June 23, 2026

May 2026

Brian Harpole sues Candace Owens over Charlie Kirk claims as lawsuit exposes alleged false accusations and records

Brian Harpole sues Candace Owens over Charlie Kirk claims as lawsuit exposes alleged false accusations and records

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Brian Harpol, Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk (Image Via Getty) A serious legal fight has now started, and it is pulling big names into the spotlight. Brian Harpole, who once handled security for Charlie Kirk, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Candace Owens. The case is about claims Owens made after Kirk’s killing. According to…

Read More
Xqc Overwatch League Viewership: “These numbers were so botted”: xQc makes shocking claim about Overwatch League viewership

Xqc Overwatch League Viewership: “These numbers were so botted”: xQc makes shocking claim about Overwatch League viewership

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Felix Lengyel, also known as xQc, has made a bold claim about the Overwatch League. While watching an old 2019 clip, he reacted strongly to reported high viewership numbers. He said the league may have used bots to inflate its audience figures. This surprised many fans, as the Overwatch League was once seen as one…

Read More
West Asia conflict a ‘war’, government firms can invoke ‘force majeure’ clause

West Asia conflict a ‘war’, government firms can invoke ‘force majeure’ clause

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

The clause allows relief in extraordinary circumstances beyond human control, such as war, and frees parties from contractual liability NEW DELHI: The West Asia conflict should be treated as a “war” to invoke the ‘force majeure’ clause in public contracts where obligations have been impacted by disruptions, the finance ministry has said.It has allowed govt…

Read More
Not just venom, the surprising metals inside scorpions’ structure make their sting stronger

Not just venom, the surprising metals inside scorpions’ structure make their sting stronger

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Why scorpions have metal in their stingers and claws. Image credit – Wikimedia Scorpions are always judged for their venom. Their distinctive curved tails and stingers make these species among the most recognisable predators in the animal world. For years, researchers have focused on the chemical properties of scorpion venoms. However, new studies demonstrate that…

Read More
Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political battle, says Supreme Court, gives relief to Congress neta

Pawan Khera vs Himanta a political battle, says Supreme Court, gives relief to Congress neta

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Citing the verbal duel between Congress’s Pawan Khera and BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma in the surcharged build-up to the recent polls, Supreme Court said the allegations against the Assam CM’s wife and counter-allegations made by her appear to be politically motivated, reports Amit Anand Choudhary.The court granted anticipatory bail to the Congress spokesperson,…

Read More
Scientists discover light can slow plant growth; here’s how it works

Scientists discover light can slow plant growth; here’s how it works

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

It’s factually correct that light is crucial for photosynthesis, but research from Osaka Metropolitan University uncovers an intriguing contradiction: it also slows down plant growth. The study, published in the Physiologia Plantarum journal, shows that white light exposure triggers biochemical modifications; this reaction makes the bond between a plant’s internal tissues and outer layer stronger….

Read More
File photo NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an additional 3 to 8 days), according to IMD’s May forecast released Friday.The Met department also predicted warmer nights (above normal minimum temperatures) across many parts of the country, a phenomenon IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said is linked to climate change.’Above normal’ rainfall during the month is attributed to increased frequency of western disturbances and thunderstorm activity due to favourable troughs and upper air cyclonic circulations. These are likely to bring down day temps to ‘below normal’ in certain regions.”Maximum (day) temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India,” said Mohapatra.He said minimum (night) temperatures are, on the other hand, expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. “However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.”Southwest monsoon is expected to arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-20. A forecast for its onset over Kerala, which marks arrival of monsoon over India’s mainland, is expected around May 15.The Met department has already predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall this year amid the risk of El Nino, the warming of ocean surface temperatures in central and eastern equatorial Pacific, often linked to depressed rainfall over Indian subcontinent.Increasing frequency of WDs – moist air and low-pressure systems over Mediterranean region that enter India and affect local weather – led to seven such events in April, causing thunderstorms, rain, winds and lightning in northwest and adjoining central and east India.Extreme weather events linked to WDs claimed 24 lives last month. Lightning alone killed 10 people in Andhra, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

