July 3, 2026

March 2026

SpiceJet launches special flights from Fujairah in UAE to India to help stranded travellers amid Iran vs US-Israel war

SpiceJet launches special flights from Fujairah in UAE to India to help stranded travellers amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Stranded in UAE? SpiceJet Launches Special Flights From Fujairah to India Amid Travel Disruptions Due To Iran vs US-Israel War Amid the ongoing disruptions to air travel across the Middle East, Indian budget airline SpiceJet has stepped in with a series of special flights from Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates to multiple cities in…

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. NEW DELHI: The two-phase polling in West Bengal spread over just one week – making it the state’s most compact in recent memory – is aimed at curbing intimidation of electors and polling personnel by unruly elements allegedly hired and groomed by parties to influence the outcome in their favour, TOI has learnt. Election Commission sources explained that unruly elements, enjoying patronage of the party in office, usually move in between phases from one poll-going area to another and resort to malpractices known in local parlance as ‘chhapa’ – wherein the polling parties are threatened inside polling stations and votes cast through impersonation; booth jamming – a practice followed in rural areas where electors are asked not to go to polling stations by citing violence, disorder or some blockage along the access route; and source/gate jamming – wherein electors in urban areas are discouraged from venturing out of their homes for voting, on the pretext that their votes have already been cast by others.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifies In the latter two cases, most prefer to stay back, strangely to avoid explaining to poll officials why they are not the one impersonating. The sources said the larger the number of phases, as in the past, the easier it was for the limited force of unruly elements to move from one area to another, maximising coverage to “intimidate electors and polling personnel”. The two polling dates – April 23, covering 152 assembly constituencies (ACs); and April 29, covering the remaining 142 ACs – would spread the “unruly force” thin, limiting their potential to sabotage the elections and influence the voting pattern in favour of a particular party outside their “local area”. There will be 100% webcasting from inside polling stations, they said. A key enabler of EC in restricting the Bengal poll to just two phases is the good availability of central armed police forces (CAPFs). Sources indicated that nearly 1,600-2,000 companies of CAPFs – comprising around 1.5-1.8 lakh personnel – may be deployed in the state. While nearly 500 companies are already in Bengal on advance deployment, an additional 1,000-1,500 companies shall be stationed there before April 23. In fact, forces deployed in Assam will move to Bengal soon after the northeastern state completes polling on April 9.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

. NEW DELHI: The two-phase polling in West Bengal spread over just one week – making it the state’s most compact in recent memory – is aimed at curbing intimidation of electors and polling personnel by unruly elements allegedly hired and groomed by parties to influence the outcome in their favour, TOI has learnt. Election Commission sources explained that unruly elements, enjoying patronage of the party in office, usually move in between phases from one poll-going area to another and resort to malpractices known in local parlance as ‘chhapa’ – wherein the polling parties are threatened inside polling stations and votes cast through impersonation; booth jamming – a practice followed in rural areas where electors are asked not to go to polling stations by citing violence, disorder or some blockage along the access route; and source/gate jamming – wherein electors in urban areas are discouraged from venturing out of their homes for voting, on the pretext that their votes have already been cast by others.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifies In the latter two cases, most prefer to stay back, strangely to avoid explaining to poll officials why they are not the one impersonating. The sources said the larger the number of phases, as in the past, the easier it was for the limited force of unruly elements to move from one area to another, maximising coverage to “intimidate electors and polling personnel”. The two polling dates – April 23, covering 152 assembly constituencies (ACs); and April 29, covering the remaining 142 ACs – would spread the “unruly force” thin, limiting their potential to sabotage the elections and influence the voting pattern in favour of a particular party outside their “local area”. There will be 100% webcasting from inside polling stations, they said. A key enabler of EC in restricting the Bengal poll to just two phases is the good availability of central armed police forces (CAPFs). Sources indicated that nearly 1,600-2,000 companies of CAPFs – comprising around 1.5-1.8 lakh personnel – may be deployed in the state. While nearly 500 companies are already in Bengal on advance deployment, an additional 1,000-1,500 companies shall be stationed there before April 23. In fact, forces deployed in Assam will move to Bengal soon after the northeastern state completes polling on April 9.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: The two-phase polling in West Bengal spread over just one week – making it the state’s most compact in recent memory – is aimed at curbing intimidation of electors and polling personnel by unruly elements allegedly hired and groomed by parties to influence the outcome in their favour, TOI has learnt. Election Commission…

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Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ advance booking; North America pre-sales cross 200K USD

Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ advance booking; North America pre-sales cross 200K USD

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Pawan Kalyan’s ‘Ustaad Bhagat Singh’ is creating buzz with advance bookings exceeding $200,000 in North America. The action-comedy, a remake of ‘Theri’, releases on March 19, coinciding with Ugadi. Andhra Pradesh government permits early morning benefit shows, with tickets priced at Rs 500. Early overseas screenings have drawn praise for Pawan Kalyan’s entry. Advance bookings…

