections in 4 states – West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam an Kerala – and 1 Union Territory is schedule in 2026.Elections of 75 seats in Rajya Sabha.Numerous by-polls for assembly seats in various states and vacant seats of Lok Sabha.A crowded and consequential electoral mapThe upcoming assembly elections are going to be an uneven challenge for BJP. While it will step up its efforts to retain power in Assam, it will also look to expand its scope of dominance in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.Will Ganga flow to Bengal via Bihar?”The river Ganga flows to Bengal via Bihar. And the victory in Bihar, like the river, has paved the way for our victory in Bengal,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said after NDA received a overwhelming victory in Bihar assembly results.PM Modi’s remarks translated BJP’s long-time dream to bring in its government in West Bengal. This dream now seems achievable as BJP has made remarkable inroads in the state in a decade. From just 2 Lok Sabha seats and a 17% vote share, BJP managed to win 18 Lok Sabha seats in 2019 and 77 seats in 2021 assembly polls.Moreover, it took over the opposition space from CPM and Congress in the state and emerged as the principal challenger to chief minister Mamata Banerjee.”We had 36% vote share in the 2021 assembly polls and we will win the 2026 polls with two-thirds majority. I know that the next election will be fought on the issue of stopping infiltration and driving the infiltrators out,” home minister Amit Shah said while addressing a rally in West Bengal. He further added that Congress and CPM had been reduced to zero and his party had emerged as the principal opposition force in the state.However, BJP’s climb to the chief minister’s post is not easy as it may seem.First and foremost, big question hangs over party’s leadership in the state. BJP had to choose between the stalwarts — Dilip Ghose, Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumdar.On Wednesday, Shah reportedly held a separate meeting with Ghosh, alongside another former state president Sukanta Majumdar, incumbent Samik Bhattacharya, and the state’s leader of the opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, indicating bridging of gaps between the party’s old guns and the newer ones.”I can’t say much, but you will see an active Dilip Ghosh in the 2026 polls. I was called to listen to my experiences and opinions,” Ghosh told reporters while leaving the venue.The move seems to be BJP’s efforts keep Ghose in confidence after he drew party’s ire following his meeting with CM Mamata, which he termed “personal”.Moreover, Muslims constitute nearly 27 percent of the population in Bengal, which TMC claims to be its voter base. The opposition for BJP in this voter group seems to have grown even more after thousands of names were deleted from the electoral list following Election Commission’s ongoing special intensive revision.Now, to tackle these challenges, BJP must balance its Hindutva pitch with local economic and welfare issues without losing its core base. For this, the party has tasked senior leaders with long-term deployment in the state, while Bhupender Yadav has been made in-charge to revive booth-level machinery.BJP’s momentum stalled in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after it managed to win only 12 out of 40 seats. In 2021 assembly election, it won 77 seats while TMC swept the poll by winning 213 seats.Assam: Power, fatigue and fault linesIn 2021, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma delivered a a decisive mandate. BJP-led alliance winning 75 seats in 126-member-assembly.Five years on, the Assam government is facing many problems including signs of anti-incumbency.Welfare schemes remain popular, but there are signs of fatigue. Ethnic tensions in Bodoland and surrounding regions continue to simmer, while opposition parties are sharpening attacks on corruption and governance style. Currently, BJP also seems to have over-reliance on one face, leaving the party exposed to identity flare-ups and local resentment. Meanwhile, in the run up to the elections, flurry of top BJP leaders are visiting Assam to rake up the issue of “Bangladeshi infiltrators” and alleged land encroachment by Bengali-origin Muslims in its poll campaign.Apart from PM Modi and Shah, the BJP’s newly appointed national working president, Nitin Nabin, along with other senior party leaders, visited Assam in December to attend events and address rallies.Last month, after a series of strategic meetings, the state BJP said the sssembly elections would “fundamentally be a contest between the indigenous Assamese populace and the Miya Muslim community of East Bengal (Bangladeshi)-origin”, asserting that “the future, security and civilisational continuity of Assam” would depend on this contest.Upon this, the chief minister has further sharpened his pro-Hindutva pitch. In recent remarks, he has questioned long-standing symbols of Assam’s pluralist legacy by describing Bagh Hazarika, the Muslim warrior of the Ahom army that defeated the Mughals at the Battle of Saraighat, as a “fictitious character”. He also rejected the popular saying that “Assam is the land of Sankar-Azan” as “false narrative”.The southern wall: Tamil Nadu and KeralaIf 2026 has a single defining question for BJP, it is this: can the party finally crack the South?Tamil Nadu remains the toughest terrain. The Dravidian duopoly of the DMK and AIADMK has capped the BJP’s vote share at under 10 per cent. The appointment of Nainar Nagendran as state chief signals a shift toward alliance-building rather than solo