File photo NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an additional 3 to 8 days), according to IMD’s May forecast released Friday.The Met department also predicted warmer nights (above normal minimum temperatures) across many parts of the country, a phenomenon IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said is linked to climate change.’Above normal’ rainfall during the month is attributed to increased frequency of western disturbances and thunderstorm activity due to favourable troughs and upper air cyclonic circulations. These are likely to bring down day temps to ‘below normal’ in certain regions.”Maximum (day) temperatures are expected to be normal to below normal across many parts of the country. However, above-normal temperatures are likely in many parts of southern peninsular India, some parts of the northeast, and northwest India,” said Mohapatra.He said minimum (night) temperatures are, on the other hand, expected to be above normal across many parts of the country. “However, many areas of northwest India, along with some parts of central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India and southern parts of northeast India, are likely to experience normal to below-normal minimum temperatures.”Southwest monsoon is expected to arrive over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 14-20. A forecast for its onset over Kerala, which marks arrival of monsoon over India’s mainland, is expected around May 15.The Met department has already predicted ‘below normal’ monsoon rainfall this year amid the risk of El Nino, the warming of ocean surface temperatures in central and eastern equatorial Pacific, often linked to depressed rainfall over Indian subcontinent.Increasing frequency of WDs – moist air and low-pressure systems over Mediterranean region that enter India and affect local weather – led to seven such events in April, causing thunderstorms, rain, winds and lightning in northwest and adjoining central and east India.Extreme weather events linked to WDs claimed 24 lives last month. Lightning alone killed 10 people in Andhra, UP, Maharashtra and Odisha.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: Many parts of the country may not be hotter than usual this month due to ‘above normal’ rainfall, but certain states, especially those along the Himalayan foothills such as southern Himachal and Uttarakhand, along the eastern coast, and some parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat, are likely to face ‘above normal’ heatwave days (an…

Read More
Oscars 2027: The Academy changes rules for nominations, International film eligibility; AI actors and writers ‘not eligible’

Oscars 2027: The Academy changes rules for nominations, International film eligibility; AI actors and writers ‘not eligible’

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

The organization behind the Oscars is for the first time addressing the use of artificial intelligence in performances and scripts for the 2027 Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday released updates across many categories, stressing the importance of human authorship while not banning AI.The new rules also include significant…

Read More
R Madhavan recalls Saala Khadoos struggles, says failure is his biggest teacher: ‘I thought I must be terribly wrong’

R Madhavan recalls Saala Khadoos struggles, says failure is his biggest teacher: ‘I thought I must be terribly wrong’

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

R Madhavan has opened up about dealing with failure in showbiz, using his experience on Saala Khadoos as a key reference point. In a recent chat, the actor spoke about public scrutiny, self-doubt, and why he considers failure his biggest teacher. ‘Everything is out there for the public to see’ Speaking to Sonia Shenoy about…

Read More
What is Maria Sharapova’s net worth in 2026? Former tennis player with Grand Slam titles and smart investments shaping her global brand

What is Maria Sharapova’s net worth in 2026? Former tennis player with Grand Slam titles and smart investments shaping her global brand

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

What is Maria Sharapova’s net worth in 2026? Former tennis player with Grand Slam titles and smart investments shaping her global brand (Image via Getty Images) Maria Sharapova is one of the most recognized faces in world tennis, who became a global star at a very young age. She stayed at the top for years…

Read More
12-year-old boy faces deportation from US as father refuses to take DNA test to prove citizenship: ‘Thousands of cases like this…’

12-year-old boy faces deportation from US as father refuses to take DNA test to prove citizenship: ‘Thousands of cases like this…’