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. NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Sunday said announcements and policy decisions before the poll announcement are a prerogative of the govt in office – Centre or state. The model code of conduct, prohibiting any new announcement by a govt, comes into effect only from the time of the official announcement of election dates, the panel said while declaring the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Responding to questions on whether announcements, including dearness allowance for state govt employees, made by Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee less than an hour before EC announced the poll schedule are a violation, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, “The model code of conduct comes into effect after the announcement of polls and not before.” There have been instances of incumbent govts announcing decisions, including financial assistance to beneficiaries, just before the code kicked in, and opposition parties have often termed these as “inducements” to influence voting. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesOn Sunday, several reporters mentioned the Rs 10,000 financial help extended to women by the Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar just before the 2025 assembly election, and the M K Stalin govt in TN depositing Rs 6,550 crore into the bank accounts of over 1.3 crore women as of Feb. Mamata, who is TMC chief, announced dearness allowance for thousands of state govt employees on X, saying they “will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in notifications issued by our finance department.” Calling the DA announcement a “joke”, Bengal BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari said on X, “After years of looting the state treasury and cheating them blind, this is your desperate last-minute poll gimmick? Zero accountability, zero funds, zero delivery… Classic TMC poll drama.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

. NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Sunday said announcements and policy decisions before the poll announcement are a prerogative of the govt in office – Centre or state. The model code of conduct, prohibiting any new announcement by a govt, comes into effect only from the time of the official announcement of election dates, the panel said while declaring the assembly poll schedule for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. Responding to questions on whether announcements, including dearness allowance for state govt employees, made by Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee less than an hour before EC announced the poll schedule are a violation, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, “The model code of conduct comes into effect after the announcement of polls and not before.” There have been instances of incumbent govts announcing decisions, including financial assistance to beneficiaries, just before the code kicked in, and opposition parties have often termed these as “inducements” to influence voting. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesOn Sunday, several reporters mentioned the Rs 10,000 financial help extended to women by the Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar just before the 2025 assembly election, and the M K Stalin govt in TN depositing Rs 6,550 crore into the bank accounts of over 1.3 crore women as of Feb. Mamata, who is TMC chief, announced dearness allowance for thousands of state govt employees on X, saying they “will start receiving their ROPA 2009 DA arrears from March 2026 onwards as per the modalities detailed out in notifications issued by our finance department.” Calling the DA announcement a “joke”, Bengal BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari said on X, “After years of looting the state treasury and cheating them blind, this is your desperate last-minute poll gimmick? Zero accountability, zero funds, zero delivery… Classic TMC poll drama.”End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Election Commission on Sunday said announcements and policy decisions before the poll announcement are a prerogative of the govt in office – Centre or state. The model code of conduct, prohibiting any new announcement by a govt, comes into effect only from the time of the official announcement of election dates, the panel…

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‘Worked so hard and it all came together’: Rahul Dravid on Sanju Samson’s unforgettable T20 World Cup run

‘Worked so hard and it all came together’: Rahul Dravid on Sanju Samson’s unforgettable T20 World Cup run

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

India’s Sanju Samson (ANI Photo) Former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid, recently honoured with the Col CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the BCCI’s annual awards function, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the opportunities he has had throughout his cricketing journey. Speaking to Star Sports, Dravid said, “I’m very…

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Domnhall Gleeson credits Taylor Swift for surprise career highlight, opens up about viral ‘Opalite’ video at 2026 Oscars

Domnhall Gleeson credits Taylor Swift for surprise career highlight, opens up about viral ‘Opalite’ video at 2026 Oscars

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Domhnall Gleeson beamed with joy on the 2026 Oscars red carpet, crediting Taylor Swift for turning a casual dream into reality through their fun music video collaboration. The Irish actor, fresh off a nomination for his animated short “Retirement Plan,” opened up about the surreal experience on the Oscar’s red carpet on March, 15,2026. Bucket…

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Capricorn Horoscope Today, March 16, 2026: Limit screen time and rest your eyes

Capricorn Horoscope Today, March 16, 2026: Limit screen time and rest your eyes

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Prepare for a cozy day filled with family love and financial stability, encouraging generosity and open dialogue. Couples will work together seamlessly on home projects, while those flying solo might attract new friends. Scholars can look forward to impressive achievements, and job seekers may stumble upon rewarding opportunities. Keep an eye on your budget and…