assertion. BJP is actively exploring renewed ties with AIADMK, aware that ideological rigidity could mean political irrelevance. Meanwhile, it is also looking to foster ties with actor Vijay’s TVK party ahead of the assembly elections.In the previous assembly elections, BJP contested 20 seats as part of the AIADMK-led alliance and won four.Kerala presents a different puzzle. Local body elections in December 2025 dented the Left Democratic Front, creating space for challengers. Yet the BJP’s base remains in single digits. Any growth strategy requires outreach to Christian communities without alienating Hindu voters. PuducherryPuducherry, with its 30-seat assembly, is small but politically useful. A BJP win or strong showing here would reinforce its southern narrative and help Rajya Sabha arithmetic. Failure would underline the party’s limited coastal footprint.75 vacant Rajya Sabha seatsAlong with this is the Rajya Sabha calendar. Seventy-five seats will fall vacant in 2026, including 10 from Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP currently holds eight. Retaining numbers in the Upper House is critical for BJP to continue its legislative momentum, especially as its economic and governance reforms remain on the agenda.Leadership churnWhile BJP publicly dismisses succession talk, signs of internal recalibration are increasingly visible. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has repeatedly spoken about age-based retirement, fuelling speculation about generational change.The emergence of Nitin Nabin, a young MP from Bihar, as BJP’s acting president after JP Nadda is widely seen as part of a long-term reset. Backed by PM Modi and Amit Shah, Nabin’s rise reflects an attempt to blend organisational roots with youth appeal.Notably, the move sidelines heavyweight contenders, reinforcing the idea that the high command wants continuity without rivalry.The Modi factorPM Narendra Modi remains BJP’s most powerful asset. His ability to dominate narratives, mobilise voters, and frame elections as civilisational choices continues to set the party apart.Yet 2026 will test whether Brand Modi retains its potency in states where local faces are weak and regional identities strong. The question is no longer whether Modi can win elections, but whether he can compensate indefinitely for organisational gaps on the ground.Opposition weakness, but not absenceThe opposition INDIA bloc is visibly weakened after its poor showing in Bihar and Delhi. Congress remains marginal in most 2026-bound states, and regional parties are prioritising local battles over national unity.This fragmentation gives the BJP breathing room, but not immunity. Mamata Banerjee remains formidable in Bengal, and the Left in Kerala retains a loyal base. In Uttar Pradesh, the SP’s focus on jobs and inflation could complicate Rajya Sabha calculations.The road to 2029 runs through 2026Inside the BJP, planning for 2026 is already tied to 2029. Amit Shah’s “Mission 2026” includes sustained deployments, organisational audits, and a renewed push in the South.The risks are real. Assam’s ethnic volatility, Bengal’s organisational drift, and Kerala’s demographic complexity could blunt ambitions. Success, however, would cement the BJP’s claim as a truly pan-Indian party.2026 will redefine BJP. The year will test its North Indian tag, the limits of Hindutva, and the durability of PM Modi’s appeal all at once.For a party accustomed to momentum, 2026 is not just another election year. It looks like a referendum on whether dominance can evolve into longevity.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Leader Attacks Shah Rukh Khan Over KKR’s Bangladeshi Cricketer Amid Hindu Lynching in BangladeshRajnath Singh Links Lord Ram’s Ethics To Operation Sindoor, Says India Fought Terror With DignityCleanliness Crown Cracks As Indore Loses 13 Lives To Poisoned Water And Administrative Lapses’India Belongs To Everyone’: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat After Tripura Student Dies In Racial AttackIndia’s Silent Warriors On Kartavya Path Bring Army’s Battle-Tested Animals To Republic Day ParadeMidnight To Morning: How India Rang In 2026 With Fireworks Prayers Music And Mass CelebrationsKhaleda Zia’s funeral: EAM Jaishankar Hands Over Modi’s Letter To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman In DhakaThrowback 25: Five Indian Weapons That Crushed Terror And Dominated Pakistan in Operation SindoorTerror, Tariffs, Polls: PM Modi’s Mic-Drop Moments That Set The Agenda In 2025Top Moments Of 2025 When Indian Diplomats Took On Pakistan, Tore Apart Lies & Hypocrisy At UN123Photostories10 powerful foods that naturally cut down cholesterol3 detox drinks to cleanse the system after New Year celebrations3 desi seeds that beat expensive serums for hair shine (and how to use them)TV celebrities wishes for a Happy New Year: From Hina Khan to Pranit More, Ashnoor Kaur, and more7 oldest restaurants in india that still serve history on a plate10 signs you are raising an intelligent childPartied hard for the New Year 2026? 5 fruits that may help with hangoversWhat kids hear vs What parents mean: Fixing everyday communication gapsFrom the India to Britain: World welcomes the New Year 2026 — see picsMinimalist baby names for today’s parents123Hot PicksSaudi Strike YemenPAN-Aadhaar link statusBank holiday New YearGold rate todayIncome Tax RefundBahrain Golden Visa 2025Bank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingJustin Thomas Net WorthWWE Star Nikki BellaCardi BCeeDee Lamb Luxury Car CollectionStefon DiggsCaitlin ClarkTom BradyMicah Parsons vs CeeDee Lamb Net WorthNHL Injury UpdateVanessa Bryant