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A 12-year-old boy born to a Nigerian mother and a US military serviceman is facing deportation in US after authorities questioned his citizenship.The case unfolding in Alaska has drawn attention because US immigration officials are seeking a DNA test to confirm the boy’s link to his father, a naturalised US citizen who previously served in…

Read More
File photo KOLKATA: Police locked down neighbourhoods within a 200-metre radius of all seven designated EVM strongrooms in the city Friday after Trinamool Congress’s allegations of vote tampering triggered overnight confrontations with BJP at two locations.Prohibitory orders issued by police commissioner Ajay Nand under Section 163 of BNSS bars assembly of five or more people, processions and demonstrations anywhere near the strongrooms. The restrictions will remain in effect until the end of vote-counting on May 4.CM Mamata Banerjee’s three-hour vigil at the Sakhawat Memorial High School strongroom in south Kolkata’s Bhowanipore late Thursday had drawn hordes of BJP protesters to Lord Sinha Road, prompting security personnel to forcibly remove them around midnight.The second flashpoint was Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where central armed police forces had to drag Trinamool and BJP workers away from each other to prevent a full-blown clash. Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional forces had since been deployed at both trouble spots under the supervision of an additional commissioner and a deputy commissioner of police.All surrounding roads were sealed, guardrails installed and access restricted to personnel carrying EC-issued QR-coded IDs. Lord Sinha Road remains entirely shut to civilians.EC: No attempt to disruptpeace will go unpunishedElection Commission issued a statement citing Calcutta HC’s order to the civil and police administration to strictly deal with unlawful activities. “No attempt to disrupt peace will go unpunished,” it said.Statewide, 700 companies of central forces have been deployed for “stability and unrest prevention”, EC said. All counting centres have three layers of security, supplemented by special patrolling in vulnerable zones.Prohibitory orders have also been clamped around counting centres at Hastings House complex, APC Polytechnic College, St Thomas Boys’ High School, Ballygunge Govt High School and David Hare Training College in Kolkata.After inspecting a counting centre in Purulia, CEO Manoj Agarwal said the security protocol in place for counting day would prove “sufficient” to ensure the electoral exercise is hitch-free.EC has set up a helpline (18003450008) for complaints, assuring confidentiality. Grievances, if any, can also be emailed to wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

File photo KOLKATA: Police locked down neighbourhoods within a 200-metre radius of all seven designated EVM strongrooms in the city Friday after Trinamool Congress’s allegations of vote tampering triggered overnight confrontations with BJP at two locations.Prohibitory orders issued by police commissioner Ajay Nand under Section 163 of BNSS bars assembly of five or more people, processions and demonstrations anywhere near the strongrooms. The restrictions will remain in effect until the end of vote-counting on May 4.CM Mamata Banerjee’s three-hour vigil at the Sakhawat Memorial High School strongroom in south Kolkata’s Bhowanipore late Thursday had drawn hordes of BJP protesters to Lord Sinha Road, prompting security personnel to forcibly remove them around midnight.The second flashpoint was Khudiram Anushilan Kendra in central Kolkata, where central armed police forces had to drag Trinamool and BJP workers away from each other to prevent a full-blown clash. Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Rupesh Kumar said additional forces had since been deployed at both trouble spots under the supervision of an additional commissioner and a deputy commissioner of police.All surrounding roads were sealed, guardrails installed and access restricted to personnel carrying EC-issued QR-coded IDs. Lord Sinha Road remains entirely shut to civilians.EC: No attempt to disruptpeace will go unpunishedElection Commission issued a statement citing Calcutta HC’s order to the civil and police administration to strictly deal with unlawful activities. “No attempt to disrupt peace will go unpunished,” it said.Statewide, 700 companies of central forces have been deployed for “stability and unrest prevention”, EC said. All counting centres have three layers of security, supplemented by special patrolling in vulnerable zones.Prohibitory orders have also been clamped around counting centres at Hastings House complex, APC Polytechnic College, St Thomas Boys’ High School, Ballygunge Govt High School and David Hare Training College in Kolkata.After inspecting a counting centre in Purulia, CEO Manoj Agarwal said the security protocol in place for counting day would prove “sufficient” to ensure the electoral exercise is hitch-free.EC has set up a helpline (18003450008) for complaints, assuring confidentiality. Grievances, if any, can also be emailed to wbfreeandfairpolls@gmail.com.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dogSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwaveFeeling anxious or low? These common vitamin deficiencies could be the hidden reason123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