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. NEW DELHI: Congress’s fortunes post-2014 have followed a familiar pattern: rout in the national elections and then a long wait for assembly wins. It was an extended barren patch of three and a half years before Congress won a state poll (Himachal) after being routed in the Pulwama-dictated 2019 Lok Sabha contest. This time, Congress is hoping that the wait – which should have ended immediately after the 2024 LS polls with wins in Haryana and then Maharashtra – will finally be over through a win in Kerala. The polls in four states and one UT are an opportunity for Congress to get back into the reckoning, which the party prematurely hoped that the creditable performance in the difficult 2024 polls would ensure. If Kerala-2026 is the essence of Congress’s stakes in the coming battles, the principal opposition party is aiming to score significant political points in Assam, TN and Bengal, given that arch-rival BJP has positioned itself as a player across the national geography. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesAfter all, in the years since the Modi-led party turned into a political juggernaut, the Rahul Gandhi-run Congress has chosen to define itself ideologically and in sole opposition to BJP – a process which has also led to greater convergence among foes within the secular camp. For once, Congress ended the longstanding dichotomy of being an ally of CPM at the national level and in Bengal, while being a rival in Kerala – which provided BJP with an easy line of attack. It decided early to go solo in Bengal. Like many of the ‘Congress vs BJP’ fields, Assam has turned barren for the former with back-to-back defeats. Communal polarisation, marginalisation via defections and Assam-specific delimitation have made its political task a challenge. Congress belatedly plumped for Gaurav Gogoi, a young face with socio-political pedigree, as its flag-bearer. By all indications, Congress is hoping for a respectable performance that can debunk the growing perception of Assam becoming a one-party turf and keep the party alive in the state. After an unexpected public squabbling with DMK, Congress settled for a minor seat share for the polls. Given that BJP has inserted itself in the AIADMK-led bloc, and speculations are rife that TVK of Tamil superstar, Vijay, can be “influenced” by BJP after elections, Congress is eager that DMK sails through. The post-Jayalalithaa landscape in the state has proved easier for DMK, as witnessed in the 2024 LS polls, but TVK’s emergence and the prospect of a three-way split of votes have created uncertainty. Reduced to less than a fringe player in Mamata Banerjee’s fief, Bengal Congress is moving with a two-fold target in its solo run. The party believes it cannot go below 2021’s pathetic result of zero seats and 3% votes. AICC state in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the party’s vote share should move upwards of 15%.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

. NEW DELHI: Congress’s fortunes post-2014 have followed a familiar pattern: rout in the national elections and then a long wait for assembly wins. It was an extended barren patch of three and a half years before Congress won a state poll (Himachal) after being routed in the Pulwama-dictated 2019 Lok Sabha contest. This time, Congress is hoping that the wait – which should have ended immediately after the 2024 LS polls with wins in Haryana and then Maharashtra – will finally be over through a win in Kerala. The polls in four states and one UT are an opportunity for Congress to get back into the reckoning, which the party prematurely hoped that the creditable performance in the difficult 2024 polls would ensure. If Kerala-2026 is the essence of Congress’s stakes in the coming battles, the principal opposition party is aiming to score significant political points in Assam, TN and Bengal, given that arch-rival BJP has positioned itself as a player across the national geography. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: ‘All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,’ says Iran after US hits Kharg Island’I’m what?’ Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu mocks death rumours, shows off five fingers – watch’Must take care’: Trump urges nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz as conflict with Iran intensifiesAfter all, in the years since the Modi-led party turned into a political juggernaut, the Rahul Gandhi-run Congress has chosen to define itself ideologically and in sole opposition to BJP – a process which has also led to greater convergence among foes within the secular camp. For once, Congress ended the longstanding dichotomy of being an ally of CPM at the national level and in Bengal, while being a rival in Kerala – which provided BJP with an easy line of attack. It decided early to go solo in Bengal. Like many of the ‘Congress vs BJP’ fields, Assam has turned barren for the former with back-to-back defeats. Communal polarisation, marginalisation via defections and Assam-specific delimitation have made its political task a challenge. Congress belatedly plumped for Gaurav Gogoi, a young face with socio-political pedigree, as its flag-bearer. By all indications, Congress is hoping for a respectable performance that can debunk the growing perception of Assam becoming a one-party turf and keep the party alive in the state. After an unexpected public squabbling with DMK, Congress settled for a minor seat share for the polls. Given that BJP has inserted itself in the AIADMK-led bloc, and speculations are rife that TVK of Tamil superstar, Vijay, can be “influenced” by BJP after elections, Congress is eager that DMK sails through. The post-Jayalalithaa landscape in the state has proved easier for DMK, as witnessed in the 2024 LS polls, but TVK’s emergence and the prospect of a three-way split of votes have created uncertainty. Reduced to less than a fringe player in Mamata Banerjee’s fief, Bengal Congress is moving with a two-fold target in its solo run. The party believes it cannot go below 2021’s pathetic result of zero seats and 3% votes. AICC state in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the party’s vote share should move upwards of 15%.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDiscussed Ways To Fast-Track EU FTA With S Jaishankar: Piyush GoyalIndian Vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ Escapes Unhurt After Attack At Fujairah Oil TerminalSTF Arrests Man Who Helped Bangladeshi Murder Suspects Sneak Into India After Dhaka KillingRahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi, Demands Bharat Ratna For BSP Founder Kanshi RamTMC MP Mahua Moitra Accuses BJP Workers Of Bringing -Jungle Raj- To West Bengal‘Chai-Pakora At Parl Door’: Amit Shah Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi Over LPG Protest, AI Summit Row7 Indian Pilgrims Killed, Several Injured After Bus Slips Off Mountain Road In NepalInfiltration Bid Foiled In J&K: Pakistani Terrorist Killed In Army-Police Joint Operation In Uri‘Because I Am Brahmin…’: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams BJP, Clarifies ‘Neech Aadmi’ Comment On PM Modi‘Act Of Aggression’: India Strongly Condemns Pakistan’s Air Strikes On Afghanistan123PhotostoriesStomach feels tight after a normal meal? Gastroenterologists explain why digestion can slow down and share simple habits that help ease post-meal bloating7 summer foods Indians traditionally ate to beat the heatAmerican TV sitcoms to watch with friends: ‘Friends’, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and more10 benefits of eating soaked almonds daily: Dietitians explain how this simple morning habit supports brain, heart and digestive healthSara Tendulkar steps out with new bhabhi Saaniya Chandhok after Arjun Tendulkar’s wedding; their saree looks steal the spotlightThe best romantic comedies on TV: ‘Bhakarwadi’, ‘Anandibaa aur Emily’ and more6 foods that may cause bloating if eaten too often7 architectural features that increase natural light in housesPriyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Rashmika Mandanna: Pan-Indian actresses who conquered multiple film industries10 ways Kathal or Jackfruit is prepared across India123Hot PicksIran war newsLPG crisis in IndiaElection CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingSanju SamsonBrittany Mahomes Net WorthWilt ChamberlainMovsar EvloevMichael BispingLPG Crisis IndiaAssembly election dateIran US WarIPL 2026 Chennai Super KingsMiddle East War