Vamsikrishna09 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party wrapped up the year 2025 by stunning everyone with its electoral performance. In the beginning of the year it swept the Delhi assembly elections and closed the year by receiving an overwhelming mandate in Bihar for the “double engine sarkaar.” BJP also had a smooth run within the organisation where…

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‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection day 28 vs ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ day 8 (LIVE): Ranveer Singh-led espionage thriller set to cross Rs 730 crore while Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday will pass the Rs 30 crore mark

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection day 28 vs ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ day 8 (LIVE): Ranveer Singh-led espionage thriller set to cross Rs 730 crore while Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday will pass the Rs 30 crore mark

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller ‘Dhurandhar’ continues its phenomenal run, crossing THIS amount on its 28th day. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s rom-com ‘Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri’ has faltered, earning less than Rs 30 crore by its eighth day, failing to gain traction despite the Christmas holiday. Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller…

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Optical illusion: Stare at this cross for a few seconds, and what happens next will surprise you!

Optical illusion: Stare at this cross for a few seconds, and what happens next will surprise you!

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Optical illusions have gained a lot of popularity recently, as they get our brain to exercise, and can be the perfect test of our observational skills and keen eye. People who want to use their free time effectively can solve puzzles, which provide both entertainment and problem-solving solutions. The brain creates visual illusions through its…

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What next for Neerja Modi School after CBSE withdrawal: Student transfers, admission ban and long road to reaffiliation

What next for Neerja Modi School after CBSE withdrawal: Student transfers, admission ban and long road to reaffiliation

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

CBSE withdrawal puts Neerja Modi School Jaipur in transition as students face transfers and uncertainty The withdrawal of affiliation of Neerja Modi School, Mansarovar, Jaipur by the CBSE has triggered a chain of immediate and long-term consequences for students, parents, staff, and the school management. The decision followed a fatal incident involving a Class IV…

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