KOLKATA: Police locked down neighbourhoods within a 200-metre radius of all seven designated EVM strongrooms in the city Friday after Trinamool Congress’s allegations of vote tampering triggered overnight confrontations with BJP at two locations.Prohibitory orders issued by police commissioner Ajay Nand under Section 163 of BNSS bars assembly of five or more people, processions and…

Read More
The mystery behind Taylor Swift’s decade long unchanged bodyguard Drew who avoids her only when Travis Kelce is there

The mystery behind Taylor Swift’s decade long unchanged bodyguard Drew who avoids her only when Travis Kelce is there

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The mystery behind Taylor Swift’s decade long unchanged bodyguard Drew who avoids her only when Travis Kelce is there (Image via Getty: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift) A former radio DJ David Mueller sexually assaulted megastar Taylor Swift by groping her bare buttocks under her skirt during a June 2013 concert’s meet-and-greet photo opportunity at…

Read More
While Mamata Banerjee camped at the Bhowanipore strongroom on Thursday evening, Suvendu Adhikari visited the premises on Friday KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress and BJP traded allegations over EVM strongroom security on Friday, with a delegation from CM Mamata Banerjee’s party meeting Election Commission officials to demand answers on alleged CCTV blackouts and sealed rooms being opened without party representatives.BJP dismissed the complaints as a desperate search for “excuses” by a party headed for defeat, setting the stage for a tense May 4 counting day.The sharpest charge came from TMC’s Shyampukur candidate Shashi Panja, who told reporters after meeting EC officials that her party had “reason to be suspicious” about people caught on camera entering strongrooms at central Kolkata’s Khudiram Anusilan Kendra.“In a footage from camera no. 17, we noticed people inside strongrooms that had been sealed in the presence of our agents. If you are opening the door, all parties need to be told about this,” Panja said. She said pink postal ballot envelopes were visible in the footage and that no political party’s representative was there when the seal was broken.Panja also questioned the EC’s statement that all parties had been emailed about postal ballot sorting scheduled for Thursday at 4pm. “We wouldn’t have said anything had someone from each of the parties been there. None was present. Then why did you break the seal and open that particular room?” she said. “The moment we, from TMC, noticed human activity there, it became kind of a panic situation.”Panja, mayor Firhad Hakim and councillor Ashim Bose also sought from EC a comprehensive report on alleged CCTV malfunctions in strongrooms across Bengal, unabridged and unedited recordings with detailed logs of all interruption periods, and unrestricted access for authorised representatives to surveillance feeds.The visit to EC office followed a meeting between Mamata and TMC’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at her Kalighat home. She had camped at the Bhowanipore EVM strongroom the previous evening, triggering a protest by BJP that culminated in an altercation with TMC members and supporters.Mamata and Abhishek convened an emergency online meeting with TMC counting agents from all 291 seats where they have fielded nominees at 4pm Saturday.Leader of the opposition in state, Suvendu Adhikari, who is also BJP’s candidate for Bhowanipore, posted a CCTV grab of the area outside the Sakhawat Memorial School strongroom in south Kolkata on his X handle, insisting his election agent and advocate Suryanil Das had kept Mamata “under strict surveillance so that she couldn’t resort to dishonest means”.Suvendu visited the strongroom Friday evening, terming it “routine work” that did not need cameras following him.BJP’s Dilip Ghosh was blunter. “TMC is now sure of its defeat. They are trying to shift focus by staying in the strongrooms. They are complaining about everything. This is a clear sign that TMC is being defeated,” he declared. Ghosh accused TMC of deploying goons to rig the polls.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