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Congress’s fortunes post-2014 have followed a familiar pattern: rout in the national elections and then a long wait for assembly wins. It was an extended barren patch of three and a half years before Congress won a state poll (Himachal) after being routed in the Pulwama-dictated 2019 Lok Sabha contest. This time, Congress…

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‘The goal is to win the IPL trophy’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi targets Rajasthan Royals glory

‘The goal is to win the IPL trophy’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi targets Rajasthan Royals glory

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo) U-19 World Cup sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who first made headlines at 14, is now turning his focus to the Indian Premier League, aiming to deliver a title-winning season for Rajasthan Royals.Sooryavanshi left fans in awe during IPL 2025 as the youngest centurion in the tournament, and earlier this year,…

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Oscar Awards: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins Academy Award for Best Animated Film

Oscar Awards: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ wins Academy Award for Best Animated Film

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Netflix’s animated sensation ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ continued its awards-season dominance and struck gold at the 98th Academy Awards, by winning Best Animated Feature. The film triumphed over a competitive lineup of nominees that included ‘Arco’, ‘Elio’, ‘The Character of Rain’, and ‘Zootopia 2’.Directed by Korean-Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, the animated feature has emerged as one…

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Sagittarius Horoscope Today, March 16, 2026: Work steadily, ask for help early

Sagittarius Horoscope Today, March 16, 2026: Work steadily, ask for help early

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

In a world that moves at lightning speed, today calls for a thoughtful approach rather than rushing headlong. Lean on the encouragement of family to build your self-assurance, but remember, good things take time. In your interpersonal connections, keep the atmosphere positive by sharing insights rather than airing grievances. Pressure sits on your shoulders today,…

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‘Bhai isko abhi delete kar de’: Shivam Dube’s off-guard reaction to camera goes viral – Watch

‘Bhai isko abhi delete kar de’: Shivam Dube’s off-guard reaction to camera goes viral – Watch

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Shivam Dube recently caught fans’ attention on social media after a funny interaction with paparazzi outside his Mumbai residence went viral. The brief moment offered a glimpse of the India all-rounder’s relaxed and playful side away from the cricket field.The incident took place outside Dube’s upscale apartment complex in Andheri West, a building that houses…

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Robots that can tow 500kg: Dubai deploys AI-powered drones, aquatic rescue bots on beaches to enhance coastal safety

Robots that can tow 500kg: Dubai deploys AI-powered drones, aquatic rescue bots on beaches to enhance coastal safety

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Drones, Robots to Patrol Dubai Beaches in Major Safety Upgrade Dubai has once again turned to cutting-edge technology to enhance public safety, this time along its coastline. In a regional first, authorities have introduced aquatic rescue robots and aerial water-rescue drones across public beaches to assist lifeguards and respond faster to emergencies at sea. The…

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