While Mamata Banerjee camped at the Bhowanipore strongroom on Thursday evening, Suvendu Adhikari visited the premises on Friday KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress and BJP traded allegations over EVM strongroom security on Friday, with a delegation from CM Mamata Banerjee’s party meeting Election Commission officials to demand answers on alleged CCTV blackouts and sealed rooms being opened without party representatives.BJP dismissed the complaints as a desperate search for “excuses” by a party headed for defeat, setting the stage for a tense May 4 counting day.The sharpest charge came from TMC’s Shyampukur candidate Shashi Panja, who told reporters after meeting EC officials that her party had “reason to be suspicious” about people caught on camera entering strongrooms at central Kolkata’s Khudiram Anusilan Kendra.“In a footage from camera no. 17, we noticed people inside strongrooms that had been sealed in the presence of our agents. If you are opening the door, all parties need to be told about this,” Panja said. She said pink postal ballot envelopes were visible in the footage and that no political party’s representative was there when the seal was broken.Panja also questioned the EC’s statement that all parties had been emailed about postal ballot sorting scheduled for Thursday at 4pm. “We wouldn’t have said anything had someone from each of the parties been there. None was present. Then why did you break the seal and open that particular room?” she said. “The moment we, from TMC, noticed human activity there, it became kind of a panic situation.”Panja, mayor Firhad Hakim and councillor Ashim Bose also sought from EC a comprehensive report on alleged CCTV malfunctions in strongrooms across Bengal, unabridged and unedited recordings with detailed logs of all interruption periods, and unrestricted access for authorised representatives to surveillance feeds.The visit to EC office followed a meeting between Mamata and TMC’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee at her Kalighat home. She had camped at the Bhowanipore EVM strongroom the previous evening, triggering a protest by BJP that culminated in an altercation with TMC members and supporters.Mamata and Abhishek convened an emergency online meeting with TMC counting agents from all 291 seats where they have fielded nominees at 4pm Saturday.Leader of the opposition in state, Suvendu Adhikari, who is also BJP’s candidate for Bhowanipore, posted a CCTV grab of the area outside the Sakhawat Memorial School strongroom in south Kolkata on his X handle, insisting his election agent and advocate Suryanil Das had kept Mamata “under strict surveillance so that she couldn’t resort to dishonest means”.Suvendu visited the strongroom Friday evening, terming it “routine work” that did not need cameras following him.BJP’s Dilip Ghosh was blunter. “TMC is now sure of its defeat. They are trying to shift focus by staying in the strongrooms. They are complaining about everything. This is a clear sign that TMC is being defeated,” he declared. Ghosh accused TMC of deploying goons to rig the polls.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with IndiaCommercial LPG Surges Past ₹3000, Hotels Warn Of Price Hike Impact | Watch123PhotostoriesHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details insideRaw mango vs ripe mango: Which is a safer, smarter choice for people living with diabetes?From Daffodils to Castor beans: 5 Plants that can be deadly for your pet dog5 situations where staying silent is powerfulSons vs daughters: 5 ways parents treat them differently without realising and the impact it leavesDo Mangoes cause body heat? What happens when you eat too many Mangoes, doctor explains6 simple tips to keep your pet safe during extreme heatwave123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingStock Market Holiday TodayBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

While Mamata Banerjee camped at the Bhowanipore strongroom on Thursday evening, Suvendu Adhikari visited the premises on Friday KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress and BJP traded allegations over EVM strongroom security on Friday, with a delegation from CM Mamata Banerjee’s party meeting Election Commission officials to demand answers on alleged CCTV blackouts and sealed rooms being opened…

Read More